Testing Limits
Adding a little load.
Tension builds up gradually.
Slowly but surely.
Stretching it to its maximum.
And then, beyond,
the point of elasticity.
It can never return to its original properties.
And I am that spring.
Solitude
….
:: Shanghai, Sun Island ::
Everyday seemed colder than the day before as the temperature dips near to freezing point. But I am beginning to embrace the cold. As I walked out of my apartment, the stillness of the morning, the cold wind, the lifeless autumn leaves.
Home seemed so distant.
Solitude so welcoming.
I am Singaporean
Yesterday was dinner with some of the school’s management who were Singaporeans. (I could never have imagined having so much fun dining with the Principal! ) And tonight, was dinner at a colleague’s home with some other Singaporean teachers.
On both occasions, we thanked each other for the company before we part. To me, it [...]
Pressing on
Fortunately, I recovered in time to report for work.
Got to know two new colleagues, Jean and Kellen, who were roommates staying in the same estate as me. They brought me out last night for some good and cheap food. I got some turtle necks and fleece pyjamas at a real bargain. Stock up on food [...]
Sick (Home)
The grey skies. The rain. The cold. I felt so miserable. So very miserable. I battled with the pounding headache and finally threw out whatever I had eaten for the day. The bitter after taste. A hot forehead but cold body. I felt alone. I wanted to cry. I imagined being home with my family, snuggled in my [...]
In Shanghai
Day 1. The most difficult part of leaving was saying goodbye. I fought back my tears as I hugged and kissed each of my boys. Breastfed Xuan for the last time after breakfast. As he savoured every last drop of milk, I tried to capture every bit of emotions that I could contain in my memory.
It was a [...]
Escape?
I woke up at dawn and could not get back to sleep. And by eight in the morning of my school vacation, I was back at my work station. Groped through the dark in the deserted staff room.
A cup of coffee, accompanied only by my favourite songs playing from my mp3, staring at the monitor, pecking on the keyboard. Completing some reports [...]
Rewards
His father bough this for him.
His grandparents gave him a big fat ang pow.
And more presents are streaming in.
But I stressed that these are not rewards for academic success. We are all very proud of him because he has been diligent, discipline and self-motivating. And we emphasize that he has to work on his leadership [...]
Pride
:: First in Class. Fifth in Primary 1 Level ::
It was the school’s parents’ night. As previous years, my duty was ushering.
But this year was different.
Every strand of hair was in place. Nails manicured and polished. Dressed in a pink china doll dress with matching stilettos and a pair of elegant diamond earrings, I walked down [...]
A metaphor
At the playground. A mother. She saw her son pushed a girl while the pair was playing. The girl fell with a deep cut. They boy was also hurt. But the mother calmly walked to his son, examined his wound and nursed him, ignoring the injured girl at the corner. And the duo left without a word.
This helped [...]
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