I studied phonetics in University and it was VERY difficult for me, especially the vowels. Well, transcribing in a foreign language which was uttered quickly was also a big problem. I would be lying if i said i mastered it... but i got better... but still needing HELP!!!
I know literacy skills should be taught to children... teachers (AND PARENTS) play an important role in achieving this. Sadly, some students have been excluded from joining this club. The "kids" not recieving this are often ones needing special attention, learning difficulties and more.
I know there is "special education" in schools, however, should they be lacking in staffs or comprised of unwilling teachers, these 'special kids' are still without the ability to identify words, let alone able to recognize words!!! Where have we failed them?
As I mentioned recently, in Tutong, I had a chat with a friend. And we were exchanging stories on how frustrated we are... Children are unable to get support they should from school... parents are helpless... and we are too, since LITERACY is clearly the role of 'teachers / schools' and have never been equipped to OR is included in the roles as a therapist.
I have, long time ago, revised this role. I mean, if WE don't do it, and clearly schools are uncapable... WHO ELSE???
Anyways, today, i joined the "Bacalah Anakku" course, conducted by the man author himself. He was fun and charismatic. It was easy to learn. (I mean, he was teaching 4 years worth of study in a day - so relatively to me easy... others seem to grasp it very as well! and having a smasing time at that!)
Learning phonics to get children to read is the step forward and SHOULD be used in schools. Not only is it easier, it helps the children to read faster and it is more fun for them that way. I mean, a lot of internation schools in Brunei uses this system for years and is known to be successful! so why is the government schools/ teachers resisting change?
Let me not be the one to advocate this method until you learn to use this... Learn the one in English instead of Malay... Learn the english phonics and see how well you are able to read and say things more fluently and at a faster speed. If you can do it, so can children, whom are willing and capable to absorb more!
As for me, I have used some of this method before, and so,... now i know how to expand and move forward... My children will be stars!!!
Thursday 31 May 2007
Wednesday 30 May 2007
Tired
I am soooo tired today. It has been a very busy day... just booked with patients. It didnt help that i slept late last night. was yawning in front of the kids... they laughed. they thought i was being silly.
and because i was tired, and my shoulders ache.. i was a bit testy... i didn't even have a nap during lunch because i was doing work, watching tv and having lunch.
ideally, i would like to go to visit Tutong once a week, admin day once a week and 3 times a week in KB. however, this is just wishful. i dont think it would work. but i shall bring this to the staff meeting and with the admin... i wonder if they would agree...
I have asked for an assistant but then... its difficult to be given one since an assistant was not included in our current scheme of service. I understand that but i so want one. just to make my life easier... and to reduce waiting time. I mean i can train them simple things... and then... they can carry out therapy sessions.
but since these wont be realised in a few more years ( I have lost faith in the system- just follow it... no use thinking and suggesting when it all falls on deaf ears. you are just riding on false hope and then crash with a loud BANG! not worth it. No one cares anyways... Out of sight, out of mind... Someone else's trouble are more 'horrendous' than mine... bla bla bla) I just have to continue doing what i do... let there be long waiting list. Let there be short and incomplete therapy goals. Just treat partially and not completely! etc.
Anyways... what kind of work do you expect from someone whom is paid on the diploma scale to do? a degree's job... and more???
and because i was tired, and my shoulders ache.. i was a bit testy... i didn't even have a nap during lunch because i was doing work, watching tv and having lunch.
ideally, i would like to go to visit Tutong once a week, admin day once a week and 3 times a week in KB. however, this is just wishful. i dont think it would work. but i shall bring this to the staff meeting and with the admin... i wonder if they would agree...
I have asked for an assistant but then... its difficult to be given one since an assistant was not included in our current scheme of service. I understand that but i so want one. just to make my life easier... and to reduce waiting time. I mean i can train them simple things... and then... they can carry out therapy sessions.
but since these wont be realised in a few more years ( I have lost faith in the system- just follow it... no use thinking and suggesting when it all falls on deaf ears. you are just riding on false hope and then crash with a loud BANG! not worth it. No one cares anyways... Out of sight, out of mind... Someone else's trouble are more 'horrendous' than mine... bla bla bla) I just have to continue doing what i do... let there be long waiting list. Let there be short and incomplete therapy goals. Just treat partially and not completely! etc.
Anyways... what kind of work do you expect from someone whom is paid on the diploma scale to do? a degree's job... and more???
Tuesday 29 May 2007
Vision and Mission
If i remember my religious classes... the prophet once said that we must have an ambition in life - a goal, a mission and vision that leads you to your path... I decipher it to having a goal and finding ways to make that goal a reality... be the best you can...
In school, teachers train you to have ambitions... What do you want to be when you grow up? What do you want to be now? What do you plan for next year? and once my A level chemistry teacher said, do you see yourself achieving your goals in 5 years? and if not, why not?
I once thought that, once i have graduated and realised my dream to be what i aimed to be... i have done it... but being in the working force changes everything. When i started working, having to adapt to the 'different' culture and working environment was 'challenging'. Even more so, the language used with people... i used to use STANDARD Malay with my patients saying "Hari ini saya akan menjalankan beberapa ujian bahasa keatas awda. Adakah awda bersedia?" YES... don't laugh.. i did that! I know better now... (poor those people... i bet they had a laugh :P )
Now... everywhere you see in brunei, may it be big or small, private or government owned.. everyone has been infected with the creating their "Vision and Mission" statements. These vision and mission, to some are somewhat FAKE... and unrealistic. Like... To be the centre of excellence in the region. <-- like "HELLO!" can you? some agencies can't even get proper maintenance of existing equipment let alone BUY newest gadgets to even be acknowledge by the world's body to be acceptable! what a laugh!
Though, making up acceptable, achievable and not fairy-tale vision and mission is something else. that, i can live with and probably will work towards.
My personal mission is to stay out of office politics, being truthful and honest in the workplace either with collegues or the public, and working hard and improving working attitude. Not to mention, learning on the job to be someone better.... i dont mind changing jobs in the future... if given the chance...
In school, teachers train you to have ambitions... What do you want to be when you grow up? What do you want to be now? What do you plan for next year? and once my A level chemistry teacher said, do you see yourself achieving your goals in 5 years? and if not, why not?
I once thought that, once i have graduated and realised my dream to be what i aimed to be... i have done it... but being in the working force changes everything. When i started working, having to adapt to the 'different' culture and working environment was 'challenging'. Even more so, the language used with people... i used to use STANDARD Malay with my patients saying "Hari ini saya akan menjalankan beberapa ujian bahasa keatas awda. Adakah awda bersedia?" YES... don't laugh.. i did that! I know better now... (poor those people... i bet they had a laugh :P )
Now... everywhere you see in brunei, may it be big or small, private or government owned.. everyone has been infected with the creating their "Vision and Mission" statements. These vision and mission, to some are somewhat FAKE... and unrealistic. Like... To be the centre of excellence in the region. <-- like "HELLO!" can you? some agencies can't even get proper maintenance of existing equipment let alone BUY newest gadgets to even be acknowledge by the world's body to be acceptable! what a laugh!
Though, making up acceptable, achievable and not fairy-tale vision and mission is something else. that, i can live with and probably will work towards.
My personal mission is to stay out of office politics, being truthful and honest in the workplace either with collegues or the public, and working hard and improving working attitude. Not to mention, learning on the job to be someone better.... i dont mind changing jobs in the future... if given the chance...
Monday 28 May 2007
Good day...
Today is my day to visit Tutong. I had a full day with the exception of one calcellation - the child has exams. But, it turned out to be 'busy' as the patients turned up earlier. Spent a little more time with them... Why not huh...
For the first time in a long time, i had lunch with someone from work, an occupational therapist - in the hospital's canteen. it was plesant. We caught up with things.. also exchanged referrals of patients (the 'highlight' of the day :P) She informed me that there may be a course that i might be interested in... and its held in IPA soon... and i have been thinking about it.... lets see...
Anyways... today, i had fun things planned with my patients. Its fun and easy, however, i knew they won;t be able to grasp it, apa tah lagi play it independently.... THEY SUPRISED ME! they played well... and this is a group of 4 with learning disability!!! I had to think quickly for another game. Thank god i always pack something extra that can be used in case of emergency! THAT was fun and i had to praise them all... I also encouraged parents to continue with good work :)
Later, i had phonology group... and they managed to get 100% production of the phoneme in all positions... and i have only given the work last week. They moved too fast... Luckily for me, I kept the clinic equipped with phonology therapy material :) and they were blessed with harder sounds :P hahahahaha :P the kids were excited. I told them they are doing 'big' boys work ;) hahahahaha...
Lastly, I had my all girls language group. It was supposed to be a group of 5, but only 3 turned up. I had 2 of them for at least 5 years and the other one for 3 years. They have multiple problems but essentially all have self-esteem problems, poor processing of info, inability to express themself. But today, all the girls spoke up... and they were fighting for speech time to tell their news or answer questions. They were so good that o gave them 2 gifts each!!
At the end of each session, i informed parents that their children had done extremely well.. and what ever they are doing and feeding them... DON'T STOP!
For the first time in a long time, i had lunch with someone from work, an occupational therapist - in the hospital's canteen. it was plesant. We caught up with things.. also exchanged referrals of patients (the 'highlight' of the day :P) She informed me that there may be a course that i might be interested in... and its held in IPA soon... and i have been thinking about it.... lets see...
Anyways... today, i had fun things planned with my patients. Its fun and easy, however, i knew they won;t be able to grasp it, apa tah lagi play it independently.... THEY SUPRISED ME! they played well... and this is a group of 4 with learning disability!!! I had to think quickly for another game. Thank god i always pack something extra that can be used in case of emergency! THAT was fun and i had to praise them all... I also encouraged parents to continue with good work :)
Later, i had phonology group... and they managed to get 100% production of the phoneme in all positions... and i have only given the work last week. They moved too fast... Luckily for me, I kept the clinic equipped with phonology therapy material :) and they were blessed with harder sounds :P hahahahaha :P the kids were excited. I told them they are doing 'big' boys work ;) hahahahaha...
Lastly, I had my all girls language group. It was supposed to be a group of 5, but only 3 turned up. I had 2 of them for at least 5 years and the other one for 3 years. They have multiple problems but essentially all have self-esteem problems, poor processing of info, inability to express themself. But today, all the girls spoke up... and they were fighting for speech time to tell their news or answer questions. They were so good that o gave them 2 gifts each!!
At the end of each session, i informed parents that their children had done extremely well.. and what ever they are doing and feeding them... DON'T STOP!
Sunday 27 May 2007
Hair
I am sure everyone has obsessed over their hair at some point in their life. I remembered when i was a growing child (9), i was asked to cut my shoulder length hair short. I didn;t mind... but i was in for a shock as to was constitute SHORT!! the hairdresses did my hair in a pony tail and started cutting it from before where the rubberband met.... it was THAT SHORT! i think i cried and screamed inside.... i also took the pony tail home... sadden by the fact...
It didn't stop there.... I was looking back, flipping through pictures when i saw a picture of little me with afro hair... and suddenly i remembered. I was brought to the saloon (4) and sat on this wodden plank of the chair and was doozzzzing of in the seat waiting for the curls to materialise... apparently, i had 'the' hair then... :)
Now that i wear a headscarf (almost everyday), i went to a hairdresses and said, i wanted a nice layered cut, colour and perhaps some highlights. The conversation goes like this:
hairdresser: mau apa?
Me: gunting. layer ah. also, saya mau colour... also a bit of highlight sini (pointing to my top layered hair)
hairdresser: kenapa
Me: kenapa? lawa jua tu.
Hairdresser: Kau pakai tudong
Like... since when do girls yang pakai tudong inda boleh .. opppsss... Like.. since when do girls with headscarfs are not allowed to have hair fashion sense... and since when do hairdresser stop them from getting what they want....
Sure sure sure... no one gets to see and go... "wow! you look gorgeous!" but hey... i dont do this for people.. i do this for myself. What makes me feel good, makes me feel happy... and so.... get to it already!!
Just last night, i was twrling my hair... and was contempleting..... have curls or not... wont that be a fun trip to the saloon again!
It didn't stop there.... I was looking back, flipping through pictures when i saw a picture of little me with afro hair... and suddenly i remembered. I was brought to the saloon (4) and sat on this wodden plank of the chair and was doozzzzing of in the seat waiting for the curls to materialise... apparently, i had 'the' hair then... :)
Now that i wear a headscarf (almost everyday), i went to a hairdresses and said, i wanted a nice layered cut, colour and perhaps some highlights. The conversation goes like this:
hairdresser: mau apa?
Me: gunting. layer ah. also, saya mau colour... also a bit of highlight sini (pointing to my top layered hair)
hairdresser: kenapa
Me: kenapa? lawa jua tu.
Hairdresser: Kau pakai tudong
Like... since when do girls yang pakai tudong inda boleh .. opppsss... Like.. since when do girls with headscarfs are not allowed to have hair fashion sense... and since when do hairdresser stop them from getting what they want....
Sure sure sure... no one gets to see and go... "wow! you look gorgeous!" but hey... i dont do this for people.. i do this for myself. What makes me feel good, makes me feel happy... and so.... get to it already!!
Just last night, i was twrling my hair... and was contempleting..... have curls or not... wont that be a fun trip to the saloon again!
Saturday 26 May 2007
Meetings
Many of us make fun of the country's philisophy's abbreviation : MIB = Meeting inda beranti (Never ending meetings), Meeting inda berhasil and more...
A lot of the time, people have meetings with the best of intentions. However, during the meeting, when you are not firm and stick to your agenda, the meeting often run amock discussing nothing but petty things!
I was once in a meeting with the big people, and i thought it would be good... I came with the "i can learn something from this" attitude but i was gravely disappointed. They were petty and we didn't even get past agenda 3!!! They can't even get past the issue of a "TYPO" mistake!!! Dont tell me they type 135 words per minutes without mistakes! Give me a break!!!
Other times, meetings are held for many reasons. They are often made to discuss an issue or several issues at a time, and offer some sort of compromise, information sharing or a heated discussion.
However, when ONE person is involved in MANY MANY (multiple) meetings and has to do MANY MANY things, often unable to carry out their own 'jobs' as a results is a counter-productive act! WHY do people multi-task? Shouldn't we be able to say 'NO' - but i suppose working in the government sector, there is no such things as "NO"!
I don't mind attending meeting - but only if it was handled well, expectations and tasks are met and people discuss and share information professionally. This is not wishful thinking... but something that can be carried out and SHOULD be carried out. I do not believe in having LONG discussions without any outcome, but a short meeting where people actually LISTEN, UNDERSTAND and SHARE and eventually come to a mutual conclusion.
What is stopping us, other than bad habits, poor attitude and unprofessionalism???
A lot of the time, people have meetings with the best of intentions. However, during the meeting, when you are not firm and stick to your agenda, the meeting often run amock discussing nothing but petty things!
I was once in a meeting with the big people, and i thought it would be good... I came with the "i can learn something from this" attitude but i was gravely disappointed. They were petty and we didn't even get past agenda 3!!! They can't even get past the issue of a "TYPO" mistake!!! Dont tell me they type 135 words per minutes without mistakes! Give me a break!!!
Other times, meetings are held for many reasons. They are often made to discuss an issue or several issues at a time, and offer some sort of compromise, information sharing or a heated discussion.
However, when ONE person is involved in MANY MANY (multiple) meetings and has to do MANY MANY things, often unable to carry out their own 'jobs' as a results is a counter-productive act! WHY do people multi-task? Shouldn't we be able to say 'NO' - but i suppose working in the government sector, there is no such things as "NO"!
I don't mind attending meeting - but only if it was handled well, expectations and tasks are met and people discuss and share information professionally. This is not wishful thinking... but something that can be carried out and SHOULD be carried out. I do not believe in having LONG discussions without any outcome, but a short meeting where people actually LISTEN, UNDERSTAND and SHARE and eventually come to a mutual conclusion.
What is stopping us, other than bad habits, poor attitude and unprofessionalism???
Friday 25 May 2007
"Friends"
You socialise with a bunch of people for a while, exchange pleasantries, spend time together... does not mean you are 'friends'...
I spent 54 days with about 300 plus people from 11 countries, sleep in the same room with 2 people and shared families with 8 others. I also worked closely with 20 other, discussing and developing new things. Even though i know I have only made aquantainces... despite being in close proximity... i thought i atleast have made friends with a fistful...
Recently, i emailed LOADS of people because i needed a favour. I wanted people to shop for me, an item that could not be purchased here... but easily and readily available there... Plus, i was forking out money... and more over... its meant for my patients....
It should not come as a suprise when no one replies... but no one did... and i was suprised....
I mean... its not meant for me... they are helping save a life by doing some shopping for me!!! is it that difficult???
Friends.... do you really need them??? They seem to disappear when you need them...
I spent 54 days with about 300 plus people from 11 countries, sleep in the same room with 2 people and shared families with 8 others. I also worked closely with 20 other, discussing and developing new things. Even though i know I have only made aquantainces... despite being in close proximity... i thought i atleast have made friends with a fistful...
Recently, i emailed LOADS of people because i needed a favour. I wanted people to shop for me, an item that could not be purchased here... but easily and readily available there... Plus, i was forking out money... and more over... its meant for my patients....
It should not come as a suprise when no one replies... but no one did... and i was suprised....
I mean... its not meant for me... they are helping save a life by doing some shopping for me!!! is it that difficult???
Friends.... do you really need them??? They seem to disappear when you need them...
Thursday 24 May 2007
Official clinic chop
Today I was woken up first thing in the morning by a friend. He bought he paper and saw my face. I was wondering what it was all about... as it turn out... it was my pictures while i was in China last August. Felt like several life time ago.. but it has not even been a year!!!
Today was a good day. I woke up with a smile, had breakfast and things in the clinic just went smoothly. I was iritated with something, but generally... things were very good.
After being here for 9 months, i finally have my official chops. They graciously made 2 sets... one for Kb and the other for tutong. It was even paid for. I picked it up personally. the thing i like about being here is you can go out for 20 minutes and get things done, drive back to t he hospital and get a parking space :) how nice is that!
I can really get used to this life!
Today was a good day. I woke up with a smile, had breakfast and things in the clinic just went smoothly. I was iritated with something, but generally... things were very good.
After being here for 9 months, i finally have my official chops. They graciously made 2 sets... one for Kb and the other for tutong. It was even paid for. I picked it up personally. the thing i like about being here is you can go out for 20 minutes and get things done, drive back to t he hospital and get a parking space :) how nice is that!
I can really get used to this life!
Wednesday 23 May 2007
I dont get it!!!!
Why am i having difficulties to log into my dashboard??? What have i done to be punished??? This is so miserable!
I went to the health clinic in KB to get my montoux text checked.... as it turned out. i am OKAY... And you only measure the radius as opposed to the diameter!
and... i have used my new secretarial skills... i have just emailed my CEO regarding the new agenda... we will see what he says!
When was the last time you looks at the sky and see clouds and could make up what he coulds are? I miss my care free childhood!
I went to the health clinic in KB to get my montoux text checked.... as it turned out. i am OKAY... And you only measure the radius as opposed to the diameter!
and... i have used my new secretarial skills... i have just emailed my CEO regarding the new agenda... we will see what he says!
When was the last time you looks at the sky and see clouds and could make up what he coulds are? I miss my care free childhood!
Tuesday 22 May 2007
Difficulties logging in
SIGH! how hard does a girl need to log in to her dashboard!? I have been trying for a few days.. and finally, i managed to get through, and that if through trial and error! sigh... thank god i pay attention to the addresses!
Anyways... Blogspot keeps on changing and it all seems good. I am liking it so far. Perhaps one of these days, i will try to change the background, as in like, changing skins :) like snakes do :P
Today, I delivered a short 'presentation' on my services. It was good - if i have to say myself. No feedback was given, but it was good :P (I can see some heads nodding off but then... they had a long day in the morn) oh... what ever it is... it was good :) and i am happy about it.
Today also, i stayed at the clinic till 6 working on minutes of the management meeting of the hospital, as well as trying to absord what had happened on the previous meeting. I mean... there were some heated arguments... i need to phrase them delicately and diplomatically!
I have been trying to get hold of the manager of Guardian, brunei, but she is harder to reach than anticipated! She does not seem available. Its so hard to just get hold of her and discuss things for a few minutes.... I hope to get her tomorrow... and have already made an appointment and left my contact numbers. I hope she calls me! sigh!
Burt: Muni called me regarding 'her' shirt :P She knows you have misplaced it.... so... apa macam?
People: offer topics of discussion?
World: I just want ti be happy.. and content
People i dislike: KILL yourself!
PS: there will be a st georges reunion and i will not be joining for exactly that reason :P lol... why waste my energy there when i can read a good book!
Anyways... Blogspot keeps on changing and it all seems good. I am liking it so far. Perhaps one of these days, i will try to change the background, as in like, changing skins :) like snakes do :P
Today, I delivered a short 'presentation' on my services. It was good - if i have to say myself. No feedback was given, but it was good :P (I can see some heads nodding off but then... they had a long day in the morn) oh... what ever it is... it was good :) and i am happy about it.
Today also, i stayed at the clinic till 6 working on minutes of the management meeting of the hospital, as well as trying to absord what had happened on the previous meeting. I mean... there were some heated arguments... i need to phrase them delicately and diplomatically!
I have been trying to get hold of the manager of Guardian, brunei, but she is harder to reach than anticipated! She does not seem available. Its so hard to just get hold of her and discuss things for a few minutes.... I hope to get her tomorrow... and have already made an appointment and left my contact numbers. I hope she calls me! sigh!
Burt: Muni called me regarding 'her' shirt :P She knows you have misplaced it.... so... apa macam?
People: offer topics of discussion?
World: I just want ti be happy.. and content
People i dislike: KILL yourself!
PS: there will be a st georges reunion and i will not be joining for exactly that reason :P lol... why waste my energy there when i can read a good book!
Saturday 12 May 2007
Korean movies / dramas
During my holiday, I was watching a series and several korean dramas and movies. Of the many i watched and cried through, i hated only one ending, though its funny!
Watching korean movies is like being surrounded by love and it moves you like you are going through that relationship. I shed so many tears that makes my eyes swollen for good part of the day! I woke up early only to watch more... sleep late... because i can't let it be...
being enveloped in a safe cocoon from afar, but experiencing the ups and downs of a complicated and sincere relationship is a bonus :) It makes me smile... makes me sad.. makes me regret... most of all.. it makes me happy... to FEEL! and have a taste of what it may be like, even if its not true.... "true love" through self recognition is something not achievable by all... but i feel it in the movies and by the actors and actress... plus... its does not hurt that they are gorgeous... (Even if they are not KILLER gorgeous!)
Guess what i would be doing on my next holiday!!!
Watching korean movies is like being surrounded by love and it moves you like you are going through that relationship. I shed so many tears that makes my eyes swollen for good part of the day! I woke up early only to watch more... sleep late... because i can't let it be...
being enveloped in a safe cocoon from afar, but experiencing the ups and downs of a complicated and sincere relationship is a bonus :) It makes me smile... makes me sad.. makes me regret... most of all.. it makes me happy... to FEEL! and have a taste of what it may be like, even if its not true.... "true love" through self recognition is something not achievable by all... but i feel it in the movies and by the actors and actress... plus... its does not hurt that they are gorgeous... (Even if they are not KILLER gorgeous!)
Guess what i would be doing on my next holiday!!!
Back from Holiday
Today is my first day of work. You would not believe it, but i woke up really early this morning that i shocked Kak nana and kak Meng! I was supposedly working in Bandar today, because we have staff meeting, but they cancelled it... so i returned to KB. And thank god i did... there was just so much things to do!!!! Basically, i was doing admin work the whole day! I also submitted my June's holiday forms :P its nice to be on leave :)
I promised Kak Lin I would go walking with her tomorrow but because I am avoiding someone and do not want to bump into 'it' i cancelled with Kak Lin - in return, i promised to make her something nice.
During my 23 days holiday, I went to Kuala Lumpur and became a tourist! I went and did a lot of tourist-y things and i enjoyed it. I even went batik painting and it will proudly go on the wall in my new room :P
What else is there to blog?
I promised Kak Lin I would go walking with her tomorrow but because I am avoiding someone and do not want to bump into 'it' i cancelled with Kak Lin - in return, i promised to make her something nice.
During my 23 days holiday, I went to Kuala Lumpur and became a tourist! I went and did a lot of tourist-y things and i enjoyed it. I even went batik painting and it will proudly go on the wall in my new room :P
What else is there to blog?
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