I was just reminded of the untimely death of one of my students. I've never had a "54" on my hands though, and none of my classmates have ever passed away while still in the same class as me.
One of my Pri 6 classmates in TNS who was in the adjacent class in DHS had managed to beat a brain tumour and survive brain surgery while I was in DHS. When we left for JC, he was left behind in DHS as he had to repeat a year. While in NS, I learnt that he eventually died of complications. So quietly, without us knowing, because he was not in the same school. I never knew when he died or under what circumstances. His name was Lu Kaijie.
Last year, one of my PAE students who went to TJC later met with her untimely demise in September. As she was not under my care, I was spared of having to fill the Pupil Occurence Slip -- reason for leaving school, code "54" for death. But it was quite sad, and I was sad too.
Monday, December 01, 2003
Saturday, November 29, 2003
Recently, I have been reminded of clubbing on two occasions by my students.
I have occasionally visited some nightspots with friends in the past when I was younger -- what you would call clubbing or pubbing now. Interestingly, the term clubbing is quite a new word -- didn't have such a word last time. Also, there is a difference between clubbing and pubbing, contrary to what some of my students suggest. Clubbing is when you drink, dance, and there are tables. Pubbing is well... at pubs and bars!
In the past, I remember there was a time when tea dances were what the wild students go for to experience it legally. This was a daytime disco with no drinking for youths. The term disco is archaic! Obviously, being the goody-goody that I was, I never tried any of these tea dance thingies.
University time was when I had my first experience of nightlife. I remember going to Fire disco, I think -- for Hostel Orientation! I also remember, in 2nd year, visiting Guild House, NUS's own nightspot with a dance floor -- open till 1 am and $10 per entry for NUS people only (2 drinks too). They stopped it when I was in year 3 as it was too wild... Later on, I did visit some nightspots with my DHS classmates when we met up -- they were always meeting at nightspots!
What I do remember is people getting drunk! NUS Guild House at 1 am -- all the drunk people would come out! When you are drunk, you remove the inhibition and reveal the true you. Some get violent easily, some talk, their tongues are loosed, some are mellow, some sleeping. I've never been drunk before, or anywhere near. But I know that alcohol removes the inhibition and allows even the most shy to dance. Well, I did!
Most times, I took a Shirley Temple or some other mocktail. When I did feel like drinking, I tried stuff like bourbon coke (cola's caffeine helps keep you alert), vodka lime and tequila pop (you put the coaster over the glass and hit the glass on the table hard and it fizzes, then you gulp it down, but I was not permitted to rush the drink). Quite mild, if you drink slowly. I did not like the taste of most alcoholic drinks, which is why I can never get drunk, cos I never drink enough! But I do have a weakness for tasty cocktails though. I remember having a Long Island iced tea for the first time. Tastes just like ice lemon tea, so I was going through it very fast. My chaperone had to remind me that the Long Island tea is a strong cocktail and is notorious for making people drunk -- so he took a quarter of my drink!
Talking about chaperones... Most of the time, I function as the chaperone -- the one who will 100% stay sober and ensure the safety of everyone. Of course, being the chaperone, I need a chaperone too -- to make sure I never get drunk! One friend got dead drunk after 4 drinks! You will also definitely get drunk after 3 tequila neats (lick salt and suck lemon -- there are correct methods to take each drink! I was quite fascinated!).
Things can get quite strange sometimes at nightspots. I remember there was once when there was this queue for the unisex single toilet. A girl was inside and next thing you know, a slightly intoxicated guy comes along, jumps queue, and opens the toilet door! Don't know why she did not lock the toilet door (maybe the lock was spoilt?), but luckily, she was done and was washing her hands. Moral of the story: Whenever you use the toilet, lock the door. And go in a pair so that your friend can guard for you.
When it's time to leave, some people are a bit drunk, while some may be downright unconscious! I remember once, when it was time to leave, my friend was drunk, so she went to the ladies to neaten up. We waited and waited, but she did not appear, so we went to check and she was sleeping in a cubicle. She was really drunk, and had to be carried out to the road. I remember she was lying by the roadside while we waited for a cab -- must have been quite a sight... The other friend was a bit drunk too, but could talk coherently -- I believe the term is "a bit high". Luckily I was sober and could ensure their safe return. Oh well, I have to emphasize, whatever you do -- DO NOT GET DRUNK!
And the music is so loud at nightspots! It would be better if it was softer.
I have occasionally visited some nightspots with friends in the past when I was younger -- what you would call clubbing or pubbing now. Interestingly, the term clubbing is quite a new word -- didn't have such a word last time. Also, there is a difference between clubbing and pubbing, contrary to what some of my students suggest. Clubbing is when you drink, dance, and there are tables. Pubbing is well... at pubs and bars!
In the past, I remember there was a time when tea dances were what the wild students go for to experience it legally. This was a daytime disco with no drinking for youths. The term disco is archaic! Obviously, being the goody-goody that I was, I never tried any of these tea dance thingies.
University time was when I had my first experience of nightlife. I remember going to Fire disco, I think -- for Hostel Orientation! I also remember, in 2nd year, visiting Guild House, NUS's own nightspot with a dance floor -- open till 1 am and $10 per entry for NUS people only (2 drinks too). They stopped it when I was in year 3 as it was too wild... Later on, I did visit some nightspots with my DHS classmates when we met up -- they were always meeting at nightspots!
What I do remember is people getting drunk! NUS Guild House at 1 am -- all the drunk people would come out! When you are drunk, you remove the inhibition and reveal the true you. Some get violent easily, some talk, their tongues are loosed, some are mellow, some sleeping. I've never been drunk before, or anywhere near. But I know that alcohol removes the inhibition and allows even the most shy to dance. Well, I did!
Most times, I took a Shirley Temple or some other mocktail. When I did feel like drinking, I tried stuff like bourbon coke (cola's caffeine helps keep you alert), vodka lime and tequila pop (you put the coaster over the glass and hit the glass on the table hard and it fizzes, then you gulp it down, but I was not permitted to rush the drink). Quite mild, if you drink slowly. I did not like the taste of most alcoholic drinks, which is why I can never get drunk, cos I never drink enough! But I do have a weakness for tasty cocktails though. I remember having a Long Island iced tea for the first time. Tastes just like ice lemon tea, so I was going through it very fast. My chaperone had to remind me that the Long Island tea is a strong cocktail and is notorious for making people drunk -- so he took a quarter of my drink!
Talking about chaperones... Most of the time, I function as the chaperone -- the one who will 100% stay sober and ensure the safety of everyone. Of course, being the chaperone, I need a chaperone too -- to make sure I never get drunk! One friend got dead drunk after 4 drinks! You will also definitely get drunk after 3 tequila neats (lick salt and suck lemon -- there are correct methods to take each drink! I was quite fascinated!).
Things can get quite strange sometimes at nightspots. I remember there was once when there was this queue for the unisex single toilet. A girl was inside and next thing you know, a slightly intoxicated guy comes along, jumps queue, and opens the toilet door! Don't know why she did not lock the toilet door (maybe the lock was spoilt?), but luckily, she was done and was washing her hands. Moral of the story: Whenever you use the toilet, lock the door. And go in a pair so that your friend can guard for you.
When it's time to leave, some people are a bit drunk, while some may be downright unconscious! I remember once, when it was time to leave, my friend was drunk, so she went to the ladies to neaten up. We waited and waited, but she did not appear, so we went to check and she was sleeping in a cubicle. She was really drunk, and had to be carried out to the road. I remember she was lying by the roadside while we waited for a cab -- must have been quite a sight... The other friend was a bit drunk too, but could talk coherently -- I believe the term is "a bit high". Luckily I was sober and could ensure their safe return. Oh well, I have to emphasize, whatever you do -- DO NOT GET DRUNK!
And the music is so loud at nightspots! It would be better if it was softer.
Friday, November 28, 2003
Today I went for the 2nd session of JC Physics teachers briefing at TJC. Supposedly half of the JC Physics teachers were there (less 2 JCs which opted out), but it did not look like so!
I realise that being a JC teacher means that during meetings like this, you see these few teachers all the time -- the circle is quite closed. I also realised that many people from my circle in university time are JC teachers too. And I realised that some of them are posting out soon after some time in a JC. I also realised that since there are only so few JCs, JC teachers are very reserved and guarded in their interactions with other JC teachers -- they are viewed as rivals! The life of a JC teacher is indeed vastly different from that of a secondary school teacher.
I also learned that not all JC teachers are "on" or sharp. Most RJC and HCJC teachers are good. VJC, TJC and NJC teachers are mostly quiet, so can't really tell.
I realise that being a JC teacher means that during meetings like this, you see these few teachers all the time -- the circle is quite closed. I also realised that many people from my circle in university time are JC teachers too. And I realised that some of them are posting out soon after some time in a JC. I also realised that since there are only so few JCs, JC teachers are very reserved and guarded in their interactions with other JC teachers -- they are viewed as rivals! The life of a JC teacher is indeed vastly different from that of a secondary school teacher.
I also learned that not all JC teachers are "on" or sharp. Most RJC and HCJC teachers are good. VJC, TJC and NJC teachers are mostly quiet, so can't really tell.
Monday, November 24, 2003
I bought 3 CDs today. I haven't bought CDs for a long time, but I got inspired to buy one (ok, three) when I met an old friend at Parkway MPH yesterday. He sort of recommended two CDs. So I bought 2 Emi Fujita CDs and the Kill Bill soundtrack today. The sad themes from the movie are so interesting, as are some other pieces -- but I have to admit, soundtracks are expensive to buy for just a few tracks. But I couldn't find any MP3s out there. Here's a midi of The Lonely Shepherd though....
Saturday, November 22, 2003
I just came back from chalet session with my CT class. The main activities this time was soccer, bowling, playing pool, BBQ and cycling -- not exactly a lot for a 2 day chalet, I guess. But quite a few of us still had work committments in school. We could have swum perhaps. We wanted to kayak though, but the rental kiosk at Pasir Ris Park apparently went bust already. You know what? I probably will try to round up some people to kayak/canoe at Bedok ECP one of these days...
--
I have a 2 week reservist this December again as usual -- this time with a stand-by as well. So I won't be able to come out over the weekend. What to do? Combat unit is like that one... I'm an Infantry Combat Medic -- an SIR soldier. The funny thing is, all around me, I seldom meet combat people from the real combat units (SIR/BRC/GDS/CDO). Clerks, techs... combat support at most. My experiences during my NSF days from 1993 to 1999 are one of a kind -- that's just about the only advantage you get by being in a fighting unit.
Actually, I'm glad that throughout every phase of my life, I have been able to experience something and be thankful for it and say "Yes, I've done something...". From cadet scouts in TNS, school team volleyball in DHS, ODAC YLTC Camp and String Ensemble in VJC, combat medic and contributing to saving 4 lives in NS, 2 marathons, OBS 21 days, BRC attachment days and a Special Op in NS (2nd installment), sailing course, climbing Mt Trusmadi and Mt Kinabalu, etc. during the later years, to being a teacher, and a Robotics Club teacher, guiding the next generation.
I guess if a person were to think back at 29 and see that nothing significant was done, it would be most sad.
--
I have a 2 week reservist this December again as usual -- this time with a stand-by as well. So I won't be able to come out over the weekend. What to do? Combat unit is like that one... I'm an Infantry Combat Medic -- an SIR soldier. The funny thing is, all around me, I seldom meet combat people from the real combat units (SIR/BRC/GDS/CDO). Clerks, techs... combat support at most. My experiences during my NSF days from 1993 to 1999 are one of a kind -- that's just about the only advantage you get by being in a fighting unit.
Actually, I'm glad that throughout every phase of my life, I have been able to experience something and be thankful for it and say "Yes, I've done something...". From cadet scouts in TNS, school team volleyball in DHS, ODAC YLTC Camp and String Ensemble in VJC, combat medic and contributing to saving 4 lives in NS, 2 marathons, OBS 21 days, BRC attachment days and a Special Op in NS (2nd installment), sailing course, climbing Mt Trusmadi and Mt Kinabalu, etc. during the later years, to being a teacher, and a Robotics Club teacher, guiding the next generation.
I guess if a person were to think back at 29 and see that nothing significant was done, it would be most sad.
Monday, November 17, 2003
I met someone on Saturday who said he would want to work and stay in Australia in a few years time. He felt that Singapore was small and overcrowded and these two factors were causing a lot of problems. He felt that Singapore was a bad place to bring up children with good values because of the overcrowding and resultant competition. But luckily, the security and education situation is good, which means it is still somewhat good for children, I guess.
Although it might be said that it is difficult to survive in Melbourne, he says that life is cheaper there as housing and rental is low. One could be doing a small business with low customer flow but survive well due to the low rental and housing. This would be unthinkable in Singapore with high housing cost and business rental. With some savings after working a few years in Singapore, one could have sufficient to go over there as a PR.
He does have a point. Singapore seems to have deteriorated somewhat over the past 10 years. Life is getting a lot more difficult with such high housing and rental cost. There is frequently emphasis on unimportant things and gimmicks, which seem to add value, but actually is money going down the drain.
We need to do something about it fast...
Although it might be said that it is difficult to survive in Melbourne, he says that life is cheaper there as housing and rental is low. One could be doing a small business with low customer flow but survive well due to the low rental and housing. This would be unthinkable in Singapore with high housing cost and business rental. With some savings after working a few years in Singapore, one could have sufficient to go over there as a PR.
He does have a point. Singapore seems to have deteriorated somewhat over the past 10 years. Life is getting a lot more difficult with such high housing and rental cost. There is frequently emphasis on unimportant things and gimmicks, which seem to add value, but actually is money going down the drain.
We need to do something about it fast...