The ticking of the second hand is just about as much noise there is around here. realising this, she wonders if how much she would want to swap the serenity for headphones which would plug her to the solid clanging of rock bands and ballads. Brushing away the momentary distraction, her focus returns to the 10 inch screen, scanning the document for adjustments to be made, details to be filled in, mistakes to be corrected. Heaving a sigh of resignation at the back of her head, her fingers run over the keyboard, tapping away with familiarity and speed. Admin, will it ever cease? Bell...ring already, she pleads. Oh, but a sudden reminder alerts--meeting after school until 6pm.

Having her own time, seemed like something from a distant, almost discarded past. Her plans surrounded around the available time left after work has consumed them. 5 day work week was a myth, having returned from a camp which lasted over the precious weekend. Having enough rest at night simply meant a sacrifice of one's own time for leisure and recreation. Pent up frustration has normalized any ounce of annoyance at what cannot be changed. Thankfully, beyond work which often feels beyond one's control, she still has a stable pool of friends, activities and surprises to keep her sane each night she returns to where is cosiest.

As images of her entourage of life savers and spirit lifters come to mind, she couldn't help but sit back in her chair and thank God for some really precious gems He had littered so freely along her path--DA LIM/LIN family (big, small, fat, fit, old and young), Pam, Berd, Jem and the awesome Gang of nice accomodating peeps, Barry, Sebby, Bings, long lost friends of A7, CJC-Agnes, and not to forget the very ones who has gone through 1.2m-1.3m-1.4m-1.5+m, and got stuck there somewhat, IVY N CAROLYN....feels like a long toast to God for these beautiful creations...Cheers.