There's just so much to say today but I'll choose to describe my experience as a rider. Being a rider/ musician/ student isn't an easy feat. Carrying your semi-acoustic guitar at the back and your black leather bag in front proves to be more of a circus act. You want to learn balancing? Try that. Just the other day, on my way to fix Chinook, I was stopped by my strongest nemesis. A force so strong that nobody can stop; the torrential rain.
I had to make a pitstop at the bus stop just outside the 3M factory. Drenched and wet, my main concern was my guitar and my laptop. The rest was quite insignificant actually including myself. What a way to start the day. And so I slept in the cold without much protection. Tried sitting down and even sleepin flat on the bench. Couldn't go anywhere anyway. Suddenly, I woke up to an unexpected visit. I was awoken by women voices, those of which didn't really made me want to go back to sleep. The Attack of the Cleaner Aunties!!! Ok, so they're just chatty but it's interesting to note that these women speak with such passion. In their dialects, I couldn't decipher their conversations. But one thing's for sure, if they're talking about buying fish at the market with those expressions, boy oh boy, that must be one hell of a fish.
Fixed Chinook but was already going to be late for work at Acid Bar. Rushed down with hope that it wouldn't rain. I was wrong. It started to pour. With no protection, I was drenched and wet and it was kind of painful to be hit by the rain at 100km/hr. Only the riders themselves would know the stinging pain.
Reached Acid, no warm welcome. I was drenched for goodness sake. All the waiter could say was "Gen explained to you already right?".
This is the best I heard from the waiter when she saw me placing my guitar bag on the cushion. "Is that bag wet?". I said yes and she replied, "That's cushion". I mean come onlah. I'm drenched. You're dry. I'm cold. You're warm. You're talking about cushion in front of me. She didn't even smile at me. I'm sorry to complain because I am a service evangelist. I hate it when people don't give good basic service. You don't have to take my shoes and dry them or find me another pair of clothes so that I can be dry. You could just empathize with my situation. Some people are like that, they're like so self centered while here we are trying to solve the problem for them as soon as possible. Oh well, humans. Different. Variations. Everybody's guilty of being different.
I've had my bad days before so I'm really not bothered.
ja
tonight.esplanade
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Basic
Sometimes, people just lack basic courtesy. BASIC courtesy. Even in the service sector. Disappointed.
Besides that, I TRULY learnt the meaning of indulgence. Polo Tee, 9 different colours and a present to go along with it.
ja
sometimes people just don't get it, do they?
Besides that, I TRULY learnt the meaning of indulgence. Polo Tee, 9 different colours and a present to go along with it.
ja
sometimes people just don't get it, do they?
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Polo Mints
The day started off with a vague recollection of what happened yesterday. Felt really tired but nevertheless, I had to challeneged myself to get off the floor. Everybody does that. You wake up, tell yourself that you'll give yourself another 5 deserving extra minutes for your hardwork yesterday. What happens next? Next thing you know, you're already late for your appointment or your class. And so I sat up, gave myself a good stretch while going through my mind what was in store for me today. Switched on my phone and boy, was I late for work. Oh well, if you're going to be late, might as well take it a little easier and not rush. I mean, what's the point. You will still be late. Oh well, go with the flow was on my mind.
Hmmm... Checked the school email to see what other spams will I receive today. You can't blame. After being bombarded with Vivace mails with their brandings and announcments, one could not help but anticipate another mail that is so not for you. But who do they care, as long as the mail reaches out to the depths of the SMU population. Congrats, your mail reached one guy who can't be bothered to open the mail unless it's Stereometa, Soundfoundry or my internation exchange updates. Yup, still hoping for that spot in Chulalongkorn. Hopefully that happens.
Brushing my teeth and looking at the mirror, I can't help but ask myself. Have I really lived the life that I wanted when I first tore away the NUS application and accepted SMU's? I mean, I didn't apply SMU but they gave me a call out of nowhere while I was watching MTV in the early afternoon. I mean, what luck. Did I really do what I initially planned? Learning to learn is truly a concept not many would find difficult to comprehend. But how about understanding it? Learn to learn.
It is truly inevitable to be swayed by the majority at times; how they think, how they react to certain events. To me, I have always tried to stick to my own principles and live the way and think the way I want to. Sometimes, sticking to your principles can lead to a lot conflicts. Compromise? But it is principles. But, I reminded myself to learn to learn. Oh well, it's amazing how much thoughts you can put into while brushing your teeth and gargling your stinky mourning breath away.
Draped myself with Mickey Mouse towel after my warm shower and did a touch and go with my MSN to check who is already online. Hmm. Quite a few. Ran over to the wardrobe to choose my outfit for the day. I have a love hate relationship with myself when it comes to outfits. I have to be colour coordinated. If my outfit for the day sucks, then I'd rather be away from society and head home early. I'm not vain. I'm just concern with my clothes because I just find it an obligation to be presentable in public. I am conscious of how I present myself to others. Nobody would like to look bad in school. Would you?
Stood myself in front of the mirror while putting my mind into thinking mode. We have become the object of public scrutiny. Many of us do. Well, I would say, a majority of us. We go shopping for better looking clothes, nicer shoes, trendier bags and accessories to differentiate ourselves from the rest. It is just human nature to feel good when somebody complements on a good outfit. Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs seems to fit well if you guys want a good scientific explaination.
Great! Got my green Polo Tee on to match with my cream coudroy that I bought at Orchard after spending 3 hours scouring for it. It felt really good to get the things that you've been searching for all this while. I paid that with my bouncer money that I slaved for during my second summer in SMU. I just had a realisation that I prefer to be in Polo Tee than in anything else. I like. It's simple. I don't like multi colours on my Polo Tee. A simple one tone colour will do the trick. A worn out look would certainly make me a happy boy. Oh well, what doesn't interest me? Fashion has always fascinated me. What's in and what's not. What's going to be the next in thing. I'll live that for later perhaps.
Time check, late. What's new. Grabbed my half helmets, slipped on my Japanese straw sandals and made my way to Chinook. That reminds me. I need to send her for inspection. But before that, I have to go down to the mechanic to fix her break pads and her lights. In times like this, how I really wish that I have another twin brother who can really help me run my urgent errands while I head off to work. That would be cool. I'll save this topic for another day. Or maybe not. We'll see.
Too much thinking early in the morning for the brain certainly didn't help the stomach. Too famished for my liking. Good thing that the roads were clear. Thank god and have I ever mentioned that my greatest nemesis are those drivers or riders who do not signal before they shift lanes? It's really bloody annoying I tell you. But the clear skies and the fact that I'm earning some cash in school soften my angst towards these people.
I never knew handing out EZ Link cards would be interesting. You meet a lot of interesting and unique people I tell you. Me and JZ made a tagline that sounded like this"
-in the voice of a radio presenter- "Good morning everybody. We're Double J and we'll make your day. Just tell us what you want and we'll do it your way" I know that doesn't have any relations to what we were doing but hey, it sounded good enough for me.
I gain a sense of satisfaction when I provide good services to others. Now before you guys start to think of any happy thoughts, start imagining me as a tour guide or a Starbucks barista. Get the idea? I love interacting with people from any walks of life and just be sociable. I guess this made me the person that I am in school and has allowed me to be comfortable to face a huge crowd when performing. Seriously, nothing beats knowing that a somebody appreciates your services no matter how small that is. I guess many of us have experienced it before. But in life, it's truly hard to please everybody. There's only so much that we can do as individuals. Sometimes, most of us have to adopt multi-faceted characteristics when we face different social groups or people just to ensure some harmony. But are we being our true self?
It's hard to be the real you. In a certain social group, they consider you as the joker. To another social group, they consider you as a serious individual who are driven to achieve anything that you desire while at times, others just consider you laid back and easy going. So, who are we again? Enough of deep thinking for now. Right after work at OSL, i headed down for my Science and Exploration class. It was so dry, that the prof can really start a bushfire.
I hate the fact that my initial perception of the class have been marred by boring secondary school theories about what science is all about. Most of us, with the exception of the few being who thinks that talking about molecules can lead them to orgasmic nirvana, would love to be involved with more practicals and a more unique style of delivery when approaching the subject. Spare me the thoughts of reminiscing my Science teacher who made me think that biting a cockroach in a ziplock was way more interesting than molecule fusion and binding. I mean, come on, this is the problem with lecturers. They are just lecturers and not educators. Luckily another speaker came in and gave the lecture a better vibe than it was before. He began to talk about stars and where we fit inside our universe. Woah...... deep space thinking.
Small interesting discoveries intrigues me. For example, he shared with us how the ancient astronomers or scientists calculated the number of days in a year. Gotta give credit to the and the Stonehedge. Quite innovative I should say. If you want to know further, nudge me the next time you see me.
Have I told you that I'm into Polo Tee now? Hmm. I think I have. Sitting alone in school can really be therepeutic. While it can be such a sore for many of you guys, school gives me some privacy and me time. I don't hear my mom telling me to clean the house, wash the dishes, vacuum the floor or run errands over here. Not saying that I don't like it but after a long day at work or in school, I just want to be alone and enjoy some quiet me time. Sometimes, hearing a certain somebody's voice can really perk up your mood. Ever experienced that. I guess most of you have. It's interesting how a voice can really change your mood.
Oh well, staying in school doesn't really help right now. I'm going to head home now and pratice for my set tomorrow. I promised Belider that I will play for her Bad Day by Daniel Powter when I couldn't fulfil her request at Timbre last night.
p.s, me and Izati have thing for taglines so I came up with one. thought of a tagline for an architecture company or banks, "We build homes, not just houses"
ja
cement my heart and place me on broadway
Hmmm... Checked the school email to see what other spams will I receive today. You can't blame. After being bombarded with Vivace mails with their brandings and announcments, one could not help but anticipate another mail that is so not for you. But who do they care, as long as the mail reaches out to the depths of the SMU population. Congrats, your mail reached one guy who can't be bothered to open the mail unless it's Stereometa, Soundfoundry or my internation exchange updates. Yup, still hoping for that spot in Chulalongkorn. Hopefully that happens.
Brushing my teeth and looking at the mirror, I can't help but ask myself. Have I really lived the life that I wanted when I first tore away the NUS application and accepted SMU's? I mean, I didn't apply SMU but they gave me a call out of nowhere while I was watching MTV in the early afternoon. I mean, what luck. Did I really do what I initially planned? Learning to learn is truly a concept not many would find difficult to comprehend. But how about understanding it? Learn to learn.
It is truly inevitable to be swayed by the majority at times; how they think, how they react to certain events. To me, I have always tried to stick to my own principles and live the way and think the way I want to. Sometimes, sticking to your principles can lead to a lot conflicts. Compromise? But it is principles. But, I reminded myself to learn to learn. Oh well, it's amazing how much thoughts you can put into while brushing your teeth and gargling your stinky mourning breath away.
Draped myself with Mickey Mouse towel after my warm shower and did a touch and go with my MSN to check who is already online. Hmm. Quite a few. Ran over to the wardrobe to choose my outfit for the day. I have a love hate relationship with myself when it comes to outfits. I have to be colour coordinated. If my outfit for the day sucks, then I'd rather be away from society and head home early. I'm not vain. I'm just concern with my clothes because I just find it an obligation to be presentable in public. I am conscious of how I present myself to others. Nobody would like to look bad in school. Would you?
Stood myself in front of the mirror while putting my mind into thinking mode. We have become the object of public scrutiny. Many of us do. Well, I would say, a majority of us. We go shopping for better looking clothes, nicer shoes, trendier bags and accessories to differentiate ourselves from the rest. It is just human nature to feel good when somebody complements on a good outfit. Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs seems to fit well if you guys want a good scientific explaination.
Great! Got my green Polo Tee on to match with my cream coudroy that I bought at Orchard after spending 3 hours scouring for it. It felt really good to get the things that you've been searching for all this while. I paid that with my bouncer money that I slaved for during my second summer in SMU. I just had a realisation that I prefer to be in Polo Tee than in anything else. I like. It's simple. I don't like multi colours on my Polo Tee. A simple one tone colour will do the trick. A worn out look would certainly make me a happy boy. Oh well, what doesn't interest me? Fashion has always fascinated me. What's in and what's not. What's going to be the next in thing. I'll live that for later perhaps.
Time check, late. What's new. Grabbed my half helmets, slipped on my Japanese straw sandals and made my way to Chinook. That reminds me. I need to send her for inspection. But before that, I have to go down to the mechanic to fix her break pads and her lights. In times like this, how I really wish that I have another twin brother who can really help me run my urgent errands while I head off to work. That would be cool. I'll save this topic for another day. Or maybe not. We'll see.
Too much thinking early in the morning for the brain certainly didn't help the stomach. Too famished for my liking. Good thing that the roads were clear. Thank god and have I ever mentioned that my greatest nemesis are those drivers or riders who do not signal before they shift lanes? It's really bloody annoying I tell you. But the clear skies and the fact that I'm earning some cash in school soften my angst towards these people.
I never knew handing out EZ Link cards would be interesting. You meet a lot of interesting and unique people I tell you. Me and JZ made a tagline that sounded like this"
-in the voice of a radio presenter- "Good morning everybody. We're Double J and we'll make your day. Just tell us what you want and we'll do it your way" I know that doesn't have any relations to what we were doing but hey, it sounded good enough for me.
I gain a sense of satisfaction when I provide good services to others. Now before you guys start to think of any happy thoughts, start imagining me as a tour guide or a Starbucks barista. Get the idea? I love interacting with people from any walks of life and just be sociable. I guess this made me the person that I am in school and has allowed me to be comfortable to face a huge crowd when performing. Seriously, nothing beats knowing that a somebody appreciates your services no matter how small that is. I guess many of us have experienced it before. But in life, it's truly hard to please everybody. There's only so much that we can do as individuals. Sometimes, most of us have to adopt multi-faceted characteristics when we face different social groups or people just to ensure some harmony. But are we being our true self?
It's hard to be the real you. In a certain social group, they consider you as the joker. To another social group, they consider you as a serious individual who are driven to achieve anything that you desire while at times, others just consider you laid back and easy going. So, who are we again? Enough of deep thinking for now. Right after work at OSL, i headed down for my Science and Exploration class. It was so dry, that the prof can really start a bushfire.
I hate the fact that my initial perception of the class have been marred by boring secondary school theories about what science is all about. Most of us, with the exception of the few being who thinks that talking about molecules can lead them to orgasmic nirvana, would love to be involved with more practicals and a more unique style of delivery when approaching the subject. Spare me the thoughts of reminiscing my Science teacher who made me think that biting a cockroach in a ziplock was way more interesting than molecule fusion and binding. I mean, come on, this is the problem with lecturers. They are just lecturers and not educators. Luckily another speaker came in and gave the lecture a better vibe than it was before. He began to talk about stars and where we fit inside our universe. Woah...... deep space thinking.
Small interesting discoveries intrigues me. For example, he shared with us how the ancient astronomers or scientists calculated the number of days in a year. Gotta give credit to the and the Stonehedge. Quite innovative I should say. If you want to know further, nudge me the next time you see me.
Have I told you that I'm into Polo Tee now? Hmm. I think I have. Sitting alone in school can really be therepeutic. While it can be such a sore for many of you guys, school gives me some privacy and me time. I don't hear my mom telling me to clean the house, wash the dishes, vacuum the floor or run errands over here. Not saying that I don't like it but after a long day at work or in school, I just want to be alone and enjoy some quiet me time. Sometimes, hearing a certain somebody's voice can really perk up your mood. Ever experienced that. I guess most of you have. It's interesting how a voice can really change your mood.
Oh well, staying in school doesn't really help right now. I'm going to head home now and pratice for my set tomorrow. I promised Belider that I will play for her Bad Day by Daniel Powter when I couldn't fulfil her request at Timbre last night.
p.s, me and Izati have thing for taglines so I came up with one. thought of a tagline for an architecture company or banks, "We build homes, not just houses"
ja
cement my heart and place me on broadway
Monday, August 28, 2006
Food and Ears
A few gigs lining up this week for myself. The Rockstar Lullaby will be playing at:
Acid Bar this Wed from 7-9pm
Friday @ Lau Par Sat from 6-730pm then rushing down to Esplanade from 8-8.30pm
Tentative, Saturday at Heeren from 6pm-9pm at Heeren for New Urban Male fashion show
Crazyhours, with crazypeople.
ja
art is tic
Acid Bar this Wed from 7-9pm
Friday @ Lau Par Sat from 6-730pm then rushing down to Esplanade from 8-8.30pm
Tentative, Saturday at Heeren from 6pm-9pm at Heeren for New Urban Male fashion show
Crazyhours, with crazypeople.
ja
art is tic
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Jar Mail
Nothing much to be written except that a few observations made me realise a few things.
People come everyday to SMU because of friends. Great company over teh peng is a must. It's a habit. It's a lifestyle. Ordering vitagen will lead you to your tragic demise in the caste system. YOU will be an outcast.
There are many smart people in school. There are many people who think they are smart in school but they are not. There are people who think they know everything. Being humble is truly hard.
To keep quiet when you have nothing to say may lead them to cast an anti-social stigma on you. Opening your mouth when you have nothing to say may lead them to cast you as an empty barrel. How now? I prefer to keep quiet. It's better that way. Keeps you away from harm's length.
I may have the intellectual capacity of Winnie The Pooh! That's what Prof Park of BP said to us. Even Winnie The Pooh can complete his course with ease. Ok dokie! Show me the Honeyyy!
In science and expolration class, I raised the point of perspectives. In this world, nothing is right or wrong, just perspective. Another man's honey may be poison to another.
I wonder how many people read this blog everyday.
I wonder how many of the people who read this blog would be known by me.
I love Polo Tee. Will be a Polo Tee man from now on. The red one that I wore today complemented my coudroy. Happy.
ja
jar mail
People come everyday to SMU because of friends. Great company over teh peng is a must. It's a habit. It's a lifestyle. Ordering vitagen will lead you to your tragic demise in the caste system. YOU will be an outcast.
There are many smart people in school. There are many people who think they are smart in school but they are not. There are people who think they know everything. Being humble is truly hard.
To keep quiet when you have nothing to say may lead them to cast an anti-social stigma on you. Opening your mouth when you have nothing to say may lead them to cast you as an empty barrel. How now? I prefer to keep quiet. It's better that way. Keeps you away from harm's length.
I may have the intellectual capacity of Winnie The Pooh! That's what Prof Park of BP said to us. Even Winnie The Pooh can complete his course with ease. Ok dokie! Show me the Honeyyy!
In science and expolration class, I raised the point of perspectives. In this world, nothing is right or wrong, just perspective. Another man's honey may be poison to another.
I wonder how many people read this blog everyday.
I wonder how many of the people who read this blog would be known by me.
I love Polo Tee. Will be a Polo Tee man from now on. The red one that I wore today complemented my coudroy. Happy.
ja
jar mail
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
My Little Disclaimer
I wrote a few song pieces during my summer break.
1. Maybe I should be glad
2. The Last Song
3. My Little Disclaimer
4. Longing
5. Nothing Without You
Of roses and proses
People read but do they comprehend
People see but do they understand
People run but where do they stand
Perspectives I see, time and time again
You may write me on the floors of history
Where many will trudge
Where many will pass
Some may see
Some may choose to be nice
While some may burn me in flames
I swear I will gather and rise
Just like the sun and the moon
They appear again no matter how life glooms
And just like the ocean tides
No matter what happens
I will still rise
Do you seek to see me frown
Turn my leaf, cut the light
And turn me brown
I like the way how things seems to be
You're my one and only happy enemy
Words may cut deep
Like an ocean of uncertainty
While you dive deep to find some clarity
There is no such thing as answers to me
Only questions I see in my dictionary
Does my forwardness blunts you
Do my mistakes confuse you
It is weird why everybody takes vengeance in return
When instead they should ponder and learn to learn
To those who wish to see me fall
You write things down on pieces of paper
But one thing I possess that protects me from all
Is you whom I call my little disclaimer
ja
you're my little disclaimer
1. Maybe I should be glad
2. The Last Song
3. My Little Disclaimer
4. Longing
5. Nothing Without You
Of roses and proses
People read but do they comprehend
People see but do they understand
People run but where do they stand
Perspectives I see, time and time again
You may write me on the floors of history
Where many will trudge
Where many will pass
Some may see
Some may choose to be nice
While some may burn me in flames
I swear I will gather and rise
Just like the sun and the moon
They appear again no matter how life glooms
And just like the ocean tides
No matter what happens
I will still rise
Do you seek to see me frown
Turn my leaf, cut the light
And turn me brown
I like the way how things seems to be
You're my one and only happy enemy
Words may cut deep
Like an ocean of uncertainty
While you dive deep to find some clarity
There is no such thing as answers to me
Only questions I see in my dictionary
Does my forwardness blunts you
Do my mistakes confuse you
It is weird why everybody takes vengeance in return
When instead they should ponder and learn to learn
To those who wish to see me fall
You write things down on pieces of paper
But one thing I possess that protects me from all
Is you whom I call my little disclaimer
ja
you're my little disclaimer
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Patience is a Virtue but Waiting Sucks
Just woke up. My daily routine for now.
wakeup
check msn
on itunes
practice guitar
heat up morning breakfast
shower
morning breakfast has been warmed
boil water
find matching clothes
blast itunes on speakers
check cuckoo clock so that i won't be late for class
eat
switch on tv
watch Oprah Winfrey
grab keys, wallet, guitar, helmet
ride chinook
go school
ja
i love my daily routines
wakeup
check msn
on itunes
practice guitar
heat up morning breakfast
shower
morning breakfast has been warmed
boil water
find matching clothes
blast itunes on speakers
check cuckoo clock so that i won't be late for class
eat
switch on tv
watch Oprah Winfrey
grab keys, wallet, guitar, helmet
ride chinook
go school
ja
i love my daily routines
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Greetings
The new term has just started and the whole Teh and Kopi phenomenon will resume again. Teh and Kopi, our sole reason for us to get out of the freaking boring lecture and to entertain ourselves with friends. Talking that short walk across the street or just going underground towards Kopitiam proved to be a more delightful experience as compared to having to sit and get tortured by the prof's verbal assault. While at that, most of you who have read this would most probably storied to your friends about your whacky summer adventure. These are the very few things that would certainly still remain intact in our head after we graduate.
I prefer to be in black and white as compared to grey. Grey, what is grey? It's uncertainty. It's a fusion of two. Blending two things together doesn't necessarily mean beauty. Grey makes you assume and in my own quote, "Assumption is the mother of all fuck ups". It's true. How many of us assumed things and it turned out disastrous? Of course things could turn out great but what are the odds?
That happened to me. It's inevitable to make mistakes because frail humans we are, we are always subjected to uncertainty and lack of information. With this, assumptions have to be made. Furtheremore, you tend to assume more when it comes to having to deal with human emotions. It's hard to read a person's mind. Body language? Well, that's a possibility. I know of people who can. But when it comes to affairs of the heart and when you assume that the other party have a certain level of inclination towards you, many are shy to express their true thoughts because truly, rejection is a pain in the ass. By now, you may have a certain mental imagery of what the other party is thinking and if that mental imagery doesn't come out right, it can be quite a shocker and you certainly need to do damage control immediately. Still frames of moments like this just makes you wish that there is a hole that you can bury yourself into straight away.
Black and white.
Grey.
3 months have passed and how colourful was your summer? Perhaps you could give one liners here to just sum up your summer escapades. Mine was truly full of life changing moments. It's about burning, it's about opportunities, it's about death, it's about being a street kid once again, it's about understanding street kids. Being an educator for 1 month truly opened up my eyes about the reality out there about why there are shortages of teachers when in actual fact, NIE is the haven for hundreds of future, qualifed teachers. It's all about objectives. Yes, objectives. Why do you want to be a teacher in the first place? For the monetary benefits? To pass time? Were they forced? Or was the main reason a cliched one, to make a difference in the students' lives. Lemme tell you, some of the teachers, get deluded once they are thrown into the gauntlet. Ask your fellow teachers if you don't believe me.
THe turnoever rate is so high because to a certain extent, these teachers are not equipped to handle difficult people. These students are difficult individuals. First and formost, you have to understand that before you can start to teach, you must first be in control. And in order to do that, you must enforce discipline. I guess, in the teacher's guidebook, they didn't say anything about this huh. Plus, the lecturer tells the wannabe teachers to avoid punishing the students in any physical form and motivate them if they misbehave or make any mistakes. HELLLOOOOOO. That's in the ideal world. Step into my school. I went around and even saw teachers telling them to do push ups outside class. For me? I have my own style. I don't need to do push ups and stuff. It's all about peer pressure and getting the right frequency with them. Former street kids like me, would be able to get along with these street kids better. But mind you, these street kids are smart and have ambitions, it's just that they don't have the motivation and guidance to faciliate the process of achieving their goals.
Some would like to be trained dancers, some would like to be a businessman and one kid wanted to be in Public Relations for goodness sake. Awesome. There is only so much you can do. For me, I cannot do much apart from telling them of my personal experiences and experiences from other people who have already made it in life. I told them the process of reaching their goals and objectives. One thing that I hope they would be able to grab and put inside their pocket would be this.
"Experience alone can make you achieve your goals at the end of the day. Education AND experience allows you to reach them faster. Education allows you to have options in life. Do you want to be stuck with only one option?"
Well people, don't be a streetlamp in life. Be a MOBILE streetlamp. Ya know, just, move around and shed some light to some people who need some guidance in their life. One thing I like about being a mobile streetlamp is that, sometimes, people paste stuff on you, sometimes, they write notes on you, telling you that they enjoyed your company and it was a blast while it last.
ja
welcome to the real world she said to me, condecendingly
I prefer to be in black and white as compared to grey. Grey, what is grey? It's uncertainty. It's a fusion of two. Blending two things together doesn't necessarily mean beauty. Grey makes you assume and in my own quote, "Assumption is the mother of all fuck ups". It's true. How many of us assumed things and it turned out disastrous? Of course things could turn out great but what are the odds?
That happened to me. It's inevitable to make mistakes because frail humans we are, we are always subjected to uncertainty and lack of information. With this, assumptions have to be made. Furtheremore, you tend to assume more when it comes to having to deal with human emotions. It's hard to read a person's mind. Body language? Well, that's a possibility. I know of people who can. But when it comes to affairs of the heart and when you assume that the other party have a certain level of inclination towards you, many are shy to express their true thoughts because truly, rejection is a pain in the ass. By now, you may have a certain mental imagery of what the other party is thinking and if that mental imagery doesn't come out right, it can be quite a shocker and you certainly need to do damage control immediately. Still frames of moments like this just makes you wish that there is a hole that you can bury yourself into straight away.
Black and white.
Grey.
3 months have passed and how colourful was your summer? Perhaps you could give one liners here to just sum up your summer escapades. Mine was truly full of life changing moments. It's about burning, it's about opportunities, it's about death, it's about being a street kid once again, it's about understanding street kids. Being an educator for 1 month truly opened up my eyes about the reality out there about why there are shortages of teachers when in actual fact, NIE is the haven for hundreds of future, qualifed teachers. It's all about objectives. Yes, objectives. Why do you want to be a teacher in the first place? For the monetary benefits? To pass time? Were they forced? Or was the main reason a cliched one, to make a difference in the students' lives. Lemme tell you, some of the teachers, get deluded once they are thrown into the gauntlet. Ask your fellow teachers if you don't believe me.
THe turnoever rate is so high because to a certain extent, these teachers are not equipped to handle difficult people. These students are difficult individuals. First and formost, you have to understand that before you can start to teach, you must first be in control. And in order to do that, you must enforce discipline. I guess, in the teacher's guidebook, they didn't say anything about this huh. Plus, the lecturer tells the wannabe teachers to avoid punishing the students in any physical form and motivate them if they misbehave or make any mistakes. HELLLOOOOOO. That's in the ideal world. Step into my school. I went around and even saw teachers telling them to do push ups outside class. For me? I have my own style. I don't need to do push ups and stuff. It's all about peer pressure and getting the right frequency with them. Former street kids like me, would be able to get along with these street kids better. But mind you, these street kids are smart and have ambitions, it's just that they don't have the motivation and guidance to faciliate the process of achieving their goals.
Some would like to be trained dancers, some would like to be a businessman and one kid wanted to be in Public Relations for goodness sake. Awesome. There is only so much you can do. For me, I cannot do much apart from telling them of my personal experiences and experiences from other people who have already made it in life. I told them the process of reaching their goals and objectives. One thing that I hope they would be able to grab and put inside their pocket would be this.
"Experience alone can make you achieve your goals at the end of the day. Education AND experience allows you to reach them faster. Education allows you to have options in life. Do you want to be stuck with only one option?"
Well people, don't be a streetlamp in life. Be a MOBILE streetlamp. Ya know, just, move around and shed some light to some people who need some guidance in their life. One thing I like about being a mobile streetlamp is that, sometimes, people paste stuff on you, sometimes, they write notes on you, telling you that they enjoyed your company and it was a blast while it last.
ja
welcome to the real world she said to me, condecendingly
HE still loves me. Thank you.
God saved me from fire last night. Thank you boss.... Wouldn't have imagined the disaster that I would have felt if anything went wrong. I was lucky.
summer, i swear, was too colourful for me to handle. for now, a meme.
FAVOURITE
Colour: yellow
Food: cheesecake
Song: Plush
Movie: Remember the Titans
Sport: badminton, soccer and cross country
Day of the week: fridays cuz i finish school and start to play at Acid Bar
Season: if singapore has seasons, i want to build snow man in winter!!!
Ice cream: anything will do. no preference. hopefully i'll be able to taste BnJ soon.
CURRENT
Mood: busy
Taste: cheesecake
Clothes: denim
Desktop: picture of Royale
Toenails: they look quite happy, thank you
Time: 2200hrs
Surroundings: messy living room
Annoyances: spoilt brats
Thoughts: i know i'm an icecream
FIRST
Best friend: shaiful. my brother from different mother
Crush: Saliana!! I don't mind saying it here cuz she doesn't know i own a blog
Movie: aiyah cannot remember
Lie: "i'm ugly"
Music: a malay song from the radio
LAST
Cigarette: i don't smoke
Drink: i don't drink
Car ride: got a lift from my boss for my emcee assignment
Crush: aaaah. dont want to talk about crush. too much monkey love spoils it. NEXT.
Movie: pirates of the carribean
Phone call: mom
HAVE YOU EVER
Dated your best friend: never
Been arrested: yes
Skinny-dipped: nope
Been on TV: -nods- i've been a policeman ala Mr Bean on Police and Thief
Kissed someone you didn't know: of course not
5 things you are wearing: alamak i'm wearing only 2. my ultraman boxers and my green esprit t-shrit that says "Test Your Limits and Go Beyond"
4 things you have done today: celebrated Wan Tabr's birthday, went to Sembawang Park, attempted to fix the aircon and watching soccer
3 things you can hear right now: munching noises, annoying voices on tv and my cat Attan licking his pawas
2 things you cannot live without: Allah s.w.t. and my family
1 thing you do when you're bored: youtube.com
ja
gonna be in cheecher mode soon
summer, i swear, was too colourful for me to handle. for now, a meme.
FAVOURITE
Colour: yellow
Food: cheesecake
Song: Plush
Movie: Remember the Titans
Sport: badminton, soccer and cross country
Day of the week: fridays cuz i finish school and start to play at Acid Bar
Season: if singapore has seasons, i want to build snow man in winter!!!
Ice cream: anything will do. no preference. hopefully i'll be able to taste BnJ soon.
CURRENT
Mood: busy
Taste: cheesecake
Clothes: denim
Desktop: picture of Royale
Toenails: they look quite happy, thank you
Time: 2200hrs
Surroundings: messy living room
Annoyances: spoilt brats
Thoughts: i know i'm an icecream
FIRST
Best friend: shaiful. my brother from different mother
Crush: Saliana!! I don't mind saying it here cuz she doesn't know i own a blog
Movie: aiyah cannot remember
Lie: "i'm ugly"
Music: a malay song from the radio
LAST
Cigarette: i don't smoke
Drink: i don't drink
Car ride: got a lift from my boss for my emcee assignment
Crush: aaaah. dont want to talk about crush. too much monkey love spoils it. NEXT.
Movie: pirates of the carribean
Phone call: mom
HAVE YOU EVER
Dated your best friend: never
Been arrested: yes
Skinny-dipped: nope
Been on TV: -nods- i've been a policeman ala Mr Bean on Police and Thief
Kissed someone you didn't know: of course not
5 things you are wearing: alamak i'm wearing only 2. my ultraman boxers and my green esprit t-shrit that says "Test Your Limits and Go Beyond"
4 things you have done today: celebrated Wan Tabr's birthday, went to Sembawang Park, attempted to fix the aircon and watching soccer
3 things you can hear right now: munching noises, annoying voices on tv and my cat Attan licking his pawas
2 things you cannot live without: Allah s.w.t. and my family
1 thing you do when you're bored: youtube.com
ja
gonna be in cheecher mode soon
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
My Departure
This is a departure clip that I just had to take to remind us of the times when we used to greet our teachers. This is the class with the students who slept in the toilet. Yup. You heard me right.
This class, I tell you, has a few challening students. Gonna miss them.
This class, is the MOST challenging class I've ever had. There was an instance where a student wanted to punch another kid right on his face. Haha. Was hoping that to happen but I slowly intervened and said to him, "Hello young man, you have a problem is it?" Surprisingly, it was phototaking day at Boon Lay Sec!!! I was so tempted to take a photo with 3/6 and 3/7 but didn't manage to. BUT!!! 2/1's form teacher was not available and they wanted me to join in and be their acting form teacher. Aiyah, canlah. These kids already know me and even some of their teachers were amazed on how I could manage to let these kids sit down and listen because in their other normal lessons, they would be making hell of a noise and running around in circles. The experience in handling difficult people at work paid off.
ja
teach and you will learn
This class, I tell you, has a few challening students. Gonna miss them.
This class, is the MOST challenging class I've ever had. There was an instance where a student wanted to punch another kid right on his face. Haha. Was hoping that to happen but I slowly intervened and said to him, "Hello young man, you have a problem is it?" Surprisingly, it was phototaking day at Boon Lay Sec!!! I was so tempted to take a photo with 3/6 and 3/7 but didn't manage to. BUT!!! 2/1's form teacher was not available and they wanted me to join in and be their acting form teacher. Aiyah, canlah. These kids already know me and even some of their teachers were amazed on how I could manage to let these kids sit down and listen because in their other normal lessons, they would be making hell of a noise and running around in circles. The experience in handling difficult people at work paid off.
ja
teach and you will learn
Floo Bug
Heloooooooo.... This is the face of a sick man.
This is the face of a sick vespa. Chinook's rear wheels was punctured and I was doing the tango in the middle of the highway when that happened.
Interestingly enough, while waiting for Shaiful to pick me up, I was reading "The Tipping Point" by the side of the bridge, under a tree. I was shocked when a Bangladesh worker suddenly appeared on my right side! He was shocked to see a guy reading a book in the middle of nowhere while he tried to cut some grass. Well oh well, SURPRISE MR BANGLA!!!
ja
we'll see how it goes from here
Pixies
This is Attan in his natural state of enlightenment. Darn lucky cat.
Adorable. Just feel like poking him now.
Rahman and Sajeed at the Jurong West Stadium for their national day. Rahman doesn't know that I'm reading his blog. hehehehe... -schemey look-
Afiq, the innocent looking student who listens to Metallica and Iron Maiden. Weird.....
Don't act toughlah!!!! haha.
ja
cheecher mode is over
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Crushed
My stint in my relief school proved to be a colourful experience without a shadow of a doubt. I've had students who told me about their time spent in prison, talked to me about their gangfights and how they could avoid these fights without being called a coward. Street kids they are just like me. The only thing that they own, is respect; Respect from the streets and I know what it means to them. That's all they have. Without respect, they feel that they are nothing.
It's hard sometimes but all I could say to them is that, don't let their egos lead to the downfall of their lives because right now, what their friends are doing to them is that their friends are controlling them instead of them controlling their own lives. Mindsets are hard to change because they can't see the end positive end results if they were to take the alternative route, the route out of the streets and going straight for once. There's only so much I can do but as long as these kids wants to talk to me and share their problems, there is still hope. A hope that could offer some light to my favourite street kids who always reminded me of my secondary school years back then. Those were really the days.
Well, on a lighter note, there are other funny and unique incidents that happened in school. I was about to doze off when I decided to search for blogs who writes about dear Mr Jamiel. To my surprise, there are plenty and of course, lots of juicy information. Information about what my students think about me. hehehe.
I may be thick skinned but just to share some funny incidents, I've had my share of students who have crushes on me. It's just that their male counterparts who are the ones who let the cat out of the bags. Hmm... perhaps this might be one of the letters that they could have written to me,
"Dear Mr Jamiel,
My name is Aidan. I am a admirer of your. I think you are charming and want to get to know you. Last time I saw you in school, you are fierce but oklah, you are nice actually. Must smile more next time we greet you. Ok Mr Jamiel, hope to see you in school soon. Take care and don't tell people about these letter that I write ok?
Yours sincerly,
your secret admirer! (guess who?)"
I would have gladly marked her letter, corrected her grammer and returned the letter back to her personally.
ja
theatre about lesbianism
It's hard sometimes but all I could say to them is that, don't let their egos lead to the downfall of their lives because right now, what their friends are doing to them is that their friends are controlling them instead of them controlling their own lives. Mindsets are hard to change because they can't see the end positive end results if they were to take the alternative route, the route out of the streets and going straight for once. There's only so much I can do but as long as these kids wants to talk to me and share their problems, there is still hope. A hope that could offer some light to my favourite street kids who always reminded me of my secondary school years back then. Those were really the days.
Well, on a lighter note, there are other funny and unique incidents that happened in school. I was about to doze off when I decided to search for blogs who writes about dear Mr Jamiel. To my surprise, there are plenty and of course, lots of juicy information. Information about what my students think about me. hehehe.
I may be thick skinned but just to share some funny incidents, I've had my share of students who have crushes on me. It's just that their male counterparts who are the ones who let the cat out of the bags. Hmm... perhaps this might be one of the letters that they could have written to me,
"Dear Mr Jamiel,
My name is Aidan. I am a admirer of your. I think you are charming and want to get to know you. Last time I saw you in school, you are fierce but oklah, you are nice actually. Must smile more next time we greet you. Ok Mr Jamiel, hope to see you in school soon. Take care and don't tell people about these letter that I write ok?
Yours sincerly,
your secret admirer! (guess who?)"
I would have gladly marked her letter, corrected her grammer and returned the letter back to her personally.
ja
theatre about lesbianism
Monday, August 14, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Matric
Here are just some photos taken during matriculation. Helped to take photos of the new freshies. Met a few familiar faces along the way.
That's me and Michelle. Kawai ne! 3 days of matric is quite fun actually. Right?
ja
shout out to Shaiful. Rileeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek.
A pic of me performing Raw at BoonLay Secondary School. The students and I were trying to raise funds for some projects at Laos. Managed to get this pic off a students blog.
It's truly fun to check out what the students have to say about you. I just happened to stumble upon a few blogs.
ja
the kids are just adorable in the wrong way
Raw
This is me with Iylia at Orchard Jam on one of the weekends. Had a ball of a time interacting with the crowd.
I miss busking. Playing live and raw has always been my style. So, this coming 9th and 23rd September at Heeren, I could relive the moment. This time round, with a keyboard as accompaniment. 3 hours of solid acoustic and just plain fun with anybody that passes by. Playing this upon invitation by NewUrbanMale to sing and promote their clothing line.
ja
sushi
Friday, August 11, 2006
Sunday, August 6, 2006
Friday, August 4, 2006
Love the Ladies who Smell Greeeat
There are a few things that would really turn my head instantaneously. This is just one of them. I just love to see the ladies out there who wears this woolen type material clothings. Though they may be hot, I just love to see textures on skin. Can't help it.
Weirdly enough, I made a list in my dream about girls that I like.
1. Witty
2. Smiles a lot
3. Motivated in life
4. Forward looking
5. Always chirpy
6. Positive outlook in life
7. Mature (huge plus factor)
8. She doesn't have to look like Miss Singapore Universe cuz I don't like big assets
Believe me, I wrote this down for the fun of it once I woke up.
Just to add a lil bit more from my conscious mind,
9. I love a girl who has good fashion sense
10. She has to smell TERRIFIC
11. Respect the elders and those around her
12. Not petty and doesn't have mood swings
13. If she wants to set up a family, she must not be career driven. I want my kids to have proper motherly love.
Call me what you want. This is my life. Don't judge.
If you know of people who fits the above mentioned, do dial 1800-inyourdreamsja
ja
i like cute things
Weirdly enough, I made a list in my dream about girls that I like.
1. Witty
2. Smiles a lot
3. Motivated in life
4. Forward looking
5. Always chirpy
6. Positive outlook in life
7. Mature (huge plus factor)
8. She doesn't have to look like Miss Singapore Universe cuz I don't like big assets
Believe me, I wrote this down for the fun of it once I woke up.
Just to add a lil bit more from my conscious mind,
9. I love a girl who has good fashion sense
10. She has to smell TERRIFIC
11. Respect the elders and those around her
12. Not petty and doesn't have mood swings
13. If she wants to set up a family, she must not be career driven. I want my kids to have proper motherly love.
Call me what you want. This is my life. Don't judge.
If you know of people who fits the above mentioned, do dial 1800-inyourdreamsja
ja
i like cute things
Avril and Teddy Geiger
The gig at Ngee Ann Poly was truly a refreshing one. Very simple set up. Live and raw. My style. Had the pleasure of singing alongside the 15 year old prodigy, Syl, who always blows the crowd away with her voice and original songs. What were you guys doing when you were 15? Hmm?
Taking pictures with my new phone cam! Better make full use of it. When she becomes famous one day, I'll know that I've performed with her before. =D
Ah, talking about famous. Daphne Khoo was around to see me perform at the Atrium when she was about to head down to her lecture rooms. We exchanged smiles and when she was walking towards me, I gasped and turned my head the other direction to drink my water only to realize that when I turned to look back at her, she was already running away. Crapz!!!
Haha. I found her cute during the first Singapore Idol. Daphneeee!!!! This time round, it was Gayle. Gayle!!!!!!! -screams-
ja
cannot tahan cute things
Babyyyyy Girlieee
This is Nur Aaliyah. My first niece. She started to be comfortable with me when I told her that I wanted to take a photo of her. Cam whore!!! How I sooo adore her.
Attan, my lazy cat. Attan, say hi to the bloggers please.
-meow, meeeow ow- (when translated, it means, "Don't disturb me, I want to sleep")
Nothing much have been going around this week, except for the occasional markings and ramblings in the staff room. My student, Jian Wen, had a remark written on the Daily Occurance Book (DOB) by their Physics teacher. It stated, "Jian Wen was rude in class"
When asked, Jian Wen told me something that I can't argue back.
Cheecher: Jian Wen, why were you rude to your Physics teacher?
JW: He started it first what...
Cheecher: What do you mean?
JW: He said I was like shit, that's why I talked backlah.
Cheecher: Hmm. Oklah. Point taken.
I mean, come onlah. You, as an educator, should have the maturity of mind to actually restrain yourself from such words unless you're pushed to your limits. We should try and motivate the kids more and you won't have this kind of problems. That, I can guarantee. No students will retaliate unless provoked.
I can't agree more with Jian Wen, only this time roundlah. I'm such a rebellious teacher.... chialat...
This is a piece of poem that I wrote in class back then, 3 months ago. Hope you can see it.
"This is written with my left hand. My life runs the same but I will not write the same beautiful words again without you"
This is her newborn sister. She hasn't been named yet. =) Welcome to the family babyyyyy!
ja
additions and typo errors can lead to interesting effects
Wednesday, August 2, 2006
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