Preventing Sinus Infection

Nope, I'm not having one of the dreaded infection again. Was having frequent bouts of sinus infections last year.

For those not in the know, sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages. A sinus infection can cause a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or on one side of the head. A person with a sinus infection may also have a cough, a fever, bad breath, and nasal congestion with thick nasal secretions. (http://www.emedicinehealth.com/sinus_infection/article_em.htm)

For me, it wasn't detected during initial diagnosis at the clinic. It seemed like a normal serious flu that just would not go away. The pressure on one side of my head got so bad I couldn't sleep properly as I will be awaken by the pain when I toss to the "pressured side".

Not sure what was the exact cause but I do have a sensitive nose. A sensitive nose is one which is constantly blocked or running. For me, its just frequently blocked.

Tried using the nasal spray but somehow it didn't seemed to work for me.(maybe I'm not diligent enough?) I still had frequent bouts of sinus infections.

Recently, I came across an article saying that those with sensitive nose should stay away from coffee, beef, milk, eggs, orange juice, peanuts, seafood, cold beverages and food with artificial colourings. I have also attended a course which the speaker mentioned that milk tends to cause respiratory problems.

So far, I have tried to avoid food with milk and eggs, as well as cold beverages(I'm a vegetarian so avoiding seafood and beef is not an issue for me). I have also stayed away from artificial flavourings and colourings. Its not easy since most food have them. So far, I have not had any more sinus infections. Of course, it could also be due to other unforsee variables.Those who are prone to sinus infections may like to try avoiding the above food. =)

Morale boost

A bit backdated..yes yes I am slow.

A morale boost from a parent who brings her child to the teaching class where I volunteer at. Nothing spectacular just an expression that she shares the same goal for her child and the affirmation that the class is beneficial . Its good enough for me.

In the class, other than another teaching partner, we also have parents volunteers to help out in the class. Recently, a few of the teachers started utilising IT resources to conduct lessons. I started making powerpoint slides and showed videos to aid my teaching. I was a bit apprehensive. Yes, it is common within the school to enhance teaching using IT resources, but here at the place where I volunteer, its probably something new. I was wondering how the parents sitting in would react. So far, responses have been positive and I'm more confident in using it in the class .

Taiwan

Going to Taiwan for a second time.

Difference being this time I'll be there for a course and I'll be going alone.

Jaded teacher

Sometimes, when I am frustrated with my students' work, I will remind myself the enthusiasm that they show when they want to answer a question which they are confident in getting right. I will remind myself the delight that they showed when they read encouraging remarks. I will remind myself that no students want to do badly. They just don't know the way to do well yet.

Earth Hour Part 2

Was doing a lesson on Earth Hour with my students.

They are so tickled by the hong kong version of Earth Hour...Kids....=) I was trying to illustrate that other countries are active in their part in conserving the earth's resources.

Went to do an informal poll on how many of them actually voted for Earth on 28th March 2009. Not all voted but more than what I have expected already. Thank you students. Thank you to the parents who were willing to let them vote. =)

曲/詞/編/監/主唱: 林一峰

藏於天空每點星光仍有待浮現褪掉白晝每分喧嘩來　齊看夜還完漁村星火撒於淺灘鱗光水裡閃腳步慢了萬里漆黑銀河　

終於可見Lai lai lai laiLai lai lai laiLight up your dreams閉起雙眼用心看一看你面前留於心中半點燭光陪我抱你入眠Lai lai lai laiLai lai lai laiLight up your dreams閉起雙眼用心看一看你面前Lai lai lai laiLai lai lai laiLight up your dreams閉起雙眼認真看一看這樂園留於心中半點燭光陪我抱你入眠甦醒於恬靜呼吸一線曙光吻你的臉

Earth Hour

Its Earth Hour today.
2030-2130.
Are you ready?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIu2G3JTOk0&feature=related

http://www.earthhour.org/about/sg:en
For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.
This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour

Hit and Run

What kind of day was it? Actually , I can't remember at all. Was it sunny, windy or cloudy? Truth is I was probably too absorbed in my grouchiness and self pity in needing to go back to school during the school holidays to notice the weather.

Upon arriving in school, probably still clouded by my grouchiness, I did not take note in where my steps have taken me.

Suddenly, I heard a cracking sound. Being retarded, it took some time for me to stop and retraced my steps. I couldn't make out what I had stepped on.

"Its a snail," my colleague enlightened me.

So you can imagine the damage that was done to cause the snail to be beyond recognition.

I walked back to my office.

After telling a colleague who sits near me what had happened, we took some paper , intending to bury the snail if it was dead or do whatever we could to salvage the damage.

Alas, the snail was cleared by a cleaner when we went back to the place of incident.

The poor snail, no voice to scream for help and too slow to try and escape. Imagine if glass was crushed on your body, probably that's what the snail felt when I stepped on its shell and its shell was cracked and crushed into its body.

I couldn't think of anything else to do for the snail except to utter a word of prayer and pay more attention to where I was walking in the future.