Reflections and Lessons for 2009

Beware : Long post ahead!

Christmas is over but its spirit remains. 

It was the best Christmas ever!! 

I got nearly everything I wished for!! 

 Christmas and Belated Birthday present from my best friend, Imelda Vitales. She did the wood plaque and yes, she drew the picture sendiri too! Nice kan?

   A handbag and Angela's Ashes novel by my youngest brother, John! You rock! Penat ko cari tu buku kan?hehehe

 Now my Paolo Coelho collection has been added!! Two novels from Pus!

 A novel and perfume from si Daddy Long Legs. Thanks!

Tapi, yang paling champin punya present is from Dad and Mum:

P/S: Bukan tu cermin ah...tuh naaa...camera yang sia pegang! hehehe Nikon D3000! Thanks for chipping in my DSLR fund! You guys paling champin kasi hadiah hehehe

I hope those getting presents from me were happy with their presents too!! In less than a week, 2010 is emerging and it's time to wave 2009 goodbye. 2009 has been a great year for me with all its triumphs and tribulations. I may conclude that 2009 has been a year of taking risks and a year of strengthening friendships. I have been experiencing many setbacks and I've taken the lessons from these setbacks as stepping stones. I think my biggest regret is not telling the people I cherished how much I do care about them. It's all going to change next year.

Career-wise, I'm thankful that at least 60% of my students passed their PMR English paper. I received sms after sms telling me that they scored  Bs and Cs for the language they never thought they would be able to master. Knowing that their English profienciency is quite low, I consider them getting Bs and Cs are an achievement. I'm feeling sad for my 2 IN students (who'll be 3 IN next year). They are not the brightest lot in the form but surely they are a joy to teach. When I hear them being able to read without my help, it sounded like music to my ears. My goal for next year? More students to love English!

As for my personal goals, I plan to travel next year. Kesian tu passport yang due 2012 baru satu kena cop.  My list of personal goals is getting longer by the minute. I just hope they are realistic enough to be achieved..hehehe.

All in all, I learned this year that :
1. Always have a plan B, or at least a black& white document in your work. Documentation is vital.
2. There are always good friends and no-so-good friends.
3. Mum is not 100% right. But it's good to have an opinion from someone who's been there before.
4. When travelling, go to parks instead of museums. Because life can be found in parks.
5. It's mandatory to stop and smell the air, look at the sky and run like mad. It's good to ponder the past and dream about the future but never forget the present.
6. Mistakes and errors are bound to happen. Be humble about it.
7. Lipstick and high heels are a girl's best friends, too. So is a saloon-day with your besties.
8. Writing down your wishes could make it 65% come true. You just have to be specific (hey, I tried in my journal and so far, it works).
9. I need to enhance my cooking skills.

There's a lot of lessons but those in the list are the vital ones. So, till next year! See you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, 2010!!

Have Yourself A Merry Christmas!

O tidings of comfort and joy!

Comfort and joy!

O tidings of comfort and joy!

Blessed Christmas everyone!

Ramblings

I'm having new school jitters!

What if my new colleagues didn't like me?

I'm beginning to feel the discomfort of a new beginning.

I'm worried.

So worried.

I'm scared. I have fear of the unknown. I'm feeling the anxiety!

But somehow, I just think that I'm overreacting.

Licik Pt.2

I am currently at the car aircond service shop. This is Licik's first time- servicing his aircond i mean. 7 years of dirt accumulated in the vents. Malu sia mau kasi tingu!! Itam2 itu habuk, ada sarang labah2 lagi tu..dui! Well, 7 years bah! Luckily no serious damages or leakage. The uncle reminds me of Rufus Humprey from Gossip Girl. Geleng2 ja kepala dia tingu aircond..kaw kaw isi dia, he said. Never mind. I love my ride, so biar lah hehehe

Licik's Annual Check-up.

My Kancil which I affectionately call Si Licik (meaning 'cunning', synonym 'fast' or 'smart') is due for his annual overhaul. I spent hundreds on this little fella - changing its timing belt, absorbers, spark plugs, etc so that he can go on being 'licik' on the road and parking space. Just a few tips for our ride, ladies..make sure u know a bit about your car because some mechanics can bluff and you end up paying extra. Be nice to them, bat your eyelashes and smile- no mechanic, unless he's gay or married could resist your charm. At the workshop, bring a book or mp3 player so that you'll be occupied. Will blog later, need to see what else Licik needs. Xoxo

Classic Black and Whites

I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF BLACK AND WHITES!!

I've practiced my skills using Adobe Photoshop CS3 and voila!! Have a lookie...

This was Felly's BEFORE practice picture.

And this is her AFTER practice picture!! I think I loved this one.

And this is me!!

I just can't resist making our picture into a sequence and desaturate it!! WooHooo!!!

MONOCHROMATIC IS CLASSY!!

Our Christmas Gathering

Last Tuesday, my TESLian friends and me attended our much anticipated Christmas Gathering. After months of discussion, finally it was materialised!! We had tonnes of fun and acted crazy eventhough our former lecturers, Miss Patsy and Mr. Mior were there hahaha...We sang so many songs, we danced...we even had a stand-up comedy by Mr Mior...it was quite an unforgettable moment! My only regret was that some of our friends were not able to attend due to personal matters and distance. It'll be more fun with the whole TESLian cohorts to get together! Who said teachers can't have fun? We did! And we don't care what others have stereotyped about teachers...we are human after all hehehe. It was a great night and the best was the present exchange! I told Alicia that I wanted hers, and I did!! Yeayyyyyy!!! Last but not least, I look forward to next year's gathering...perhaps, who knows..it might be a tradition for us TESLians.

I love you, all!!

Picture Perfect

Apart from being in love with photography, I love the editing part of it. I am an ardent fan of the classic black and white photos and I have been experimenting with so many picture editing softwares in order to get the elegant and timeless look and feel of that classic. I've used Adobe CS3 and Picasa as well as an online editing software, Picnik. I think among these three, I can't make a decision on which I preferred best. I guess all three softwares has helped me in making beautiful black and white photos. I just need to work on a few things to improve..hmmm...Here are some photos made into black and white!

I made this one with Picnik.

This is my friend, Felly. I edited her pic using Picasa. I just wished I could learn how to make her beautiful eyes "popped".

And this one was edited using Adobe CS3. I wanted to achieve a mysterious feel to it; a some sort of a haunted house feel. I can't resist adding a charcoal pencil effect on it.

I'll be making more black and whites soon.

Monochromatic is so cool!

Congratulations to Mimi and Abang

Congratulations to Mimi and Abang on your wedding day!!

And baby and I were busy taking pictures and camwhoring ourselves hehehe...

I had fun at their reception, chit-chatting with old friends and eating. I realised I gained so much weight!! Oh dear. Nonetheless, here are the photos taken at their wedding reception.

Enjoy!!
There's more in my Facebook album ;-)

Anyway, CONGRATS again to both of you!!
Live Well, Love Well.

My nikon d3000 is here!

At last! My baby has arrived! I finally got my nikon d3000! Woot!

St. Catherine of Sienna,Putatan Bazaar.

Today is the day of the much anticipated bazaar in aid for the building of the new Catholic church in Putatan. There were a lot of food,drinks and snacks on sale. My personal fave is the chicken pie..yummy. There were entertainment for children, even clowns and balloon animals. I got to catch up with my cousin-in-law,Liza. Though it was scorching hot, it was a worthwhile experience. Just a thing about parking, I just couldn't find one and ended up walking..hehe..

Au Revoir Lahad Datu

16 November 2009

"Pertukaran tuan ke daerah Keningau telah diluluskan".

WHA..??

Somebody pinch me.

WoOOoOOoHOOooOOOooOO!!!!!!!

After a year and six months serving in Lahad Datu, my transfer to Keningau has finally been approved. It was the best birthday gift ever!

Somehow, come 20 November 2009, I can't help but feel sad.

Ironic. A year and six months ago, I cried leaving my home in KK for LD. But now, I caught myself crying for leaving LD . I'm sad to leave friends that I've known for a brief time, and yes, tears flow unfreely at school that day. Everyone was surprised that I succeed in my application. A year and a half is very brief in the teaching profesion time. I somehow agreed.

I have left a mark, an impression to my former school. She has been a great teacher. I am just worried that the young legacy I left will die an early death.

Now that my days in LD are over, I just can't wait for adventures in Keningau.

Bring on tomorrow!!

I love to oogle

This was my first INTERESTING flight to Lahad Datu.

His name is Dan Danley.

Sounds like a character from an Austen novel.

His face is rather familiar, but he has a cute smile that goes with that handsome face.

I noticed him as I waited impatiently for another passenger to load his bag to the baggage compartment and let me into my seat. He was standing there, ready to assist.

He smiled at me.

I know it is his company's motto to smile at the passengers but for once, this certain smile of his had had me hooked.

Dan Danley...

Dan Danley...

He reminds me of Mr Darcy.

He made that bumpy flight smooth.

He made that long 55 minutes to a brief, fleeting 15 minutes.

Why does it have to end?

At least, for once, coming back to Lahad Datu has made me smile.

Preparing My Christmas List

I am in the spirit of Christmas!! I know it is still early for me to prepare the list but I have a resolution to make this year. This year, I promise to give all my love ones gifts that they really wanted instead of the normal gift voucher for mum and dad and socks for my brothers (yeah, I know...it was Hush Puppies). I also want to give my GGs some great loving this year for being great friends. So, starting this month I really have to save so that this resolution may come into reality.

To get me into the mood, I think I'll start with what I want for Christmas :

1. Nikon D3000 DSLR

2. Paolo Coelho novels that I haven't got


3. Lee Dong Wook ( I can't resist hahaha)

4. The complete DVD of My Lovely Sam Soon

I guess that's for me ;-)

For Mum, she's been hinting on that new stove we saw at Karamunsing...I'll go and check again next month.

For Dad...hmm...I can't find any ideas so far. Ties and shirts are out!! Holiday package? I'll browse for Dad-worthy gifts.

For my brothers, I have to keep it a secret first hehehe

For GGs...also secret....

For friends...also secret...

For that special someone...he better consider my dowry if I get him the tech toy he really wanted...

Wow, I CANT WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS!!! WooTTTT WOooOOTTT!!!

Seminar Kebitaraan Bahasa Peringkat Kebangsaan 2009

Phew, finally presentation's over. I just came back from Seminar Kebitaraan BM BI Peringkat Kebangsaan and wow, I had learnt a lot from this research seminar!!

I learned that innovation does not always mean creating something new out of nothing.

I learned new ways to teach and to motivate my learners.

I learned to question established norms and try to find ways to make our education system better.

I finally understand how action research works.

I re-learned presenting a research paper.

I showed to "that someone" that I still have the power hehehe..a bit rusty but the power is still within and I promise myself I won't let it be dormant again.

I think I'm going back to my school with new vigour.

By the way, my presentation turned out all right. I do admit it's not one of my personal bests but still, it's unforgettable. My junior Jessica told me "macam kena possessed" and hell yeah, she's so right!!! Thanks, Jessica!! And I'm very surprised to have the moderator, Dr. Chandran telling me that my paper is very good and he looks forward to moderating my presentation. He was not let down ;-) There's also one lecturer from IPBA who approached me during lunch and told me that my research is very bold and good. I find that being passionate about your students and being determined in getting and bringing out the best in them is the recipe of my research's success. Here's to more research!!WooTT WoooTT!!!

This seminar also helps me reconnect with my former classmates and I met many new friends. I paid homage to the sages at Gaya College and truly, they are the best teachers! I'm glad I went to this seminar :-)

WoooTT WooOTTTT!!!!

That's me presenting :-)

a monday post

I am currently fighting off my headache so that i can write something.

There seemed to be a problem with my blog so i am considering a new blog...uhuhuhuhuhu..why???

I am a nervous wreck. I am going to present my research paper at the Seminar Kebitaraan BM BI..and I don't feel I have what it takes...Dear God, please help me...I want to prove to someone that I still have the gift of speaking...gosh, how badly I need encouraging words right now...CYNTA SNAP OUT OF SELF-PITY!!!!

maybe i just lack sleep.

by the way, on the way home to KK by bus last night, I saw a fatal accident involving a motorbike and a Hilux. I saw one dead body lying still and I still feel like I want to vomit. God bless their souls.

I need my sleep.

Stories from my desk

It's PMR week and I'm glad I managed to let myself out of becoming an invigilator. I can never stand being stationary for a longggggggg period of time and I rather be copy printing and stapling papers at school rather than be at another school and stand for mindless hours. No offense for those invigilating cos I know you guys will get money hahaha...

I'm glad I stepped out of the invigilator's list because on the second day of PMR, my Form 3 students were frantically looking for me to sooth their nerves for English Paper 1 and Paper 2.

"Teacher...banyaknya perkataan baru!!!"
"Teacher...apa itu "arguing"??"
"Teacher..."anxious" tu ertinya nervous kan?"
"Teacher...saya lupa bah nama kawan si Dr jekyll!!"
"Nahhhh nasib sia tulis pasal si Robinson sama si Friday!!!"
"Teacher, tu article sia tertulis macam report!!! Macamana ni??"
"Teacher...doakan kami sangkut2 dapat B ya"
"Teacher..suda ku prektis handwriting ku..." (Ya, handwritingmu macam cacing..tulung la tulis cantik2 karanganmu)

Teacher this...teacher that...my desk was swarmed by my students!!

Eventhough it was a bit crowded, but I feel blessed. My PLBS and 001M were left unfinished that day but I'm glad that in a small way, I managed to calm them down. They've tried their best and I'm sure deep down (although sometimes I feel like killing them!!) they really want to prove to me that they were listening in between my nagging lines. At that moment, I just don't care about falling graphs or a decrease of English language subject %, it's my job to handle that. These kids have tried their very best knowing that English to them is like quantum physics.

I heard my colleague commented "Wah, ramai peminat ah..." and I noticed, the majority of students who swarmed my desk were boys! Only two girls came to see me about the papers and they just said "Teacherrrrrr...susah oh!!!" and then they left. The boys were "TEACHERR!!!" here and "TEACHERRRR!!!!" there..I thought I attracted pheromones.

Somehow, I think I'm still not ready for this profesion...but maybe He thinks otherwise. Dear God, You know what's best...and thank you for giving my students the inspiration and determination to pass their exam. Amen.

Its true what some educator say:
The reward of teaching do not come in monetary forms, rather it is shown in the eyes of the children.

Shallowness.

I was chatting with one of my GGs (refer post Escapades #2) last night when she told me what happened to her and her college friends at a trendy cafe in CityMall, KK. Her story prompted me to blog about her endeavours and perhaps share a piece of my mind of the person behind her story. So here goes:

GG was happily having a tea break with two classmates at the cafe when the waiter came and asked for their orders. The said waiter then, after taking their order, wrote on the order sheet and place the paper at its proper place.

GG and friends then enjoyed their drink.

Then time passed and it's time to pay.

GG's friend looked at the paper and was pissed off with what the waiter had written on the No.of Pax column :
"2 gummuk, 1 cewek"

GG, being the cool woman, then told the friends to walk out of the cafe.

Walking out they did.

I kept on wondering whether the manager trained his or her employees to jot the number of people based on their physical appearance. It saves a lot of ink and time to write "3" instead of "2 gummuk, 1 cewek". Alas, why am I worried? The spelling of "gemuk" or fat in the order sheet reflects the mental (and emotional or sensitivity) capacity of the waiter. I blog about this because I just can't see the reason of prejudice against voluptious people. The waiter messed with my GG, he messes with me who happens to be endowed with extra kilos on my hips and thighs.

So to all of you who thinks that fat people do not have feelings, please do yourselves a favour. Lock yourself in your house and don't come out cos you've committed a hideous social faux pas. Make that an Unforgivable social faux pas.

To all of you voluptous people (or you who thinks your body sucks), if ever you find shallow and annoying people like the waiter who thinks that being thin and sexy are the ultimate face of beauty...

WALK OUT and BE PROUD.

Hold this mantra (the person who coined this is a sheer genius) :
"Yes, I'm fat but you're ugly and I can diet (and exercise)"

Big Girls..You are beautiful.

Of PSKPPS and Weekend GetAway

I had a tiring weekend managing LD's netball team..i learned a lot from this experience and if asked, i might do it again hehe..This trip is also an exposure 2 driving long distance. I'm lucky cos d road frm LD to Twu is in good condition. Sampai jg c licik d Kunak and Tawau! Yeay! All's well..will update more ;-)

The week after raya

Here are some of the events that happened after the raya holidays :

1. I lost two kgs but pile it back once in LD

2. PSKPPS is soooo sooonnnnnnnn...and I'm going to Tawau..woot!

3. Sabri from 2 INO can spell. Finally!! He's one of my poor spellers in class and this week, he spelt ANOTHER and HOUSE correctly!! I'm so proud!!

4. I just found out that if I got a lot of things to do, I'll be less articulate.

5. I'm the first teacher who was asked to invigilate the PMR examination in a school that is 26km from my school. I hope the allowance really came in this year.

Escapades Resolution #3

Love yourself as you are. Warts and fats,all.

Escapades Resolution #2.

Spend time with your best friends.
To us, ladies...
Male Best Friends are hip, and a boyfriend is a bonus
but
GREAT GIRLFRIENDS
are
FOR EVER.

MBFs can boost your ego and increase your know-hows about the opposite sex,
The Boyfriend can be everything you want a man to be but
GGs are your compulsory support system. GGs provide you with the shoulder to cry on,
the ears that listen, hearts that emphatise, laughter that can make your day and even nonjudgmental remarks that helps you be the best person you can be.

So...

Love, Cherish and Care Your Great Girlfriends.

A Reflection on Friendship

Lately I have been surrounded by the blues in friendship.

Well, I don't know if it's just me or is the universe trying to tell me something?

Have I been a good friend myself?

I think I am loyal when it comes to friendship. I can be completely generous and caring with my friends, sometimes even more than my own relatives. But lately I felt as if my energy and resources have been sucked out by some of these "friendnemies". I thought I have learned my lessons, I wondered why I kept on forgetting the faults that these "friendnemies" had done to me? I'm sure I have given all my best because I know, once you are my friend, I am loyal all over.

Perhaps now the fault is on me.

I have been totally too loyal and too trusting.

I guess everyone had to face the music.

Well, I'm still going to be a good and loyal friend. But this time, I'm going to trust that tingling feeling down my gut.

I have to swallow the bitter truth :
True friends are hard to find in this material world.

Escapades Resolution #1

Enjoy your own company with a favourite book. Drink cold juice underneath the shade. Operational keyword: Just Chill.

Sonnet on Life's Season

Men’s life is like the four loyal seasons
Joy stays in their eyes at picturesque spring;
And as August’s summer warmth edges in
They enthused on to enjoy enchanting
company as brownish autumn appear;
Tho’ its sweet leaves fall ever so swiftly
To pace with life’s time that’s ever changing,
let moments never in stationary
So as life’s final season came to play
With cold flurry and lonely sentiments,
Let him sense love’s warm glorious display
And glimpses of poignant reminiscences.
That when eyes are closed for eternity
Thy presence be dignified legacy



Writer's note : This sonnet was submitted for Quotation Inspiration Writing Contest in writing.com. I didn't win but I received a 4.5/5 stars rating from the judges. Waiting for the next inspiration to come !

Sonnet for A String Instrument

Some came to earth blessed with silver spoon,
Others are astute like Aristotle,
Some dressed to the nines, mingle with rich boon,
Others graced with demure, pure as crystal
While God gave everyone their own bidding
Of talents and things that bring them great joy,
To me empty wit are just masks hiding
Your true self, a rather deceptive ploy
Riches be stolen, designers be labelled-torn,
Sweet cravings satisfy less, gold may lose its glow,
Despite what the lackadaisials say
Live life a vagabond, judged all the way,
The strum of my guitar makes a clown weep,
Its vibe acoustics breathe life to a creep

An adolescent reflection

I felt obliged to share this though I don't know the reason why. Maybe I was touched by this student's writing and the message that she wanted to convey. In my Form 2 English classes, I asked my students to prepare an exercise book as a journal or for creative writing exercises. So, last week I told them to write about "If I were..." This student wrote about her being a "witch" who possesses magical powers. Here's her journal piece (please don't mind the grammatical errors, after all I told them I will not grade them for grammar mistakes in their journal) :

"If I were a witch, I will stop this world then people can't see me but not for forever just for three days I think that's is enough. And I will fly at the sky alone, Beside that I hope I will make all the things in this world become cheap then there's nothing different between rich or poor people. And I hope I can give the life for the people who have passed away, I know I can't do it because I am not a god there's just my dream. And it will be really great if I will change all of the boys and girls become handsome and pretty then nothing (no one) can cry because they were not pretty, handsome or anything then make all the person in this world become good. But one important thing I want to make my mother happy".

What I learned from this girl is that her father had passed away last year. She is a quiet one. I find her writing rather poignant as it shows maturity beyond her years. Perhaps, in this journal piece she is trying to tell me that although her appearance shows a normal student who has a normal, typical life there are some hurts and insecurities lurking beneath.

At first, I was at lost for words or comments. What should I say? Alas, I wrote under the last paragraph:

You are a girl with a big heart and I think if you ever have magical powers, I'm sure the world would appreciate the beautiful and magical things you've done. An excellent journal entry.

Annie's Wedding

Here's to Mr and Mrs Harry Tai Ken Ming ;-)

Congratulations on your wedding day!! I had a blasting good time at your dinner reception. May God bless both of you in your new life as husband and wife. Hugsss!!!

Edna's messages

Aedy texted me yesterday with a hilarious pic of her in a gas mask. She's a tough girl..dun play2 ah. I promise to upload her cast pic cos it's cute ;-) anyway, i can't upload it directly to my fb cos..hmm..nothing la hehe

Dear 14 year old me

Dear 14 year old Cynta,

This is your 26 years and 4 months old self writing. I found one of the diary entry you wrote back in 1996 and I couldn't agree more that life was tough back then. Rest assured that now you are an English teacher with a 2Kplus salary. You might be saying "BUT WE HAD A PLAN!!!" I know you wanted to be a fashion designer because you think it's cool but I think you'll find teaching the language that you love so much is our true calling. I can't help but smile remembering your attempts of saving just to get that new Fear Street book or that Quicksilver wallet you've been eyeing for months. I just want to let you know that now we could afford those things. Yeay!

You were such an ugly "darkling" back then. I kid..I kid...:-P. Well, to make you feel better, after 12 years our skin is still flawless with that occasional hormonal pimples. Hehe. But I just want to ask forgiveness for one thing that I couldn't maintain - our weight. I can't promise you that I will lose those stubborn bulges and the "pouch" we're born with, but I am eating healthy and I went for exercise by dancing like crazy to "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy". I remembered when you avoided rice and "dieted" just because you wanted "A" to like you. You know what, he ain't worth it honey..if only you could see him now hehehe...I learned from your experience that it is better to be true to yourself. Speaking of love, I know this is the year you met "LM". I regret to tell you that it didn't really work out with him despite being in a relationship for 6 years. But, it's okay...great guys from all shapes and sizes and attitudes come and go. Love comes in ways and places unexpected, so our experiences tell us.

You also have confidence issues that year and I remembered you were bullied because of your outlook. It was a difficult time, I remembered you crying in your room, feeling so isolated. It does haunt me sometimes, but I remembered your strength, your persistence, your attitude that very day, you stood up for yourself...thanks for rising from the ashes. You've built a solid foundation of confidence that day and because of that, I am what I am today.

So far, life in the late twenties is good. Thanks for reminding me that despite wishing I was ten years younger, my life NOW is better. By the way, our fears of becoming naggy like Mum is kinda materialising. But don't get me wrong! I know it's in our genes but that's just how we express our love and care for others...by nagging them! Haha. Okay...okay...I'll chill out the next time!

Last but not least, don't worry a lot about the future. Que Sera Sera, whatever will be, will be my dear. So far, we came out Okay...not perfect as we wanted to be, but you'll have a generous share of blessings and good luck.

Thanks for being strong, kiddo...


Love,

26 years and 4 months old Jacinta.

BK hits Putatan!

My fave fast food joint has come to my hometown! Woot! Though d burgers were tad small, the manager is yummylicious (i didn't have him for dinner though :-P ). Oh, they're having promotion during lunch hour..if u buy any value meal u'll get a 50% discount. So, if u were at BK putatan buy me d mushroom cheese. By d way, am blogging from GSC KK. Going 2 catch up with movies before going back to cinemaless LD B-)

Me and Aedy