Projects, projects, projects!

As December draws to a close, it feels more and more urgent to get my major projects of 2015 done speedily so I can work on new ones when 2016 kicks off.

The Introvert Teacher has gone through its first round of editing. Now it's up to me to decide on whether to keep the changes and/or make further ones. I'm also working on its marketing materials, book launch ideas - yes, you are invited ;) - and so on.

Realistically, it might only be out around February or March. Chinese New Year would be great but I'm not entirely sure if it's possible. Let's find out!

My major project for The Gem Hunter is coming to fruition. Without giving too much away, some supplies have come in, while others are yet to be ordered (too much choice makes things tough, doesn't it?).

The original plan was to launch on Christmas week. This is starting to seem difficult but I will try.

Yet another project, the production of my long-dreamt-about gemology curriculum, is going well. Three chapters done, two more to go (unless I switch some things around)! It should be done by January! Just in time for the school year!

Time to get off my rear and make things happen! 2016 approaches!

Teaching Overseas

As 2015 draws to a close, it's time to start planning for 2016.

One of the things I'm thinking about doing is taking some time to teach in one of the SEA countries that's not Singapore. The only knowledge I have of how classes are run in other countries are from videos and anecdotal experiences of others. Perhaps it's time to experience it for myself.

I'll have to figure out how the whole thing is going to work, including visas, accommodation and so on. 

Well, if anyone has any experiences or thoughts, send them my way!

Weekend Book Fair

I recently had a conversation with friends where we agreed that there are two kinds of fairs that incite massive spending in Singaporeans - travel fairs and IT fairs.

Apart from travel and IT fairs, we have food fairs, jewellery fairs, baby fairs, furniture fairs, department store fairs, and so on. 

Every fair attracts particular types of people, and, at the risk of sounding elitist, book fairs seem to attract more courteous, contented individuals. They have their fair share of annoying types, but, on the whole, it seems that readers are a little easier to get along with.

Book fairs are peculiar events. They make you wonder what kind of printed treasures you might uncover. That, for many readers, is exciting stuff.

Here's to a great weekend book fair!

My Wish for Singapore in 2016

Having seen so many people writing on large white plastic balls for the Wishing Sphere Project, I wondered what I would write on one of them if I ever got round to it. I suppose the following might be adequate:

I wish that Singapore will grow from strength to strength in the coming year, that we, as a nation, will unite against threats to our security, economy, and way of life.

I wish for Singaporeans to be more appreciative of what they have, to be more introspective and think more critically, to be more others-oriented than self-obsessed. 

I wish that we will remember that the world observes who we are and what we do, that we will lend a helping hand to our neighbouring nations, and that we will continue to be a strong, positive influence in the global community.

May we be always proud to call this land our home.