Random thoughts: 2 weeks and looking into 2015

These 2 weeks have been emotional rich for me. Plenty of me time for "ah huh" moments. 

I didn't really set resolutions for 2015. I think I can now. 

1) Keep running once a week

2) Always try to bring a smile to my family. I have been busy, some nights I worked till 1 am ( because I lazy to do some admin work earlier on) and down will flu. So very often, I have been quite zombie. Today, is those days again. My wife asked why I so stone and serious, I said effect of medicine. I feel apologetic as I am frequently in the state of "stone". It's only when I try to put the wind shield on my car and pretend to be hit that I heard my wife giggle. How sweet the sound, I realised I actually find her "lor so" and immature many times, but I never really try to make her smile. Let's see if I can get her to smile at least a few days in a week. Same goes for my parents ( both side, giving blessing as in Santa Claus) is my hidden resolution when I write that post, but never get on with it.

3) Work. Continue with what I believed. As a middle manager, I always ask myself what is my "value"? I felt in my new school, there are many capable people who can do my job better. So I remind myself, whatever I want to change, must impact pupils directly.

I will take away as much admin chores as possible. SEM and review writing is mine, I want them to do proper reflection.

Be kind to mistakes, complaints. As long as they are not taking pupils for a ride, all weaknesses should be forgiven, and have a warmth environment to teach with little stress.

I always think I might be happier if I am just a teacher. Until I met another middle manager trying to push work to others, I can say "no" due to my "position", what if I am at the lower food chain, not sure if it will kill the passion. I resolute never to do that knowingly.

Keep exploring new methods to teach. I am having fun. Especially when I tried removing the tables and chairs and switch off the fans to experince hardship of Samsui women. My class till now remember how 辛苦means. I ask them to carry 2 bags over their shoulder and experince the weight. Give them coupons as pay. Ask them to exchange it for table or chair, or if they want to keep it for the final exchange of waiver to do writing exercises. One remarked: 老师，你不会去抢！”. What a authentic context to teach about exploitation! 

Sorry about rattling about my lesson. My pride! Lol. I keep tempting them throughout to give up their coupons to exchange for a chair or get back their bags. Half the class gave in. The last 6 standing, I explain 吃苦耐劳，and节省。I thought it will be more effective than using powerpoints. But alas, the next day, most forgotten the words, only can remember 辛苦。LOL. Think only 2 remembered most.