While waiting for the bus
Was online and chatting to an ex student.
‘i read your blog!’ she said
Even after all these years of blogging one is still flattered.
Had a discussion with nparks. Going to do a series of books for primary schools; mangroves, rainforests and Seagrass. Going to get my kakis lekowala and otterman to help.
The past month is intense. Seriously considering a sabbatical. Rmbr?
How plants power the planet. The ultimate botanist book.
Shall briefly talk about what happened on Friday.
Morning, forgot my tie and the poster so got up early to go back to school (so much for a quiet coffee before the ceremony). As usual in office work finds you. You send a quick email, try to compile a set of notes then you realize you are late. Grabbed the tie and poster and ran out of school. First cab that comes along is a Daimer Chrysler, those huge black mafia cars. You console yourself that it is important to be punctual and that the coal plant in China is spewing emissions by the tonnes and hop on. Nice ride though I thought the interior of the cab would be much more high-tech. You feel abit important getting off at Marina Hotel lobby. Handed over the poster and sunk into a nice leather couch with the coffee.
The ceremony was good. Saw an entry where they introduced vertical gardening in urban spaces. Something to think about. Met my ex-biology teacher who taught me in secondary school. She is now head of science and it’s a bit surreal when we share about work. I guess some work problems are universal. Anyway was really good to catch up. Still wish to work with her, just to pay back.
So after the ceremony discussed with the students on their future project. This team looks good. Then rushed back school, more emails, packed up for two places, national library board meeting in Tampines then to Labrador park for Seagrass survey.
Library meeting turned out to be long but good. Met the volunteer coordinator. Made a note to inform the fab group about the reading programme. Then rushed down to Labrador park.
There was a storm awaiting. And of course it has to be the day I did not bring my wet gear. So tried to run from one pavilion to another in my office wear. Was drenched by the time I reached the gate and of course the rain stopped then. Since there was no place to change. I wore my booties and went down to the beach in long sleeves and office pants for the team’s final Seagrass survey. Was reasonably dry enough when I walked out to take a bus back.
So an interesting day. 2 sides of Singapore in an afternoon. Won’t repeat it again.
Typing on the iPhone is not too bad actually. Gives one something to do whilst waiting at the ncc. Wonder if this will be easier with the ipad.
Last trip for the last chemo session. The blog has kinda served as a place to reflect and to record things so I might as well write it in.
After this week, there is another 3 weeks of the next phase of radiotherapy. And then one hopes for the best and see how it plays out.
Still have to go back for handover meeting and to plan for the presentation for tomorrow. You just do what you can I guess. At least hopefully after this week I do not have to straddle appointments and can focus more. Well have already done it for so long, what is three more weeks?
So then.
Will talk about Dalai Lama’s routine after I finished watching his documentary. Such things move you on.
So what should i do after? Time to think hard.
Taken at a cafe
Much as we like to treasure it and make every moment count. It’s also important to learn the natural order of things and learn to let go.
To my dear friend and colleague. Thank you for everything. You’ll be remembered and dearly missed.
23 Jan
The week finally passed. Already things seem hazy. The rush to the hospital, reading the letters, organising visits, hoping and praying, then the heartbreaking news. Had to continue to go to consultation for another case, offer encouragement, advice and comfort and be your normal self in class. You also still need to be clear headed and plan and think of policies for the SL programme.
Ended the week with OSL parents’ meet, its really heartening to see the 06 batch return. Such little actions do mean a lot and I guess it is also fitting to say farewell from OSL with this gathering; a catching up of the seniors and also planning ahead.
The next few weeks do not look like its going to let up much. Though am grateful for the texts, emails, cards and books.
Have a better appreciation of these graceful felines.
The usual coffee routine is still heavenly. Iphone is really good for pictures. Finally a decent camera.
We have our first major disaster of the year. The sad 7.0 earthquake in Haiti. Its a reminder for alot of things, most importantly now is hope that those affected will quickly receive help and have order restored quickly.
Each week so far is challenging, now the days are filled with terms like ‘planning’, ‘frameworks’, ‘workplans’, ‘programme outcomes’, ‘organisation’. You notice that there is nothing which resembles biology in there. Must make doubly sure I do not lose the touch.
Schedule is manageable so far, lots more moving between hospital and school but still manageable.
Good notes: Caught up with a few ex students. Short dinners, its good to see them all moving on and having really interesting times in uni.
Oh you can now tweet your delicious bookmarks. Wonders of Web 2.0
Oh yes, I got this tumbler as a present. Just perfect!
If there is one resolution I will make for 2010, it has to be not to let the small stuff get to me.
