After much deliberation... I had decided to close this blog..
I will be moving on to the new one...
All because I want to centralise all my Google accounts together.
the new blog will be listed as...
www.benwonghp.blogspot.com
Friday, April 6, 2012
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Mar 2011~
Wow, I seemed to be updating lesser and lesser nowadays. Its not that I am getting lazy, but its more of I had been getting busier. Many thanks to Viola for reminding me that I still have a blog~!~ Haha.. Thought nobody reads it nowadays. Therefore shall write an update for now.
Been pretty busy the last few months. For instance, in Jan and Feb, I was mostly occupied with arranging and planning the itinerary for May and Nov this year. Yes, am flying back to SG for 3 and 2 weeks respectively. This time, with wife-in-tow. Hehehe. So there's alot of wedding planning to do and tonnes of people to liaise with, just to make sure nothing is left out.
Amidst all those stuff mentioned above, I was still working part time and looking for a full time job. Recently, I was offered a full-time position for what I had been doing part-time and I got to say I am enjoying it. I officially started yesterday and so far everything had been good. Although the probation is for 3 months and I had to go back to SG for 3 weeks during my probation, my bosses even said that if I were capable, they might even shorten my probation and put me on the normal salary package. That seemed pretty good. In addition, they seemed to be very confident that I can do it as they had been getting tonnes of feedback from my other supervisors. All I am looking forward to is securing the car allowance. That will boost my income alot more. Well, fingers cross I pass probation and get what I want~
I know I usually have some pictures to share but lately, my camera had been sitting in its bag. Will definitely try to post some pictures when I get some.
Been pretty busy the last few months. For instance, in Jan and Feb, I was mostly occupied with arranging and planning the itinerary for May and Nov this year. Yes, am flying back to SG for 3 and 2 weeks respectively. This time, with wife-in-tow. Hehehe. So there's alot of wedding planning to do and tonnes of people to liaise with, just to make sure nothing is left out.
Amidst all those stuff mentioned above, I was still working part time and looking for a full time job. Recently, I was offered a full-time position for what I had been doing part-time and I got to say I am enjoying it. I officially started yesterday and so far everything had been good. Although the probation is for 3 months and I had to go back to SG for 3 weeks during my probation, my bosses even said that if I were capable, they might even shorten my probation and put me on the normal salary package. That seemed pretty good. In addition, they seemed to be very confident that I can do it as they had been getting tonnes of feedback from my other supervisors. All I am looking forward to is securing the car allowance. That will boost my income alot more. Well, fingers cross I pass probation and get what I want~
I know I usually have some pictures to share but lately, my camera had been sitting in its bag. Will definitely try to post some pictures when I get some.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Good Bye 2010, Hello 2011~
2010 has drawn to a close. It had been a roller coaster ride. Alot of ups and downs definitely and everything turned out to be better towards the end. Looking back, 2010 had really been a hell of a ride.
Let's start off with the big family issues that I was facing during CNY. Those affected are still reeling from the side effects of it and although everyone is recovering well, I am glad that I was home to handle it all.
My relationship with Fau ended. It was due to a couple reasons. Sad and heart-breaking it might be at first, but it was good while it lasted. No regrets about decisions made and I believe we are both better this way.
My Masters course was fantastic. It was an intense first half of the year with all the evening lectures while almost working full-time as a program convener. Second semester was equally good with all the professional placements in the hospital. Definitely alot of experienced gained from my time there.
Holidays to Auckland and Canberra had shown me what spectacular views was waiting for me while I am in this country. Am hoping to travel more in time to come.
My relationship with Mimi had definitely blossom over time and there's no looking back anymore. We had both learnt as we go and are fully committed in each other. We are both looking forward to 2011~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I learnt quite abit in 2010.
I had to step up for the family and managed. At least its better than it was before. Before I leave SG, I reminded Dominic again, there will be a time for you to stand up and make a decision because I am not going to be around. I am glad he took it pretty well and taken actions when required.
I had also learnt to trust my instincts more and not just follow words blindly. Sometimes when things are more obvious than they are, its best to believe in it and do what's best.
Sometimes, sincerity has to be shown and not just by words. Funny how some organisations expect you to go to extremes just to show you are sincere in doing things.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2011 is full of events. For now, it had taken a great start, not just for me but my family as well. Hope everything carries on and it has to be a better year than 2010~ Nothing could go any worse than whatever had happened in 2010!
Let's start off with the big family issues that I was facing during CNY. Those affected are still reeling from the side effects of it and although everyone is recovering well, I am glad that I was home to handle it all.
My relationship with Fau ended. It was due to a couple reasons. Sad and heart-breaking it might be at first, but it was good while it lasted. No regrets about decisions made and I believe we are both better this way.
My Masters course was fantastic. It was an intense first half of the year with all the evening lectures while almost working full-time as a program convener. Second semester was equally good with all the professional placements in the hospital. Definitely alot of experienced gained from my time there.
Holidays to Auckland and Canberra had shown me what spectacular views was waiting for me while I am in this country. Am hoping to travel more in time to come.
My relationship with Mimi had definitely blossom over time and there's no looking back anymore. We had both learnt as we go and are fully committed in each other. We are both looking forward to 2011~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I learnt quite abit in 2010.
I had to step up for the family and managed. At least its better than it was before. Before I leave SG, I reminded Dominic again, there will be a time for you to stand up and make a decision because I am not going to be around. I am glad he took it pretty well and taken actions when required.
I had also learnt to trust my instincts more and not just follow words blindly. Sometimes when things are more obvious than they are, its best to believe in it and do what's best.
Sometimes, sincerity has to be shown and not just by words. Funny how some organisations expect you to go to extremes just to show you are sincere in doing things.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2011 is full of events. For now, it had taken a great start, not just for me but my family as well. Hope everything carries on and it has to be a better year than 2010~ Nothing could go any worse than whatever had happened in 2010!
Monday, December 27, 2010
All done~ Merry Christmas and Happy New Year~!
Finished my Masters with a glamorous graduation ceremony 2 weeks ago. Shall let the pictures do most of the talking then...
Now.. thats me holding my Masters cert. All done~
After graduating one more time and this time with no further studies in mind, I was out looking for a job. I got to say I am pretty lucky to have secured a job before graduation as well. Now all I got to do is wait to sign the paperwork and it will all be sweet. Pay-wise for the job is pretty good as well. It is comparable to what I am getting from teaching alone.
Talking about teaching... so far all of my private tutoring students this year managed to get High Distinctions for their exams this semester. Haha. Can't be more proud of my own achievement~ Especially since there were only 20 or so students who got the HD out of 600+ students overall. There were suggestions abt me teaching full-time while studying for a PhD, but that all got to wait.
This year, I spent my first Christmas here. It is good. Very wonderful in fact. Surprises and gatherings. Christmas Eve was dinner in Brisbane, followed by a romantic walk after that. Christmas luncheon at Cindy's was fantastic. So much fun! Am now tempted to get fitter after all the good food.
Christmas Luncheon at Cindy's...
Shall let u all look at this... Hehehe...
Now.. thats me holding my Masters cert. All done~
After graduating one more time and this time with no further studies in mind, I was out looking for a job. I got to say I am pretty lucky to have secured a job before graduation as well. Now all I got to do is wait to sign the paperwork and it will all be sweet. Pay-wise for the job is pretty good as well. It is comparable to what I am getting from teaching alone.
Talking about teaching... so far all of my private tutoring students this year managed to get High Distinctions for their exams this semester. Haha. Can't be more proud of my own achievement~ Especially since there were only 20 or so students who got the HD out of 600+ students overall. There were suggestions abt me teaching full-time while studying for a PhD, but that all got to wait.
This year, I spent my first Christmas here. It is good. Very wonderful in fact. Surprises and gatherings. Christmas Eve was dinner in Brisbane, followed by a romantic walk after that. Christmas luncheon at Cindy's was fantastic. So much fun! Am now tempted to get fitter after all the good food.
Christmas Luncheon at Cindy's...
Shall let u all look at this... Hehehe...
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Canberra, Masters completion. Auckland.
Another few months of no-writing, back again. I think I had been laden with too much work before and slowly, I had lost my touch when it comes to writing. I completed my Masters and now am just awaiting graduation. One stage of life has ended while another brand new one begins. I am officially now un-employed. Wait, I cannot say that yet since I have yet to graduate. I am still waiting for Dec 17th to come. While waiting, I had sent out about 10 over resumes and 2 had gotten back to me. One was an email saying I had failed in my application. Another was a phone call a couple days ago and an impromptu phone interview. After-which, he says he will get back to me. So I will wait and look out for more jobs available.
I had visited Canberra and Sydney during one long weekend holiday. It was a great trip. We spend approx AUD$200 each on food alone! Thats amazing given the fact that we were only there for 2 and a half days. Haha. Alot of nice pics were taken and I shall post them up in Facebook when I get the time.
The Parliament House in Canberra.
We spent a couple hours there and the tour was definitely the highlight of the trip.
The ladies' favourite cafe.. Lindt Chocolate Cafe at Darling Harbour.
I was asked to go Salsa in Syndey, but I turned it down as I didn't want to end up killing some bastard or him losing a limb or 2. Not sure why but whenever I think of salsa in Sydney, I get reminded of him. A very fruitful trip definitely, but it turned kinda bad on our flight as Mimi lost her iPhone 3GS at the airport after boarding our flight. But then again, I got her an iPhone 4 in return as I happened to get a good deal.
After that short weekend get-away, I continued with my placement at the Gold Coast Hospital and finished up my Masters program. We planned another holiday before my graduation before my student visa expires and this time, we are going to Auckland, New Zealand, for 5 days.
It is quite a nice country I will say. The land famous for All Blacks and having more livestock than human beings. Spent a day at the thermal-reactive town, Rotoura, and was amazed at the scenery which greeted us. Alot of the pictures are readily available in Facebook. One of the many is shown below, the White terraces of Rotoura.
The white terraces of Rotoura.
Another favourite place of mine is the mudspa and hot spring. The whole place has boiling lakes and ponds. A very magnificent sight definitely.
Wai Ora geothermal sites. Hot steam rising from the water.
And of course since we were there, we might as well try the mudspa and soak ourselves in the hot spring.
At the private mud bath... before we soak ourselves in the Sulphur spa pool...
Definitely a good trip. Although we were all tired by the end of it, but its all worth it especially since we had cover alot of places during this trip. Perhaps next time when we go there, we will have time to travel to the South Island instead. For now, back to waiting for more calls and more job search...
I had visited Canberra and Sydney during one long weekend holiday. It was a great trip. We spend approx AUD$200 each on food alone! Thats amazing given the fact that we were only there for 2 and a half days. Haha. Alot of nice pics were taken and I shall post them up in Facebook when I get the time.
The Parliament House in Canberra.
We spent a couple hours there and the tour was definitely the highlight of the trip.
The ladies' favourite cafe.. Lindt Chocolate Cafe at Darling Harbour.
I was asked to go Salsa in Syndey, but I turned it down as I didn't want to end up killing some bastard or him losing a limb or 2. Not sure why but whenever I think of salsa in Sydney, I get reminded of him. A very fruitful trip definitely, but it turned kinda bad on our flight as Mimi lost her iPhone 3GS at the airport after boarding our flight. But then again, I got her an iPhone 4 in return as I happened to get a good deal.
After that short weekend get-away, I continued with my placement at the Gold Coast Hospital and finished up my Masters program. We planned another holiday before my graduation before my student visa expires and this time, we are going to Auckland, New Zealand, for 5 days.
It is quite a nice country I will say. The land famous for All Blacks and having more livestock than human beings. Spent a day at the thermal-reactive town, Rotoura, and was amazed at the scenery which greeted us. Alot of the pictures are readily available in Facebook. One of the many is shown below, the White terraces of Rotoura.
The white terraces of Rotoura.
Another favourite place of mine is the mudspa and hot spring. The whole place has boiling lakes and ponds. A very magnificent sight definitely.
Wai Ora geothermal sites. Hot steam rising from the water.
And of course since we were there, we might as well try the mudspa and soak ourselves in the hot spring.
At the private mud bath... before we soak ourselves in the Sulphur spa pool...
Definitely a good trip. Although we were all tired by the end of it, but its all worth it especially since we had cover alot of places during this trip. Perhaps next time when we go there, we will have time to travel to the South Island instead. For now, back to waiting for more calls and more job search...
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Back to writing...
I know it had been more than 2 months since I written anything here. To be honest, I am surprised at myself for typing this entry this morning. Its not that I got nothing to write nowadays, but life had been so busy for me that I even needed a weekend get-away last week just to freshen myself up.
I got myself a new car. Bought it at a good price and bargained for an additional AUD$3500 discount. Might not seem alot at first, but given the final price of AUD$21,888, the discount is almost 15%. Good deal still. Am loving it. Dom thought its a RX8. Haha. Its way off my budget and if I have that sum of money, I rather spend it on another car or on something else.
My new ride...
I had been back to Singapore and back to Aust. It was a fantastic trip, although only 18 days long. I guess I really enjoyed myself towards the second half of my trip when I had finally settled issues at home and was able to 'enjoy' myself alot more. Caught up with alot of friends over dinner and it had been good. Met up with the boys and really miss them alot. I know I said this before, but although we are best of friends and we only meet up a couple times every year, once we finally met up, the feelings we have for one another is back to last time! Felt as if we had never been separated! Miss everyone back there.
A happy family!
With my favourite food guide!
The guys!
After coming back to Aust, its all back to work and finishing my studies. My boss had told everyone that from now on I am supposed to take over his duties when he is not around and it can only be good news for me. I had asked for minimum classes to teach in the first 6 weeks of semester due to my placement at the hospital as I am there from 7.30am- 4pm everyday during that time. After those 6 weeks, I was re-assigned to another department and have more flexible hours so my boss allowed me to take over his classes just so I can earn abit more money as well.
The placements had been good so far. Cardiac was fun and working in the catheter lab seems to be the way to go for me. Besides, since I have an affinity for numbers as well, my supervisors there had been teaching and guiding me the processes of cardiac implants along the way.
My working environment in a cath lab.
My second placement had been enjoyable so far. Just 3 shifts a week, shouldn't be too tough I guess. For now, I will just reorganise everything so I can take more classes as well. Need to boost my income a fair bit so I can be more stable financially.
Yvonne came to GC a couple weeks ago and we finally caught up with one another. I also flew down to Sydney and travelled to Canberra as well. We did catch up again in Sydney and went to a few good places to eat as well. The food there totally rocks and even their desserts are fantastic. Didn't have time to process the photos yet so that got to wait.
I think thats enough for today as I got to prepare to go Uni for a full day of teaching. Not sure when I will be writing again but lets just hope it doesn't take this long again...
I got myself a new car. Bought it at a good price and bargained for an additional AUD$3500 discount. Might not seem alot at first, but given the final price of AUD$21,888, the discount is almost 15%. Good deal still. Am loving it. Dom thought its a RX8. Haha. Its way off my budget and if I have that sum of money, I rather spend it on another car or on something else.
My new ride...
I had been back to Singapore and back to Aust. It was a fantastic trip, although only 18 days long. I guess I really enjoyed myself towards the second half of my trip when I had finally settled issues at home and was able to 'enjoy' myself alot more. Caught up with alot of friends over dinner and it had been good. Met up with the boys and really miss them alot. I know I said this before, but although we are best of friends and we only meet up a couple times every year, once we finally met up, the feelings we have for one another is back to last time! Felt as if we had never been separated! Miss everyone back there.
A happy family!
With my favourite food guide!
The guys!
After coming back to Aust, its all back to work and finishing my studies. My boss had told everyone that from now on I am supposed to take over his duties when he is not around and it can only be good news for me. I had asked for minimum classes to teach in the first 6 weeks of semester due to my placement at the hospital as I am there from 7.30am- 4pm everyday during that time. After those 6 weeks, I was re-assigned to another department and have more flexible hours so my boss allowed me to take over his classes just so I can earn abit more money as well.
The placements had been good so far. Cardiac was fun and working in the catheter lab seems to be the way to go for me. Besides, since I have an affinity for numbers as well, my supervisors there had been teaching and guiding me the processes of cardiac implants along the way.
My working environment in a cath lab.
My second placement had been enjoyable so far. Just 3 shifts a week, shouldn't be too tough I guess. For now, I will just reorganise everything so I can take more classes as well. Need to boost my income a fair bit so I can be more stable financially.
Yvonne came to GC a couple weeks ago and we finally caught up with one another. I also flew down to Sydney and travelled to Canberra as well. We did catch up again in Sydney and went to a few good places to eat as well. The food there totally rocks and even their desserts are fantastic. Didn't have time to process the photos yet so that got to wait.
I think thats enough for today as I got to prepare to go Uni for a full day of teaching. Not sure when I will be writing again but lets just hope it doesn't take this long again...
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Semester DONE!!
The semester is finally done! With my performance review on Monday, it marks the end of the semester with huge success! All comments and remarks given totally make my day! The Head of School (or Dean in some faculty) says I have done a brilliant job at keeping everything together and even my former boss (whose role I took over this semester) said that I "put his own performance to shame"! Hahaha...
Now just have to wait for my own results to be released and gonna head back to SG this Sunday. Shopping time~~!~~! Time for my massage-cum-physiotherapist session~!
Now just have to wait for my own results to be released and gonna head back to SG this Sunday. Shopping time~~!~~! Time for my massage-cum-physiotherapist session~!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
You...
Lately I had been hearing alot of stories about you. No good things, to be honest. For one, its your attitude. True that we are no longer talking as much, but do think back, why does it happen? If you didn't put words in my mouth in the first place, we could still be friends. Now, we are simply acquaintances.
People are unhappy that you had taken us for granted. Even people working close to you are also feeling that way. Don't put yourself up high on the pedestal when you are not that qualified. I just hope you can reflect on all that and perhaps change your attitude toward friends. I wish you all the best for the exams.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We had not met up as often as you might have wished. I am very sorry but assignments and exams are piling and I cannot afford to do badly in any of them. Besides, I know you had been pretty free recently and had ran into some issues with some people. I will try to catch up whenever I could.
The next few weeks are exam weeks and no doubt that you will be bored and want to go out. Just like this time last year, I will be staying home to study. However, this year with so many things happening, I hardly had time for myself. So do give me some time to sort things out and we will go out once everything is over. Don't think so much into things and you will be fine.
P/S Your pictures nowadays... are looking more and more unnatural... And I am not the only one who says that... The comments speaks for themselves.. take care yea...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last night as I fell asleep on my desk, I dreamt of you. I was back in Singapore and we were talking about how everything happened. Obviously we don't like how it ends but I guess its for the best. Maybe like you said, at least you have nobody to answer to, you don't have to stop doing things because of me...
I just wish you are alright now and please do take care of yourself. You should rest and let your neck recover. Don't want you to hurt yourself. Although we are no longer partners, but I am still concern about you. Take care and see you soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
People are unhappy that you had taken us for granted. Even people working close to you are also feeling that way. Don't put yourself up high on the pedestal when you are not that qualified. I just hope you can reflect on all that and perhaps change your attitude toward friends. I wish you all the best for the exams.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We had not met up as often as you might have wished. I am very sorry but assignments and exams are piling and I cannot afford to do badly in any of them. Besides, I know you had been pretty free recently and had ran into some issues with some people. I will try to catch up whenever I could.
The next few weeks are exam weeks and no doubt that you will be bored and want to go out. Just like this time last year, I will be staying home to study. However, this year with so many things happening, I hardly had time for myself. So do give me some time to sort things out and we will go out once everything is over. Don't think so much into things and you will be fine.
P/S Your pictures nowadays... are looking more and more unnatural... And I am not the only one who says that... The comments speaks for themselves.. take care yea...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last night as I fell asleep on my desk, I dreamt of you. I was back in Singapore and we were talking about how everything happened. Obviously we don't like how it ends but I guess its for the best. Maybe like you said, at least you have nobody to answer to, you don't have to stop doing things because of me...
I just wish you are alright now and please do take care of yourself. You should rest and let your neck recover. Don't want you to hurt yourself. Although we are no longer partners, but I am still concern about you. Take care and see you soon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
2 months and a half.
Wow. Its been more than 2 months since I last updated. No doubt that its been along time, but I just lost the feeling of typing out my blog. The end of semester is already here.
Alot had happened. My birthday went pretty well. I went to Byron Bay. It was nice there. Dinner prepared by Liam was fantastic. No complains at all. All guests had fun and it was good.
Semester had worn on and it has been a successful semester teaching. Alot of positive feedback had been given with regards to my teaching and everything had been looking positive so far.
My Masters had been good and am just hoping to pass all subjects. Thats all I ask for.
Fauziah and I had gone our separate ways. Its for the best I feel. She had moved on pretty well and I should too. It had been a good year and few months. Wonderful memories will always live on and I wish you well.
I was involved in a near-fatal accident 2 weeks ago. I almost lost my life there. I am thankful that I am still alive. The other party had claimed liability and am claiming all my injuries and treatment to his insurance. My car is a complete write-off with insurance paying me $4,100 for it. Given that I paid $5050 for it 3 years ago, its a pretty good deal. Well, my car is un-repairable. Given that all alignment is gone and the fact that the impact literally killed my engine, its given that its a write-off.
Note that even the wheel caved in....
She had served me well. When news that my car got hit on the side, a mate said "Woah, Goldilocks got rammed!!" Funny as it sounds, being car-less seriously is not good. Shall thank my lucky stars that am still alive today.
What happened was that I was travelling on a straight road when a ute (pick-up) turning right hit me from the side. It dragged me across to the other side of the road with incoming traffic coming straight at me. I got to swerve to the side, into the grass to avoid a head-on collision. I was very shaken after the accident and ambulance came to access my injuries.
I am very thankful that am still alive today. I could had been lying in a coffin right now if I were not careful at all.
Alright, enough of writing... time to concentrate on my Law and Ethics essay... am given a week extension due to the accident and now I got to finish it by next week!
Alot had happened. My birthday went pretty well. I went to Byron Bay. It was nice there. Dinner prepared by Liam was fantastic. No complains at all. All guests had fun and it was good.
Semester had worn on and it has been a successful semester teaching. Alot of positive feedback had been given with regards to my teaching and everything had been looking positive so far.
My Masters had been good and am just hoping to pass all subjects. Thats all I ask for.
Fauziah and I had gone our separate ways. Its for the best I feel. She had moved on pretty well and I should too. It had been a good year and few months. Wonderful memories will always live on and I wish you well.
I was involved in a near-fatal accident 2 weeks ago. I almost lost my life there. I am thankful that I am still alive. The other party had claimed liability and am claiming all my injuries and treatment to his insurance. My car is a complete write-off with insurance paying me $4,100 for it. Given that I paid $5050 for it 3 years ago, its a pretty good deal. Well, my car is un-repairable. Given that all alignment is gone and the fact that the impact literally killed my engine, its given that its a write-off.
Note that even the wheel caved in....
She had served me well. When news that my car got hit on the side, a mate said "Woah, Goldilocks got rammed!!" Funny as it sounds, being car-less seriously is not good. Shall thank my lucky stars that am still alive today.
What happened was that I was travelling on a straight road when a ute (pick-up) turning right hit me from the side. It dragged me across to the other side of the road with incoming traffic coming straight at me. I got to swerve to the side, into the grass to avoid a head-on collision. I was very shaken after the accident and ambulance came to access my injuries.
I am very thankful that am still alive today. I could had been lying in a coffin right now if I were not careful at all.
Alright, enough of writing... time to concentrate on my Law and Ethics essay... am given a week extension due to the accident and now I got to finish it by next week!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
A sudden change.
Work had been hectic. Going back at night to prep labs for the next day. Fuses blow and everything. Something just doesn't seem to be right. Its been a roller coaster ride this week. Amid of all things, one of ours died in a iron-man competition. Sigh. Whole department was in a disarray. Hopefully next week will be better.
Time had been scarce. I didn't even have time to sleep. Hopefully it will all be better next week onwards although I doubt it as labs will be tougher. Sigh.
Lectures had been good until I received a couple of feedbacks. Got to slow down alot more for a handful of students who couldn't understand the concepts they were supposed to know from previous course. As ridiculous as it seems, when there is a pre-requisite for the course I am teaching, and if you had not done that pre-requisite course, why are you in my course in the first place?! You still have the cheek to write in to complain and say I am going through things too fast for you. I got 120+ students, and 100+ are happy with whatever I was doing and only 2 of you were unhappy, so you got to complain? Argh.. u can never please everyone..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There has been a sudden change in myself lately. I keep to myself more often nowadays. Sigh... perhaps its all the stress... perhaps its other issues... As for now, I am going to try and focus on my work and studies. Try not to let other things bother me for now. Need to put my focus in place.. its only Week 4 next week~!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Liam asked to cook for my birthday. So I called a couple friends. Although its very last minute as I didn't know what to do on my birthday til just 2-3 days before, I appreciate that everyone make time to come. I simply got no mood to celebrate. Although sisters in GC had planned a celebration last week, I am happy already. Just surprised that friends do remember as well. Liam should be here any minute. I should be getting ready too. Til then... bye...
Time had been scarce. I didn't even have time to sleep. Hopefully it will all be better next week onwards although I doubt it as labs will be tougher. Sigh.
Lectures had been good until I received a couple of feedbacks. Got to slow down alot more for a handful of students who couldn't understand the concepts they were supposed to know from previous course. As ridiculous as it seems, when there is a pre-requisite for the course I am teaching, and if you had not done that pre-requisite course, why are you in my course in the first place?! You still have the cheek to write in to complain and say I am going through things too fast for you. I got 120+ students, and 100+ are happy with whatever I was doing and only 2 of you were unhappy, so you got to complain? Argh.. u can never please everyone..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There has been a sudden change in myself lately. I keep to myself more often nowadays. Sigh... perhaps its all the stress... perhaps its other issues... As for now, I am going to try and focus on my work and studies. Try not to let other things bother me for now. Need to put my focus in place.. its only Week 4 next week~!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Liam asked to cook for my birthday. So I called a couple friends. Although its very last minute as I didn't know what to do on my birthday til just 2-3 days before, I appreciate that everyone make time to come. I simply got no mood to celebrate. Although sisters in GC had planned a celebration last week, I am happy already. Just surprised that friends do remember as well. Liam should be here any minute. I should be getting ready too. Til then... bye...
Monday, March 8, 2010
Thoughts...
Had been bothered with stuff in my head lately.
First and foremost, Aust DIAC office took some time to process my visa and guess what? After approving my visa application, they did not inform me! There I was, nervous and worried about my visa expiring next week and after all the hoo-ha 2 weeks ago, still no news from them! I went to the DIAC office today and was informed that they actually approve my application last Wed. ~!@#$%
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I finally sign my teaching contract last Fri. Got to say I am pretty impressed with how much my pay scale jumped after graduation. Right now, am only giving 2 hours of lecture every week for 13 weeks and 9 hours of labs each week for 7 weeks. At least I doubt I have to worry much about my petrol cost for going up to Brisbane 4 times a week for my lessons.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lately, I seen some friends making advancements in life. I am happy for them. Very happy in fact. However it made me think alot as well. I tend to question myself, "What about me? Have I done anything worthwhile all these 25 years of mine?" I am turning 25 really soon and looking back at my accomplishments, it seemed minute. Friends around me had been very encouraging and asked me to start planning early if I really want to make something out of my life. I do agree that I got to plan early. However, I just cannot help but think of all the 'What-ifs' in life.
I guess I really have to strive harder now. Got to strive even harder. Work towards to my goals in life, even if it means sacrificing my time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had been quite surprised at myself this time. I never expected myself to do what I did. Although its already the past, thoughts of it still stings. Not that I think of issues on purpose but sometimes when you are alone, memories and thoughts tend to float into your mind.
Most important thing for me now is to let go... There are 3 phases in life. Acceptance... Forgive... Let go... Alot of issues I had been through, I was able to forgive. But to let go? It does seem abit foreign to me. However, I believe it will take some time for me to really let go. So please be patient with me...
First and foremost, Aust DIAC office took some time to process my visa and guess what? After approving my visa application, they did not inform me! There I was, nervous and worried about my visa expiring next week and after all the hoo-ha 2 weeks ago, still no news from them! I went to the DIAC office today and was informed that they actually approve my application last Wed. ~!@#$%
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I finally sign my teaching contract last Fri. Got to say I am pretty impressed with how much my pay scale jumped after graduation. Right now, am only giving 2 hours of lecture every week for 13 weeks and 9 hours of labs each week for 7 weeks. At least I doubt I have to worry much about my petrol cost for going up to Brisbane 4 times a week for my lessons.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lately, I seen some friends making advancements in life. I am happy for them. Very happy in fact. However it made me think alot as well. I tend to question myself, "What about me? Have I done anything worthwhile all these 25 years of mine?" I am turning 25 really soon and looking back at my accomplishments, it seemed minute. Friends around me had been very encouraging and asked me to start planning early if I really want to make something out of my life. I do agree that I got to plan early. However, I just cannot help but think of all the 'What-ifs' in life.
I guess I really have to strive harder now. Got to strive even harder. Work towards to my goals in life, even if it means sacrificing my time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had been quite surprised at myself this time. I never expected myself to do what I did. Although its already the past, thoughts of it still stings. Not that I think of issues on purpose but sometimes when you are alone, memories and thoughts tend to float into your mind.
Most important thing for me now is to let go... There are 3 phases in life. Acceptance... Forgive... Let go... Alot of issues I had been through, I was able to forgive. But to let go? It does seem abit foreign to me. However, I believe it will take some time for me to really let go. So please be patient with me...
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Commencement of Masters.
Its been a long time. I am back in Gold Coast for more than a week now. The trip back to Singapore has been fruitful. I managed to catch up with alot of friends and without a doubt it had been an enjoyable 2 months.
I made some short trips when I was back in SG but memorable ones are still the BKK and KL trips. The best times I had back in Singapore got to be my last 2 weeks. Sounds kinda funny but its true. Although I was leaving in less than 20 days, the feeling I had was totally different compared to when I first went back.
This year, Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day fall on the same day. As such, my darling went along with me to visit. It was an enjoyable day afterall.
CNY at Darling's..
Other than spending time with my family, I still managed to catch up with my best friends in SG. Thanks David for the dinner. It definitely tops all previous gatherings we had. I got to say that even KTV will not be as fun as this!
Dinner with best of friends..
Now am back on the Coast, time to do my Masters. As the course only has 10 students, it is quite obvious if anyone skips a lecture. Not that I am going to, but the thoughts of skipping one and how easy it is to be caught, is horrifying.
I will be finalising my contract this Friday. Seems like I will be the course coordinator for one module and everything seems good for now. I don't mind working as long as the Uni pays me well. So far, money is the sole motivation of me working.
Its gonna be a hectic semester as it seems right now. Not sure when I will be writing again....
I made some short trips when I was back in SG but memorable ones are still the BKK and KL trips. The best times I had back in Singapore got to be my last 2 weeks. Sounds kinda funny but its true. Although I was leaving in less than 20 days, the feeling I had was totally different compared to when I first went back.
This year, Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day fall on the same day. As such, my darling went along with me to visit. It was an enjoyable day afterall.
CNY at Darling's..
Other than spending time with my family, I still managed to catch up with my best friends in SG. Thanks David for the dinner. It definitely tops all previous gatherings we had. I got to say that even KTV will not be as fun as this!
Dinner with best of friends..
Now am back on the Coast, time to do my Masters. As the course only has 10 students, it is quite obvious if anyone skips a lecture. Not that I am going to, but the thoughts of skipping one and how easy it is to be caught, is horrifying.
I will be finalising my contract this Friday. Seems like I will be the course coordinator for one module and everything seems good for now. I don't mind working as long as the Uni pays me well. So far, money is the sole motivation of me working.
Its gonna be a hectic semester as it seems right now. Not sure when I will be writing again....
Friday, January 22, 2010
An update finally~~!@
Its been more than one and a half months since I last updated. I had been busy enjoying myself and did not have the time to write. In short, my parents went over for my graduation and we flew back to SG together.
Family pic without our sis... MayEe... When you graduate, we should take one together as a family!
Had a couple of gatherings back here in Singapore. Of course, the first one was with family and best friends. Dinner with friends and it had been great catching up with everyone!
Meeting with best friends~
Not forgetting, I managed to sprung a surprise on my darling by coming back a couple days earlier. Planned with her sister to let me into the house early morning just so I could wake her up in bed. Usually, I tend to give her morning calls everyday when I was in Aust. So that morning, I went over to her place and woke her up in person instead. Haha. She thought she was dreaming. Hehehe.
I went Singapore Flyer finally! Haha. Not a bad experience as we are only paying half price for it. Thanks darling for getting the tickets! Spending New Year and Christmas in Singapore had been great. Both parties were enjoyable and managed to catch up with some very old friends.
In the cabin of Singapore Flyer...
I like this pic... lol..
I went to JB with my dad and his friends for massage, sauna and jacuzzi for one whole day. Paying only 98 Ringgit, everything was included. Food was free-flowing, drinks were all up to you to choose. It was very relaxing. Dinner was at an exotic-food restaurant. Turtle, squirrels and all sorts of animals were on the menu.
Menu at that restaurant...
I went Bangkok for 5 days. It was a trip full of shopping, massage and eating. Everything about the trip is enjoyable. Tiring it might be, but still, all worth it. Getting to spend our first anniversary together in a foreign land with no one else to disturb us is a great idea. Perhaps we should do that next year as well. Hehe. Photos for BKK, shall wait for next update or check my fb~
Family pic without our sis... MayEe... When you graduate, we should take one together as a family!
Had a couple of gatherings back here in Singapore. Of course, the first one was with family and best friends. Dinner with friends and it had been great catching up with everyone!
Meeting with best friends~
Not forgetting, I managed to sprung a surprise on my darling by coming back a couple days earlier. Planned with her sister to let me into the house early morning just so I could wake her up in bed. Usually, I tend to give her morning calls everyday when I was in Aust. So that morning, I went over to her place and woke her up in person instead. Haha. She thought she was dreaming. Hehehe.
I went Singapore Flyer finally! Haha. Not a bad experience as we are only paying half price for it. Thanks darling for getting the tickets! Spending New Year and Christmas in Singapore had been great. Both parties were enjoyable and managed to catch up with some very old friends.
In the cabin of Singapore Flyer...
I like this pic... lol..
I went to JB with my dad and his friends for massage, sauna and jacuzzi for one whole day. Paying only 98 Ringgit, everything was included. Food was free-flowing, drinks were all up to you to choose. It was very relaxing. Dinner was at an exotic-food restaurant. Turtle, squirrels and all sorts of animals were on the menu.
Menu at that restaurant...
I went Bangkok for 5 days. It was a trip full of shopping, massage and eating. Everything about the trip is enjoyable. Tiring it might be, but still, all worth it. Getting to spend our first anniversary together in a foreign land with no one else to disturb us is a great idea. Perhaps we should do that next year as well. Hehe. Photos for BKK, shall wait for next update or check my fb~
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Degree... doneand dusted.
Degree... checked...
party... checked...
Acceptance into Masters... checked...
Party... checked...
Preparation for parents arrival... checked...
I just checked my results, relieved to know that I am graduating afterall. Haha. Not that its any surprise. After the end of exams, it was a day or 2 of rest before the massive drinking and partying begins.
18 Nov - Wed
Last paper. Went straight to the tavern for drinks right after. We spent a couple hours there, drinking away, talking about our future plans. Can't believe that it had all ended.
20 Nov- Fri
Dinner and drinks at Leanne's. Alot of drinking and definitely alot of fun. Most of the tutors or academic staff were also invited and it was nice mingling with everyone on a casual, non-formal setting.
Grp pic we had... among many that were taken..
Company was great. Some of us stayed til late into the night and we played Singstar! Haha. Didn't know I could reach the high notes of scissors sisters in their songs to beat the girls! Haha. Definitely had been drinking abit way too much as well. Haha. Jess and I stayed over and it was home to rest for a couple hours.
21 Nov - Sat
It was Jess's farewell. She is leaving for S. Africa and Canada for 5 months and is not attending graduation at all. Definitely alot of drinking again~ It was nice catching up with her family though. Having known them since last year and been attending their family gatherings, it was not difficult to fit in. I had to wear some funky glasses cause I wasn't in any costume while she was in a Dutch maid's uniform.
See you soon, buddy!~ Miss ya~
I guess the surprise came when we say our good-byes. She was alright when bidding farewell to everyone else, but when its my turn... She started crying. Her make-up runs and I was surprised. Her Sisters were telling me that its alright and just that she and I had gotten too close over the past year. In the end, Jess still walked me to my car before I head back. Will definitely catch up with her when she returns.
22 Nov - Sun
Dinner with Eziq and Cindy. Was a nice time catching up with them and hopefully we will meet up soon before she flies.
Dinner at Little Singapore..
23 Nov - Monday
Mel's birthday. Called him but he did not pick up.
I had my interview for my Masters as well. To be honest, the only preparation I did for the interview, was to choose the right shirt and tie to wear. Other than that, nothing. Call it confidence or what-so-ever, I knew I could do it. It was me against a panel of 3 interviewers. After the whole interview and it was my turn to ask questions, the following dialogue took place.
Me (M): When will I hear from you again? Interviewer (I): Either this afternoon or over the next few days. We want to let selected individuals have enough time to consider our offer before accepting.
I asked a couple more questions pertaining to the course and also my return flight as well. Then just as I was about to take my leave, the one in charge stopped me.
I: Ben, tell you what. I am giving you the conditional offer now. Would you like to accept it? You don't have to tell me now. You can take a week to consider and get back to us. Just to let you know, we only accept 10 students a year and you are the first and only one to be given the conditional offer on the spot.
M: Thank you very much. Yes, I will definitely contact you over the next few days about the offer. Thank you for your time once again.
And so, yes... I already accepted the offer. And since I am due to graduate, my acceptance is confirmed. After that acceptance, it was more drinking and gathering. I was also doing up my administrative stuff for my Masters as well, i.e; Visa, fees... etc.
Now just got to wait for parents' arrival tomorrow morning before we fly off to Sydney together on Thurs. Would be gone for a week then back in time for graduation. Not sure when I will be writing again. Til then. Adiós..
party... checked...
Acceptance into Masters... checked...
Party... checked...
Preparation for parents arrival... checked...
I just checked my results, relieved to know that I am graduating afterall. Haha. Not that its any surprise. After the end of exams, it was a day or 2 of rest before the massive drinking and partying begins.
18 Nov - Wed
Last paper. Went straight to the tavern for drinks right after. We spent a couple hours there, drinking away, talking about our future plans. Can't believe that it had all ended.
20 Nov- Fri
Dinner and drinks at Leanne's. Alot of drinking and definitely alot of fun. Most of the tutors or academic staff were also invited and it was nice mingling with everyone on a casual, non-formal setting.
Grp pic we had... among many that were taken..
Company was great. Some of us stayed til late into the night and we played Singstar! Haha. Didn't know I could reach the high notes of scissors sisters in their songs to beat the girls! Haha. Definitely had been drinking abit way too much as well. Haha. Jess and I stayed over and it was home to rest for a couple hours.
21 Nov - Sat
It was Jess's farewell. She is leaving for S. Africa and Canada for 5 months and is not attending graduation at all. Definitely alot of drinking again~ It was nice catching up with her family though. Having known them since last year and been attending their family gatherings, it was not difficult to fit in. I had to wear some funky glasses cause I wasn't in any costume while she was in a Dutch maid's uniform.
See you soon, buddy!~ Miss ya~
I guess the surprise came when we say our good-byes. She was alright when bidding farewell to everyone else, but when its my turn... She started crying. Her make-up runs and I was surprised. Her Sisters were telling me that its alright and just that she and I had gotten too close over the past year. In the end, Jess still walked me to my car before I head back. Will definitely catch up with her when she returns.
22 Nov - Sun
Dinner with Eziq and Cindy. Was a nice time catching up with them and hopefully we will meet up soon before she flies.
Dinner at Little Singapore..
23 Nov - Monday
Mel's birthday. Called him but he did not pick up.
I had my interview for my Masters as well. To be honest, the only preparation I did for the interview, was to choose the right shirt and tie to wear. Other than that, nothing. Call it confidence or what-so-ever, I knew I could do it. It was me against a panel of 3 interviewers. After the whole interview and it was my turn to ask questions, the following dialogue took place.
Me (M): When will I hear from you again? Interviewer (I): Either this afternoon or over the next few days. We want to let selected individuals have enough time to consider our offer before accepting.
I asked a couple more questions pertaining to the course and also my return flight as well. Then just as I was about to take my leave, the one in charge stopped me.
I: Ben, tell you what. I am giving you the conditional offer now. Would you like to accept it? You don't have to tell me now. You can take a week to consider and get back to us. Just to let you know, we only accept 10 students a year and you are the first and only one to be given the conditional offer on the spot.
M: Thank you very much. Yes, I will definitely contact you over the next few days about the offer. Thank you for your time once again.
And so, yes... I already accepted the offer. And since I am due to graduate, my acceptance is confirmed. After that acceptance, it was more drinking and gathering. I was also doing up my administrative stuff for my Masters as well, i.e; Visa, fees... etc.
Now just got to wait for parents' arrival tomorrow morning before we fly off to Sydney together on Thurs. Would be gone for a week then back in time for graduation. Not sure when I will be writing again. Til then. Adiós..
Friday, November 13, 2009
爷爷....
爷爷...
Its been 4 years since you left us.
Everyone had been doing fine.
Don't worry about 嫲嫲.
Your lovely wife is healthy and had been very well taken care of.
As you might already known, Dad and 叔叔 are doing pretty well in business.
The business you started is still going strong.
姑姐 and family are doing just fine.
As for your grandchildren...
I am almost reaching the end of my studies here.
汉杰 had arrived in Australia.
All your grand-children had grown up.
May Ee is now in Canada.
汉豪 is doing very well in Republic Poly and had been dating.
Both 汉洋 & 汉嘿 are doing pretty well as well.
I had been seeing a beautiful girl.
Her name is Fauziah.
We had been seeing each other for 10 months.
She visited me when this year in Australia.
There is still a long way to go and will definitely let you know if we were to progress any further.
Many times I sit, staring at the ocean, just thinking of you.
Not having you by our side was definitely painful.
But I guess we had all moved on.
You had always doted on me.
We were very close.
From the day I was born, to the morning as I held your hand when you left us.
When you passed on, it was very hard for me especially.
爷爷，Thank you for coming into my dream this morning.
I will definitely come over and visit your grave when I am back.
Sorry for neglecting you after all these time.
You had taught me many lessons in life.
I had never regret spending time with you.
爷爷, although you had been gone for 4 years now.
Thank you for everything you had done for me.
I still miss you all the same.
You had always been in our hearts.
Its been 4 years since you left us.
Everyone had been doing fine.
Don't worry about 嫲嫲.
Your lovely wife is healthy and had been very well taken care of.
As you might already known, Dad and 叔叔 are doing pretty well in business.
The business you started is still going strong.
姑姐 and family are doing just fine.
As for your grandchildren...
I am almost reaching the end of my studies here.
汉杰 had arrived in Australia.
All your grand-children had grown up.
May Ee is now in Canada.
汉豪 is doing very well in Republic Poly and had been dating.
Both 汉洋 & 汉嘿 are doing pretty well as well.
I had been seeing a beautiful girl.
Her name is Fauziah.
We had been seeing each other for 10 months.
She visited me when this year in Australia.
There is still a long way to go and will definitely let you know if we were to progress any further.
Many times I sit, staring at the ocean, just thinking of you.
Not having you by our side was definitely painful.
But I guess we had all moved on.
You had always doted on me.
We were very close.
From the day I was born, to the morning as I held your hand when you left us.
When you passed on, it was very hard for me especially.
爷爷，Thank you for coming into my dream this morning.
I will definitely come over and visit your grave when I am back.
Sorry for neglecting you after all these time.
You had taught me many lessons in life.
I had never regret spending time with you.
爷爷, although you had been gone for 4 years now.
Thank you for everything you had done for me.
I still miss you all the same.
You had always been in our hearts.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Last academic week.
This is the final academic week of my bachelor's degree. After this, all that is left of my life as a student is one Study Week, followed by 2 weeks of exams. Tomorrow marks the last day of Uni. Not sure how I should feel about this. Exams coupled with a few stuff which had been on my mind, I got to say I had not been able to sleep much recently. Perhaps its the stress of exams, perhaps its the fear of not knowing how to handle some issues, perhaps its just a wrong choice from the start... I hope things could clear up soon.
Approaching another cross-road, it will soon be time again for me to make another decision. Just hope I make the right one and do what's best for everyone.
I don't know what else is there that I can write anymore. Maybe I should leave this blog as it is and disappear along with it... Maybe...
Buenos Noches, Adiós...
Approaching another cross-road, it will soon be time again for me to make another decision. Just hope I make the right one and do what's best for everyone.
I don't know what else is there that I can write anymore. Maybe I should leave this blog as it is and disappear along with it... Maybe...
Buenos Noches, Adiós...
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Car. Mao's Last Dancer. Snappy.
Got my car back from the mechanic. Along with the various repairs done, they actually wax, wash and vaccuum my car! Now it looks as good as new. Haha. Can't be more happy as I had not seen my darling that clean for a long time! Not that my car is dirty, its been very clean all along! I wash the exterior every week and vacuum every month, but got to say would not had done a job as good as the specialists at the mechanic. So sparkling clean and shiny that I actually feel good and proud for owning that little darling of mine. Hahaha.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Was invited to catch "Mao's Last Dancer" just now. Man... it is definitely a good movie. A show which brought tears to my eyes in the final moments. Its been a long time since a movie done that to me. Its money well spent and so far, its the first movie I paid to watch in Aust this year. The previous one was Transformer 2, where Daniel paid for us to oogle at Megan Fox. *wink*
Cool poster... I like how the Chinese word is used as a background.
Not sure if this movie is shown in Singapore but its definitely one good damn show which I don't mind catching it again on DVD. If its not shown in SG, perhaps I might just get the DVD in Aust and bring back with me. What's even more interesting is that its based on a true story. Unlike some of the biography-movies which drives one to sleep, this one is clearly a winner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Does anybody understand the meaning of 'I am busy, will only do it later.' If its really important I will do it as soon as I can, but if its not and I am not interested in it, then it can wait. I don't care if its too late to respond by then because I am simply not interested in it! Sometimes I admit that I might be snappy but I clearly think that if you were to confront me and ask if I understand simple English, you were asking for it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alright, am heading to bed. Danny is arriving later and I need my rest just so I can wake up on time to drive to Brissie airport to pick him up at bloody 7am on a Sunday!! *grumble* My only rest day of the week for this week and an even earlier start!
~~~~~~~~~~~
Was invited to catch "Mao's Last Dancer" just now. Man... it is definitely a good movie. A show which brought tears to my eyes in the final moments. Its been a long time since a movie done that to me. Its money well spent and so far, its the first movie I paid to watch in Aust this year. The previous one was Transformer 2, where Daniel paid for us to oogle at Megan Fox. *wink*
Cool poster... I like how the Chinese word is used as a background.
Not sure if this movie is shown in Singapore but its definitely one good damn show which I don't mind catching it again on DVD. If its not shown in SG, perhaps I might just get the DVD in Aust and bring back with me. What's even more interesting is that its based on a true story. Unlike some of the biography-movies which drives one to sleep, this one is clearly a winner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Does anybody understand the meaning of 'I am busy, will only do it later.' If its really important I will do it as soon as I can, but if its not and I am not interested in it, then it can wait. I don't care if its too late to respond by then because I am simply not interested in it! Sometimes I admit that I might be snappy but I clearly think that if you were to confront me and ask if I understand simple English, you were asking for it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alright, am heading to bed. Danny is arriving later and I need my rest just so I can wake up on time to drive to Brissie airport to pick him up at bloody 7am on a Sunday!! *grumble* My only rest day of the week for this week and an even earlier start!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Mid-Semester Break. Car-less for a week. ZZ Birthday. Overspent.
Week 9 ended and its mid-semester break now. Kinda weird to have a mid-semster break in Week 9 when there's only 13 academic weeks. Nevertheless, we all deserve a good break to catch up on all the work that has been piling lately. Am pretty proud of myself, half of the pending work had been done over the last few days. Finished writing my Neuroscience research paper, lesson planning for next week and part of the Financial plan for a business subject. All that is left is preparing the presentation slides for the business sub and 3 journal articles review. At least now I have Thurs-Sunday to prepare all that. Neuro paper was a huge one and spent the whole day writing my part. Now its all up to the rest of them to pull their weight cause I believed I had done whatever I could.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Was up at 6.30am (SG 4.30 am) today. Went to drop my car at the mechanic. Seems like they will take one week to repair all damages. So most likely will be home-bound for one week. Some friends are nice enough to offer car rides to/from Uni. Will not want to inconvenience them as well. Shall take it as it comes.
~~~~~~~~~~~
ZZ birthday was yesterday. Called to wish him happy Birthday and caught him by surprise! Haha. He reminded me of how the 3 of us used to lie in bed and chat. We should really catch up when I get back. Good luck ZZ~!! We know you will do well. *wink*
~~~~~~~~~~~
Realised that I had been over-spending quite abit lately. Perhaps its true, you spend more when you earn more. Therefore its time for me to start eating more at home. That should save me more money. Hehe. Hopefully will have enough money for me to spend when I come back to SG. Hehe. Looking forward to my return in Dec...
~~~~~~~~~~~
Was up at 6.30am (SG 4.30 am) today. Went to drop my car at the mechanic. Seems like they will take one week to repair all damages. So most likely will be home-bound for one week. Some friends are nice enough to offer car rides to/from Uni. Will not want to inconvenience them as well. Shall take it as it comes.
~~~~~~~~~~~
ZZ birthday was yesterday. Called to wish him happy Birthday and caught him by surprise! Haha. He reminded me of how the 3 of us used to lie in bed and chat. We should really catch up when I get back. Good luck ZZ~!! We know you will do well. *wink*
~~~~~~~~~~~
Realised that I had been over-spending quite abit lately. Perhaps its true, you spend more when you earn more. Therefore its time for me to start eating more at home. That should save me more money. Hehe. Hopefully will have enough money for me to spend when I come back to SG. Hehe. Looking forward to my return in Dec...
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Lecture. Accident.
Everything was going fine for the past month or so. I was asked to take over a lecture 2 Thurs ago. My boss, R, got something to attend to and he doesn't want to cancel the lecture. So he sent me an email at 7am asking if I am keen to do it. I was up early that morning and upon seeing the email, I rang him up immediately. Below is how the conversation takes place.
Me: Morning R******, this is Ben. I just saw your email and would like more details.
R: Morning Ben, what other details? Its ok if you are not comfortable with it. I just thought to ask if you would be interested as had been receiving emails complimenting you on your teaching.
Me: No no.. thats not it, I am definitely interersted as its something new to me. Besides, it would be a good experience for me as well. I would like to know what lecture you want me to give.
R: Thats good to hear! The topic would be on 'Electricity and Safety, EMG, ECG, EEG and ERG - kinda stuff.
Me: Sounds good! Alright, see you at 1.30 then!
I went off to see him and he did warn me that normally only 50 students turn up for the lecture at that time as its scheduled at 5-6pm. He told me not to be disappointed if I get less than that as he had been seeing only arnd 30 students the past 2 weeks. So at 5pm, when I entered the scehduled lecture theatre, I was amazed at the turn out. Almost 150 students turned up! Haha. The lecture was good and they all enjoyed it. I was smiling inside as its indeed good experience and of course, I was smiling on my way to the bank! Wahaha.
The next time I saw my Boss to sign the new contract for the lecture, he told me this...
R: Ben, I had received emails from the students asking you to take more lectures. Good job! At the rate you are going, I think I would be out of job really soon.
M: *smile* Thank you, R.
R: I was thinking, since I would be going on my long service leave next year, would you like to take over the lecturing position on a contract-basis? (Contract as I would be unable to do full-time due to my own impending Masters.) As you had taken most of the tutorial classes this year, you would had known at least half the students, it shouldn't be that difficult.
M: Thats would be great! Thanks R. Perhaps we shall discuss this towards the end of this year after my graduation.
R: Definitely! Let me clear this with the head of school as this is considered an unique appointment and it should be no problem given your experience in teaching these 2 years in Uni.
Haha. If everything goes well, I should no longer worry about my financial issues. Everything seems rosey and sweet until last Wed.
I was involved in a car accident. Who in the right mind turns left without checking her left side? Only that stupid lady! I was on the left, turning into the main road. She was on the right. Both of us wants to turn left. She keep checking her right and fails to notice me. When she turns, she turns into my car!! Even after hitting my car, she didn't stop! She drove right through almost pulling my front bumper apart! Its as if she felt no impact or what-so-ever.
I drove forward and pulled over at the road side. We both got out of our car. The first thing she said was, "Are you insured?" While the first thing that came out of my mouth was, "Are you alright?" Bloody woman. Talk about empathy. She blames me for pulling up next to her. I blame her for not looking her left when turning left. We did not want to argue so we just took down each license's number and details. We called our own insurance company and let them deal with it. In all, my company is sending me some forms for me to fill up and to draw the diagram as they are well aware that both parties are blaming each other and its a case of my word versus hers.
Now got to wait til the forms arrive and Tues for my car damage assessment to be done at the insurance mechanic. Sigh... Not sure how is it gonna be. Of course its possible to look on the bright side and say its material damage and I wasn't harm. But still, its a heart-breaking to see my first car like that. Sigh. A close friend did mention that Chinese has a saying that material loss is a form of way to ward away evil things that might harm you. So maybe take it as a form of blessing instead. Sigh, lets just hope that its one big evil thing that was coming at me... and no more please...
The damage...
From the side...
Me: Morning R******, this is Ben. I just saw your email and would like more details.
R: Morning Ben, what other details? Its ok if you are not comfortable with it. I just thought to ask if you would be interested as had been receiving emails complimenting you on your teaching.
Me: No no.. thats not it, I am definitely interersted as its something new to me. Besides, it would be a good experience for me as well. I would like to know what lecture you want me to give.
R: Thats good to hear! The topic would be on 'Electricity and Safety, EMG, ECG, EEG and ERG - kinda stuff.
Me: Sounds good! Alright, see you at 1.30 then!
I went off to see him and he did warn me that normally only 50 students turn up for the lecture at that time as its scheduled at 5-6pm. He told me not to be disappointed if I get less than that as he had been seeing only arnd 30 students the past 2 weeks. So at 5pm, when I entered the scehduled lecture theatre, I was amazed at the turn out. Almost 150 students turned up! Haha. The lecture was good and they all enjoyed it. I was smiling inside as its indeed good experience and of course, I was smiling on my way to the bank! Wahaha.
The next time I saw my Boss to sign the new contract for the lecture, he told me this...
R: Ben, I had received emails from the students asking you to take more lectures. Good job! At the rate you are going, I think I would be out of job really soon.
M: *smile* Thank you, R.
R: I was thinking, since I would be going on my long service leave next year, would you like to take over the lecturing position on a contract-basis? (Contract as I would be unable to do full-time due to my own impending Masters.) As you had taken most of the tutorial classes this year, you would had known at least half the students, it shouldn't be that difficult.
M: Thats would be great! Thanks R. Perhaps we shall discuss this towards the end of this year after my graduation.
R: Definitely! Let me clear this with the head of school as this is considered an unique appointment and it should be no problem given your experience in teaching these 2 years in Uni.
Haha. If everything goes well, I should no longer worry about my financial issues. Everything seems rosey and sweet until last Wed.
I was involved in a car accident. Who in the right mind turns left without checking her left side? Only that stupid lady! I was on the left, turning into the main road. She was on the right. Both of us wants to turn left. She keep checking her right and fails to notice me. When she turns, she turns into my car!! Even after hitting my car, she didn't stop! She drove right through almost pulling my front bumper apart! Its as if she felt no impact or what-so-ever.
I drove forward and pulled over at the road side. We both got out of our car. The first thing she said was, "Are you insured?" While the first thing that came out of my mouth was, "Are you alright?" Bloody woman. Talk about empathy. She blames me for pulling up next to her. I blame her for not looking her left when turning left. We did not want to argue so we just took down each license's number and details. We called our own insurance company and let them deal with it. In all, my company is sending me some forms for me to fill up and to draw the diagram as they are well aware that both parties are blaming each other and its a case of my word versus hers.
Now got to wait til the forms arrive and Tues for my car damage assessment to be done at the insurance mechanic. Sigh... Not sure how is it gonna be. Of course its possible to look on the bright side and say its material damage and I wasn't harm. But still, its a heart-breaking to see my first car like that. Sigh. A close friend did mention that Chinese has a saying that material loss is a form of way to ward away evil things that might harm you. So maybe take it as a form of blessing instead. Sigh, lets just hope that its one big evil thing that was coming at me... and no more please...
The damage...
From the side...
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Jess's Dinner. E-bay. Overworked & Fatigue.
Its been 3 weeks? Anyway, been to Brisbane to catch a Hossan Leong show. Yes, he came down to Australia and had a mini show there. It was good networking with counterparts from UQ and Overseas Singapore Unit definitely. Recorded the 2 songs Hossan performed during the hour long segment and will post it up soon. One was meant for his upcoming show in Oct I think.
Finally managed to have time for dinner with Jess. Although we see each other in Uni 4 days a week, its always about Uni and stuff. So we arranged a dinner at her place where we spend some time to catch up on each other's personal life. It was good. She made lasagna and I brought over a bottle of red. We spent 4 hours sitting there with wine and doing nothing except chatting! We did promise to have another session soon as we are graduating end of this year and we will be going our separate career paths after that. Gonna miss my favourite partner~
Jess...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I bought my first item on ebay! It arrived 3 days after I bought it and I was soooo happy. Haha. I acted like a kid getting his first toy and its definitely a good present for myself. Wahaha. Its something which will bring some fun into gatherings and definitely doesn't run on electricity. Jeremy reckoned its a good buy and I just paid for it immediately. Well, without further ado, have a look...
The packaging...
Check this out... Metallic suitcase...
A 300-chips full poker set!!
Wahaha... seems like I can start my mini casino in no time. Poker set with chips! Casino style kind of chips! Same weight, except un-marked. I chose un-marked as I do not want to be limited with their denominations. Hahaha. Now now.... shall think of a good timing for its opening ceremony. Hehe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Week 7 is coming. Having 3 exams this week. No doubt it is hectic, I guess I would have to survive Monday, Tues and Wed. I worked so much last 2 weeks. My visa only allows me to work a maximum of 20 hours a week. However, I took on around 40 per week for the past 2 weeks. More than half was due to private tutoring so no breach of laws. The money is good. That, I can't deny. But I did so much for this weekend, that right before my exams, I am in bed by 9 or even 10pm! I couldn't study!!! The last 2 nights, I was asleep on my laptop. Literally face down on my laptop as I was so tired. Only walked to my bed at 2-3am instead.
Perhaps I should be more careful when the End of Sem exams come. That will mean I might have to give up some students or even reduce my hours. Damn!! Now I better worry about my own studies before it kills me tomorrow.
On the brighter note, was commended for my teaching. My boss actually informed me that he had received numerous emails praising me on the way I teach. Haha! He also told me to expect an influx of students in my class as many are disgruntled for having incompetent tutors. Yesterday, at a staff meeting before the Year 1 exams, he actually appointed me chief invigilator!! All seems good so far. Am looking forward to the second half of the semester.
Alright, should stop writing and try to focus on my studies before the exam rapes me tomorrow.
Finally managed to have time for dinner with Jess. Although we see each other in Uni 4 days a week, its always about Uni and stuff. So we arranged a dinner at her place where we spend some time to catch up on each other's personal life. It was good. She made lasagna and I brought over a bottle of red. We spent 4 hours sitting there with wine and doing nothing except chatting! We did promise to have another session soon as we are graduating end of this year and we will be going our separate career paths after that. Gonna miss my favourite partner~
Jess...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I bought my first item on ebay! It arrived 3 days after I bought it and I was soooo happy. Haha. I acted like a kid getting his first toy and its definitely a good present for myself. Wahaha. Its something which will bring some fun into gatherings and definitely doesn't run on electricity. Jeremy reckoned its a good buy and I just paid for it immediately. Well, without further ado, have a look...
The packaging...
Check this out... Metallic suitcase...
A 300-chips full poker set!!
Wahaha... seems like I can start my mini casino in no time. Poker set with chips! Casino style kind of chips! Same weight, except un-marked. I chose un-marked as I do not want to be limited with their denominations. Hahaha. Now now.... shall think of a good timing for its opening ceremony. Hehe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Week 7 is coming. Having 3 exams this week. No doubt it is hectic, I guess I would have to survive Monday, Tues and Wed. I worked so much last 2 weeks. My visa only allows me to work a maximum of 20 hours a week. However, I took on around 40 per week for the past 2 weeks. More than half was due to private tutoring so no breach of laws. The money is good. That, I can't deny. But I did so much for this weekend, that right before my exams, I am in bed by 9 or even 10pm! I couldn't study!!! The last 2 nights, I was asleep on my laptop. Literally face down on my laptop as I was so tired. Only walked to my bed at 2-3am instead.
Perhaps I should be more careful when the End of Sem exams come. That will mean I might have to give up some students or even reduce my hours. Damn!! Now I better worry about my own studies before it kills me tomorrow.
On the brighter note, was commended for my teaching. My boss actually informed me that he had received numerous emails praising me on the way I teach. Haha! He also told me to expect an influx of students in my class as many are disgruntled for having incompetent tutors. Yesterday, at a staff meeting before the Year 1 exams, he actually appointed me chief invigilator!! All seems good so far. Am looking forward to the second half of the semester.
Alright, should stop writing and try to focus on my studies before the exam rapes me tomorrow.
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