One sky, One Destiny..

a time of celebrations

2008-12-07T21:05:00.005+08:00

Stand Tall

2008-12-02T21:50:00.003+08:00

This post is dedicated to all those who chooses to move forward and yet are in need of strength... Be strong.

Dawn and Dusk

Dawn will break and the Sun will rise
Days will pass and time will fly
Yet we yearn for the rising sun
For each new Dawn promises us fun

The birds rejoice with each new day
Serenading it with sounds so gay
Never afraid to fly too high
Like them we should, reach for the sky

The Rain may come and the Sun may go
Still they flew with a heart so bold
Never erring, always true
Soaring across the great deep blue

Long is the journey, great is the toil
Heavy is the burden, tough is the choice
Never giving up in the face of defeat
Onwards they flew, beat by beat

Day and night the cycle turns
Never stopping, no way to return
Yet we know that life goes on
Leaving memories that are ever so fond

Now Dawn has broken and the Sun has rose
Dusk is falling and the day draws to a close
Yet we know that Dawn will come
Again it will, to bring hope to some

HiiiiiAaaatUs! No more!

2008-12-01T15:07:00.003+08:00

Hiatus! :)

Ok Mr Tan, enough of the mushy stuffs. :)

I'll start posting to satisfy your curiosity. ;)
Hope you've been fine. Poly life is great huh!
I miss my school days too. Uni was great! Great memories, love the camps. Haha..

Anyway, I'm back. its been a long time.
My literary instincts are rather dulled but then i'll hone it back in no time!

Recently things has been in a state of flux.
Many changes throws up many questions. Relevance?

The question to ask is whether the change is for the better? Or otherwise?
I for one, is open to change.

However there is always an irrational side of me that tugs at the memories.
Past and recent.
Always there.
Always tugging.

I dislike that feeling.
Let change come.
Let's move forward and don't look back.

Some memories are better forgotten.

As promised...

2008-08-25T21:37:00.002+08:00

Hi Venus Koh! :D
hello hello hello? 没有声音了. hello?

Anything more to say? ;)

Be Resilient.
Protect the Nation.

爱与希望 :: Love and Hope

2008-07-28T03:47:00.000+08:00

Beautiful song by jj...
In the process of writing the english lyrics..
Almost.

林俊杰爱与希望

大地被摇晃著
天空突然黑了
我的心也被震碎了下一秒瓦解了泪堆积成了河
但明天是好的
我们要坚定著
爱~让我们不放弃活著
还要继续和大自然拔河
当爱与希望投射炙热的太阳
昨日泪光会随时间都蒸发
别轻易放弃明天要许更多愿望
装满了勇气就更有力量
当爱与希望倒映暖暖的月亮
再回头望又是筑好的家乡
我知道未来还有好多路要闯
我打开了窗看见了晴朗
当爱与希望投射炙热的太阳
昨日泪光会随时间都蒸发
别轻易放弃明天要许更多愿望
装满了勇气就更有力量
当爱与希望倒映暖暖的月亮
再回头望又是筑好的家乡
我知道未来还有好多路要闯
我打开了窗看见了晴朗

Movin’ On

2008-07-28T03:04:00.001+08:00

Movin’ On

Movin’ On, to the Place you belong
All through the years, your bonds remain strong
Movin’ on to the times you were wrong
There will be tears and happiness back where you all belong

And so you made, a big mistake
But who’s gonna judge you for the pain that you’ll take
And here we are, the rest of us
A shoulder to lie on, no need to ask

And here we are, united as one
We’ll stick by one another and live up the fun
And so you made, a big mistake
But who’s gonna judge you for the pain that you’ll take

You’re Movin’ On
You’re Movin’ On…
You’re Movin’ On …to the place where you belong…

蒲公英的约定...

2008-07-20T10:05:00.001+08:00

小学篱笆旁的蒲公英
十几英里有味道的风景
雾水草场传来她的声音
多少年后也开始很好听

将愿望折纸飞机寄出信
因为我们等不到那流星
等枕头坠离命运的引力
却不知道到底能去哪里

已经长大的约定那样清晰
拿过到的我相信
说好要一起旅行
是你如今唯一坚持的任性

在走廊想霸占她手心
我们却注意窗边的情敌
我去到哪里你都跟很紧
哼歌而梦在等待着惊喜

已经长大的约定那样清晰
拿过到的我相信
说好要一起旅行
是你如今唯一坚持的任性

已经长大的约定那样珍惜
与你聊不完的曾经
而我已经分不清你是友情
还是错过的爱情

An evening with SembWinds :)

2008-06-29T12:53:00.002+08:00

Back from Hiatus!

The sembwinds concert was great. Things went smoothly and I really thought that everybody on stage gave their very best! :)

Kudos to my dear students both past and present. If i did not congratulate you personally, please do forgive me. I came and I saw. The Excellence of your commitment, the integrity of the members in giving their all and supporting one another, and also the teamwork that has led to the culmination of all.

It was an evening well spent and it was great to see all your celebratory smiles.
What more can we ask for.

Take lots of care and have a restful sunday.

Cheers.

ps: semb winds = 圣风 ?

期待爱

2008-05-05T23:18:00.000+08:00

My life 一直在等待
空荡的口袋
想在里面放一份爱
why 总是被打败
真的好无奈
其实我实实在在
不管帅不帅

想要找回来
自己的节拍
所以这一次
我要勇敢大声说出来

期待期待你发现我的爱
无所不在我自然而然的关怀
你的存在心灵感应的方向
我一眼就看出来
是因为爱

我猜你早已发现我的爱
绕几个弯越靠近越明白
不要走开
幸福的开始就是放手去爱

Uncertainty

2008-05-02T15:27:00.003+08:00

The days seems to pass heavily these days.
It seems I can no longer muster the strength to carry on..
I feel distant.
From everyone..

It weighs heavily on my mind.
The burden is great.
What I used to believe in are inexorably slipping away..
I trudge along, alone.

Smiling without smiles
Laughters without mirth
I am losing. To myself.
I need to get away but my heart is unwilling.

My sky no longer has a defined destiny.
I see only uncertainty.
I reach out but there is no where to grab.
No one to reach.

I am once again alone.

ps: Happy Belated birthday Monster. Hope you like the present.

For one more day...

2008-04-19T23:39:00.002+08:00

One day when you all turn around and find me gone,

do understand that..

it was ever so difficult
for me to let go...

Congrats to C Girls for...

2008-03-28T23:53:00.002+08:00

defeating PHS!

Jia you Jia you Jia you! :)

Off to Karimun :)
Fly me to the mun... let me play among the stars...

Specially For Monster :)

2008-03-23T21:55:00.000+08:00

Special mention to monster.

Remember 28th April k! Don't jealous :)
Haha...

Courage to Carry on.

2008-03-19T23:51:00.001+08:00

How brave can a person be?

I am so proud of you girl.
So very proud of you.

I'll be brave and do what I can for you too.

Stay strong.

Never Give Up

2008-03-19T22:40:00.003+08:00

Never give up girls.

Keep believing in your dreams and goals.
Keep reaching.

Be resolute in your beliefs.
Be firm in your hearts.

Seize every moment as a team.
Seize the days you have.

I am nothing much,
But still I stand with you all.

Never give up.

One Moment in Time...

2008-03-16T21:03:00.000+08:00

Each day I live
I want to be a day to give the best of me
I'm only one, but not alone
My finest day is yet unknown
I broke my heart for every gain
To taste the sweet, I faced the pain
I rise and fall,
Yet through it all this much remains

I want one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams
Are a heart beat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel, I will feel eternity

I've lived to be the very best
I want it all, no time for less
I've laid the plans
Now lay the chance here in my hands

Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams
Are a heart beat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel, I will feel eternity

You're a winner for a lifetime
If you seize that one moment in time
Make it shine

Give me one moment in time
When I'm more than I thought I could be
When all of my dreams
Are a heart beat away
And the answers are all up to me
Give me one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will be, I will be, I will be free, I will be,
I will be free...

One Team, Many Destinies...

2008-02-27T21:58:00.004+08:00

I use to think that it will always be One Team One Destiny...

You all made me believe otherwise...
My ideals, shattered, by none other than the ones I stood by the longest with.

I feel sad. But that means nothing to you all at all isn't it.
I wish you all well in your future endeavours.

Goodbye.

One team, many destinies...

VAS U16 and U13 Volleyball Championship Grouping

2007-10-13T18:04:00.000+08:00

Below are the groupings for U13 and U16 Girls and Boys

Touch my heart..

2007-09-24T22:38:00.001+08:00

it hurts.

Again and again...

2007-09-18T21:26:00.000+08:00

Sometimes you need to move on. Learn to let go of the inconsistencies and see the bigger picture. Think positive.

Don't forget that for every one person that didn't try, there are many others who are trying hard.

Let go.

李香蘭

2007-09-12T22:57:00.000+08:00

恼春风我心因何恼春风
说不出借酒相送
夜雨冻雨点透射到照片中
回头似是梦无法弹动
迷住凝望你褪色照片中

埃..

像花虽未红如冰虽不冻
却像有无数说话可惜我听不懂埃..
是杯酒渐浓或我心真空
何以感震动..

照片中那可以投照片中
盼找到时间裂缝
夜放纵告知我难寻你芳踪
回头也是梦仍似被动
逃避凝望你却深印脑中埃..

像花虽未红如冰虽不冻
却像有无数说话可惜我听不懂埃..
是杯酒渐浓或我心真空
何以感震动..

If a picture paints a thousand words...

2007-09-07T16:15:00.004+08:00

Then why can't I paint you...

Thank you...

2007-09-06T20:07:00.001+08:00

...B girls for trying so hard to stay together.
I'm really thankful... keep the spirit going, the passsion burning.

...B Boys for enduring my temper.. but do remember, it is for a reason. Without good discipline, a team cannot reach its fullest potential. There is so much more you all are capable of.
I have a dream. Do you?

... C girls for being there when i needed people to cheer me up. When you know things were tough and my mood was foul, you all were there to make me smile. :)

... C Boys for holding on and not giving up, despite all the flak that you all have been getting. Despite the attention not being showered on you and for improving under adversity.

...and finally to the regular alumni players like Choon Hao, Weiqi, Zhenrong, Bobby, Zhihao for always coming down to help out to train the team. Your presence is much appreciated. Thank you so much.

May the team continue to strive, serve and soar.

One Team.
One Destiny.

输了你们赢了世界又如...

2007-09-03T00:26:00.000+08:00

Is a team without the players still a team?

Nevertheless we must shoulder on, together.
Because if we give up, then there is no team left to come back to.
We will shoulder and we will persevere.
Come back soon... before I tire and leave altogether..

I am disappointed. Yes I am.
Grant me that at the very least.
I'm no superman. I tried my best.
So did the rest of you.

输了你们..
赢了世界又如...

The thoughts and wishes..

2007-08-31T00:24:00.000+08:00

Thank you 1A2 for the enjoyable celebration in class. The most important thing is that everyone had fun and enjoyed the session.

Special thanks goes to Yvonne and Simin for the card :) - Very nice cards! Thank you very much.
The sweets and stars from Joyce :). Must have took you quite some time to fold those stars.
Rulin for your card too. I will be there should you need someone to talk to.

Of course not forgetting the dedications of Guixin and Amanda and many others who left messages and notes on the dedication board! I apologies for not being able to name all of you simply because I do not know who you all are. :)

Last but not least, my dear B girls. Thank you Madeline, Yeeshi, Kaiting, An An, Melissa, Xinyi and Caiyun! The Doraemon is very cute! haha... I will cherish it well. Thank you very much. Hope its not too expensive!!?!

On a more serious note, I must reiterate what I alway believed in, and that is if not for all of you, teaching would have been just a job. All of you are what gives meaning to being a teacher. Without you all, I am nothing.

Thank you all for the wonderful teacher's day and I hope I will be able to continue to be able to make a difference in your lives, just like how you all have made a difference in mine.

Thank you all once again. :)

In search of the elusive...

2007-08-28T01:30:00.000+08:00

I believe that we were born into this life, each with a purpose.
Somehow as we grow, we lost sight of that purpose.
Be it due to the multitude of distractions that surrounds us,
or the conflicting thoughts and emotions that lead us astray,
we are bound to feel lost at times.

It has been along time since I questioned my purpose.
Have I lost track of my life's goal?
Or have I conveniently shelved it till a later time..?

我说服我自己没有你我会更顺心
可能你已经云淡风轻当我是个曾经
是不甘心还是依然爱着你
在告别之后让它随风去

记得我曾经那么爱着你...

我远远看着你保持着安全的距离...

T.E.A.M 加油

2007-08-20T21:16:00.000+08:00

We cannot always compare ourself with others.
Each of us is unique. Recognise that each and everyone of us have our own talents.
Concentrate on the positives in life and strive for better.
Do not be overly concerned with the things people say or do around us.
At the end of the day, we are answerable to our own conscience and morals.

It is the passion that matters.
Simply because Passion is an attitude.

I am not perturb by who likes me or not in school.
Teaching is my passion and I will not let the small things everyday stand in the way of my passion.
I am who I am because I choose to.

The same thing goes for the T.E.A.M.
Believe. And keep the faith.
The journey is long but we will reach there someday.
Together.

那不能说的秘密...

2007-08-19T13:26:00.000+08:00

冷咖啡离开了杯垫我忍住的情绪在很后面
拼命想挽回的从前在我脸上依旧清晰可见
最美的不是下雨天是曾与你躲过雨的屋檐
回忆的画面在荡著秋千梦开始不甜

你说把爱渐渐放下会走更远
又何必去改变已错过的时间
你用你的指尖阻止我说再见
想像你在身边才完全失去之前

你说把爱渐渐放下会走更远
或许命运的签只让我们遇见
只让我们相恋这一季的秋天
飘落后才发现这幸福的碎片要我怎麼捡

冷咖啡离开了杯垫我忍住的情绪在很后面
拼命想挽回的从前在我脸上依旧清晰可见
最美的不是下雨天是曾与你躲过雨的屋檐 oh
回忆的画面在荡著秋千梦开始不甜

你说把爱渐渐放下会走更远
又何必去改变已错过的时间
你用你的指尖阻止我说再见
想像你在身边才完全失去之前
你说把爱渐渐放下会走更远
或许命运的签只让我们遇见
只让我们相恋这一季的秋天
飘落后才发现这幸福的碎片要我怎麼捡...

T.E.A.M stands for...

2007-08-10T22:14:00.000+08:00

There are times in life when we wished we were back to a certain time, a certain place.
When cherished memories creep to the fore and threatens to engulf the present.
Times like these are certain to come. Hence the question if any, is not a matter of "If it comes", but rather a matter of "When it comes".

And when that melancholy feeling sets in, certain train of thoughts will surface.

"How I wished we were still...."
"Last time we were..."
"It was better...."
"I miss those...."

Common thoughts like these appear whenever cherished memories threatens to overwhelm rational thoughts.

I know for a fact that it is hard to break out of the melancholy state.
I've been there. I've done that.
The times I spent in University were the best times of my life.
Times when I shed tears of joy and laughter with my friends and University mates.
Those late nights in hostel and supper treats, communal dinners and festive gatherings.

However life as we know, stays in the present.
Ever the present. Never the past.

We must move on and strive for better because we can never go back.
We can only hope that the future will be better. And not only hope, but try within our means to achieve the "betterness" that we want.

I met a friend recently.
His was a case of not letting go of the past.

If we don't let go of the past, the present will just pass us by...
Things are always in a state of flux.
Change is inevitable.
Remember, the only constant is change.
Just like the only certainty is uncertainty.

I still recall my team of 22nd Science Club management committee, the Rag team, my team of Freshman Orientation Central Committee. They gave meaning to my University life.
We were a team. We were a family.

And just as the word Family stands for - Father And Mother I love You

I would like to, on this special day of the anniversary of the rag committee, give meaning to the word Team.

Team stands for There's Everyone And Me.
That's what a TEAM is. All the best for Rag 2007.
Science Faculty All the Way.

One Team, One Destiny.

Happy National Day Singapore

2007-08-09T13:16:00.000+08:00

Its the little things that we share,
the love and joy thats in the air.
The children's laughter everywhere
and all favourite things...

Happy Birthday.
Singapore.

Two Skies..

2007-07-23T23:45:00.000+08:00

No two skies are ever the same...

For the first time...

2007-07-18T23:51:00.000+08:00

...ever since I stepped into the school, I am truly disappointed.

Truly.

I did my best. I encouraged you all.
I lifted you all up and let you all down. Did I?
Who let who down?
Have you ever spare a thought for me. Ever?
Recall the times when you I shed tears because you all let me down?
How many times have you all let me down?

I devoted all my time to the team.
The team is more than one division. There are 4.
I could have simply took attendance and walked away.
My Tue, Wed, Thu and Sat were all devoted to the team.
Wed was specially for you all.
Every week I reject the badminton boys on Wednesday to spar with them.
Every week they asked me to go. Each time I gave them the same reason.
I cannot because wednesdays are reserved for you all.
Yet then some of you took it for granted.

I pulled myself away from your training even though I didn't want to.
Simply because I am no longer capable to teach you all.
You all have become better than me. Exceeded me.
I could not afford to waste your precious training time.
Times in the hall in which I constantly fought for you all.
Which you all took for granted.

You all have grown.
Sprouted your own wings and soar.
I couldn't catch up and was thus left alone.
Still I try to make a difference. To the people that I could.
To the people that I can still teach.

I did what I could next best do.
I turned to looking after all your health and wounds and discipline.
Things that I could still make a difference.
I Nag. And nag some more.
Ever with my first aid kit,
I'll come to do my little bit.
But still you all get the same injuries.
Still I was there.
Sadly you all took it for granted.

Traaining hours are limited.
I didn't want to impose on the training.
No one was looking after the C div.
And I was asked to look after them.
I had to go. It is my responsibility as the overall in charge.
I pulled myself away from your training.
And could no longer encourage you all.
Encouragements which you all continually expect
But never give in return.

The list can go on and on. But to what end?
There are so many others things that I did for you all.
Bus transportation, camp, bbq, collar pin, jerseys, monitoring your academic results, afternoon study programmes...
I do not begrudge doing them. For we are a team. a team of 4 div.
It is not only a team of you all. You all, which I took the longest, but who understood me the least.
A team which I stood by, but abandons me in my hour of need.
A team which I always try to get things done for you, but seldom do the things I requested
The socks has ever been the same.
One small thing to you.
Yet it means a whole world to me.
It tells me how much respect you all have of me.

You all ever took my presence for granted.
I put aside my work specially to ensure I have time for you all.
But maybe my best is just not enough for you all.
Maybe I am tired.
I am tired.
And now I am disappointed.

I had to say.
And so,
Let me now be alone.
For I am, within the team
Truly alone.

I have done my best.
And have no regrets.

Again and again.

2007-07-18T23:03:00.001+08:00

It hurts.
It goes back to the same thing again again.
It is always only about yourself.
Always thinking about you and yourselves.
Never about others.

It hurts.
I am too weary to care.

One day.

2007-07-18T22:14:00.000+08:00

One day. I hope
You all will realise.
That I have not changed.
But it was
You all who had
Not kept your promises
To me.

One day. I wish
For me to stop
Feeling disappointment
That I had not trusted
And you all had
Not made those promises
To me.

One day.
When I leave.
Do not
Blame me.
For you all had
Broken the promises
That meant alot
To me.

One day.
To me
I hope
One day
Will never come...

Closer and Closer

2007-05-02T23:56:00.000+08:00

The closer the distance, the greater the hurt.

The greater the hurt, the bigger the disappointment.

So do you now know why I'm so disappointed?

Closer and closer, yet...

[and still you think you are not in the wrong...]

Only Hope..

2007-04-17T00:32:00.000+08:00

There's a song that's inside of my soul
It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again
I'm awake in the infinite cold
But You sing to me over and over and over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray to be only Yours
I pray to be only Yours
I know now you're my only hope

Sing to me the song of the stars
Of Your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again
When it feels like my dreams are so far
Sing to me of the plans that You have for me over again

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yours I pray to be only yours
I know now you're my only hope

I give You my destinyI'm giving You all of me
I want Your symphony
Singing in all that I am
At the top of my lungs I'm giving it back

So I lay my head back down
And I lift my hands and pray
To be only yoursI pray to be only yours
I pray to be only yours I know now you're my only hope..

Blow blow blow away...

2007-03-21T21:03:00.000+08:00

Just blowing away the dust that has collected here.

Will be back. :)

In the End... it doesn't even matter...?

2007-01-16T21:58:00.000+08:00

It starts with one thing
I don't know why
It doesn't even matter how hard you try keep that in mind
I designed this rhyme
To explain in due time
All I know
Time is a valuable thing
Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
Watch it count down to the end of the day
The clock ticks life away
It's so unreal
Didn't look out below
Watch the time go right out the window
Trying to hold on, but didn't even know
Wasted it all just to watch you go
I kept everything inside and even though I tried, it all fell apart
What it meant to me will eventually be a memory of a time when

I tried so hard
And got so far
But in the end
It doesn't even matter
I had to fall
To lose it all
But in the end
It doesn't even matter

One thing, I don't know why
It doesn’t even matter how hard you try, keep that in mind
I designed this rhyme, to explain in due time
I tried so hard
In spite of the way you were mocking me
Acting like I was part of your property
Remembering all the times you fought with me
I'm surprised it got so (far)
Things aren't the way they were before
You wouldn't even recognize me anymore
Not that you knew me back then
But it all comes back to me (in the end)
You kept everything inside and even though I tried, it all fell apart
What it meant to me will eventually be a memory of a time when I

I’ve put my trust in you
Pushed as far as I can go
And for all this
There's only one thing you should know...

Vball = Victory Ball?

2007-01-14T22:48:00.000+08:00

Ok, long overdue post.
Someone highlighted to me that it's been a long time since I've posted.
Well so here it is.

Post.

Requirements fulfilled. Haha...

Okok anyway, been lacking sleep and getting busier and busier.
North Zone is here so here's wishing all my dear players the very best for the competition.

Remember. Winning isn't everything.
Trying your best is.
Attitude matters.

Carpe Diem.

你怎么舍得我难过...

2006-12-22T20:57:00.000+08:00

------------------------------

对你的思念是一天又一天.
孤单的我还是没有改变.
美丽的梦何时才能出现.
亲爱的你好想再见你一面.

秋天的风一阵阵的吹过.
想起了去年的这个时候.
你的心到底在想些什么.
为什么留下这个结局让我承受.

最爱你的人是我.你怎么舍得我难过.
在我最需要你的时候没有说一句话就走.

最爱你的人是我.你怎么舍得我难过.
为你付出了这么多.你却没有感动过.
------------------------------

If we hold on together

2006-12-12T22:30:00.000+08:00

Don't lose your way, with each passing day...

we've come so far, don't throw it away...

The Silver Lining II

2006-12-07T21:32:00.000+08:00

There really is a silver lining.
I had a great day.
Well done Boys.

Well done indeed. :)

[1 点 Hunter 2 点 Bear..!]

The Silver Lining

2006-12-06T23:48:00.000+08:00

Things will be better tomorrow..

It will be.

The Question

2006-12-05T23:56:00.000+08:00

It's tiring saying the same things again and again, and not getting it through.
Don't you think so?

The question to ask yourselves is...

"Why do I play?"

If the answer is not apparent, then there is no point continuing.
No point at all.

All said and done.

2006-11-24T22:18:00.000+08:00

I suddenly have nothing to say to you all today.

When you lose to yourselves, no one else can help you..
No one.

--------------------------
Show me the determination.
Vindicate my faith.

Too little Too Late..

2006-11-20T13:16:00.000+08:00

Sometimes that feeling just gets to you..

Footprints in the Sand...

2006-11-13T20:59:00.000+08:00

Here are the photos as mentioned earlier. =)

What's an award ceremony without the awards? :)

The All Star Cast from Sembawang

Well, Stars need more than one photos don't they?

JJ and SMB

SMB and BPGH

The deserving winners: JJ SMB and PHS

---------------------------
Like footprints in the sand, all of the people above left an indelible mark at Hougang Sports Hall. However much of a mark they left, so too did the spirit and excitement of the competition left marks in their hearts.

Memories to be cherished, friendship to be kept.
I salute one and all.

One team :: One destiny

Thinking Back and Moving Forward...

2006-11-13T12:35:00.000+08:00

First I didn't mean to tear.
My apologies for letting the tap run...
But I think its good. It's never good to bottle up our emotions.
Emotions are meant to be expressed. :)
So yup yup, what has to be done has to be done.

So thinking back, you all really did put up a spirited performance! Miss Hwang agrees too. ;) Kudos to you all!

Now moving forward, let's work hard together yar? =)
Let's look forward to tougher training ok? Haa...

Anyway, the photo below is courtesy of guixin.

More photos are forthcoming. =)
Till then...

Rest well.
Play Hard.
And take lotsa care.

A Reason to Believe.

2006-11-11T21:43:00.000+08:00

It's been a hectic week. But I'm happy.

Today, I took the B boys for a jog to Sembawang Park.
We didn't really make it there, left around 800 metres and then we stopped.
But we'll go the distance the next time. =)
The weather was hot today but nevertheless, the boys and girls trained hard.
I am so proud of you all. =)

My dear C girls, I apologize that I won't be able to attend your second match as I have a course that day. Hope you all will give your best and vindicate all your hardwork. Remember, keep your composure and serve the ball over. =)
Perhaps this the only time you'll hear me say this:
Scream and shout on the court ok? ;)
It'll boost your spirit and morale.

To my dear B girl1s, all the best for the match tomorrow. Have more confidence in yourselves ok? Find for yourself a reason to believe. A reason to believe that you will triumph over the odds and emerge victorious.

Believe in the coach, believe in your team mates and most importantly, believe in yourselves.

Just believe.

The Ball is in the Court.

2006-11-07T23:51:00.000+08:00

The road is long.
With many a winding turns.
But we'll be strong,
And shoulder on.

--------------------------
The ball is in the Court.
How you play it is entirely up to you.
--------------------------

你...我是傻瓜... (Stay)

2006-11-02T21:19:00.000+08:00

《궁》O.S.T.-Stay -당신은... 나는 바보입니다
Gong O.S.T>-Stay-dang shin neun …na neun ba bo ib ni da
《宮》O.S.T.-Stay-你…我是傻瓜

nan ba bo yeo seo jyo nae ga ba bo yeo seo jyo
hu hoe hae do neut jeo jyo al jyo dol ri kil sun eop jyu
keu dael bol su ob seo yo na do al go it seo yo
nae ga jeong mal jal mot tae seo yo jeong mal mi an nae yo

geu ddaen yae gi ha ji mot tae jyo neo mu eo ri seok geo jyu
i je wa seo i reo ke ae tae wu myeo nan yong seo reul bil reo yo

dang sin neun na neun ba bo ib ni da
ja jon sim ddae mun ne
sul goa sseun dam bae yeon gi ro mang ga ji go it jyo

dang sin neun na neun ba bo ib ni da
a jik sa rang ha gi e ha ru jong il peong peong ul go man nit jyo
geu dae do na do mo du ba bo cheo reom

geu reo ji mal ra yo da si saeng gak kae bwa yo
u ri eo ddeot ke yeo gi kka ji him deul ge wat neun de
da si saeng gak kae bwa yo hu hoe ha sil geo e yo
nae ga jeong mal jal mot tae seo yo jeong mal mi an nae yo

geu ddaen yae gi ha ji mot tae jyo neo mu eo ri seok geot jyo
i je wa seo i reot ke ae tae u myeo nan yong seo reul bil reo yo

dang sin neun na neun ba bo ib ni da
ja jon sim ddae mun ne
sul goa sseun dam bae yeon gi ro mang ga ji go it jyo

dang sin neun na neun ba bo ib ni da
a jik sa rang ha gi e ha ru jong il peong peong ul go man nit jyo
geu dae do na do mo du ba bo cheo reom

geu dae eob si dan nan sun gan do nan sal su eob seo yo
meo ril jal ra do sul reul ma syeo do nun mul man heu reu jyo

dang sin neun na neun ba bo ib ni da
ja jon sim ddae mun ne
sul goa sseun dam bae yeon gi ro mang ga ji go it jyo

dang sin neun na neun ba bo ib ni da
a jik sa rang ha gi e ha ru jong il peong peong ul go man nit jyo
geu dae do na do mo du ba bo cheo reom

i je deo i sang mang ga ji ji ma yo...

我是傻瓜我就是傻瓜
後悔也遲了我知道無法再回頭
再也見不到你我也知道
我真的錯了真的很抱歉

那時沒能說出來是我太傻
此時此刻我焦急地乞求原諒

*你是…我是傻瓜
因為自尊心
用烟酒墮落

你是…我是傻瓜
因為依然愛著所以一整天痛哭著
你和我都像傻瓜一樣*

不要這樣請再想想
我們如何艱苦的走到這裡
請再想想會後悔吧
我真的錯了真的很抱歉

那時沒能說出來是我太傻
此時此刻我焦慮急地乞求原諒

Repeat *

沒有你我無法繼續生存
剪了髮喝了酒我依然淚流

Repeat *

請不要再讓我墮落…

Sembawang. ACE!

2006-11-01T15:56:00.000+08:00

Today was the first time I step into Hougang Sports Hall. I must say the atmosphere was not bad. It reminds me a bit of NIE, albeit minus the aircon. Ha!

It also brought back memories of the times when I was competing in the schools' badminton championship! Those were the days... Oh well, enough of my ramblings.

First, congratulations B Girls on winning both matches against Ngee Ann and Peicai Secondary School! You all are capable of much more! Do bring out the best in yourselves and vindicate your hardwork and sweat to the REST OF THE WORLD yar? :)

Of course! Well done B Boys! It was a very exciting match! I am proud of you all for coming back from behind. That is the kind of fighting spirit and attitude that should be displayed! Keep that attitude going and never give up, regardless of whatever or whoever you all may come up against for the rest of the competition.

Last but not the least, C girls' competition is coming up. I am sure you all are excited and maybe even nervous. It is normal. Even your seniors are nervous on the court. Even I am nervous out that watching them play. What's most important is that you overcome that nervousness. Thrive on the excitement and remember that you all have trained hard for the competition. Set a goal and aim for it. ;)

--------------------------
Victory belongs to those that believe in it the most, and believe in it the longest.

I just want to say...

2006-10-30T20:57:00.000+08:00

All the best for the U13 and U16 Competition my dear Volleyball players!

Do your best and leave no regrets! =)

Ganbatte ne!

The Lone Boatman

2006-10-29T08:40:00.000+08:00

We all have goals in life. Be it that we are conciously working towards it or subconciously, we yearn for it. Life without a goal is like a lone boatman without a paddle.

Alone in the boat. Adrift.

Life would be like the boundless sea. Endless horizons, stretching everywhere.

If you were the boatman, what would you be thinking?

Where to?
How to?

At the mercy of the tides and waves, you will drift. Having no control of your direction and ever subjected to the elements of nature.
Waiting for the waves to push and the tides to pull.

If I were the boatman, I will set a goal.
And paddle.

My sincerest apologies...

2006-10-21T17:09:00.000+08:00

I am sorry for today.

Below is the grouping list.

LEGEND

AMK ANG MO KIO
AMS ADMIRALTY
AND ANDERSON
BHS BALESTIER HILL
BLS BOON LAY
BMS BUKIT MERAH
BPGH BUKIT PANJANG GOVT HIGH
CBS CHONG BOON
CCH(M) CHUNG CHENG MAIN
CCH(Y) CHUNG CHENG YISHUN
CTS CLEMENTI TOWN
CWD UNKNOWN
EVG EVERGREEN
FMS FAIRFIELD METHODIST
GMS GEYLANG METHODIST
GYS GUANG YANG
HCI HWA CHONG
HGSS UNKNOWN
HKP HONGKAH PRIMARY
HSC Hai Sing Catholic
HYS HUA YI
JSS UNKNOWN
JTP JINTAI PRIMARY
JYS JUNYUAN
NAS NGEE ANN
NHP NANHUA PRIMARY
OSS OUTRAM
PCP PEICAI PRIMARY
PCS PEICAI SECONDARY
PGS PONGGOL
PHS PRESBYTERIAN
QSS QUEENSWAY
SHS ST HILDA'S
SJC ST JOSEPH CONVENT
SQS SHUQUN
USS UNITY
VS VICTORIA
WRS WOODLANDS RING
XMS XINMIN
YSS YISHUN SEC
YTS YISHUN TOWN
YYS YUYING
ZHS ZHONGHUA

We're Only Human.

2006-10-17T20:20:00.000+08:00

你听懂了吗？
有些时候，我们也只能尽全力。
勇敢的往前进。。。

There are times when decisions need to be made.
We are constantly making choices each and every day as we embark on our little journey called life.

Some decisions are big, while many others are minor choices that we encounter on a daily basis.

"Sleeping a bit later is okay."
"It's still early, I can sleep a bit more."
"I can do that later."
"It's okay, don't need to think so much, just follow the rest."

These are some decisions that some of us make on a daily basis. Most of the time, we don't give much thought to them. However, given a different context, these exact same questions can no longer be considered trivial. Instead, they may have serious repercussions...

There are times when you reach a crossroad, when you need to make an important decision. When "It's okay, don't need to think so much, just follow the rest" is no longer a wise choice. There are some decisions that cannot be taken lightly since it affects your future.

再想也是多余。
真的是这样吗？

Always strive for your best.
Be brave enough to step out.
And not only step out, but be daring enough to step up.

When the chance arises, grab it and reach for it.
Opportunities comes along but once.
Seize it, never let it go.
Make a choice and stick with it.
See it through and see where it leads you to.

Do not compromise your own future.
Because you live your life but once.
Just once.

One sky.
One Destiny.

Will you please Step Out and Step Up?

-------------------------------
Early in the morning, I put breakfast at your table
一夜都没睡但我　不曾如此清醒
我早餐准备了你　爱吃的东西
这次换我等你被咖啡　的香味叫醒

想要找回每天早晨　对我微笑著的你
还能够　做些什麼代替我的歉意
总是望著我　小心翼翼顺著我呼吸
而我竟然理所当然　让你精疲力尽

You were my superwoman
安静的在身边　无条件给我　梦寐以求的温柔
But I am only human
我怎麼不懂你多寂寞残忍的犯了错
不能失去你 Ooh—Babe---

You fought your way through the rush hour
Try to make it home just for me
月光下静静靠著彼此　只求夜长一点
有多久没有好好看你　只是认定了我
无论在什麼时候回头　都有你的笑容

是我忽略了你也会有　想要哭的感觉
没有一种付出应该永远心甘情愿
再给被宠坏的男人最後一次机会
换我忍耐换我等待　不要真的弃权

(---Baby)是我把爱想得太简单
以为只要我存在就能让你取暖
心裏唯一的superwoman没有人能代替
不能想像更不能原谅这样让爱化成　灰烬

If you feel it in your heart and you understand me.
STOP right where you are, everybody sing along with me.

The Colours Award Part II - The Twin Choices

2006-09-25T22:29:00.000+08:00

The photos for the North Zone Colours Award are below. My dear camera shy volleyball girls, please shortlist any two photos below. ;)

Entry no. 1

Entry no. 2

Entry no. 3

Entry no. 4

Have you made up your mind? :)

那是我们都回不去的从前...

2006-09-25T21:33:00.000+08:00

伸出双手就能拥抱全世界...

The Colours Award @ Chung Cheng Branch

2006-09-23T20:55:00.000+08:00

After a very long week of supplementary sessions with my classes, I had the pleasure of accompanying sone students to Chung Cheng (Yishun) for an award ceremony. I must say that the school, being new and all, has pretty impressive facilities including an air-conditioned MPH, indoor Multi-purpose courts and a beautiful pond (Below).

The Pond

See! The school even have 枫叶 (Maple Leaves) falling! lol... actually that's one of my cheeky volleyball girl's hand!

Maple leaves anyone?

The B girls Volleyball team was awarded the North Zone Colours Team Award! On top of that, 3 of our girls also achieved the individual Colours Award. Well done Guixin, Michelle and Lynette! Well done B Girls! =)

Team Sembawang - B Girls' Volleyball

B girl's that are not present due to representative quota: Peifen, Wenny, Celeste, Sylvia, Cherlyn and Huiqi.

----------------------------

為什麼相愛的人卻又為愛而紛爭
現實的翅膀攪亂原本幸福的氣氛
我有我的過錯我有我的疑惑
藏在面對面的沈默背後

為什麼讓愛躲進烏雲密佈的天空
隨著風漂流在外一天一點的散落
慢慢遠離的夢漸漸冷卻冰封
心痛當初相遇的心動

----------------------------

Our deepest fear.

2006-09-21T19:10:00.000+08:00

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves,
who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous.
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us -- it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others

-Marianne Williamson

[Excerpt from Akeelah And The Bee.]

So our deepest fear is ourselves...

Appreciation

2006-09-20T21:54:00.000+08:00

The EOY Examinations are round the corner. These couple of weeks are important for revision and hence, I've been conducting supplementary classes in small groups for the classes I'm teaching.

Small class sizes really helped.
The supplementary sessions I held so far were, on feedback from the students, fruitful and enjoyable. This is heartening indeed.

To the students in other classes that I am unable to schedule a session for, please do understand that I would love to conduct sessions with you all, but my classes have priority. Like I what told you all, I am more than willing to hold supp sessions with you all if you all can first work out a timing before arranging it with me.

Do understand.
Meanwhile, study hard, stay healthy and keep on smiling.

Ganbatte ne!

------------------------------
"I have not taught, if you have not learnt."
------------------------------

The 'true' meaning of love

2006-09-17T21:32:00.000+08:00

Love.

The elusive word.
To many its a bliss. To some its a bane.
Whichever it is, love is something personal, and its meaning transcendental.

How do you define love? A couple blissfully sharing in each other's arms under the starlit skies? A man arguing fitfully with his significant half? Or even 2 person secretly in love with one another but none daring to make the first move. Worse still, one-sided love that seems ever out of reach?

That is why I am always hesistant to define love. Because as simple and straight forward as the letters L, O, V and E may be, put them together and you will be threading on unchartered grounds. Why so? Because as I have mentioned earlier, Love is personal.

No one can tell you what love really is. Each and everyone of us have our own idea of what love should entail. It really is pointless to attempt to define love.

Why this sudden post?
Suffice to say, something jotted a chord within me recently and I thought I would share my three cents worth of thought. Love to me is never about how long it has been, nor how much one has sacrificed or done for the other. Love trancends the physical. Is a couple arguing over a matter any less in love? Or a couple having a cold war for that matter? The argument only serves to reinforce the concept of the love that binds the two. It is precisely because of love that the argument ensue. Simply because it matters.

No mere argument can diminish the love, no lack of words can smother the love. They are merely a test of the love.

As it is, there really is no true meaning of love.
Only true love.

-----------------------------------

找不到方向往彩虹天堂
有你說的愛在用幸福觸摸憂傷
兩個人相守直到白髮蒼蒼
自由的飛翔在燦爛的星光
找不到方向往彩虹天堂
有你說的愛在用幸福觸摸憂傷
兩個人相守直到白髮蒼蒼
自由的飛翔在燦爛的星光
有你在我身旁

Baptism by the Elements

2006-09-17T18:31:00.000+08:00

Volleyball trainings have ceased temporarily, pending the end of EOYs. I'll definitely miss the trainings, not to mention the extra time I have on my hands now. I guess I can resume my own exercise regime.

So in preparation for the step up in intensity of my running regime, I have bought myself a new pair of Kayano! Tada! I've been wanting to visit queensway for a long time and I finally plucked myself off my chair and travelled all 55 mins of the tedious bus journey to arrive at queensway shopping centre! At 25% discount, the shoe was still expensive but oh well, I cinsider it a good investment for the well-being of my ankles and knees. =) It's about time I replace my Kayano XI anyway I guess.

Just me and my Kayano XII

I must say that asics provides one of the best running shoes, especially for one of my bulk and weight. Haha... superior cushioning coupled with good stability.

After that I wanted to go Ikea (Read: the best value for money hot dog buns, and the deliciously yummy swedish meatballs!) for a walk but time was not on my side. I had to go home and test drive my Kayano. Haha... reached home and immediately went for a test run... and...

It rained halfway while I was running! Gosh... talk about baptism by the elements! My brand new shoes were half soaked... What great timing. Toto also not so lucky...(Not that I buy Toto...)

Blah!

Down

2006-09-11T22:05:00.000+08:00

List of things that were down today

1. My Immune System
2. MSN Messenger
3. Windows Messenger
4. Internet (Intermittent Surfing)

I shall not elaborate what I said to the technical support officer who basically thought I was an IT idiot when I knew more about network than her. The way big companies like Singtel that enjoys a virtual oligopoly handle their customers really puts me off. Argh... enough said.

Recognition

2006-09-09T01:55:00.000+08:00

Its always feels good to be recognised for your hard work and achievements.
This came out in the Straits Times on Friday.
Take a closer look. Well done B girls, its all due to your efforts that you're National 4th.
Keep up the great work!

As for the rest, aim high! Work hard and your efforts will be rewarded! =)

Victory belongs to those that believe in it the most and believe in it the longest.
Just believe.

The list of Girls Sports and the standings at a glance...

On closer inspection...

Singapore Dreaming, Dreaming Singapore

2006-09-09T00:25:00.000+08:00

I just caught the show Singapore Dreaming. It's not exactly a fantastic show, but Its a show that mirrors our Singapore society pretty well. The family and their ordeal depicted in the film reflects simply a microcosm of Singapore's society. Kudos to Colin and Yen yen for a job well done.

It is sad but true, this Singapore Dream. The proverbial Singapore dream consists of the 5 Cs namely Career, Condo, Credit card, Car and Cash. To this end, we are trapped within the rat race. Some people say that such a life is depressing, some say pursuing the Singapore dream is a dream. We are forever complaining that what we have is never enough.

Humans are like that. We always want more. However as the Law of supply and demand underpins, there exists the fundamental problem of unlimited wants, limited resources. Why can't we take a step back and be thankful of what we already have? Being grateful for both the tangible and intangible things that surrounds us each and every day but yet we are oblivious to.

While millions of Singaporeans are dreaming of the 5 Cs, there are many more millions of people dreaming of Singapore. They are dreaming of having such a wonderful country with a clean and efficient government. A country where they need not fear natural disasters, where they need cower under the constant threat of war.

If only we are contented. Then life would be simple, happy and wonderful. If only we are satisfied with just one C, and not with 5 Cs. That one lone C would be Contentment.

Endless Road...

2006-08-28T19:50:00.000+08:00

----------------------------
The truth is tearing up my heart
I can't recognise this place
The endless road without a stop sign
Can't even find a stranger this time

Why am I still holding back my tears
In this loneliness there's nothing left to fear
Every chord still seems a wonder
How we could be together
Everytime I ask if this would be the last

Why am I still talking to myself
Hoping you will have the keys to my cell
Every song might calm the weather
But it just draws me deeper
How do I get out of this
I think~ I never will

A crystal forming in the eye
Maybe this would be the last
The winding path down my face
Till I begin to taste the bitterness inside

Why am I still holding back my tears
In this loneliness there's nothing left to fear
Every chord still seems a wonder
How we could be together
Everytime I ask if this would be the last

Why am I still talking to myself
Hoping you will have the keys to my cell
Every song might calm the weather
But it just draws me deeper
How do I get out of this
I think I never will

I never will...

--------------------------

A Time for Remembrance...

2006-08-27T03:46:00.000+08:00

I guess each and everyone of us have a song that tends to elicit memories. Listening to Kevin Kern, I can't help but recall the carefree days I have back in University. Back when life was so hectic, yet ever so fufilling. Back when club meetings were so long, yet comaderie kept things going.

I remember the Orientation days, when we spent days and nights labouring to construct our float. Our labour of pride, and our expression of identity and fellowship as a faculty.

I remember the days in hostel, enjoying communal dinners, chatting through the nights with fellow hostelites.

I remember Project Angel V, those carefree and wonderful days in India. Where life is so simple yet so fufilling. When smiles of the little kids living at the slums were enough to brighten our days.

I remember,
And I miss.

I miss my hostel room, where I had a bird's eye view of the campus from way up where I loomed.

I miss the late night jogs around NUS. The cold wind in my face and the moonlight that I chased.

I miss the club and the SCMC. The people that shaped my varsity life, the ones that held the key.

I miss,
And I celebrate.

I celebrate my life. For what I have done, for how i have lived.
Because in having lived those memories, I am privileged to remember and grateful to miss. Leading my life where I want to be, living my life how I want it to be.

I celebrate.

Because at the end of the day, it is how we lived our lives that matters.

-------------------------------------

To my Volleyball Team that may be reading this post, know that whatever you do in your life, there will come a time when, like me, you will remmember, you will miss and hopefully, you will celebrate. Seize every day of your life with tenacity, live every day of your life with hope.

Dare to dream. There will be times when you lose sight of your goals. There will be times when the odds seems stacked against you. But if you remember to dream, it will be the beacon to guide you through.

Dare to dream, and never stop dreaming. So that one day, when you hear a song, you too can remember, you too can miss and more importantly, you too can celebrate.

Carpe Diem.

Happening Friday!

2006-08-08T00:23:00.000+08:00

Long overdue post.

Friday was a long day. Lesson ended and straight away I had to go Sun Plaza to buy some stuffs for my class. We went for the Kallang Riverside Park Beach Cleanup. I must say, the beach was already quite clean so in the end some of the students were strolling and playing. In any case, I managed to capture some moments of the class.

The posers! Shahnizam is so cute!

My dear little class with Mdm Zaeton.

The event ended with a little picnic on the bus during the journey back home. I'm glad the event ended without much hiccups.

Later in the evening, Karen called me to join in the celebration of Ka Wah's birthday at the usual spot. Gosh, they call me will only spoil they mood and fun cos I won't allow them to do alot of things. I wonder why they can bear with my presence. In any case, alot of funny things happened while I was there. Ka Wah as usual was the adorablly blur and cute boy. Haaa... Here's wishing you a very happy birthday once again.

The Camera Shy Monster.

Group Photo of the culprits!

The Birthday Boy cuts the cake!

For more details on what happened during the celebration, refer to their blogs. Haaa... I am innocent.

Cheerios!

The Week Past

2006-07-23T13:51:00.000+08:00

The past week has been kind of busy.
Let me see, I had my usual volleyball sessions and after school meetings. I must say that I am impressed by the dedication of past students that came back to helped out at trainings. Of course, the current players are putting in alot of effort too but I still have to speak to a certain few with regards to their attendance.

I did my share of teaching reflection on thursday! I guess it went rather well so yeah, one less thing to occupy my mind =) This week also happened to be Racial Harmony week. It was kind of fun though I personally did not dress myself up for the occasion for a variety of reasons. lol... I promise to dress up for next years though! :)

Oh ya, 2 teachers have left he school namely, Mr Lim and Miss Vatchala. I wish both the very best @ NIE. Below are some photos I took during the week. Do Enjoy. :)

The ROM of both my friends @ the usual hangout place.

My current handphone wallpaper. Access my phone at your own risk!

A small little prank I played on my colleagues. Cheeky me.

Investiture 2006

2006-07-13T22:29:00.000+08:00

Today is THE Day.
This day, we proudly proclaim the Teacher's pledge and officially step forth into a 25000 strong fraternity. The solemn ceremony started at...

Okok, enough of such boring details. Below are some pictures of the investiture. Enjoy. =)

The stage where we are presented the folder by the Dean of Academic Studies. Sitting through 800 awardess is no joke...

What we've all been waiting for! After sitting and clapping for one and a half hours, we finally got our hands on this folder, and *drum roll*...

Tada! What lies beneath! Nothing! Hahaha...so much for "Its the thoughts that counts" huh...

Presenting my fellow teachers, colleagues and the batch of 06'! =)

Sun with Moon!

2006-07-10T21:13:00.000+08:00

End of Week 1 + Singapore Youth Festival!

2006-07-02T15:24:00.000+08:00

Week 1 passed peacefully and meaningfully =)
Presently, I am accustoming well to my new classes, and I must say that I can genuinely see that the students are trying to get accustomed to this new presence (that would be me) in their class.

Anyway, I will not divulge too much about the classes but the students have been great and I look forward to a wonderful time with them.

Yesterday was the Singapore Youth festival held at the existing National Stadium at Kallang, perhaps for the last time. It will be torn down very soon and the entire area will be redeveloped into a Sports Hub.

The cold concrete stonework of the stadium belies the countless beautiful memories that flowered there.

We arrived at Tg Rhu carpark at around 3.15pm. The journey was pretty uneventful. Upon disembarking the bus, it was really, so to say, "people mountain people sea"!
Students in all colors of their uniform were practically everywhere. I think TV mobile also lose. Haaa... just crapping.

Yeah, after that, it was a relatively long trek to the stadium from the carpark. The trip was made worse by the dusty environment and the hot glaring sun. It was pretty chaotic and we just practically went with the flow. After squeezing through everywhere, we finally got to the stadium! Shade at last! Well it was more waiting there but at least it was windy and shady. =)

After what seems like an eternity, we finally got to our seats and proceeded to sweat it out. Lol... it was HOT lar! The parade has not started and the emcee was trying to psyche up the crowd by urging the audiences to sing some songs. The atmosphere was pretty charged up I guess. (What else do you expect from tens of thousands of easily excitable students?!)

Our students were divided into 2 seating areas due to space constrains but the locations were rather close to each other. Upon settling down the students, we proceeded to pass them bottles of water. Don't ask me where we got them. Details are not forthcoming. Lol..

In any case, the parade formed up and the uniform groups marched in.

I was pretty surprise that there was a gun salute for the Prime Minister since I did not expect the uniform groups to be firing blanks. Mr Jimmy was busy trying to take good shots of our students for the school web and in the process I secretly took a picture of him in action! But I shan't post it here. Respect for privacy yar ;)

After the march past, the invited bands from Malaysia and Indonesia performed for the audiences but it was too soft since their contingent was rather small. They were more of playing for the PM and the VIPs. Oh well, on a brighter note, that leaves the rest of us free to amuse ourselves by commenting on what we SEE rather than HEAR. An exercise on creativity I must say.

Then came the highlights of the event. The 3 competing bands! They are in order of appearance Tanjong Katong, Deyi and Bowen Secondary. The coveted awards of Best Band Major and Best Display Band were up on the line and I must say that all 3 bands put up fantastic performances though as with all competition, there can only be one winner. As it is, The band major award went to Deyi while the display band award went to Tanjong Katong. My personal choice was Bowen but then again, I'm not the judge. Haa...

I actually have some videos of the parade but its of too low res to put up and finding a hosting site is troublesome. Yeah, so thats it. After the awards, we sang the National Anthem and left the stadium after some time. I really miss the feeling of singing the National Anthem at the stadium...

On the way back, I gave my 2A2 some biscuits and water to drink! Haa... those hungry students derserved it. Lucky I came prepared. It had been a very long day for all of us but I must say that personally, it was a meaningful and fruitful day... I had a good chat with Mr Jimmy on the trip back to school. The rest is history...

Holidays Are Never Enough Part 1

2006-06-21T00:34:00.000+08:00

1 more day to Staff meeting and 5 more days to the start of school term!
How time flies! Holidays are about to end!
REcently when I informally popped the question "Holidays are ending, any thoughts?" to a few students, I got these replies.

(To protect the identity of the students, they will not be named)

Student A: "badd"

Student B: "Cannot watch World Cup"

Is it really that bad, Holidays ending?
I certainly do not feel so.
Apparently I am alone in this matter.

I for one, simply can't wait for school to start.
To me, each new day presents a new set of challenges.
And with every challenge that I overcome, I will feel that I've managed to accomplish what life has set out for me to do.

Life should be fun, I agree. However beyond the fun, we have to also learn something because the day you stop learning, is the day you stop growing.

So what have you learnt today?

Wedding!

2006-06-19T18:32:00.000+08:00

I went for a wedding of my Secondary school mate at Conrad Centennial and I must say that I like the ambience there. Though it's located at a prime location, it was still not easy to fill the place since it was hidden behind a cluster of other hotels.

Anyway, the wedding was the usual affair. Ceremony, video, Eat, toast, eat, toast, eat... you get the Idea. Lol... It was especially nice to meet some of my secondary school friends after so many years, 10 years to be exact. Gosh... 10 years.

A Decade.

Wow.
It seems like yesterday when we were still hanging out after school in the canteen!

My good old buddy!

ps: The food at Conrad is nice! :)

Ikea! Ikea!

2006-06-14T21:53:00.000+08:00

It was Ikea day today! Went there to shop for some bookends and CD racks. Unfortunately, the CD rack was a tad bit tall... all 2 metres of it. I've got to think of a wayto bring it home. I doubt it can fit into the taxi too. Below is a picture of the rack. It's suppose to be black in ccolor though.

Haaa... Yea, recalling the days when Ikea was the favourite haunt for the hostelites! Those were the days, University days! Gosh...

Talking about Ikea, I miss the Swedish Meatballs! Yum yum! Of course, not forgetting the cheap and good ($1.20, used to be $1 flat) chicken hot dog bun!

Those were the days...

Happy Birthday to Tin Guan.

2006-06-13T16:21:00.000+08:00

Recently, I've been trying to get my exercise regime back on track. Thanks to the weather, its hardly regular these days. Where is the Sun when you need it? Hmm... its always a love-hate relationship with the Sun... Love it when its cold. Detest when its hot. Humans are so fickle.

Anyway, I was shopping for somethings BY MYSELF yesterday when I got a surprise call from "Yuling". Why the inverted commas? Go figure. ;) In any case, it was Tin Guan's birthday and they were asking me to join them for some cakes. Happy Belated Birthday to Tin Guan once again. =) Hope you have had a wonderful birthday.

I must say that even though I gave some of them my numbers, I was still rather surprise to receive the call. I guess I just didn't expect it but it is nice to be remembered and invited along. Thank you guys (and gals if you want to be particular about it).

As usual, there were cakes leftover (how many birthdays have you attended in which there were no leftover cakes?) and brilliantly, I suggested to play 终极密码... Yeah, trust me to put myself into the situation. I had to eat too, even when I was already very full. Haa... how brilliant. In the end, only Yuling DID NOT get forfeited. Well done. But then, there's always the next time. Haha... till then.

Meanwhile enjoy the photos below, courtesy of Yuling and Karen.
By the way, Karen is flying to Cambodia soon. Here's wishing her a safe and enjoyable trip ;)

Cheerios and Au Revoir.

Karen and Yuling.

The Birthday Boy.

Yuling and Tin Guan.

2006-06-03T22:32:00.000+08:00

One word separates the dreamers from their dreams.

Determination.

In this dangerous new world, dreams keep hope alive.
Stay foolish.

And keep dreaming...

-----------------------------------------
Safe in a Crazy World - Corrine May

I try to smile my tears away, I try to keep my cool.
Oh but one more door gets in my way I feel like such a fool
Trampled and bitter, My heart just wants to bleed and stop
Believing in me.

It feels like nothing is for certain and that nothing comes for free
When they're lowering the curtain to the theatre of my dreams
I stumble and I crumble and I'm sinking to my knees for you
You cradle me.

You keep me flying, You keep me smiling.
You keep me safe in a crazy world.
You understand me, embrace my fragility. You keep me safe in a crazy world
And in your arms I find the strength to believe in me again

Noise keeps chasing me, no matter where I go
Oh and life likes pretending that it's on a TV show
When it's hard to tell what's real from what the world just wants to preach
You are the voice I seek

You keep me flying, You keep me smiling.
You keep me safe in a crazy world
You understand me, embrace my fragility. You keep me safe in a crazy world

Cause when I'm wrapped up in your arms Nothing else can touch me
What a wonderful way to recharge I feel like I can breathe again

You keep me flying, You keep me smiling.
You keep me safe in a crazy world.
You understand me, embrace my fragility. You keep me safe in a crazy world
And in your arms I find the strength to believe in me again

2006-06-02T23:49:00.000+08:00

ITE College East - Where dreams come true..

The teachers-to-be paid a courtesy visit to ITE College East today and I must say that the infrastruture and facilities there are pretty impressive! On the whole, the facilities are top notch but I would be more interested in observing how lessons are conducted rather than going for a campus tour that does nothing much except to impress upon us the cost that went into setting up the college.

In any case, the college has very impressive facilities. The Beauty Therapy center alone raised many-a-envious hearts among the ladies, what with all the free pedicure and manicure sessions available for the students. Equally captivating was the showcase at the Center for Information Technology and Communications. The good programming work done by the students proved that students there are really being taught well!

The session ended with a buffet spread which was really quite a spread (pun intended). I feel that the buffet was not raelly neccessary, but I appreciated it nonetheless. I would really love to pay another visit there just to experience the culture of the college and to observe the lessons being conducted there. I think that would provide me with a much more valuable and meaningful take-away.

***

We went to one of the fellow teacher's house for a BBQ and some good old fun. Really enjoyed ourselves there with all the racing and competition haa... all in all, I must say that it is a day well spent. We had loads of fun doting on the 2 kids there! They are simply adorable! Kids are simply adorable when they are exploring their surroundings I must say. lol...

Anyway, I had a long and tiring day. I hope whoever is reading this entry also have had a day well spent as well. Keep the good times coming.
Cheerios.

Carpe diem.

2006-06-02T00:15:00.000+08:00

My first post in this new blog for my students. =)
As always, there are some guidelines that need to be observed namely:

1) Feel free to make comments

2) No vulgarities when posting comments. ;)

3) No personal attacks shall be condone in this blog.

Other than that, feel free to post comments. I'll blog when I can. Haaa...

Carpe diem.