Oh gosh! It was a stressful week and I am glad that half of it is gone. We had to do role play for this particular module of my course (yet again!) Although I think that acting is not that difficult a task for me, but I think the conceptualising, brainstorming and the getting it all together, is altogether very, very stressful.
I am just glad that it is over now. From now though, got to headache about the 60% worth of individual assignment. Think the weightage of this assignment is too high and it is causing us unnecessary stress. We are very near end of our course and practicum is coming soon. Starting from June in fact. Got to clock in hours of work experience and then have a final site visit by a practicum supervisor. Altogether another big load of stress.
Sometimes I do not understand why I had put myself through all this torture. Then again, I think about some of my classmates who will turn 50 as they graduate and I tell myself that it is not that tough after all.
Then, there are those course mates who are already thinking of which course to take next. I suppose the lesson I need to learn here is to plan. Have at least one 5-year plan in my life. I thought I could be contented with this job for a while but somehow, it seems of the general opinion that if you don't have a plan, you are not human or that you must have a screw lose in your head.
Well, plan is good, plan is good. Will sit down and seriously map out my 5-year plan now. After all, this assignment requires that of us to map out one.
Showing posts with label early childhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label early childhood. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Waffling
I was sick and resting at home today until evening time when I had to get to my classes. Serves me right for not going twice before and using up my 20% chance of absenteeism.
Anyway, I think I feel better now except that I still have a 'sexy' voice. Last night, when I came home after the doc's, Dad asked me to take care of myself and not eat rubbish when I am out and about. I told him directly that I cannot help it if I have rhinitis or that my immune system is so bad.
This leads me to the question as to why I should be in this world in the first place. I think my parents made a very selfish decision to give birth to me (I know I would probably get bashed up for saying this but this is really how I feel). Selfish in that they only gave birth to me and then letting me be responsible for them when they grow old. I do not have any other siblings to share the responsibility with. Selfish in that I am alone all the time and contrary to what everyone else is thinking, an only child is not very fun to be.
Selfish because after they have only me, they continue to live life as if they were a couple and I was an outsider looking in at their lives. Well, maybe I exaggerate or I may be overly sensitive. Maybe they just want to give me my space, but they do not realise that my social life is almost zero? Or that I am very bad with making new friends? This leads me to what I am about to say next.
Recently, I have been reading a book about the autistic spectrum disorder and was wondering if I was mildly autistic myself. I was giving myself lots of 'analysis' and excuses as I was a really quiet child at birth and my social skills are not fantastic. I seem to have a slower learning process than others.
I have also been reading up quite a bit about the Indigo Child. Well, maybe all these are terms to coin people who are different from the norm and it made some sense to me as my mum was considered mature when she gave birth to me. Hmm...yes, I like this explanation. Makes me feel a little better about myself. Hahaha!
I am waffling, I know. I am normal. Or at least, I think I am. Whatever it is, I am responsible for my own life now and will stop looking at the past or blaming it. Sounds familiar? Well, it Stephen Covey said something to that extent and we just learned about it in class.
Anyway, I think I feel better now except that I still have a 'sexy' voice. Last night, when I came home after the doc's, Dad asked me to take care of myself and not eat rubbish when I am out and about. I told him directly that I cannot help it if I have rhinitis or that my immune system is so bad.
This leads me to the question as to why I should be in this world in the first place. I think my parents made a very selfish decision to give birth to me (I know I would probably get bashed up for saying this but this is really how I feel). Selfish in that they only gave birth to me and then letting me be responsible for them when they grow old. I do not have any other siblings to share the responsibility with. Selfish in that I am alone all the time and contrary to what everyone else is thinking, an only child is not very fun to be.
Selfish because after they have only me, they continue to live life as if they were a couple and I was an outsider looking in at their lives. Well, maybe I exaggerate or I may be overly sensitive. Maybe they just want to give me my space, but they do not realise that my social life is almost zero? Or that I am very bad with making new friends? This leads me to what I am about to say next.
Recently, I have been reading a book about the autistic spectrum disorder and was wondering if I was mildly autistic myself. I was giving myself lots of 'analysis' and excuses as I was a really quiet child at birth and my social skills are not fantastic. I seem to have a slower learning process than others.
I have also been reading up quite a bit about the Indigo Child. Well, maybe all these are terms to coin people who are different from the norm and it made some sense to me as my mum was considered mature when she gave birth to me. Hmm...yes, I like this explanation. Makes me feel a little better about myself. Hahaha!
I am waffling, I know. I am normal. Or at least, I think I am. Whatever it is, I am responsible for my own life now and will stop looking at the past or blaming it. Sounds familiar? Well, it Stephen Covey said something to that extent and we just learned about it in class.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Networking again
It was Wednesday. I was supposed to have class, but my lecturer was sick. We were given a set of instructions to finish up our draft of our play kit and send it to her. That was easy. We have already done most of it and was well on our way to completing the group assignment.
We could leave once the discussion was done and the draft sent to her (our lecturer). I was invited to go to KPO. I have long lost touch with clubbing and pubbing scene but welcomed the fact that I had a chance to go.
It's been a long time since I drank and it's been a long time since I went out to meet new friends. Last night though, was rather an enjoyable time, with no expectations and not much pressure. I must admit, I was nervous though. I did not know where to put my arms and hands. I had wanted to cross my arms but that would seem too defensive. I wanted to put my hands into my pocket but I remembered reading somewhere that it was not right to do so either. Boy! Was I feeling hot when I first got there!
Anyway, KPO represents Killiney Post Office. Nice place to hang out and chill and I like there music too. Met an American, a Cambodian, a French and some locals. I don't know about the rest but I had an enjoyable time and I am praying hard that I do not get a hangover tomorrow.
What's most important is that I am starting to make new friends again. I'm a little bit apprehensive but also looking forward to brushing up my networking skills.
Oh yes@ I got to practise my very rusty French too! Wish me luck!
We could leave once the discussion was done and the draft sent to her (our lecturer). I was invited to go to KPO. I have long lost touch with clubbing and pubbing scene but welcomed the fact that I had a chance to go.
It's been a long time since I drank and it's been a long time since I went out to meet new friends. Last night though, was rather an enjoyable time, with no expectations and not much pressure. I must admit, I was nervous though. I did not know where to put my arms and hands. I had wanted to cross my arms but that would seem too defensive. I wanted to put my hands into my pocket but I remembered reading somewhere that it was not right to do so either. Boy! Was I feeling hot when I first got there!
Anyway, KPO represents Killiney Post Office. Nice place to hang out and chill and I like there music too. Met an American, a Cambodian, a French and some locals. I don't know about the rest but I had an enjoyable time and I am praying hard that I do not get a hangover tomorrow.
What's most important is that I am starting to make new friends again. I'm a little bit apprehensive but also looking forward to brushing up my networking skills.
Oh yes@ I got to practise my very rusty French too! Wish me luck!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Gratification highlight of my career thus far
Last week, this mum came to celebrate the birthday of her 3 year-old girl. She is the prettiest thing that I have ever seen: an Australian-Chinese mix, she has the longest and softest of hair and her eyes are so doleful, that you would just want to hold her close to you and protect her.
Mummy was making some small talk with me when she told me, "A few days back Mia told me that she loved me and after that she told me "but I love Ms O too!""
You have no idea how happy I was. I still cannot believe and have to pinch myself sometimes to see if this was all real. It is. And it is very gratifying. Way pass gratification. It lets me know that my love for the kids do not go un-noticed. Just wondering whether her mummy was a little jealous or not :P
Just today too, one of my kids (girl of course) came from behind and give me a surprise kiss. Cute! Love her lots and love the whole bunch. Even my naughtiest boy actually looks forward to me patting him to sleep every afternoon. That is gratifying to know too. I am usually very stern and strict with him.
Babies, I love all of you! Muack!
Mummy was making some small talk with me when she told me, "A few days back Mia told me that she loved me and after that she told me "but I love Ms O too!""
You have no idea how happy I was. I still cannot believe and have to pinch myself sometimes to see if this was all real. It is. And it is very gratifying. Way pass gratification. It lets me know that my love for the kids do not go un-noticed. Just wondering whether her mummy was a little jealous or not :P
Just today too, one of my kids (girl of course) came from behind and give me a surprise kiss. Cute! Love her lots and love the whole bunch. Even my naughtiest boy actually looks forward to me patting him to sleep every afternoon. That is gratifying to know too. I am usually very stern and strict with him.
Babies, I love all of you! Muack!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Hectic study days.
Finally got my text book on Monday (6th Oct). The last Monday that I tried to get it, I was too late. It was sold out.
Now, with that 'Bible' in early childhood, I can relax and rely on it. I am the sort who feels more secure to buy what the teacher recommends.
Topics are getting heavier as we talk about cognitive and physical stuff, but thanks to very nice classmates who are very supportive, we are surviving.
I found that many classmates sitting near me are actually either catholics or are teaching in Catholic kindergartens. It brings me to one of my obscure thoughts to teach in one such kindergarten. Anyway, it is one step at a time for now. I will work for one year at my present place first and then decide where to move on from there.
Today, I brought Milo packets for them as the school only provides coffee and tea packets. I am so afraid of insomnia now, I have sworn off coffee during weekdays.
The other funny thing is that I find one of the senior people in my previous organisation is also taking up the same course with another earlier batch of intakes. She is in-charge of programmes and at first, when I saw her at the car park, I thought she was going to guest lecture. After seeing her on several occasions though, I felt she might also be a student her and asked one of my friends, who was with the other class. She told me that she and her husband are both taking the same course.
Right there and then, I could hear the little voice in my head singing," It's a small world after all...".
Well, now that I have settled my leave for December, I am sooooo going to work very hard for my assignments.
Now, with that 'Bible' in early childhood, I can relax and rely on it. I am the sort who feels more secure to buy what the teacher recommends.
Topics are getting heavier as we talk about cognitive and physical stuff, but thanks to very nice classmates who are very supportive, we are surviving.
I found that many classmates sitting near me are actually either catholics or are teaching in Catholic kindergartens. It brings me to one of my obscure thoughts to teach in one such kindergarten. Anyway, it is one step at a time for now. I will work for one year at my present place first and then decide where to move on from there.
Today, I brought Milo packets for them as the school only provides coffee and tea packets. I am so afraid of insomnia now, I have sworn off coffee during weekdays.
The other funny thing is that I find one of the senior people in my previous organisation is also taking up the same course with another earlier batch of intakes. She is in-charge of programmes and at first, when I saw her at the car park, I thought she was going to guest lecture. After seeing her on several occasions though, I felt she might also be a student her and asked one of my friends, who was with the other class. She told me that she and her husband are both taking the same course.
Right there and then, I could hear the little voice in my head singing," It's a small world after all...".
Well, now that I have settled my leave for December, I am sooooo going to work very hard for my assignments.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
A long and 'trashy' post
I am suffering from blogger's trash (as opposed to blogger's block). It is a term that I thought up myself. Why? Because I seem to want to blog about everything and anything that I see. Every step I take, there seems to be something to write about and I would tell myself that I must blog it but when I see the next thing, I cannot remember what I must blog!!
Anyway, I have more verbal diarrhoea, just wanted to say that I went karaoke with some ex-colleagues and we had quite a bit of fun. We first went to Maxwell Road Food Centre, but later adjourned to Bugis Topone instead. After k-ing, went for supper at Newton Circus Food Centre. As usual, they are really cut throat. I think better not order clam or shell dishes when eating out coz there are more shells than meat. What a waste of money.
Back to blogger's trash, all this came about as I was walking to church along the park connector at Tampines. I thought I had to blog about how I was saving money while exercising at the same time. Then, I had to sit and rest as I was wearing wedges (!) and my calves were aching. I saw those yellow birds that are native to this island but sometimes, if you do not look carefully, can be easily missed. They make very nice chirping sounds too.
Then I saw a black crow stop on top of a lamp post and saw it crapping in action. This was really the first time. I thought I wanted to blog about it too. As I continued my journey, I felt I had to blog about how slowing down and taking leisurely walks like that is good for health, mentally and physically.
The next 'trash' came as I thought about my kids. I wanted to blog about how I think this was really my calling. I wanted to blog about how so many of my friends, when I tell them I am working where I am working now, all tell me almost similar answers: "I will die if I had to handle children for even 5 minutes. I would never survive."
I just have this feeling that God had wanted me to do this all along and that was why whenever I prayed about whether I should leave my previous job, I seem to get the answer of "not yet".
Even with my so-called experience with kids, I think nothing can prepare me for my present job, but everyday is a new learning experience, even for me. Kids can teach you things you thought you knew and you learn and re-learn.
The funniest thing is that I actually love to change diapers. Hee! Hee! I never thought I would say it, but I do! I think it a great time to bond with the kids and you find some of them are actually so helpless and you just want to make sure that they are changed and alright. Even poo-poo is OK as long as I get over the funky smell and I have learnt that you are what you eat. Hahaha! Shall stop here about this business.
From diapers, I just thought of my very special one, my very special girl, Avina. She may never learn as fast as the other kids and she may have to go to Rainbow school or Pathlight full time in the future, but she is the one who understands the most and gives you the brightest smile when she wants to. She is never too quick to show you how she feels and her favourite word is "No". She would swipe her head and lower it to one side and say it at the same time to show displeasure. She really has a strong mind of her own, but when she lies trustingly in my arms when I carry her or change her diaper, you know that she is fully dependent on you.
See how much 'trash' I accumulated and 'puked' out??
There might be more but I thought I might leave it till the next posting.
Anyway, I have more verbal diarrhoea, just wanted to say that I went karaoke with some ex-colleagues and we had quite a bit of fun. We first went to Maxwell Road Food Centre, but later adjourned to Bugis Topone instead. After k-ing, went for supper at Newton Circus Food Centre. As usual, they are really cut throat. I think better not order clam or shell dishes when eating out coz there are more shells than meat. What a waste of money.
Back to blogger's trash, all this came about as I was walking to church along the park connector at Tampines. I thought I had to blog about how I was saving money while exercising at the same time. Then, I had to sit and rest as I was wearing wedges (!) and my calves were aching. I saw those yellow birds that are native to this island but sometimes, if you do not look carefully, can be easily missed. They make very nice chirping sounds too.
Then I saw a black crow stop on top of a lamp post and saw it crapping in action. This was really the first time. I thought I wanted to blog about it too. As I continued my journey, I felt I had to blog about how slowing down and taking leisurely walks like that is good for health, mentally and physically.
The next 'trash' came as I thought about my kids. I wanted to blog about how I think this was really my calling. I wanted to blog about how so many of my friends, when I tell them I am working where I am working now, all tell me almost similar answers: "I will die if I had to handle children for even 5 minutes. I would never survive."
I just have this feeling that God had wanted me to do this all along and that was why whenever I prayed about whether I should leave my previous job, I seem to get the answer of "not yet".
Even with my so-called experience with kids, I think nothing can prepare me for my present job, but everyday is a new learning experience, even for me. Kids can teach you things you thought you knew and you learn and re-learn.
The funniest thing is that I actually love to change diapers. Hee! Hee! I never thought I would say it, but I do! I think it a great time to bond with the kids and you find some of them are actually so helpless and you just want to make sure that they are changed and alright. Even poo-poo is OK as long as I get over the funky smell and I have learnt that you are what you eat. Hahaha! Shall stop here about this business.
From diapers, I just thought of my very special one, my very special girl, Avina. She may never learn as fast as the other kids and she may have to go to Rainbow school or Pathlight full time in the future, but she is the one who understands the most and gives you the brightest smile when she wants to. She is never too quick to show you how she feels and her favourite word is "No". She would swipe her head and lower it to one side and say it at the same time to show displeasure. She really has a strong mind of her own, but when she lies trustingly in my arms when I carry her or change her diaper, you know that she is fully dependent on you.
See how much 'trash' I accumulated and 'puked' out??
There might be more but I thought I might leave it till the next posting.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Gratification
What's the good stuff about being a teacher? Instant gratification. See this picture? It was drawn by his Kindergarten 2 girl who loves my storytelling. There was once when she was listening to my story halfway and her mum had to bring her home. She threw into a fit when she went home that her mum jokingly held me responsible. Hee!
That's me, with spectacles, in a parachute. Hee!
Another instant gratification is the hugs and kisses showered by the kids that I see day in day out.
That's me, with spectacles, in a parachute. Hee!
Another instant gratification is the hugs and kisses showered by the kids that I see day in day out.
Sunrise, sunset
It seems like such a coincidence that whichever industry I join, it always seems to be the hot topic during the National Day Rally.
About 8 years ago, the library was the talk of the day. We, no they, have gone really high tech and have managed to jump leaps and bounds in terms of cutting down the queues and creating many new services etc.
Last week, during the National Day Rally Speech, childcare centres were the hot topic and for days before and after the rally speech, there were lots of reports in the newspapers about them. The number of centres need to be increased so as to encourage child bearing among married couples (sounds like our pledge. Hee, hee!).
There will be more subsidies given and lots more carrots are being dangled in front of parents to encourage them to give birth to more. Subsidies for working and non-working mums are up. Scholarships and bursaries would be given to teachers to upgrade and improve themselves. The fact that my school was mentioned for providing the scholarships shows that I must have done something right by signing up with that school.
A salsa-dancing ex-colleague once told me that the publishing industry is a sunset industry, but I think I must agree with the marketing manager that I did not like from Etonhouse (still trying to find link to that posting), that being in early childhood education industry is a sunrise industry.
About 8 years ago, the library was the talk of the day. We, no they, have gone really high tech and have managed to jump leaps and bounds in terms of cutting down the queues and creating many new services etc.
Last week, during the National Day Rally Speech, childcare centres were the hot topic and for days before and after the rally speech, there were lots of reports in the newspapers about them. The number of centres need to be increased so as to encourage child bearing among married couples (sounds like our pledge. Hee, hee!).
There will be more subsidies given and lots more carrots are being dangled in front of parents to encourage them to give birth to more. Subsidies for working and non-working mums are up. Scholarships and bursaries would be given to teachers to upgrade and improve themselves. The fact that my school was mentioned for providing the scholarships shows that I must have done something right by signing up with that school.
A salsa-dancing ex-colleague once told me that the publishing industry is a sunset industry, but I think I must agree with the marketing manager that I did not like from Etonhouse (still trying to find link to that posting), that being in early childhood education industry is a sunrise industry.
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