Liza’s Weblog

When was it that I last post a blog? Must have been before school reopened for 2007. It’s been abt 3 months then. Life has been hectic due to work. Body’s getting weaker and weaker as the weeks passed. I have 1 mth left to prepare for the baby’s arrival. Been going around shopping & collecting hand-me-downs. That’s what u get when u are the 3rd one. Not much enthusiasm left! But the anxiety is still there. Thinking more of labour and how laborious it’ll be. Takut. Takut. Been pestering Gai to read up despite having gone thru 2 labours. I’ve always had this coordination problem - breathing during the contractions, and whether to relax the pelvic floor or not. Trying to avoid episiotomy if possible.  If he doesn’t want to read up, then he’d better come in an armour!

But he’s been a wonderful husband so far. He has been cooking, and looking after the girls.  I’m really so tired now.  Don’t remember being this way with the girls. Of course, a lot of pple said, boys are different. Bigger, more active… Tak terlarat nak ke kerja pun. My feet are like watermelons. My back aches like crazy. I can’t sleep at nite. Sitting’s not comfortable. Lying on my back is even more uncomfortable. So, I end up feeling groggy in the morning. Driving is also not comfortable. Not much space left between the tummy and the steering wheel.

So, I’ll be taking leave from 26th onwards. Don’t think I can take it anymore.

I’m feeling so down today. Went to the car to send kids to mom’s. Just felt like opening the boot. Got a shock when I saw a big gap under the spoiler. My brake light got stolen again! For the second time! And the carpark has a surveillance camera!

Felt so miserable that I cancelled whatever plans I had, including going to work. Spent more than 1 hour at Bedok Police Station so that I can report the theft and request for them to step up on their patrols. I know that alone will not stop the thief. Chris said this is the 1st time he heard of such a theft from a Colt. Chris is the person I bought the car from. I’m so miserable.  When it happened the first time, I thought, nevermind, financial cleansing. Maybe ada duit haram in my possession. I was still miserable though, then. Now? Nak kena mandi bunga kot kereta ni!

Now, I don’t even know how my 4N students fare for the exams!

Well, maybe it’s a blessing in disguise. It’s definitely something I can cope with. Yes, yes, Ija. Be strong! It’s not as if it happens every month. Only twice in 6 mths.

Oh no! Will more bad news await me when I reach school tom? The results will definitely be on my table.

Alahai…

Anyway, I had been wanting to post a blog after a long absence. Tapi, kan elok kalau tentang hal yg bagus-bagus…

Now, where’s that pillow? I need to scream!

When did you last have a good laugh? I had mine just now at Changi Business Park.  After 2 weeks of toiling for the conference, and a whole week of work from Monday to Sunday, Gai suggested we go to the park to feed the terrapins/turtles/tortoise (I can’t differentiate which is which).  After feeding those creatures, we sat and talked.  Then Munira suggested playing a game. The first game was ok. A word game.  Munira liked that. Then we played freeze frames on places we had been. Then we decided to impersonate a member of our family and the rest of us will guess who it is.  Munira impersonated Gai so well. We had a good laugh. I had a very good laugh. I can’t remember when was the last time I had that kind of laugh. It feels good having all those happy hormones/chemicals running around your body and brain.  It was a short but fun family outing despite the hot weather.

It had been a busy month for me. Just 2 weekends ago, the girls and I rushed to KL on Saturday morning for Nadia’s wedding.  Decided to just GO on Friday evening. A good thing the flight’s not fully booked. Got to meet relatives there. Met Uncle Kota for the 2nd or 3rd time, the 1st was more than 20 years ago! He looked so different! Also met Nadia, the beautiful bride. The last I saw her was when she was really young. Time flies. I enjoyed my time there although we had to take the last flight out of KL the very same day (FYI, we took the very 1st flight that morning). By the time we reached home, I had to drag the girls out of the car - they woke up at around 4am. We reached home close to midnite and Shirah cried all the way from the carpark to the lift and right up to the door. Both cried when I insisted that they have a bath before they go to bed. By then it was midnite. I was too tired to sleep, so I decided to wait for Gai to come back from work. Fortunately, he came back early, close to 1am. Slept at around 2 feeling tired but good.

It was tiring but I had no regrets. Yam and family shuttled us around despite being so busy. Cik Enon’s sister and nieces were so nice, although it was our first time meeting them. They embraced us as their relatives almost instantly.  I was touched. Met Cik Enon’s brother-in-law who is a Caucasian.  He speaks Malay so well! A very good example to my students who are Malay and yet insist that they can’t speak Malay so well.

One last good thing - the conference. It was a lot of work but it was also an enriching experience. It ignites that desire to take up the masters programme, yet again. But, we’ll see how.

Have a headache now. So tired. Have not ironed Munira’s uniform and Gai’s work clothes, not to mention mine. Tomorrow’ the GCE O listening exams. Hope my students can do well for the paper.

Life still goes on and I’ll continue to look out for the good things in life. It’s not hard to find, I know.  Just need to open your heart and mind. Happiness is there. What’s good in life is there.

3 minggu cuti sekolah telah berlalu. Setelah berhari-hari aku menjalankan tugas sulit sehingga tegang urat & otot bahu dan leher, kini tibalah masanya aku merehatkan badan yang cukup letih ini.

15 Jun 2006 - Kebetulan ini hari ulangtahun perkahwinanku yang ke-9. Kami berangkat ke Terengganu sejurus selepas solat Subuh. Perjalanan yang memakan masa 8 jam itu tidak sedikit pun melelahkanku. Maklumlah, bukan aku yang memandu. Kasihan, Gai. Sekali sekala terpaksalah aku mengurut-urut lehernya.  Sampai sahaja di sana, Munira dan Mushirah terus menyalin pakaian untuk terjun ke kolam renang. Bagus juga. Dapat juga aku ke spa untuk mengurut leher dan bahuku. Kalau tidak terpaksalah menahan sakit kepala semasa bercuti. Terlanjur ada masa, aku buat pedicure sekali. Kulit mati pun sudah berlapis-lapis di tapak kaki. Setelah 2 jam, aku ke bilik hotel. Segar sedikit badan. Kalau ikutkan hati, nak habiskan masa sehari di spa itu. Bila lagi nak manjakan badan ini? Tapi, tak sampai hati pula nak biarkan budak-budak tu.

Pada malam itu, kami pandu keluar untuk makan malam. Tak tahu pula tempat mana yang sedap. Kita pun berhenti di suatu tempat yang diterangi lampu flourescent yang pelbagai warna. Sekali pandang, aku tak berkenan. Tapi tidak pula aku cadangkan kita cari tempat lain. Setelah yang lain memesan santapan mereka, aku pandang ke arah Aisah lalu menanyanya sama ada dia pernah mendengar tentang The Abilene Paradox.  Dia pun ketawa. Rupa-rupanya dia pun tidak berkenankan tempat itu. Tempat itu penuh dengan serangga yang berterbangan. Aku tidak makan apa-apa. Biarlah yang lain makan. Nanti di hotel, bolehlah beli apa-apa yang lebih menyelerakan.

16 Jun 2006 - Kami ke Pasar Payang. Geramnya lihat kain-kain sutera yang ada. Kalau aku kaya, dah aku beli semua yang ada! Malam itu, kami ke Atrium hotel untuk menyaksikan perlawanan bola sepak antara Argentina dgn Serbia&Montenegro. Kasihan S&M. Kalah 6-0.

17 Jun 2006 - Hari yang dinanti-nantikan. Kami bangun awal untuk ke Pulau Kapas. Keindahan pantai di pulau itu tidak dapat diluahkan dengan kekata sahaja. Seluruh pantai itu milik kami sahaja. Airnya sungguh jernih.  Ikan-ikannya berenang hingga hampir ke darat. Indah sungguh. Tak perlu snorkel. Berdiri sahaja dah boleh nampak ikan. Kami kemudian ke Pulau Gemia untuk makan tengah hari sebelum pergi semula ke Pulau Kapas untuk snorkel di pantai yang lain. Setelah berjam-jam di bawah terik matahari, kami pun pulang ke Marang. Mungkin September ini kita ke pulau lain. Tak sabar rasanya.

Malam itu kami makan di hotel. BBQ dinner. Sedap. Keesokan hari baru kami tahu, sungguh mahal sekali harganya. Apa nak buat? Dah jadi darah daging dah kot. Selepas itu, kami saksikan persembahan di sana. Aisah tak tahan ketawa. Mereka tidak boleh menyanyi ataupun menyanyi. Kelakar seram! Rupa-rupanya mereka pekerja hotel di situ. Patutlah sungguh tak professional.

18 Jun 2006 - Tiba masanya untuk kami pulang ke tanah air. Alangkah bagus jika kita berlama di sana. Tak mengapalah. Mungkin kita ke Kota Tinggi atau ke Melaka satu hujung minggu nanti. tak tahulah bila. Tunggu Malik balik dari US. Kasihan kawan tu. Semasa di Pulau Gemia, dia sms Isk. Jealous dia! Bulan depan dia pulang, boleh kita ke Pulau Sibu! Tak sabar!

Tiba di Singapura pada jam 8 malam. Putih mengomel tak habis! Biasalah tu.

Sekarang, aku hendak rehat. Hari Rabu, sudah mula bertugas. Siapa kata guru ada cuti yang panjang? Cutiku hanya seminggu. Tapi, aku tetap bersyukur.

10 Feb 2006 - My first entry for e year. Been wanting to blog but just don’t hv e time.  There’s time tonight coz I CAN’T SLEEP!  Every year I’ll defintely have 3 sleepless nights - 2, before e O level results is released n 1, before e N levels is released.  occupational hazard.  So, I’ll just spend e early morning just reflecting what had happened to me so far…

My Part-Time Teaching Scheme - seems to be working for me. So far, so good. Alhamdulillah. So many actually approached me to ask about it after it was announced during CT. Even more approached me to tell how much they envy me. A woman’s gotta do what a woman’s gotta do. I’m doing what I love best now - looking after my kids and hubby’s needs, spending more time chatting with my mum and nieces, helping those students who are in need of my help. I’s say I’m more sane now.  Happier despite doing more unpaid tasks than paid ones.  Good thing Gai increased e allowance he gives every month.  Can breathe sikit, go shopping a bit ;)  Trying to save up for a really nice handbag.  Prada and LV look nice but there are so many imitation ones around, wld seem pointless to buy one that’s thousands of dollars. I’ll wait till I go full-time again before buying one.  At least there’ll be more disposable income to go around.  hehehe… can’t wait to go for retail therapy again!

New house?  Been itching for something new to look forward to.  Change and variety are very high in my profile.  I need it fast! PTTS is a change right? Yes. But not a big change.  Been looking at private property near this area.  Landed ones rather than condos. We remembered how anggek those we met at condo showrooms. Don’t want to hv to face such pple every day.  That’s why we chose HDB.  But after 3 years, something in this house must change. But can’t decide what. So, came up with this idea of moving, which is stressing Gai up. Poor hubby. I gave him an option, either we downgrade and don’t hv to worry abt housing loan anymore, or we upgrade as an investment.  Of course he chose e former, which I don’t mind since I already hv an idea of what to do to the 3room flat if we decide to buy one.  I was so excited! Then he suggested buying a new flat at central! Aiyah! Spoilt e excitement! Who want a new flat?! I want an old one which I can tear down to create a totally new apt! Haiz… So, I decided, ok, we’ll stay put.  But still, something’s gotta CHANGE!

My Birthday - Got a few surprises fr school.  The first from my 4NA.  Didn’t expect them to know.  They got me a cake and made me a lovely card.  How sweet! Reminded me of what Aresha & gang did for me on my birthday.  Unfortunately for them, I was on MC e day they planned a surprise for me.  They bought me another cake when I returned for work after recovery. Also a card with their faces and well-wishes. That class was something.  Had them for 4 years.  Was so strict with them and yet they gave me the best present - high distinction rate for Malay! One of the best class I’ve had. Can’t beat my 4NT form class tho’ - still e best! The next one came from Roslina who sms very, very early in e morning to wish me a happy birthday followed by Mateen in school.  Then Faeeqah gv me a present from 3NA class.  Miss them so much. Given a choice, I’ll take them back.  4NT too. Then Ros and delis and e whole jing gang also had a surprise cake, this time Tiramisu. Cut e cake.  Took pictures… Tiramisu so early in e morning! Was very touched considering this was fr e class which wasn’t really looking forward to hvg me teach them. Still, I hope they’ll gv me e best birthday present money can’t buy - 100% distinctions!

The last surprise came from home - a Secret Recipe brownie cake, a bouquet of gerberas and …. a nice diamond bracelet from dear hubby + a few vouchers from Lee Hwa.  So touched. Didn’t expect him to spend so much. Still, can’t wait to spend those vouchers. Eyeing that diamond studded earrings for quite a while already… Another retail therapy coming my way… hehe…  Nolah. I think I’d better save up.  Just paid for e road tax. Another one in Sept plus insurance. Savings depleting so fast.  Control ija, control…

Dip or Masters?  Really toying with e idea of hitting e books again.  It’s been too long. Have not replied Shah’s sms on whether I want to take up e dip course. Felt that e time spent on dip course can be better spent for masters. But Jln Bahar is sooooo faaaaaaaaar awaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy.  Don’t think I can survive 3 expressways twice a week, at nite.  Will be dead tired once I reach home.  How to spend time with kids and hubby then? Dilemma….

Backlogs - will always exist. Still a lot of things that’s supposed to be done by know, but alas! Bathe Princess. Now gai said must bathe her once in 2 days! Kesian budak tu, kesejukan lah dia nanti. Which would also mean that I must bathe Putih that frequent too. Then clean e toilet. Buy new mat for both toilets. Too lazy to go to IKEA altho’ it’s near wkplc. Mushirah’s homework has not been completed. Washed laundry to be folded.  Uniforms, work shirts to be ironed. Must trim the orchid plan abit.  Miss Yeow gv some valuable tips that day. So glad to see a few shoots coming out already.  Can’t wait for them to start flowering. Feel like buying new quilt cover for both beds. Aussinos? Hmm…

I have to sleep now. Must force myself.  Tomorrow I have a date with dear gai. Dinner on me coz I’ve got all those free food birthday vouchers. Hai, bila nak lelapkan ni?

15 Dec 05 - Finally met up with Liza last Tuesday.  We had fun, just updating each other’s progress in life and our friends.  Heard that Intan’s expecting her 4th child.  How I envy her [don't think Gai would ever change his mind...], Fauzi’s working in Australia, Norlisa married some caucasian n has migrated, Shamrudy’s married, Saddiq has 2 kids already, Malik’s HOD Maths at Springfield… How time flies!

Counting down to our trip to M’sia. Can’t wait altho’ there are tonnes of work to finish b4 we leave. Nana finally decided to join us after much persuasion. It’ll be fun with all the girls around. Hope they’ll hv fun too.

Counting down to school too. Not that I really look forward to it, but more to remind me of the work that needs to be done by then. Can’t wait to start being a part time teacher next year.  Hope the pay-cut will be worth e sacrifice.  I also hope that I’ll be able to utilise the time wisely.  Finally, I’ll have the opportunity to balance my commitments.

Counting down to Munira’s first day at school.  Every year, I can’t be around to be with her on her first day at school.  I’m as nervous as she is.  I pray that she’ll be able to adapt to e new environment quickly.  All her things are almost ready.  We went to Queensway just now to buy her shoes and bag.  Went to converse to buy shoes for Mushirah.  The salesperson looked familiar.  I thought he was an ex-Sec 5 boy from last year’s batch.  After a while, realised that he was from my buddy form class - 4D, a good friend of Joab.  Can’t recall his name. Could be Yao Zhong, or something like that.

1 am and I still can’t sleep.  Gai’s flat already.  Could be e durian. Had satay just now at Serangoon Gardens.  Then Razif suggested going to Geylang for durian.  D24! Yup, my favourite.  Had a craving for D24 durians when I was expecting Munira more than 6 years ago.  It’s been my favourite since then.

Next week, N level results will be out.  I won’t be around to see how well the 4N ML students had performed.  Normally, getting distinctions is not a problem at this level.  I’m more anxious abt next year.  Facing quite tough classes.  Had initially plan to retire from teaching graduating classes, jus concentrate on the lower sec.  More fun activities, not much worries abt the Ns and the Os.  But, alas!

ok. I’d better try to sleep now.  Have a long day tomorrow.

10 Dec 2005 - We started the day early today.  After just 4 hrs of sleep [msn with indah n jim til nearly 2 am - telling them their job scope as catsitters], finally I gathered enough strength to hop onto the treadmill for an hour. It’s been two weeks since I last exercised. Bad. Bad. Been eating a lot of rice. Almost everyday.  Very bad.  Must really start fasting again. 

And, finally, Gai washed his car and the pond.

It was a mad rush after that. Collect fruit basket from central. Soooo lovely. Then finally, met Yan after so long since we last went out.  He gained weight,  [hehe, I'm not e only one].  Lily had to work.  So, it’s just him.

Finally also met Nafis after a long while.  He just touched down from Indonesia.  Flying off again next week.  Poor Yani fractured her back bone after a trip at wild wild wet.  On MC now. So, she too didn’t join us.  Good thing I brought the girls, ada juga kawan.

It was a simple solemnization ceremony.  Julie’s father was the one who carried it out.  Darah gemuruh agaknya si Faizal.  But he managed to say it just once. Alhamdulillah… finally all of Gai’s jing gang is married. 

I still think we should have stayed a while at the bride’s place.  At least Faizal has some company.  Afterall, he stayed on thru’out the day for the other guys’ wedding, incl ours.  Gai felt the same way too.  But, alas! You see.  If only we had communicated better - Gai & I.  Anyway, we headed home.  Still too early to go to Liza’s.  We took a nap but it turned out to be long one.  Overslept. Too late to go to Liza’s coz have to go to Ogy’s.  So, we went to the expo to buy the gifts for Haikal and Liza.  I had to drive becoz my dear husband’s car had just been washed n the sky looked cloudy.  Soooooo long the queue.  Spotted a familiar light blue WISH at the carpark. Ahh… kakak is here.  Maybe can cut queue.  Gai’s good at that.  I can’t.  Must practise what I preach to the students. hehe… It turned out that kakak left the expo after seeing how long the queue is. Finally,  reached the cashier after 20 minutes of standing in line.  Not bad.  Went home.  Wrapped the present for Haikal but ran out of wrapper for Liza’s gift.  So, searched the storeroom for a nice paperbag.

Finally reached Ogy’s at around 7.40pm.  Met Cikgu Zaiton there.  Discussed some work stuff.  Also met Sufian. Still looked the same.  Finally met his sons.  Doesn’t look like him, more like his wife.  Liannie was  surprised that I actually know ‘friendster’ n ‘msn’.  heheh.. how else am I to get thru to my students… terpaksalah.. hehe but I do enjoy it.  Again, Gai boasted of how good Toa Payoh and Beatty boys are and how NUS girls tend to run to them.  Even gave some living example. [ that would be me, Yati and Yusnita.  Don't know how all 3 of us TKGirls ended up with Beatty boys.]

Left at 9pm and finally went to Liza’s place, just to pass her the gift.  Wah! Nice house.  Didn’t realise how much I miss her until after I’ve met her.  Been saying that we’ll meet for lunch for the past 2-3 years.  It’s about time we set a date!  There’s so much to talk about! Next week it shall be!

Went straight home coz Gai has to go to work at 11pm.  He should be back at ard 4am.  Then he’ll be off again at 6am for work again. He’ll surely pengsan after that.  Hmm… I shall plan my Sunday without him then.  I’ll have the bed all to myself minus the background music. 

Finally, I updated my blog.  Had no mood last nite to do it.

Ok. Got to send Gai off to work now.

8 Dec 2005 - Finally… altered and ironed 4 of Gai’s pants! Finally bought him e casual pants.  Been wanting to buy linen pants for him but was afraid I get the sizes all wrong.  Went to the JL Mega Sale at the expo.  Selling quite cheap.  So, I just bought a couple of them plus other things for him. Retail therapy for me.  Hehe.. enjoyed that very much.  Now they are all ready for him to choose from tomorrow coz…

Finally…Faizal’s getting married!  He’s a dear friend of ours.  Or shall I call him our dear ‘peep’.  Apa sahaja budak-budak ni.  Ada perkataan betul-betul, ambil perkataan lain. He was there when we got married, was there when Munira was born, then Mushirah and now, he’s getting married.  We are very happy for him!  I thought of going to Joo Chiat to buy e girls new baju kurungs.  Maybe one for myself =).  Then will have to go to central.  Buy some fruits.  Send to the florist to do up the fruit basket to be picked up tomorrow morning.  We’ll hv to leave home tomorrow by 9am. Let’s hope Gai will not be activated for work as he’s on standby tonite til tomorrow morning.

Finally… told Shah we can’t make it.  Shah just sms to remind about the entrepreneur course preview.  How?  There’s Faizal’s solemnization in the morning, then at 3pm Liza invited us to her house warming (our friend just bought a landed property. lucky her!)  Then at 5pm Ogy invited us to her son’s birthday party. Busy, busy, busy.

Finally… we finish e library stock take.  All two rounds of it.  18444 resources.  Kak Yati is a gem! Don’t know how it’ll be if she wasn’t around.

Hmm… I see 3 more finallys coming up today! The 5-week assignment schedule for the students, arrange Munira’s Pri 1 stuff on the shelf and finish sewing that orange baju kurung. I’ve got 3 hours to do all of that.  Need to send girls to the pool for swimming lesson today since James is available. Oh yes! To Joo Chiat and florist too.

Cheerio!

Teaching is in my blood. I love teaching and interacting with students.  When I left my former school, I miss my colleagues more than my students but if I ever leave this school, it’ll be the students I miss most.

I first taught at a school near my place as a relief teacher.  It was my first job, so I bought new clothes and shoes for my first day.  Big mistake.  It was exam period for the students. I had to invigilate in the hall.  My shoes gave me blisters, terrible ones.  When the students asked for more papers, I could not move quickly.  Heheh… imagine how they felt!  The students were notorious.  Once I scolded a group of this ‘gangsters’.  Called Gai to wait for me at the gate after that, for fear that they attack me after school.  Heard that they had done many things to cars of trs and other staff who had rubbed them the wrong way.

My first teaching practicum… another school near my place. Lovely kids.  Enjoyed teaching my 3NA students.  Also my 2NA although they were more difficult to handle.

My first official school… an unforgettable experience.  I was there for 5 years.  It was there that I developed myself, both professionally and spiritually. Also had a very good visionary leader there.  She’s a gem.  My HODs were great and had put in a lot to develop me to be a good teacher and administrator.  Made a lot of friends there too.  It is there that I learn to care for others, to put others’ needs before my own.  Cat is going there next year.  Will definitely miss her at GESS but I’m sure she’ll have an equally enriching experience there.  I am still in touch with my students there. 

First transfer… to GESS.  Believe it or not, I even wrote to the minister to request for a school in the east.  I believe that if I want something, I must try all means to get it.  But if every effort bears no fruit, then I am truly fated not to hv it.  So, it must be good that I was posted there.  I’d say, it’s a blessing in disguise.  The 3 years in this school had been a humbling experience for me.  The students here are different.  The staff, an even greater difference from the former school’s.  I’ll give myself another 2 years, to see my first batch of sec 1s thru the Os.  Then I’ll decide.  Change is the only constant, eh?

Ok. Gai’s done with his prayers. Better not stare at the computer for too long.  My darling wants to go to Adam Road Hawker Ctr.  At 9.45pm!  As long as he’s driving, fine with me!

Ciao!

7 Dec 2005, 1200h - Anna is here already.  Enjoying her daily dose of Hi-5.  Looked for Nana, whined for a while then ok. Mushi is jealous of the attention I showered on Anna.

I’m going to continue with my firsts.

First niece… Syasya. A beautiful yet vain girl.  She was born on 14 July 2000, exactly 18 months after Munira was born.  She’s 5 years old now.  Had a string of boyfriends at nursery and K1.  She’s an exact replica of her mother.  You know it’s true what people say - a mother’s word is doa. I bet my mum always said, "Wait till u get a daughter like you when you are a mother!"  to my sis. That’s her prayer.

First set of colour pencil … I’ve always wanted a nice set of colour pencils.  Used to envy friends who had those fanciful ones.  My parents were struggling to make ends meet so we could only afford those short ones.  That would be my first set. Now, I’ll buy sets of colour pencils off the shelves whenever I see them at MPH or popular. Just could not resist.

First boy I liked… that would be Aidil. Known him since Pri 1. Was heartbroken when Mardiany said he had a thing for Rafiqah. That day I was having high fever and resting at the sick bay [Mr Phua carried me there. :)  he sent me home after that. How sweet of him!] He wanted to give me a rose that day. Declined it. Too sad lah! We were in touch when I was in NUS. He said he will marry me if I’m still single at 25. Told him I don’t need his help, thank you very much.

First date… that will be with Edmund. Very sweet classmate of mine from JC.  Told him to send me home straight after the movies. That poor guy had to eat lunch alone.

First blind date…that would be the turning point in my life coz he happens to also be my first boyfriend, my first love and my first [and only, i hope] husband. Thanks to Nafis, of course. And my sister. You see I was supposed to be Nafis’ date for his OCS commissioning ball. Actually, he wanted to ask my sis but since she wasn’t home and I happened to pick up the phone, he asked me. But my dear sis wanted to go, so I gave way to her. Nafis felt guilty, I guess. So, when he learnt his fellow officer mate didn’t have a date, he arranged for me to go with that guy. Talked to him. Arranged to meet outside NTUC at the airport to go to T2 Swensens. I didn’t know that he didn’t know that there’s an NTUC at T2.  So, he waited outside NTUC at T1, while I at T2.  Then, we had no handphones, only pagers. After 1 hour of waiting, I gave up. Called him a few hours later and demanded an explanation.  Turned out that there was a miscommunication. Our second attempt to meet was outside Long John Silver near Plaza Singapura. Definitely, no mix-ups.  He’s tall, dark, muscular.  Macam abang-abang. I liked what I saw. It was love at first sight for me. Don’t think it’s so for him as he was seeing someone else at that time.  We went out for about 9 months before he gathered enough courage to ask me to be his girlfriend. Even then, he didn’t know how to ask properly. So, Rosalind & I had to analyse every word he said to really understand what he meant.  Duh.

First big crush… not on Gai tho’. He’s that tall n fair badminton player, Benjamin Wong. Just have a thing for Chinese guys, maybe because I know nothing will develop from it.  That poor guy had to tolerate me and my nonsense. My resource person, Mark Tan, another sweet JC classmate, Ben’s best friend.  Ben’s a rich banker’s son.   Mark’s also a rich man’s son. He stayed at this huge bungalow with this loooong driveway on top of a hill near TJC. Don’t know what’s become of them now.  Also had a crush on Pakcik Snoop. He..he.. He’s a lawyer now.

There are a lot more firsts but they are really at the deep end of my memory box. I’ll just end off here.

Leave your comments here. Tell me about your firsts.