Have you ever felt 'barely there'? Not in terms of education, career or success, but as a person. As your friends are out partying, falling in love, building memories, doing silly things, and even making dreams come true, you start becoming 'barely there'. It might be because they're moving forward in life, or it might be because you're no longer 'cool' enough for them. Occasionally, one or two of them do check in on you, but soon enough the interest dies down and again, you become dispensable. How exactly do you determine your value and impact on someone else when the world has taught us how to skillfully lie through our teeth? This has nothing to do with jealousy, but it most definitely is one of the reasons why I'm dead set on leaving.

Tell me about yourself

So, tell me about yourself.

­            Well... Right from an early age, the dynamics of how the mind worked fascinated me. Throughout my early childhood, I spent most of my time observing and interacting with my playmate, Raj, who had autism. His unusual behaviors and ways of communicating forced me to question the meaning behind his actions. Being an inquisitive child that I was, I soon developed a deeper interest in the aspects of psychology, and how people think, act, react and interacted with each other. I was also curious about how individuals were so different from each other, when in fact, we were all genetically similar. As I grew older, I was naturally drawn towards finding out how emotions and feelings affected our daily lives. The information that I gathered over the years have been useful on a personal level as they provided me with a better understanding on various human stressor factors.

      After completing my GCE ‘O’ Levels Examinations, I enrolled for a Diploma in Early Childhood because interacting with Raj over the years spurred me to become an educator so that children like Raj were equal opportunities to develop and become leaders of tomorrow. The study on Psychology for young children inspired my inquisitive personality as I learned about the different types of disabilities, their causes and diagnosis, as well as the forms of interventions that could aid those with disabilities to ease into society. My thirst for more information grew and after exhausting all my course materials, I turned to other sources of information. I read up the works and experiments of Jean Piaget, B.F Skinner and Sigmund Freud. I opine in Skinner’s views on how positive reinforcement is more effective at changing and establishing behavior than punishment. I also sourced for authors like Torey Hayden who wrote about her experiences when teaching children with special needs.

Upon graduation, I applied for a teaching position in a school for children with special needs, and the experiences provided me with opportunities to gain insights into school environments, working alongside various professionals to nurture children holistically. The opportunities to develop curriculum, implement lessons and design interventions to help children with special needs adapt to the classroom gave me a better understanding of the needs of these children and how I could improve their learning experiences.  Also, my volunteer work mentoring children from underprivileged families continued to widen my knowledge on psychology and personal development. Above all, these experiences enabled me to hone my oratory skills, patience and confidence as I deal with different children, parents, and other stakeholders in the community. The value of meaningful work is definitely abided through volunteer work and improving the life of others, thus sparking my interest in Social Work as well.

Apart from that, my consistent academic achievements and commitments in school are extremely important to me. Throughout the three years in school, I was given numerous opportunities to hone my leadership skills through various projects such as the production of a motivational video for a celebratory event for my peers, and presentations. I was also selected as an ambassador for my school and conducted duties overseeing school events.

Opportunities to lead a team of youths to countries such as Vietnam, Philippines and India as part of overseas study trips and youth expedition projects enabled me to put my theoretical knowledge into practical use as we conducted lessons and contributed to community work to improve the standard of living for our counterparts. These experiences widened my perspectives on social issues such as poverty and it has also invoked in me, a deeper appreciation towards life; to count our blessings.  The valuable life-long learning gained from these trips also inspired me and some friends to start-up a new co-curricular activity in school; “FoodAID”, that is aimed at educating students on the importance of healthy eating, as well as to promote awareness and contributions to the larger society through food-related fundraising events.

In contrast, I also spend my spare time engaging in sports such as volleyball, and have represented my school in National competitions. The intensity of the games and training has taught me about perseverance and teamwork, which are important factors in life so as to stay highly motivated.

Above all, I believe that I am a determined and disciplined individual with realistic goals. I have taken on full and active roles in my school and workplace, I intend on doing the same throughout the rest of my life...

No... Tell me about yourself. The real you.

To start things off, my name is Kethlyn. G. Kethlyn Gayatiri. I hate my name. Well, not all of it. Just the Gayatiri bit. Why? Because it is too common. Okay, the spelling isn't, but the pronunciation of it is. And no, it is not pronounced as ga-ya-ti-ri. It's guy-tree. That's the other reason why I hate it. No one ever gets it right. No one really gets Kethlyn pronounced right either, but I like Kethlyn. 

I am Indian. It took me a while to accept that fact. More like, 21 years and still going kind of 'a while'. It was only recently that I came to the realization that I did not hate the culture or the people belonging to this race. In fact, I love the rich culture; the colours, the food, the music, the joy, the drama! I discovered that the reason why I wasn't proud to call myself an Indian was because of the hate that this race was getting. Indians were the butt of many jokes, and we were often cast as smelly, or that we were rapists, perverts, drunkards, or loud and irresponsible beings. In addition, I lost a lot of opportunities to befriend people once they found out that I was an Indian. It took me some time to realize that these people weren't worth my time. I didn't have to hide away from the fact that I was an Indian, but I still didn't see the need to flaunt it. It might be hard to understand right now, but I just hate being 'catergorized'. After all, we all bleed red, so why do we still segregate people based on their skin, eye and hair colour, or their religions and beliefs?

Despite being an Indian, I look nothing like one, the stereotypical huge eyes, long lashes, and the thick opulent locks of hair. I used to have long wavy locks but I chopped them off because I felt like it. I've had all lengths of hair, really. From long wavy lavish locks, to shoulder length, to dreadlocks, then to a bob, a pixie, and now it's at the disgusting length; it curls in the oddest places, yet it's not long enough to be tied. It's perfect to hide my ears though. They stick out at the ends. They're huge at the same time, so I decorate them with piercings.

I like piercings. And tattoos. And dermal anchors. I don't like branding though and I certainly am not a masochist. I think of my body as a walking canvas; a piece of artwork, or many artworks mashed together. I like art, but I'm not necessarily good at it. However, I like picturing everything I interact with, as a form of artwork. Music is art, so is the sky and the clouds, and birth, and love, and death, and feelings and emotions and rain and evaporation, and the taste of food. Even how the man stacks the cans in the store is a form of art to me. But art isn't just art. Art is anything and everything. But so is music.

I like music, but I don't have a favorite artist. I do however, have playlists built based on the weather, and my mood. On rainy days, I sip hot chocolate and crinkle my toes under the covers as I laze around to the soothing voices of Mogwai, Dido, Adele, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, The Civil Wars, and Colbie Caillat. Sometimes, when I feel like jumping around and getting dizzy from unnecessary headbanging, I load up the playlist of hits by Paramore, Blink-182, Linkin Park, Metallica, and sometimes even Slipknot. At times, I throw myself against the bed and sing my heart out to Taylor Swift and Adele, and slowly build up the walls around my heart with hits by P!nk and Avril Lavigne. There is no specific reason why I feel this way. Sometimes, it's 'just because'. I like saying just because. I think it's a valid reason. Anyways... Who can forget the Oldies? Richie Valens, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Selena Quintanilla, Frank Sinatra, ABBA, Air supply, Cyndi Lauper, Bee Gees, Ray Charles, Phil Collins, Elton John. Oldy but a goody.

I like reading too. And I hope that by now you would've realized that I don't really structure whatever I am typing as opposed to the essays that I write. Reading my blog entry or hearing me speak is similar to watching the release of a million butterflies. I don't even know if that makes any sense, but what I meant to say is that I tend to go into a 'verbal diarrhea' and sputter everything on my mind before the train of thought leaves. Now, where was I? Oh right, books. I don't really know what kind of books I read. Kinokuniya calls them 'Survival Literature'. My mum hates it whenever I read this kind of books, because she thinks that I get too emotionally attached to the characters in the books that I might end up going under depression, or worst, committing suicide. I think its funny that she thinks that way. I get heavily attached to the characters because I feel their pain, but at the same time their stories always motivate me even more. So I don't see how I can ever commit suicide because of such a book. Books are a great way to escape reality. You get to travel, you get live another life, you get to soak up the atmosphere, you breathe and you feel invincible. But you know what gets to me every single time? Flipping the last page of the book, and feeling a sense of longing, as if you've just lost a really close friend. Do you get that sometimes?

On days that I feel that way, I usually curl up in bed all day, or head out to my 'secret havens'. They're usually the airport, or the beach but I like to think of them as hiding places because I watch too much of Peter Pan. I used to think that I could fly away to Neverland, but till this day, he never came to my window. I used to think that I was a princess too, but that clearly isn't happening. In fact I used to think of a lot of things, because as a kid, thinking about all of these and fantasizing about them didn't hurt. In fact it was encouraged because it was a part of my imagination which led up to creativity. But all that has since died, or have been swept under my bed alongside all the dust bunnies. 

Either ways, I'm starting to get bored with this entry. That's the thing about me. I can never retain enough attention to complete a task, before hopping on to the next. That's probably why I'm the last person you should ask out on a study date. . I retained enough attention to pass my exams though, and enough attention to read a book in one sitting, but I guess it all depends on when my body is ready?

I don't necessarily think I'm weird. I like candy, and chocolate, and movies, and ice cream and things, just like anyone else. I also like wearing toe-socks and eating rice using chopsticks. I like to say the word 'fuck' as well. I don't usually curse, but when I do, I say 'fuck' a lot. I also like eating cereals, a lot. A friend of mine once said that I inhale them. That's funny, because I wouldn't want a lucky charm stuck up my nose. When I'm out shopping, I usually pick the second or third item when I'm buying something that's hanging on a rack. I never pick the first, only because I assume that everyone's like me; I always squeeze or crush the contents in first item that is hanging on the rack. I like squishing marshmallows and gummy things too. And I like jabbing my finger into rolls of toilet paper. I like placing my feet on perfect square tiles and if I stepped on a line with my left foot, then I must do so with my right. I am not weird, I just have quirks. I hate being tapped on my shoulder though. And I am ticklish in every spot, and I do mean every spot. 

I believe in everything that is written about an Aries. I am an Aries, and I adore this masculine, stubborn little creature that ram things with his head. I do the same too, which is probably why I get headaches so often. I love looking horoscopes, and palm reading, and fortune telling and everything else that can't be seen with the naked eye. I wish I was a witch, a good witch of course because the bad witch dies in the Wizard of Oz. She was killed with the house. I always wanted the red shoes that Dorothy had, but I never could figure out which outfit would go best with it. It had too much of a bedazzle to it anyways. 

I don't really know what there is left for me to say. That's pretty much me, really. Unless you'd expect me to do into the explicit detail of what I do on a daily basis. No, that's not going to happen.

Now then, why don't you go ahead and tell me about yourself. The real you.

     As you stand by the edge where the surf washes ashore, you become hypnotized by the alluring waves that come crashing against your feet. You stand rooted in one spot, still very much focused on the songs of the sea. The ocean's arms caress you so gently and beg you to become one with the sand. You wriggle your toes and your feet sink into the warmth and grittiness of the sand's touch. The waves knock you off balance every once in a while, but you have gotten the hang of it and with every wave that comes your way, you heave your shoulders, stiffen your body and inhale deeply. You feel anchored.

     That was how I set out to feel, but this is entirely the opposite of how I am feeling this week. Of course, it might be too early to sum up my week since it is only Monday, but so much has happened in this one day that I feel hopeless, guilty even...

Regrets

Just a week ago, a lady came knocking on my door. My brother, Jason (who was having his dinner) attended to her while I was somewhere around the house (I can't really remember). After awhile, I came out to see the lady walk away from our door with a disgruntled look on her face. I asked Jason what she was selling and he said that it was a really small bag that was charged at $10 for one.

Obviously it was a rip-off, but soon after he was done with his dinner, he actually ran all the way down to buy the bag from her. Before I could say anything, he told me to he knows what I'm thinking; that I wanted to chide him for wasting money as the only reason why he bought the bag because the lady was pretty-looking, but then, he told me the actual reason as to why he bought the bag.

He felt guilty.


What on Earth did she do to him that made him feel guilty?

Well, I soon found out from him that the lady was selling the bags to collect funds for the victims of the recent hurricane and quake victims. How can he not donate and don't feel guilty about it when it is after all, for a good cause?


I wasn't surprised at what Jason did, because after all, he is that kind of person who believes in doing good for others.


There have been many other occasions where he, despite being extremely tired from work, would help out in completing stuff (won't go into the details), constantly repeating that "If I don't help, who will?" or "we are after all a family. What's the point in hating him when everyone else hates him too?".


I guess the last point really makes sense, be it to our family, friends, etc...


How can we hate someone when they are already hated by everyone else. Wouldn't that make us like everyone else too?


I guess you should know where I'm heading this blog entry to, to my classmates of course. I know this is totally not the right way to 'advertise' our class issues, but I'm not literally saying that this is an issue that is only between us classmates. In fact, it's to everyone else that's been judging everyone else.


Do you remember how we always told ourselves to not judge a book by its cover, yet every time we failed to do so? Take Susan Boyle for example. Everyone clearly thought she was a waste of time, but the moment she opened her mouth, she became a star. And it was only after she proved her worth, that we began reminding ourselves to not judge a book by its cover.


That phrase isn't supposed and should never work as a 'reflecting' phrase that we recite only once things are over. We should never judge a book by its cover, that should be a reminder BEFORE we do anything, be it make decisions or pass judgment.


The same goes to our classmates, or friends, or even strangers. Sometimes, we can't help but make them as the butt of our jokes, but how would you feel if you were them?


I'd like to apologize to these people, because I too have been a fool as I thought that I was no where like them, but I was wrong because everyone was judging me too.


But I'd like to salute these people for their undying determination to stay true to themselves.


Come on people, look at yourself. The main reason why you speak like how you do or dress like how you are, like everyone else is because you are afraid of standing out or being weird.

I don't really think anyone's weird here, because we always term these "outcasts" as weird, but face it. Who's the weird one, that have clones of yourself all over the place? Decency doesn't really come from your dressing, but your character, that's what I think.


Okay, I'm not going to pick a fight with anyone. What I'm trying to say is that everyone is unique in their own special way and they should stay true to themselves. No one needs to change or give anyone else an explanation for their trends and character. That's how the way they are, and we should accept them for who they are. You never know the type of shit they've been through to literally judge them.

I guess CDEV class changed my perception of things.


On the other hand, what should change is people's perspective and judgment of other people. Instead of siding the majority, why not pay a little attention to the minors for a minute eh?


I'm not saying I'm been the innocent one throughout because I'm not, but I'm willing to learn to change my perspective.


So here's an apology to these people, and a rock on to them too, for being awesome and staying true to themselves.


And here's an open invitation to everyone. Let's just stop judging and chill out yeah? I'm up for some picnic, games and jumbled group discussions. Now who's with me?


If we just keep hating everyone, nothing's gonna work.



Loves.

Random Updates

Edited.

I finally managed to find some motivation to blog. True enough, as what Syuh said, many of my posts have been kept in drafts for a very long time, so much that it keeps piling up and up, without me completing any of it. But enough is enough, as there are many things to share!


Random Update.


Needless to say, it's the term break for me now. However, it's pretty unfair that the other polytechnics are having theirs at a different date to my polytechnic (yes, that means I can't get to catch up with some of my secondary school friends, and that includes you, Jeanice Mucuc).

And term break isn't really a break to me, as I still have three projects on my shoulders. You know, I actually hate projects now, for the fact that it is in groups. Call me selfish or self-centered but I actually feel that I work best on my own. This of course, has nothing to do with 'cramping me style'. I just don't like the feeling of having to wait for others, or to even have others wait for me. And the greatest setback is that everyone thinks or rather, have different perceptions of the project. This however, can be a benefit at the same time, as we can help cover each others butt.





Wait, why am I arguing with myself over such a topic? Written communication must have done something to me, with the argumentative essays and all.

Moving on...


These couple of weeks has left great and interesting impressions of some of my class mates. In fact, I got to scare them with my home made horror experiences, and even managed to put them in tough and uncomfortable situations (sorry about those times!) about unanswerable questions about religion, the spiritual world, their beliefs and also existence.




I was just being curious. True enough, there are many questions where both religion and science cannot solve. So who will give me the answer?

My mum thinks I'll die a horrible death one day, while trying to unravel all these secrets. But I'll most probably go mad before dying from a horrible death. Who knows?




The later part of this post has been deleted. It is not because I 'chickened out' or fear that a massive amount of parangs will be thrown at me. In fact, it has nothing to do with me fearing for what I wrote, as I will still stand by whatever I wrote earlier.

The reason as to why I removed the 'tale' is simple. I made a mistake. By penning my frustrations, anger and opinions down here not only makes it unfair for the 'victim', but it also causes loads of assumptions and its many other transformations to spread around.

For those who have seen it, good for you. For those who haven't, that's too bad. Whatever that is written in this blog is mere 'one ear in, and out the other' and I prefer no posts to be further discussed or spread around.

The vending of frustrations of that particular person, was indeed a major no-no and I sincerely apologize if she or anyone else takes insult to my words. I admit that I do have inappropriate terms when it comes to blogging. And the post may have sounded bitchy and idiotic.

I know that everyone deserves to have their version of the story told and so, I have decided to remove the 'tale' so as to prevent people from making guesses about who is involved and whatsoever. Besides, everyone needs to reflect on their own actions and from that, I found that I was writing away at my own free will without considering the feelings of those who were involved. Very selfish indeed.

However, as mentioned earlier, I still do stand by every word mentioned in the earlier version of this post. Mean, bitchy, whatever you want to call it. So long as I know that it's from my heart. Ignorant, but truthful. And they say, the truth always hurt.

PS: Whoever wishes to start a war/battle over what I wrote, I wish to gladly invite you to bring it on.



One more time now...





Loves.

Happy Mothers' Day!

Dear Mummy,

I remember vividly of the day that I was born. The instant love I felt when you cradled me so lovingly in your arms. You accepted me without any hesitation. And you cared for me and called me beautiful even though I may not have been the 'Perfect' child.

I remember clearly of the events that happened when I was still too young. But I understand everything now. And I thank you for being there for my brothers and I, for we would not have been able to survive without you.


I remember the times where you brought me for a swim. You had a phobia of the water, and yet, just for me, you went into the pool because I was such a pestering child. I remember how excited I was whenever we had snacks after swimming. I remember the times where you brought us to Toys R' Us to pick our own presents. I also remember how you always fought for us in school whenever our teacher complained about us. I remember everything you did, just to pacify my brothers and I.


A loving mother, you shielded us from all signs on danger, and have even gone to the extreme of putting your life in danger, just for us. You always had us placed as priority, even today. And despite all the many years of suffering, you always emerge as top despite all the struggling.

No words can describe how much we admire you. Your strength, courage, perseverance and of course, your love for us.






But sometimes, we kids just can't seem to agree with how adults think. And I apologize for the many times we made you disappointed, sad and even angry. Words do hurt and I believe that sometimes we say them without thinking about the feelings of others. And for that, I'm sorry.


I remember the day we made you cry. It was on your birthday, when you were 42. It keeps replaying in my head, and I don't think I can ever forgive myself, needless to say, my brothers as well. You don't deserve all this, not when you did so much for us.


It's time for us to spread our wings and take charge, because mummy, you are not any younger. And I promise, that we'll never ever let you down again.


Happy Mothers' Day mummy.

When nothing ticks you more than that

Edited.

I am actually not in a good mood right now, because of one very idiotic bitch that pissed me off.





I actually deleted the later part of the post because I find it really insensitive to post everything here. She may have hurt my feelings but I shouldn't be hurting hers. Because it'll make me no different from her.



I am learning to change.Till then.



Loves.

How I spent my birthday

So maybe my birthday this year, was not as crazy as the I had last year, with the Wish List
that was almost fulfilled by Shera and Natalie. Okay so maybe it was no where near completion, but at least I had a blast while being covered in egg, flour and whatever that they added on the 'pink solution'. And not to forget those awesome people who made my day special! You guys know who you are!


But even though I didn't get to spend time with my friends (maybe it's a different case for Syuh and Jeanice) this year, it's the awesome wishes that I got, that really brightened up my day, and I mean it.

So a very huge THANK YOU to all those who wished me this year! I realized that the gifts aren't necessarily important, but the people who know of my existence, the ones who on this day, wish to celebrate with/ congratulate me. It's rare to have friends like you guys, and I definitely thank you for brightening up my day.


Once again, Thank you to...

Those who stayed up/woke up early just to wish me through the text messages. People like my twin Guan Wei, Syuh, Jeanice, Aainaa, Gek Chong, Wan Teng, Ms Lim Hui Qi and Shera.

Those who wished me through Facebook, people like Khairul, Jeslynn, Syakirah, Sam Yong, Natalie, Azaria Song, my cousin and Shi Jie.

Those who wished me through my blog, my other part of life that I love being involved in. People like Syakirin, Melissa, Zhao Hong and Cheryl.

And last but not least, a huge thank you to Colin Lee. I am still in the state of shock that I received your call. To those who had no idea what he did, let me explain. This guy called me twice when I finally picked up. Then he placed the phone on loud speaker and sang a birthday song for me. It was pretty hilarious because immediately after he did it, someone (his sis or his mom?) actually asked him what was going on, with the questions as to who that was and why was it so loud. Hahah. But come to think of it, it was pretty awesome having to receive a call from you, so I thank you again!


Celebrations at home were pretty much on a more ' mature' setting. I woke up pretty late in the afternoon(So i could not make it for the traditional stuffs in the morning), and I had to secretly tip-toe around the house for fear of having someone grab me and shove ice/ splash cold water at me or having some other sabotage that they usually did on me every single year.


Surprisingly, I woke up to a home with 'normal' people for once, where everyone was minding their own business and not playing pranks on me. I looked like a fool, having to tip-toe around. But I was still on high alert, for fear of any sudden attacks. But as I mentioned earlier, no pranks were played on me this year. I think my family finally feels that being a 17 is a huge milestone away, in terms of maturity, from the ages below.


Everyone was lazy this year, so we ordered KFC for lunch, and then Canadian Pizza for dinner. My mum promised to cook up my favourite dishes on some other day, adding the fact that she'll try to get my 'always wanted' gifts.


Time at home was pretty much spent with all of us lazing around the house, playing games, watching DVDs, blasting the speakers, and just simple talking. It sounds pretty laid back for a birthday, but it is actually one of the best ones I had, because all we did was nothing but spent 'Quality Time' together as a family.

And what could be more special when you get to spend quality time with a bunch of quirky people who

1. keep shouting things like "Run lah! Run!" to the Hero who was being shot at, or whoever else , when we were watching a movie.
2. keep making themselves confused by telling one another, what happens in the movie next.
   
3. Keeps asking questions like "Why did he do that" when the actor did something that we didn't expect.
4. keep making sound effects whenever there was a bomb.
5. (applies to dad only) keeps switching channels or walking infront of the tv
6. argue about every single thing, as though there was a parliament session going on. Topics like the supernatural, diseases, politics and even actions of some random people.

And there you have it, how I spent my birthday.

Look back at what you've accomplished, then leap forth towards victory

Yesterday was a night where not a wink of sleep was spared. The time used was for reflection (yes, I have this habit of reflecting. I think school has set an influence for me).


Have you ever felt satisfied with something, yet wonder if it is satisfying enough those who are around you?


That's how I have been feeling ever since I got my results. Like I said, I never really set expectations for myself, and so, I was satisfied with whatever I got. But upon realizing that I could have done better if I actually was serious enough to complete my papers during the Examinations, I feel ever so much in a sulking mood. Yes, it's no use to "cry over spilt milk" as the term goes, but it's really tough when you have relatives who do nothing but compare their child's results with yours.

I saw the disappointed faces some of my loved ones had when I showed them my result slip. I guess it was the same feeling as PSLE. On the day of PSLE, I did nothing but play basketball. I was even chased out of school because I wasn't studying.


And as much as I wanted to kick that habit away, I did the same; not being focused for my O'levels. And to top it off, the problems at home not only made me ill, but depressed and thus, unable to focus on my school work.


A bunch of excuses, many would say.



But on a brighter note, I am looking forward to the courses in mind. I do hope that I fulfill one of my resolution, that is to get into Child Psychology.



Loves.

Raging Hormones

Yesterday was a somewhat tiring day. I woke up earlier that I expected, and so accompanied my mum to her cooking class in Toa Payoh.



It was at the Toa Payoh Student Service Center. It seemed like an after-school daycare, where kids from kindergarten to primary school, come to this center to make friends, read books, use the computer and sign up for activities like the one my mum conducted.


Well, we arrived rahter early, and we were let to a classroom. When we opened the door, we were really surprised. It was really small, like half the size of the containers we used during tutorials in Primary School. The floor was carpeted, there were no sinks, and the place was filled with chairs with "tablets", the ones attached to the chair, where you could flip it about.


My mum and I exchanged gazes and then we approached one of the staffs who helped us clear the area. We then used the dusty tables that were stored behind the class. We carried and arranged the long tables so that it could fit 14 students, and my mum and I.


Then the kids started coming in. Attendance was marked by me, while my mum distributed the items to the individuals. After that was done, we then started teaching the kids step by step, of how to make the non-baking Shepard Pie, and Fruit Salad.


I must say, the kids there were really disciplined. They were very focused on their task, peeling and mashing both the eggs and potatoes. They listened to every instructions we gave. And despite having some who complained about how tiring it was to smash the potatoes, all of them completed their tasks.


Kids being kids, they definitely did shriek in excitement when my mum gave them extra toppings for their fruit salad. Some even "fought" as they stole and ate each other's sausage used in the Shepard Pie. Some accidentally flung eggs on the floor, while others stepped on them. "Aww, gross!" could be heard every now and then. Despite them being only primary school kids, they used terms that "bimbos" used at our age. Hahah


The class was to be conducted from 2 pm to 5 pm. But due to the miscommunication and having to rearrange the chairs and tables, we started at 2.30pm. We expected the class to be slow in their work, but they impressed us and completed their tasks by 3.45 pm. With an hour and a quarter to go, my mum left to buy some sweets, leaving me with them.


That gave me a chance to get to know them better. I played word games with them, like asking them to create new words from the words "Summerville Language Centre". I know it was pretty lame, but they immediately busied themselves with it.


While waiting for my mum to come back, and for them to complete it, I decided to chat with them. I got to know some of their names, whether they had other siblings, and whether they liked the class conducted. They were shy at first, only nodding and shaking their heads. But overtime, they did share a thing or two about themselves.


I then told them that back when I was in school, I hated word games and would always make up disgusting words like anus and mucus. They found it hilarious and actually took down the words. When my mum came back, she told them to get at least 50 words to win a prize. There were definitely "huh.."s along the way, but all of them cooperated by sharing answers with each other.


Once the time limit was up, my mum made them line up to hand her their work. One girl who many said cheated because she was a P6, actually gave a whopping 137 words. She was declared the winner, but in the end, everyone got sweets, but the winner got the most.


There was still extra time, so everyone sat around my mum and I as we simply talked. That was when I realized that kids especially the boys despite being that young, had raging hormones.


We talked about the ingredients used, and my mum simply said "it'll be nicer if you used chicken breast", and that set the whole class bursting in laughter. A P2 boy who had a twin said he wanted human breasts because there was milk. See what I mean?


There were also incidents where this kid kept leaning on me. I thought he just wanted attention, and so I just let him. But it got worst. He would step on my feet, bump my hand with his, and leaned on me every way possible. I found it pretty amusing that a kid that young could be "sexually interested" and thank god the class ended soon enough.


My mum and I then sent them off, waving and hugging some of them. Then there was this boy, by the name of Brandon. He had a sister who was in the class too. He was really slow when packing his bag and kept asking the sister to leave first. I knew he was up to something because he kept buckling and unbuckling his bag. The sister was really bubbly girl and I kept joking around with her, and even helped her in the word challenge.

I guess the sister just didn't realize the awkwardness and how much he wanted her to leave first, and so she waited for him. When his attempt to make her leave first was in vain, he pushed her infront of him as he walked past me. He then quickly pushed a piece of paper and clenched my hand. He then dashed out of the door , but in a very "cool" way. It was really adorable.


When I opened my fist, I realized he actually made an origami "rabbit", I think.








Check out the "Miss Kethlyn". Hahah, it's actually the first time I had a class addressing me as a "Miss", it was usually "Jie Jie".


Well, I think the origami is adorable, having it come from a kid who's much younger than me.


I always tell my friends that if guys gave me pieces of origami hearts or swans and expects me to feel touched, I would not really be bothered about it and would contemplate to whether or not throw it away, because I think that it is very much a waste of time. I mean impressing a girl should come from your character and style, not how many hours you put in to making something that can't be used.


But despite saying that, I do keep all the stuff that people, both guy friends and girl friends, have made for me. And this origami "rabbit" will definitely be in the collection of gifts from others.




Till then



Loves.