Back To The Netherworld
It’s kind of late now (started this post at around 1.20AM – which is unearthly by holiday standards and surprisingly not by schooling standards) but just got to say my piece. (And so this post would be in English as simple and direct as possible.)
Went back for AJC Open House with the choir peeps (Jessica, Shaun, Xuanzhen, Huisze and James) and firstly, just got to say that the school just got from ugly to uglier. They repainted the school, but not the entire school, so now the school has random patches of oh-so-bright-and-gaudy yellow at the humble entrance. And we smartly deduced the school used the leftover paint from the hostel, in an attempt to make the school look “newer” for Open House. Not being a cynic here, but in my opinion, that paint job was totally dispensable. Oh well, quoting from Ms Quek, “At least you can see that the paint is new.” (Please don’t get her into trouble – the fact that the school is old is synonymous so don’t try to deny it.)
Walked in, and wanted to say hi to the friendly security uncle (always bumped into him in the toilet outside LT5 and always had small meaningless chat – which works miracles in building budding friendships) but guessing he does the morning shift. Ain’t going to come to school early just to saw hi.
And then bumped into Mr Guru, who was driving out of school with Mr Andy Lim (yes, I waved to him when I saw his car approaching and smartly stood near the middle of the road so he had no way of escaping) and as usual he asked: “How are you?” So went on about what I was doing and when I would be enlisting (and repeated the same story with a lot of other people, ranging from HOD/Arts and Social Sciences to boss of Veggie Lover i.e. auntie who cooks great hashbrowns and lady’s fingers). Hmmm let’s see how long he can remember me, though I must say he did pretty well in remembering names. After all, he only took me for my J1 year.
Walked to the foyer and got a goodie bag (which had not much in there, since stuff started to run out so the bag was probably the most valuable item) from a hospitable J2 (I am officially J3 thanks), though his friend (AJChoir junior, you’re not as hospitable huh?) reminded him that I am a senior. Oh well, can’t cry over split milk. Once you’ve given it to me, it’s mine forever!
Then had lunch in the canteen (not a wise choice but it created chances to talk to the stall aunties!) and had a chat with the Veggie Lover auntie! And apparently she said my $8/hour job (sadly docked to $7 though) paid better than hers. I don’t believe.
Then met Mr Kwei outside the hall while he was leaving! Didn’t really chat much though, since Mrs Ong just so happened to walk past and I just had to greet her! The most patient and concerned (synonymous with worrisome) teacher I have ever had! Such a nice lady!
And then went to the hall to watch AJChoir perform their repertoire (after making jokes with them about joining them on stage prior to their performance, since I was also in choir tee) and I must say I was impressed! Perhaps they were singing Northern Lights (which doesn’t require the producing of full, assertive sounds that easier exposes the technique level of choristers), but nonetheless their sound impressed me a lot! Good quality despite a small group! Am proud and thankful of you kiddos (and that’s all I’ll say since I’ve already said my piece in the choir room)!
Also met Ms Lee (yay got a picture with her – the nicest, gentlest and most sympathetic choir teacher-in-charge) and Ms You! And Ms Lee initially wanted to catch me for my hair. No chance man!
Have to specially mention the new (and sadly, only – I wonder who I should blame this time – sigh, office politics) DSA! I have never seen a person with such mega eyes oh gosh. And it’s a he. Wow. Anyway, I could see that he didn’t quite enjoy the session of roaming and resting and roaming and resting, so had to assure him: “It would get better.” Much more imperative since he’s new and we wouldn’t want him losing steam so soon (and biting his own finger asking why on earth he chose AJChoir). And as per other St. Gabriel’s boys I know, he knows my aunt (who owns a stall there) and so I proudly introduced myself as her nephew. And he (and all other St. Gabriel’s boys) has eaten my aunt’s noodles and I haven’t. I have no idea why this is happening.
And oei, Tenor juniors, if you are reading this, can you do more to integrate him into the section and make him feel welcome? Leaving him solely to a Bass senior (by no means alluding to the age-old Tenor-Bass rivalry) isn’t such a great idea, in my opinion. Thanks.
And when we were leaving, we met Ms Quek! Yay best Economics teacher ever! And her new hair makes her look a lot younger and brighter! Had a friendly chat (since “alumni” means an upgrade in seniority from puny “students”) and talked about our new principal (just a little – he was only there for 15 days, though I heard from kiddos that he speaks really slowly). And sad to say, Ms Leong wouldn’t be coming back to AJC on Results Day since she has TJC to tend to. Booo~
Finally ended off my day with yet another small-talk session with the LT1 Bookshop uncle and auntie! A lot of meaningless talk but then again, works miracles… (blah blah blah just scroll up don’t make me retype it.)
And in this one day, I’m sure I’m now public enemy of AJC Council since I said not-so-edifying stuff about them (made worse by 2 Twitter accounts who tweeted/retweeted my words). Don’t bash me please I’m still a harmless senior~ (Though I still think what I said is not far from the truth, but for peace’s sake…)
Till we meet again, AJC. (You still give me nightmares, but I’d rather have nightmares than completely erase all memories that happened in that fateful place.)
