Confessions of a Drama Queen

Moving

2006-06-13T23:04:00.000+08:00

Dearest all,

I'll be moving from this blog to http://hazman.e-joi.com/cherrydew/ . All the photos I have promised for the past few days will be posted in the new site.

My new site will comprise of my opinions on the articles related to healthcare, health, OT etc. In addition, I'll add in my individulised case studies and reports.

Miss my funny side? Click on the Dear Diary section at the side bar. It will contain more informal entries about my life, friends and of course, gossips. Hehehe! So check it out ya!

Anyway, sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Suhaila

My OT Works!

2006-06-12T21:38:00.000+08:00

My new webpage dedicated only for entries related to occupational therapy.

The OT Times

2006-06-12T21:34:00.000+08:00

Occupations as Therapy event, called The OT Times, was held at Fort Canning just now. It was a good chance for the Year 1s and 2s to bond and get to know each other better. I was in the food committee. Hehehe! Expected, right? Anyway, I shall update about it MORE when I have uploaded the photos. Thus, it'll be more like a photo journal entry kindda thing. Alright?

Fri-Sat-Sun

2006-06-11T19:43:00.000+08:00

I'll start from Friday.

Friday
Yay! My 2-week break is finally here! Yoohoo! Ate Ayam Penyek with Dear and his colleagues.

Saturday
CARS! Yup, that Disney Pixar movie. I watched it with Kimberly and her friends. Free ticket. Hehehe! It was an interesting movie with a different point of view. Yup, yup. From a car's point of view. Actually, children can learn a lot of values from it. Ok, kids. Whine till your mum follows you to watch it in the cinema.

Lunch at Larissa Cafe with Dear. Went to Toys'r'us to buy some err, toys. Clementi NTUC. And finally, home sweet home. Had tons of fun with him.

Went to Nenek's house lepas Maghrib. Played with Nurul. And I DROVE at 95km/h.

Sunday
Cooked spaghetti for lunch. I know it tastes a little bland. Gave him some. Don't know what he thinks of it. But surely, not very nice. I'll improve on it ya.

Went to Sis' concert at Esplanade Concert Hall with family and 2 of my cousins, Siti and Ayu. Had to wait for quite some time as parents are KS aka kiasu. We are the 2nd family to enter the hall. Went to West Coast to eat before sending them back home.

Tuesdays with Suhaila

2006-06-06T23:30:00.000+08:00

I know I shouldn't be sitting in front of the PC. Let alone typing this entry. But hey... I need a break ok.

Life has been quite slack this week. Hahaha... This week. It's only Tuesday. Ok. So today I had 2 hours of lecture and tomorrow I'll have 1 period of lecture. Yes! So good, right? But fat hope. I have some research to do for a case study involving an autistic child. Ohhh... Do you know that I'm so excited on embarking, or shall I say, starting this particular case study? Semangat seh! Why? Because it's PEDIATRICS! It's quite new for me but nevertheless, I'll try my very best to plan some treatment for her. I know it's not that I'm really going to implement the treatment on her. But still... I need to develop my planning and clinical reasoning skills.

Hmmm... Friday. I'm going to have my elective test on Friday. It's MCQ lah... So I think I'll read through the skimpy notes later. It's totally, 100%, an application question and to make me lazier, it's open-book. Please. Someone. Slap me.

Something happened in school today. Promise me not to laugh. I was at my locker, trying to pull a box out. In a split second, a whole pile of books fall onto my face! It hurts. Damn it.

Sembarang Ah!

2006-06-04T20:53:00.000+08:00

Lazy to think of any titles.

I finally met up with Kim after such a long... time. Yeah... We have been busy with school and such. She's currently working as it's her 3-month break now. Listen! 3-month break VS 2-week break! How pathetic mine is.

Found my hands are becoming drier due to the persistent hand-washing. No, I don't have OCD. It was just that I did some spring cleaning yesterday and now my hands are kinda dry. Gonna find my Nivea moisturising lotion...

Oh ya. I've decided to bring food from home from now on. I'm so sick and tired of the long queues at ALL CANTEENS IN SCHOOL! They are so darn long. I queued till I have no appetite. My stomach is no longer hungry by then. I've bought the Corn Gardenia bread for most of my lunches this week. Now, I hate lunch hours.

It's June now!

2006-06-03T13:58:00.000+08:00

May has just passed and it's so hard to believe! With my 2-week break coming, I had a load of stuffs to plan for June. My 2-week break will never be the same again!

I'm Playing the Sick Role Now...

2006-05-31T21:04:00.000+08:00

I'm not updating as often as I have been doing previously. I know. I'm currently occupying the sick role. Went to the doc just now in the morning.

School was just 3 hours today. Best! After that, I followed my coursemates to Fort Canning to recce the area for the Occupations as Therapy event. It is organised for the Year 1s. Yeah... It's part of the module requirements and we have to write a report of the event at the end of the day. That sucks, right?

Anyway, thanks Kim for enrolling me in the Biotherm membership thingy. And to him, all the best for the interview tomorrow!

Of Conference, Him and Ez-link Card

2006-05-28T19:22:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was the SHS Student conference event and I'm so proud that my seniors won the Best Paper prize!!! Way to go, OTs! Bagus! And I can't help but feeling happy that occupational therapists are being more recognised here with more and more private practice being set up.

I chatted with one of my seniors whom I got to know during one of my clinical attachment. Dah lama tak jumpe kan... She's going to La Trobe University to take her degree and honours. Ooh... Sometimes I just wish I'm graduating this year. Alahai... Tapi tak pe. Lagi 1 tahun lebih je.

After that, I met up with him. We went to West Mall to take a look at the mobile phone promotions. Wow... Massive crowd in front of the M1 shop. Macam pasar malam seh. And he bought a new phone with a new number. Oh... The number which he always recites now and then. Excited lah katakan... Hehehe! Tul tak?

Oh ya... I have to tell you this... I lost my ez-link card. Sad but looking at the brighter side, it'll be replaced with a nicer-looking picture of me. It's already been done just now and I'm waiting for my refunds next Sunday.

So that's all for today. Tekak pun dah perit ni. Kene minum air.

Ciao!

My First Time

2006-05-24T22:03:00.000+08:00

At last, I'd finally plucked up the courage to donate blood. I know this may sound nothing to some of you but it really means something to me. Why? Because I had hesitated twice!

Actually, the whole process wasn't a painful one. It was fast and the feeling I get after that was simply great. It was the satisfaction when I know that I'll be helping someone, somehow.

Ok... Back to doing my presentation. Sorry, no link.

Where's our Break?

2006-05-23T19:03:00.000+08:00

I'm currently swamped with lots of assignments and project presentations. Some of them will be dued after my 2-week break while the others will be due on Week 17. For your infomation, I'm currently on the 6th week of school.

I better plan my 2-week break properly. But what is expected that 70% of it will be spent doing assignments and going for project meetings.

So where is the supposedly break?

Another Sunday

2006-05-21T20:03:00.000+08:00

Another entry. Hahaha! Hilangkan stress lah...

I did some productive things today. At last right... Hahaha!

Read and analysed the Chessington OT Neurological Assessment Battery(COTNAB).
Read the articles in my Self-maintenance manual.
Did some readings for my Abnormal Psychology presentation.
Will be analysing my cakar ayam handwriting in the BSM manual while watching Singapore Idol later, or now.

Note: Cakar ayam handwriting is due to my sleepiness and the fast and furious speed my lecturer was talking. Thus, the handwriting is not my normal one. I have nice handwriting okay

C.A.N.D.L.E.S.

2006-05-21T19:55:00.000+08:00

Look at these candles! Nice right? My mum received these from her friend. Oh... I'm going to have a romantic night with myself tonight. Ooh ya... These aromatic candles are going to make me sleep early tonight. Hehehe! So anti-climax.

Today...

2006-05-20T18:39:00.000+08:00

Was the soccer tournament. My classmates managed to get into the semi-finals. Not bad, huh... Now, I have 2 things to say.

1. Exhausted.
2. Sunburnt.

And oh... Feeling sleepy now.

Yesterday...

2006-05-20T18:35:00.000+08:00

You know what... We did transfers during mobility lesson and it was so, so, so enjoyable. Really!!! This is so especially if someone did the transfers on you. You feel like you are riding on a camel or flying. Errr... I know they are totally 2 different experiences but it was really fun. We did the orthodox lift which gives the 'I believe I can fly' feeling and the shoulder lift. That one was scary... At least for me lah...

We also did transfers from bed to wheelchair for person who has no control over his body. So the limbs are all flaccid. I did the transfers for my friends and I'm beginning to be more interested in orthopedics again. Ya... Again.

Oh... Have I told you that I love stroke cases??? No? Yes? No? They are interesting and somehow quite challenging. Actually, the latter one depends on case to case basis. But nevertheless, I love stroke. Cases. Hehehe!

And yesterday, Susan and I went for window-shopping at Junction 8 after school. Right after that, I met up with Dear at Novena. We went to Borders with the intention to place orders for some books. Oh ya... I also went to Cahaya at Far East. Fried wanton eversince 10 months ago? Hahaha! After that, we dropped by NTUC at Clementi on our way home. Hmmm... Dear has a sweet tooth.

Ice-creams and chocolates. I like. Lucky you.

Personal Thoughts

2006-05-17T21:45:00.000+08:00

Jogged just now and did some skipping after that while watching American Idol. I feel good now. More awake. But be prepared for aches tomorrow.

Anyway, tomorrow is the BSM a.k.a. 'Feel your muscles' module again. I'm telling you that I dread this module. Not because of the fact that we need to strip to our bare essentials(swimming costumes), but the fact that there are so many facts (Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics) that I really need to be competent in for this module.

But since this is what I choose to be for my future profession, I shall endure...

Pondering...

2006-05-16T21:56:00.000+08:00

Time passes fast and it's already the 5th week of school. 13 weeks more before I get on to the 2nd semester of Year 2.

Sometimes, I just wish I am in Year 3 now. Hmph...

Poseidon with Dear

2006-05-14T17:04:00.000+08:00

And I forgot to mention that yesterday I went out with Dear to catch Poseidon at Great World City. It was so much like Titanic. But nevertheless, I really enjoyed the whole movie with his companionship.

And Josh Lucas is so good-looking.

Happy Mothers' Day

2006-05-14T16:29:00.000+08:00

... to all mothers out there. It doesn't matter if you are a normal married mother, single mother or widowed mother. It's a special day dedicated for you.

My family celebrated this day by going for a seafood lunch at Gelang Patah in Johor, Malaysia. Quite a few fellow Singaporeans were there too, celebrating this day. We had a scrumptious lunch with the freshest seafood. Just look at the photo below. I bet it can stimulate your salivary glands in your mouth. Hehehe!

See! Looks nice, right? Of course lah... After such a sinful lunch today, I want to jog/swim on Tuesday since I'm going to be fully booked tomorrow. Schooling from 8am to 6pm. Then, I'll be having SHS Club meeting right after that. Oh my goodness! More than 12 hours in school.

Ok... Back to today. I took a few photos there. The restaurant may not very exclusively nice to you but at least I can see the sky there. Hmmm... You get what I mean?

Before I end this entry, I would like to wish my beautiful mother, Jamilah, a Happy Mothers' Day!!! May Allah bless you with a happy and healthy life. Nag less often, ok? Hehehe!

My Mum!

Oh ya... The Mango Pudding photos right... I didn't manage to capture them because I was so engrossed in making them. Now, only left a few pieces. So just forget it.

Have a nice day!

One Down, Many More to Go!

2006-05-12T22:29:00.000+08:00

The first viva voce is over! I'm glad that everything went smoothly although I had no time to prepare the treatment goals during that 10 minute preparation time. So no more of activity analysis module. But there's still Physiology, Creativity, Counselling, Biosensorimotor, Mobilty... blah blah blah...

Alright! Weekends are finally here again. And today is Vesak Day. Public holiday for everyone here. I really need it. How nice if we have a 4-days of working/schooling week the whole year round. How wonderful...

Anyway, some of my coursemates are falling sick one by one. I hope they'll get well soon.

Hmmm... Weekends... Weekends... Tomorrow, I'll be making mango pudding for my mum. Ya, mango pudding with freshly cut mangoes! Imagine the sweetness, smoothness and coolness of the pudding as it slowly lies on your tongue. Hehehe!

No worries! I'll be taking photo of it.

I'll be meeting Dear too in the evening. Miss him a lot.

On Sunday, I'll be going to Johor for a Mothers' Day Seafood Lunch. Same place. Most probably. Hmmm... Expected. Where else, right?

Alright... I'm getting so excited now about my weekend plans. Hehehe!

Praying for the Best

2006-05-10T18:59:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow is my Activity Analysis test. It's a verbal exam. Yeah... Something like oral exam during our years in primary and secondary schools. Anxious? Of course. But now, I told myself not to be nervous and all as this is a 1-to-1 exam.

Anyway, I'm missing him a lot these few days. After this exam, I hope to do an outdoor activity with him one day.

Creative Mind at Work

2006-05-07T00:01:00.000+08:00

I'm so refreshed now! Mane tak... Tido dari 11.10pm sampai 9am. Hehehe!

I did some revision for Physiology for an hour or so. The rest of the day I spent on doing my Creativity project. I did a scrapbook of my life and I'm still thinking of a suitable title. The day just passed so quickly when I was finding photos of my lifespan, that is, from baby till baby tua skarang. After that, I did photo frames for them and sticked them onto the construction papers. Hmmm... So, I'm still left with the writing, decorations and the report.

In the evening, I met up with his mum at Jurong Point to give her birthday present. She treated me to ThaiExpress. Actually, I felt bad since she paid for the dinner. She insisted so I had to respect her decision. Hmmm... I'll cook something for her on Mother's Day next week. And my mum too. :)

Dead Beat

2006-05-05T18:54:00.000+08:00

I think I had postural hypotension in the morning. I felt so dizzy once I stood up from the seat in the train. To be accurate, I felt like fainting.

This week was very packed for my class as we had several make-up lessons due to the Labour Day holiday. I felt exhausted. and I am still exhausted now. Furthermore, I slept very little for the past few days.

In conclusion, I should take a break today. Relax and sleep early while tomorrow awaits me.

And know something, I have functional scoliosis. I better sit upright at all times and reduce the usage of shoulder bag and keep swimming.

The Family I Cherish

2006-05-01T17:55:00.000+08:00

It's Labour Day today and my extended family went for a picnic cum BBQ at Changi Beach just now. Many of my relatives were there and we had so much fun BBQ-ing and having lunch together. We played with the sand, leaving our footprints there. Only the little kids swam as the adults, including me, were too lazy to bring our extra clothes there.

Granny made beef satay. Hey... Nice ok. Homemade satay. And oh... Lontong and Ayam Masak Kicap. Dad bought prata. My relatives brought cheesecake, sambal tumis udang, Bee Hoon Goreng, pizza, Freach Loaf and a container of rice.

Cik Yusof was the head of BBQ-ing. We had chicken wings, hot dogs, fish balls, corns, prawns and of course, satay!

The weather was good. At around 1pm, Cik Mid and my cousin, Hidhir, came. It was kind of like a family gathering for my granny. Come to think of it... I suddenly realised on how my granny has aged so much. She had difficulty walking even with the umbrella as a support. Hmmm... I felt bad as I have not visited her for nearly a month. I mean she took care of me when I was young and now I don't visit her often. You understand what I mean? Hmmm... I better do something about it.

I hope today's gathering will give my granny some form of happiness to see her children and their families together.

Congratulations to Rizal and Sri!

2006-04-30T12:13:00.000+08:00

Although I do not know them personally, I felt very, very touched by their love for each other. Every union marks a happy beginning and I really hope their marriage will be blessed by the One above, Allah.

I went to their wedding dinner yesterday at Kampong Glam. I was welcomed by a garden and there was a rustic charm of it that I fell in love with. With the jazz music in the air, we naturally ushered in ourselves. Hehehe!

Kampong Glam

Pretty, right?

Romance in the Air

I love this!

The pelamin(wedding stage) was nicely done. It was the first time I attended such a wedding dinner. Quite a grand one.

Just like those in the palace...

After some time, guests came streaming in. Not long after, the bride and her bridegroom strolled in. It was such a joyous moment. A short montage of them was screened and dinner started.

The sweetest part of the whole dinner was when their childhood friends gave a short speech each and when the bridegroom sang a song for his wife. Awww...

I came to me as a surprise when I saw my lecturer there! Apparently, she is the bride's colleague. Pleasant surprise...

~Us~

Mid-week Updates

2006-04-26T21:18:00.000+08:00

I bought a printer yesterday. At long last right? Now, I'll have the ease of printing my reports and online journal articles at the comfort of my home. Hehehe! Would like to thank him for carrying it for me. It's heavy lah...

Tomorrow, I will have the 'Feel your Muscles' module again. We will be palpating arms, forarms, thighs, legs and feet. Sounds exciting, right? Right.

I think I have mild scoliosis. :(

Wasted Saturday

2006-04-23T16:55:00.000+08:00

Can you believe it? I went out of my house at 9am yesterday. To go to SCHOOL on a SATURDAY on the FIRST week of school! I had SHS Club meeting before going to the SAOT's Day Camp. Yup, the latter one was an opportunity for us to mingle with our juniors lah... We played Scavenger Hunt and I was the answer to the 'Most Contagious Laughter' clue. It was funny when they asked me nonsensical questions.

Right after that, I went to Northpoint with the intention to buy my craft stuffs only. But as you have already guessed, I window-shopped at the Esprit outlet there too. I think it's like a warehouse. I mean the clothes are realtively cheap lah. $5 for a top and $20+ for a bottom/skirt. I tried on 2 skirts. Although they looked 'Oh so pretty' on me, I didn't buy them. Save money. They are not necessities right now. My necessity currently is to buy the OT textbook by Trombly which costs about $70.

It'll sure burn a hole in my already shallow pocket. I think I want to claim from my mum for that. Hehehe!

It's Friday!

2006-04-21T22:54:00.000+08:00

At long last! It has been a hectic first week of school. But I must say that it is FUN! That is especially true for today when we did Mobility and Self-maintenance. We wheeled ourselves in wheelchairs along the corridors and the PT track and feeding respectively. We were tested during the Self-maintenance class.

I was asked to act like a professional OT to help this aunty(Susan) in her feeding. She was visually impaired. And so I went on and on, telling her about the positions of her cutlery without asking her if she understands English. Hahaha! I overlooked this simple question. That's my first trial of mini viva voce. It went ok lah... considering that this was my first time.

I'll do better next time. Ok... It's time to REST, RECHARGE and RELAX!

Of Dear and School

2006-04-18T21:55:00.000+08:00

Dear is having an interview this coming Sunday. I really hope he'll get it to achieve his dreams. He's one whom I feel proud of and one whom I respect.

Anyway, school has been a mad rush. I gotta analyse my case notes now.

Tata...

Last Few Hours

2006-04-16T19:39:00.000+08:00

I spent it by waking up at 11am. Had breakfast and bathe. Watched TV. Went online. Listened and sang to my favourite songs. Didn't give any last minute thought about upcoming Club Crawl. Went to Jurong West library to return my long overdued magazine. Had a fine of $1.35. Not paying for it yet. Borrowed 2 novels to read(if I have the time). Buy concession for my transportation. Went to JP to jalan-jalan. Buy dinner for my sister. Go home. Now still online. Don't know what am I doing. Maybe I'll grab the borrowed novel to read. With a mug of HL Chocolate Milk. High in Calcium, low in fat. Just want to enjoy my last few hours of holidays.

The Producers

2006-04-15T02:07:00.000+08:00

I watched it with Dear just now at Great World City. Tomorrow, I'm going to Bugis area to buy some stuffs for Club Crawl.

I really need Sunday to recharge again before school starts on Monday.

Batam Trip

2006-04-14T16:25:00.000+08:00

The Batam trip on Wednesday was my first ever. I must say that I really enjoyed myself there. Really… Especially with the company that I had. Crazy, hilarious bunch of friends. They are also my coursemates.

Let me take you through my journey there.

I reached Harbourfront Centre very early that day as my dad was kiasu to send me at 7am when we were supposed to meet at 8am lah… Being thick-skinned, I grabbed the free copy of TODAY and sat at a corner of the MRT station to wait for my fellow friends. Buat bodoh je…

At 8 o’clock, all of them have already reached the station and we made our way to the ferry centre. We took a few photos there. Hahaha! Kalah tourists tau!

Famous 5

At 9 o’clock, we board the ferry and made our way to the island of Batam. Luckily, the weather was good. The sea was quite calm too. No one was seasick. The journey took about an hour or so.

Chelsea & Elaine

Eunice & I

Soon after we have reached the immigration at Batam Centre, we were ‘welcomed’ by a money changer shop. The female employees were practically touting us in a ‘prostituting’ manner. You know the way they waved at us and their voices. All my friends agreed with me. It was just so weird and I had goosebumps when I heard their voices.

We proceeded to a shopping centre called MegaMall for a welcome drink by the tour agency there. After that, we proceeded to a newly developed resort called KTM resort. Actually, the main attraction there was the biggest Buddha statue in Asia. It is situated beside the resort. But we didn’t even go anywhere near it. We were more interested the scenery and the beautiful villas there. Let the pictures below explain everything.

Villa

The Green Chelsea

Us!

I think I look like an Indonesian.

The Girls

Enjoying Ourselves!

I guess I'm still afraid of heights...

I could see our CBD buildings in the sealine.

Batu belah... batu bertangkuk

After that, we were brought sightseeing around a town called Nagoya. Apparently, this town was founded by a Japanese. And so the name explains… Let me tell you. The buildings there are so colourful. I means bright colours. There is one luxurious residential estate which looks like a Disneyland! All the bungalows were of the same architecture but they are painted with different ‘Disneyland’ colours. Light blue, yellow, orange… Pretty sight.

Taels of Gold

We had a seafood lunch at Marina Restaurant in Megamall soon after our tour. The food there was delicious. Lemon chicken, cereal prawns, hotplate tofu, vegetables, seafood and tofu soup and many more! Splendid! Oops! Do I stimulate your salivary glands?

We did some shopping for 2 hours before we proceed to a therapeutic place. Anyway, the shopping was ok lah… Some international products have almost the same prices as those here. However, some printed shirts can cost about S$3. Overall, most of the non-branded products are very cheap. I bought 4 clothes altogether. 3 shirts and 1 tube top. And they cost about S$20 in total. But I think Bangkok is a better place for shopping. That's for sure.

We managed to go for a full body massage and foot reflexology after the hearty lunch and quick shopping. It was heavenly. The facilities and environment were not bad. I had a good chat with my masseur. She talked to me from Batam to Ari Wibowo to Siti Nurhaliza… and lots more. Her massage skills were very good too. Especially when she massaged my back of leg, thighs, back of trunk, arms and head. Oh! That was my whole body! It was definitely a good experience. She made me feel comfortable since this was my first massage experience. The cost was cheap too! My friends and I were already planning for a short trip to Batam for a massage in June during my 2 weeks break. Hehehe! Let’s see…

And so after the delightful massage, we headed to Golden Prawn Restaurant for a seafood dinner. It’s like kelong. So we had the freshest seafood. Yeah! Seafood again. Of course lah… It’s a MUST to go on a seafood diet when you go for a trip to Batam. The dishes were quite similar to the ones at lunch except for some delicious additions such as Crispy Calamari(This is the best of all!), Chilli Crab and Kang Kong Belacan. As usual, I was their translator. Hehehe! I find Bahasa Indonesia is a beautiful language. Ok… Back to my trip.

Hungry People waiting for our Dinner

We went for last minute shopping after dinner. It was weird as Eunice and I kept running from the hypermart. We bought a few packets of keropoks and kerepek. By the time we reached the cashier, we realized that we were late and we were scared that we would be left behind. It was funny lah… Kecoh.

At 9pm, we board the ferry back home. This time we didn’t spend the whole hour sitting down inside the ferry. We went out to enjoy the wind, the bubbles the sea made when the ferry cruised by, the lights of Batam and Singapore’s CBD area, lights of the ships and of course, the full moon and stars. There were many stars and I could see the Orion again. This time, it was much clearer than the one I saw at Eunice’s place. It can be romantic if I have my loved one by my side. Awww…

And of course, we took photos again in the ferry. I don’t dare to bring my camera outside as it was quite shaky and I don’t want to lose my camera. No no no…

Sayonara!

We reached Harbourfront at about 10pm. I was so exhausted then. I looked like a makcik, that is, aunty in English when I took the train home.

In summary, I’m exhausted but satisfied. Actually, when I think of Batam, I only think of the massage there. Superb because it’s cheap and good. But yesterday, my shoulders were aching a little due to carrying 10 thick lecture and lab notes in my arms and in my shoulder bag.

I need a massage.

Feeling Handicapped for a Day

2006-04-11T21:48:00.000+08:00

I totally forgot to bring my handphone to school. Luckily, I survived although I felt quite handicapped without it.

Well, just now I had SHS meeting for the coming orientation on Thursday. I also did the boards for the booth. I was satisfied with them although my booth will not win the Best Booth Award.

On my way home just now, I saw the physiotherapist who is working in a rehabilitation centre. Yes! The one which I was posted to in Year 1. I saw her in the interchange. Really couldn't believe that she stayed in my estate. I was excited when I saw her. A nice person with a big heart. Really want her to be my supervisor. But it will never happen la...

Tomorrow is my Batam trip with my classmates. Hopefully, the weather will be kind to us.

Club Crawl

2006-04-10T23:50:00.000+08:00

I'm looking forward to the Club Crawl in school. Club Crawl is an event that gives respective CCAs an opportunity to promote themselves.

And so, I'm in charge of my CCA's booth, that is, SHS Club. It's an academic club that organises events for SHS students. You can read more by simply clicking the link of my club's blog in my Lovelinks section on the righthand side.

To tell you the truth, I'm pretty excited for that event. Why? Firstly was because I planned it. Thus, I want to see how it goes. Secondly, I want to promote my CCA. Hehehe! I'll force my cousin to join ar...

Hmmm... Tomorrow, I'm going to school to let the 'big boss' see my proposal for Club Crawl. 'Big boss', the name given by Aishah, is the president of SHS Club. Hehehe! I will stay back till 5 or 6pm to do up the boards nicely too.

Change topic.

Just now, I met Dear. I tried Soto Betawi from a food court. Quite nice... But I still prefer my Hokkien Mee. Hahaha!

I'm a Year 2 OT Student

2006-04-10T23:42:00.000+08:00

Timetable is out! And oh my goodness... It's going to be one hectic semester.

Monday: 0800 to 1800hrs
Tuesday: 0900 to 1700hrs
Wednesday: 0900 to 1500hrs
Thursday: 0800 to 1800hrs
Friday: 0800 to 1600hrs

2/3 of my weekdays will be spent in school. That's life as an OT student. OT means occupational therapy. OT also means Over-time. Really. But I shall endure and overcome all challenges that come my way. Come what may... I'll take a step at a time.

What Do You Think?

2006-04-09T18:47:00.001+08:00

I was in the bus just now when I heard a squeaky girl's voice saying "I don't like Malay!". I turned my head and I am appalled when I realised that it was a little girl who had just said that. She was sitting on her mum's (I think) lap. Her mum quickly responded "Don't say that".

I was so shocked to hear such a comment from a girl who seemed to be just a K2 to P1 kid. I was thinking what could have make the girl say that. She couldn't be saying Malay as in Malay language since she is a non-Malay and the way her mum responded makes me feel more certain that she was refering to the Malays.

Hmmm... Such a comment coming from a little girl makes me wonder on what the other kids of her age think about this.

I'm Stress-Prone

2006-04-08T21:29:00.000+08:00

Looking at some of my friends' MSN nicknames can make me feel panicky. I better start some serious, and I mean SERIOUS, revision soon. Not soon. Right after this. So which one to read first?

Working Out

2006-04-08T20:40:00.000+08:00

It's been 2 weeks since I did any vigorous exercise. Vigorous exercise means any exercise which has high impact on major joints such as knee joint and hip joint. These joints if strained or damaged will greatly affect ambulation, that is, walking.

And so today I went for a 20-min jog around my neighbourhood. I felt bad as I did only some occasional skipping and 2 times of walk-and-jog during my recuperation of my knee joint. Now, fully recovered, I intend to step up my exercise programme by hitting the gym again tomorrow.

The One with a Bedroom and a Swimming Pool

2006-04-06T16:36:00.000+08:00

I could have work today but I didn't. I love my holiday job and I still feel like working although school is starting in 9 days' time. Hence, I told myself that I can work a maximum of 2 days next week. Maximum 2 days only. Why? I still need time to do last-minute relaxation. I need some time to go through my Year 1 notes. I may not be able to read all but at least, I'm going to read through the more important ones such as Neurophysiology and some Anatomy. I hope I'll have the mood to read them.

So what did I do today? I did some spring cleaning in my room. Well, to be specific: my table, bookshelf and the 2 beds. I stored all my Year 1 notes in the box I bought in Ikea the other time. I also placed my bags nicely in the other box. Previously, my bags were all over the place. Hanging behind the door, on the door knob, on my chair, on my table. Now, my whole study area looks so much neater and definitely, more organised.

My Mugging and Sleeping Areas

Tabung Kucing, moisturisers, contact lens solution, photos, perfume...

Look at those reflections... Bersihkan?

I'm pretty happy as I did something useful today. Not going to the gym today. Just look at the stormy weather now. I'll jog later on when it subsides.

Change topic.

The sports complex near my house is near completion. Jurong West Sports Complex. Now, I can have a swimming pool within walking distance. Like FINALLY, right? Swoosh! Swoosh! The picture below was taken from my computer room.

There! In front of the HDB flats...

Time for Myself

2006-04-05T20:19:00.000+08:00

I only taught 3 periods of Malay class with the kids today. The rest of the time I spent helping the admin staff to fold and cut paper, having lunch and reading the newspaper I brought.

I guess this will be my last day doing relief teaching this time round. I need time to re-arrange my lecture notes and store my stuffs in an organised manner. I need some time to myself.

10 days left before Year 2 starts. I'm looking forward to it.

Reality Check

2006-04-05T20:14:00.000+08:00

I got this from my class's email.

Two men were in the forest when they saw a tiger. One sat down calmly and put on his running shoes. The other asked "Are you mad? You can't run faster than a tiger." The man replied, "That is true. But I just have to run faster than you."

My Life on Tuesday

2006-04-04T21:56:00.000+08:00

It was my first time doing relief teaching in the morning and I admit that I prefer the ones in the afternoon. Why? Due to the presence of adorable, innocent P1 and P2 kids. The older ones just now only made me mad.

I had dinner with Dear just now at JP. I bought contact lenses too for the next 6 months.

Ciaoz!

Malunye...

2006-04-03T19:56:00.000+08:00

Kim and I went to Ikea just now. Oh goodness... I was so embarrassed when I placed the tray of food at the wrong table with the stranger. I thought Kim sat there and blindly placed it there. Eeeee! To be honest with you, I felt so malu. Kim was giggling for the first minute or so. To mask my malu-ness, I giggled as well. Oh well...

I bought small plastic bowls and scissors for my kitchen. I also bought unfinished photo frames to frame up beautiful photos of beautiful people. Hehehe! And a big box to store my Year 1's lecture notes and whatnots.

Ok... That's all about my trip to Ikea.

Just wanna update that my Batam trip with my fellow polymates will be postponed to next Wednesday. Anyone want to kirim ape-ape? No Indon women, ar...

Relief teaching in the morning session tomorrow. Yawns...

The One with Ice Age 2 and Birthday Celebration

2006-04-02T22:06:00.000+08:00

Today is the big day. That is according to my little cousin, Nurul. Why? Because she was waiting for the last day of the week to go out with me. To watch Ice Age 2 at Lido, Shaw Towers. All thanks to my dad for the free movie tickets. It was the Cisco's family event. I honestly don't know how he could apply for the tickets since he is under the JTC. Maybe I should ask him to satisfy my curiosity. Hehehe!

Little Nurul with her newly bought Ice Age 2 storybook

Thanks to my girl friends, Kim and Wendy, for coming to the movie. It's quite sad as we could not have seats in a row. But nevertheless, I hope you have enjoyed the movie. Wendy, I hope the man's-sudden-turn-and-stare-at-you look beside you didn't scare you until you cannot laugh just now. Hahaha! The way you told us was hilarious lah...

I would also like to thank Dear for watching it with me despite the early screening time.

At about 3 o'clock, I made my way to Xinyi's house for her birthday party. Anyway, her house is just 2 blocks away from mine. Yeah... She is my secondary school friend. Actually, she was my classmate since P5. It was just in secondary school I started to be closer to her.

Xinyi

The usual Juying gang came. We had quiet a good catching up although time wasn't on our side. Nevertheless, I feel good to meet my school friends again. To see their differences between now and then, 8 years ago.

Juying Gang

From top clockwise: Kim, Xinyi, Shu Hui, Shili, Wendy and Yours Truly

I'm going to watch TV soon. Thus, I would like to end this entry by wishing Xinyi a very Happy 21st Birthday. May you are blessed with good health and happiness with your loved ones.

Feeling Mumsy

2006-04-01T13:18:00.000+08:00

Yeah! That's why I've decided to postpone baking these wonderful cupcakes till today!
Want the recipe of my chocolate chips cupcakes? Read on...

Ingredients

1 box of Betty Crocker's Devil's Food Cake Mix
3 eggs
320ml of water
125ml of vegetable oil
chopped almonds
chocolate chips

Steps

Heat the oven to about 160 degrees celsius.
Grease the paper cups with a brush of vegetable oil.
Place the cake mix, water and vegetable oil in a big bowl.
Using an electric mixer, mix for about 3 minutes. Kalau nak kembang-kembang lagi, mix for about 5 minutes or so.
Add in the chocolate chips and chopped almonds to the mix.
Stir it with a spoon for an even mixture.
Use a teaspoon to place the mixture into the paper cups. Approximately 1 teaspoon of mixture per paper cup.
Bake them.
Use a toothpick or a satay stick and poke on the centre of the cake. If the stick is clean, they are ready to be taken out.

Optional: You can use chocolate frosting to decorate them. Mine has expired so I gave it a miss.

The Ingredients

The Mixture

They taste so chocolate-y!

My Mini Cakes

See! So muai...

Mum's Old Faithful Oven

Guilt

2006-03-31T10:14:00.000+08:00

Women are constantly overwhelmed by one factor- guilt. Working mums are guilty for not spending more time with their kids or husband. Stay-at-home mums are guilty of spending away their husband's money without working.

As for me, I am guilty for not being sensitive that he is tired after a 5-day week of working. Sounds normal. But he has to work up till 7plus or 8pm on some days. I must be more sensitive and understanding towards the ones who are truly dear to me.

Walking Home

2006-03-31T10:05:00.000+08:00

I've decided to walk home from school today since I've already looked at the map and planned my route. It is much faster and I hope I will not feel as lost as last Monday.

Since I cannot jog at the moment, I want brief walks to be part of my exercise routine. I also want to walk to relieve the stress I have in school(although it is not much). Waalaa! Here it is! My 15-min walk after school.

Planning for the Weekend

2006-03-29T21:35:00.000+08:00

Advance Notice:

- Relief Teaching from today till Friday at the same primary school.
- Watching Ice Age 2 with Nurul and my aunt on Sunday morning. I hope more can make it.
- Toh's Birthday Party at her house on Sunday evening.

Pseudo-Clinical Report

2006-03-28T20:42:00.000+08:00

I went to the polyclinic just now to have a check on my right knee joint. I had some difficulty in extending my knee joint. Active range of motion(AROM) is not full. Whenever I extend it, I felt a stretch at the lateral aspect of the posterior side of the knee joint. I suspected a ligament tear.

However, it is confirmed by the doctor that it is a tendon strain. I was asked to rest and not to do vigorous exercises until complete recuperation. Painkillers and an ointment are the drugs prescribed to me.

What an Experience!

2006-03-27T20:50:00.000+08:00

Grrr... The few hours of teaching were basically alright except for the first hour in which I taught the P5 Malay kids. Oh my goodness! They are such a horror! You may guess it right. I can't control their noise level. They are so noisy and restless as it was their last lesson. They asked me so many questions. Which primary and secondary schools I was from? What am I doing now? Am I married or still looking? They talked back to me until I didn't bother anymore. I just ignored them. At that time, I just felt like walking out of the class.

After that, I had 2 other Malay lessons with the P1 and P2 kids with a 2.5 hours break in between. I brought 3 magazines along with me and I read them all. Hahaha! And oh... Something worth mentioning... I walked back home. I got a little lost in my own estate. That bad, huh? Ya.

Anyway, I teaching there again this Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. I hope to cover a P1 class.

Money Rolling In Again!

2006-03-27T09:52:00.000+08:00

I'm doing relief teaching again today. Teaching Malay at a neighbourhood primary school near my house. That terror school.

Let me tell you something. I'll be teaching from 12 noon to 2.30pm. Then, I'll be doing my own things aka slacking in the staff room till 5.30pm. Ya... Stay for 5.5 hours to be eligible for the full daily wage of $65. How wonderful...

Sunday is Family Day

2006-03-26T14:45:00.000+08:00

I played badminton just now with him and his mum at Jurong East Sports Complex. Now feeling fresh and energetic. I have decided that Sunday is dedicated only for family. Ya... My family and his family too. I'm planning of activities to do on Sundays in the next few weeks.

Once school starts and my workload gets heavier, I guess my Sundays then will be 'Me Day'. Sounds selfish. But I'll try to balance my time so I spend enough time with my loved ones. Moreover, people are the ones who brighten up your day. Not my tutorials and lecture notes. Hahaha!

I forgot to mention in yesterday's entry that I saw Denise Keller in Zara. She's tall and looks more gorgeous in person. Hehehe!

Another thing. Thanks Kim for lending me your rackets.

Exhausted

2006-03-25T22:54:00.000+08:00

The annual student conference just now was quite lengthy. I reached there at 8am and it finally ended at 3pm. Goodness! I can't imagine next year as my senior batch has about 20 students more than the graduating batch this year.

After the conference, I met up with Dear to buy his gadgets. I walked till my little toe had blister. Served me right for wearing that one-stick heel sandals.

Yesterday, I met up with him at Tiong Bahru. Thought of watching a movie but it was screened too late in the night. However, I really enjoyed myself. I know Dear felt the same way too. Hehehe!

Reflections

2006-03-24T10:43:00.000+08:00

I guess I'll be staying at home today. No calls.

Dear will be having a 2nd interview with one of the companies in Suntec City after work. I wish him all the best. May you find a job that is to your satisfaction ya.

Hmmm... When past 'bad' experiences flooded my mind yesterday, I got so emotional as I placed myself in those situations that I was in before. The emotions within me were the same as those then.

As much as I could place them in my subconcious mind, it will come back to me fast and furious when I think about them. So what is the solution? Maybe I should repress them. But it's hard.

Alternatively, I should be positive and think that memories can make me more mature in handling things. I can reflect on those experiences and do not get so emotional so as to improve on them. Maybe these past 'bad' experiences aren't so bad afterall. They are part and parcel of life which is full of ups... and downs.

Loving It!

2006-03-23T20:02:00.000+08:00

I'm back! Today is my last day taking those Malay kids. I think I'm going to miss them, especially the P1 class. Hehehe!

The stay at Grandma's was enjoyable. Nurul was loud when I watched American Idol at 8 plus. She was quiet when I watched Teman Anugerahku at 9.30pm. She was stoning when I watched America's Next Top Model Reunion at 10.30pm.

Before that, she was jumping from one sofa to the other. That cousin of mine. Hehehe!

Stayover

2006-03-21T23:02:00.000+08:00

I'm going to stayover at my Grandma's house in Woodlands for tomorrow.Yeah one day only. Felt bad as I have told her that I'll be staying over during my holidays.

The good thing is... It's near to my workplace. Nearer than the Jurong West I'm in now. Hehehe!

The Mother Tongue Language

2006-03-21T21:03:00.000+08:00

Teaching Malay is not so bad afterall with the resources I have.

Another thing. I am not surprised if some pupils do not know how to speak Malay even though they are in P3. It is not my time anymore. This is the current trend.

We should do something about this. Maybe through a Malay Language workshop with parents. Or making learning the language fun by incorporating activities that are not classroom-based.

As a mother in future, I will not be happy if my children do not know their own language. I certainly will speak Malay at home. For the children's sake.

No Monday Blues

2006-03-20T20:23:00.000+08:00

For this week, I hope to work from Monday to Friday. So I really hope some schools will call me on Friday as a primary school in the north has already booked me from today till Thursday.

Alhamdulillah... I had an easier day today. The classes I taught were managable. In fact, they were very quiet. So much quieter... Hence, it was much easier for me to teach them a thing or two.

During one of my breaks, I talked to one of the relief teachers there. She is an ex-teacher. Throughout the whole conversation, she was complaining about the workload of teachers. From tons of stuffs to mark to long meetings to many,many administrative stuffs to be done. She also told me about how she felt at that time as she just had her first newborn. The time she had spent with her family. It was so different from the ones said in the seminar. It was understandable as in seminars, they were trying to sell the profession.

I guess all professions have their downsides. I'll just take her words with a pinch of salt. Anyway, OTs have to do documentations too. But maybe not as much as teachers do. Hehehe!

Anyway, I saw this quote somewhere. "The price to pay for earning money is work." Need money, work. No excuses.

People Talk

2006-03-19T17:02:00.000+08:00

I'm pretty applauded and ashamed for the China woman during the seminar yesterday. The way she behaved was un-mannered. I don't know how is she going to mould the future of our nation.

Movie Marathon

2006-03-17T17:53:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was great. I visited Grandma and brought Nurul jalan-jalan as promised. We went to the movies and watched Yours, Mine & Ours instead of The Shaggy Dog. It was just a normal family comedy. Expected storyline. Nurul was restless at one point and I had to pacify her to stay on till the end of it.

After that, we went to Swensens. I ordered the Kid's meal and ice-cream for her. I know she couldn't finish them. So I just ate her leftovers. Hehehe... Save money too.

Here are some of the pictures taken...

All Set to Go Out!

Sweet Little Nurul

Her Fish & Chips

Brainfreeze with Topless 5

Look at the top I bought for her! Say nice!

Manja-ing with me =)

You will be surprised on how many movies I have watched since yesterday. They are all from Cik Dada's VCDs and Star Movies. Ok... After the jalan-jalan with Nurul, I watched Chicken Little at her house. So that's one.

When I reached home, I watched What a Girl Wants. That's two.

And today, the movies I have watched are:-

3. 28 Days

4. 10 Things I hate about You

5. Bridget Jones's Diary

6. One Fine Day

This is the first time I had a movie marathon alone at home. See how bored I am. It's raining now. I'll jog later when it stops.

Going North!

2006-03-15T22:11:00.000+08:00

I'll be paying my granny in Woodlands a visit tomorrow. And not to forget, I'll be bringing my little cousin to the movies to watch The Shaggy Dog.

Miss all of them!

The Moment of Truth

2006-03-15T18:19:00.000+08:00

Alhamdulillah... I'm glad I cleared all the papers. Mostly are B+. 2 of them are B. Only 1 A. My GPA was the same as last semester's.

This means... I can continue enjoying the rest of my holidays. Yeah! Relief teaching will continue to be my job. Attending the community rehabilitation symposium will be alright then. Hehehe!

I went to the gym just now. Ran 6 rounds of the track. Lost about 300 calories. That's what the treadmill and the bicycle machine said.

Another good news: I received my pay again!

I'm happy today. Thanks to the Almighty above.

The Anxious Wait

2006-03-15T00:09:00.000+08:00

Approximately 5 hours to the release of results. What will I get? Will I take any supplementary paper? I hope not. Oh gosh... I can't sleep tonight.

Earlier in the day, I accompanied his mum to the post office. Reached home. Watched TV. Continue watching Munich. Continue bearing the pain of my sore throat. In the evening, I met him for a while.

If everything goes well, I want to go to the gym tomorrow with his mum. I feel like booking a court too. For badminton during the weekends with his family. But let me see first...

In Search for the Perfect Present

2006-03-13T21:58:00.000+08:00

Present searching can be tedious when you don't even know what to get for the person. Or should I say, if the person expects a lot. For me, I will rather take the birthday cash that my friends gave me and go shopping with them. Hehehe! Oh... Or maybe make the money worth by enrolling myself to some short courses to learn some new skills.

Just now, I met up with Kim, Wendy, Shili and Shu Hui at Marina Square. That mall now is super hip... Just the right place for all fashionistas. May I add somthing. Fashionistas with plenty of cash to spare. They have a lot of the upmarket international fashion brands such as Topshop/Topman, Zara and Mango. As for me, at this time of the year, I am satisfied just to windowshop as I have no money. The money I'm earning now needs to be spent on school essentials such as *gulps!* tankini and sports bra.

Anyway, I bought a shoe from Charles and Keith. No! Not an implusive buy. I really need it as 2 of my shoes broke. The old faithful sandals that I always wear to school last semester and another sandals that I had bought in 2004. The latter one was the first shoe that i bought with my own hard-earned money.

Ok... Enough about me and my shoes.

That Chicken is Savory!

2006-03-12T21:44:00.000+08:00

I finally tasted Kenny Roger's Roasted Chicken at Angsana in Johor. It was really appetizing. Oh man... I'm craving for it now.

Dear and I went to Johor today with Razak, Haizal and tunang. It was the first time I took the bus to cross the causeway. It was of course, a great experience. Last time, I thought taking the bus to Malaysia was very tedious and tiring. But the trip today proved me wrong! It was alright. The queues were bearable. And I will want to travel to Malaysia by bus again as it gave me a totally different exposure.

Here's our brief itinerary:

1. Kotaraya
2. Angsana
3. City Square

I truly enjoyed myself today with the company that I had and the food. It was an indulgence. Tomorrow, I'll get back to my diet and exercise again. Hehehe!

Self-Reflections

2006-03-12T00:18:00.000+08:00

I've been thinking. About my weakness. The aspects of me that I must improve to be a better individual.

1. Impatient
2. Self-centred
3. Competitive

All these occur to a certain extent. Maybe more than the 50 in a range of 1 to 100. Hmmm... To improve on them takes time and I hope my loved ones will give me some time. Anyway, no one is perfect. To have some temperament is only natural. But not too much ya!

Spaghetti and More!

2006-03-12T00:11:00.000+08:00

I cooked spaghetti bolognaise for lunch! It was yummy as I made it a little spicy.

Met Dear in the evening just now. Hmmm... Come to think of it. I should have been more considerate and not be so self-centred just now. I'll improve on that. Anyway, we had Dinner at Swensens. I indulged in the prawn dippers and the beef burger while he ate the whole cup of ice-cream on his own. Hehehe!

Summary of My Day

2006-03-11T00:18:00.000+08:00

It's the last day of the term! Yeah... For those in the primary and secondary government schools. I taught the same P1 class just now. English, Maths and Art & Craft. After teaching them for 2 days, I have to admit that I am kinda attached to them. They are a great bunch of kids. Cute although sometimes they can increase your blood pressure. I truly enjoyed myself for the 3 days I was in that school.

Look what they have drawn and given me! I didn't pose and ask them to draw my portrait ok! Hehehe!

A Portrait of Me

Aren't they such sweet dearies?

I Love You Too!

Pieces of Student's Work

Awww! I'm touched lah...

Ok... Let's move on. After school, I attended the class gathering at Eunice's house at West Coast. By the time I reached there, it was dinner time and they had all finished playing their games. So we bought food at the Ayer Rajah Food Centre, which was just a few steps away. I had Mee Hong Kong.

Soon after, when the rest were hooked on the tube, Susan, Eunice and I went to her backyard to see the stars. Gosh! It was the first time I saw the Orion's Belt of Stars. 3 stars in a straight row. Then, there were 4 other stars that made up a rectangle, surrounding the Orion. It was a beautiful sight with the moon just at the side. I was so suaku lah... Hehehe!

They looked something like this. Magnificent!

We also had birthday celebration for the January to April babies. Baby tua. Hehehe! Joseph made cheesecake. It looked delicious but I didn't eat it as it was made at his house. Thank God! I'm on a diet.

After lazying around, we headed back home. I missed a lot of the fun. The games they had played in the afternoon. But... It's ok. There's always a next time.

Nights people!

Teaching = Lose Weight?

2006-03-09T20:25:00.000+08:00

I think teaching will help me lose some weight. Really... Read on.

Morning: Jogged around estate for 1 round. Ate half of the Mee Soto Mum bought.

Afternoon: Go to school with a homemade tuna sandwich packed nicely in a tupperware. I intend to eat it during my break. But no time. Felt full also. Generally, not feeling hungry.

Evening: Reached home. I ate the tuna sandwich that I brought to school. That is my dinner.

See?

Tomato Face

2006-03-08T23:41:00.000+08:00

Oh my goodness! After hours of trying to rectify the problem, I managed to solve it. I hope it is the root of the problem. Hmmm... You know what, after 100+ minutes of thinking why the modem cannot connect to the ADSL line, after removing and reinstalling the driver, after banging the modem and motherboard out of frustration, I finally, yes, FINALLY, realised that the problem is due to the loose connection between the telephone line and the modem. I just used my fingers' strength to, of course, strengthened the connection. Hehehe!

And now I'm back online after a day of offline mode. See! I'm addicted to the online world!

Ok... Better cool myself down now. Let me talk about my day today.

First of all, in the morning, I thought of cooking bolognaise for my family and Dear. Unexpectedly, a primary school near my area called for me. And being me, I jumped onto a bandwagon. It started great, playing word games with a class until...

A terror class TERRORISED me! One or two boys were somersaulting in the middle of my class. Despite my consistent scolding and shouting, they did not budge to leave the floor. At that time, I just felt like pulling them to a side and give a piece of my mind. However, I didn't waste my breath. I stood in front of them and asked one of the boys to ask them to leave the floor. And so they persuaded them to get back to their seats. Hehehe! Am I smart or just a lousy teacher now?

Hmph... But whatever it was, I enjoyed being with them. Yup, stubborn kids are just uh, normal. My kids are going to be like that too. Hopefully to a certain extent. Hehehe!

I forgot to mention that there was a fire drill practice session in the middle of the lesson. Being ignorant and blur, I thought it was just a technical error over the sound system in the school as the alarm doesn't alarm us at all! It's not the normal 'RRRIIINNNGGG!!!!!!'. It was something else. One that is much less alarming. I only realised it when I saw the neighbouring class was lining up outside. Gosh!

After school, I met up with him. He starting work tomorrow at TTSH. I'm so happy for him. *Smiling gleefully.*

Had Fun!

2006-03-07T18:50:00.000+08:00

Yeah! I had fun just now playing badminton with 10 of my poly mates at Clementi Stadium. And a surprise came as today is Josephine's 20th birthday. Happy birthday, gal!

Oh man... Time really flies. It's 7 March now. Goodness! I'll be back in school on 17th April. That's about 5 weeks more! I better make full use of this time to enjoy myself because Year 2 is gonna be the most torturous year.

I had recipes in mind. These are healthy ones that I am going to make for this week. Yup! For my meals. Homemade tuna sandwich, chicken sandwich and egg sandwich. Oh ya... I borrowed a recipe book on pasta and they have some great and yummy ones. I just bought some egg tofu. Gonna make soups for that.

Hehehe! I lost a kg.

Healthy Lifestyle

2006-03-06T09:35:00.000+08:00

I have decided to start my dieting programme today onwards. All the way. If she can do it, so can I.

I'm gonna change my eating habits and include exercise in my day.

Scrumptious Dinner on a Saturday Night

2006-03-04T22:26:00.000+08:00

Indian rojak, oyster egg and satay. These were what Kim and I shared for dinner at Ayer Rajah Food Centre. The whole evening was hilarious lah... From finding our way to the food centre, that means me reading the map, to having our dinner, all the way to back home.

Eat First, Take Photo Later

Appetizing 'O's: Oyster Omelette

Kim's Favourite Sambal Stingray

Too bad the stingray is not halal. If not, bits and pieces of it are already on the way to my active organ, that is, the stomach. Hehehe!

Congratulations!

2006-03-03T22:11:00.000+08:00

I'm here once again to congratulate him on securing his first job at TTSH! Congratulations, Dear! Have I told you that I'm very proud of you?

Most Wonderful Holiday Job

2006-03-03T21:38:00.000+08:00

I want to say something! I really enjoy doing relief teaching!!! Hehehe! You know the satisfaction you get when you interact with the kids and teach them despite the almost continuous shouting, asking them to lower their volume. I must say that I'm a pretty hardworking relief teacher. I don't let my kids do nothing. Worst come to worst, I ask them to do silent reading.

I went to a primary school in the CCK area just now. It was a great teaching experience in another school. Different set of teachers, different school system, different set of kids. I taught a P4 class for a period and a P3 class for 6 periods! Imagine my brain cracking thinking of what to do... But it was not so bad as the class was cooperative with me except for some kids. Biasa lah...

I met with Dear's primary school friend who is teaching there. She accompanied me during the assembly session. And guess what?! After more than 10 looong years, I saw Ms Norliza. She was my primary school teacher and my Brownies teacher. I still remember vividly when my friends and I were going round and round the rattan mushroom, singing the Brownies/Tweenies song. Tweenies is what we call ourselves before we become brownies.

We are the tweenies by and by
We will be brownies if we try.

We are the brownies, here's our name
Lend a hand and play the game

The Brownie Promise
I promise to do my best,
To do my duty to God,
To serve my countryand help other people,
and to keep the Brownie Law.

Those were my primary school days where teachers were allowed to hit the students. Now? Not unless you are prepared to leave your job.

Oh! Ms Norliza. I chatted with her for a while and she looked pleasantly surprised when she saw me, grown up to be an adult. Hehehe!

Oh man... Come to think of it. Relief teaching is the most enjoyable holiday job I have ever had. Schools, call me up!

It's for You, Mummy!

2006-03-01T22:50:00.000+08:00

I know my mum will not be reading this but nevertheless, I wanna wish her a happy 44th birthday today! May Allah bless you with good health and happiness! Present will be given tomorrow night. Promise.

Working with People

2006-03-01T21:11:00.000+08:00

Teaching and Occupational Therapy. Both are my loves. Based on my relief teaching stinct and clinical attachments, I realised that I like and enjoy working with people. Both young and old. So I guess I'm on the right career track.

Today, my classes were alright. Only 3 classes. 2 Malay classes and 1 Civics and Moral Education(CME). I didn't know the CME lesson is in Malay until today. The syllabus has changed so much.

I had quite a big scare as one of my students reported a neck injury during my class. Thank goodness... It's nothing serious. Maybe just a neck sprain from falling from a chair. From then on, I was much stricter with the students. I was at my utmost level of strictness, I must say...

I received positive feedbacks from the students during lunch time. Thanks... It really boost my confidence today.

Dear went for interview today at TTSH. I heard some good news from him regarding the interview. I really hope that he'll get the position. Insya-Allah.

Well, if no school call me up tomorrow, I'll be following him to Suntec from the Career Fair. I wanna see what's up with the healthcare industry. Ahem... Ahem...

First Stinct as a Teacher

2006-02-28T20:17:00.000+08:00

My stinct at the primary school is an enjoyable and of course, a valuable experience. I taught malay classes for some P1 and 2 students. They make MY class a havoc!

P1 students are managable. Kept quiet when necessary. Did their worksheets. P2 students are like ARGH! They will run around the class. Hit their friends. Do their own colourings. And of course... Cikgu, cikgu... (nama) ejek/pukul/ambil buku/pensil/pemadam saya. Translation: Teacher, teacher... (name) tease/hit/take my book/pensil/eraser.

Tomorrow, I have 2 classes to take over. I better think of something to do to keep the P2 students occupied. If not, I'll be the most occupied person in the class. Hehehe!

Hope tomorrow will be a better day at work!

1st Teaching Experience

2006-02-28T09:35:00.000+08:00

I'm going to experience how exactly to be a teacher in a primary school today. I have to do relief teaching for a Malay class. I hope it will turn out fine. Both the kids and I.

Learning French

2006-02-27T16:03:00.000+08:00

I want to learn a new skill. I, Madame Suhaila, want to learn French. *Big hints to him.* Hehehe!

I personally find that it is a very lovely language after watching the musical movie, 8 Femmes, featured in Arts Central yesterday.

Should I go to the Cambridge Language School again?

Monday Blues

2006-02-27T14:59:00.000+08:00

Holidays can be very boring when you have nothing to do in a day. It's only on the first day of holidays. Officially lah... I spent my morning calling primary schools for relief teaching. Please... please call me... If not, I'll be bored to tears at home.

In the afternoon, I met up with Kimberly who had just finished one of her tests. It's Econs test. I'm reminded of my JC days during which I did Econs. It was like GP. Many, many essays. Brrr...

We had pizza at the old-time favourite hut, Pizza Hut. The meals were at student price. S$5.95. So it's affordable lah. We also had a free garlic bread to go along with our mushroom soup. I ate the BBQ Chicken Supreme Pan Pizza. I wonder how they marinated the chicken bits. It tasted a little bit of honey, a little bit of garlic, a little bit of...

Finally, I bought the Complete contact lens solution. It's been a few days since I wore my lenses eversince the infection news. I look like a geek wearing specs the whole day. Hehehe! Thanks Dear and Kim for the recommendation.

Now, I'm back at home. Typing this entry while searching for more schools to call. I hate holidays like this. So meaningless. I better find something to do. Anyway, I got some flyers on short trips to Malaysia and Batam. Anyone?

Enjoying my Saturday

2006-02-26T11:36:00.000+08:00

My day yesterday was fully-packed with events. Well... except in the morning.

After waiting for my folks to come back from the CPF building, we went to Johor for a birthday meal. My mum's 44th birrthday. It's an advanced celebration meal because her birthday is on the 1st of March. I'm thinking of what to buy for her. Maybe I'll bake a cake. I guess that will be more meaningful as everyone can enjoy it.

And so yesterday we went to Saujana Seafood Restaurant at Tanjong Pelepas there. Near Gelang Patah. It's a jetty-kind of restaurant. But sadly, it was low tide. I couldn't see where the sea starts until I was on the bridge to Tuas checkpoint. So what I see is just the sea bed and its dirt. Hahaha!

Here's the Restaurant!

Look at the hungry faces... Maybe just my sis'.

My mum and Maternal Grandma

Sis and Me

Muka Kekenyangan... Hehehe!

Janganlah malu-malu, nek...

Where's the seawater?

A Collection of Sampans...

A Tree Pondok

Us

I reached home at 5 plus in the afternoon. Afterwards, I followed Dear to his primary school friends gathering. I'm amazed that they still keep in touch with one another. Yesterday is the first time I tried the Marble Cheesecake from Secret Recipe. So sedaaappp!!! Gonna run to lose the calories today!

End of Year 1

2006-02-23T20:01:00.000+08:00

I can't be any happier because holidays are here!!! Holidays up till mid-April. I guess better start planning what am I going to do this coming week. Oh ya... Gotta call up schools too for relief teaching.

And holidays means... I can spend more time with everyone! Too greedy, no?

Anyway, I couldn't finish my paper just now. Left 15 minutes for 1 question. So I just wrote down what was in my mind. Which part of the body does C3 innervate? I don't know...

LLD Paper

2006-02-21T19:52:00.000+08:00

Comments: Luckily I didn't memorise like crazy for this paper. It's more of memorising the main points and crap it out. Yup... Ability to crap is important. I did manage to finish it up. But I only have 2 toys/activities for the 7 year-old child. Can't think of other therapeutic stuffs.

Post-LLD syndrome: Frankly, I'm already in holiday mood. But one more paper to go! Need to mug for another day. Phew!

Abrupt Thought

2006-02-20T11:38:00.000+08:00

I think I have a thing with SGH. I kinda like the work atmosphere there, especially the Occupational Therapy department.

Gonna apply for sponsorships again right after I get this semester's results.

1 Down, 2 to Go!

2006-02-17T20:27:00.000+08:00

The paper today was definitely easier than last semester's. But I sort of screwed up on one of the short-answer questions due to memory retrieval failure. And so, I crapped a lot for that question. Hmmm...

LLD paper is next up on my exam schedule. It is certainly a tough paper. All the infant reflexes and developmental theories which I dislike to study them. Grrr... But no matter what, I'll do my best for all my papers. Insya-Allah I can do better than last semester.

Anyway people, I can't wait for my exams to be over. I want and need to work. Need to relax. Need to chill out with my beloved friends, family and him. Need to lose weight for that module next semester! Oh man... Get back to exam mode, Suhaila. Oh ya! And I need to catch up on my favourite drama serials, Gray's Anatomy. So Dear, pinjam ok? Hehehe!

Oh well... Hehehe! Try this out! http://kevan.org/johari?name=Suhaila It's the Johari's window thingy... More for my own self-awareness.

Feeling Sick

2006-02-16T08:50:00.000+08:00

I'm feeling quite stressed out lately by the fact of so many things going around me. Semestral exams etc.

I had a spnning spell of dizziness yesterday plus a feeling of vomiting. I guess my vomiting center in my body is working well yesterday.

Now, I have sore throat. What's next?

I can expect myself to be coughing and sucking lozenges tablets during exam tomorrow. And not to forget, lots of tissues flying around me.

Italian Movie

2006-02-14T23:54:00.000+08:00

I have just watched a movie! Yeah! An Italian movie, I'm Not Scared, which I borrowed from the library just now.

Overall: Very touching. It's about this boy trying to save another boy from his kidnapper, who is his own father. Watch it. This one hour plus movie is a good reward for my whole day of mugging. Hehehe!

Quick Updates

2006-02-13T23:27:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, I read the Chronicles of Narnia storybook. However, it was just the children's version. Not so detailed unlike the one I read when I was still in Primary 4. The book that my tutor gave me. And now, I cannot find it. I think I gave it away to my tutees. The ones I taught last year.

Anyway, I have been mugging in the library for the past few days and this routine is going to continue for another 1 week or so. Hope exams will go well and I can fully enjoy my holidays before embarking on a tough, yet fun, SECOND year ahead.

My Saturday

2006-02-11T21:23:00.000+08:00

Overslept. Reached JE library at 11am instead. Sorry Susan. Hehehe.

Study. Restless. Met Kim at JP for a while. Now, home. Study again. Memorise. Fill up useful information into my brain.

Walk the Line

2006-02-10T23:55:00.000+08:00

OTTP exam was alright. At least ok for all except the last question? Hmmm... Anyway, it's over. No point talking about it.

After that, I went to Suntec. Gosh! It's been eons since I went there. Really a long, long time. Eversince the time I went to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Kimberly. Yeah.

He went for job interview and did relief teaching just now. Hopefully he'll secure a job soon. Insya-Allah...

We went to watch Walk the Line at Marina. It's a lifestory about the singer, Johnny Cash. Nice songs... Especially the songs "I Walk the Line" and "Get Rhythm".

I'm sleepy now. I'll be studying full blast from tomorrow 10 am to end of exams, that is, 23 Feb. I need petrol.

All the Best, My Friend!

2006-02-09T15:59:00.000+08:00

And so one of my ex-poly friend, Elisa, is leaving Singapore for Aussie land tomorrow. She's going to UQ. Of course, doing OT.

I remembered the times me, Susan and her shared during the first few months when she was still in NYP. I remembered 'copying' her biomechanics tutorial answers because I know nuts about physics. And of course, Maths. The rate of my mental calculations has decreased drastically. Ask me to count. No thanks. Hahaha!

Anyway, I wish her all the best in her studies and journey there. May we become fellow colleagues in future ya!

Side note: I miss him... I need comfort in times of stress. Any hugs?

Drop Dead Zero

2006-02-09T10:11:00.000+08:00

My social life has plunged to zero this week, and perhaps next week too.

I have yet to make time for him. Anyway, it takes 2 hands to clap.

Report and its References

2006-02-05T22:49:00.000+08:00

The most important report I have done so far. I have completed it. Alhamdulillah... What a load off my mind. Really. Now I can concentrate on my exams.

Anyway, I think referencing is a chore. But I did it all by myself. So it's quite an accomplishment. :)

A Dull Me

2006-02-03T20:44:00.000+08:00

I'm seriously having a lack of time to socialise with my friends. No life. This semester is very exhausting. The worst is yet to come, you know.

I'm drained. Holidays, quick come!

Early Birds

2006-01-30T11:44:00.000+08:00

Early in the morning at seven plus. Suhaila went out and took the bus.

Hahaha! Yeah... I went hiking with him at Bukit Timah. And goodness... My stamina is super duper low. I was breathless after climbing a few flight of stairs. I'll post the pictures as soon as I have uploaded them.

I want to make this hiking activity a weekly one during the holidays. The rest of the week? Maybe swimming, badminton and jogging. Need to lose some weight before next semester starts. It's the 'Feel your Muscles' module, wearing swimming costume!!!

Personal Reminder

2006-01-29T22:56:00.000+08:00

Things to do for the next few weeks till end of exams, that is, 23 February 2006.

1. Clinical Report
2. Study for HMS
3. Research for Case for OTTP module
4. Study for the big, BIG, BBBIIIGGG exams
- Anatomy Love this module
- Lifespan and Lifestyle Development Only good for a non-exam module
- Physiology Becoming brain-er studying this. All about brains. Want me to check yours?

Basically, I have to start serious studying after CNY with my usual study group friends.

Singing

2006-01-28T15:51:00.000+08:00

... is my all-time favourite pastime. Currently, I'm into this song by Joe Mcintyre. It's called Stay the Same. I like the lyrics. Somehow, it really very meaningful to me.

Don't you ever wish you were someone else,
You were meant to be the way you are exactly.
Don't you ever say you don't like the way you are.
When you learn to love yourself, you're better off by far.
And I hope you always stay the same,
cuz there's nothin' 'bout you I would change.

I think that you could be whatever you wanted to be
If you could realize, all the dreams you have inside.
Don't be afraid if you've got something to say,
Just open up your heart and let it show you the way.

Believe in yourself.
Reach down inside.
The love you find will set you free.
Believe in yourself, you will come alive.
Have faith in what you do.
You'll make it through.

Thanks Aunty!

2006-01-25T22:51:00.000+08:00

Being a student OT is really not an easy job. You need to mug like crazy for exams. Score well. You have to do very well in clinicals so that your supervisor will notice your capabilities. Tons of projects.

But, it's really worth it. My motivation level has gone up from a low level recently. This aunty in my clinicals asked me whether I'll be working as an OT once I graduate. I replied yes. I would love to. She replied "That's good. It's a very meaningful job. You are happy when you see your patients happy. No amount of money can buy this happiness".

I'm touched.

My Day

2006-01-21T23:20:00.000+08:00

Anatomy practical. It's over! Yeah... Isn't it good? No more Anatomy practical in my life ever again. But it was quite tough. Tougher than the previous. Hmmm... Why am I talking about this? *Slaps my forehead*

Today is my duty to tend to the Pediatrics room for NYP Open House. And guess what's my timing? 4.30 to 6.30pm. Isn't it great? So late... I was at my Granny's house before that and trust me, I don't feel like going to school after that. No mood. But no choice, I had to drag my butt off the comfy sofa to the MRT station. And it was the first time I felt school was so, so near to home. Ok lah... Not my real home lah. But my 2nd home? Hehehe!

After doing my duty as a promoter of my course, I met him in IMM. Bought my favourite sausages. Cheese and Chilli sausages! Yummy! We went to JP after that, intending to watch Chronicles of Narnia. But sadly, the movie was not screened anymore. It's ok lah... I'll buy the VCD. Then can watch it thousand times till the VCD is spoilt. Hahaha!

Anyway, today's aerobics was good.