爱。

Simply thankful for this year's lil birthday celebration!
So low-key, so lovely. Special delivery@12am, Fam@JB,
Ohana@CafeDeParadiso, ImSoGladYouWereBornPostcards.
Beginning to feel that in the eyes of universe, i'm merely a speck of dust.
What's so significant about me? What's so special about me? Nah, nothing.
Just thrilled that celebrating birthdays can bring good ol' friends back together!


That night we laughed so bad, Zirui shared bizarre stories with us ~_~ Okay so...
it was about a lady in Taiwan who received 48 messages in 2 minutes that wrote 'Satan'.
He found it unbelievable for someone to send so many messages at one go, so he proceeded to experiment to see if he can type 48 words (Hi!) in 2 mins. Who in the right mind will ever do that?! I love our silliness. I love our spontaneity. I love our sweetness.
Thanks for making the effort to get together just to celebrate Angie and Ycyc's birthday!


After which, i went home only to be greeted by the world's most marvelous mail-
A collage of precious postcards by my NIE kakis. Being a kinesthetically declined person, spent a hard time piecing the puzzle - _ - Hahahaha. At last I did, am so proud of myself~
Everyone put in so much thought into writing the postcards, decorating the postcards amidst their busyness. Touched by their words of affirmation, I felt loved & appreciated.
The postcards may not be the prettiest, but to me they are priceless, handmade with love.


I appreciate all of you, all of your loving intentions so much.
But I guess there's no need for me to mention names
because you are eternally, internally ingrained (:
And so, it was a happy happy birthday. Yay~
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
p.s. I love you, you and you.

Lucky.

I feel happy because I've a little furry friend who'll be there waiting for me every night, just to walk me to my lift.

I feel happy because I've a great best friend who'll be there to help me out, ever so willingly all the time.

I love them! (:

-

How would you feel if the bad is constantly remembered and the good seemingly forgotten?

没有人像你。

After reading your essay, I truly understand why you've got an A.

All I can say is you're simply great. Was awed by your words!

Sometimes you gotta admit you're way better than you think.

#proudofyou

You know what? 

Your concern always warms up my heart. 

Healed and happy again (: Thankie so much.

学习。

好的？请记得说谢谢你。

错了？请记得说对不起。

这或许是最基本的礼仪。

My dream came true because of you.

7-11 Oct 2013, the annual NIE Great Green Charity Bazaar.
To raise funds for The Salvation Army (The Haven) & Hope Initiative.
Everything felt ethereal. Someone went extra miles and made many happy.


To my BFF:
You're the only one who can weather my storm & sunshine.
A love-hate feeling. It has always been like this, isn't it?
Whatever (:  At the end of the day, you I cherish.


To my Soulmate:
Thank you for being my mirror always. Your honesty moves me.
You're the one who will point out my strengths & shortcomings fearlessly.
Although we may not meet as often, it seems like our hearts are never too far apart.


To my Self:
喜欢你的人给你温暖与勇气，
不喜欢你的人让你成长与自省。
你喜欢的人让你学会爱和与自持，
你不喜欢的人教你宽容与尊重。
每一个人的出现
都有原因，都值得感激。

(:

I have nothing if..

In today's competition, I've lost.
I felt rather disappointed with myself..
But now I think i've gained more than i lost.
The greatest gift you can give to me, is your time.
Your willingness to spend a portion of your life with me.
As we lead our lives separately, how frequently do we get to meet?
Thank you for being there for me. It matters so much, so much to me.
Heart is softer than before. I've learnt to appreciate more. THANKS WOR!

This song, for you (:

提醒幸福。

My little checklist of happy things:

A) Yiying's birthday celebration

together with the Minion cake.

Sissy did most of the wonderful work (:

B) Meimei's curry eggy noodles-

Warms my heart (& stomach) to be able to eat her home-cooked noodles as breakfast. I seem to love everything she cooks leh! Heh heh heh :p Best chef in the world apart from my mummy.

C) Seeing my students learn little by little-

Even after I left the primary school, I feel blissful, to still be able to help them in ways within my means. Those smiles just propel me forward even though I sometimes feel physically tired esp after a long day like this. But so what if it's free and feels tiring? Worth it. My way of giving back to society for all that they have given me. Each time I end, heart's smiling (: 

D) Brighter days with fam & friends- 

Somehow, I feel surges of happiness whenever I'm with the 2 beloved groups of people above. Feelings seem to be stronger and I feel love (: There's also a group of friends whom I now seldom see but somehow always miss. Awaiting 7 Sep! Hehe.

E) Better-balanced emotions

Unexpectedly, was able to handle unexpected situations better than my previous. From negative to positive energy I'm twisting and turning. Till the day i succeed, i won't give in to the monster in me (:

What's your little checklist of happy things? 

p.s. Le sentiment de l'existence. 

Feelings backdated.

11 August 2013:

Before school reopens tmr, I search my heart & recall the various experiences I've had in BRPS. Of all the schools I've been to, this is the ultimate, gruelling challenge. However, the students strengthened my passion & perseverance. And the belief that education is the only key for us to break free from the poverty cycle, be it material or mental. Because of the students, I've cried a couple of times.  But through the trials I've faced back there, they have made me a stronger & tougher person. Yes, I can't change the world but i believe i can make a difference. Now I'm all charged up and ready to learn, for my students. Thank you for the lesson (: I know I have a mission.


14 Aug 2013:
The Haven. My first. Happiness.

You're beautiful.

Last Friday, I volunteered to help in bringing BRPS students to NTPS!!
NTPS was where I did my contract teaching for 1.5 years,
where much of my fondest teaching memories linger.
I miss the people, I miss my students. How could i not go you tell me?! (:

After 3 years, I set foot on the familiar school compound and i saw many familiar faces around.
Heart smiled. But alas, few students recognized me, but i felt it was okay.
One girl even commented that I went for plastic surgery >_<
Tapped on a student and he turned around,
the first reaction he had was "Ehh? Hello." in a calm tone with a surprised look on his face.
Martin was the first student who could actually recognize me. I was so happy.

I have a soft spot for this student particularly. Once during Meet-The-Parents session,
I got to know that his mother has passed away due to cancer. He was only Primary 2.
I teared, for i know there will always be an eternal empty space in his life that will never be filled up.
Has he ever experienced love from his mother?
Those delicious home-cooked dishes, those never-ending nagging,
those hugs & kisses. A mother's list of love goes on forever...

He wanted my number, because he said he lost it 3 years ago.
He didn't have a pen and that his handphone was going flat.
So he thought of an idea. Later he will buy a pen and I will write on his arm.
And so I did. I was so touched by him.

Before I left, managed to snap of photo of us WHEEE!! (:
Though it was blurry, I'm really really happy.
Martin, thanks for remembering me.
I'm so heartened that you've found your passion- Soccer.
Can't wait to see you shine in life next time.



* * *


Last Saturday, went for an audition together with Yy!
Zirui went too, even though he did not take part.
His presence was a moral pillar for the both us.
A tangible one. I didn't feel nervous anymore.

Even though we may not get in,
I'm still grateful that the we went through it.
We'll get more and more confident with experience!

Singing will be always be my passion.
I will always remember last Friday and Saturday.
Thanks Yy and Zhangzirui!! (:

不抱怨的世界。

你是个爱抱怨的人吗？
最长对何事产生抱怨？

抱怨的坏处：
1）变得十分弱势 （无能为力）
2）放弃自我成长 （不愿负责）
3）永远无法变强 （降低能力）
4）产生消极思维 （极度悲观）
5）破坏人际关系 （让人反感）
6）成为悲剧人物 （心想事成）
7）吸引抱怨的人  （效果放大）

“生命像一把盐。该承受多少痛苦，这些盐不多不少。
人总是抱怨，痛苦太多，快乐太少。
可是抱怨时，忽略自己的选择。
你可选择将盐放入装水的杯子。
你可选择将盐放入湖泊。
这些盐在湖泊中稀释，
还会令人难受吗？”


从今天开始，养成正向思考、积极行动的［勤感恩］习惯，让幸福快乐长相左右！(:

杯子或是湖泊，由你自己选择。

To forgive is to be forgiven.

"Rather get hurt in loving, than to have never loved at all." 

懂得原谅别人的人，才是真正懂得爱自己的人。

坦诚相对的心愿，今天终于实现.. (: 

真的好开心，你让我看清自己。

感谢生命中有你 ❤

Mesto.

Ouch, but only for a while.

Sometimes I can't help but feel that our friendship is a joke. And a big one LOL >_<

But then, i manage to confirm one thing, 

it's words of affirmation. Anyone? Haha.

:)

dim. e rit.

原来到最后，我最爱的还是平底鞋。

Indebted to you.

"We each owe someone a debt of gratitude so great, that we scarcely have the means to even estimate the value, let alone repay it." 

I'm willing to spend forever, just doing this, just doing this.

Why is BKK beautiful?

It was my first trip to BKK. Honestly speaking,
I wasn't keen at all, yes you heard it, not at all.
Why? Because I could totally foresee the entire trip to be dominated by
shopping, eating, shopping, eating. And nothing else.
But i still went because of my friends.

My heart craved for something more. I love to learn.
Admiring the works of Mother Nature,
learning about the country's history,
visiting iconic historic sites or museums~

But, I was wrong. Instead of learning from all those I've mentioned above,
I have learnt so much, so much from my fellow friends.
They became my beautiful scenery of the trip.

Brandon, the selfless one who'd volunteer to carry every single thing for fear that it'd be too heavy for us to carry. The one who'd settle so many things for us silently. 对不起，害你背酸了。谢谢你！(:

Billy, the amazing one who'd tell me about so many things about the world that i never knew. The one who also always volunteered his physical strength to help all of us lighten our load. Thanks bro! (:

Elaine, the meticulous one who'd care about the well-being of everyone, and sometimes even neglecting her own. You know, before everyone returned to their seats, she'll make sure the food that was being shared is being divided equally, utensils are set properly so that everyone could start eating in ease when they returned. 你真的真的很细心。谢谢你！(:

Yuyuan, the caring one who'd offer hand cream to us so that they get moisturized in the scorching weather there. The one who exchanged position in the taxi with me so that we can both get some rest despite the squeezy conditions in there. 对不起啊，害你脚麻⋯⋯谢谢你！(:

Zimin, the thoughtful one who actually bought apples for everyone to eat in order for us to keep healthy during the trip. 吃在口，甜在心。 谢谢你！WE LOVE MANGO STICKY RICE (:

Happy highlights:
Yy and Brandon's birthday surprises, our unconventional birthday cakes,
Chocolate banana egg tarts, "Why is it raining?", "Holiday HECK LA!",
Luring Brandon away in Chatuchak, MANGO STICKY RICE, Tao Kae Noi Craze,
Sama Slippers Day, Sama Shirt Day, watching Nat Geo every night LOL.

To end off, you don't know how grateful am i when all of you were willing to search the menus for vegetarian food even when i said you guys can just go ahead. Truly touched by all your acts of kindness man :') Thanks.

Our first.

Our last.

And so, BKK is beautiful because of all of you. 

THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU (: 

The extra mile.

Sorry I overheard the conversation. You know it's alright if you don't wanna go, cos I know it's probably a waste of time and effort. But I just felt like someone of no worth at all when I'm being pushed to others. It can be a little hurtful to hear lol :'(

I still rmb what Jolene posted before.

＂别人对你好，那是情分。对你不好，那是本分。＂这句话似乎反映了人的一生。也因为这样，我一直好感谢那些对我很好的人、一路帮助我的人。这么一说，心里好些了… (:

恩在心里口难开。

He's the one who saw me through my JPS journey. He's the one who always introduced me to almost everyone we meet with a glow in his eyes, saying "She's the one who won NIE Shine!", making me feel like i was his pride. He's the one who felt unjust for me over my proposed practicum result and even went out of his way to fight for my grade. 

Thinking that he'd lose the fight, he felt so upset that he didn't have the courage to call me. He eventually did and I got to know everything. 

My eyes blurred, not because of the outcome, but because of what he did for me. He didn't have to do it, but he still did. Pass/Credit no longer matter to me, for now I know there's a teacher in my life who believes in me, so strongly. I felt it. And that's more than enough already. 

邵老师，谢谢您。

Ohana.

I think i got to say this. Something i felt strongly. Yesterday I realized how much all of us treasure this decade long friendship. Everyone had prior dinner plans because it was Mother's Day. But it was also Max's birthday on the same day. It's like already near 11pm when everyone reached and we came from all parts of Singapore- Changi, Bugis, Redhill, Bukit Timah, Clementi, all the way to Yew Tee, just to celebrate this special day of his. Although we spent like only 1 hour together, I felt happy. Like really happy. Yes, new friends can be nice to have. But sometimes I can't help but feel that old friends are the best (:

Nuff said, just watch.

"WOW! A profound look at life, in 4 minutes. You have to watch this -- and share it. We literally welled up with tears -- very rarely does that happen.

The camera wanders and shows the inner lives of people around us as they do their daily tasks. Most of it is set in a hospital, where there is so much worry, sadness, some joy, bad news, good news, no news, anxiety, fear -- as in real life, but perhaps magnified.

We've all BEEN there - experienced at least one of these people's lives. Hence, the tears! It's so TRUE.

This short video is at once quiet, profound, powerful, true, simple -- and so supremely human. It was produced by the Cleveland Clinic, as an example of their regard for empathy.

It's a profound reminder: we ALL have our story. Others have theirs. We NEVER know. And to treat others with the benefit of the doubt, with courtesy, with compassion, with respect."

Nuff said, just watch.

《给妈妈一个吻》

母爱是世界上最温和、最无私、最持久的爱。相对父爱的深沉，母爱显得更壮烈。为了你，她要经历十月怀胎的艰辛和分娩阵痛的痛苦。你出生以后，她还要十几年如一日的养育你，而且毫无怨言。

在母亲的身边，你觉得哭泣是天经地义的。你的母亲也许会微笑调侃你，也许会轻轻地安抚你，也许会陪你流眼泪⋯⋯不管她是如何表现的，她的爱总是柔暖、温馨。你在妈妈地长大，母亲却在漫漫衰老。你不在对她的唠叨不屑一顾，也不会再在日记里一次次嘲笑她的多事。每当你看见她头上的白发正在一根根地增多，你的心就隐隐作痛。

逐渐老去的母亲，却仍然挂念着你，她的爱随着你的成长漫漫增加。这是关于丽莎的一个小故事，她已经是两个孩子的母亲，直到现在，她才深刻体会到母爱的温暖、宽容。在她心中，一直隐藏着一件事 ⋯⋯


每一天晚上，母亲都会为我铺床，即使我已经不再是小孩。接下来，是他永恒不变的习惯：将我的头发拔开，然后亲吻我的额头。

我不记得从什么时候开始感到厌恶——她拔开我的头发的方式。她那双因为工作而变粗糙的手触碰我皮肤的感觉，真的让我感到厌恶，最后，一天晚上，我对她大声叫：“不要再碰我！你的手好粗糙！” 她没说任何话，但是从此以后，我的母亲再也没有用我熟悉的那种方式，结束我的一天。此后，我躺在床上，久久不能入睡，那些话萦绕着我的心。但是，骄傲取代我的良心，我从来没有向她道歉。

随着光阴逝去，我的思绪一次又一次回到那个晚上。有时候，这件事就像是刚发生，有时候却又像是很久以前的事情。但是，它总是在那里，萦绕着我的心。

很多年过去了。我再也不是小女孩。母亲现在已经七十几岁，她是我们的医生，她会在药箱里找药 ，为外孙女治疗胃病，或是为外孙跌倒的膝盖敷药。她会洗掉牛仔裤上的污渍，做世界上最好吃的炸鸡，无论白天还是晚上，总是坚持亲自下厨，准备饭菜。

多年以来，我母亲的手，完成无数的劳苦工作。

现在，我的孩子都已经长大，没有住在家里。在一个特别的节日，我跟母亲共度一个晚上。

那是感恩节的一天晚上，很晚的时候，我在小时候住的房间里睡着了，一双熟悉的手拂过我的脸，拔开我额头上的头发，然后，一个非常轻柔的吻，触到我的眉梢。

我回想那个晚上的抱怨已经几千、几万次。我握着母亲的双手，也轻轻地在她的额头上吻了一下，并为那天晚上的行为向她道歉。我以为她会记得，就像我一样，但是母亲不知道我在说什么。原来，在很久以前，她就已经忘了——而且，她已经原谅了。

为你有一个伟大的母亲而感到庆幸吧！无论有多忙，都不要忘记经常回家看看母亲。你要像小时候一样，不时的吻她，让她知道：她永远是你最爱的人。


你能听见妈妈的心声吗？



:')

(:

"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you're slightly cracked." -Bernard Meltzer

It's been a long time we've did this.
For that, I am happy (:

Farewell my friend.

This is the first time after so long I've cried so bad, cried out loud like a child.

Black boy, goodbye.

I love you.

Take it slowly.

We're not broken just bent.
And we can learn to love again.

我醒了。

＂我发现这么多年来，发生这么多事情，他们都还在我身边…＂

＂因为你们的友谊经得起考验。＂

(:

Early in the morning. Why so sweet! (:

Learning to express my feelings.

I feel sad. Times for us to meet has become a scarcity. Yet, i feel that technology is taking my closest friends further away from me. It has stripped us bare from the many conversations we use to have. Or maybe I'm just too greedy.

Let's face it, we're already addicted to it unknowingly. Many a time, we focus more on catching up with the virtual world using smartphones, much more than we focus on catching up with the people who probably matter more in reality.

What's so amazing about a hyper connected world with highly disconnected hearts? Frankly speaking, even I am guilty of that and I'm really sorry. Perhaps, using it sparingly is the key. If you're reading this, I just wanna thank you for caring. Thanks for hearing me.

This is beautiful.

No matter how busy you may be, do take some time to breathe, deeply. 

Watch before you read (: Trust me, you won't regret it. 

An Interpretation By Sarah Mostafa Dorra.

The world has become a harsh place. One moment you're sitting reading peacefully, the other you're in the middle of a storm.

Though, figuratively, the storm could come in many different forms, they all have one thing in common – they can affect everybody except those shielded by the power of knowledge. In such uncertain times, when everyone sees grey, only they can tell the white from the black.

While everybody runs for their lives, Mr Morris Lessmore runs after the book he was reading before the storm came. The world is turning upside down, yet this is not enough to turn him away from his life goal – seeking knowledge.

However, if not refreshed inside the mind, knowledge gradually evapourates with time.

In no time, Lessmore becomes as black and white as the messy world he finds himself in. This leaves poor Mr Lessmore with a heavy heart – where could he find knowledge in a world where it has become so rare?

But knowledge never fails those who seek it. Out of nowhere, what seems like a book faerie appears to him. She leaves Mr Lessmore a Humpty Dumpty book which takes him back to the path of knowledge.

He finds himself in a library inhabited by millions of fantastic, flying books. And which he never would have found had he not proved his love and dedication for knowledge. There, Mr Lessmore, literally, spends the time of his life. The books provide him with all he needs – the wisdom of knowledge he needs in life and the joy they bring for the human soul.

Mr Lessmore, above all, shares his knowledge of books with others. He learns that just as a man is dead without a book, a book is, similarly, useless until it gets the chance to show its wonders to its readers.

Even in his death, Mr Lessmore doesn't cease to inspire other knowledge seekers with the knowledge he filled the world with. It guides generation after generation to the path of light and freedom of mind.

挑战开始（老师篇）

告别最爱的朋友，告别最敬爱的老师，我们离开NIE各自到不同的学校作战。这一天终于来到，哪怕心中有千万个不舍，我们已经慢慢的独立起来了。回想起在学院的老师们，他们都对我造成了前所未有的影响。


刘正平老师教会我，一个人要有着自己的梦想、自己的追求，人生才会精彩。


王兵老师教会我，在人与人之间的沟通，＂不要把自己当成珍珠＂这个道理，我还在学习着。


阿宝老师教会我，身为一位德高望重的老师，我们所做的一切，都为了孩子。不是为了获得些什么，也不是为了表演给大家看。而只是单纯地是想要孩子从自己身上获得一丁点什么。


最后，我必须说邵老师，你让我好感动。当天见面，我迟到了几分钟。他是第一次当着其他几位老师批评我。＂你不能迟到。到学校更不能迟到！＂听到这番话，我有些失落。不过你知道吗，到了自我介绍轮到我的时候，他就向其他学生说＂她可是大名鼎鼎NIE SHINE 的冠军！你怎么可以不知道啊？＂那一刻，他的眼光、他的神采、他的语气，让我深深切切感受到他是真的以我为荣的，好像在把我炫耀给其他人。泪在那儿晃呀晃。对我来说，那次的获得并不算什么，但他意想不到的反映真的让我的心欢喜、欢喜！


他是多么的看好我，但我却迟到，令他失望了。10个星期请你放心，你对我这么好，我要让你骄傲。


背着在NIE的甜蜜回忆，家人朋友的支持与鼓励，老师的话语，I'm ready.


For those who are going practicum,
你是大艺术家，你真心创作的爱无价。
我们一起加油吧 (: 加油！加油！加油！

瓦解。

The open wound from last night has festered. Lol, a part of me has broken.
I'm not a cleric. I'm not superwoman.
I didn't heal in time to face you again.
Before shooting bullets, consider a mirror. What really happened? :'(

Fin?

Last week of NIE, we'll make it lovely.

休止符。

一切落幕，完美结束。我们小小的梦想，终于成真！
虽然筹备的过程中出现许多磨擦，但我们再次冲破了它。
说真的，有时候啊⋯⋯ 我以为我懂，但其实我一点都不懂（：
也许，坦诚沟通能让事情简单好多。不过也没关系，不想再强逼。


经过这一次又一次的挑战，感觉自己又再次成长许多⋯⋯
我只想说声对不起。身为一个领导者，我还是有许许多多的不足之处。
时间管理、相处之道，竟是如此重要。如果我哪里做得欠佳，再此说声对不起。


那些汗水，那些付出，那些用心，我不会忘记。
谢谢朋友们的到场支持，看到你们让我真的好兴奋！
并肩作战，度过难关。这一次的旅途，感谢有你与我同步 (:


下一个未完成的梦想——Practicum.
我是战士，我会战胜！谁愿与我联盟？
感谢人生中的重重考验，一次又一次坚定了我的信念。

❤ With gratitude, 
La Emerald Mademoiselle 2013.

What is love?

The season of love is walking towards us bit by bit.. 
And I'm getting closer to the realization of a little dream (:

Chanced upon this video on YouTube and I thought it's really good!
Perhaps, this is the true essence of love. What do you think?

爱的【感觉】是温暖的。

爱的【言语】是正直的。
爱的【心地】是无私的。
爱的【行为】是成全的。

在过两个星期，情人节就快到了（＾∇＾）
仔细想想我又没有爱人，干嘛这么高兴？ 神经病。
或许是看到人们都们都沉浸在爱河～为他们开心！

陪伴。

你的举动真的感动了我。

“我陪你。”

三个字后，二话不说，开车就走。

我一阵鼻酸，泪差点儿溜出眼眶。

星期天早晨，我的心被你触碰了。

谢谢你愿意陪我！（：

Null.

In you I seek refuge.
This is where I feel safe and sound,
where I can express my feelings within freely.

One can never get his or her way by force,
even if you appear to be above me.
Being silent doesn't mean that I'm weak,
it simply means that there still exists respect for you in me.

Them I pity,
all their lives stuck in a shell.
When will they ever get out?
Help.

我的爱。

今天见到了你，我好开心。
你就像小孩，真的很可爱。
奶奶你终于要回来了！！
我们都好想念你哦⋯⋯

在那里，我从有些老奶奶的眼中看到了期待。

她们是不是期待着自己的家人能来看她？

她们是不是期待着有人能和自己说说话？

触碰到她们的眼神⋯⋯心里觉得酸酸的 :'(

当我听你说在那里吃饱了就睡，睡饱了就吃，
做做一些运动，没什么东西可以做的时候⋯⋯
我的心是有那么一点痛。你在家里什么都做，
现在去到那里，一定忽然之间觉得心里空空。


没有你的日子，我们都有乖乖地洗衣，把家里打扫干净。
谢谢你谢谢你谢谢你，复原得这么快。我们等你回家喔！

(⌒▽⌒) 我们的合照 (⌒▽⌒)

p.s. 远更飞以可，海大恋眷在不鸥海

光。

You know what?
You're a lighthouse.

圆梦。

梦想成真，
我相信着。

二月六日，
我们来了！

你的热忱，你的期待，
你的快乐，我感受到了。

我们的第一次和最后一次〜
♪(*^^)o∀*∀o(^^*)♪