This is seriously OUT-OF-DATE! Procrastination has led me to be 5 months overdue in updating my blog. Ok I am just L.A.Z.Y. On hindsight, there have been key moments in each of the 5 months and I hope to be able to put them all down as succinctly as possible. Alright, let's go!
FEBRUARY
1. THANK GOD. My grandpa got the clearance at his latest review and to him every check is important as it has been almost 2 years since his treatment for 'SPA'. Prior to every review, he would start getting pensive but God has been faithful and good. All the time in fact. Yet another milestone in my grand-dad's journey.
1. I completed my first ever Half-Ironman race consisting of a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run! I definitely earned the WOWs of many of my friends for my gung-ho-ness. As usual, I had a few asking me if I was mad. Well, maybe I am! Nevertheless, I was very satisfied with my performance, having successfully completed the grueling race in 7hours 22minutes. Quite an amazing feat for someone who did not even train for it. Once again, tempting fate.
2. My not so little brother successfully completed his 10-weeks of BMT training and as I witnessed the ceremony at his P.O.P (Passing Out Parade), I could not help but teared a little. A sense of pride overwhelmed me and it dawned on me that my bro is all grown up. No longer that tiny tot who was often at the receiving end of my bullying antics! I am very proud of how he went through the entire 10-weeks with such a positive attitude that even my friends noticed the change, apart from the obvious weight loss. He now looks quite dashing and definitely more manly! :)
3. I treated my brother and grandpa (originally supposed to be my aunt) to the musical Cirque Mother Africa. The concept of Cirque De Solies but not quite. Slightly less entertaining but nevertheless, some of the acrobatic moves, dangerous stunts and highlights of the African culture did intrigue us, especially my grandpa. Cannot remember the last time he watched a musical at the Esplanade. Like a little boy, he was very excited about the possibility of being able to attend his "Beautiful Sunday" routine again. Beautiful Sunday is a weekly event whereby certain shows/programs are being featured and my grandpa used to be a regular at it. But stopped for a while. Hope he can resume it.
THE UPs
JANUARY
1. CNY was quite different, yet again. We went for a movie, all 8 of us at AMK hub after lunch at Miramar's Peach Garden, which didn't really impress us unfortunately despite its reputation! Nevertheless, we managed to have a good time bonding and I guess it is really not about what we do but who we are with that matters.
F.A.M.I.L.Y.
1. CNY was quite different, yet again. We went for a movie, all 8 of us at AMK hub after lunch at Miramar's Peach Garden, which didn't really impress us unfortunately despite its reputation! Nevertheless, we managed to have a good time bonding and I guess it is really not about what we do but who we are with that matters.
F.A.M.I.L.Y.
FEBRUARY
1. THANK GOD. My grandpa got the clearance at his latest review and to him every check is important as it has been almost 2 years since his treatment for 'SPA'. Prior to every review, he would start getting pensive but God has been faithful and good. All the time in fact. Yet another milestone in my grand-dad's journey.
MARCH
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| FINISHER GRACE! |
2. I received my first Performance Bonus and I got a B-grade! YEAH! I somehow guessed that I would be getting a pretty decent grade as I did take up quite a few "heavyweight" projects in my first year. I am very thankful for the recognition and opportunities given to me. It is an affirmation of my calling in this season and a motivation as well to continue giving my best for the pupils.
APRIL
1. Shortly after receiving my PB, I got a notice that I was being promoted from GEO 1 to 1A1. Another WOW moment for me. For sure I was elated, yet at the same time, I know it means greater responsibilities henceforth and I asked myself if I will be ready for the change? By God's grace, I will and I can.
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| PROUD SUPPORTERS OF RECRUIT TAN! |
2. My not so little brother successfully completed his 10-weeks of BMT training and as I witnessed the ceremony at his P.O.P (Passing Out Parade), I could not help but teared a little. A sense of pride overwhelmed me and it dawned on me that my bro is all grown up. No longer that tiny tot who was often at the receiving end of my bullying antics! I am very proud of how he went through the entire 10-weeks with such a positive attitude that even my friends noticed the change, apart from the obvious weight loss. He now looks quite dashing and definitely more manly! :)3. I treated my brother and grandpa (originally supposed to be my aunt) to the musical Cirque Mother Africa. The concept of Cirque De Solies but not quite. Slightly less entertaining but nevertheless, some of the acrobatic moves, dangerous stunts and highlights of the African culture did intrigue us, especially my grandpa. Cannot remember the last time he watched a musical at the Esplanade. Like a little boy, he was very excited about the possibility of being able to attend his "Beautiful Sunday" routine again. Beautiful Sunday is a weekly event whereby certain shows/programs are being featured and my grandpa used to be a regular at it. But stopped for a while. Hope he can resume it.
MAY
1. YEAH!!! E.X.A.M.S!!!
6 months just whizzed by like that. In the blink of an eye, I have been with my class for almost half a year. What can I say but with this class, my first form class, I have been sharpened as a teacher and in some ways, as a person too. Learning to recognize that my abilities and wisdom are that limited and I am even more sure, with each passing day/month/year in the service, that if not for God's hand and favor, I will not survive!
THE DOWNs
JANUARY - NIL
FEBRUARY
1. My grandparents and aunt had a bout of the stomach flu virus, which resulted in my grandpa being warded for 3 days due to severe dehydration. The good thing that came out of this, I guess, was that the entire house had a massive clean up (hired a cleaning service agent) and the possibility of hiring a maid.
It was a scary experience and thankfully my fantastic and fearless mother rose up to the occasion and braved the storm to see to the 3 of them being admitted to hospital, but before that got a scare herself when she went into their house to see the state of mess.
2. My youngest grandaunt, whom my grandma was very close to, passed away after 3 months from being diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer. The diagnosis didn't come as a surprise as we noticed she had lost significant amount of weight and was less robust and energetic. Family didn't want to proceed with the treatment and after CNY, she went to her rest.
I wonder how would CNY be like from now on given that the make up of the family is now formed by the younger folks? Can the annual meet-up be kept up?
MARCH - NIL
APRIL
1. I had to miss almost 2 months of my Saturday Pure(gym) sessions due to CCA-commitments and other things. I was so upset because I always feel very energetic after putting myself through 3-hours of crazy Stepping-Pumping/Combating-Cycling routine. Yesh...my threshold for pain is quite high! My friend calls me the "Energizer Bunny". So be it! Hence, when I am unable to attend for that 2 months, it felt terrible! Withdrawal symptoms included grumpiness, even more short-tempered to say the least. Sounded like I was on drugs! :)
MAY
1. Emma Yong passed away. Dim Sum Dollies have lost 1 dolly. It is strange but I feel like I know her personally to be able to feel that sense of loss, just like how I feel about Jo's passing. Maybe it could be because I have been a faithful follower of the Dim Sum Dollies Musicals (thanks to my Aunt!) and others, hence the sense of being acquainted with her somehow. She was truly a talent and gem in the theatre scene. Hope she knew Jesus and is with Him in eternal rest now.
1. Emma Yong passed away. Dim Sum Dollies have lost 1 dolly. It is strange but I feel like I know her personally to be able to feel that sense of loss, just like how I feel about Jo's passing. Maybe it could be because I have been a faithful follower of the Dim Sum Dollies Musicals (thanks to my Aunt!) and others, hence the sense of being acquainted with her somehow. She was truly a talent and gem in the theatre scene. Hope she knew Jesus and is with Him in eternal rest now.
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