Yu-chan no Megane

Priority Seating

Ever since they started using these signs on local trains, I’ve been constantly reminded of the omake Prince of Tennis episode entitled Beach Volleyball something-or-other.

Pairs of former tennis players from Seigaku and Rokkaku (now beach volley players due to some cruel twist of mangaka fate) were pitted against one another. Unfortunately, thanks to Ryuzaki sensei and Ojii (who made up the formidable Ryuzaki-Ojii pair), losers ended up becoming “Silver Seats” シルバーシート or priority seats to the old coaches which was especially gross.

It was a truly hilarious episode. Probably one of the best, sadly. Or maybe I just enjoy these types of obaka hijinks.

I should totally do moblogging more often.

I attended an old friend’s wedding today. After 17 years of friendship, he’s finally gotten hitched. He’s a real gentleman and his bride is a wonderful lady. I’m certain God broke the mold when he made those two. It was a sweet and quiet affair.

And I was, quite amusingly, keeping company with a young chap who was whining that there was no one his age (a month or so pre-NC16) to hang out with. But I’m kind.

As I met up with old acquaintances at the wedding, I couldn’t help but feel a little strange. There was some sizing up happening here and there, some courteous nods, an extended conversation or two. (Why do weddings always morph into such affairs?) However, it felt different. Everyone has moved on. Things you had in common with others a long time ago are no longer brought up as subjects for conversation. Instead, it’s merely idle talk, the requisite “how are you doing?” to satisfy your own curiosity. Not that you’d remember the moment you leave the acquaintance behind in search for another person to start the entire process all over again.

Over the years, my priorities have shifted. Perhaps I’ve become a little more of a recluse, a little more (for wont of a better word) elitist. I’m not sure how others perceive it, really. It’s just that after going through a number of things in life, I’m less interested in being the life of the party. I’d soon a quiet conversation or none at all, listening to jazz, than hobnobbing (even among people I know) and sharing the gossip. So I’m less keen on speaking with others.

I do so much better with children, who are (for the most part) without guile and so easy to get along with. Am I a child at heart then, or just unwilling to deal with baggage? I suspect it’s the latter.

I learnt a lot more about that young chap today than I could’ve in any other setting. Sitting next to one another throughout a wedding dinner will do that, but then again, perhaps I was truly interested in knowing more about what makes him tick. If only I approached everyone the way I do my school children… with keen interest and a willingness to listen to whatever they wish to say.

And a side note:
It’s strange that this wedding has started me on this train of thought… but has anyone also noticed that Facebook seems to be a great location to flaunt those studio wedding shots? Not that I have anything against that, but really… at such a moment in my life where I’m pondering whether I truly need to have a spouse to be happy… it gets a little… much.

It’s the end of Term 3 and like most schools, we’re in the process of grading our children based on their aptitude for the things that they’ve learnt.

So far, I’d say I’m pretty pleased with their English results. I’ve seen some improvement which really makes me proud. Not that I’m interested in a large performance bonus (which, obviously, I wouldn’t mind having), but more importantly, for the benefit of the kids. It tells me that their work attitudes have taken a turn for the better and they are interested in doing things well.

We work hard, but we sure do play hard as well.

I’ll be working on my latest venture, the daunting end-of-the-year Science examination. Urg. I’m glad I’m not doing it alone though. Phew.

Monday: Hort Park here we come! The kids and I are so excited. I bought a mountain of snacks and sweets as a reward for their rather excellent behaviour.

We watched an interesting video during staff meeting this week about making work fun. At Pike Place Market in Seattle, a bunch of fishmongers are literally throwing their goods around.

Maybe I could fling the kids? (!!)

National Day is once again upon us here in Singapore. Everyone’s resplendent in the national colours of red and white, including myself. In true Singaporean school fashion, all schools celebrated the occasion with various programs.

Over in the north where I’m located, we celebrated by having a Games Day for the Primary One and Two kiddies. It was ridiculous fun. Each level competed in three different obstacle-type games. They certainly performed their best for the game they were assigned. The class was cheering marvellously… they have such great team spirit! It’s such a joy to see.

Mosaic is such a great PS tool. Here’s my kid rolling during the competition.

Unfortunately, there was a sudden heavy downpour which halted the last game, so it’ll be held a little later.

A colleague of mine commented that I really enjoy my class and indeed I do. After last year’s fiasco, I’d enjoy all future classes I imagine.

For those of you in the know, the photos are in my Facebook album and on MobileMe (previously dot Mac). Obviously, I’m not going to post those links here for the sake of some privacy.