I woke up this morning at 7 to complete the last of my replacement classes for CNY. I have to say, it's very rare for me to be up this early on ANY day of the week, let alone a Saturday. However, I was in good spirits as I was going to do group projects with my Form 1 and Form 2 students. I look forward to lessons when I can implement group projects as there are so many real-life lessons I can share with my students. However, I was disappointed with the attitude of some of my students who didn't show much interest in doing the task I assigned them. I won't blame them as they are still young but then again, I've had much younger students who came up with fantastic ideas when doing their tasks. So, maybe I have a good reason to feel disappointed.
Today, I was also going to share some real-life lessons with my Form 5 students through a movie. As much as I enjoy teaching, there are just some things which I can't show my students with a whiteboard and marker pens. As I'm a movie buff myself, I get really excited whenever I have 'Movie Lessons' with my students. I even had the tables pushed aside and the chairs arranged neatly in cinema-style seating to create the ambience. Believe me, I'd even print tickets and collect them at the door if I could afford to! But since I couldn't do that, I did the next best thing - provide popcorn and snacks!
I assume most of my students enjoyed the movie, judging from their laughter and concentration. Most importantly, I hope they went home thinking of the theme and message of the movie.
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After rushing to re-arrange the tables and chairs for the next class, I made a dash for KLCC for my facial treatment. Yup! That's right! I was going for my first ever Aster Spring Men's Active Facial Treatment and what more, for FREE! Ah... the good things in life... and even better when they're free. Needless to say, it was a refreshing and relaxing experience at the hands of professionals. The experience was so comfortable I nearly fell asleep in the treatment room. Anyone who knows my terrible habit of deep-sleeping will know that's a dangerous thing to happen in a public place!
After my treatment, I picked up my former student from Pavillion. She had gone to KL to attend a course and since I was on the way back, I offered to give her a lift. It was a chance I wasn't going to pass especially since we don't see each other that often anymore. We had a great time chatting about anything and everything and once I sent her home, I was off to meet with another one of my former students.
This particular student has always been a good listener whenever I needed it and I have been feeling quite miserable at times because we've not had the chance to meet for a long time. It's a strange feeling when you see someone every week for the past few years and then suddenly, you don't see them for a long time. It's something I dread every year and something I expect to happen with all my former students. But it's something I have to accept in life.
We had a great time catching up over 'char kuey teow'. It's not the most expensive meal out there but it's still a delicious meal nevertheless. I sent her home before 9 and then headed to Sushi King as I was still feeling hungry. Once I had my 'takoyaki' and 'tempura' fix, I headed over to my regular Starbucks so I could write this.
It's 5 minutes past 1am now and it's been a tiring day; but it's also been a very happy and fulfilling one and I just can't seem to wipe this smile off my face.
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Monday, 16 February 2009
Lost And Found
She came into my life, there were sparks and then she left. That was 9 years ago. No word of contact ever since... until that fateful Wednesday night...
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For days, I was wondering what I'd do on Valentine's Day. I've been single for more than 2 years now and I do miss the experience of that special feeling. If you include my difficult one-and-a-half-year relationship with my ex-girlfriend, I guess you could say I haven't felt loved by someone special for a very long time.
I seriously think God has a sense of humour. Who would've known that he'd send the very angel who I thought I'd lost 9 years ago? Someone who even had trouble remembering who I was. So, I finally got to spend my first Valentine's after more than 2 years; and what a sweet day it was. A day of Strawberry Pavlovas and Chocolate Mousse, scented with memories of years gone past. I savoured every moment of being close with someone who was once special to me and who's still special to me now. Though we're just friends, it's more than enough to make me smile for days.
It's hard to describe what went on in my mind as I gazed into those beautiful eyes, so long after I'd last seen the sparkle in them. I was amazed at how tenderly they still sparkle; amazed even more at the old feelings that somehow found their way back into my heart. Like finding a key I thought I'd never find again, and then finding it at my doorstep, I did what I'd always wanted to do - open the door into my almost forgotten past and re-live those wonderful moments of my youth. And it wasn't just my past... it was OUR past... it was OUR youth.
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I'm writing this now from the corner of a cafe. It's nearly 1am and she's no longer by my side. She's somewhere between my heart and a foreign land... flying further and further away with every word I write, with every breath I sigh...
We're sad to say 'goodbye' a second time after only having just found each other but there are no tears. Even though we may not have the chance of love between us but we're happy. Afterall, we both found a friend who once was lost...
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
For days, I was wondering what I'd do on Valentine's Day. I've been single for more than 2 years now and I do miss the experience of that special feeling. If you include my difficult one-and-a-half-year relationship with my ex-girlfriend, I guess you could say I haven't felt loved by someone special for a very long time.
I seriously think God has a sense of humour. Who would've known that he'd send the very angel who I thought I'd lost 9 years ago? Someone who even had trouble remembering who I was. So, I finally got to spend my first Valentine's after more than 2 years; and what a sweet day it was. A day of Strawberry Pavlovas and Chocolate Mousse, scented with memories of years gone past. I savoured every moment of being close with someone who was once special to me and who's still special to me now. Though we're just friends, it's more than enough to make me smile for days.
It's hard to describe what went on in my mind as I gazed into those beautiful eyes, so long after I'd last seen the sparkle in them. I was amazed at how tenderly they still sparkle; amazed even more at the old feelings that somehow found their way back into my heart. Like finding a key I thought I'd never find again, and then finding it at my doorstep, I did what I'd always wanted to do - open the door into my almost forgotten past and re-live those wonderful moments of my youth. And it wasn't just my past... it was OUR past... it was OUR youth.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I'm writing this now from the corner of a cafe. It's nearly 1am and she's no longer by my side. She's somewhere between my heart and a foreign land... flying further and further away with every word I write, with every breath I sigh...
We're sad to say 'goodbye' a second time after only having just found each other but there are no tears. Even though we may not have the chance of love between us but we're happy. Afterall, we both found a friend who once was lost...
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
Something So Surreal
It's funny how life seems to play tricks with us. I've experienced happy days, sad days but hardly ever surreal days; and not one as surreal as this. Of all the years, months, weeks and days... somehow, God decided to make 'that' day, today.
It's ironic how today's topic in class was 'Love'. Afterall, Valentine's Day is approaching soon and I figured this would be a good opportunity to get my students talking about a topic which all of them will face sooner or later (or already are facing) in life. It's a topic which never fails to escape us, even if we don't want to face it. Unless you decide to be a monk or a nun and choose never to marry, you would have to face the question of love. Yes, it's a question (a BIG one!) and no one seems to know the answer to it. What is love?
So, after much discussion, which I hope helped my students to grow in their thoughts, I packed up and drove back to Klang for my next class. As I was driving, a text from my friend reminded me of what I was to face tonight - an old love.
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It was the strangest thing... we met, fell in love, had some of the best weeks of our young life and then, she was gone. She was out of my life... no telephone number, no address, no e-mail... only her name and memories of what we once had.
Well, in a strange twist of fate which God must have surely planned way, way in advance, we finally met again tonight... She was seated at the table with our friends and I walked up to her from behind. She was talking and laughing, unaware of my presence. I gave her a little poke and she turned and looked at me in a strange, curious way. Her face grew an expression which read 'Who are you?'
Then, after a few moments' pause, she broke into a familiar smile and burst out in surprise...
"Caleb!"
We hugged and I knew then, that this was the day when I found my friend again... after 9 years...
It's ironic how today's topic in class was 'Love'. Afterall, Valentine's Day is approaching soon and I figured this would be a good opportunity to get my students talking about a topic which all of them will face sooner or later (or already are facing) in life. It's a topic which never fails to escape us, even if we don't want to face it. Unless you decide to be a monk or a nun and choose never to marry, you would have to face the question of love. Yes, it's a question (a BIG one!) and no one seems to know the answer to it. What is love?
So, after much discussion, which I hope helped my students to grow in their thoughts, I packed up and drove back to Klang for my next class. As I was driving, a text from my friend reminded me of what I was to face tonight - an old love.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It was the strangest thing... we met, fell in love, had some of the best weeks of our young life and then, she was gone. She was out of my life... no telephone number, no address, no e-mail... only her name and memories of what we once had.
Well, in a strange twist of fate which God must have surely planned way, way in advance, we finally met again tonight... She was seated at the table with our friends and I walked up to her from behind. She was talking and laughing, unaware of my presence. I gave her a little poke and she turned and looked at me in a strange, curious way. Her face grew an expression which read 'Who are you?'
Then, after a few moments' pause, she broke into a familiar smile and burst out in surprise...
"Caleb!"
We hugged and I knew then, that this was the day when I found my friend again... after 9 years...
Sunday, 8 February 2009
The Best Chinese Moo Year Ever!
Eversince I returned from US, I've come to love Chinese New Year. I used to be very anti-CNY. Maybe 'cause I was brought up with an English-educated mentality or maybe I just never understood the beauty and richness of Chinese culture. How foolish was I then!
Well, the 2 years in America totally changed my mindset. I missed home so much when Chinese New Year was around the corner. I missed seeing the colour red plastered everywhere, I missed seeing mandarin orange boxes stacked high, I missed the smell of 'bak gua' being grilled by the roadside, and most of all, I missed the 'ang pau's! In fact, I had to even go for class during Chinese New Year! Thus, I was indeed grateful that my university had a large Chinese community and we certainly celebrated in some style with nearly 600 Chinese from all over the world converging at our university hall.
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It's been years since I returned home and each passing year, I look forward to Chinese New Year. I've also slowly added to my growing collection of 'samfu' - a tradition which started when I bought my first from Chinatown in San Francisco. I also make it a point to return to my dad's hometown on the eve, even though my grandparents are no longer with us. This year, I didn't return to my dad's hometown for the reunion dinner. Rather, I had it at home with my family. My dad is unable to return due to his illness and I felt that I should be with him at this time of the year.
My first days were filled with family reunions and visits to my 'heng tai's' homes before my brother and I returned to my dad's hometown on the 3rd day of Niu Year. I had a great time playing 'chor dai tee' with my cousins. This has become something of a tradition among the Ho cousins in recent years and it's just for fun. None of us are really the gambling type.
After a full week of rest and food, food and more food, it was time to get back to work. However, the fun still continued to the following week with more reunions and visitations. That's the beauty of Chinese New Year - the fun lasts 15 days!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Well, as I'm writing this, it's the start of the last day of Niu Year. I won't get to enjoy it as I'll be moving house (something which I absolutely hate). So, I'm thankful and absolutely thrilled that I got to go for a party at the tuition center in Kota Kemuning. My boss and his wife, Mr and Mrs Lee have really done a wonderful thing with this party - a full buffet spread of Malaysian goodies to fill the tummy and exciting games to fill the heart with laughter. What's more, there's even lots of 'ang pau' to be given away. My utmost thanks to them both for having such generous hearts.
Of course, this party would not be a success without the fantastic organisation and teamwork of the committee members. I only know some of the students in the committee so to be fair, I'm not going to list any names here. You know who you are. Once again, thanks for putting so much time and effort into the party. PTAG's Chinese New Year Party 2009 rocks because of you!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A precious few words to my 2 wonderful girls who surprised me by walking with me arm-in-arm from my car to the doorstep at the party, "I totally didn't expect that. You girls really made my day!" I'm such a lucky guy! Haha!
As today is Chap Goh Mei, which is Chinese Valentine's Day, let me end my post today by dedicating this to the both of you.
To the ONE who is full of Heart.
To the ONE who is simply Sweet.
Well, the 2 years in America totally changed my mindset. I missed home so much when Chinese New Year was around the corner. I missed seeing the colour red plastered everywhere, I missed seeing mandarin orange boxes stacked high, I missed the smell of 'bak gua' being grilled by the roadside, and most of all, I missed the 'ang pau's! In fact, I had to even go for class during Chinese New Year! Thus, I was indeed grateful that my university had a large Chinese community and we certainly celebrated in some style with nearly 600 Chinese from all over the world converging at our university hall.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
It's been years since I returned home and each passing year, I look forward to Chinese New Year. I've also slowly added to my growing collection of 'samfu' - a tradition which started when I bought my first from Chinatown in San Francisco. I also make it a point to return to my dad's hometown on the eve, even though my grandparents are no longer with us. This year, I didn't return to my dad's hometown for the reunion dinner. Rather, I had it at home with my family. My dad is unable to return due to his illness and I felt that I should be with him at this time of the year.
My first days were filled with family reunions and visits to my 'heng tai's' homes before my brother and I returned to my dad's hometown on the 3rd day of Niu Year. I had a great time playing 'chor dai tee' with my cousins. This has become something of a tradition among the Ho cousins in recent years and it's just for fun. None of us are really the gambling type.
After a full week of rest and food, food and more food, it was time to get back to work. However, the fun still continued to the following week with more reunions and visitations. That's the beauty of Chinese New Year - the fun lasts 15 days!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Well, as I'm writing this, it's the start of the last day of Niu Year. I won't get to enjoy it as I'll be moving house (something which I absolutely hate). So, I'm thankful and absolutely thrilled that I got to go for a party at the tuition center in Kota Kemuning. My boss and his wife, Mr and Mrs Lee have really done a wonderful thing with this party - a full buffet spread of Malaysian goodies to fill the tummy and exciting games to fill the heart with laughter. What's more, there's even lots of 'ang pau' to be given away. My utmost thanks to them both for having such generous hearts.
Of course, this party would not be a success without the fantastic organisation and teamwork of the committee members. I only know some of the students in the committee so to be fair, I'm not going to list any names here. You know who you are. Once again, thanks for putting so much time and effort into the party. PTAG's Chinese New Year Party 2009 rocks because of you!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A precious few words to my 2 wonderful girls who surprised me by walking with me arm-in-arm from my car to the doorstep at the party, "I totally didn't expect that. You girls really made my day!" I'm such a lucky guy! Haha!
As today is Chap Goh Mei, which is Chinese Valentine's Day, let me end my post today by dedicating this to the both of you.
To the ONE who is full of Heart.To the ONE who is simply Sweet.
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