Part IV - The Movie

As the lights dimmed in the cinema, I heaved a sigh of relief. After all that trouble, we had finally made it in. What looked like a potential washout barely ten minutes ago seemed to be going according to the plan now. Even though the movie was not the major events of the night, the loss of the movie threatened to put the entire evening's plan into jeopardy. Tonight was going to be a special night.

The cinema seemed exceptionally chilly that night. Despite the large number of people in the cinema, the air-conditioner seemed to be set to the lowest possible temperature. Too effective an air-conditioner perhaps. Sensing that my date was feeling the chill, I reached out for my haversack. Fishing out a jacket, I handed it gently in the direction of my date. She was hesitant. Yet, smilingly, she held the jacket as she wrapped herself in its warmth. "Thank You" she whispered. I too, was feeling the chill. But the "thank you" warmed my heart. Surely she needed the extra piece of clothing more than me.

As the figures appeared on the screen, they were greeted with loud gasps of "so cute, so cute". I glanced around the dark cinema and noticed a number of young couples around me. Indeed, the animated figures were well designed and the movie seemed to have an excellent plot. Yet, I remained highly distracted. My attention was not on the movie, and my mind was in a whirl. From the corner of my eye, I realized that she was throughly enjoying the movie. "That's good", I thought to myself, "at least she's enjoying herself and not realizing how I distracted I am."

For the second time that night, my mind raced like a speeding bullet train. Thought after thought and ideas upon ideas came to me. Endless. Possibilities. What If. Fear. As I sat in the plush chair, while my eyes were seemingly focused on the screen, my mind was so far away. I so badly wanted to concentrate on the movie, but there were a million other things holding me back. "What it she says no"? "You would never know unless you try". "Maybe she's waiting for you to ask". "What if the feeling is not mutual?" The debate raged through my mind. Three months of daily SMSes had come down to this. There were too many unknowns, yet, I knew I had to try.

I closed my eyes to think. My mind was messing about with me far too much. There was a clear conflict between my heart and my head. Suddenly, I felt something grab my arm. Stunned. I was jolted back to my senses. "Its scary" was her reply. I held her hand and said "Not to worry, the bad guy's always lose". She broke into a wry smile.

I knew I had to take action. That night, over dinner. Enough suspense. Come what may, she had to know.

Part III

The cinema was bustling with a large crowd. Clearly, the signs of economic recession had yet to hit home. It seemed almost as if the entire Singapore was at City Hall that night. "Thank God for the Internet", I thought to myself as I joined the line for the internet booking ticket collection. To my dismay, there were already ten people in front of me. So much for internet efficiency. As I produced my credit card to collect the two prized tickets, I was horrified. And dumbfounded. "Sorry Sir, you are late. We have already given up your seats". I was informed by the young girl behind the counter. Clearly, she looked as if she could be sitting in my classroom on any given weekday. The power now, had shifted to the young girl behind the counter. She had the chance to ruin my date that very moment. "WWWhhhattt?" I exclaimed in disbelief. "You can't do this. I paid for those tickets and those seats - you can't let it go just like that", my voice growing dangerously low. "Erm... I'll go get my manager" was all she could manage.

As I stood at the counter, I felt like a complete fool. My first date and they gave away my seats was all my mind could manage. I looked over the other line and saw her, in her black dress, waiting to get the popcorn and the coke. "How much worse could it get?" I thought to myself. Frustrated. How was I going to tell her that the cinema was not exactly the friendliest cinema on the island of Singapore. As these thoughts came rushing through my head and heart, a slightly more mature gentlemen appeared in front of me. "I'm sorry Sir, can I help?" Trying my best to remain calm and composed, I explained the predicament. "I'll see what I can do" as all he say after a desperate three minute appeal.

By this stage, my date had already committed to the popcorn and coke. She had added in the nachos for good measure. I smiled at her while trying to remain calm. "Some technical glitches" I said, hoping that she would not sense my panic and read into my slightly shaky voice. My hopes were dashed when she asked "is everything OK?" "Please, please, cinema manager, please come out to save me". I prayed silently. She had sensed the panic in my voice, and I was determined not to lie to her again. Two lies in a night was two too many.

"I am so sorry" the manager apologized profusely. There's been a mistake, my staff was looking at the wrong movie schedule" With that, he handed me the two prized pieces of paper. I heaved a sigh of relief as I smiled at my date, maybe thing were not going to turn out so negatively after all.

The confusion caused us to miss the "best" part of the movie - the trailers and advertisements. As we settled down, the lights had just begun to dim, and the movie was just about to start.

Would tonight be the night?

Part II

Seven O'Clock. Saturday evening. The MRT station was buzzing with people like bees to honey. Throngs and throngs of people passed through the station, everyone seemed to be in a hurry. The incessant announcements of "If you see any suspicious looking person or article lying around, please inform our staff or call 999" was beginning to irk me. I must have heard that announcement over ten times while I waited. And waited.

I had been waiting at the train station since 6.30pm. Eager and anxious, I had arrived there thirty minutes ahead of the appointed hour. I was definitely not going to be late for this one. With my back against the wall, I glanced nervously at my watch, not daring to move from my prime position where I could see the faces coming out the MRT turnstiles. I was not going to miss it for the world.

This had been my highlight of the week, since that SMS was sent a couple of days ago. I had been living on cloud nine for the past forty-eight hours. Nothing was going to pop my bubble. The anticipation was harrowing, yet, exciting. Seven O'Clock. Still no sign of her. Could she have walked past me? Impossible. I had a bird's eye view of every passing individual for the past thirty minutes. I could have been employed as a security guard with my vigilance. There was no way she could have walked past me. 

As I picked up my phone to check on my date, it started ringing. "Hello?" I answered. "Hey, I'm five minutes late, still on the train. Next stop is City Hall." I smiled as I acknowledged her location. My date was slightly delayed, but she, was definitely on her way.

The black dress caught the corner of my eye. Was the her? As the figure approached me, it hit me. That was her alright. I was dumbfounded for a moment. "How come I didn't realize she was so pretty before?" I wondered to myself. The frantic pace of walking soon broke into a bashful smile. "I'm so sorry, I'm late". She apologized sheepishly. "No worries" I replied. "I just got here myself too". "GOSH!" I thought to myself, lying on my first date already?

Bliss.

A series of short stories

Hi guys, I have written a series of short stories for you to read while having your LONG holidays.... hahaha.... Let me know what you think alright. Below is Part I. 

An unforgettable day.

I clutched my handphone tightly. To send the SMS or not. I was unsure. I wanted so badly to send out the SMS. Yet, I did not dare to. Looking at the previous messages, I knew I had to do something, yet, I remained hesitant. What if the result wasn’t favorable? What if the answer was ‘no’? What would happen then? Lost and frustrated, I was totally lost and frustrated. Finally, I hit the ‘send’ button on the touch screen handphone.

The message must have gone through a million miles in cyberspace. The suspense was killing me. What would her answer be? I glanced at my handphone nervously. “What was taking her reply so long?” The ten minute wait seemed like an eternity. Millions of thoughts were running through my head like a bullet train running at 300 km/h. I was unable to compose myself. My mind kept toggling between the possibilities. Could I face the consequences? Would I be able to live with the reply?

She had caught my attention nearly three months ago. The radiant smile and soft voice captivated my heart. Even though we had only met rather recently, I felt that I had known her for the longest time. She never failed to cheer me up when I was down. That camp was where it all began. The place was littered with unfamiliar people and I was much too shy to talk to anyone when I noticed her also sitting quietly in the corner. My heart skipped a beat as she walked towards my direction. “Hi” she said, “You must be as lost as me.” I managed a weak nod and a little smile. It was, love at first sight. Months of text messages followed, and I found myself liking her more and more. 

“Beep, Beep” rang my phone. It brought me crashing back to reality. Nervously, I hit the “read” button on my phone. I was shocked. It read,

“Hey, thanks for your message. Sure. I would love to go out. Saturday, 7pm at City Hall?”

I had got my first date. 

-- End of Part I--

Take care,

Mr Goh. 

The revival of the blog...

Hey guys,

Its been such a LONG while since I last blogged. Yes, i've been extremely busy and kind of ignoring this blog. Don't worry, I'II revive it soon enough. 

Stay tuned for more short stories...

Take Care,

Mr Goh. 

History of the English language

The use of English language

The decision to adopt the English language as Singapore’s lingua franca back in 1965 was the right decision. Being a small nation state means that Singapore’s future is strongly linked towards that of the global economy. The ability to communicate with the rest of the world therefore, becomes absolutely crucial.

Although English has had a relatively short history compared to other languages, it is today, the world’s most widely spoken language. The United Nations lists six major working languages, namely, English, French, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin and Arabic. Of these languages, English is by far the most widely spoken language. This is due to the fact that English exists as the language of international business, science and modern innovation. From being the original language of the English rebels who were fighting against France, much knowledge today is expressed in English, and it has become widely accepted that to advance in the field of science and research, one has to be fluent in English.

English exists today

Breaking my light fitting...

Gosh, what a terrible day. 

I broke my light fitting. Rah. Two nights ago, my bulb started flickering, and last night, it finally died. So i thought that i'd change it this afternoon. Now, goodness knows when was the last time i changed a light bulb, and for this particular light, i don't even remember ever changing it. Well, someone else probably did, considering that this light has been in my room since we moved in (that would have been 15 years ago?). I guess no light bulb ever lasts for 15 years? But anyway, i had to change it this time round.

The casing was kinda stiff so i gave it a tug. And a guy being a guy, i guess i used a bit too much brute force, yup, you can guess where this is going. As i take the casing away, one bit of the bracket mounting falls to the ground. Excellent. I thought it would still be OK considering that there were two more brackets which i can hook onto. Well, after replacing the bulb, i tried to push the casing back on. After some figuring out and trying various ways of putting the casing back on, yup, the second bracket fell to the floor to. 

So, that's that for my light fitting. Its done. Haha.. Time for a new one.... 

Light shopping anyone?

Take care and stay safe,

Mr Goh

First Crust

Tonight was the premiere of the new English drama serial, "First Class". To be honest, I was kind of looking forward to the show, as it was set in my previous teaching school. It was interesting to see Jade Seah and other actors walking around the school during the filming process. This, was about 2 months ago. Even though they were filming in school, I didn't really know much about the plot until i saw some snippets of the show being advertised on television. It didn't leave me impressed. However, I decided to give it a fair-go and watch it anyway. After all, being objective is what matters the most in this case. Yet, what i saw tonight, didn't leave me very impressed at all. In fact, i was rather disappointed. Its not that i cannot laugh at myself, but i felt that the show didn't really do justice to how much hard work teachers really put in for their students.

While i understand that the show is made for entertainment purposes, i felt that the show should also have attempted to inject a does of realism into the show. It is exactly this kind of show that sends out the wrong signals to students and the public over what a real school is like. Indeed, it seems to me that the show is more about the life of a zookeeper rather than that of a teacher. I think it would help if i went in-depth into a few particular characters to analyze why the show didn't quite make the cut in my opinion.

Firstly, the show trivialized the role of individual characters in the school. Take the example of the vice-principal, played by Nicholas Lee. He plays an extremely insecure VP. And the way he acts it seems as if he is a control freak who is extremely ineffective. In real life, VPs never ever 'arrow' work to teachers on the spot nor do they put down their staff in public. That, is unprofessional.

Secondly, the show also made rather broad stereotypes. For example, the effeminate home economics teacher. While i've got nothing against effeminate teachers, i felt that it was unfair to stereotype male and home economics teachers as being effeminate. There are many male home economics teachers who are really masculine. I won't even begin to talk about the discipline master. 

I really felt that the show could have done more to project a perhaps more accurate picture of what the school environment is really like. We don't exclude pupils, in fact, as far as possible, we try to be supportive of them. But when they are insolent, then, its discipline that's required. As teachers, we really try our best for our students, and we're concerned about their future, and not just our own future. Of course, we are also concerned for our own careers, to be realistic. But, i hardly doubt its to that extent as portrayed in the show.

Well, i just hope that the subsequent episodes will be better.

Remember students, this is a show and not real life. In real life, if you behave like one of these actors, you will be dealt with. Seriously. 

Enough ranting. 

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Unfit..

I ran 2.4km today. Its been awhile since i last ran a real 2.4km on a proper track with proper timing. In fact, its been almost a year since i last took my IPPT. And today's results were less than satisfying, in fact, it was dismal. I clocked a total of 11 minutes and 50 seconds. Not good at all. My last timing was 10 minutes and 20 seconds. In other words, i am running too slowly. 

For those of you that don't know, i am supposed to be the team captain for the NIE director's relay. Basically, its a group of 4 guys and 2 girls (6 in total) each running 2.4km in the fastest time possible in order to win $300. The task looks daunting considering that we have only about three weeks left to train. I'm not sure about the rest, but i hope they're faster than me. I'm starting off on a really lousy note. I guess there's much more room for improvement.... Time for the daily running sessions again... No more slacking....

Sighz. Time to get my fitness back...

On a separate note, i bought a new CD from Hillsong. Its entitled 'This is our God', and its absolutely fabulous. I'm definitely enjoying these songs. With previous Hillsong CDs, its taken me awhile to like the music. But with this one, its different. The songs really captivated me from the first time... A definite buy if you're Christian...

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Another picture with the Sec 1s.

Another picture with Hazel and Jiahui from 1E1. 

:)

Mr Goh

As one chapter closes, another opens

Today marked exactly 4 months since i was posted to this school. So much as changed in four months. There have been ups and there have been downs, but i have had the time of my life, and i definitely wouldn't trade this experience for anything else. In a sense, i've come one full circle. I began my solo teaching career in 2N3, hence, i guess its apt that i end it in 2N3 as well. 

Even as i look at all the well-wishes wish they wrote, I feel a real sense of achievement. I became a teacher because i wanted to make a difference in someone's life. But the truth is, these students really made a difference in my life. I guess its a two-way process. We learn from each other. I have been so blessed to have been a part of this class and this school.

As one chapter closes, another one opens. Yes, its only been 4 months, but it feels as if i've know this class for so long. Hence, parting is difficult. But at the same time, i'm going off to study, i'm going to be an even more effective teacher.

Thank you, 2N3

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Photos!

The class even bought me a cake! Wow! Thanks Larry. You did a great job!

That's me playing with the soft toy one of my students gave me. I'm a huge fun of 'Twas the night before Christmas'. I wonder how they knew that... anyway... see the matching shirt? Thanks Jacqueline.

Thanks to 1E2. They really touched my heart. I was stunned when i walked into the class yesterday. For a brief moment, i didn't know how to react.

Thanks all my Sec 1s. You guys are terrific.

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Of awesome students with terrific hearts

To be completely honest, when i first received my posting order to Bendemeer Secondary School, i was somewhat stunned. I wasn't expecting to go to a secondary school as i was told that i would be put for Junior College. But as things would turn out, there was no mistake about my posting and God had it all planned out from the beginning.

I have learnt so much in this school and i would not trade it for anything else. The students that i have come into contact with have just been so awesome that i am left speechless. Well, i was left almost in tears today. They really touched my heart. I kinda knew about the farewell party for me beforehand, but i definitely wasn't prepared for what was to happen in the classroom. As i walked in, the class was dark and i was really surprised when i was presented with a sheet of well-wishers from everyone in the class. It really touched me. (I'm going to be framing this up and i will put it on my wall in my room at home as a reminder to myself of what a privilege it is to have taught such a class. It will almost remind me of why i became a teacher) I am truly so blessed.

As i read some of the cards, i can feel tears welling up in my eyes already. Gosh, i'm gonna miss these students so bad. Sometimes, i teach and i wonder if any learning had taken place at all. Yesh, sometimes i get frustrated as well, but at the end of this, i look back and i realize how lovely students are at heart. I am glad. :) It is this sort of stuff that will take a person very far in life. Be nice and people will be nice to you.

I don't know how i'm gonna handle tomorrow. I don't want to know. To a certain extent, i don't really want to leave this school, but at the same time, i want to go off and study to improve my teaching methods. These students, deserve only the best from me. Hence, i've gotta give them my best. 

I won't disappoint you class. I'm gonna study hard and do really well.

Take care and stay safe (yes Camy)

Mr Goh

The Night Safari

Hmm.. seems like its been awhile since I last updated... So much has been happening and i've been either too tired or too busy to blog.

I had the chance to visit the Night Safari last Saturday with a group of friends from New Zealand. Believe it or not, this was my first time going to the night safari despite being a Singaporean and living in Singapore. I've been to many places around the world, but i've never even been to my own local tourist attraction despite living here. It was rather ironical, so, when the chance came up for me to visit the place, i didn't refuse. I'm glad i didn't, cos' it turned out pretty well. However, for $32, i must admit that it was a tad too expensive. I guess that's the 'tourist tax'. I guess the night safari is one of those place where you visit once, and you'd probably never go back again. Its a good place for tourists, but as a local, i guess once is enough.

On a separate note, its my final week in school. Gosh, i'll so miss this place and the students here. Its with mixed feelings really. On the one hand, i'm excited about going back to study and for my career to move on. On the other hand, i'm gonna miss this place... Ah well, everything is for a time and a season. Its learning to enjoy whatever season you're in that will result in a much happier person. 

Stay cool.

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Red Cliff

I managed to catch 'Red Cliff' today. My first movie in more than a month. And, it was a terrific show. I appreciated the cinematography and the character development, I thought it was very well directed. It was relatively emotional as well to see how Sun Quan's army had devoted itself as a brotherhood to the service of the common people. Somehow, Liu Bei was made to look like a complete loser and weakling compared to Cao Cao and Sun Quan. 

The show was also very touching with many poignant moments. I nearly cried during two particular scenes. The first was when Zhao Yun bowed down before Liu Bei to apologize for the fact that he did not manage to save his wife, all this after he had fought like crazy to save the baby. The second part was when General Gan Xin bowed down before the old man to apologize for one of his troops stealing a water buffalo. Wow. These were soldiers that fought with a real heart. 

The focus wasn't so much so on Liu Bei and his generals, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun. Of course, they all had roles to play and did acted really well in the battle scenes. But, they were just the supporting crew. The show revolved mainly around Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu. Their acting was superb. 

There was only one twist at the end of the show which i totally disliked... the phrase, 'to be continued.....' Rah. Why? Why? Why? It was turning out to be such an awesome show...

Nonetheless, i'll just wait for the next part...

Take care and have a great weekend.

Mr Goh

National Songs

So... here i am, listening to National Day Songs getting in the mood for National Day. Yesh, its just 30 days away now. Gosh, i can't believe its another national day already. 

When Singapore had its first national day, it wasn't a pleasant experience. It was, in one word, unexpected. We weren't ready for independence, nor were we expecting it. Sure, we had some hiccups in our relationship with Malaysia, but certainly not one that we expected a separation to happen. The announcement came on national TV with the then prime minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew making an incredibly sad announcement that Singapore was now on its own. This, was 43 years ago. Today, many Singaporeans celebrate this day without a sense of history. For many, its just a public holiday to enjoy, they do not realize the process of nation-building that has taken place so far. The fact that Singapore is able to survive 43 years is nothing short of a miracle. Sure, excellent foresight and planning must take some credit, but ultimately, i believe if not for God's favor, we would not be where we are today. 

Thinking back, i have been involved in a total of NDPs. Yesh. Two parades. The first was in 1999 and the second was in 2007.  In 1999, i was involved in the combined schools choir that performed at the national stadium with Evelyn Tan as the key singer who sang "Together we make a difference". Last year, i was part of the medical support team for NDP07, this theme song was sung by Kit Chan who sang "There's no place i'd rather be'. The fireworks get better each year. But put it this way, i've never really enjoying performing in NDP. Its weeks and weeks of practice.... you get to school/work on Monday dead tired, and you don't get time off. Sure, its fun to watch, but its not that fun when you consider all the work you put in. My heart goes out to all the performers each year. 

This time last year, i was out at the floating platform managing casualties and making sure that everyone is well and hydrated. It was hard work. We had to wake up at 4am to grab our medical supplies from camp, and then we had to arrive at the platform by 7 and be ready to recieve any potential casualties by 8am. We didn't leave the place till almost midnight every session. And this happened for 12 consecutive Saturdays. Definitely not pleasant. But, take it as part of National Service...

This year, i still have no idea what i'll be doing on national day. All i know is, i'm certainly not at the floating platform!

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

So You Think You Can Dance

I was just watching "So you think you can dance" on television, and the performances really blew me away. I am a real fan of the show even though i can't dance. You could pay me a million bucks to dance, but i can't. I couldn't dance even if my life depended on it. I have two left feet and am super clumsy. But wow, the performances were terrific. I throughly enjoyed it. 

Watching these shows make me realize how the human body is capable of so many flexible movements. All their moves are so cool, so technically challenging, which makes it even nicer to watch. 

I must learn to dance one day...

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh

Occupational Hazards

I'm rather annoyed at the moment.

I look at the stain on my shirt, and i'm thinking 'rah. this is annoying'. Guess what? I was talking with the whiteboard marker in my hand. I forgot to put the lid back on and the marker slipped out of my hand and landed on my orange shirt. This is the first time i'm wearing this shirt and it was expensive stuff, rah. Now, there is a green streak on the shirt. It completely wrecks the nice orange shirt that i began the day with. Too bad for me, i guess. Its time to buy a new shirt, i reckon... Alternatively, i could always add more green streaks to the shirt to make it look like it was part of the design... Hmm... I guess that's an option.

Gosh. Its friday. Finally. Its been a really long first week back. But Frrridayyyy is finally here and i'm glad... I get to catch my breath. Well, not really, i have a 10km run tomorrow morning along with a whole host of church activities in the afternoon. I'm in for another packed weekend. Singapore life. Its always one activity after another.... 

Enjoy the weekend... but remember to do your homework..

Take care and stay safe...

Mr Goh

What motivates you?

I had a really fun time in class today. It was a super long day for me, and I just fell into the sofa in the staff room at the end of the day. Dead tired. It was hectic, but fun. I was discussing the morals of 'Kungfu Panda' in class, and it was quite remarkable. The master shifu discovered what motivated Po and used that to train him. In this case, it was food. Indeed, the master shifu learnt to speak the language of his student and was able to connect with him on that level, now that is what i call a superb teacher. There was no secret to Po's success and skills other than himself. 

All of us have at least one thing that motivates us. For some people, it is good grades, for some, it is an overseas holiday, for some, it is money. Let's face it, we're all people, and we need things to motivate us. For me, what motivates me is when i see my students do well. Nothing brings more satisfaction to my heart than to see my students putting in their best effort and doing well. But ultimately, the effort must come from you personally.

Thinking back, I wasn't a very good student last time either. I didn't really put in much effort to study until I was sent overseas - that was when i realized how important my studies were. From there on, I made an entirely fresh new start and decided to work hard. Thankfully, I had a chance to redeem myself and start afresh. 

Don't waste your life, give it your best shot, and live with no regrets.

Term 3, Day 1

Holidays are over. The past four weeks just zipped by just like that. Where did all that time go? I was so busy the entire time that i hardly had any time to rest. There wasn't a single day during the holidays where i was able to stay home and relax. I was on my feet all day, everyday. Not sustainable.... Its only term 3, day 1, yet, i feel so tired already. The effects of a lack of sleep is beginning to take its toll on me. Gosh. How am i gonna survive??? I guess not surviving is not an option. I just have to keep smiling and keep telling myself that i can do this. 

I watched kungfu panda yesterday. Kinda cheesy, i felt. But i liked the values it was promoting. How one should never give up, and the secret really is 'nothing'. Its you. You are the secret. Don't look to others for help, because you are the secret to success. I enjoyed the show also because it promoted respect for your kungfu master (teacher), indeed, i believe the mouse teacher saw alot of potential in Po, and believed in him later on in the show. Hence, he was able to train Po well. If he did not believe in Po, he would have given up on him a long time ago.

I need to realize the potential of each student.... that's what the show taught me. Awesome values...

Take care and stay safe

Mr Goh