Wheeew.. made it through the first week of re-opening! *wipe sweat-filled brow*
Well, there is absolutely nothing to complain about staying in HV, EXCEPT for the daily commute to institution! Man, it takes one full, gross hour of walk + MRT + bus to get to work! and I have to wake up earlier than the rooster does, otw I'd be late and locked out at the gate. *argghh* But other than that, my new place is a heaven. Super convenient, really just a half-pebble's throw to all those yummilicious cafes/restaurants/coffee-tea-cake joints and to town. Yippee! =)
But then, my neighbourhood seems pretty quiet. Everyone sorta seems to mind their business around here - many close their windows & doors even though I think/know they are at home, few walk/linger around void decks in the evenings, ppl don't really smile/say hello in lifts... hmmmm, or maybe it's that s'poreans in general are increasingly craving for privacy. maybe they are fearful, or sceptical, and just want to mind their own business, and for others to mind theirs.
In any case, MLL dear pal, have a superb trip to Da Chang Jin land! Eat more kimchi, ginseng chicken and take more pictures! Ok ok, I know it's not a recreational trip =P. Importantly, don't let those smart alecky kids bully you. Go crush them with your truck-load of Chemistry knowledge if need be. And of course, help me send my most respectful regards to The Great One - Da Chang Jin, if you see her. Get in touch when back!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
almost settled in...
okies, the unpacking's 75-80% done. think it's already quite an achievement, wah seh... so many things to be categorized. as i stashed away some, i bought more. a never-ending cycle. =P. ikea boss is probably smiling in his sleep, there are many like me around, thronging that alexandra mall like it's kids playground, overnight we transformed ourselves into 'Ikea Friends', swipe and swipe the plastics like it's FOC. But, cross my heart, some of those small barangs are really cute and useful @ same time - cool 'wall-mount' shoe drawers, sturdy birch roll-kitchen table, rugs and throws, I got them all. =)
the first few nights at new place, sleep didn't come too easily. perhaps it's the new hard pillow... or maybe it's over-exhaustion... or perhaps it's trepidation twds institution-reopening.. in any case, i like my new place - small enough for that cosy feel, and definitely small enough for all those juicy govt rebates to come. *hee hee* cheapo i know, but heck, after busting my account on this nest, i thought a typical national identity would be to put out one's hand and ask the govt what it plans to do to help, right? =P
this yr's pre-hatchday celebrations involved spending time with different grps of dear pals - had jap bento lunch @ some citylink restaurant; german sausages & pork knuckles @ Baden, Holland V; watched the 'Guantanamo' movie @ PS; and went to temples to say hi to grandpapa, grandmama, and mama. and oh, also attended a sec 4 fren's wedding @ Hilton, on my hatchday - now how much better a friend can you get?
term has started. i resolve to get my nest sorted out before i plunge full-body into the limitless abyess of the unknown where evil lurks amongst the mountains of scripts and an utterly punishing schedule beckons.
by the time Youth Day arrives, i would have finished all the unpacking, did an overnight mahjong stint, visited an 'about-to-give-birth' gal pal, finished marking 100+ scripts, and bulldozed my way through all the ppt slides for a 40+ pg lecture topic. that's my wishlist.
dear santa, can you come by 6mths early?
the first few nights at new place, sleep didn't come too easily. perhaps it's the new hard pillow... or maybe it's over-exhaustion... or perhaps it's trepidation twds institution-reopening.. in any case, i like my new place - small enough for that cosy feel, and definitely small enough for all those juicy govt rebates to come. *hee hee* cheapo i know, but heck, after busting my account on this nest, i thought a typical national identity would be to put out one's hand and ask the govt what it plans to do to help, right? =P
this yr's pre-hatchday celebrations involved spending time with different grps of dear pals - had jap bento lunch @ some citylink restaurant; german sausages & pork knuckles @ Baden, Holland V; watched the 'Guantanamo' movie @ PS; and went to temples to say hi to grandpapa, grandmama, and mama. and oh, also attended a sec 4 fren's wedding @ Hilton, on my hatchday - now how much better a friend can you get?
term has started. i resolve to get my nest sorted out before i plunge full-body into the limitless abyess of the unknown where evil lurks amongst the mountains of scripts and an utterly punishing schedule beckons.
by the time Youth Day arrives, i would have finished all the unpacking, did an overnight mahjong stint, visited an 'about-to-give-birth' gal pal, finished marking 100+ scripts, and bulldozed my way through all the ppt slides for a 40+ pg lecture topic. that's my wishlist.
dear santa, can you come by 6mths early?
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
a short note
The movers are coming by tomorrow evening, to bring the bulging Del Monte boxes of barang on a windy lorry ride, from BB to HV. And from tomorrow onwards, thou shall zzz in ho ho land.
Hmmmm... countdown to another couple of days, someone will be another yr older. Funny, but I think she feels much, much older. And I think she mentioned b4, just like in those taiwan/korean/japanese soap drama, there was some pact made last time, in jest or for real, that if she and some partner of hers somehow manage to remain still single by the time she is 33 and he (i dunno, 38/39?), they would get hitched to each other. Hmmmm... that time doesn't seem quite as far for her now.
*cough cough, gg get my medicine now...* Tatas.
Hmmmm... countdown to another couple of days, someone will be another yr older. Funny, but I think she feels much, much older. And I think she mentioned b4, just like in those taiwan/korean/japanese soap drama, there was some pact made last time, in jest or for real, that if she and some partner of hers somehow manage to remain still single by the time she is 33 and he (i dunno, 38/39?), they would get hitched to each other. Hmmmm... that time doesn't seem quite as far for her now.
*cough cough, gg get my medicine now...* Tatas.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
back home (and here comes the pics)
am back on hot summer-ly red dot. actually back since wed morning but really no time to go online and post pics/update yadder yadder coz had to plunge right into house-moving..
wah.. never knew moving house can be so super tedious... pack, unpack, throw, clean, beg for cardboxes, wrap fragile stuff, categorize and re-organize.. man, and to think I'm already quite an organized person! still, there is so much to do... don't think I'd be able to finish by next week (and, can you believe it, I initially planned to demolish it all within 5 days - super siao).
prob it's the lack of rest or something, think body cannot tahan liao, so felt quite feverish and was coughing (still am actually) these few days.. am typing this from new home, had to take a break from all the packing and come to check out my new study room here. not bad.. can hear some birds chirp somewhere. good, i like mama nature to be nearby.
alrighty, here's some beautiful pics from my 10 days adventure in ozzie land:
p.s. lest u think, from the pics, it's one big fun play-play trip, i must tell u that the best pics are the recrea ones lah, dun wanna show u boring microscope displays. =)
and p.s.2. THANKS frankenfish, for the socks! nearly fainted when I opened letter box and saw ur mail lah. please don't even attempt to think it as ch**** leh, I'd wring the neck(s) of him/her/those who attempt to say it. Thanks big dear. Appreciate it lots. =)
hunky aboriginal elder showing students where the 'jumping' fishes are
the breathing roots of mangroves - at one of our field sites
the whole group @ the mudflats
where we did some 'whale-dolphine-turtle-spotting'
when I can't spot those elusive creatures, i'd take pics!
where I promised some dear pals some bungalows if I strike TOTO
working under the clear aussie sky in the middle of beautiful ocean bay
bringing in the seine net to assess our catch
in the wet lab
one of those amazing sea creatures caught during sampling - a sea spider (photographed from microscope directly)
what is ozzie without kangeroos? =P
where the shoppinh begins.. Queen Street Mall
super duper humongous aussie breakfast during R&R - YUM!
getting the caricatures done @ sunday market
kid-clients doing show-tell for their research projects
our scary everests of luggage - almost everyone hit the max luggage limit of 20kg.. =)
till the next time, adieus mate!
wah.. never knew moving house can be so super tedious... pack, unpack, throw, clean, beg for cardboxes, wrap fragile stuff, categorize and re-organize.. man, and to think I'm already quite an organized person! still, there is so much to do... don't think I'd be able to finish by next week (and, can you believe it, I initially planned to demolish it all within 5 days - super siao).
prob it's the lack of rest or something, think body cannot tahan liao, so felt quite feverish and was coughing (still am actually) these few days.. am typing this from new home, had to take a break from all the packing and come to check out my new study room here. not bad.. can hear some birds chirp somewhere. good, i like mama nature to be nearby.
alrighty, here's some beautiful pics from my 10 days adventure in ozzie land:
p.s. lest u think, from the pics, it's one big fun play-play trip, i must tell u that the best pics are the recrea ones lah, dun wanna show u boring microscope displays. =)
and p.s.2. THANKS frankenfish, for the socks! nearly fainted when I opened letter box and saw ur mail lah. please don't even attempt to think it as ch**** leh, I'd wring the neck(s) of him/her/those who attempt to say it. Thanks big dear. Appreciate it lots. =)
hunky aboriginal elder showing students where the 'jumping' fishes are
the breathing roots of mangroves - at one of our field sites
the whole group @ the mudflats
where we did some 'whale-dolphine-turtle-spotting'
when I can't spot those elusive creatures, i'd take pics!
where I promised some dear pals some bungalows if I strike TOTO
working under the clear aussie sky in the middle of beautiful ocean bay
bringing in the seine net to assess our catch
in the wet lab
one of those amazing sea creatures caught during sampling - a sea spider (photographed from microscope directly)
what is ozzie without kangeroos? =P
where the shoppinh begins.. Queen Street Mall
super duper humongous aussie breakfast during R&R - YUM!
getting the caricatures done @ sunday market
kid-clients doing show-tell for their research projects
our scary everests of luggage - almost everyone hit the max luggage limit of 20kg.. =)
till the next time, adieus mate!
Monday, June 12, 2006
Some thoughts
As the kids busied themselves with reports and presentations, I took time out to mark some ikky scripts facing the gorgeous Moreton Bay. A sea of calm and tranquillity. Sometimes I wonder… do I miss nature/scenery/environment more than the people? Hmmm… Anyways, it was great sitting there, all huddled in a thick yellow-green “I Love Australia” sweater (newly-acquired from weekend shopping binge) with the chilly breeze blowing, and gazing out at receding tides.
Tonight, we’d probably going to throw a little party – to celebrate the fact that we’ve all enjoyed and learnt much from the trip, and bonded as a group (nonetheless, there’s still one/two really quiet, but not anti-social, ones).
Haiz, just thinking about what is to come when I return… I feel like reaching out for the pack of panadols. Move house. Consultations. Lecture preparation. Work review. Common test. Meetings. Thrown right back into the hectic, inhumane deep end. I think I can begin to understand why it is difficult for escapists to become non-escapists. The mere thought of returning to face reality can be nerve-wrecking enough to induce nightmares – I have some weird dreams I tell you, yesterday night, I dreamt that some Ang Moh Queen is kidnapped and I worked like siao to save her… *duh*.
I think it’d probably be a matter of time before I migrate to somewhere with 4 seasons, where I can set up cosy little cake-cookie-coffee shop, preferably near the sea, where life can be lived at its rightful own pace, without one having to worry about time, money, deadlines and people conflicts.
That day has got to come. Sometime in my lifetime. And when it comes, I’d hang this sweet little plaque (acquired from weekend R&R too) at the door of my small shop – “Love, laughter and friends are always welcome”.
Tonight, we’d probably going to throw a little party – to celebrate the fact that we’ve all enjoyed and learnt much from the trip, and bonded as a group (nonetheless, there’s still one/two really quiet, but not anti-social, ones).
Haiz, just thinking about what is to come when I return… I feel like reaching out for the pack of panadols. Move house. Consultations. Lecture preparation. Work review. Common test. Meetings. Thrown right back into the hectic, inhumane deep end. I think I can begin to understand why it is difficult for escapists to become non-escapists. The mere thought of returning to face reality can be nerve-wrecking enough to induce nightmares – I have some weird dreams I tell you, yesterday night, I dreamt that some Ang Moh Queen is kidnapped and I worked like siao to save her… *duh*.
I think it’d probably be a matter of time before I migrate to somewhere with 4 seasons, where I can set up cosy little cake-cookie-coffee shop, preferably near the sea, where life can be lived at its rightful own pace, without one having to worry about time, money, deadlines and people conflicts.
That day has got to come. Sometime in my lifetime. And when it comes, I’d hang this sweet little plaque (acquired from weekend R&R too) at the door of my small shop – “Love, laughter and friends are always welcome”.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Back from R&R
Am back.
Woah, not easy to go F&E with 15 hyper kiddos leh. Decided on some kinda mini-adventure for them, so we tried taking them on public buses and zzzing in backpackers’ hostel… Hmmm, some bus drivers not very friendly leh… pity my colleague who couldn’t catch the ozzie slang, so kena-ed evil driver stare and whispered passengers’ sniggers. =( But the kids enjoyed the whole experience loh, and I am happy that they are happy, though must really admit it was a pretty stressful 2D1N for the two of us coz city’s more complicated than island. And exploring new territories like finding out how to cut across one street to get to another; which bus stop to alight and walk for how long to where; where to let them get breakfasts/lunches/dinners and how long to let them roam; etc etc etc… all the nitty gritties make us feel like we are fighting mini-fires all the time. Plus sunshiny Brisbane city decided to cry for the whole of Sat, so it was a wet and rather uncertain start I would say.
But Sunday (today) was great. It was Little Miss Sunshine all over again – fabulous weather! And after a day of exploring the bus and walk routes, me & colleague were confident enough to make our way around without referring to map! *clap clap* Brought them to nice weekend market where the kiddos nearly swept clean an entire sweets-choc store (you should have seen the shopkeeper’s grin – so happy I bet he can’t zzz tonite). Visited Queen Streets Mall twice on demand of classic s’pore shopaholics, and this is a really privileged batch I must say again, can afford to buy stuff (so much stuff!!! All sorts of souvenirs, shirts, chocs, pendants, shoes, soap yadder yadder) without having to bat a single eyelid/eyelash. I’d probably go tweak the programme a little and include more “cost-saving” activities, so that if there are any less-privileged ones on the next batch, they won’t feel pressured during such R&R activities…
In any case, we are nearing the end of trip. Get ready that Kleenex.
And pass one to me too.
Woah, not easy to go F&E with 15 hyper kiddos leh. Decided on some kinda mini-adventure for them, so we tried taking them on public buses and zzzing in backpackers’ hostel… Hmmm, some bus drivers not very friendly leh… pity my colleague who couldn’t catch the ozzie slang, so kena-ed evil driver stare and whispered passengers’ sniggers. =( But the kids enjoyed the whole experience loh, and I am happy that they are happy, though must really admit it was a pretty stressful 2D1N for the two of us coz city’s more complicated than island. And exploring new territories like finding out how to cut across one street to get to another; which bus stop to alight and walk for how long to where; where to let them get breakfasts/lunches/dinners and how long to let them roam; etc etc etc… all the nitty gritties make us feel like we are fighting mini-fires all the time. Plus sunshiny Brisbane city decided to cry for the whole of Sat, so it was a wet and rather uncertain start I would say.
But Sunday (today) was great. It was Little Miss Sunshine all over again – fabulous weather! And after a day of exploring the bus and walk routes, me & colleague were confident enough to make our way around without referring to map! *clap clap* Brought them to nice weekend market where the kiddos nearly swept clean an entire sweets-choc store (you should have seen the shopkeeper’s grin – so happy I bet he can’t zzz tonite). Visited Queen Streets Mall twice on demand of classic s’pore shopaholics, and this is a really privileged batch I must say again, can afford to buy stuff (so much stuff!!! All sorts of souvenirs, shirts, chocs, pendants, shoes, soap yadder yadder) without having to bat a single eyelid/eyelash. I’d probably go tweak the programme a little and include more “cost-saving” activities, so that if there are any less-privileged ones on the next batch, they won’t feel pressured during such R&R activities…
In any case, we are nearing the end of trip. Get ready that Kleenex.
And pass one to me too.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Kiddy Magic
These kids are really good lah. I lovey them. All privileged kids to be able to come for this trip on their own pa-ma scholarships, but none has those kind of prince-princess's airs. All very sporting - braving cold waters, dirty mud, smelly specimens; bearing hours of long, tedious field-lab-microscope-computer work; help clear plates, wash tanks, boots, socks and still remain so chirpy, happy and polite! My god. I am super fortunate to be bringing such a quality batch here. No complaints at all (at least till now, which is already the 6th day of trip, so should be pretty reflective lah).
Hmmm, they reinvigorate me. Looking at them, I do feel young(er) again. =)
These 2 days, they have spent a great deal of effort on their group projects. All demonstrated true passion for whichever areas they chose to research on, from project planning to data collection, documentation & analysis, to report and ppt preparation. Very good, even for such a perfectionist like me, they have met and exceeded my expectations. [Perhaps, *hee hee*, this programme has been so well-planned that they are all super engaged in it, mutual contribution lah] =)
Anyways, tomorrow early in morning, we'd be leaving island for mainland for our 2D1N R&R. Go Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Queen Street Mall Shopping and South Banks Crafts Market. Should be quite a blast. =)
Take care u all, eat more and be bai(2) bai(2) pang(4) pang(4) like me now! =)
Hmmm, they reinvigorate me. Looking at them, I do feel young(er) again. =)
These 2 days, they have spent a great deal of effort on their group projects. All demonstrated true passion for whichever areas they chose to research on, from project planning to data collection, documentation & analysis, to report and ppt preparation. Very good, even for such a perfectionist like me, they have met and exceeded my expectations. [Perhaps, *hee hee*, this programme has been so well-planned that they are all super engaged in it, mutual contribution lah] =)
Anyways, tomorrow early in morning, we'd be leaving island for mainland for our 2D1N R&R. Go Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Queen Street Mall Shopping and South Banks Crafts Market. Should be quite a blast. =)
Take care u all, eat more and be bai(2) bai(2) pang(4) pang(4) like me now! =)
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Day 4 & 5
Allo. Yesterday, there's this australian tribal elder who came over and did a walk + talk to our kids, sharing with us the various aboriginal practices and customs e.g. how to start a fire, how to play the digeridoo, how to signal for gatherings for male and female 'businesses', how to know when to fish for which type of fish by looking at which plant blooms, how to create face paint out of soft wood etc etc. Very interesting leh. Additional brownie points for being hunky. Too bad, he's already married with 3 kids, otherwise, I may just consider becoming a tribal woman, do berry collection and start fires. =P
Went to do investigative fieldwork at the mangroves in the afternoon. Very nice weather in vast mudflats that lead out to the seas. Amazing lines of soldier crabs all frantically burrowing into their muddy abodes as they sensed our invasion. A surreal sight. The swamp's so high-quality, my shoes got stuck and when I finally managed to lift them out, the soles came off, so I had to trudge along in my socks on the pokey mangrove pneumatopores for the rest of the session. *ouch ouch ouch*. Was pretty worried, in case those crabbies decide to check out my socks. Nice classification work done for the afternoon.
Then decided (spontaneously) to check out this place - Point Lookout, on the other side of our island, where there is this gorge walk where visitors can expect to spot dolphines and whales if lucky. And my! We WERE lucky. Out at those wondrously vast blue seas, we've got a couple of sightings of whales, dolphines, a sea turtle and some rare birds of prey. That place, I tell you, is heaven on earth. No exaggeration. The last section of the gorge walk is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I will upload the pics soon. Cross my heart, if I strike the TOTO this lifetime, I will buy a house there and read a book facing that sea everyday with my warm cuppa honey tea.
Today and tomorrow, the kids will start on their individual projects. Scattered around various sites near the station, getting themselves wet and dirty (but never sweaty). =) We will walk around to supervise. Hope to get some of our own work done too, during this period.
Well, nothing very much to report on for these 2 days I guess, since it's kids' time. This weekend, we’d bring them back to mainland for some touristy R&R - hug some koalas, visit some sunday markets etc.
So check in another time then. Hope u hasn't fallen asleep by now. =P
Btw, yesterday our caterer decided to cook us some curry, only she called it ‘satay’. It’s basically some non-spicy, greenish, coconuty stew of chicken, broccoli, carrots and onions. But there was rice too – first time we’ve seen/smelt/tasted rice since 4 days ago! So we were all grateful, be it curry or satay. =)
Went to do investigative fieldwork at the mangroves in the afternoon. Very nice weather in vast mudflats that lead out to the seas. Amazing lines of soldier crabs all frantically burrowing into their muddy abodes as they sensed our invasion. A surreal sight. The swamp's so high-quality, my shoes got stuck and when I finally managed to lift them out, the soles came off, so I had to trudge along in my socks on the pokey mangrove pneumatopores for the rest of the session. *ouch ouch ouch*. Was pretty worried, in case those crabbies decide to check out my socks. Nice classification work done for the afternoon.
Then decided (spontaneously) to check out this place - Point Lookout, on the other side of our island, where there is this gorge walk where visitors can expect to spot dolphines and whales if lucky. And my! We WERE lucky. Out at those wondrously vast blue seas, we've got a couple of sightings of whales, dolphines, a sea turtle and some rare birds of prey. That place, I tell you, is heaven on earth. No exaggeration. The last section of the gorge walk is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. I will upload the pics soon. Cross my heart, if I strike the TOTO this lifetime, I will buy a house there and read a book facing that sea everyday with my warm cuppa honey tea.
Today and tomorrow, the kids will start on their individual projects. Scattered around various sites near the station, getting themselves wet and dirty (but never sweaty). =) We will walk around to supervise. Hope to get some of our own work done too, during this period.
Well, nothing very much to report on for these 2 days I guess, since it's kids' time. This weekend, we’d bring them back to mainland for some touristy R&R - hug some koalas, visit some sunday markets etc.
So check in another time then. Hope u hasn't fallen asleep by now. =P
Btw, yesterday our caterer decided to cook us some curry, only she called it ‘satay’. It’s basically some non-spicy, greenish, coconuty stew of chicken, broccoli, carrots and onions. But there was rice too – first time we’ve seen/smelt/tasted rice since 4 days ago! So we were all grateful, be it curry or satay. =)
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Before Day 4
Just wanna say that I'd upload all the nice pics (for each day) when I return and settle into my new home (that'd be after 15th jun I guess). Unless of course I manage to find an SD card reader somewhere in ozzie land, then I'd up some of the gorgeous pics here. Perhaps, that'd help decide your retirement place for ya!
And of course, my new house.. is in its final stages of beautification. Custom-built furniture should be in over these few days, my platform bed and all. And the sofa, dining set & LCD probably shuffle in early next week. So there, a new house when I'm back. But home is where the heart is, so I hope I'd not have a difficult time settling in.
Okies dok, for mangroves now. Till later my pals.
And of course, my new house.. is in its final stages of beautification. Custom-built furniture should be in over these few days, my platform bed and all. And the sofa, dining set & LCD probably shuffle in early next week. So there, a new house when I'm back. But home is where the heart is, so I hope I'd not have a difficult time settling in.
Okies dok, for mangroves now. Till later my pals.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Day 3 - Out at Sea
Yo yo, back from a whole day out at sea.
Wah sei, dunno where to start from. Ok, maybe a brief run-through of our activities first. Today did 1) marine mammal investigation (try to observe, identify and characterize marine mammals as we roam the seas on a ferry-trawler), 2) snorkel for coral reef activity (go down into ICE-COLD waters to identify and characterize various corals), 3) trawler activity (throw out large nets and draw them back with trawler going at 25knots to see the range of organisms trapped), 4) plankton investigation (surface and column collection of plankton + observation under dissection microscope to observe diversity).
Man, I tell you, it was FREEZING COLD! Grrrrr... *teeth chatter shatter* esp when we did the snorkeling part. Woah... its winter my dears, and already the outside temp is below 20s... and the water... my goodiness, they said it was 16deg. I thought it's more like 13deg or less.. Took a lot of courage for all of us to strip down to swimwear and wriggle into the icy waters, not to mention we must start treading/swimming/breathing with snorkel masks on. So many of us were so freezed out, we could barely move once in water and the teeth just sorta did their stomping dance and the bones chilled out. To tell the truth, I was so scared some of the kids' (and my) hearts would stop in shock.
Anyways, many of the kids got out within the next 10min, some due to sheer cold, some coz they were not comfortable using the snorkel equipment.. A couple of us went for a longer period, drifted for prob some tens of metres away, trying hard to look at the corals beneath and not panic too much (currents were quite strong too). But safety precautions were in place, so yeah, no real danger, though really quite drama I thought. Everyone eager + afraid + froze-out + shivering at the same time. What an experience!
As usual, the sunset at sea's great. I belong to the sea. Everything about it is probably great to me. =)
Everyone enjoyed the days' activities and I'm super glad the programme's planned out nicely such that there were many new things for the kids (and myself) to see and learn. Truly experiential learning. Can see the sparkle in many of their eyes. Truly glad. Many of them already bonded very nicely. Would probably see a few tears flow next tue as we bid goodbye.
Tomorrow's swampy mangrove time. Dirty muddy time. Catch u all again.
Though whole day out at sea, not too burnt, just a little red and brown on the nose and cheeks as usual. Sigh. But real glad all's safe and happy despite the choppy seas. No one fed the fishes with their vomit. =)
Wah sei, dunno where to start from. Ok, maybe a brief run-through of our activities first. Today did 1) marine mammal investigation (try to observe, identify and characterize marine mammals as we roam the seas on a ferry-trawler), 2) snorkel for coral reef activity (go down into ICE-COLD waters to identify and characterize various corals), 3) trawler activity (throw out large nets and draw them back with trawler going at 25knots to see the range of organisms trapped), 4) plankton investigation (surface and column collection of plankton + observation under dissection microscope to observe diversity).
Man, I tell you, it was FREEZING COLD! Grrrrr... *teeth chatter shatter* esp when we did the snorkeling part. Woah... its winter my dears, and already the outside temp is below 20s... and the water... my goodiness, they said it was 16deg. I thought it's more like 13deg or less.. Took a lot of courage for all of us to strip down to swimwear and wriggle into the icy waters, not to mention we must start treading/swimming/breathing with snorkel masks on. So many of us were so freezed out, we could barely move once in water and the teeth just sorta did their stomping dance and the bones chilled out. To tell the truth, I was so scared some of the kids' (and my) hearts would stop in shock.
Anyways, many of the kids got out within the next 10min, some due to sheer cold, some coz they were not comfortable using the snorkel equipment.. A couple of us went for a longer period, drifted for prob some tens of metres away, trying hard to look at the corals beneath and not panic too much (currents were quite strong too). But safety precautions were in place, so yeah, no real danger, though really quite drama I thought. Everyone eager + afraid + froze-out + shivering at the same time. What an experience!
As usual, the sunset at sea's great. I belong to the sea. Everything about it is probably great to me. =)
Everyone enjoyed the days' activities and I'm super glad the programme's planned out nicely such that there were many new things for the kids (and myself) to see and learn. Truly experiential learning. Can see the sparkle in many of their eyes. Truly glad. Many of them already bonded very nicely. Would probably see a few tears flow next tue as we bid goodbye.
Tomorrow's swampy mangrove time. Dirty muddy time. Catch u all again.
Though whole day out at sea, not too burnt, just a little red and brown on the nose and cheeks as usual. Sigh. But real glad all's safe and happy despite the choppy seas. No one fed the fishes with their vomit. =)
2nd Day
Yoo hoo. Day 2 went well. But I must admit age is catching up liao (Go on and laugh ur head out, but it's really true). Aiyohz.. at the end of one full day (and we started our day at 7am - *btw brisbane's 2hrs ahead of s'pore*) of fieldwork at the 1) sandy seagrass, 2) burnt-out and regrown forest, and 3) freshwater ecosystems, I was totally zapped of all my energy... and the kids, oh man.. they could still hop around energetically, scream, laugh and take pictures. I mean, look, what a difference 10yrs can make! All I wanted to do then was to sink into the bed. Bath or no bath. Dinner or no dinner. I wonder if I was that hyper when I was their age. =P
Anyways, bread was a staple over here. The aussies had light breakfasts and lunches. Dinners were more decent. But I think they think we asians can't eat much, so portions for first 2 days weren't too large. We fedback and yipee, today onwards, the kids will be able to eat to their very fill.
Okies, activities gg start for today liao. Will be out at sea whole day! Snorkel, trawler and plankton activities! Go on, envy me. But it'd be freezing cold. Hope no one catches a cold. Think it'd be no more than 15deg in water.
Update again later on (if I do not get zonked out again later tonite).
Anyways, bread was a staple over here. The aussies had light breakfasts and lunches. Dinners were more decent. But I think they think we asians can't eat much, so portions for first 2 days weren't too large. We fedback and yipee, today onwards, the kids will be able to eat to their very fill.
Okies, activities gg start for today liao. Will be out at sea whole day! Snorkel, trawler and plankton activities! Go on, envy me. But it'd be freezing cold. Hope no one catches a cold. Think it'd be no more than 15deg in water.
Update again later on (if I do not get zonked out again later tonite).
Sunday, June 04, 2006
In Ozzie Land
Heya, in wintry Brisbane now! Temp in day is in low 20s and in evening, drops to abt 12-15, think later night, it'd be under 10. Yipee! I lurve it.
Well, have to admit, this is turning out better than expected. The 7hr flight to brisbane city was smooth, the ferry journey to straddie (north stradbroke) island was enjoyable, the 15 kiddos behaved enthusiastically and appreciatively well, the weather is cool and dry, the pace here refreshingly slow and scenery here absolutely wonderful - the sun sets right in front of you, and bright stars twinkle right above you.
Only thing is we are all nearing hibernation mode - survived with only abt 3hrs zzz on plane, and once touched down, it's green light till now. Luckily, today's just simple island orientation and safety briefing. The real wet-dirty-backbreaking scientific activities will start tomorrow. Accomodation and food met expectation too. Had a yummy aussie bbq polished off with a freshly-baked apple crumble topped with freezer-cold vanilla ice-cream. Can't beat that (though I have a feeling many of us are going to miss our "orh-lua" and laksa come the next few days).
The rest has gone to star-gaze (mi gosh, they have powerful binoculars here, can see the "pock marks" on missy moon's surface). I'm going to join them liao.
There is hope on Earth. Never underestimate the power of kiddos' innocence and unbridled zest for life. You go kids!
I'm definitely going to put on many a kilos this trip. The weather's so nice and cold, it doesn't feel like a sin to eat like a pig. Heck. Live to work to eat. Don't you think?
Well, have to admit, this is turning out better than expected. The 7hr flight to brisbane city was smooth, the ferry journey to straddie (north stradbroke) island was enjoyable, the 15 kiddos behaved enthusiastically and appreciatively well, the weather is cool and dry, the pace here refreshingly slow and scenery here absolutely wonderful - the sun sets right in front of you, and bright stars twinkle right above you.
Only thing is we are all nearing hibernation mode - survived with only abt 3hrs zzz on plane, and once touched down, it's green light till now. Luckily, today's just simple island orientation and safety briefing. The real wet-dirty-backbreaking scientific activities will start tomorrow. Accomodation and food met expectation too. Had a yummy aussie bbq polished off with a freshly-baked apple crumble topped with freezer-cold vanilla ice-cream. Can't beat that (though I have a feeling many of us are going to miss our "orh-lua" and laksa come the next few days).
The rest has gone to star-gaze (mi gosh, they have powerful binoculars here, can see the "pock marks" on missy moon's surface). I'm going to join them liao.
There is hope on Earth. Never underestimate the power of kiddos' innocence and unbridled zest for life. You go kids!
I'm definitely going to put on many a kilos this trip. The weather's so nice and cold, it doesn't feel like a sin to eat like a pig. Heck. Live to work to eat. Don't you think?
Friday, June 02, 2006
A babble of nonsense
Have just finished facilitating some big (for ~135+ hopefully-thinking adults) workshop, and overseen a 2-day Learning Fest where we brought in supposedly skilled profs to share theories and strategies. By right, I should be feeling ecstatic. Plus the fact that I am flying off tomorrow with 15 monkeys to wintry ozzie land, I should be feeling excited. In any case, there should be positivity.
But the fact is, these few days had been cruel. The feeling is down down down down down. Never felt quite as low in my job before. Started to think a little more than just seriously about alternatives. It's not just because I've stepped on some willy nilly foxy tail and it's now getting ready to go out to get me (maybe I am imagining the snarl, but an woman's instinct can be scary); it's also all that subsequent (some-say-time-wasting) thinking about ideals and rights-wrongs and then getting upset over it; plus that self-doubt, and that wave of disillusion sweeping in like the infectious bird flu, killing one after another, happily spreading amonst ppl in the institution, plus other 'undescribales-unpinnables'. A potent cocktail offered at happy hour rates. Drink all you can.
The mind is a powerful tool. Think positive, good will prevail (though we dunno how long that'd take). Think negative, doom will befall (and we can bet a dime this will take shorter).
Sometimes the body is strong, the soul is weak. And sometimes the neurons are so tangled, it's probably a better idea to leave them alone. To think less is to gain more.
But the fact is, these few days had been cruel. The feeling is down down down down down. Never felt quite as low in my job before. Started to think a little more than just seriously about alternatives. It's not just because I've stepped on some willy nilly foxy tail and it's now getting ready to go out to get me (maybe I am imagining the snarl, but an woman's instinct can be scary); it's also all that subsequent (some-say-time-wasting) thinking about ideals and rights-wrongs and then getting upset over it; plus that self-doubt, and that wave of disillusion sweeping in like the infectious bird flu, killing one after another, happily spreading amonst ppl in the institution, plus other 'undescribales-unpinnables'. A potent cocktail offered at happy hour rates. Drink all you can.
The mind is a powerful tool. Think positive, good will prevail (though we dunno how long that'd take). Think negative, doom will befall (and we can bet a dime this will take shorter).
Sometimes the body is strong, the soul is weak. And sometimes the neurons are so tangled, it's probably a better idea to leave them alone. To think less is to gain more.
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