Two days ago, I had arguably one of my worst experiences as a teacher in over 20 years. It was another hot and humid Thursday afternoon. After five weeks with them, I knew this wasn't exactly the most exciting class to teach. The students usually looked like droopy petals of a morning glory flower that … Continue reading Disagree if you will, but it takes courage to be a teacher
I'm writing this because it needs to be said: I LOVE SAPPY CHRISTMAS SHOWS! There. I said it. No turning back now. This grown man, all 52 years of age, is declaring that he loves something no man would ever dare to claim publicly. Kinda like the way no one would go near a smelly … Continue reading Confession time – I love sappy Christmas shows
Previously I had written about living with my 87-year-old mom and her various health issues. The latest has been her skin condition. For the past several months, we've seen her skin turn dryer, even scalier. And she's been scratching herself almost non-stop every day. Many times to the point of bleeding. To say we've sought … Continue reading Parenting in reverse #3 — my mom and aging
Here we are. The start of November. I don't know about you but each time I think of November, I think of it as a temporary pit stop while we hurtle our way to the end of one year and the start of another. Look at it any way you like, but November isn't a … Continue reading November is here. Time to pause before the cheer?
It's been two weeks since I resumed teaching face-to-face, now that Covid measures here have further eased. Yes, it does seem we're back to pre-Covid days again. Well, sort of. The thing I'm forgetting is this: even as the educator in me looks forward to engaging my students live and in person, the non-traveler in … Continue reading Back to daily in-person teaching after 2.5 years
A book I recently started reading got me thinking: What is life for me without adult conversations? The book centered around the experiences of a stay-at-home dad (SAHD) and trailing husband, as his wife's career took their very young family (two preschool kids) globe-trotting from Hanoi to Singapore to HCM City and San Francisco over … Continue reading What’s life without adult conversations for this dad?
Last week (and in fact this whole month), WMH Day or World Mental Health Day (10 October) was observed in various ways all over the globe. From national campaigns to promote mental wellness to local efforts like lighting up commercial buildings as a show of support and solidarity for the cause. The state of mental … Continue reading October is Mental Health Month — time to prioritise mental health for you and I
TV's most happening music contest The Voice is back this month for its 22nd season. For me, the catchy ditty that ushers each episode says it all: "This Is The Voice!" The best part is I now get to watch it on the Star Channel via my Disney+ subscription. Before, I had to make do … Continue reading How “The Voice” stirs music and musings within me
Her name's AG and she has Alzheimer's. She's also my 87-year-old mom. I've blogged about my strained relationship with her and my discomfort when around the elderly. I know that probably makes me Public Enemy #1. Certainly, it isn't something I bandy around like a badge of honour. For wasn't it one of God's Ten … Continue reading How can I be a better son on World Alzheimer’s Day?
Last week, a news article caught my eye and I couldn't help chuckling after reading it. Apparently, at least in the land of the rising sun, it's possible to be paid for doing (get this), nothing! Enter Exhibit A -- Mr Shoji Morimoto A new kind of work? Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com Mr. … Continue reading Now you can be paid for doing (wait for it)…nothing!
