Incoherent babbling
This week hasn't been too great class wise. Have been resorting to more incoherent babbling than usual! Wonder why though since I'm feeling pretty good with August on it's way. Maybe it's all the late night studying. Derailing my trains of thought. Hmm...
Doing the Masters online is a pretty novel affair. Taking 2 classes, one with 77 students and the other with 46, and they come from everywhere though the majority is Australia. It's actually quite fun (if you disregard the assignments). :)
Streamyx has been up and running for the second week now and already I can't imagine life without it. Streamyx (and Astro) are my two best friends. Life is just so much more fun with them around :)
With the help of students (or rather part-time workers since I paid them), I have distributed 2000 flyers around the neighbourhood. Am hoping this will help jumpstart some numbers for CreativeKids. Really too bad that no other classes are running except for mine. Might have to resort to hiring outside teachers if I want to get the place up and running.
It's Tuesday with 3 days to the weekend. Giving a talk at One Academy on Saturday. Yay! Talks there are fun to do. Lots of eye candy :) (slaps self for shallow, but true, remark).
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Blushing and burping
Am finding it a tad difficult to concentrate at work when colleagues and students are cultivating the fancies of a group of female students who erm, find me 'cool' and have asked about my availability and weirdly my starsign in less than direct means. Tsk tsk... students nowadays... must stop my face turning red though, kinda hard to be stern and strict while blushing. One plus point is that I have higher than usual intakes for my department :) Hehe...
Had such a good lunch. Great 'nasi goreng cendawan' with a dessert of dried mangoes and chocolates. Sweet tooth very satisfied. Nyam...
On another note, have started a new blog as a study journal record for my masters. Those inclined are welcomed to drop by :)
Am finding it a tad difficult to concentrate at work when colleagues and students are cultivating the fancies of a group of female students who erm, find me 'cool' and have asked about my availability and weirdly my starsign in less than direct means. Tsk tsk... students nowadays... must stop my face turning red though, kinda hard to be stern and strict while blushing. One plus point is that I have higher than usual intakes for my department :) Hehe...
Had such a good lunch. Great 'nasi goreng cendawan' with a dessert of dried mangoes and chocolates. Sweet tooth very satisfied. Nyam...
On another note, have started a new blog as a study journal record for my masters. Those inclined are welcomed to drop by :)
Monday, July 19, 2004
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HL!
First up, a big birthday greeting to HL who celebrated his 25th birthday last Saturday :) And with that done, well, where's the cake?
..........
Had a good weekend back home, doing usual home stuff like eating and tv. Did somewhat of a bigger than usual pigging out session simply because from today onwards, I'll be majorly swamped. Outside of work, my Master program has started so homework and studying will have to take some priority. Am also giving a two-day talk at The One come the end of the month so there's also that to prepare for. Plus two new CreativeKids classes kicking off in August so that's another to do on my list. Not forgetting the current Creative Writing classes. I hope I'm not being too ambitious but if I get grumpy and more reserved than usual, you'll know why!
Have to postpone board meeting to maybe August or later, simply because of the above. Will have to settle the talk and the new classes first before I have a better measure of my time. But will be good to catch up with Jacq and Aimo. Let me know when you guys are free :)
.........
Had an orientation program for new students today. One of my Multimedia students didn't know how to spell 'multimedia'. How promising...
First up, a big birthday greeting to HL who celebrated his 25th birthday last Saturday :) And with that done, well, where's the cake?
..........
Had a good weekend back home, doing usual home stuff like eating and tv. Did somewhat of a bigger than usual pigging out session simply because from today onwards, I'll be majorly swamped. Outside of work, my Master program has started so homework and studying will have to take some priority. Am also giving a two-day talk at The One come the end of the month so there's also that to prepare for. Plus two new CreativeKids classes kicking off in August so that's another to do on my list. Not forgetting the current Creative Writing classes. I hope I'm not being too ambitious but if I get grumpy and more reserved than usual, you'll know why!
Have to postpone board meeting to maybe August or later, simply because of the above. Will have to settle the talk and the new classes first before I have a better measure of my time. But will be good to catch up with Jacq and Aimo. Let me know when you guys are free :)
.........
Had an orientation program for new students today. One of my Multimedia students didn't know how to spell 'multimedia'. How promising...
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Board games, themeparks, and rabbits
Finally got my board games I ordered from Amazon. Arrived in mint condition and quickly took them out for some play action. Here's the verdict.
1. Vampire Hunter:
A unique game where you play in the dark. Game board comes with a built in light that switches from night to day revealing different things on the board. Basically when blue light is on, all blue toned images become invisible and vice versa with red. Takes 30 mins for first time set up and 10 mins to finish. Needless to say, stupidly designed game, albeit with a neat concept.
2. Roller Coaster Tycoon:
Looks exactly like the computer version. Fun game, objective being to 'buy' as many attractions and see who gets the most guests. Very cool, very fun. Although a tad quick. Game ends in less than an hour.
3. Nascar Pictionary
Your standard Pictionary but Nascar themed. Made the mistake of assuming that the theme extended only to the board design. Apparently, everything is Nascar themed so words such as 'brakes', 'harness', 'speed zone' are common. TOUGH!
Should be an interesting board meeting :)
~~~~~~~~~~
Genting was alright. Weather was gorgeous. The first time I go to Genting without a camera and they have this awesome weather and just amazing cloud formations. First time I've seen a rainbow ringed cloud. Really spectacular. Everything else is just the usual. Genting fails to excite after the 8th or so visit within 3 years.
~~~~~~~~~
Woke up this morning to realise that Dominose is ill. Has an open wound which is badly infected. Very gross, very disgusting. He's now in the vet undergoing a minor surgery to clean the wound, suture, and undergo antibiotic treatment. Biscuit and myself to be blamed. Biscuit for biting him and me for not getting someone to come over when I was away. Paying the price of pet neglect. Sigh....
~~~~~~~~~~
Have a good day ahead everyone!
Finally got my board games I ordered from Amazon. Arrived in mint condition and quickly took them out for some play action. Here's the verdict.
1. Vampire Hunter:
A unique game where you play in the dark. Game board comes with a built in light that switches from night to day revealing different things on the board. Basically when blue light is on, all blue toned images become invisible and vice versa with red. Takes 30 mins for first time set up and 10 mins to finish. Needless to say, stupidly designed game, albeit with a neat concept.
2. Roller Coaster Tycoon:
Looks exactly like the computer version. Fun game, objective being to 'buy' as many attractions and see who gets the most guests. Very cool, very fun. Although a tad quick. Game ends in less than an hour.
3. Nascar Pictionary
Your standard Pictionary but Nascar themed. Made the mistake of assuming that the theme extended only to the board design. Apparently, everything is Nascar themed so words such as 'brakes', 'harness', 'speed zone' are common. TOUGH!
Should be an interesting board meeting :)
~~~~~~~~~~
Genting was alright. Weather was gorgeous. The first time I go to Genting without a camera and they have this awesome weather and just amazing cloud formations. First time I've seen a rainbow ringed cloud. Really spectacular. Everything else is just the usual. Genting fails to excite after the 8th or so visit within 3 years.
~~~~~~~~~
Woke up this morning to realise that Dominose is ill. Has an open wound which is badly infected. Very gross, very disgusting. He's now in the vet undergoing a minor surgery to clean the wound, suture, and undergo antibiotic treatment. Biscuit and myself to be blamed. Biscuit for biting him and me for not getting someone to come over when I was away. Paying the price of pet neglect. Sigh....
~~~~~~~~~~
Have a good day ahead everyone!
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Holiday beckons!
Next week is the mid-semester break for the college so I can finally take leave! Academic staff can only go leave during semester breaks, a little sucky but we get 20 days annually. So am off for three days and going to go spend time in Genting come Monday! WOOHOO!!! Genting, here I come!
ps: Genting mega savings room rates mean one night only costs RM18. El cheapo!
Next week is the mid-semester break for the college so I can finally take leave! Academic staff can only go leave during semester breaks, a little sucky but we get 20 days annually. So am off for three days and going to go spend time in Genting come Monday! WOOHOO!!! Genting, here I come!
ps: Genting mega savings room rates mean one night only costs RM18. El cheapo!
Friday, July 09, 2004
Thursday, July 08, 2004
The morning after...
Yawns... sleepy and cold on a slow moving Thursday evening. Reeling from the after effects of Wednesday TV night. Spent the entire evening/night glued to the TV. Here's what I watched:
6:30pm - Justice League
7:00pm - Playhouse Disney Channel
7:30pm - Just Shoot Me
8:00pm - The Amazing Race 5 Pilot
9:30pm - The Practice (midway)
10:00pm - CSI
11:00pm - Random channel surfing
11:30pm - Charmed
Finally got to bed at 12:30am... yawns... for me that's late. Am usually in bed by 11pm, except for Wed TV night of course. :)
----------
Love the weather of late. Beautiful crisp mornings. Nice cool evenings. Perfect! Times like this, I'm glad I'm able to take in the morning sun, rather than having to rush off at 6am to get to work like before.
----------
Masters kicking off soon. Getting a tad nervous. Also a little weird to be on the receiving end of e-learning :) Am so used being the one on the other side of the LMS, and now lecturing rather than studying. But am keen to start. Already making friends with a whole lot of Aussie folks. Unfortunately, I seem to be the baby of the bunch. Everyone else seems to be in late thirties onwards, very professional people with tonnes of experience. Daunting...
---------
Friday tomorrow! Hoorah!!!
Yawns... sleepy and cold on a slow moving Thursday evening. Reeling from the after effects of Wednesday TV night. Spent the entire evening/night glued to the TV. Here's what I watched:
6:30pm - Justice League
7:00pm - Playhouse Disney Channel
7:30pm - Just Shoot Me
8:00pm - The Amazing Race 5 Pilot
9:30pm - The Practice (midway)
10:00pm - CSI
11:00pm - Random channel surfing
11:30pm - Charmed
Finally got to bed at 12:30am... yawns... for me that's late. Am usually in bed by 11pm, except for Wed TV night of course. :)
----------
Love the weather of late. Beautiful crisp mornings. Nice cool evenings. Perfect! Times like this, I'm glad I'm able to take in the morning sun, rather than having to rush off at 6am to get to work like before.
----------
Masters kicking off soon. Getting a tad nervous. Also a little weird to be on the receiving end of e-learning :) Am so used being the one on the other side of the LMS, and now lecturing rather than studying. But am keen to start. Already making friends with a whole lot of Aussie folks. Unfortunately, I seem to be the baby of the bunch. Everyone else seems to be in late thirties onwards, very professional people with tonnes of experience. Daunting...
---------
Friday tomorrow! Hoorah!!!
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Bringing out the Simon in you
Had another review class for the final semester Multimedia Design students this morning. Really would like to be supportive and encouraging but always end up emulating America's infamous critic. Among phrases I repeatedly use:
'That's just normal, where's the creative concept?'
'Speak in English, I can't understand you.'
'And when are you going to finish?'
'Did you start sketching yesterday?'
'How are you going to pass?'
Needless to say I'm not exactly the most popular lecturer around. Hehehe, not here to win a popularity contest however. So out with the niceties, in with the whip. *LASH*
In a similar vein, anyone out there in the Multimedia industry who will like to be an external moderator for my department? Give me a buzz, there's a small honorarium (money) but you must be a competent multimedia professional. Very little work one, no worries. Buzz me :)
Had another review class for the final semester Multimedia Design students this morning. Really would like to be supportive and encouraging but always end up emulating America's infamous critic. Among phrases I repeatedly use:
'That's just normal, where's the creative concept?'
'Speak in English, I can't understand you.'
'And when are you going to finish?'
'Did you start sketching yesterday?'
'How are you going to pass?'
Needless to say I'm not exactly the most popular lecturer around. Hehehe, not here to win a popularity contest however. So out with the niceties, in with the whip. *LASH*
In a similar vein, anyone out there in the Multimedia industry who will like to be an external moderator for my department? Give me a buzz, there's a small honorarium (money) but you must be a competent multimedia professional. Very little work one, no worries. Buzz me :)
Monday, July 05, 2004
Berbahasa
Selepas menimbangkan cadangan rakan kita Kotakkosong, saya memutuskan untuk menggunakan Bahasa Melayu untuk paparan 'blog' saya pada hari Isnin yang biru ini. *menguap*
Seperti yang biasa, hari Isnin sememangnya tidak dialu-alukan. Kalaulah dapat tidur 5-6 jam lagi, barulah kepuasan lebih berimpak. Malangnya, tiada apa yang dapat kita lakukan. Sedihnya.
Hujung minggu saya yang lalu hanya sederhana. Bergotong royong di pejabat pada hari Sabtu, mengosongkan bilik setor. Selepas itu, saya pergi menonton 'orang labah-labah kedua' pada malam hari. Tersangat bagus, penggunaan kesan-kesan istimewa dan cara lakonan sungguh menakjubkan! Tiada terasa pun betapa kelakarnya nama 'Tobey', pelakon utama tayangan itu.
Pada hari Ahad, saya membantu rakan saya memulakan kelas bimbingan matematiknya di 'Studio Budak-budak Kreatif'. Saya terpegun dengan kadar harge kelas itu. Pada RM35 sejam, dengan 4 jam seminggu, rakan saya mampu mengaut keuntungan yang bersamaan dengan apa yang diraut saya dengan hanya 11 murid! Bidang kerja ini sememangya mampu membawa untung! *bermimpi*
Sebelum DBP datang menyaman saya kerana merosakkan bahasa Melayu, baik saya menamatkan paparan ini untuk seketika. Semoga hari Isnin yang biru ini membawa kegembiraan kepada rakan-rakan sekalian!
(cubaan berbahasa saya sememangnya sedih....)
Selepas menimbangkan cadangan rakan kita Kotakkosong, saya memutuskan untuk menggunakan Bahasa Melayu untuk paparan 'blog' saya pada hari Isnin yang biru ini. *menguap*
Seperti yang biasa, hari Isnin sememangnya tidak dialu-alukan. Kalaulah dapat tidur 5-6 jam lagi, barulah kepuasan lebih berimpak. Malangnya, tiada apa yang dapat kita lakukan. Sedihnya.
Hujung minggu saya yang lalu hanya sederhana. Bergotong royong di pejabat pada hari Sabtu, mengosongkan bilik setor. Selepas itu, saya pergi menonton 'orang labah-labah kedua' pada malam hari. Tersangat bagus, penggunaan kesan-kesan istimewa dan cara lakonan sungguh menakjubkan! Tiada terasa pun betapa kelakarnya nama 'Tobey', pelakon utama tayangan itu.
Pada hari Ahad, saya membantu rakan saya memulakan kelas bimbingan matematiknya di 'Studio Budak-budak Kreatif'. Saya terpegun dengan kadar harge kelas itu. Pada RM35 sejam, dengan 4 jam seminggu, rakan saya mampu mengaut keuntungan yang bersamaan dengan apa yang diraut saya dengan hanya 11 murid! Bidang kerja ini sememangya mampu membawa untung! *bermimpi*
Sebelum DBP datang menyaman saya kerana merosakkan bahasa Melayu, baik saya menamatkan paparan ini untuk seketika. Semoga hari Isnin yang biru ini membawa kegembiraan kepada rakan-rakan sekalian!
(cubaan berbahasa saya sememangnya sedih....)
Monday, June 28, 2004
Oh Mandy...
Yawns... weekend was full and tiring. As per usual, had to clean the house on weekends and considering that the house is relatively large, and I'm doing it alone, it's quite an effort. Plus there's the garden to tend, house plants to take care, aquariums to clean, and rabbits to baby. Gosh... I have the utmost respect for mothers the world over.
Was also busy with designing logos for a competition. Very tough considering that the logo is for the Board of Engineers and I had no idea what to depict. Took the entire weekend and a week of sketching before that to come out with two mediocre work. Sigh... hope I win maybe consolation.
Also took time to distribute flyers. It's really amazing how humbling it can be. People give weird looks to people who distribute flyers. Must be what garbagemen and all those other jobs the general population relatively look down upon, be like. Was uncomfortable for awhile but couldn't be bothered after. The only thing that bothers me a lot though is the dogs. Argh... hate having a dog bounding towards you and you rushing to get the flyer in and buck out. Dogs terrify me (though I still love the nice ones).
And oh, had weird but strangely pleasant dream last night :) First up, met Donald Duck. So cute but weird meeting a blabbing incoherent duck in sailor uniform. AND I met WESTLIFE! Hahaha... not like I'm a fan but well, t'was interesting :)!
Yawns... weekend was full and tiring. As per usual, had to clean the house on weekends and considering that the house is relatively large, and I'm doing it alone, it's quite an effort. Plus there's the garden to tend, house plants to take care, aquariums to clean, and rabbits to baby. Gosh... I have the utmost respect for mothers the world over.
Was also busy with designing logos for a competition. Very tough considering that the logo is for the Board of Engineers and I had no idea what to depict. Took the entire weekend and a week of sketching before that to come out with two mediocre work. Sigh... hope I win maybe consolation.
Also took time to distribute flyers. It's really amazing how humbling it can be. People give weird looks to people who distribute flyers. Must be what garbagemen and all those other jobs the general population relatively look down upon, be like. Was uncomfortable for awhile but couldn't be bothered after. The only thing that bothers me a lot though is the dogs. Argh... hate having a dog bounding towards you and you rushing to get the flyer in and buck out. Dogs terrify me (though I still love the nice ones).
And oh, had weird but strangely pleasant dream last night :) First up, met Donald Duck. So cute but weird meeting a blabbing incoherent duck in sailor uniform. AND I met WESTLIFE! Hahaha... not like I'm a fan but well, t'was interesting :)!
Friday, June 25, 2004
Bunny Battle Royale
Wombat is now in USJ with me :) Decided that I have enough space in the backyard to cope with three bunnies. They did try to fight a bit but they've all somewhat settled in their own spaces. Don't know why but from being good bunny friends, the three of them now are aggresively territorial. Maybe it's the hormones...
So glad it's a Friday. Has been a very lethargic and tiring week. Don't quite know why though, probably a mental event. What with evicting tenants and deciding on a Masters. Can't wait to sleep in tomorrow. Hoorah!
Tenant making it difficult, pleaded for me to reconsider. I will not. People who open unopened biscuit tins and take your biscuit are downright rude and annoying. So OUT they go. Giving a reminder letter to them today, very the harsh but what to do.
Anyone free this weekend to lend me a hand distributing more flyers? Dinner treat on me! :) Let me know yeah!
Wombat is now in USJ with me :) Decided that I have enough space in the backyard to cope with three bunnies. They did try to fight a bit but they've all somewhat settled in their own spaces. Don't know why but from being good bunny friends, the three of them now are aggresively territorial. Maybe it's the hormones...
So glad it's a Friday. Has been a very lethargic and tiring week. Don't quite know why though, probably a mental event. What with evicting tenants and deciding on a Masters. Can't wait to sleep in tomorrow. Hoorah!
Tenant making it difficult, pleaded for me to reconsider. I will not. People who open unopened biscuit tins and take your biscuit are downright rude and annoying. So OUT they go. Giving a reminder letter to them today, very the harsh but what to do.
Anyone free this weekend to lend me a hand distributing more flyers? Dinner treat on me! :) Let me know yeah!
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Getting seasick in choppy waters
It seems like change is the theme for this year! Getting a little nauseated with all the tumult but moving ever onwards.
First up, plan to do my Masters. Don't want to put it off anymore. Since I'm quite comfortable being in education, a Masters will definitely be useful. Planning to do a Masters in Online Education. Seems to be more relevant (and a little more fun) than an MBA.
Also evicted my ground floor tenant. A little scary in the sense that budget will be tighter but I don't plan to give up CreativeKids anytime soon. Instead hoping to double student numbers by year end. And AIMO! Where forth art thou? Back in USJ yet?
Anyways, tenant made a pretty emotional plea for continuing his tenancy. Apparently his wife is 7 months into term. Now, if I had known that, I wouldn't have wanted him renting in the first place. No place for a baby in my home. So notice has been given. Have to put my needs before sympathy. Plus I've had enough of pilfered food.
And oh, thanks Meng for the chang! Nyam... love them except for the Chinese one. Didn't quite fancy that but Rick liked it. Thanks!
Board games coming by end of month. Will let you guys know when the next board meeting is :)
It seems like change is the theme for this year! Getting a little nauseated with all the tumult but moving ever onwards.
First up, plan to do my Masters. Don't want to put it off anymore. Since I'm quite comfortable being in education, a Masters will definitely be useful. Planning to do a Masters in Online Education. Seems to be more relevant (and a little more fun) than an MBA.
Also evicted my ground floor tenant. A little scary in the sense that budget will be tighter but I don't plan to give up CreativeKids anytime soon. Instead hoping to double student numbers by year end. And AIMO! Where forth art thou? Back in USJ yet?
Anyways, tenant made a pretty emotional plea for continuing his tenancy. Apparently his wife is 7 months into term. Now, if I had known that, I wouldn't have wanted him renting in the first place. No place for a baby in my home. So notice has been given. Have to put my needs before sympathy. Plus I've had enough of pilfered food.
And oh, thanks Meng for the chang! Nyam... love them except for the Chinese one. Didn't quite fancy that but Rick liked it. Thanks!
Board games coming by end of month. Will let you guys know when the next board meeting is :)
Friday, June 18, 2004
It's a Friday! Oh joy!
Weeks seem to be zooming by very quickly lately. Possibly because days are much fuller. Unlike my previous job, where work comes in unpredictable bits, teaching in a college is somewhat more predictable, although very time consuming. There are always lesson plans to prepare, students to entertain, classes to go to, and papers to mark, and on top of that, being the Head of Department also means working with the part-timers and a lot of forms to fill and sign. And then at nights, there's CreativeKids :) Now, there's a real challenge!
Have a new student who the parent proudly mentioned as having completed one of those kiddy franchise language programs. Don't know how to break it to the mom though but her son is the slowest in the class. He can write well enough but seems to be unable to think on his own. Says a lot about franchise programs. Tsk tsk...
The boy is also a troublemaker. You could see everyone's eyes suddenly got bigger when I raised my voice, stood to full stature and sent someone to a corner. Muahahahahaha...
It's such a challenge though... you need to be both educating and entertaining. Very rewarding learning experience. Reinforces my decision that having kids is something you have to think twice over, and then twice over again. I think I'll just get a dog.
Am also considering taking up an MBA. Anyone keen? Hoping to get a buddy to get in the program with me :)
Weeks seem to be zooming by very quickly lately. Possibly because days are much fuller. Unlike my previous job, where work comes in unpredictable bits, teaching in a college is somewhat more predictable, although very time consuming. There are always lesson plans to prepare, students to entertain, classes to go to, and papers to mark, and on top of that, being the Head of Department also means working with the part-timers and a lot of forms to fill and sign. And then at nights, there's CreativeKids :) Now, there's a real challenge!
Have a new student who the parent proudly mentioned as having completed one of those kiddy franchise language programs. Don't know how to break it to the mom though but her son is the slowest in the class. He can write well enough but seems to be unable to think on his own. Says a lot about franchise programs. Tsk tsk...
The boy is also a troublemaker. You could see everyone's eyes suddenly got bigger when I raised my voice, stood to full stature and sent someone to a corner. Muahahahahaha...
It's such a challenge though... you need to be both educating and entertaining. Very rewarding learning experience. Reinforces my decision that having kids is something you have to think twice over, and then twice over again. I think I'll just get a dog.
Am also considering taking up an MBA. Anyone keen? Hoping to get a buddy to get in the program with me :)
Sunday, June 13, 2004
My room
Was cleaning up the house as usual on Sunday (managing a house is tough) so after 2 hours of sweeping, mopping and wiping (did I say tough?), and rubbing off pencil marks from my tables, decided to do my room (2 hours just for the ground floor). Remembered I had a wallpaper mural that I hadn't opened so well, decided to put it up and here's the result :)
Ah... bliss... now I can put on my Deep Space Nine Trekkie outfit, hit my Voyager comm badge, and play pretend. Some boys never grow up...
~
And oh, anyone seen these wizards?
Was cleaning up the house as usual on Sunday (managing a house is tough) so after 2 hours of sweeping, mopping and wiping (did I say tough?), and rubbing off pencil marks from my tables, decided to do my room (2 hours just for the ground floor). Remembered I had a wallpaper mural that I hadn't opened so well, decided to put it up and here's the result :)
Ah... bliss... now I can put on my Deep Space Nine Trekkie outfit, hit my Voyager comm badge, and play pretend. Some boys never grow up...
~
And oh, anyone seen these wizards?
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Earth to erm, Earth
Am in a jolly good mood this morning :) Never underestimate the power of good nasi lemak! After years of crackers and soymilk for breakfast, having nasi lemak is so great! Wished I could do it daily, although my body probably wouldn't appreciate me for it!
Life has been tumultous but not all in a bad way. Lots to think about, lots of changes but keeping pace and staying focused. A parent dropped a note the other day saying how much her kids (she sent 2 of her sons for Creative Writing) loved the class and she wanted to thank me for inculcating a joy for learning in them. Never felt so pleased in such a long time :)
Work has been at a pretty upbeat pace. Semester slowly kicking in and assignments and exams are slowly looming. Am already building a reputation as a no nonsense, stern lecturer and already students are complaining. Although being the head of department as well, there really have no one to complain to but me! Muahahahahaha... lazy students are gonna die. No tolerance for late submissions and late classes. Muahahahahahahaha....
Hope everyone is doing good. When is Chun and Saw coming back anyways? Need kaki for 'board' meeting. :)
Am in a jolly good mood this morning :) Never underestimate the power of good nasi lemak! After years of crackers and soymilk for breakfast, having nasi lemak is so great! Wished I could do it daily, although my body probably wouldn't appreciate me for it!
Life has been tumultous but not all in a bad way. Lots to think about, lots of changes but keeping pace and staying focused. A parent dropped a note the other day saying how much her kids (she sent 2 of her sons for Creative Writing) loved the class and she wanted to thank me for inculcating a joy for learning in them. Never felt so pleased in such a long time :)
Work has been at a pretty upbeat pace. Semester slowly kicking in and assignments and exams are slowly looming. Am already building a reputation as a no nonsense, stern lecturer and already students are complaining. Although being the head of department as well, there really have no one to complain to but me! Muahahahahaha... lazy students are gonna die. No tolerance for late submissions and late classes. Muahahahahahahaha....
Hope everyone is doing good. When is Chun and Saw coming back anyways? Need kaki for 'board' meeting. :)
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Watch the upswing!
Am in a better mood of late. Guess I have resolved some things in my life and there are some new events and people that's putting things in perspective. Good to be moving on.
So thrilled with the prospect of The Prisoner of Azkaban! Got my tickets already for Saturday night. Just can't wait :) Also looking forward to a family outing to Sunway Lagoon this Sunday. Gonna be fun fun fun! Although am breaking my bank just a wee bit, especially since I'm also planning a Genting escapade in July. Must always never forget to pamper oneself... wonder why my colleagues think I'm thrifty though. For someone with zero savings, thriftiness isn't in my vocabulary (well, it is, but you know what I mean).
Celebraring student number 12! Although not all have confirmed since some are still using their free trial classes, I'm just happy to have the warm response. Classes are quite fun and kids getting boisterous, probably because a guy with rabbits in his backyard can't be all that evil now, can he? :) Hope to be able to convert them all to paying students soon but in the meantime, finally reaping some profits from the ones who have finished the free May classes! Made just enough to pay off my Astro subscription and installation. Yay!
Hope all of you guys are well. Chun and Saw seems to be having a ball! Let's all meet for another 'board' meeting when everyone's back :)
Am in a better mood of late. Guess I have resolved some things in my life and there are some new events and people that's putting things in perspective. Good to be moving on.
So thrilled with the prospect of The Prisoner of Azkaban! Got my tickets already for Saturday night. Just can't wait :) Also looking forward to a family outing to Sunway Lagoon this Sunday. Gonna be fun fun fun! Although am breaking my bank just a wee bit, especially since I'm also planning a Genting escapade in July. Must always never forget to pamper oneself... wonder why my colleagues think I'm thrifty though. For someone with zero savings, thriftiness isn't in my vocabulary (well, it is, but you know what I mean).
Celebraring student number 12! Although not all have confirmed since some are still using their free trial classes, I'm just happy to have the warm response. Classes are quite fun and kids getting boisterous, probably because a guy with rabbits in his backyard can't be all that evil now, can he? :) Hope to be able to convert them all to paying students soon but in the meantime, finally reaping some profits from the ones who have finished the free May classes! Made just enough to pay off my Astro subscription and installation. Yay!
Hope all of you guys are well. Chun and Saw seems to be having a ball! Let's all meet for another 'board' meeting when everyone's back :)
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Rabbit Run
Went down the hall last night to see two eyes staring back at me from the dark porch. Thinking it was a cat (who infuriates me by swishing at my outside fishies) I went out only to realise it was Dominose and Biscuit who have learnt to hop over the lower fenced grille and run outside. Took awhile and a lot of running and jumping to catch them and bring them back. Argh... need to get more wire mesh now.
Caught Shrek 2 last night. Outside of idiotic parents and their loud mouth kids (to be expected with any kiddie appeal movie), it was alright. Fun watch but nothing mind-blowing. Looking forward to Potter though, especially with Dementors, Hippogrifs, Boggarts and so much more! Fun fun fun...
Decided on a whim to indulge in an Astro subscription. Just feel like some material pampering and what's better than satellite tv? :) Needless to say, Enterprise has something to do with it. Looking at Streamyx as my next target.
Looking forward to the weekend as always. Has been a whirlwind week that I'm glad is ending. First week of classes as well at work, so quite an experience.
Went down the hall last night to see two eyes staring back at me from the dark porch. Thinking it was a cat (who infuriates me by swishing at my outside fishies) I went out only to realise it was Dominose and Biscuit who have learnt to hop over the lower fenced grille and run outside. Took awhile and a lot of running and jumping to catch them and bring them back. Argh... need to get more wire mesh now.
Caught Shrek 2 last night. Outside of idiotic parents and their loud mouth kids (to be expected with any kiddie appeal movie), it was alright. Fun watch but nothing mind-blowing. Looking forward to Potter though, especially with Dementors, Hippogrifs, Boggarts and so much more! Fun fun fun...
Decided on a whim to indulge in an Astro subscription. Just feel like some material pampering and what's better than satellite tv? :) Needless to say, Enterprise has something to do with it. Looking at Streamyx as my next target.
Looking forward to the weekend as always. Has been a whirlwind week that I'm glad is ending. First week of classes as well at work, so quite an experience.
Friday, May 21, 2004
Greater Meaning
Am such a big fan of the Star Trek franchise. And have just been catching up on the Enterprise showing on Astro. Reluctant to bug my aunt on a Sunday night but too tempting to resist. Sigh, just listening to the opening theme gives me goosebumps. It's such a great notion of having humanity united towards seeking a greater meaning. And the star ships plain rock! Hai... what would I give to be able to work at NASA.
Just got back from a last minute roadshow to Muar yesterday evening. Really don't mind the roadshows. Get to go out, stay at a hotel, check out a new town, and get on average RM 100 in claims per day :) Don't mind it at all except for the fact that most of the roadshows we go to are to Chinese schools so Mandarin-ignorant me becomes really useless to have around.
Am still generally bummed out. Misspelled 'exercise' during evening English class yesterday. Hope credibility is still intact! One new student who was supposed to come didn't turn up though. Probably because the mom realised that Puchong is really quite a way from USJ and I doubt I'm that good as to warrant the time and expense. Looking forward to catching up with Aimo to make new plans for the drawing classes. Am very pleased that the studio is doing well, at least that's something to keep me occupied and sane before I mull myself into angry depressive Dan again.
Family and most of my extended family in Melaka will be coming up tomorrow morning for a cousin's wedding tomorrow night at Sunway. Should be fun, especially with everyone cramming into 3 houses in USJ, mine, my aunt's and my other cousins. Gonna be hectic but fun. 6 people per bathroom... interesting. Have to do some housecleaning tonight and stock up the fridge. Also going Ikea tomorrow... meeting Jin there probably. Anyone else wanna come? :)
Anyways, thanks guys for the support and consolation. I'm good and will be good especially with so many good friends about. Happy Friday now everyone and to Chun and Saw, have a GREAT trip to the US! :) Get as much rest as you can on the flight and drink lotsa fluids (avoid coffee, tea and alcohol). And don't forget to get me a postcard!
Am such a big fan of the Star Trek franchise. And have just been catching up on the Enterprise showing on Astro. Reluctant to bug my aunt on a Sunday night but too tempting to resist. Sigh, just listening to the opening theme gives me goosebumps. It's such a great notion of having humanity united towards seeking a greater meaning. And the star ships plain rock! Hai... what would I give to be able to work at NASA.
Just got back from a last minute roadshow to Muar yesterday evening. Really don't mind the roadshows. Get to go out, stay at a hotel, check out a new town, and get on average RM 100 in claims per day :) Don't mind it at all except for the fact that most of the roadshows we go to are to Chinese schools so Mandarin-ignorant me becomes really useless to have around.
Am still generally bummed out. Misspelled 'exercise' during evening English class yesterday. Hope credibility is still intact! One new student who was supposed to come didn't turn up though. Probably because the mom realised that Puchong is really quite a way from USJ and I doubt I'm that good as to warrant the time and expense. Looking forward to catching up with Aimo to make new plans for the drawing classes. Am very pleased that the studio is doing well, at least that's something to keep me occupied and sane before I mull myself into angry depressive Dan again.
Family and most of my extended family in Melaka will be coming up tomorrow morning for a cousin's wedding tomorrow night at Sunway. Should be fun, especially with everyone cramming into 3 houses in USJ, mine, my aunt's and my other cousins. Gonna be hectic but fun. 6 people per bathroom... interesting. Have to do some housecleaning tonight and stock up the fridge. Also going Ikea tomorrow... meeting Jin there probably. Anyone else wanna come? :)
Anyways, thanks guys for the support and consolation. I'm good and will be good especially with so many good friends about. Happy Friday now everyone and to Chun and Saw, have a GREAT trip to the US! :) Get as much rest as you can on the flight and drink lotsa fluids (avoid coffee, tea and alcohol). And don't forget to get me a postcard!
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Mid-Week Crisis
This week has been pretty eventful in a lot of ways and am quite drained already. Having diarrhorea from suspect nasi lemak doesn't quite help. Tuition students probably wondering why I keep giving them breaks. Had to empty my stock of MooJooz to tide them over.
It's really amazing how we change as we get older. I can just remember how my problems and priorities used to be so overblown. Taking a bigger view of the world also helps that. Can't help feeling that small things like 2 cents petrol increase and etc. is so diminutive when there are wars fought, and riots, and bombs going off elsewhere in the world. Which is why I'm also very peeved with idiotic house owner who threw garbage bags full of leaves that MPSJ collected and left by the side of the road, everywhere. First of all, you don't own the side of the road, even if it flanks your house. And just think of all that hard work gone to waste?
Maybe am being a little edgy but darnit, even am mad with tenants who don't seem to grasp the subtleties of ownership. When I hit 20 students, (and I hope I do), groundfloor tenants will be given the boot. Just not feeling comfortable with them around. Have 11 students so far though so am pretty glad. At least financially things are better now.
New events really put a new spin on things. Guess I wasn't as accepting of the separation as I thought. And that I don't like, GRR.
This week has been pretty eventful in a lot of ways and am quite drained already. Having diarrhorea from suspect nasi lemak doesn't quite help. Tuition students probably wondering why I keep giving them breaks. Had to empty my stock of MooJooz to tide them over.
It's really amazing how we change as we get older. I can just remember how my problems and priorities used to be so overblown. Taking a bigger view of the world also helps that. Can't help feeling that small things like 2 cents petrol increase and etc. is so diminutive when there are wars fought, and riots, and bombs going off elsewhere in the world. Which is why I'm also very peeved with idiotic house owner who threw garbage bags full of leaves that MPSJ collected and left by the side of the road, everywhere. First of all, you don't own the side of the road, even if it flanks your house. And just think of all that hard work gone to waste?
Maybe am being a little edgy but darnit, even am mad with tenants who don't seem to grasp the subtleties of ownership. When I hit 20 students, (and I hope I do), groundfloor tenants will be given the boot. Just not feeling comfortable with them around. Have 11 students so far though so am pretty glad. At least financially things are better now.
New events really put a new spin on things. Guess I wasn't as accepting of the separation as I thought. And that I don't like, GRR.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Like soda gone flat
Life has been mighty quirky. You know how people say when things are going too well, get ready for a bump. Well, got my bump over the weekend. Nothing quite much to elaborate since not all of you know about this, but for those who do know, well, am going through a trial separation thingy from a loved one. Tough.
Other depressing bits of info will be the insanely anti-climactic and dull Survivor finale. This is the first finale where I called it quits midway and went to sleep. Plus American Idol has lost La Toya and kept incredibly annoyingly smirky Trias instead. Reality shows are only fun when they sway to your opinion, once they don't, appeal is lost fairly quickly.
Have to say that I'm somewhat messed up a bit but no worries, will definitely be alright as always. If there's anything experience has taught me is that you just got to roll with the punches and throw some in when you can :) Like that insanely melancholic song that starts off with... why does the sun go on shining? Well, it does... whacks lyricist.
Ah Monday...
Life has been mighty quirky. You know how people say when things are going too well, get ready for a bump. Well, got my bump over the weekend. Nothing quite much to elaborate since not all of you know about this, but for those who do know, well, am going through a trial separation thingy from a loved one. Tough.
Other depressing bits of info will be the insanely anti-climactic and dull Survivor finale. This is the first finale where I called it quits midway and went to sleep. Plus American Idol has lost La Toya and kept incredibly annoyingly smirky Trias instead. Reality shows are only fun when they sway to your opinion, once they don't, appeal is lost fairly quickly.
Have to say that I'm somewhat messed up a bit but no worries, will definitely be alright as always. If there's anything experience has taught me is that you just got to roll with the punches and throw some in when you can :) Like that insanely melancholic song that starts off with... why does the sun go on shining? Well, it does... whacks lyricist.
Ah Monday...