It's quite a sad thing to realise that I had achieved nothing more than financial freedom in 3 years.
I went for a Professional Learning Community (PLC) meeting last Friday on behalf of my SH of PE/ Aesthetics. I was the only non KP there. This community was for PE HODs and SHs and I felt quite out of place and embarrassed. Uncomfortable because I wasn't holding any positions in school at all. Especially when I recognised someone from another school who was my junior in NIE. So while she had promoted, I had remained as a teacher after 4 years of teaching in the same school. This month marks the 5th year of my teaching in my school. What have I achieved? I guess in terms of promotion, I was only promoted in my scale.
Someone once told me that without the position, it will be very hard to drive a programme. That's true. Listening to the sharing of a HOD from another school, I saw the support that the Principal gave to him and the hard work put in by him. He is really capable. I am impressed. I am envious (in a good sense). Do I have what it takes to pursue this position? Or am I contented to be just a teacher?
This week's CGM and service got me to think of what I had achieved in my spiritual walk with God these 3 years as well. As we prepare ourselves to celebrate our church's 20th anniversary, I walked myself down memory lane to where I first started to receive Christ. The excitement and zeal I had in wanting to know more about God. The everyday praise and worship sessions that I had in my room with God where I really jumped and praised God in my room. The queueing up 2-3 hours before a service. The hanging out late with cell group members. I missed those days of being so close to God and having the Holy Spirit prompting me to do anything and everything. These 3 years marked the deepest valleys of my life. I seemed to be on a roller coaster ride moving up and down. The ups were tough going (and I'd never hit the peak these 3 years) and the downs were so fast that it takes only seconds to fall to the bottom and remained at the bottom. Do I still want to go up again? Of course! I've been trying very hard to get myself to be disciplined again. So far I have yet to be disciplined. 3 years of slacking has been far too long. I had wasted enough time. I am really disatisfied. As much as I know that God is always blessing me, I need to know the Blesser all over again.
As I celebrate my 9th year in CHC, help me Lord, to know You all over again. To fall in love with You all over again.
29 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
31 But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. ~Isaiah 40:29-31~
Take away that spiritual lethargy and help me mount up with wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Blogging from Magic...
I'm currently having fun exploring my new toy. However, it can be pretty tiring to type with the small touchpad.I'm getting better at it though.
Right now just wanna thank God for a blessed day on Friday. I was really tired when I realised I had to relief 1 period. God is good. The office made a mistake. There's already someone in that class. Also, my trainee teacher preferred to be left alone rather then have me oin the classroom, so I had unexpectedly 2 extra periods of break. Thank God.
Thank God also for good weather. Although the skies looked gloomy, God held the rain. My pupils had a great weather for community gardening.
God is good! I am blessed.
Right now just wanna thank God for a blessed day on Friday. I was really tired when I realised I had to relief 1 period. God is good. The office made a mistake. There's already someone in that class. Also, my trainee teacher preferred to be left alone rather then have me oin the classroom, so I had unexpectedly 2 extra periods of break. Thank God.
Thank God also for good weather. Although the skies looked gloomy, God held the rain. My pupils had a great weather for community gardening.
God is good! I am blessed.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Blessed!
I said goodbye to my Sony Ericsson G705. I bought it at $238. Traded it in for $200 while it is still in working condition. The paint at the side and the front had actually faded (to my disappointment). Anyway, I finally used the $200 Starhub vouchers that my CG and friends had given me last year for my birthday. So altogether, I had $400 and I bought a HTC Magic! It's currently charging now. I hope this Andrios system is a stable one. Can't wait to use it. On top of this, Starhub's current promotion offers me 3 months of free internet access. Although I'm no longer using the student plan, I'm now under MOE corporate price. So I'm actually paying 20% lesser than before. Lesser sms (used to be unlimited) to use but same talktime. I'm a happy woman now!
Anyway, before going to Starhub to get my hp, I went to Standard Chartered to open an E-Saver account. I planned to save $300 every month. Standard Chartered actually works hand in hand with Prudential. So in the end, I got a savings plan on top of my E-saver account. And for the premium I am paying, I am going to be given a 16GB ipod Touch. So aren't I blessed???!!
Should I sell the ipod touch or use it? Anyone wants to give me some suggestions?
Anyway, before going to Starhub to get my hp, I went to Standard Chartered to open an E-Saver account. I planned to save $300 every month. Standard Chartered actually works hand in hand with Prudential. So in the end, I got a savings plan on top of my E-saver account. And for the premium I am paying, I am going to be given a 16GB ipod Touch. So aren't I blessed???!!
Should I sell the ipod touch or use it? Anyone wants to give me some suggestions?
Sunday, July 19, 2009
I'm finally back from 2 batches of P5 camp. I was only on night duty from 5pm to 7.30am for all the days. However, I enjoyed the day time activities much more than the night duty. How I wish I was on day duty instead of night duty. I wanted to stay throughout the camp, but it was really tiring to be there the whole day.
For the 1st batch, I did 2 ropes course on the 3rd day. It was really scary when I was on it. However, after taking the 1st step out, everything was surmountable. There were kids cheering for me below. I felt good having them cheering for me. So I guess that's what they need when they were up there-teachers cheering for them. But how many teachers actually cheered for them when they were there?
The garang teachers who tried during the ropes course. Mardhiah, Liana and me!
Acting cute when I was up there. I think I do look like a kid. DUH!
And I was supposed to act that I was very scared before I carry on.
Not forgetting to pose even when I was going through the challenge.
For the 2nd batch, I stayed behind on the 1st day and managed to encourage one boy who gave up on abseiling to step up again for a 2nd try. He managed to abseil down with tears in his eyes. And his excitement in completing that challenge could be seen when he came around to tell me about that experience and that he wanted to try it again. He overcame his fears! I was glad that I was around to be a pillar of support then.
On the 3rd day, I did abseiling and the tunnel. I was overwhelmed by the kids. They were so excited when a few of us wanted to try abseiling. One of the kids, Frederick, was so kind and nice toward me. He lent me his harness and even helped me put it on. The service was excellent! He even became my photographer when I was doing abseiling. The kids cheered and encouraged us as we stepped up the platform. Great experience.
The daring ones who did abseiling. Me, Kok Fen and Hana. Mardhiah joined us after that too!
And what can you expect from a 11 year old kid? The picture wasn't taken very well. Hahaha! This is the best that I had of myself doing abseiling.
Those who tried the tunnel. Krystin, Faisal and me! Javier already went in and Mardhiah came late.. so they were not in the picture.
This is my group in the tunnel. Yes! I brought my camera into the tunnel. It's pitch dark inside but my flash is powerful in this enclosed space.
And of course I took a picture with them! If only I had the wide angle lens.
If you can see from the photo, I had a big pimple on my left cheek. And I had an interesting conversation with a kid.
Kid: Ms Goh, is that a mosquito bite?
Me: No, it's a pimple.
Kid: Oh.. you should tell others that it's a mosquito bite then it won't look so bad.
Me: Haha. It's ok. I don't lie.
Kids are so amazingly cute! I hope that I had been a positive role model throughout these few days with them. Last but not least, I would like to thank Krystin, my 6 days comrade for being alongside with me all these days. It is really a pleasant experience to work with you! Thanks for motivating me to run in the morning!
For the 1st batch, I did 2 ropes course on the 3rd day. It was really scary when I was on it. However, after taking the 1st step out, everything was surmountable. There were kids cheering for me below. I felt good having them cheering for me. So I guess that's what they need when they were up there-teachers cheering for them. But how many teachers actually cheered for them when they were there?
The garang teachers who tried during the ropes course. Mardhiah, Liana and me!
Acting cute when I was up there. I think I do look like a kid. DUH!
And I was supposed to act that I was very scared before I carry on.
Not forgetting to pose even when I was going through the challenge.
For the 2nd batch, I stayed behind on the 1st day and managed to encourage one boy who gave up on abseiling to step up again for a 2nd try. He managed to abseil down with tears in his eyes. And his excitement in completing that challenge could be seen when he came around to tell me about that experience and that he wanted to try it again. He overcame his fears! I was glad that I was around to be a pillar of support then.
On the 3rd day, I did abseiling and the tunnel. I was overwhelmed by the kids. They were so excited when a few of us wanted to try abseiling. One of the kids, Frederick, was so kind and nice toward me. He lent me his harness and even helped me put it on. The service was excellent! He even became my photographer when I was doing abseiling. The kids cheered and encouraged us as we stepped up the platform. Great experience.
The daring ones who did abseiling. Me, Kok Fen and Hana. Mardhiah joined us after that too!
And what can you expect from a 11 year old kid? The picture wasn't taken very well. Hahaha! This is the best that I had of myself doing abseiling.
Those who tried the tunnel. Krystin, Faisal and me! Javier already went in and Mardhiah came late.. so they were not in the picture.
This is my group in the tunnel. Yes! I brought my camera into the tunnel. It's pitch dark inside but my flash is powerful in this enclosed space.
And of course I took a picture with them! If only I had the wide angle lens.
If you can see from the photo, I had a big pimple on my left cheek. And I had an interesting conversation with a kid.
Kid: Ms Goh, is that a mosquito bite?
Me: No, it's a pimple.
Kid: Oh.. you should tell others that it's a mosquito bite then it won't look so bad.
Me: Haha. It's ok. I don't lie.
Kids are so amazingly cute! I hope that I had been a positive role model throughout these few days with them. Last but not least, I would like to thank Krystin, my 6 days comrade for being alongside with me all these days. It is really a pleasant experience to work with you! Thanks for motivating me to run in the morning!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Kids' episodes
Episode 1: Shock & Frustration
1st day of school after June holidays, I reached the classroom at 6.45 am and was getting ready to start a busy and tense day. Were told to make sure kids on LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA) did not come to sch. Suddenly 1 kid exclaimed, "XYZ is here!" (XYZ was a kid on LOA). Running out in shock to see if she's really there, I didn't find her in sight. The kid made a mistake. TSK!
After recess, I was going through powerpoint slides to let the pupils know the importance of social responsibility and the seriousness of H1N1. Then inform them that if they came back from affected countries on the 22nd June or after, they would be on LOA and shouldn't be in school. Then one kid exclaimed, "Ms Goh, I came back on the 23rd!" I panicked and quickly searched for his data. Then confirmed that he came back on the 21st. He made a mistake too. TSK!
Episode 2: Encouragement
Saw the status of an ex-student on Facebook. I strike a conversation through what she wrote and realised that she's in the Heart of God Church. Her status is always so full of the zeal of God. I am encouraged by her child like faith.
Episode 3: Touched
A boy from boys brigade (he's also a super cute boy in my class) is so impacted by the stories shared during CCA time that his interest in God is aroused. He carries a Bible to school and reads them everyday and even brought his whole family back into the arms of God. The whole family now goes to church every Sun. A young boy bringing the love of God back into the hearts of his parents and family. I am touched by what God can do through a young boy.
Episode 4: Friendship
A lonesome boy wanted a selfish friendship with another boy. He was jealous and possessive and they quarrelled (sounds gay I know). Instructor tried to talk and intervene but couldn't get him to join the group. Took me a long while to think and pray and then shared some stories in the Bible with him. He is also in boys brigade. So I guess he will understand what I am talking about. He's a sensible, sensitive and silly boy I would say. I was glad that he joined the group again after we had talked. I sincerely prayed that he will understand all that I had shared and may God help him to find true friendship!
Episode 5: Peace
A girl had a nightmare during the 2nd night of the camp. She screamed so loudly from her tent and woke all the girls in her tent. Many from other tents were too tired to notice her scream. It was a freaking scary scream.. She repeatedly shouted, "I can't believe it! Mummy, I hate this world!" My heart broke when I heard that. She was standing and stamping her feet on the ground. I went near and held her. She seemed to be demon possessed as she kept coughing so hard until she almost vomitted.. on me. She struggled to get off but a colleague and I surrounded her. She screamed again and then came to hug me twice. I said a short simple prayer in my heart and the peace of God came and calmed her down. She was ok after that but I guess there must be some things troubling her heart. I pray that the peace of God will constantly secure her heart of insecurities no matter what is happening around her.
Through teaching life, I am enriched by the experiences that I have with each individual kid. All those expected, unexpected, happy, sad, exciting, boring, encouraging, demoralising, pleasant, unpleasant incidents/encounters with these young ones makes my life an interesting one. Although sometimes work can be never ending and not forward looking, there are enjoyable times too. All the experiences that I had previously, served as a reminder that I am a teacher because I am called. I love kids. Whatever I do, I do for them, not expecting anything in return from them.
1st day of school after June holidays, I reached the classroom at 6.45 am and was getting ready to start a busy and tense day. Were told to make sure kids on LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA) did not come to sch. Suddenly 1 kid exclaimed, "XYZ is here!" (XYZ was a kid on LOA). Running out in shock to see if she's really there, I didn't find her in sight. The kid made a mistake. TSK!
After recess, I was going through powerpoint slides to let the pupils know the importance of social responsibility and the seriousness of H1N1. Then inform them that if they came back from affected countries on the 22nd June or after, they would be on LOA and shouldn't be in school. Then one kid exclaimed, "Ms Goh, I came back on the 23rd!" I panicked and quickly searched for his data. Then confirmed that he came back on the 21st. He made a mistake too. TSK!
Episode 2: Encouragement
Saw the status of an ex-student on Facebook. I strike a conversation through what she wrote and realised that she's in the Heart of God Church. Her status is always so full of the zeal of God. I am encouraged by her child like faith.
Episode 3: Touched
A boy from boys brigade (he's also a super cute boy in my class) is so impacted by the stories shared during CCA time that his interest in God is aroused. He carries a Bible to school and reads them everyday and even brought his whole family back into the arms of God. The whole family now goes to church every Sun. A young boy bringing the love of God back into the hearts of his parents and family. I am touched by what God can do through a young boy.
Episode 4: Friendship
A lonesome boy wanted a selfish friendship with another boy. He was jealous and possessive and they quarrelled (sounds gay I know). Instructor tried to talk and intervene but couldn't get him to join the group. Took me a long while to think and pray and then shared some stories in the Bible with him. He is also in boys brigade. So I guess he will understand what I am talking about. He's a sensible, sensitive and silly boy I would say. I was glad that he joined the group again after we had talked. I sincerely prayed that he will understand all that I had shared and may God help him to find true friendship!
Episode 5: Peace
A girl had a nightmare during the 2nd night of the camp. She screamed so loudly from her tent and woke all the girls in her tent. Many from other tents were too tired to notice her scream. It was a freaking scary scream.. She repeatedly shouted, "I can't believe it! Mummy, I hate this world!" My heart broke when I heard that. She was standing and stamping her feet on the ground. I went near and held her. She seemed to be demon possessed as she kept coughing so hard until she almost vomitted.. on me. She struggled to get off but a colleague and I surrounded her. She screamed again and then came to hug me twice. I said a short simple prayer in my heart and the peace of God came and calmed her down. She was ok after that but I guess there must be some things troubling her heart. I pray that the peace of God will constantly secure her heart of insecurities no matter what is happening around her.
Through teaching life, I am enriched by the experiences that I have with each individual kid. All those expected, unexpected, happy, sad, exciting, boring, encouraging, demoralising, pleasant, unpleasant incidents/encounters with these young ones makes my life an interesting one. Although sometimes work can be never ending and not forward looking, there are enjoyable times too. All the experiences that I had previously, served as a reminder that I am a teacher because I am called. I love kids. Whatever I do, I do for them, not expecting anything in return from them.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Busy week
I haven't had much time to blog as I was busy meeting people. Had a great CGM and fellowship at Adeline's house last Thursday. Adeline prepared pasta for us. The photo was blurred.. So I decided not to upload the photo.
On Friday, I went to Timbre at Old School with colleagues and I had quite a lot of food and drinks for $50 each. Both days were happy days.
Then went dinner with Deb and Shi at TCC at Boat Quay on Sunday. I love the cosy setting and the little crowd there. The food I ate was great!
Had a nice ginseng soup.
Here's the sphagetti that I had.
And a Nougat Ice Blended which was heavenly! And of course we had a wonderful server that day who recommended the food but didn't allow me to pay for the food. After that we went to the Man U Cafe for a drink. Last but not least, we went to Marina Square KBox and sang till 2plus in the morning. It was really a cool day. But we were all tired after that...
Then Monday was Youth Day and I went to Sentosa for a staff retreat recce with some colleagues. We had a great lunch at Vivocity's GO INDIA. Walked around in Sentosa and was really tired after that.
Then from Tuesday onwards was busy in school. However, I was glad to be out for a good drinking session with GML after school on one of the days. We had a good talk. Shared our thoughts about life.
This coming week is P5 camp at East Coast. I will not get a chance to blog for a week again. I hope everything will be smooth. Kids will be fine. Weather will be good. Kids will have fun. Teachers will have fun too!
On Friday, I went to Timbre at Old School with colleagues and I had quite a lot of food and drinks for $50 each. Both days were happy days.
Then went dinner with Deb and Shi at TCC at Boat Quay on Sunday. I love the cosy setting and the little crowd there. The food I ate was great!
Had a nice ginseng soup.
Here's the sphagetti that I had.
And a Nougat Ice Blended which was heavenly! And of course we had a wonderful server that day who recommended the food but didn't allow me to pay for the food. After that we went to the Man U Cafe for a drink. Last but not least, we went to Marina Square KBox and sang till 2plus in the morning. It was really a cool day. But we were all tired after that...
Then Monday was Youth Day and I went to Sentosa for a staff retreat recce with some colleagues. We had a great lunch at Vivocity's GO INDIA. Walked around in Sentosa and was really tired after that.
Then from Tuesday onwards was busy in school. However, I was glad to be out for a good drinking session with GML after school on one of the days. We had a good talk. Shared our thoughts about life.
This coming week is P5 camp at East Coast. I will not get a chance to blog for a week again. I hope everything will be smooth. Kids will be fine. Weather will be good. Kids will have fun. Teachers will have fun too!
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Dreams...
I had a dream recently. I dreamt that I was dead and became a ghost who went back to my class to visit my pupils. Some pupils were able to see me while others did not know of my presence. I quickly hush my kids not to alarm the rest and to keep quiet. They were not scared of me but were happy to see me. And then I woke up.
I'm puzzled as to why I had such a dream and I actually remember the dream. Deb says death speaks of a new beginning. How true is that?
I'm puzzled as to why I had such a dream and I actually remember the dream. Deb says death speaks of a new beginning. How true is that?
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Made to wear a mask..
I had a very bad headache since yesterday, a little cough, sore throat cum phlegm stuck in the throat. So decided to See the doc today. Went to the polyclinic and was made to wear a mask. Waited for 1Hr before it's my turn. The doc gave me 2 days mc. But I should be back in sch tomorrow. Anyway, when I came out of the room, I realised I'm one of the last few in the polyclinic. Had to get out from the side door because all the gates were closed.
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