Growing Pains

Growing Pains was one of my favourite sitcoms back in the 80's. It was a time of teenage discovery and maturity. Life was exciting and fun! I was a young boy and loving it!

Nearly 20 years on... Growing Pains is no longer on TV but I'm still discovering a lot of new things about adulthood and still maturing every step of the way. Life is still exciting and fun... except that I'm no longer a young boy. But here's the problem - deep inside, I still feel like a young boy and I still act like one! Haha!

Unlike most guys my age, I still haven't moved on from my teenage ways. I live a laidback (some would say 'unproductive') life. I'm carefree (some say 'irresponsible') and my life is mostly stress-free (to some, I'm living in Dreamland). So what's wrong with me?

I have to admit, I'm clueless when it comes to financial matters and really need to learn more about making enough money to save for my future. There will be times for emergencies when money will be needed; such as my wedding (IF I ever have one!) and I need to plan for that. I'm thankful I have friends who give me advice, even when it's harsh. Only true friends would go through the awkwardness of 'lecturing' you and I got that right in the face. Thanks guys! LOL! :)

So, another step forward in my learning curve as an adult... but as always, I find that little boy in me crying out, "Gimme a break!", as I look longingly at the cup of Starbucks Ice Tall Chocolate which I've been missing for more than a month...

Sigh... life is a real pain in the ass sometimes... :P

Fountains & Waterfalls

There are some days when I have to drag myself to work. For most people, this would be an understatement. For me, well... it's a little different.

I count myself extremely lucky to have a job I love and one which pays enough for my single life. However, there are some classes which I dread going into. The ones where students are talking and shouting and fooling around, having almost no interest in learning at all. I wouldn't be complaining if I was the kind of teacher who reads straight from the book, in a monotonous tone that puts even an owl at night to sleep. I'm not. I put in effort to make lessons interesting, creative, informative and most of all, enjoyable; and yet, some don't pay attention. I give up!
These are my 'waterfall days'... where my whole self just crashes down and I have no mood or energy left to go on...

Then, there are my 'fountain days'... where my whole self rises to a higher plane... where my mood and energy shoots up to its height. Those are the days where I can't wait to get into class to see my wonderful students' faces. What makes these students different? Maturity certainly plays a part but ultimately, it's the fact that they appreciate the work I do for them and they show it on their faces. Nothing beats seeing them having a laugh and enjoying themselves in my class. Knowing that they've learned something useful that day and had fun doing it, is the best present I, as a teacher, could ever ask for!

So, here's to you, my wonderful students... the ones who give me the strength and reason to go on...