19.May

The day I was born. My birthday.

I used to get very excited with the day. 
A year I can be counting down a month before.
A year I will be counting down on the eve.
A years I can celebrate for weeks.
A year I can be planning how and who I want to celebrate.

Just like for my 21st.
Couple of years before “the day”, I was wishing it will be very grand and to have it in chalet (that was the “in” thing during that era).
But when I officially reached 21, I didn’t want it to be grand but just simple celebration with close friends and family. 

In my mid 20s, my wish of how-I-want-to-celebrate remained as simple celebration over fellowship with friends and family.
Some years I can be so blessed to have quite many celebrations. All these I really thank God for the different groups of friends He placed in my life. Always appreciate their love, time and generosity. 

But towards the late 20s (ouch!!!), especially this year, my wish of how-I-want-to-celebrate changed.
Super simple or even no celebration. Want it to be super low-profile.
Being very selective in the friends to meet. 
Prefer no cake, no birthday song, no card. Didn't want the attention.

Is this common? Or is it just me?
Hmmm… Anyway still, thank God for a nice one this year.
Though all were almost belated but I thank God, really thank God for all my friends! 

Touched by their effort to want to date me!
Appreciate their time and presence!
Overwhelmed by their love and generosity!

The very first was with friends from CHEC, together with Aaron's birthday.
From part1 dinner to part2 drinks to part3 cake-cutting, really appreciate all their effort and love.

Applied leave from JAMs and went on self-pampering on actual day.
Started the day with my favourite cuppa from Starbucks then movie then chill again at TeaDot. 

Just when I thought my day is over, Mr and Mrs Cher made a surprise appearance with yummy (ex) cake and prezzie at my place.
They don't have to but they did. 
They think is a way but I think is big effort and time required. 
THey said I made a difference in their lives but I say they left footprints in mine. 

With Pst Lily's zone, together with Ivan's birthday. 
Overwhelmed by their love, presence and generosity.

With the kakis, together with Zhi's birthday.
Simple but great fellowship time. Love and appreciate all of them. 
ps: Cheers to our "retirement plan"~~

High-tea with Nicole Jie, May Jie & Zhen Jie.
Thanks ladies for your love!  

Blessing from Jm2.

Blessing from ZenZen.
Had a great time fellowship with her over dinner too. 

Sooooooo yummy treat from the Loos..
a big THANK YOU for your love, blessing and most of all, your friendship!  

Tested - Part One

This year I felt that my patience is being tested, seriously.

First, the class of children.
Had always been given the older-aged group of children for the last many years. It been a while since I had the five-years-old.

I must say that this year’s batch of children (more so for morning class) are pretty “unique” cause I don’t recalled any challenging moments when I took the similar aged-group children years back or even when I was helping out in in xSs.

Either due to their age or their overly-loving and overly-strong-bond that made them quarrel almost EVERYDAY - anytime and anywhere. Though this can be “common” among children but felt that theirs can be quite extreme.

To be honest, sometimes it can really drives me up when all their quarrels and their complains reach what I can take for the day. 
And worse is when one cried because of I-don’t-friend-you or I-don’t-love-you.

Most of the time, I chose to ignore all the tiny winy issues.
Occasionally or when it went too much, I will address the issue to the whole class. 
I will nag, nag, nag and nag!!! Haha! 

Beside all these friend-friend issues, this class has a couple of children where I need to CONSTANTLY talk to them and remind them.  

There were days where my mood can be affected by them but thank God for the “balance” as afternoon class is so much more peaceful. There were days when after I dismissed them, not only will I feel peace in my ears but also half of my energy gone. Haha! 
 
Still, I thank God that as the months goes by and entering in to the end of Term 2, things are improving. I thank God I didn’t “lose” them as they still respect and accept my authority.
 
There were also feedback from Principal that she can see this class toning down and “disciplined”. Haha! All these doesn’t come easy.
Thank God my 3months didn’t go into waste. And also despite being “disciplined”, they are happy children who never fail to surprise me with their actions and words. 

To be continued...