Officially 21 years of age today. 21 seems to be the age of transition, the age when society takes you more seriously and the time when cinemas open all their doors to you.
This birthday has been nothing short of special. The surprises had started pouring in on Thursday, when 3DL turned my lesson into a birthday celebration cum farewell. I'll be lying if I said I didn't suspect anything at all. Afterall, it was a lesson after recess and a sizable number of students were missing, very unlike the class. The instructions to clap were audible to me too but the moment when the cake was brought in felt really sweet.
Later in the day, D also surprised me with a box of pleasant things that meant a lot to me. It was a quaint little package done up in over an afternoon. Let's just say a part of it almost moved me to tears. I was taken aback by the ease at how tears welled up as it has never happened before, at least not in the movies. My self proclaimed emotional stability has been seriously undermined. Based on the D's gift solely, it could very well be the best birthday ever.
Friday evening was great too, as I met up with friends from the car forum for dinner and gathering at Tiong Bahru Market. They had a cake for me too and great food and company ruled the night.
Saturday morning was spent plucking wild grass from the front lawn while the later part of the day was spent with D at Kbox. The birthday package granted me a discount and a complimentary cake. Although the texture tasted really cheap and the blueberry was more like jam than anything else, D and I managed to plough through about 1/4 of it and I packed the rest home. Had some mildly filling yet satisfying pasta at Waraku for dinner.
I had another surprise as I reached home. Realised mum had walked all the way to Parkway to get a Black Forest cake for me. We waited for dad to return before celebrating. Especially meaningful it was, as I vaguely recall the last time my parents and I got together for cake cutting was like 10 years ago. It was never a habit so it felt strange at first. But in the end it still felt really meaningful. Mum claims 21 is a milestone and it is in a way, symbolic to celebrate it in the new house.
Going to have a look at Ice the Golden Retriever with my parents tomorrow. Hopefully will be able to get it. It'll truly be a nice addition to the family.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
a cheem-by-my-standards post about 'change'
The secondary 3s had to write a one word essay about 'Change' during their June holidays. Probably the setter of the question wanted them to speak about their views of the ever changing world, or maybe recall the last transformation in their lives that has impacted them significantly whatsoever. It could also be highly likely he was looking for reflection over the past 6 months or his entire life.
Ploughing throught 30 plus essays on 'change' was more boring than expected. Most were mundane, some were brinking on the edge of the unbelievable, while others lacked logic in parts. Surprises came in the form of 'change' being something you receive from the shopkeeper after using the big note. Not a pleasant surprise I must say, because as realisation of the irrelevant plot sank in, my heart did the same.
On a personal basis, life has also been on the edge of significant change especially this couple of weeks. The rollercoaster of emotions has been taking me for a ride during this period, when the days leading to varsity entry looms up on me inevitably. My feelings are hardly justifiable, especially since a year back, I was more than geared up for it. Now, it just seems that I am dreading the day I step in that is matriculation, and my confidence seems to be wearing away.
7 months outside and gradually slipping into the comfort zone I suppose. Yet, I can do nothing to stop myself from feeling apprehensive despite being fully aware. Feeling much better now though, as I'm convinced this is just anxiety and the impending fear of the big unknown playing the devil.
I'll probably get into the flow of things in less than a week. Hopefully.
Another big change will probably be the fact that I'm moving house. In fact, at the point of writing, I can say that I'm moving this afternoon, officially. The new house is a big one, something to look forward to everyday. Possibilities are endless. Yet the current one harbours the memories of the past 2 decades, and probably slightly more for my parents. It's been a difficult decision but we all hope the new environment brings with it a whole new world of living and creating fresh memories.
Now as I'm sitting in my spartan room typing this post, I notice the echo resounding off the hollow walls and floor everytime I ponder aloud. Cupboards and shelves are presently empty. Once the untidy abode has become a hollow shell for the next occupants to fill in. I sound emo but I'm not. I'm just expressing myself.
I told my students once it's always meaningful to be able to write about a real personal recount in an essay, but avoid if it may turn out boring for exam purposes. If anyone took this part of what is happening to my life now and turn it into an essay, it would probably need a hell lot of good vocab and vivid reflections to transform it into a winning one. Anything less even I will fail it.
It is always good to note that behind every seemingly normal and mundane transition will carry with it a inevitable tangle of emotions that lives with your subconscious.
Ploughing throught 30 plus essays on 'change' was more boring than expected. Most were mundane, some were brinking on the edge of the unbelievable, while others lacked logic in parts. Surprises came in the form of 'change' being something you receive from the shopkeeper after using the big note. Not a pleasant surprise I must say, because as realisation of the irrelevant plot sank in, my heart did the same.
On a personal basis, life has also been on the edge of significant change especially this couple of weeks. The rollercoaster of emotions has been taking me for a ride during this period, when the days leading to varsity entry looms up on me inevitably. My feelings are hardly justifiable, especially since a year back, I was more than geared up for it. Now, it just seems that I am dreading the day I step in that is matriculation, and my confidence seems to be wearing away.
7 months outside and gradually slipping into the comfort zone I suppose. Yet, I can do nothing to stop myself from feeling apprehensive despite being fully aware. Feeling much better now though, as I'm convinced this is just anxiety and the impending fear of the big unknown playing the devil.
I'll probably get into the flow of things in less than a week. Hopefully.
Another big change will probably be the fact that I'm moving house. In fact, at the point of writing, I can say that I'm moving this afternoon, officially. The new house is a big one, something to look forward to everyday. Possibilities are endless. Yet the current one harbours the memories of the past 2 decades, and probably slightly more for my parents. It's been a difficult decision but we all hope the new environment brings with it a whole new world of living and creating fresh memories.
Now as I'm sitting in my spartan room typing this post, I notice the echo resounding off the hollow walls and floor everytime I ponder aloud. Cupboards and shelves are presently empty. Once the untidy abode has become a hollow shell for the next occupants to fill in. I sound emo but I'm not. I'm just expressing myself.
I told my students once it's always meaningful to be able to write about a real personal recount in an essay, but avoid if it may turn out boring for exam purposes. If anyone took this part of what is happening to my life now and turn it into an essay, it would probably need a hell lot of good vocab and vivid reflections to transform it into a winning one. Anything less even I will fail it.
It is always good to note that behind every seemingly normal and mundane transition will carry with it a inevitable tangle of emotions that lives with your subconscious.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Leaving certain things behind
Haven't blogged in ages. And it somehow looks like that sentence has been thrown around quite a bit in this blog.
Quite a bit has happened since the last entry. It has been back to school for me, kind of because the previous teacher couldn't stay for long so it was decided that getting me back would be a convenient choice. Well, until the trained teacher arrives.
Already been teaching for a week and at this point of time, I guess I have about 1 more week to go before actually ending my stint as a teacher. This job has been an interesting and refreshing experience, one that has made me feel beyond my years many a time. I've learnt a lot I must say and it's about time to move on.
Speaking of moving on, my family has decided to move to the new house. This is after much discussion, some indecisiveness and a whole lot of serious consideration. 20 years in the present one, probably time to move on to a bigger, better place, but I'll probably miss this place dearly.
It's getting late and I'm sleepy. Late nights and early mornings have taken a huge toll on me. Stubborn and noisy students usually make things worse. Thank goodness it's already Saturday, and it's time to rest.
Quite a bit has happened since the last entry. It has been back to school for me, kind of because the previous teacher couldn't stay for long so it was decided that getting me back would be a convenient choice. Well, until the trained teacher arrives.
Already been teaching for a week and at this point of time, I guess I have about 1 more week to go before actually ending my stint as a teacher. This job has been an interesting and refreshing experience, one that has made me feel beyond my years many a time. I've learnt a lot I must say and it's about time to move on.
Speaking of moving on, my family has decided to move to the new house. This is after much discussion, some indecisiveness and a whole lot of serious consideration. 20 years in the present one, probably time to move on to a bigger, better place, but I'll probably miss this place dearly.
It's getting late and I'm sleepy. Late nights and early mornings have taken a huge toll on me. Stubborn and noisy students usually make things worse. Thank goodness it's already Saturday, and it's time to rest.
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