I would always remember this phrase. This was actually a safety message read by our officers back in my unit camp. One of our ARTY safety messages. I thought this message really makes sense. And I like how the ambiguity of the word "patient" is used here.
Having said that, I would think that I am a rather patient person. You need examples? I have plenty.
I am a VERY patient driver I think. There were times there were cars in front of me lagging to move off even after the lights turned green, I didn't think I actually horned. Also, there were times there were some drivers in their cars showing signs of disorientation when their car seemed to slow down somehow along a stretch of road. When I don't think I am in a rush, I usually just wait for the driver in front to make the next move without having to honk or flash my car's headlights. I guess I am a very patient and considerate driver, don't you think?
Other instances included one just yesterday. I was supposed to go for tuition lesson with my sec2 student staying Lim Chu Kang area, and while I was on my way there, he sent me a message saying, "I no want tuition hor. I don't have mood. I tell my mother already. You come I also won't tuition de." I called his mum but his aunt picked up instead and confirmed that I just go and give him tuition. Not to my surprise, when I went there, he locked himself in another room and refused to come out for tuition. His aunt called him several times and also spoke to me through the phone since his mum was not available. And after a few times, he still refused to come out for tuition. Guess what was I doing the whole while when I was waiting for him to have lesson? I was playing with the kittens at his house. LOL. Totally carried away. I didn't think I actually felt any form of anger. And when it was concluded I should just leave instead, I didn't feel pissed at all. Gosh. I AM REALLY VERY PATIENT+TOLERANT.
More daily-based examples could even include queuing up to buy stuff. Just a few days ago, I was at Subway when this guy in front of me was paying for his meal but he was confused why the two meals he bought summed up to an amount he never used to pay previously. He was acting very demanding and the staff had to like calm him down and explain to him many times, and even print the reciept out for him to verify. In my mind I was thinking, "What is wrong witht this guy? Be a man and just pay lah!!! For goodness sake!" (For your info, I dislike people who are extremely calculative. My tutee said today that his other tutor used to claim the money paid for buying assessments books up to the single cent! *shakes head*) Of course, all the while I was keeping my cool and waiting patiently for the staff to pacify him first.
I could go on with many more examples. My point is, I think I am someone who has a high threshold for tolerance. Seriously. Just don't go over my limits. I guess I don't like to 'overwork' my temper and cause unnecessarily anxiety on myself. I even heard someone said that I looked very composed. For real? Haha.
Anyway, two days ago, something happened that almost made me lose my "compose" mode. My sis who recently got her driving license not long ago insisted on driving my car to Jurong Point to meet her friends for dinner at home. Her excuses for driving? The show would last past midnight and did not want to spend money on cab. Another better excuse? She was eagerly wanting to practise her driving. However, I have sat beside her while she drove a few times and I clearly knew she was not yet up to the standard. That was why I advised her not to drive out alone. Especially when she had little experience going into the carpark area of a shopping mall. All the sharp turns and whatever. Didn't think she could handle well. Unsurprisingly, she called around 1am+ telling me that she accidentally lunged the car forward while waiting for the EPS barrier to raise, just because she was nervous and lifted her foot off the brakes. And the bottom right of the windscreen was shattered. There was a long scratch.
Seriously, after knowing what had happened, I tried to keep my cool over the phone. But after the conversation, I was really quite angry. But I decided to go back to watching a movie online. Was actually watching "17 Again" and did laugh out a couple of times without restraint.
Ok. So maybe she's not that experienced yet. And I also didn't think losing my temper would do any good. If I reprimanded her harshly, she might lose confidence of her driving skills next time. So other than to "nag" a little, I wasn't much agitated for long. I knew very well I used to bump my dad's CAMRY against the wall pillar of a very narrow access gap in a multi-storey carpark when I just got my license not long ago. I called my dad after that incident and he did not scold me, at all. He was very understanding and said it was "expected". So I guess I applied this "concept" on my sis' case and decided to just take it easy.
Key to note: TAKE IT EASY.
*****
Seriously, I think I am a growing optimist. One of my tutees mentioned that I am very inspiring. Could you believe that? Well, I think I am, on some degree. Hahaha. The thing is, I always like to tell them what I strongly believe in now, that the real learning takes place beyond the classrooms and textbooks. That was why my tuition sessions tended to be somewhat different sometimes. I like to engage with conversations with them. And really, forcing them to work isn't a great option. I mean, I have been there, done that, and I knew reasonably well what's their mindset like. It is a growing phase. And I am glad I am there to help them out with their work, albeit via a non-stringent way.
But you see, sometimes, too "relac" with them, they take advantage. Anyway, guys, if you are reading this, examinations are just around the corner. Better study hard meanwhile. Don't play play ah. There is always a time for work and a time to play. Learn to prioritise.
*****
Back to "events" mode, daily-updates mode. On a rare occassion, went for school yesterday. Yes, on a Saturday night for lesson! Cos Monday was a public holiday so the lesson was postponed to yesterday. Had SSC203(Organisational Behaviour) module lesson. It was quite interesting. Although there was a substantial amount of absentees, I had fun working through the case study given with other course mates.
After that, went for supper with dearie, Qiaoyu and Luther. Went to have prata at the shophouse near West Coast Park before going to Mc Donald's @ West Coast Park for another supper continuation. Haha. I LOVE to drink the Himalayan Tea Latte at Mc Cafe. Caramel-flavoured with a hint of spice and strong mixture of milk. Yummy. So ya. When I returned home, it was already close to 2am. And I slept only around 4am.
Woke up around 8 plus for tuition today. Felt quite tired but still managed to pull through all 3 tuition sessions! After that, I treated myself to a movie at JP. Watched "Inglourious Basterds". It was a really brilliant film with much satire, humour, and not to mention gore and violence. But what an impressive movie! It was directed by Quentin Tarantino. Definitely a director to watch out for.
Wow. What a lengthy entry huh. I am pretty tired already. Going to bed soon. Another new week commencing. What "adventures" might there be? =]
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