my dearest 3i

Directed writing on compre: HEADACHES

2009-10-05T07:55:00.001+08:00

Dear Jenny,

Thank you for your letter! I was so happy to hear from you! Are you feeling better now? I am concerned about the discomfort of pain you are experiencing in your head and I want to provide you with some information regarding headaches.

Firstly, there are nearly 130 different types of headaches, which can range from mild, moderate, extremely severe to unbearable.

A migraine is a moderate to severe headache that can happen on either one or both sides of the head. The pain is usually throbbing and can worsen when you climb the stairs or bend down. You might also become sensitive to light and sound, nauseous or feel like vomiting.

The most common reasons for headaches are lack of sleep and mental stress.

Other causes include consuming drinks and food that contain alcohol, spices, caffeine, aspartame, mono-sodium glutamate, ice-cream and chocolate.

Changes from normal routines or patterns, dehydrations, high blood pressure, certain medication or even poor posture may also be some of the possible reasons for the onset of headache.

If your headache is not serious, over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirins and paracetamol (panadol) should treat it. However, do not consume more than 4 grams of Paracetomol on a day.

Apart from taking medication, resting in a quiet and dark room with an ice pack on your head or massaging your scalp or temples using firm pressure will help to ease the pain.

However, if the above methods do not help, you will need to consult a doctor. This is because it probably means that you have a very serious form of headache that requires immediate professional advice. For instance, if the headache happens suddenly, lasts for more than a week following a head injury or is brought about by exertion or exercise, gets worse with time and is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness or coma.

I hope the information provided is helpful. Please take good care of yourself so that you will have a speedy recovery! I am looking forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,
Jan

English test- Letter to uncle on conservation of whales (2)

2009-08-24T01:37:00.000+08:00

Dear Uncle Sam,

How are you? I am doing very well. I am writing to you to tell you the reasons for supporting the conservation of whales and why you should stop eating whale meat.

Firstly, whales are killed at a rate of 20,000 every year and the whale population has decreased by 50 percent over the centuries. Whales are now facing a real and serious danger of being extinct very soon, if we continue to consume them in large numbers.

Next, I would like to let you know that it is actually not difficult or painful to support the conservation of whales. This is because there are now alternatives to whale meat. They are chicken, fish and beef. Although they might taste different from whale meat, if a little sacrifice on our part could become a blessing to others, I think it would really be worth our efforts to protect the whales. Indeed, many people around the world are gradually becoming aware of the threat of whale extinction and has started to cut down on their consumption of whale meat. Even governments have started to either place a ban or set quotas on whale products. Likewise, we should follow suit and not make the situation worse by doing otherwise.

Finally, another reason that strongly supports the conservation of whales is that of the inhumane methods that are involved in the killing of whales. Whalers use harpoons that contain poison arrows, acid, electric charges and grenades to kill whales and when the harpoon digs deep into the flesh of the whales, it takes approximately 20 minutes to an hour for the whale to die. As such, whales are not killed instantaneously but are tortured to death. I hope this description would stir your heart for the adorable looking whales who does not even harm human beings, so that you would reconsider eating whale meat in the future.

Uncle Sam, I hope you would join me in supporting the conservation of whales and reconsider consuming whale meat. You could also encourage your friends to do likewise too. I am looking forward to your next visit to Singapore. Please take good care of yourself! I love you.

Yours sincerely,
xxxxxxx

English test- Letter to uncle on conservation of whales (1)

2009-08-24T01:36:00.001+08:00

Dear Uncle Toro,

How is life in Japan so far? It has been a long since we last met. I still remember during your last visit, you told us that you love eating whale meat but sadly, you couldn’t find them in Singapore. I just read an article regarding the conservation of whales and that made me wonder if you are still consuming a lot of whale meat. I think you should reconsider whale meat as your daily diet. Here are the reasons why.

Firstly, over the centuries, whale hunting has reduced whale populations close to the point of extinction. It is measured that the world’s whale population had decreased by up to 50 percent. This means that half of the whale species have already been killed because of man’s demands on whale meat and other whale products.

Next, alternatives can also be found for whale meat that is part of the traditional diet of some nations. Numerous other forms of protein, including plant protein are able to replace whale meat. I have read that some of the communities in your country have already turned to other sources of alternative protein like chicken, fish and beef. You can try replacing your diet with chicken, fish or beef too!

Lastly, do you know whalers around the world are using inhumane methods to kill whales? They use harpoons containing poison arrows, acid, electric charges and grenades to kill whales. When the harpoon digs deep into the flesh of the whales, it takes approximately 20 minutes to an hour for the whale to die. It is a long suffering death for the whales.

In view of the above, don’t you feel sympathy for the whales? If people like you keep consuming whale meat as part of their daily diets, the whale species will soon be extinct and if this happens, your grandchildren won’t be able to have a chance to see a real whale at all. How sad would that be if the beautiful sight of the whale gliding over the surface of the expansive ocean can no longer be passed down to future generations! Extinction of the whale also means that scientists would not be able to study the whale for its intelligence and social interaction- an aspect of the whales that has always fascinated researchers.

I hope you would think about what I have said and reconsider whale meat as your diet alright? I am looking forward to seeing you soon. Please take care uncle!

Yours sincerely,
xxxxxxx

"Megazip Adventure Park"- Ending

2009-08-06T07:46:00.002+08:00

I hope you like the itinerary that I have planned for you. I can't wait to see you this September and catch things up with you!

Yours sincerely,
xxxxxxx

"Megazip Adventure Park"- Ending

2009-08-06T07:44:00.002+08:00

I really hope that you will enjoy your stay in Singapore and you will feel like visiting me again, after this trip. I am looking forward to seeing you soon!

Yours sincerely,
xxx

"Megazip Adventure Park"- 6th paragraph

2009-08-06T07:43:00.003+08:00

After the time in "Megazip Adventure Park", we can go to Arab street for a most unique turkish dinner. You can also spend some time shopping for some souvenirs and apparel after dinner.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- 5th paragraph

2009-08-06T07:43:00.001+08:00

In addition, there is also a treetop rope course, a 14m simulated free fall and a rock climbing wall. I know that you like extreme sports so I hope that all these is enough to make you enjoy your stay in Singapore.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- 5th paragraph

2009-08-06T07:39:00.002+08:00

In addition,there is also tree top rope course that is quite popular. You will be equipped with the safety rope for all 4 attractions in the "Megazip Adventure Park" so you do not have to worry about the danger behind these activities. There is also a 14m simulated free fall, which you would feel the feeling of falling. The last attraction is the rock climbing wall. The rock climbing wall is very realistic so I am sure it will be very fun to climb it.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- 4th paragraph

2009-08-06T07:38:00.001+08:00

In the"Megazip Adventure Park", you can have a go at the 450m long flying fox ride. It is also the steepest and longest flying fox ride available in Asia. We could visit the Megazip first then move on to the other 3 attractions.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- 4th paragraph

2009-08-06T07:36:00.002+08:00

In the"Megazip Adventure Park", you can have a go at the 450m long flying fox ride. It is one of Asia's steepest and longest flying fox so I really hope you will enjoy the adrenaline rush when you take the ride.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- 3rd paragraph

2009-08-06T07:35:00.001+08:00

After breakfast, we will head down to Sentosa, one of Singapore's leading tourist attraction. We will first visit the "Megazip Adventure Park". It is the latest theme park in Singapore. I wish to visit the adventure park together with you as it will be my first time too.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- 3rd paragraph

2009-08-06T07:33:00.002+08:00

After breakfast, we will head down to Sentosa, one of Singapore's leading tourist attraction. We will first visit the "Megazip Adventure Park" in Sentosa. It is a newly opened adventure park that everyone's talking about so I would like to bring you there too.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- 3rd paragraph

2009-08-06T07:27:00.002+08:00

After breakfast, we will head down to Sentosa, one of Singapore's leading tourist attraction. We will first visit the "Megazip Adventure Park", which is newly opened in late August. The park is going to be an exciting place for you because it is filled with many adventurous obstacles courses, which you have always loved.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- 2nd paragraph

2009-08-06T07:25:00.004+08:00

Firstly, in the morning, I will bring you to Yakun Kaya Toast for breakfast. Since you have always loved kaya and toast, this will be the most suitable place for you because they have one of the best kaya and toast in Singapore. Thus I am sure you willl love my choice of selection.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- 2nd paragraph

2009-08-06T07:25:00.003+08:00

Firstly, in the morning, I will bring you to Crystal Jade restaurant in Vivocity for the breakfast before we start off for our day activity. Crystal Jade restaurant is a reputable chinese restaurant that offers many delicious chinese food, including dim sum, so I am sure it will be an interesting breakfast for you.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- 2nd paragraph

2009-08-06T07:23:00.003+08:00

Firstly, in the morning, I will bring you to Red Star restaurant at Clarke Quay to have dim sum for breakfast. The restaurant is very famous for its dim sum and ice milk tea and it will be interesting for you to try it since it is hard to find a good dim sum restaurant in New York.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- 2nd paragraph

2009-08-06T07:19:00.005+08:00

Firstly, in the morning, I will bring you to Holland village to have a sumptuous breakfast at Yakun Kaya Toast. Yakun Kaya Toast is famous for its toast set of coffee, bread and half-boiled eggs. It is very famous in South-east Asia and I am sure being a lover of coffee and bread, you will be thrilled by this new style of coffee and bread, unlike what you always have in the States.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- mistakes

2009-08-06T07:17:00.001+08:00

Dear cousin Mark,

I am writing to you about the plan for the trip to Singapore during this September holiday.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- mistakes

2009-08-06T07:15:00.002+08:00

Dear cousin Alex,

How have you been? I heard that you will be coming to Singapore so I have planned a week of places you will be going when you arrive in Singapore

"Megazip Adventure Park"- mistakes

2009-08-06T07:14:00.003+08:00

Dear cousin Mark,

How have you been? I am writing to tell you where I will be bringing you during the September holiday when you come to Singapore.

"Megazip Adventure Park"- Good intro

2009-08-06T07:13:00.002+08:00

Dear cousin Joey,

How are you? It's been a long time since you last came to Singapore. I am delighted to see you again this coming holiday. This is what I have planned for you on your second day here.

English test- Letter to uncle on smoking (5)

2009-08-03T22:41:00.003+08:00

Firstly, if you continue smoking, you might get lung cancer, heart disease or stroke. If you get any of these illnesses, there is a very low chance of recovery. Even if you do, you might be heavily dependent on others. As such, I will feel very depressed if this happens to you.

Moreover, you might not even have enough money left to support yourself as medical expenses to treat such illness are exorbitant. I am sure you do not want to become a burden to us in your old age or make a wrong decision now only to regret later.

Exxxxx

English test- Letter to uncle on smoking (4)

2009-08-03T22:38:00.003+08:00

There are also benefits from not smoking. For instance, your clothes will smell nicer, you won't drive people away with your bad breath and you will look and feel more confident of yourself.

Moreover, you can save a lot of money when you do not spend on cigarettes. In turn, the money saved, could be used for a good cause, like giving them to grandma or for putting them into the bank.

Ixxxxx

English test- Letter to uncle on smoking (3)

2009-08-03T22:30:00.002+08:00

Uncle, I think you should quit smoking because...

Your daughter just gave birth to a baby girl last month. I am sure you don't want your grand daughter to inhale the poisonous second-hand smoke. In a way, you are being selfish to your family. Do you know that each time I come to your house, cousin Jenny always coughs vehemently whenever you light up a cigarette?

If you don't stop smoking, you will have a high chance of contracting diseases like cancer, stroke and heart disease. Many people regret smoking after they discovered that they have lung cancer. I know of a friend who smokes since he was a youth and he has now discovered that he has contracted lung cancer. I certainly hope that Uncle you will not be living with such regrets in the future!

I always feel worried each time you light up a cigarette. Are you aware that you look very weak and your teeth and fingernails are all turning yellow? I really hope you will quit your bad habit soon.

Yours sincerely,
Cxxxxxxx

English test- Letter to uncle on smoking (2)

2009-08-03T22:21:00.003+08:00

Uncle, I think you should quit smoking because smoking causes diseases like cancer, heart disease and stroke. A cigarette contains 400 poisonous chemicals and more than 50 cancer-causing substances.

Furthermore, you are not only harming your own health, your family is also suffering from second-hand smoke in silence as second-hand smokers take in more poisonous chemicals than first-hand smokers.

Even tobacco companies had to label and put the gory pictures of the damages done to a person's health on the cigarette packs.

Next, you are just risking your life because the chances of contracting cancer is higher for smokers than for non-smokers. In fact, seven Singaporeans die prematurely from smoking-related diseases everyday and approximately 90% of lung cancer deaths are caused by tobacco use.

So uncle, please think again before you smoke. Although it is your personal choice, I have your interests at heart and I hope that you will quit smoking soon. If you need help, please consult a doctor.

Anyway, how have you been doing? I am doing just fine but have been busy studying these days. I might be coming over this weekend to show you more information about how smoking harms the body.

Just hope you will put a stop to smoking soon. Take care and see you soon!

Yours sincerely,
Kxxxxxx

English test- Letter to uncle on smoking (1)

2009-08-03T22:15:00.002+08:00

Dear Uncle,

how have you been doing? It has been a long time since we met and I noticed that you smoke a lot. Are you still smoking as usual? I read an article about smoking recently and you flashed through my mind after reading it.

I strongly urge you to consider quitting smoking because smoking is bad for health. It causes a lot of different kind of diseases like cancer, heart disease and stroke.

In addition, do you know that each cigarette contains 400 different kind of poisonous chemicals and more than 50 of them are cancer-causing substances? That means that in every cigarette you puff, you are putting your life at risk by inhaling all these poisonous chemicals.

Lastly, it is measured that seven Singaporeans die prematurely from smoking related diseases almost everyday and approximately 90% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.

I hope that you will consider giving up this bad habit after reading this. Quit this habit for your own health and for the sake of your family.

Yours sincerely,
Jxxxxx

thinking..

2009-07-13T21:29:00.003+08:00

it's not necessary to be understood by others
but it's important to understand others...

it's not necessary to be loved by others
but it's important to love others...

it's not necessary to be appreciated by others
but it's important to appreciate others

INSPIRING QUOTES (13)

2009-05-08T07:29:00.001+08:00

"I have learned this at least by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
-Henry David Thoreau

INSPIRING QUOTES (12)

2009-05-05T12:16:00.003+08:00

Taking a break from marking and I stumbled upon this quote which I like!
I wonder how many people read these quotes and take them seriously.. hmm...

I remembered I really love quotes when I was young (still love them) because they are always so short(easy to read!) and yet so filled with good meaning and inspiring!

"People are like teabags. You have to put them into hot water before you can know how strong they are"

INSPIRING QUOTES (11)

2009-04-13T09:55:00.002+08:00

Let's
REACH UP
AND
LIVE HIGH!!!

INSPIRING QUOTES (10)

2009-04-13T09:51:00.004+08:00

Life's honor does not come from not making mistakes

but from the recovery from mistakes

INSPIRING QUOTES (9)

2009-04-06T10:17:00.002+08:00

You are the ONLY person on the face of the earth who can use YOUR abilities.

It is an awesome responsibility that becomes the MOST exciting and rewarding thing on earth when you start working on it!

It is UNIQUELY YOUR OWN responsibility.

Dearie 3i girls (:

2009-04-03T14:37:00.005+08:00

The girls in class passed their NAFA 2.4km run! You girls did really well in displaying endurance and unity in encouraging each other to finish the race and not giving up despite breathlessness and difficulties faced. :)

This becomes another memory for me with 3i! :)

INSPIRING QUOTES (8)

2009-04-03T14:35:00.001+08:00

"All hard work brings a profit
but mere talk leads to poverty"

Inspiring quotes (7)

2009-03-31T23:22:00.001+08:00

Studying is training yourself to overcome hardships.

Also, people can't live alone. They learn to live together.

School is a place for you to learn things like that.

Let music do the talking...

2009-03-29T00:33:00.003+08:00

E-learning

2009-03-11T14:07:00.006+08:00

Dear students,

For e-learning

Login ID = YOUR NRIC

School ID= FMSS

Password= You should know your password

Extended dateline= 24/3/09

* please let me know if you cannot log into your lead account, or if you have forgotten your password. I will help you to reset your password.

Sincerely,
Miss Chang

Model essay

2009-03-10T08:57:00.003+08:00

Last Saturday, I went to the Botanic Gardens with my family for a jog. When I entered Botanic Gardens, I saw a group of Japanese with their Japanese guide. The guide was clutching onto a flag and followed behind by a group of his countrymen. They smiled and nodded as we passed by them.

Next, I came to the pond and I saw 2 beautiful swans and some turtles. As I looked around, I was captivated by the lush greenery and serenity of the surroundings. As my family and I continued to jog, we saw some paths, familiar nooks and wooden lanes. We stopped to admire a winsome child, and someone's handsome looking grey hound. As we were about to pat the dog, it immediately gave us an angry look and barked at us. Thus, we carried on jogging.

This time, we came to another pond. We stopped jogging and decided to feed the swans and turtles. After 30 minutes of feeding the animals in the pond, we decided to continue jogging for another half an hour. As we were jogging, all of a sudden, we saw 3 small squirrels running away from the shrill symphony of the cicadas.

At the end of the day, we felt very tired as we have jogged for almost 2 hours in the Botanic Gardens. We decided to go to a nearby hawker centre for dinner.

Done by: Kassandra

Model Essays

2009-03-10T08:55:00.002+08:00

Last weekend, I visited Botanic Gardens for a jog with my friends. When we entered the Botanic Garden, people smiled and nodded at us and even said "hello", including the Japanese! We were all taken aback as we have never came across these types of friendly gestures in the Botanic Gardens before. It was at this point that I realized more and more men and women are discarding their inhibitions and their shyness in the Botanic Gardens.

As we were jogging along the way, I stopped to admire the beautiful pond which had 4 swans and some turtles. I went to the nearby store to buy a loaf of bread and began to feed the swans and watch the scurrying turtles scramble for their share. After 15 minutes, I resumed jogging and went past a beautiful flowering bush, squirrels and cicadas.

At the end of the day, I wondered to myself what would we do without this oasis of greenery in the Botanic Gardens. We went back with a smile on our faces after the tranquil and enjoyable time at the Botanic Gardens.

Done by: Joshua

Model essay

2009-03-10T08:47:00.003+08:00

Last Saturday, I went to the Botanic Gardens with my friends for a picnic. It was just the right the weather for a fun time out. I have not been to the Botanic Gardens for quite a long time, so we decided to go there.

When I entered the Botanic Gardens, I saw lush greenery. Beautiful smelling flowers everywhere comforted me. My friends and I were trying to find a perfect spot to have our picnic.

As we were walking, a Japanese guide clutching a small flag and trailed by a group of his countrymen, smiled and nodded my way. I failed to returned his friendly gesture and felt guilty. We walked and walked, hoping to find a good spot for picnic. We saw many trees, squirrels, owners walking their dogs and even people smiling at each other.

We finally found a perfect spot by the pond. We settled down and prepared for our picnic. After i ate, I decided to go sit by the pond to breathe in some fresh air. I fed the swans and watched the scurrying turtles scramble for their share.

My friends and I talked and played games. We joked around and chased the birds. I laid my head down and the serenity of the surroundings seen to be panacea for what ails us. We ended the day and went home feeling great that we all spent some time together.

Done by: Isabel

Commonly mis-spelled words (1)

2009-03-10T00:57:00.000+08:00

These were the words that were spelled wrongly in the worksheet 'Ways to describe movement' and 'Ways to describe feelings'.

Learn the correct spelling today!

1. soldier
2. minutes
3. confiscate
4. prepare
5. embarrassed/embarrass
6. disgruntled
7. pedestrian
8. committed suicide
9. theatre
10. praised/praise
11. crept/creep
12. general office
13. even though
14. disown
15. stop/stopped
16. ram/rammed
17. stealing
18. despite
19. Philippines
20. mountain
21. partner
22. quarrelled
23. sprained
24. although
25. dropped
26. keep/kept
27. plan/planned
28. mistake me/mistook me
29. haunted
30. field

WAYS TO DESCRIBE FEELINGS

2009-03-10T00:08:00.003+08:00

Can you still remember the meanings behind these words?

1. Surprised
2. Disgruntled
3. Contented
4. Perky
5. Pained
6. Puzzled
7. Terrified
8. Sorrowful
9. Embarrassed
10. Irked

WAYS TO DESCRIBE MOVEMENT

2009-03-10T00:07:00.005+08:00

Can you still remember the meanings behind these words?

1. Dash/Dashed
2. Stumble/Stumbled
3. Sprint/Sprinted
4. Slide/Slid
5. Creep/crept
6. Hobble/hobbled
7. Leap/leaped
8. Trek/trekked
9. Tiptoe/tiptoed
10. Saunter/sauntered

I LIKE THIS STYLE OF SONGS

2009-03-03T12:26:00.002+08:00

beautiful.. simple and moving.

DO YOU HAVE ANY DREAMS? thinking of it makes your heart races? (stop the background music and play this video while reading)

2009-03-03T01:00:00.002+08:00

I had a dream before- of playing music for a living!
I guess I wasn't dreaming because I really tried my best to fulfill it, young and helpless as I was.
At 15, it became very clear in my head that I wanted to sing and play songs for people. I like it! I was very happy even singing and playing songs to myself for hours...

Unfortunately, there wasn't money in the family for me to study music. I decided to help myself instead of blame my parents, so I started working at 15 to save some money- saved all the way to 24, where I finally managed to record my own songs. (Back then, it was very hard to record your own songs unlike now, because technology was bad and gadgets were super expensive). Ironically, these songs I recorded were all songs played on the guitar, which I picked up at 23. Thus, those songs I recorded do sound a bit kiddy-like for primary school students- I recalled some of you commenting when I played those songs for you all. I should really record songs using the piano because I learnt piano since 5 and I am better at piano, although I know I am not like a fantastic player. But since songs done on piano needs a lot more effort and thought than the guitar, I took the easy way out to just play and sing on the guitar instead.

But anyway, while listening to this song today, I wondered to myself and also to you:

DO YOU HAVE ANY DREAMS?
Something that makes your heart race a little faster at the thought of it?
Something that makes you willing to give up some things for others?
Something that makes you strong and determined?
Something that gives you the ability to endure and work very hard for it?
Something that you would do alone despite what others think or say about you?
Something that might make you lonely if you do it but you know you will be happy because it is so important and matters so much to you?

It's important to have dreams in our lives because
we only live this life ONCE.
There must and should be something you want to achieve, that at 55years old when you look back, you can be proud that you have led a brave and adventurous life!
This dream kept me working and working since 15 years old. Be it the goal of earning a lot of money to buy instruments and recording equipment, join singing classes, read up more so I can write better lyrics, get into top schools so I can be more cultured etc. I think I was probably crazy and stupid. I really planned a lot of little things but I did not do anything big. I hated queuing up to join singing competitions, so I did not join. (oh, to be fair, my best friend did actually drag me to an ocean butterfly record company competition where I couldn't really care about the makeup and the clothes I was wearing...got into top few percentage and got selected for courses but I did not want to spend the huge amount of money (and I didn't have money anyway..haha!) so I didn't join the class) I was too cool and stubborn, haha. And now.. at 26.. nah.. I don't want to be a singer anymore.

In my opinion, I tried all that I could do..Although there were certain things I couldn't change, certain people who distracted me, many mistakes I made, wrong people whom I trusted too deeply, in the end I really have myself to blame only because my life is in my own hands. I had a character too careful, a heart too cowardly, sometimes too lazy and not trying even harder.

Yes. So although at 26, I am a teacher not a musician, I would say I am happy because I tried to do what I think was the best I could give. If I didn't try, I would have wasted living, lived a life with regrets.

I still enjoy music a lot and I am still trying to pen songs for fun although my current job is draining me of time, energy, creativity and life. There are different positions for different people in this world. There are only a few people who make it to the very top, and even if a person doesn't make it big and famous, it doesn't mean the person is a failure. I am not at the top. I am not famous. I am not powerful. But I am satisfied because I am living just the life I want to live.

We need to decide how we want to live. But first, we must

1. Discover what we are happy at doing
2. Overcome our fears and fight for the life we want!

Perhaps in the end, we don't get there...
But the joy really comes from the process of trying hard
and fighting to live a life where you remain
true to yourself

In fact, sometimes life gets even better because while pursuing for the dream, you will discover new things you didn't know you were actually good at!

I discovered teaching! However, although I like teaching in a way... there is a chance one day I will take a break from teaching- when I cannot take it anymore...

But I will never really stop playing and singing and writing songs..
I am not giving up my childhood dream in a way... :)

"WHAT'S YOUR DREAM?"

You only live once.

"EXPLORE! OVERCOME! TRY! AND TRY!"

You only live once.

"Work for your future today. Tell someone they matter to you today."

Because You only live once, time cannot be reversed, and people won't be there all the time.

I HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOURSELF ON SATURDAY! :)

2009-03-01T20:03:00.012+08:00

I am not really a photo person as you can tell. So I am sorry if your photos are not here! I am just too lazy to take photos most of the time. But thinking of it now, I really should have taken more photos!

For example the stunts pictures, the roller blading pictures, the falling down pictures, the ones learning how to cycle, those who were very fast ahead, and all the expressions on our faces towards the end of the day when.... ;) you know what happened.

Hope those of you who came had fun and took home some fond memories! :)

i did! :D

YOU ARE INVITED TO...

2009-02-27T09:01:00.006+08:00

CYCLING at EAST COAST PARK on 28th Feb 2009!

The plan: Cycle from east coast park to airfields to look at planes
Meeting place: Kallang MRT
Time: 1:15 pm for lunch first
Bring: $10 for the rental of bikes and a bit extra for meals (depending on how high class your meal is).

* If you don't want to eat lunch or can't make it at 1.15pm at Kallang, you can also meet us at east coast park at around 2.15pm.

* Take care of yourself when cycling- don't want you to be injured else your parents don't let you go out with your teacher next time.

Let Rayner or Marcus or Atiqah know, if you're coming. :)

INSPIRING QUOTES (6)

2009-02-26T22:56:00.003+08:00

"Your LIFE, Yours to CREATE!" - miss chang

From my heart (1)

2009-02-24T00:35:00.002+08:00

Dear 3I,

I really should be sleeping and I really want to sleep now, but I can't sleep if I don't type this. Here goes..

One of the thing we learn as we grow up is the ability to put our emotions into compartments and don't mix them up or take them out unnecessarily or take them out at the wrong time.

An example of mixing up emotions is when you had a bad day because of person A, but when you go out with person B on the same day, you show her an upset face and both of you cannot have a good time together.

An example of taking out emotions unnecessarily is when your parents said something hurtful to you in the morning, and then when you turn up for the first period class, you say something hurtful to person A.

An example of taking emotions out at the wrong time is when person A hurt you 2 weeks ago and then 2 weeks later, out of no where you suddenly tell person A you are not happy with her.

Unfortunately, like you, I am also learning how to put my emotions into compartments and learning how to put my own interests at the very bottom and your interests at the very top in my heart. I think I brought my weariness into the class today. I was tired, then I read the time table wrongly.. I am sorry I should have been stronger and not show my weariness to you at all because this is my own problem and I should not show it at all and I should solve it myself-> putting my emotions into compartments and not bringing them out.

I could have been more patient although most of you were not listening because I can always be more understanding and more patient and having chosen to be a teacher, I should be the queen of patience and queen of understanding.

But on the other hand, I think all of you also need to work on listening when I am going through answers. This is because if you don't listen, you don't learn from your mistakes and that is not good for 2 reasons. Firstly, we as human beings, make a lot of mistakes. Second, every piece of worksheet contains your precious and valuable effort! So do bring something useful back into your brain to keep with u so that you can take it out another time and use it, e.g. exams, conversations with friends/relatives, writing, ordering food at restaurant etc.

I was upset when I walked out. I was thinking how could I have handled it better. Sigh. In fact I am still upset at myself now. I was also wondering.. the closer I get to all of you, the easier and the more I will be hurt by your actions and your words because when a person means a lot to you, what they do and what they say matters so much more and if these things are not nice, they will hurt much more than what a person whom you don't care for at all says and does. This really frightens me a lot whenever I think about it... But it is also true that after one gets hurt, God can heal us easily if we ask Him. Therefore, I choose to try again and not give up or stop...

Okay... so... let us try again... \( - -.)"/

Yours sincerely,
Miss Chang

THINK ABOUT THIS (1)

2009-02-22T23:41:00.002+08:00

What is education for
if one does not aspire to go to University?

INSPIRING QUOTES (5)

2009-02-22T23:36:00.002+08:00

"Choose a job you love,
and you will never have to work a day in your life."

INSPIRING QUOTES (4)

2009-02-15T19:55:00.003+08:00

"It's never too late, or, in any case, too early to be whoever you want to be.
There's no time limit, stop whenever you want.
You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing.
We can make the best or the worst of it.
I hope you make the best of it.

And I hope you see the things that startle you.
I hope you feel things you never felt before.
I hope you meet people with a different point of view.

I hope you live a life you're proud of.
If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again."- Benjamin Button (from the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), in a letter to his daughter.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 2009

2009-02-13T22:46:00.006+08:00

When a GIRL is quiet ... million of things are running in her mind.
When a GIRL is not arguing ... she is thinking deeply.
When a GIRL looks at u with eyes full of questions ... she is wondering how long you will be around.
When a GIRL answers " I'm fine " after a few seconds ... she is not fine at all.
When a GIRL stares at you ... she is wondering why you are lying.
When a GIRL lays on your chest ... she is wishing for you to be hers forever.
When a GIRL wants to see you everyday... she wants to be pampered.
When a GIRL says " I love you " ... she means it.
When a GIRL says " I miss you " ... no one in this world can miss you more than that.

Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot.
Who calls you back when you hang up on him.
Who keeps his promises to you.
Who cares for old people.
Who will stay awake just to watch you sleep.
Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead only.
Who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats.
Who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares about you and how blessed he is to have you.
Who turns to his friends and says, " That's her!! "

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 2009

2009-02-13T20:54:00.006+08:00

With Valentine's day coming, I think this post is something you would enjoy reading!

WHAT MAKES A GENTLEMAN?

1. When you see a lady struggling with heavy bags, offer to carry them for her. Even if she tells you it is okay, just take the bags from her hand gently, smile and say 'Please don't refuse it, now just let me do it!'
*Don't carry those bags at the shoulder-a bit sissy. Just carry it with your hand

2. When you are entering a room, a place or a bus, let the lady walk through the door first by stepping behind the lady and if she doesn't get it, tell her 'You may go first'.

3. When you are going to sit down, push the chair out for the girl and help her to put her bag(s) on another chair.

4. A gentleman doesn't curse and swear.

5. If you are at the same table and she likes eating prawns, shell 1 prawn for the girl.
*Just 1, not too many cos you still must remain cool

6. If you are having dinner with a girl, get her favorite food for her and put them on her plate with a smile.

7. Send a girl home regardless of the time- be it in the afternoon or late at night, and ask the girl to message you once she has reached home.

8. A gentleman doesn't get drunk or try and get a girl drunk. He stays sober so that he can protect the girl by not letting her come to any harm and send the girl home.

9. A gentleman observes that a girl is cold and lends his jacket to a girl before she even asks.

10. A gentleman is also confident of himself-the way he talks, walks and behave.
*confident is not over-confident

WHAT MAKES AN OUTSTANDING LADY?

1. An outstanding lady doesn't throw her tantrums just so that someone will come and comfort her.

2. An outstanding lady controls her emotions even when she interacts with difficult people because she can put herself in the shoes of others and be understanding.

3. Even when an outstanding lady is not feeling good, she will not vent her frustrations on others just because she had a bad day. She is not this selfish. She cares about the needs of others more than she cares about herself.

4. An outstanding lady doesn't curse or swear when she is upset. She will reflect through things and find a solution.

5. An outstanding lady is not quarrelsome. She reasons in sincerity and humility but never criticizes or insult others.

6. An outstanding lady opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

7. An outstanding lady speaks gently and is always patient to listen to others.

8. An outstanding lady doesn't get jealous easily and always believes in the goodness of others.

9. An outstanding lady has her own life and is not lonely when she is alone. She doesn't always need to have someone to be with her so that she will be happy.

10. An outstanding lady will observe that there is something bothering her friend and be just there to comfort and support him and won't ask too many questions until he starts saying them.

11. An outstanding lady doesn't find her confidence in makeup and pretty clothes, bags and shoes. She will still be as confident without makeup, pretty clothes, bags and shoes.

12. An outstanding lady can go home on her own and not have to be sent because she understands it is very tiring for the person to make an extra trip.

13. An outstanding lady does not make demands on others, especially unreasonable ones.

14. An outstanding lady is understanding.

15. An outstanding lady is game for sports and adventure and is not afraid of trying.

CROSS COUNTRY 2009- SO SO happy that you came!

2009-02-13T18:27:00.019+08:00

Dear students! :)

To all who comes to my blog and actually read something out of your own accord (own choice) and not me shamelessly projecting my blog to you over English class and making you read what I have written, THANKS!! :) After I write something, I really badly want someone to read! hehehe. BADLY- because I am the kind of person who doesn't like putting effort into something that is meaningless! :) So when I know there are people reading, I am happy because my time and energy is not wasted!

My cross country was fun today because of all of you! I don't know about other teachers but for me, going to school is fun everyday because I get to see all of you, impart something to you all, and talk to all of you. Basically- YOU are the reason why I am in school. That's why I always ask you all to be present in class or events outside of school because the more of you are present, the better my day will be!

Okay lah, I am not bragging or exaggerating or trying to suck up to you, but if you think about it, do you think the reason why I go to school is that I love to meet the other teachers and collect the money? Can that be the first thing on my mind when I wake up everyday at 6.15am (- -)" -.- and sing the national anthem when no one else in the whole school is singing. come on! I had my turn of singing when I was primary 1 to Junior College 2(12years!!!), now at 26, still must continue to sing marikitayat! How boring and mundane is that, but i still do it!! : | But yeah, back to it, having money is a bonus but if I don't like seeing all of you, I don't think any amount of money will make me happy. So yes, I am so happy I have you 3I! :)

ANYWAY 3I, thanks for being at cross country today! SO MANY OF YOU CAME!!! I was so happy :D I was glad the 30 over pieces of cake I baked yesterday didn't go to waste because a lot of you came and got to taste it! :) *thanks eric for encouraging your friends to be here! :) And thanks to others whom I don't know because you didn't tell me that you were also encouraging your friends to come! :)

The standard of cake today is only average, can be better actually! I was doing work on the computer until I forgot that I was actually baking the cake!! So the standard of cake was not my best ok :) Still hope you all like it, in a way it was A VALENTINE'S DAY PRESENT TO YOU ALL, especially for those singles out there! :)

I was assigned to be one of the finish judges for the cross country. The other teachers who were finish judges were Mr Glen Tan, Mr Joel Li and Mrs Lim Hui Ling. I reached the school at 650am and we were supposed to stand at the finishing point and give out the position tags to the runners. It was not as easy as it seems because there were times when there were a whole lot of people running in from different levels and they were confusing us! However, we were sharp and clear minded and could still see who was the faster runner. It was also tiring because we could only leave when the last runner finishes the race.

All of our class's competitor runners came in like above 45 or 47! That is awesome! Because only marks are awarded to the top 45 positions! Then well done to those who ran mass run and finished it too!! Because I understand how gruelling the race can be but you finished it!! There must have been times when you felt almost like dying, out of breath, that everyday step felt like it would kill you, but still you continued, endured and persevered! I am proud of those who ran :) For those who walked and didn't run, I would say it is also a big step for you too because you too finished walking when usually, you wouldn't even come. Well done everyone!

Actually, reflecting about it, the journey of our life is really like running a cross country. At certain points, it is SUPER hard to carry on and we feel like giving up on everyone and everything!(like stopping and not running) But if you bite your teeth and continue to endure the discomfort by not thinking about it and thinking about other things that make you happy, you will find that it is not that hard to carry on going forward and not just stopping there. Then at the end of the day, when you reach certain points of your life, you will find people cheering for you and waiting for you and you realized that the effort you have put in was not all in vain and it wasn't so difficult afterall to not give up because the taste of achievement at the end was really sweet and enjoyable! :)

To end off, I hope none of you felt like it was a time wasted and you have brought home with you today, some good memories of the cross country!

Yours sincerely,
Miss Chang

INSPIRING QUOTES (3)

2009-02-08T01:05:00.006+08:00

If we cannot choose our circumstances
We can choose our response to them.

If we cannot choose who we are
We can always choose to become something more.

To stop choosing is to start dying.

INSPIRING QUOTES (2)

2009-02-03T23:20:00.003+08:00

Exams are temporary BUT
LEARNING IS FOREVER!

INSPIRING QUOTES (1)

2009-02-01T23:07:00.006+08:00

"Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
Today is God's gift- that's why we call it the present"- Joan Rivers

The clock is running
Time waits for no man
Make the most of everyday- CARPE DIEM!

ABCs OF FRIENDSHIP

2009-01-31T21:05:00.016+08:00

A true friend:

Accepts you for who you are
Believes in you
Calls you just to say 'hi!'
Doesn't give up on you
Envisions the best for you
Forgives your mistakes
Gives unconditionally
Helps you
Invites you over
Jokes with you
Keeps you close at heart
Likes you for who you are
Never judges without reason
Offers support
Picks you up
Quiets your fears
Raises your spirits
Says nice things about you
Tells you the truth
Understands you
Values you
Walks beside you
"X"-plains things you don't understand
Yells when you won't listen and
Zaps you back to reality!

Have you found a good friend who is like the above?

Are you presenting yourself as a good friend to others?

SAMPLE RECOUNT (1)

2009-01-28T11:59:00.006+08:00

On the eve of chinese new year, I woke up early in the morning to help my mom with the household chores. Subsequently, I sat down with my dad to watch a movie. At dinner time, I helped to set the table and to dish out the food for my parents because I thought they should take a rest after working so hard for the whole day, especially my mom. When I sat down at the dinning table, I became a little wistful because I started to miss the presence of my older brother, who was working in New York. We had a delicious meal but my favorite dish was the salmon sashimi! After reunion dinner, I sat down with my parents to watch the programs showing on channel 8 and at the same time, I emailed my brother to catch up with him. He told me he was very excited that he was going to have Hainanese chicken rice for his reunion dinner. That ecstasy over Hainanese chicken rice was quite amusing to me because I am quite tired of that dish! Although the day was mundane, I am thankful for the day of rest and the time I got to spend with my family!

On the first day of chinese new year, I went to visit my auntie who stays in the East. As most of my relatives live in either Malaysia or Taiwan, my auntie was the only family I needed to visit. After a sumptuous lunch, there was nothing much to do. Since I was bored and did not want to waste my time sitting there pretending to watch the television, I took out 3I’s assignments to mark! For doing that, my cousin-in-law laughed at me. Nevertheless, I felt a sense of achievement because I did not waste my time. Honestly, I wanted to go home very badly because there were many other things I could do at home, like sleeping, playing the piano or guitar and reading.

Towards the end of the day, I began to miss my relatives in Malaysia. This is because I am very close to them and whenever I visit them over chinese new year, we always have tremendous fun playing mahjong, chatting and laughing! A pity I did not travel to Malaysia this chinese new year. -.-

1.wistful (adj)- regretful longing
2. ecstasy (noun)- great happiness
3. mundane (adj)- boring/ordinary
4. sumptuous (adj)- expensive looking
5. tremendous (adj)- very great in amount

JOURNAL (3)

2009-01-28T11:53:00.004+08:00

With proper paragraphs and in at least 1 page of your English Journal, write a recount of the things that happened on the eve of chinese new year and the first day of chinese new year. Be sure to include:

1. WHEN it happened
2. WHERE it happened
3. WHO was involved
4. WHAT happened

WRITING SKILLS (3)

A recount tells us...

1) The events in the past
2) WHEN it happened
3) WHERE it happened
4) WHO was involved
5) WHAT happened

Write a recount using

1) A logical sequence eg. morning/noon/evening/night
2) Past tense
3) Action words (verbs)
4) 'I'/'We'

WRITING SKILLS (2)

2009-01-27T23:28:00.005+08:00

Words to begin a new point/sentence

Firstly, ...(if this is the first point you making)
Next, ...
In addition, ...
Moreover, ...
Furthermore, ...
Also, ...

Words to link TWO ideas into ONE sentence

Although I was afraid of failing, I tried
Since my parents did not understand me, I stop talking to them
Despite the failures I faced, I continued to strive for good results
Even if others don’t appreciate me, I will still continue to be nice to them
Perhaps/Maybe I won’t be appreciated, but it doesn’t matter
I stopped working hard because I was afraid I would fail if I work hard
I stopped working because I was lazy
If my parents force me, I will run away
Sometimes it is easier to tell others what to do compared to doing it yourself
My brother is ill, therefore he cannot go to school today
He wanted to buy some salt but the shop was closed
He scalded his hand badly so he went to see the doctor

IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH (FUNNY!)

2009-01-25T13:30:00.004+08:00

I showed this to you before, but it's so good and hilarious that we can watch it again!

TO SWITCH OFF THE BACKGROUND MUSIC- scroll down to the bottom and click on pause

*beep*
may day, may day
hello, can you hear us? can you hear us? can you...
over!
We are sinking!! WE ARE sinking!!!

Hello, this isz thz german coooastguard

We are sinking!! we are sinking!!

Whart are you... thinking about?

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION IN SCHOOL

2009-01-25T12:39:00.014+08:00

At 7.15am, flag raising as usual.

At 7.45am, all the Sec 3s jogged 2 rounds around the school- estimated to be 2.4km.

At 8.35am, new year goodies were given out. The goodies were a packet of peanuts and a green file for each student and an ice-cream for each teacher. I appreciate the ice-cream from the school but I think it must be one of the weirdest ice-cream I have ever tasted -.- and the earliest time of the day where I have eaten an ice-cream.

At 8.45am, we went up to the school hall for concert performances put up by the students. I enjoyed 2H's, 3G's and 4I's performance the most. 2H was very very creative with music and lyrics, 3G was informative and at the same time hilarious, 4I was okay in terms of information but super hilarious! I was glad for these classes, otherwise the performances would just be very ordinary and conventional (*conventional means very mainstream/common/traditional).

Dear 3I,

the next class activity would be cross country run at Chinese Garden on 13th february. I hope more of you would turn up for such class activities because

1. You get to go out of the 4 walls of the classroom and step into the open- enjoy the view of being under the big blue skies with the cool breeze blowing at your skin, with over 1000 others with you.

2. You get to see your friends from other classes all the time, instead of just during change of periods or recess time

3. Be a sport! (meaning be adventurous!) Don't coop yourself at home! Do something different! Do something you wouldn't do on your own! Do something together with those you hardly would do things together with!

4. Lastly, I get to strike interesting conversations with you without the hurry of time or the burden upon my shoulders to get you to talk less and finish your English assignments (like what always happens in the classrooms)

One of the interesting conversation that still makes me laugh (at myself)

cheng han: where did you buy your pants from? Bugis?

Miss chang: *shocked and confused* Bugis!?!? How can it be Bugis? Pants from Bugis not working.

cheng han and samuel: *big eyes and with mouths opened* HUH! not working? Pants can work one ah! *muahahahahhahahahahhaa-cannot stop laughing*
-.-

Thanks for correcting me. :)
I was demonstrating to you the importance of speaking clearly and hence, the importance of doing well in ENGLISH! :D

HEADLESS COCKROACHES & HEADLESS CHICKEN

2009-01-24T23:49:00.004+08:00

I have a friend who is a surgeon- one who operates on human bodies in the operation theatre
to fix body parts that have malfunctioned. When she was studying to become a surgeon, before they could operate on human bodies, they first operated on insects and animals, because one CANNOT make any mistake when operating on human bodies, and therefore, they had to first try on animals and insects instead of human beings.

This was what she found out.

1) If you cut off the head of the cockroach, the cockroach can still go on crawling and continue to live for 3days!

So there was once, her teacher told them to kill a chicken, and apparently to kill a chicken, you have to take it by its neck and swing it until the neck breaks. (my friend is 40 over years old, so she had a very primitive way of killing chickens). So all the students took the chicken by the neck and swing it and when the neck broke, the chicken fell off and all the headless chickens instead of dropping dead, were found walking around headlessly, with blood spewing off their necks!

2) Hence, if you chop off the head of the chicken, the chicken can still go on walking for 3 hours, with blood spewing off its neck.

HOW COME?
The reason why the cockroach can live for 3 days without its head is because the breathing mechanism of the cockroach isn't in its head. And since it doesn't need a lot of nutrients to survive, it can still live for 3 days without its head.

As for the chicken.. since it can still stay alive for 3hours without its head, u can tell that it doesn't use its brain a lot!

I just thought these facts are really interesting and hilarious!

Recently I have been watching the korean drama on channel U over the weekends, from 730-930pm. It is a show about surgeons who operate on the patients. As I was watching the show today, I was thinking it is like soooo amazing that the doctors can cut open our skin to reveal the organ beneath the skin- make the necessary changes to our organ, and sew our skin back such that we don't go around walking with a hole in our body.

But how did they do that? Our smallest organ is still as big as our fist(!) so doesn't that mean the wound should be quite BIG, but the stitches on anyone who has had operation doesn't seem to be HUGE. Just find it quite interesting and I am curious..

JOURNAL (2)

2009-01-21T08:00:00.004+08:00

With proper paragraphs and in 1 page of your English Journal, write a letter to me and tell me about your greatest fear in life.

Your letter must include :

(a) WHAT is your greatest fear (please don’t write about insects/computer crashes/losing handphone- I don’t think that should be your GREATEST FEAR in life

(b) WHY is that your greatest fear

(c) HOW are you coping or planning to cope with this fear right now.
*Feel free to write more if you wish, but the 3 points above are essential (esssential=compulsory)

WRITING SKILLS

Dear Miss Chang,

My greatest fear in life is .... (paragraph 1)

This is my greatest fear because ... (paragraph 2)

Although this is my greatest fear, I want to overcome it one day.
I have been trying to overcome it by...
(paragraph 3)

Yours sincerely, (signing off)

xxxx

JOURNAL (1)

2009-01-19T16:44:00.003+08:00

I am chasing work.. Some of you haven't done it! BY WEDNESDAY!!!

Choose ONE question to answer:

(1) With proper paragraphs and in 1 page of your English Journal (a) tell me the qualities you look for in a girlfriend/boyfriend and (b) the qualities you don’t want to find in a girlfriend/boyfriend.

OR

(2) With proper paragraphs and in 1 page of your English Journal (a) tell me the qualities you look for in a best friend (b) the qualities you don’t want to find in a best friend.

WRITING SKILLS

STEP 1: THINK OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF QUALITIES
Eg.
Looks
Character
Interests

STEP 2: ORGANIZE ONE PARAGRAPH FOR ONE QUALITY

Paragraph 1
Qualities on LOOKS

Paragraph 2
Qualities on CHARACTER

Paragraph 3
Qualities on INTERESTS

STEP 3: RECALL SUITABLE WORDS YOU CAN USE TO DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF QUALITIES
Please refer to the worksheet I gave you, I can't copy and paste that table

WHAT IS LOVE?

2009-01-15T21:00:00.015+08:00

1. Do you want to know if people really love you when they say 'i love u' to u?
2. And how do you show in action that you truly love someone if you say and really think you love them? (continue reading....)

LOVE IS...
Longsuffering AND
Kind(suffers for a long time but still continue to care and be kind without complains- i think of my parents:i really gave them a lot of trouble when i was young :|)
LOVE IS NOT...
jealous
boastful (show off your partner)
proud(refuse to admit mistakes/your weaknesses even though you know you are wrong)
rude (not care about other's feelings)
demanding your own way(just want things to work well for you)
easily angered
keeping record of misunderstanding/wrongs/problems

LOVE BEARS ALL THINGS
LOVE BELIEVES ALL THINGS
LOVE HOPES ALL THINGS
LOVE ENDURES ALL THINGS

at any point in time, i am sure we cannot achieve all of the above immediately.
The above is the IDEAL. The IDEAL is good, because it gives you something to work towards and helps you to see for yourself who is really true to you, and who isn't.
And also teaches you how you can express your love for someone, because a lot of times we feel saying is not enough.
I think our parents really can satisfy quite a lot of the above.
If you are thinking 'HUH?? parents??
Isn't it talking about BGR??'
In the next post i will write about the different types of love!

A random reflection on health

2009-01-09T22:26:00.004+08:00

Nowadays, whenever I get sick, I will do a google. It's good I think, because I get to learn about more things.
I did not like reading when I was in Secondary school. I think it was because my parents kept forcing me to read and my brother was ALWAYS reading, so I got irritated and I totally did not want to read at all.

But as I grew older, I started to like reading because:

1. I learn about new things- and I like learning about new things!

2. I get to know what are the thoughts of other people and hence it improves my own perspective of things

Guess what I learnt? (Don't read it before lunch).
This word is a special treat for people who read blog for 3i

Diarrhoea commonly results from gastroenteritis caused by viral infections, parasites or bacterial toxins.^[2] In sanitary living conditions where there is ample food and a supply of clean water, an otherwise healthy patient usually recovers from viral infections in a few days. However, for ill or malnourished individuals diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration and can become life-threatening without treatment.^[3]

Diarrhoea can also be a symptom of more serious diseases, such as dysentery, cholera, or botulism, and can also be indicative of a chronic syndrome such as Crohn's disease or severe mushroom poisoning syndromes. Though appendicitis patients do not generally have violent diarrhea, it is a common symptom of a ruptured appendix. It is also an effect of severe radiation sickness.

So some food MUST have poisoned me.
I am keeping my toes up for canteen food.

tricky word

2009-01-09T22:12:00.005+08:00

how to spell diarrhoea?
yes. it is D-I-A-R-R-H-O-E-A!

DIAR like diary

add one more R

HOE image below is a HOE then add an A

Learning new words 1

2009-01-09T21:17:00.011+08:00

1. Plight (noun)
A condition, state, or situation, esp. an unfavorable or unfortunate one: to find
oneself in a sorry plight.

When his parents passed away unexpectedly, I felt sorry for the plight he was in.

2. Discipline (noun)

A branch of instruction or learning: the disciplines of history and economics.

John did not know which discipline to choose for his ITE education.

3. Striving (verb)

To make strenuous efforts toward any goal: to strive for success.

John was striving to provide for the family after his father passed

away.

4. Crucial (adjective)

Involving an extremely important decision or result; decisive; critical: a crucial experiment

Marriage is a crucial decision that should not be made carelessly.

5. Barrier (noun)

Any natural bar or obstacle: a mountain barrier

The fear of failing was an emotional barrier John had to overcome one day.

6. Qualifications (noun)

Any natural bar or obstacle: a mountain barrier

As long as you can show that you can play well, to be a musician, you don’t really need to have high qualifications.

7. Labelled (verb)

To put in a certain class; classify

For many years, the Jews have been labelled as God’s chosen people.

8. Mundane (adjective)

common; ordinary; banal; unimaginative

Although I was doing mundane activities with my niece and nephew, I enjoyed myself thoroughly

9. Peripherals (noun)

An auxiliary device, such as a printer, modem, or storage system, that works in conjunction with a computer

Getting a computer involves getting many other peripherals like a printer and modem.

10. Stint (noun)

A period of time spent doing something: a two-year stint in the army

I was offered a 1year stint at Disneyland, during my school holidays.

Not in school today

2009-01-08T06:38:00.008+08:00

Sorry 3i, I will have to leave you in the capable hands of mr john ng today, as I started having an unexpected fever and severe body pain and stomach discomfort yesterday night. On the way home on mrt after work, at about 8pm, i felt like i was 'dying' on the train. (super uncomfortable!)

I took panadol when I reached home at 9pm, but this morning when I woke up, I still have a fever. I don't know why am I suddenly sick when I was well in the day.
I feel very bad giving Mr John Ng 5 periods of you to take care of and feel very bad that I will miss 5 periods of classes with you today.

Please(!!) listen to Mr John Ng and be on task today.
See you for English again next tuesday!

Welcome gift 5- My 200% and commitment to seeing you EXCEL!

2009-01-04T21:06:00.029+08:00

WELCOME GIFT 5-

My 200% &

Commitment to seeing you EXCEL!

(want the best things to happen to you

at all circumstances)

This is the hardest post to write. I don't know how to start and I don't know how to write it well such that you will not only understand but also handle the information maturely and respectfully. I will try my best to write it well. Here goes!

Some of you might not know, but I teach in FMSS under a 1 year contract where I can decide at the end of the year, if I want to stay in the school or leave the school. My first year in the school was with 4i 2007. After doing that stint, I did not want to continue in the school anymore for various personal reasons. However, I decided to take up the assignment in 2008, when they offered me amongst other things, 2i 2008. I took it up because of you 2i. Not because of the 'other things' they offered me.

At the end of 2008, I decided to continue teaching you, because I wanted to. Although there were several personal reasons that attracted me not to return to fmss, I still came back, because I want to be with you 1 more year, and if possible, see you graduate, and then stop teaching at fmss.

You might be wondering, why am I telling you all these?

I am not asking you to be grateful to me or tell me that you like me the most out of all the other good teachers the school has given you. It is also not a scheme to get your attention about how 'good' I am or how 'noble' I am, so that you will become inspired and changed by me or listen to me only. NO! I am not like this! Please don't misunderstand me. I know there are a lot of other teachers better than me and smarter than me. Let me tell you my reasons then:

I believe in telling each other honestly and openly what we have done for each other, instead of doing things in secret for each other and then getting upset in the end because the other person doesn't know your real concern for them or in a worse scenario, getting misunderstood by people whom you care for. (those of you who are in relationships could probably understand me very well on this aspect!)

Since this is the most heart-breaking- I don't want it to happen to myself.

So if truly I have sacrificed my time, money and energy, why should I keep it to myself? And now that I have told you, at least you will find out and realize there is someone who thinks you are important! If you don't think I am important to you, it is okay, because I won't stop caring for you just because of your actions.

In my life, with my own friends and parents, I practice sharing my honest opinions and feelings about them. For instance, with my very close friends, we will openly tell each other what is not good about each other, what we need to change, the things we have done for each other or the things we cannot do or accept about each other etc.

I want you to recognize that you can be secure in my inner circle and therefore be secure in the knowledge that I want the best for you, out of the best and the most I can give to you. I want you to do well, VERY well in fact, in your life, that's why I am putting in my best for you! My 200%!

There will be times I will correct you. If you can trust me and be secure in the knowledge that I am not an evil witch who simply wants to make things difficult for you when I correct you, you will not respond to me in irresponsible, rude or childish manners when I correct you.

If you can trust me and be secure in the knowledge that I just want the best for you at all circumstances, when I correct you, you will receive the correction willingly and joyfully, because you trust me, knowing that following what I say will bring you only good and no harm, although you might not be able to see or understand or agree with me YET why is my way of doing things GOOD.

But doesn't this define trust? If you truly truly say you trust a person, it means that despite the questions marks ringing in your head, you will still believe what the person says. THIS is REAL TRUST!

Now that I have practiced honesty and speaking the truth sincerely, it means that I am in an even more vulnerable position than before.

This is probably the reason why most people find it hard to pour their hearts out and lay every thought and feeling nakedly and openly. Most people like to hide things from each other and have difficulties in being honest with each other because they are scared of being hurt and because they cannot bring themselves to trust anyone else.

I have taken a huge risk today, asking for just 1 thing:

Believe that the thought that is always in my heart is to want the best things to happen to you at all circumstances-and for that I have returned to give you my 200% in 2009.

Welcome gift 4- You are not forgotten

2008-12-30T21:20:00.015+08:00

WELCOME GIFT 4-

A SONG "YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN"

-------------------------------------------------------------

People walking by, very seldom they say Hi

They don't know how wonderful you are

If they only knew, all the things

You've been through

If only they could see your heart

I hear you crying for help

Please don't blame yourself

You are not forgotten

When it's time to go to sleep

And you try your best to keep

Yourself from falling apart

There's no need to fear

because I'm already here

And I'm the One who sees your heart

I hear you crying for help

Please don't blame yourself

You are not forgotten

You are not just a face in the crowd

You are not a forgotten child

Let me whisper it loud

I love you

Now you can hold your head up high

'Cause I'll make everything alright

I'm committed to you smiling again

And eventually you'll see people's similarities

That everyone just needs a friend

And when they're crying for help

You'll be able to tell them

Please tell them for Me

You are not forgotten

You are precious to me

I'm the One who sees your heart

You are not forgotten

By Israel & Newbreed

-------------------------------

My Father told me to tell you this song.

Hope you like it!

It was my rainbow after the rain quite a long time ago...

Welcome gift 3- Enjoy lessons from a macbook

2008-12-30T00:46:00.012+08:00

Enjoy lessons from a macbook

Laptop bag

A convertor to plug the school cables into

Holders to prevent overheating

Silicon keyboard protector to keep keypad clean

My computer at home-but another one is worth it!

Some of you might remember my several complains of using a laptop that was slower than my grandmother's jogging pace. It was really frustrating coming to class with a laptop that was so slow and really inefficient planning lessons and worksheets with a laptop that should be banished to Wall-E land. As much as I tried to find a way around limitations and difficult situations, I like to depend on myself when others (1) can't help me (2) don't want to help me (3) I can't get any help from any human beings.

As such, I bought a macbook! It is really quite troublesome and expensive because you need to get so many other miscellaneous peripherals along with the macbook.

But I love my macbook and it is worth it because I get to plan things as I travel (unfortunately it means travel on public transport, not around the world), conduct classes really efficiently and beautifully, and have my classes be the only classes in the whole school that enjoy cool lessons from a cool computer.

Finding my way around difficult situations and making things work for myself instead of waiting for things to happen is my way of living.

WELCOME GIFT 2- ENGLISH JOURNAL 2009

2008-12-29T22:01:00.026+08:00

English Journal 2009

candid short with my niece & nephew

Decorating the journals

Hidden inside the hand carry luggage

Packed into my hand carry luggage

Here's a journal I made for each one of you. I bought it from KL when I went there in the december holidays because it was very cheap there. Since I had to buy 40, I needed to be calculative! After I packed them into my hand carry luggage, I thought I must be crazy to carry back 40 books (didn't know some went to 2H) because it was heavier than I thought! (I went to KL on my own, on a coach)

Then as I went up the coach, I kind of regretted because I suddenly felt like I was very silly to put in so much energy and time into a book which some of you might throw around or throw away or dirty or lose.

I just got to believe my 3i won't do this to me. I comforted myself that even if some of you do treat the journals irresponsibly and rudely, it shall not stop me from being a sincere and genuine person, because the concern and care we have for one another is not conditional on how others treat us, if we are truly sincere and genuine in caring for that particular person who is dear to us.

Anyway, I wrapped each of the book with my niece and nephew's help so it was awesome because that saved me a lot of time and they were so happy to help me wrap!

We enjoyed ourselves although we were doing mundane things like

1. drawing lines on the mahjong paper because my niece and nephew couldn't cut straight (!?!?)

2. cutting the mahjong paper against the lines drawn

3. folding the corners of the paper into the book (Some of the books that were badly wrapped were wrapped by my niece! :P)

4. After I returned to Singapore, I decorated the cover page with the help of my cousins from Malaysia who happened to visit Singapore because another cousin of mine who is a Singaporean, invited them for their wedding dinner on 3rd Jan '09! One of my cousin helped me to color 3 of the books and the other cousin helped me to press on the cutter for the snow flakes, hearts and stars pasted on your journals!

Welcome gift 1- A blog just for your class

2008-11-18T00:51:00.023+08:00

Miss Chang created this blog on 18th Nov 2008, and have since spent about 2 months planning the content, choosing the skin, combination of colors and fonts, and types of widget for you. After leaving my first posting as 'testingtestingasasbahhs' for 2 months'-just to see how the posting will appear on the screen, I am finally back today to finish all the introductory postings before my first class with you, on 6th Jan 2009(2 days from now!).

Setting up a blog for you has really taken up a lot of my personal time during the holidays, but strangely, neither do I find it a waste of my time nor burdensome. Although it gets tiring and frustrating (because I sit here for hours and hours thinking how I should type my posts and then eventually not typing anything because I am not satisfied with my ideas (- -)"), I can still say that I do enjoy this because putting effort into things for people whom I appreciate and like is never an irritating chore. (Like I tend to make gifts, bake cookies/cakes for close friends on special occasions). When people are important to me, I like to make gifts for them because handmade gifts are something they can either keep forever or something that is the most special on earth because they are made specially with my one and only love! Maybe some people like expensive presents, but to me, as I grow older, something that is made or written is worth more than expensive things. Not everyone has received things made by me! To some people- I am just not willing to sacrifice my time and effort for them, because they don't mean that much.. *OUCH* But if u are reading this blog, you should have had received handmade gifts from me!

WHY A BLOG?

* I have noticed that a lot of you spend hours and hours online. I thought: wouldn't it be great if I set up a blog and you can come read, learn new words and learn about new things happening around the world in a very stress free environment? * see the details i put in? green is good for the eyes, made the layout very clean so that it won't be confusing, made the fonts big so that it won't be hard to read, put in photos u can enjoy browsing through and music to help you relax! *

* Most of you are weak in writing because you lack the content and vocabulary. Here is a place where you can find content and new vocabulary!

* Remember the 20 or 40 marks question at the end of every comprehension? Here is where we can practice for that.

* I don't have to keep writing on the whiteboard, and I don't have to keep going to the photocopy room to print worksheets for you all!