Don't worry. This blog ain't dead.
I'm just busy. That's what happens when there're new subjects to teach and new materials to prepare.
I'll be back with vengeance when all's settled.
That'll be next year I guess.
Modern Match-making Sessions?
The October semester began last Monday and as usual, I was up to my neck with last minute changes to my lecture notes and materials.
Although my Film Theory & Criticism lecture was slated on Friday, I had already revised my notes 4 times and only uploaded the latest addition (for the students to download) just before 5 a.m. on Friday morning.
Yeah, I'm extremely particular about such things, and even an additional space in between my words or missing punctuation mark will irk me endlessly. I admit that when it comes to my teaching material, I DO sweat the small stuff. :/
My current timetable for this semester mirrors that of my October 2008 version - approximately 3 full days of teaching with little pockets of breathers with just enough time for me to reach the next class. The good news is that I have no classes on Wednesdays - so I guess this means I can officially go on leave to run errands and enjoy a mid-week break. :)
Anyway, I'm glad I survived the first week of school (which is traditionally the most hectic) which means I can finally get down to the onerous task of clearing my mailbox. And while deleting the the tonnes of mails from my inbox, I found this hilarious gem which was sent to me by my colleague.
Technology has indeed changed the way we communicate. This clip made me laugh till my sides hurt. Enjoy!
Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
It's crazy.
I haven't had time to really take a breather and now I suddenly find myself scrambling to get things in place for the new term which starts today.
And I've got a hectic timetable to boot.
Triple ARGHS.
Deep breaths.
Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale...
A Break of Sorts
With the School Supplementary Board of Examiners' (BOE)Meeting completed on Friday, we're almost done with Semester I (April) Academic Year 2009/2010. This Tuesday's the Polytechnic BOE and results will probably be released on Thursday.
And then it's time to move on to Semester II (October) Academic Year 2009/2010 which starts officially on 19 October 2009.
There's just 2 weeks of so-called break. Technically it's our holidays because there're no lessons scheduled. But there's tonnes of administration and preparations for the new term. And in between the period there're meetings and our annual Diploma Retreat.
ARGH. That leaves only a couple of days for a quick reprieve. And that also explains why I get irritated when people assume that teachers and lecturers share the luxury of "long" holidays when school's out. Nobody (save those in the same plight and education industry) understand the behind-the-scenes work involved.
Exactly on the same day last year, our entire family of 7 (including MIL and FIL) were en route our 9-day trip to Perth. Now that Xian's in Primary 1, it's impossible for us to take an out-of-school-term holiday. And the only time her vacation coincides with mine is 2 weeks in December - a traditionally more expensive and crowded period as all other families also take the chance to travel overseas.
At the moment, we're planning a short road trip to Genting Highlands. I guess that's as much of a holiday we're going to enjoy this year.
Drive Time
Guess what?
I've been driving Pollie regularly for about 2 weeks now!
Yay me!
Although it's just a straight "home-work-home routine", I'm beginning to recognise the bumps and uneven surfaces on the regular roads, and familiarise myself with the morning and evening traffic conditions.
And I'm starting to be a little less scared of driving although I'm still extremely cautious and keep strictly to the speed limits - much to the annoyance of other drivers who impatiently zip in and out of lanes to overtake me. To these people, I laugh in their faces because most of the time, I end up next to their vehicles again at the traffic lights.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
Honestly, I still prefer to be driven around as it's much less stressful. Maybe it's because I'm still not used to handling a car.
Ah well. Practice makes perfect.
I'm suddenly in the mood for some retro music and very aptly, "Drive" by The Cars pops to mind!
Supplementary Exams
We're now in the middle of the supplementary exams.
As expected, the sole candidate who ruined my 100% passing rate didn't show up - the story's that his family is migrating overseas, so I guess he's decided to quit school and didn't bother to show up for all his papers.
If only he'd put in the paperwork earlier to withdraw from the course. Then I'd have a perfect pass rate for Corporate Events Management.
Anyway, this coming Thursday, when my colleagues can take a breather before the new semester begins, I'll be furiously extracting tables from the exam system and finalising the report for presentation on Friday.
Arghs. I think I've stated this before really am not very comfortable with facts and figures, and analysing data is definitely not my cup of tea. So I can't wait to get this over and done with.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Selamat Hari Raya to all my Muslim friends!
After a month of fasting, it's time to celebrate with good food and greater company of friends and family. So do enjoy yourselves.
Have fun!
