一年后

能够看到的，都处理掉了。那些隐藏着的伤口，还待时间愈合。

只是有时候，记忆是恼人的东西。梦乡，那不由人控制的地方，你的轮廓，再再留下印记。

可惜，完结时，只有立场没有其他。

无奈，完结时，只有沉默没有其他。

Wh@ssup?

I am grossly late to the party. When everyone was posting on their brush lettering pieces, I was wondering: What's the fuss about? On Saturday morning, I participated in a brush lettering workshop with Cherlynn and my sister. So here were some of my practise pieces.

And to our surprise we met Shiwei, our AHS senior who happened to be one of the organizers for the event. And we have a Saturday morning well spent, chilling over Vietnamese food afterwards.

Pecha Kucha Night 2017

In May, I've attended an event which was randomly advertised on Peatix. So some interesting personalities were giving short snippets of the social projects they had engaged in. Some were rather inspiring. Of the 8 speakers, I will highlight 3 who left lasting impressions on me.

The Quirky Japansese HDB couple

Tamae Iwasaki and Eitaro Oganwa spent their free time working on a project to explore all the different HDB flats and gives us a glimpse into the living spaces of Singaporeans. Through crowdfunding, they had gathered funds to publish their book, which mind you, weighs 5kg+. It was amazing to witness the a pet project built with much love and passion.Their adventure was also featured on The Straits Times.

Coffee Break

Amoy Street has got a popular coffee shop with a modern twist. Faye Sai took over her father's business and transformed it into a quirky mix of the traditional and the modern. It's curious to see how hands on she was, working as a hawker and passionately sharing her trade. Despite having earned a degree, it was a mission she saw herself being responsible for. Anyone free to join me for a coffee break? *flutters eyelids*

Capturing Singapore with the foreign eye

Jon Siegal is a UX designer who has lived in Singapore for six years. He captures some of the most alluring pictures on local living. It's intriguing to see much of our spaces and communities keenly observed not by locals, but foreigners who are fond of Singapore.

Time to start digging up all that this lovely city state has to offer. And nope, this is not an advertisement for NDP.

Pecha Kucha Night is a yearly event, keep a look out in 2018!

协商

长大后才知道有时坚持己见未必能达到做最好的结果。一味地退让妥协，也会变得委屈，更不是长久之计。协商才能促成双赢的局面。

多少人不是为了争一口气，而使得情况到达没法挽回的局面。成长就是一个协商的过程。 小事不必太过执着。有时候付出多一些，反而能得到多一些。

我纳闷的是，情感怎么不被牵扯进来， 如何用理性的方式就事论事， 不感情用事呢？ 毕竟，很多心痛都是个性使然。总不可能让一个感性的人减少痛楚；也不可能让一个理性的人感觉痛楚。

唯有协商才能叫脑子多填几分柔情； 叫心脏少挨几分悲凉。

Notes on a Discussion

Crisis could be pretty real for Singaporeans. And we are still too complacent about many things.

When I first read the Hard Truth years ago, I found LKY rather paranoid about Singapore's future. He talked about our nation being built on a fragile foundation. Many changes has took place since, proving that his fears were not unfounded.

Back when I was in Malaysia, my cousin mentioned how Malaysians sees a bleak prospect for Singapore, with many Malaysian companies withdrawing their businesses from Singapore. Also, Chinese companies has much presence there, and a huge influx of PRCs who are working in Malaysia, bringing in their own talents, not necessary creating more opportunities there.

Meanwhile, there seems to be plans underway for a canal through Thailand, which could mean Singapore losing leverage on entre-pot trade.

Even our skills and technologies no longer gives us leverage when skills transfer through Tianjin and Suzhou industrial parks has already been massively replicated. What do we then still have to offer?

I think the future really involved a lot of upskilling. Who says we will forever be leaving this comfortable life our forefathers has painstakingly built for us.

The kind of Singapore our children, and our children's children will be born in lies in the resilience of our generation. There'd always be people hungrier and more driven.

“可怕的是，还有很多比你聪明的人比你更努力。” 时时警醒自己，也共勉之。

The shit is real (And raw)

So. I survived.

Only three hours and all drained.

When I first arrived at Toa Payoh NTUC, I was trying to familiarize with the layout. Weird. No household goods or toiletries.

After combing the second round did I realize there is a hidden corner and a second level. Rather confused and realized I was a lone shopper, who doesn't know where all the different logistic stuffs are placed. The first two orders were overdue, leaving  me frantically running around. A  friendly old lady, whom I would later learn to be the chief cashier, guided me to find all the leftover required items and replacement. By this time, already breaking sweats. Not to mention crossing fingers praying that I didn't mix up anything.

Next two orders came for the second hour. And already cursing in my heart, 2 orders (30+ items) within 15 mins is an impossible task!

Bobian.

Angel co-ordinator came along, saw me. 10 mins in, and her baskets already fully filled.

"You look familiar." I was told.

In a frantic rush, everything was completed, about half hour late, and holding up the delivery man.

So it happened that the coordinator came on her own accord to help out. And she happened to be an AHS junior cum ex-church mate. Goodness gracious!

65 line items over 3 hours, average of 3 mins to find an item. Not to mention to queue and call customer about replacements, and to pack the goods for delivery with uploading of receipts and such.

We ended the day over drinks and fries. And my understanding of hard earned money.

What a day!

The New Way of Exercising

So about two months back, I have signed up to be a concierge shopper for Honestbee. Went for few rounds of orientation and today will be the real shit. Arhh...

Mum feels this is quite redundant, for I would have to spend some time commuting, simply to complete a two hour shift, and earning probably a $20 bucks, which less transport, food and travelling time, it'd be reduced to nothing. However, for me, I take it as an exercise, and almost like a gaming experience, except that it's physical, and the challenge is to be as accurate as possible.

Well, not too bad to actually get paid to play, and do some exercise in between! Update on the progress soon! Whoots!

The Power of Habits

After a few days of bomb dropping from the LEE family, it started to get quite irritating reading their incessant arguments. It happens. I have quarrelled with my sister on uncountable occasions. At most, I share my thoughts and feelings with my students, letting them draw inspiration for their essay writing or joke about it. I don't use social media to get sympathy or air dirty laundry. Jane Wells has some wise words to say. "It's better to bend than to break. People are capable of living up or down to your expectations of them."

Isn't it better to share something positive on the social media?

Recently, I have read The Power of Habits and pretty enjoyed the book. Most impressionably in how habits in a company can transform culture radically. The case study of O'Neill left me awestruck. By focusing on safety, just one aspect, and one common goal for the employees, it brought about chain effects to all aspects. Right down to changing the reporting system for efficiency, replacing old unsafe machineries resulting in increased productivity, more transparent communication which spurs  other ideas. These dramatically bring up the performance of the company and reduced fatal accidents.

I wonder if it really matters who is right, or who is wrong; what is right or what is wrong. Principle is hardly a good rule of thumb in relationships. Yet relationships were often sacrificed in justifying who or what is right, failing to examine each' positions or their perspectives. .

Really, in life, grasping just a few central key ideas helps things fall into place naturally. I suppose for the Lee family, the key idea might be kinship.

发展与保留

前阵子O 水准考试的作文题引起了极大的争议。最近看到一些前同事改完了卷子，终于可以休息了。

这份卷子也让我开始反思教学的方式。其实，在我的成长记忆中， 英文课和GP 更加扩张我的思维。而华文、文学扩展的是我的情商。如果能结合两者应该会很不错吧。与一群朋友对卷子的一番讨论启发我构思出教案，希望与大家分享。确实，教学集思广益才能让教学更加有活力吧。

相关课文： 2E 《五角基》《说石狮》 《再见樟宜树》《枣核》

O 水准相关篇章： 2007 / 6  阅读理解二 B组;  2013/6 阅读理解一B 组


1)  观看视频讨论与端午节相关的主要信息：其中包括起源、粽子种类、习俗、龙舟赛

2）请学生介绍一个他过的传统节日 （5分钟口语练习）

3）在一分钟内列出一些文化遗址/文化遗产 （学生大多知道英文名称，可以乘机介绍中文名）

4） 用1分钟在 列出一些 学生认为新加坡不能缺少的建筑 / 设施 等

5） 然后让学生个别概括上列的共同点。（例如： 旧 VS 新 / 情感 VS 生存）

6）与学生辩论： 保留比较发展重要 / 发展比保留重要。交代辩论规则， 允许学生 用10 分钟整理出三大论点。进行辩论后给予引导。

7） 完成以上整理工作后 O level 2007/6 的阅读理解二篇章便不那么晦涩难懂了。可以花时间让学生自行完成阅读理解。

8）介绍学生去观赏 戏剧盒在七月举行的社区活动/演出《一堂课》，主要就是争论社区里哪些东西应该保留， 哪些应该拆除。

这样下来，单调的一对一有了更多的互动机会。你是否有什么教学的好点子，与大家分享分享，集思广益吧！

槟城小聚二三事

堂姐出嫁了！一家人都是满心欢喜的。这个年头，喜事是让很多亲朋戚友相聚的场合。让人感到贴心的是，每每家里有人结婚，都会出动一家大小一起帮忙， 而且每个家庭成员都能够插上一腿，好不热闹！这种凝聚力是长大后慢慢褪色的。

这次回去有几件事让人印象深刻。婚礼前一晚，叔叔、堂姐、堂弟等人搭了一个相当漂亮的布景。下午堂姐就从自己的家里扛回了很多东西来布置。傍晚，叔叔就动手摆设。 我实在很佩服长辈默默的支持。他听跟着堂姐的构思，多次调整，移前排后地，却没有半句怨言，更没有坚持一定要怎么摆，而是让年轻人放手去做。

记得有一回，堂姐因为下着雨，陆地湿滑，撞了车。叔叔一家人也是镇定冷静处理。我本以为会迎来一波责骂，但家人更加关心的是孩子的安危。这件事虽然过了很久，但这种让孩子动手去做、大胆犯错学习宽度，让人肃然起敬。

最近刚考到驾照， 所以大家听我要驾车难免有些不安。那天搬东西，堂弟故意坐在后座，让我掌控驾驶盘，堂姐和堂弟只在适当时候给予引导，完全放心地让我自己在...马来西亚的路上行驶。如此处之泰然，让我也觉得轻松自信。最后也安全到达目的地。

另外，我觉得堂姐的婚礼相当贴心，甚至配合长辈的要求，设了长辈卡拉ok 的环节。相信这不是每个年轻的新婚夫妇都能接受的。当天晚上，感觉大家都很尽兴。


非常零碎的一篇。不禁感叹，从小玩到大的亲人一个个步入了人生的另一个阶段。每年至少相聚一两回，这样也过了二十年。当然更加希望，这种每年相聚的传统，能在我们这代年轻人和下一代的孩子们间中延续下去。

The Trust Factor

This morning, I received a message from a Carousell buyer that she is cancelling a transaction, because she bought an e-book version of the book she placed an offer for on my listings. And she hopes that I am not mad.

Taking emotions out of the picture, I have to say this buyer is unwise. She does not understand the workings of such online platforms, where both the buyer and seller are protected by the review system. I contemplated (after all, I don't want to be nasty!)  leaving a bad review. Partly because we are at the mercy of each other leaving reviews.

It is said that Singaporean loves to complain. Yet, in times where online platforms become so prevalent in our daily life,  we increasingly rely on trust to see through the many transactions. Obike has to trust commuters to park the bikes at designated areas. Grab drivers and passengers has to trust each other turning up at designated time and place. Caurosell buyers and sellers has to trust that goods transaction goes through after offers are made. And if it fails regularly, the system breaks down. Thankfully we also have technology to back us up. Review systems builds reputation, GPS tells us the exact location of all parties, Fault reporting system gathers information on spoiled bike. I think technology and the media helped provide surveillance, and in many ways ensured the smooth functioning of our day to day life. 

So back to the incident. I left a neutral review, because I believe buyer will shop more responsibly and follow through an offer made; and seller will be more cautious when dealing with a untrustworthy buyer.

Moral of story: Don't SUAY KUAN!  

Where to eat in Kansai?

Some of the most memorable moments in Japan were marked by the good food we stuffed ourselves with!

Endo Sushi @ Osaka Municipal Market, Osaka

It's Osaka Municipal Market, where the famed Tuna Auction takes place in the wee hours of the morning. We were really excited in trying out the very much raved about sushi. Arriving at about 7.30am in the morning, there wasn't a queue, but we were to wait outside for about 5 minutes to be seated. That has to be some of the freshest and most generous plates we can choose from. There are 4 different sets of five sushi. At ¥1000 (SGD$12), one gets a mini ocean!

And this is the standard Ebi Sushi in Singapore should par at!

An ocean of freshness! Every set boosts a mix of sushi and a mouth-watering fatty tuna sushi! Straight off the market, and the crowd boost locals and foreigners alike. Yummy!

Yaekatsu @ Kuromon Market, Osaka

Osaka really helped us relax after the restrained dinning environment in Kyoto. Do not for a moment despise this casual dinning place. It's kushikatsu that we were trying. Kushikatsu (串カツ), also known as kushiage (串揚げ), is a Japanese dish of deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. In Japanese, kushi (串) refers to the skewers used while katsu means a deep-fried cutlet of meat. Japan is indeed more than just sushi and ramen! The experience was akin to Singaporean's lok lok, where ingredients come in sticks, fried and served on the spot. It boosts a curious variety, including Miso beef stew and fried scallops! Long queue during lunch time when we visited, We waited for a mere 10 minutes to get seats. Food were served fast. While we were initially intimidated by the strings of Japanese food orders called out by guests beside, it's a relief there are English menus available. The chefs didn't make us feel rushed despite the crowd. Thumbs up for the awesome street food!

Yazawa Hankyu Sannomiya @ Sannomiya, Kobe

As we settled into our accommodation, a staff from Kobe recommended us to try Kobe beef at Yawaza, which has difference branches. This one is near Sannomiya station in Kobe.

The prices are determined by the parts of the cow as well as how big the portion. Portions ranges from 80g to 200g. So we ordered sirloin and red meat, which has a pretty stark contrast in their texture and taste.

The restaurant is mounted with accolades aplenty. In the midst of dining, the waiter brought us the trophy and suggested taking a photo. Heh... that explains the awkward smiles. But really, we enjoyed the meal. ;)

All in all, in Japan, this is the beaming expression one gets, when we talk about FOOD!! Itadakimasu!

The Savory Kaiseki Experience in Kyoto

Alyssa and I had planned Sakura Experience to Japan, only to be awed by the gastronomic experiences Kansai has to offer. While we lived like queens on some days and pauper on others, there is no lack surprises when it comes to Japanese Food experiences. This post is dedicated to detail the unique Kaiseki Experience.

What is Kaiseki?

For mountain tortoises like me, Kaiseki (懐石^?) or kaiseki-ryōri (懐石料理^?) is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. The term also refers to the collection of skills and techniques that allow the preparation of such meals, and is analogous to Western haute cuisine. 

How much we spent on our Kaiseki?

I was reluctant to have Kaiseki meal at Kikunoi initially, due to the jaw dropping price of the meal. The cheapest lunch set cost a nett 150,000 yen (SGD $187.50) This has to be the most expensive meal I ever had. I was secretly cursing about how I could have gobbled 53 bowls of fishball noodles. -_-"

What's in store?

My! It was a food experience well worth its price! We get a traditional private room and personal attendant serving us.

Served with matcha tea and welcome sake.

Our appetizer consisted of some of the freshest exquisite ingredients for spring.

 Seabream sashimi, one can literally feel the fish jumping in your mouth.

(ok, that's for manga effect!)

 How it was served.

 This tasted gooey and not quite so memorable.

 Grilled hartail was my favorite, the tender texture and sweetness from the fish melts in the mouth instantly!

 A unique taste of wasabi strawberry sobet, for a refreshing change.

 Radish strands, which had a gooey texture too.

 Kikunoi had their own pictorial,introducing the dishes in their kaiseki, which was an informative read while waiting for the meals to be served.

 Bamboo shoots with seaweed

 At this point we were pretty much as full as we were feeling awed, and the glutinous rice is simply a tad too much. (But I was embarrassed not to have it finished since that's supposedly very rude!)

 Here comes our dessert, Almond ice cream in mango cream. We thought that was all!

Only to know that there is peanut powdered matcha snack to end the kaiseki course. The meal experience was a full 2.5 hours.

Where to find Kikonoi?

Kikonoi is conveniently located in the old town district and assessable by foot from higashiyama area. Its main restaurant had 3 Michelin Star under its belt and the chef, Yoshihiro Murata is somewhat a popular personality on Japan's shows.

My Verdict:

This is a place to go for fine dining and a traditional Japanese Experience. It boosts excellent Japanese services. The many rounds of thanking and strings of Japanese words uttered, as well as all the escorting and bow does make me feel very restrained though. Too ceremonial perhaps. And now, I am fully initiated into the world of Kaiseki!

6 Things We Do that Funds the Next Holiday Adventure

I just booked a Siem Reap Trip, which doesn't come from my savings! It is a thin line between being money minded, and being financially literate. For the past years I have probably wasted a thousand or so a year simply because as a working adult, and of course my careless nature, I have little energies to go into the nitty gritty of finances. They are actually good habits! So here are several things done to save (get) a penny here and there. Mind you, they add up!

#1 Redeem your rewards points

We all pay for mobile phone bills. Call in and redeem rewards. I got a $10 rebate for the next bill, while all the starbub points that wasn't redeemed for my dad's end adds up to $50 rebates!

#2 Redeem credit card rebates

Citibank SMRT Card entitles me to $40 vouchers, for groceries, dining and transport.

#3 Apply when there is credit card promotion

So I have a Manhattan Card which credits $138 directly in the card, immediately offsetting the first month's bill. (No I don't need that huge free luggage worth 950 bucks to just take up another space in the store room! Low utility and storage waste)

And I've got an ANZ card which gives $168 cash back, in form of optimum$ that has to be redeemed. This is slightly cumbersome as the credits only come in three months after application, in form of offsetting your subsequent bills. (Note that  DBS has bought ANZ and all redemptions and expenditure has better be done before third quarter!)

HSBC revolution offers a movie card, upon application. Enough to give me my year's worth of movie entertainment.

#4 Pay with Paywave instead of cash 

The different credit cards are best utilized for different expenses. For e.g NTUC plus! works best for my mum's grocery shopping, ANZ for dining which I opted for, gives 5% rebate cashback 1% on everything else, Citibank SMRT gives 5% rebate for Popular Bookshop purchase etc. So instead of having a chunky wallet with notes and coins, cashless helps to generate cashback. Some friends of mine utilize these perks to cut wedding costs.

#5 Exercise for Free

Friends have been asking me to sign up for yoga classes or aerobic class with fitness centres. The membership fee is so expensive. So instead, I make full use of the available facilities, Punggol waterway has such scenic tracks, and ActiveSG allows me my twice weekly swim for free. I can't resist the offer to exercise for free and enjoy the fresh air!

#6 Use promo codes

When Grab and Uber fights for market share, consumers gain! Whee, and so my sister and I got a free ride right when it was pouring, while making our way home. Check out singpromos and make it your Facebook feed so it will update you with promotions :)

Walah! These extra dollars and cents generated has paid for my 4D3N Cambodia trip and accommodation, and travelling expenses, $300 ++ 

#cheapthrillsbuthowhardisthatreally

The power, lies in exchange of information! Please share with me on ways to live within the means and live richly. Yes, pun intended. Emotionally rich, Mentally rich, and Pocket rich.

# PS: Anyone keen to travel to Siem Reap on 7-10 Mar PM me! 

Rounding Up

It's been six days into the new year. A whirlwind of events in the last few months means a dive into motion leaves little time for reflections. Has 2016 been cruel? Yes. Has 2016 been kind? Yes again. And many times over, especially providing that reflection period for me to gather how to move into the next phase of life.

Now, 2016 in pictures. Had been tidying up the PNA forms for submission. 2016 has been a many grueling moments with the students. And the systematic day-to-day, week-to-week events adds up. How very heartening to be with the Guides, the form class and my chinese graduating class. It was a year I find myself most comfortable in my skin as a teacher. Yet it was also a year where I experience most strain with administrative communication and managing relationships. Owell, it was all in good faith that the joyful moments are remembered.

# The Students.

When they finally pass out! (Pun intended) 

Outdoor cooking chicken and creating a lot of pollution in the midst of haze. Special mention of comrade Huiching putting it together, always wring that towel dry instead of throwing it aside like a wilful Shiyun. 

The very needed hug for the broken hearted.

 Moments when you actually get to bully your student. And they succumb to it! XD

That CNY party when various School KPs are around and the boys messed up Lou Hei by dishing food onto each others' faces and all around the table. I almost fainted. It ended off with a wrestling session. One of the students cried and we salvaged the situation, by allowing for a class showtime, off records. Thankfully the roof didn't collapse.

The Chinese class which pulled through 2 weeks of 6 hours daily Chinese intensive lessons before O levels. So intense it caused throbbing headaches (real physical headaches) after each day's lesson. 

And they finally graduated,with not too shabby Chinese Results. Well, most of them at least!

Quite a lovely bunch, if you discount the occasional cheeky stuff teenagers indulge in, which sometimes, makes me feel like slitting my wrists.

#The Newly Weds.

This year saw a whooping SIX weddings attended! Many of which are couples for half their lifetime. While basking in their blissful moments, it also prompt the question of: What is love really? Well, that topic deserves a post in itself some other day. 

#The Hobbies. 

 Yes, first time from scratch. 

Paper Craft bought in Korea when on immersion

                                           Beginning of the year when life was at its busiest.

And that castle from Japan

The domestication which went on amidst craziness at work. 

I suppose 2016 wasn't as rockin' it as the many years before. In fact it was melancholy at best and grief at worst. Feeling strained mainly. But it was also kind to me. My graduating classes boost the best results from my 5 years in teaching. And at the very least I have experienced the euphoria of love and learnt more about myself and what ticks. I get to set foot on the next stage in life which will see me abandoning that frustrated state, and doing more of what I find fulfilling. 

Thank you all who had offered joy and support, you know, sometimes it means that little hug, tearing together at a corner no one sees, hearing me out or even cooking a meal together! 

We shall all see better days ahead! I promise!