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Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the bright and morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart
Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours
Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me
My first short blog entry, after more than six months!!! Calls for a mini celebration? Kekeke
Went to Bangkok (BKK) with Nic. Grand Diamond, as highly recommended by TomSum, is lovely! The lobby was small and simple, but there were shops, all ready to fight for our cash. We had a cup of coffee at Starbucks (just to get small cash for tipping), which was just next to the lobby! We got to our suite and I was taken aback by the view. Suddenly, we didn’t feel like leaving our hotel. It was the perfect place to spend an idyllic afternoon. Argh…
Shopping therapy commenced but I believe I didn’t buy as much as I thought I would have. The clothes did not fit my style, and were simply small and translucent. Surprisingly, I realized that the clothes at Platinum Mall were more expensive than those sold along the roads. Bought mainly accessories at Chatuchak. Also went to MBK and walked back to our hotel from there. This trip is about our feet. Hee. We walked a lot, thanks to Nic who manoeuvred us using a map, landmarks (and I did not see any?) and ‘feel’. On another note, it was weird that the BTS system used cards like us whereas the MRT system used tokens.
The splendid variety of food at BKK caught us in a terrible dilemma. We wanted to taste almost everything, which was reasonably priced. At Siam Paragon’s food court, a stall selling pastries caught my attention because of their coloured boxes, which were meant to contain the pastries. I purchased the Portuguese Egg White Tarts (which got me asking for more in the middle of the night) amongst others. It sold Spinach Pies and Mushroom Pies, which suggested a tinge of cheese which I wondered why. The Mango with Sticky Rice made Nic and I go back on another day for an additional buy. We also luxuriated in foot and Thai body massages daily!
Nights in BKK were everything except early. We strolled along the streets, slept late and had supper while watching movies on the television. We called for Room Service – ordered a Seafood Pizza. The indulgence was amazing with a generous portion of succulent prawns, freshly fried fish fillets and squids! Furthermore, we ate Phad Thai from a roadside stall. It was simple and refreshing.
Before we left, we bought Cinnamon Rolls for the staff at Starbucks and hotel. We wanted to thank them for their service and hospitality. A phenomenon which left me in admiration was the way the friendly Thai people queued while waiting for the trains. When will Singaporeans ever do that? Tsk tsk tsk. My next target? Korea!
Back to reality. Unpacked our luggage in the middle of the night and did the laundry. The days which followed are filled with reminiscence. Cooped up in my bedroom, I yearned for the spacious hotel room, sensuous massages, seemingly endless shopping sprees and delectable food. Finally pulled myself to touch the stacks of worksheets on my table. More to go…
Thursday, December 09, 2010
-2:25 PM
Visited Lee Ching and Kateleen, Yun Xi. She is one happy baby and gets entertained for a long time just over pieces of paper. She also chuckles non-stop. No wonder Ching is going gaga over her. Hee...
Went out with the YTPS gals for lunch and shop for Marga's baby clothes. We had a great time catching up. Wonder why we were squatting...
Attended Kaixin's wedding some time back and was impressed with the toilet decor at the Jurong Safra. Thus, both Ash and I posed for a picture.
At the table with three other angels...
Kind Woody invited several of us to his cosy home to see Janelle and have a popiah spread for lunch. I chatted a long time with his gorgeous wide, Annabelle and he had fun playing Wii with Nic.
Brought Krys and Esther out for lunch at Swenson's before we head to Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum hidden in Chinese Garden. Esther was afraid of the big creatures but let her guard down when feeding the smaller ones in the pond.
We had a family outing at the zoo in May. It was humid but fulfilling...
With Tyler and his paw print...
With Esther baby, who is going to Primary 1 in 2011!
Participated in a musical earlier this year (when I was still breathing at work) and this was part of the lovely actors and actresses... The head gear weighs a tonne but I had fun working with the people there...
With Nic, who patiently waited for me for almost every rehearsal...
With Grace, Mulan's grandmother.
With the 'female' Mulan, Velisa. She is such a sweet girl!
Once, Nic brought a few of us to fly kite at the big space in front of my block of flats and the little ones were treated to ice-cream at Mac after that.
The spidey kite was as big as Esther!
Our school celebrated her anniversary at the Chinese Garden and these are several of the angels posing in front of the mini viking...
Just yesterday, the NIE gals met up and went to Minds Cafe for fun and laughter again! I had a sumptuous dinner with Marie at Hotpot Culture too. Didn't know that there is 10% discount for UOB card holders there!
It is already December. I haven't finished doing what I have to for a project next year in school. Challenging 2011 ahead, with Marie getting married in June and Mich Tan in December.
Fell in love with Jodi Picoult in October and Nic bought me two of her books for my reading pleasure. He wanted me to get her entire collection but I feel that it is a waste of money.
I think I am catching a cold. Having sore throat and runny nose now. I wonder why is it that I only fall sick during the holidays and seldom during school term. Haa. Zero MC so far since I stepped into this school.
Friday, October 22, 2010
-8:57 PM
(1) I haven't been hooked to something for a very long time. This time, I am completely captivated. That got me away from the Taiwan serial drama, 爱. That got my attention away from most things. That caused me to take the train in the wrong direction. All thanks to Santhi. Haha. She recommended and lent me My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult. Didn't catch the movie and I don't think I'd missed much because the author could narrate excellently! The climax came when I least expected it and yes, I cried too. Thank God I witness no such drama in reality. Thank God that I was meaningfully occupied while waiting to do my job during PSLE marking for four days.
(2) On impulse? With intent? No idea. Bought two other in two days. Am in love. Can't wait to start on House Rules and Change of Heart. What is next for my collection?
(3) Attended Uncle's ROM at his humble love nest. His wife is gorgeous. Next? His wedding dinner in November. Am elated for him... Now I have an auntie younger than me. Haa.
(4) Stella's getting married too! In November. Saw several of her wedding pictures - exotic. She has come a long wait. Glad that she found her love who dotes on her.
(5) Next year will be Marie's... =D
(6) Am over the moon because mum lavished on me a Bonia bag and purse. My most expensive bag and purse so far because I believe she knows that I will never splurge on them. Like a little girl, the gifts are extremely sweet when I am at the receiving end. Don't get me wrong. I know that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
(7) I want to question. On the other hand, I don't think I can handle the truths. Thus, I learn to accept and remain silent. It's pointless anyway to pursue the reasons. Go on, be happy...
(8) He makes me laugh. He makes me cry too. That is good enough.
(9) Marking will start tomorrow. Hopefully I can complete them and turn to Jodi again. Haa. Lesson plan is done for next week. Yeah! Wednesday's Nic's birthday but he has GESL and so we cannot possibly celebrate. Sad... =(
(11) It is going to be a weird weekend. Nonetheless, I get to indulge a little. Welcome!
(12) The wind blows. The clouds move. The wind stops. The clouds continue.
(13) My neck is aching. So is my left shoulder. All thanks to PSLE marking. Being an educator has its health hazards too! Unbelievable but oh, so real! I miss my work station a little. Two days on course next week so I will miss my pupils too. Can't wish them all the best personally on the actual days of examination as I will not be in school. Be praying for them though. Next? The Cluster project. And? TLLM project. Anymore? Prize giving ceremony rehearsals. Really? Day camp. Enough?
(14) It is already end of October. December is approaching. Where are the rains? The uninvited haze is a plague.
(15) Thank God for the opportunity to teach 4C and 5P. The former responses well to non-routine English lessons which I really enjoy teaching. The latter is a painful source of joy. =}
(16) Thank God for friends like Sin Yee and Karen. They are so real. Wish that we be in the same level next year...
(17) The principal from XXXX treated us like defiant kids. On the last day, the Operation Manager had to relay the message: Mr YYYY said that if you don't wait at the canteen, he will not release you. On the first day, he asked all the late comers to report to him after his talk. He commented that he wanted to know why they were late. I was almost late on the second day and I nearly risked my life to beat the red light. I didn't. Figured out that my life is worth more than his threats. If we were dissatisfied with the food served, we had to bear in mind that he was eating the same food as us. Yes, this reminder came verbally in a distasteful manner. We were warned to dress professionally because he did not want to send any one of us back home to change. I could go on... because I am a kid?
Saturday, October 02, 2010
-5:55 PM
Haven't blogged for donkey years? Haha. Work is crazy. Didn't know that a teacher's life includes working on projects...
I love Skinny Pizza! This is the third I've tried and I will be back for more. My target? Try everything on their menu. LOL. I want to bring my family one day. Fortunately, they serve vegetarian pizzas so hopefully they will go down well with my mum.
Took a picture with two of my kakis from YTPS during our Teachers' Day Dinner...
Attended Kaixin's wedding and many colleagues were there. Didn't manage to get a picture of the bride because I was too far from her. Haa.
Yes, I was so intrigued by the layout of the sinks that I got Ashie to have a picture snapped with me. Crazy gals???
Time for dinner... Mum is calling...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
-6:54 PM
I really empathise with this dear friend of mine. She had already done all that she could to help alleviate the workload of one of her colleagues. Nonetheless, she was taken for granted and accused of being calculative. How could there ever be such a person? My heart goes out to her but there is nothing I could do… …
Grace has been tasked to plan for a school event with another colleague by the name of XX. Both of them have been taking turns to rehearse with pupils involved. However, Grace took it upon herself to do all the administration for the past six months as she was the main person-in-charge. “XX has an elderly and sickly parent to care for so I thought it is only humane on my part to do what I can to lighten her workload,” Grace related to me. She was the one doing all the attendance for pupils, claim forms for vendors (who train these pupils), consent forms for pupils, doing reports to update on the progress of this event and answering all queries from anxious parents.
Out of the blue, an enthusiastic child went for one of the rehearsals (which XX was on duty) and his father asked XX if his boy could join the event. Without seeking further clarification nor asking for Grace’s permission, XX accepted the child. During the next rehearsal, Grace found this innocent new face and questioned him on his involvement. She then found out what XX had done. It was too late to send the boy home because his father had left. Soft-hearted Grace then allowed the boy to participate in that rehearsal. Grace discussed with XX the next day and it was decided that XX should call and let the boy’s father know that it was a mistake on her behalf to take in the boy. This was concluded on the basis that both XX and the boy’s father had already touched base.
XX failed to call. This dragged on for a few days. Finally, XX was not feeling well and asked Grace to call on a Friday evening. Grace couldn’t call either as she had to accompany her husband who was suddenly hospitalized over the weekend. Monday came and Grace gently asked XX if she was feeling better. She also broke the news to XX that the call had not been made because of her husband’s admission into GeneralHospital. Grace suggested to XX that she could make the call that day and XX agreed.
Guess what happened after this? A fellow colleague told Grace that XX commented that she was a petty person to work with. Apparently, XX mentioned that Grace was too calculative in terms of work and tried to pass the task of making a call to her (XX). Poor Grace! She was deeply hurt. After all that she had been quietly doing, she was accused of being such a selfish person? And everything didn’t just end here. Many other colleagues went to Grace and asked her casually about this matter. Huh? How did they come to know about this?
Nuggets of truth and lessons to be learnt? 1) There are useless and incapable peoplewho busy themselves with spreading rumours instead of doing proper and constructive work. 2) There are scums who are out to accuse, hurt and demoralize others. 3) It doesn’t pay to be too nice. Okay, the last one was from me to Grace.
As Grace narrated the entire incident to me, she appeared strong but as her friend, I could feel her heart crying. She still cannot believe that her colleague did this to her… …
Thursday, April 29, 2010
-1:34 PM
I felt extremely useless. How can I help them? I reprimanded them and I didn't feel good inside. I threatened them. They will never see my smile again if they continue to be nonchalant about their own progress. How can they be motivated? I am starting to worry for them - PSLE is next year! The fundamentals are not there! The effort is not there. Why are they not learning? Into God's hand I have to surrender them. It is so easy to depend on myself but it is never about me. Am just a tool, a bridge... Stir in me a desire and urgency to keep them in prayers, God. I have to cool down, stay calm and divorce myself from these negative thoughts. And yes, back to marking... Give me strength and be with me as I persevere... I know, it is still too early to give up...
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
-9:46 PM
Love this song... the rhythm... groovy!
Say Hey by Michael Franti and Spearhead
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
-7:57 PM
He touched me. After five long years of waiting, I found a person who made my heart skip a beat from time to time. I supposed it started naturally with group outings, then to just the both of us catching movies. I am very comfortable in his company but I didn't quite link it to other feelings. Was it denial? Still, he popped the weird question and I had to confront my own feelings. It took me a lot of courage and I believe it is the same for him. After all, we are pretty different in terms of age, size and height. Haa. But his sincerity stood out. The way he cared for me is absolutely nothing but sweetness. Imagine a guy accompanying me for my rehearsals (for a musical) and patiently waited (for around three hours) until I was done so that we could go for dinner and chill out. He made me sandwiches for lunches. He bought me coffees because I needed the caffeine. He entertained and flew a kite with my cousins, nephew and me. He waited with me for buses even before we are together. He is there when I need to ventilate. The list can go on. And one ridiculous reason is... he likes me with my glasses! Keke. I am lazy to doll up most of the time so my special someone must appreciate me the way I am. Little do I know that he has been by my side for some time already! Unbelievably, he can take my nonsense. In fact, he finds me amusing, I think. Hehe. Nonetheless, he has to pass the 'test' from my second family ultimately. TomSumJo met him and Jojo seemed to take a liking to him towards the end of our dinner. Hilarious! Sum told me that Jojo feels that I am his girlfriend and that I belong to him. Now that he has a godpa, he must be feeling strange. But the fact is, he has one more person to dote on him. Think there will be many more trips with my second family to overseas with him. Thank you, for being a part of my life... Thank you, for loving me...
Friday, April 02, 2010
-8:19 PM
Never have I celebrated my birthday with such suspense, pomp and merriment…
School ended fifteen minutes past six in the evening after more than five hours of meeting and ten periods of work in school. I rushed home madly in a cab, showered (it was the least I could do to make sure TomSumJo did not faint when I entered their car) and changed.
Darkness enveloped me when my eyes were covered by a blindfold hand-made by Sum. I was made to listen to her MP3, and soon, my nostrils were completely blocked by Jo’s old comfy hankie. She led me up two flights of stairs and I stood there as they manipulated my posture. Finally, I was told that I could take off the blindfold and to my ultimate surprise, many of my beloved friends were right before me! Yes, I was touched beyond words. How could these angels be so nice to me?
The night was memorably spent by playing childish games, cutting the biggest cake ever meant for me, eating McDonald’s junk food, chatting and catching up, receiving and opening of gifts, smiling and being photographed by cameras of various brands… …
These sweet memories will be etched in my mind and heart forever. Thanks, Sum, for painstakingly planning via FB. Thanks, Tommy, for bringing me to school early that morning and then again in the evening, to the ‘restaurant’. I lurve my second family! Thanks, Ludwig, for coming to an unfamiliar and faraway place to celebrate my birthday despite your demanding work. Thanks, Rus, Mic and Ah Drew, for not contacting me, which made me feel ‘forgotten’ that day. Thanks to my caring cell members (Clement and family, Helen and Chris, and Dickson and Alison), the youthful young adults (Yvonne, Ah Di, Kuen, Leslie, Nic, Ben, Dap and Gerald) and Regina and her beau, Calvin, for their presence and presents.
That extraordinary day marked the end of Gillian in her twenties and welcomed the start of her in her thirties. Actually, I still don’t feel like my age. Haa. The extravagant gifts of love and cards with well wishes are a huge indulgence… Thank God, for these exceptional jewels, whom he planted in my life to catch a glimpse of His immense love for me…
With my second family and Ludwig
With the crowd...
With Rus and Mich
With Ah Drew
Blowing the flame with godson Jo
Blindfolded...
My friends in school spent my first birthday in YTPS with me too! We had dinner at Breeks and the crew sang Marga and me a birthday song. Kim bought us a fruity birthday cake. AshNicRaudMar got me a couch bag and a pair of purple earrings. Hehe. These gems are such a blessing in every way. Ashie and Nic listen whenever I need to ventilate. Haa! Ashie will give me sweet little surprises on my table. ‘Bullying’ Nic Mei is somewhat therapeutic as he takes all my weird actions and words. I know, I am a nutcase. Ryan talks nonsense with and cares for me. Marga and Raud are great for company and chats. Gek Tiang and Xinyi are so helpful. Janice is constantly showering me with encouragements. Darren gave me small treats too. What more can I ask for?
My birthday in school was generously sprinkled with love when work was hectic. Ryan and Meow Huang got me lunch on two separate days. Kai Xin and Raud bought me cakes. Danny gave me a mini bear. My mischievous 5 Empathy sang me a birthday song. Several of my pupils made me cards and gave me gifts which I couldn’t refuse. Many sent their well wishes via Facebook. And thanks to FB, many of them went, “Miss Gillian, you are thirty?” Argh… It’s a fabulous age to hit?
With Ashie
Thanks to TomSum, I have time to quickly blog before I get back to serious work. I just want to express my gratitude and not procrastinate any longer. Come to think of it, next week is crazy with mangrove clearing with my form class on Monday from 2pm to 5pm, Science course from 2.30pm to 5pm on Tuesday (at a faraway place), English workshop from 2pm to 5pm on Wednesday, CCA from 3.30pm to 6.15pm on Thursday and tuition on Friday at 5.30pm. The highlight of next week? Lesson observation on Wednesday by my Reporting Officer, who informed me that the P and VP may drop by too. *faintz* My detailed and weekly lesson plans are beckoning me. My compositions are stacking up too. Still, I am thankful. At least, I have work to do.
Suddenly, this song came again. It’s meant for Him. It’s also dedicated to all my loved ones… you…
For all those times you stood by me For all the truth that you made me see For all the joy you brought to my life For all the wrong that you made right For every dream you made come true For all the love I found in you I'll be forever thankful baby You're the one who held me up Never let me fall You're the one who saw me through through it all
You were my strength when I was weak You were my voice when I couldn't speak You were my eyes when I couldn't see You saw the best there was in me Lifted me up when I couldn't reach You gave me faith 'coz you believed I'm everything I am Because you loved me
You gave me wings and made me fly You touched my hand I could touch the sky I lost my faith, you gave it back to me You said no star was out of reach You stood by me and I stood tall I had your love I had it all I'm grateful for each day you gave me Maybe I don't know that much But I know this much is true I was blessed because I was loved by you
You were always there for me The tender wind that carried me A light in the dark shining your love into my life You've been my inspiration Through the lies you were the truth My world is a better place because of you
Saturday, March 20, 2010
-1:27 AM
Am exhausted but I guess I am too stimulated to sleep... all thanks to Ashie and Nic... Haha. We had close to seven hours of singing, followed by dinner at Ma Maison. I really enjoyed my dinner and we even went to JCO for donuts and coffee. Yes, the drink was potent enough to keep me awake till now. We had so much fun cam-whoring and laughed till our cheeks ached. Making fun of Nic (Mei) was part of the highlight of the day. Our Guest-of-Honour was Ryan. He reminds me of my Dage. Both have the same English name, are of the same age and they are August babies! Okay, and they are pretty fair too. Maybe I should make him my bro too. =P
Nic and Ryan... Sunshine smile!
My kopi... with a fanciful name and description...
Ashie took numerous pictures of me and my donut, so I got them fixed together... Yesh! My classic silly expressions...
Ashie and Gillian... fairy and godmother... make your fairy godmother... LOL
Nic and his shaking hand resulted in this blur shot... and I kinda like it... Does it look surreal?
This one week 'break' is coming to an end. Am left with one more section to set in the SA1 paper. The stacks of Science and English papers, together with the compositions are not done with marking yet. Eh... need to strike a work-life balance, yeah? All day's work and no play make Gil a dull gal... And I am turning XX years old soon. Haha.
