District's Best

They made it.

The Choral Speaking team won and has given another feather in the cap to the school; 

at least at the District Level for the moment.

So they say...
No matter what you choose to be
You will always be judged.
Look around you !
It's happening
Right, before your very eyes !
Fortunately
Today,
We, are here to tell you,
It's okay, to be who you really are...

So life is but assurances; that what ever you do it's good to know you can be your natural self. Sure, as long as we trudge along a path that is acceptable and we learn not to judge; lest we be judged. Strange, as I get older, I learn to take in others better and try to understand things in a more compassionate way. 

Life is really a story you create for yourself; and you cannot walk alone.

You need the grace of God.

May the choral speakers continue to huff and puff through next week and be ready for the next verdict !

All the best.

Fight on.

Hey Sexy Lady

Found it somewhere in the school compound.

Puan Suhaili came up to me and said " You want to see the sexy lady?"

In the shape of a woman?

Do you ever wonder how it happened? But it is fun to see things you never ever anticipated. There are happenings that make you happy, laugh and enjoy. But there are also happenings that can break your spirit. So we choose to be well and happy as far as we can stretch in life.

 So, when Puan Suhaili came up to show me, it broke a smile in my heart.

Thank you for making my day.

Happy

I love this.

Sara decides to make her friend happy. So she came home last weekend and baked cup cakes personified in famous cartoon patterns. Can you spot them? Cookie Monster, Oscar, Elmo ... but no big bird.

Papa says it's difficult to fix the girls in their perceptions of life; each has been trained in different fields and they are very strong-headed. You see, one likes to paint, the other likes to write and still the other likes to bake. So, we find it a challenge to ask them to agree with us in our ways. I thought it was difficult when we had to see them through school and tertiary education. I am wrong. It is even more difficult now when it comes to real life issues. 

I don't remember being difficult for Por Por and Kong Kong; in the name of peace and obedience, I learn submission and agreement. I hope my girls too will learn that.

However, somehow, somewhere along the walk, we hope to meet even if it means along a very thin line.

Indeed, life is a journey.

So I am happy for the moment looking at the image above.

Doesn't such a surprise make you smile?

The Lou Sang Lunch

 Lou Sang

So, countries fight and argue over the authenticity and origins of this practice. Who were the first Chinese to be associated with the "raising of colorful crackers over a few pieces of salmon fish" ? Aha Malaysians and Singaporean fight tooth and nail over the ownership. Never mind about the squabble; we the locals of all races have embraced the pretty side of the practice...stir and raise the ingredients while muttering delightful phrases to welcome a good year. The Malay PTA chief together with his members and the principal had a jolly time declaring the good that is come along the way.

" Raise the standard of the School !" to which dear Mr. Leong replied  " but don't add the stress!"

 Shake it, mix it, splash it and eat it !

 That was the annual joy and fun.

Little joys that make our day.

 Mr. Robin is feeling very at home. He loves the satay and the PTA members were very impressed with his 'la' slang. They kept asking how come he already speaks like a local. They do not know that he knows more about the local culture than most of them.

 The teachers joined in the fun and had a great meal. Vegetarians also had their portions. It was good to see everyone happy.

 Doris, the gang leader says  "Come on man. I also want to lou " . So lou she did and showed off her glee. A fine and bonding afternoon as teachers of all races ate together with Chinese winter melon seeds, peanuts, oranges and muruku.

Not forgetting the nasi kerabu and local Malay delicacy. Apa, apa pun ada...

A special appreciation to the teacher's club and the concerted effort to make the afternoon an enjoyable one.

So, we look forward to the next Lunar New Year celebration.

Kong Hee Fatt Choy.

Things That Make Me Smile

 Today the students displayed their speaking skills in class through a power point presentation. The group of 4 each selected a corner of the world to tell of their reading. I was glad they took the effort to talk about their favourite spots.

 Syaza spoke about the Burj Al Arab tower of UAB and the beauty created in the shape of a boat. The interior was majestic and reflected astounding colours and architectural designs. A night there is only RM54000.00; we were told. I wonder if it is a misquote. Zao Yong whetted our appetite with his description of the Jeju Province of Korea. An island built from volcanic basalt, it is supposed to be the haven for honeymooners. Then the imaginative Sheng Nie talks about the Northern Lights that thrilled the class as legend has it that a fox runs across the Arctic and sparks flying out from its tail whirls up snow and in the process created prolific hues across the North pole. They were a good change from the ordinary.

 Sheanis is an avid story teller. She reminds me again the thrill of listening to a story before bed time. Her eyes lit up as she related the legend behind the Three Sisters rock formation in Sydney, Australia. Her diction and enunciation was clear, precise and smooth. She caught our attention with her vivid description of how an old king having to save his 3 daughters from Bunyip, a fierce monster, used his magic bone to turn them into rocks but later failed to turn them into their human selves when he himself being transformed into a bird, lost his magic bone.So, apparently the bird that calls around the rock is a possible call of the king for his 3 girls. Imagination ran wild with her enthusiastic narration. She has the gift of story telling and would be a gem in the media industry. I was thrilled by her.

I have actually forgotten the thrill of story telling until she narrated.

Simple thrills.

But I was further thrilled when I saw someone wearing a pair of pants with gutters.

It has been a long while since children allow parents to persuade them to wear such a look. I am thrilled that there are still parents who can have the cooperation of their teenage children obeying them.

Doesn't this give us the hope of obedience?

I am thrilled too.Please don't call me old fashioned.

I am just enthralled by simple thrills.

Don't laugh at innocence.

May we continue to be thrilled by simple gestures, speeches and manners.

The Arty Duo

 The Art

Esther's passion for drawing has always been there; she has never really forgiven me for not sending her to proper art classes during her school days. Being ignorant and having so much commitment, you will think that art classes were not really that important. But I am wrong again. She told me how some of her architectural course mates had gained through proper art coaching and how she may have turned out for the better. I told myself not to allow the guilt to overwhelm me and am consoled that there are some out there who never went to art classes and still did well. So, struggle Esther; what ever you have use it.

 The break last week saw her again with her colours. She had a peek at the garden and allow her inner instinct to carve out another drawing,

 She has a penchant for hues and paints but not pots and pans.

Her deft fingers allow the natural strokes to flow out.

 But she never does one without the opinion of dad. The Lau art is contagious in Muar; almost every cousin is an artist. Somehow, it is in their blood. Just last week, my old friends of Muar asked about the Lau teachers of SAB; Ms Hope and Anne Lau. Both are established art teachers and many have gone under their tutelage. I still remember that duster knock on my head when Anne asked me :

 "what are you drawing?"

 Oh how I dread art classes...Esther's art is not from me. I can hardly draw a thing. She is daddy's girl.

Dad will find time to do this; add his opinion and touch and allow that art in him to surface.

 Father and daughter will somehow allow that common interest to gel them together; they fight fiercely over preferences and finally criticize each other to bring out the best combination. Both agree that they can never finish painting a piece; there is always room for improvement and further improvement. They fought till the cows came home.

 The final touch; is it done? Don't ask me. If there is some more time they will continue to splash.

 Fortunately, there is another one who is not so keen in painting but very keen in cooking. Sara prepared a meal to establish peace in the home. After a long and heated argument over which is the better opinion, all agreed that the meal was the best antidote. So all ate in peace in good bonding.

You think the painting is completed?

But I think it looks good; my 2 pence worth opinion; I who am no artist.

Will anyone buy it?

How much?

The Amazing A Family

 An evening of reminiscence of old times.

When you are found by an old classmate through the social network and are invited for old time's sake; you can only agree. Yesterday was such an evening. Some former SABians of Muar got together at the courtesy of Ms Sharifah Bibi at her abode in Subang Jaya.

I was in for a great surprise. I did not know she has been residing here for the last 26 years but it's never too late. We got together nevertheless.

 That's Sharifah. We were classmates in our secondary school years and I would always remember her as tops in class and school. The head girl, she displayed strong leadership and PR skills. She was also into singing and acting in school and an Ace student. Today, I found out that she is the mama of 9 children; 8 of whom are girls. But they are just not girls; they are amazing girls.She told me that whatever field they indulge in; they will turn out to be the top may it be the celebrity chef, the performer of Arts and you name them.
 A family of creativity.

 Look at us; some of us have not met for the last 30 years. It has been a long, long while. Sharifah was asked of her tenacity and patience in the setting up of such a big family. She wisely said that when you have 2 or 3; you seem so caught up with them but when you have 4, 5 ,6,7 8... the children look after themselves. The older ones take care of the younger ones and it does not become a chore anymore. Somehow, things will take care of themselves. Do you see wisdom in that?

Perhaps, big families is the answer to real living.

 The girls are fabulous. When they were told of the visit, they got more excited than the mama as they planned and cooked their best. Bear in mind we have a celebrity chef among them. The kitchen is the meeting point of cultures; English, American, Malay, Indian, Thai and Middle Eastern cuisines ! You can feel the energy and the zest rising  from the place. It's "the Sound of Music" personified in the pots and pans !

 What a delight to see them working together in such lively spirits and cooperation. So, the old friends say it's time to look for dils among them ! They make such perfect wives...little women.

 They are dead serious in making sure the best was served. They are so well-mannered, well-taught and cheery ladies. The kitchen was a hive of activity and sweet-smelling food ! Food , glorious food.

 The pantry is well-equipped for immediate orders; at anytime. Sharifah shared that all the girls have names beginning with "A", and I must apologise for my short memory. So I name them the A sisters ! One of them actually set up a web site and is into cup cakes. Her order is thick and she earns pocket money to give papa and mama occasional treats ! What a good girl.

 Scones. Even Rohila who resides in the UK for the last 30 years says she has yet to taste scones of this quality. Perfect pieces from No.6.

 We were served hot chicken pies; another master piece.

Very palatable from No.7.

 It was too irresistible; the bread pudding. But when you have the first bite, you will want to complete it and maybe ask for more. Not too sweet just perfect for the guests from all the As (all of them chipped in).

 This sea food display was also out of the world. Mussels, prawns and squids...not to worry they are not from the red tide shore. This is the chef's master piece and from No.3 I believe.

But who can entertain us like her ? A gem in the making; top performer and she is No.4? Oh dear my memory is short. Just too many !

What a lovely way to get to know them. All very well brought up and their zest for life gives me much after thought. My friend has really lived a full life; able to take in the ups and downs of life in good strife and patience.

The amazing A family caught us all stupefied awesomely.

Lunar New Year

The Lunar Activities

Before the day arrived, family members get excited at the thought of coming together and having fun and loads of talk. But when they do get together, what do they actually do? Some read, some decipher the future with their opinions while others whine over cataracts, age spots and future in-laws. The list is unending as some also took to silent observations of others and wonder at the meaning of life. 

Another new year in Spring. The old are getting older but not in spirit; the young are no more so young and so the cycle goes on and on.

One thing for sure is this: the girls are growing more matured by the years and have etched a livelihood for themselves. It is time they fend for themselves; even little Celine is no more a kid; she is growing into a pretty young lass. The grandparents are glad to have them hovering around them.

When in Muar; you will make a ride to the river mouth and gaze at the wonder of the borderless water.This spot never fails to catch the attention of everyone; young or old. There is always space for outdoor activities including the 10,000 steps walk. A walk around the perimeter of this part of the town will give you the daily 10,000 steps health walk.

Then the evergreen papa is never tired of repairing and hoisting the kites. This is an annual attraction.

The girls will grab the opportunity to fly them as the breeze is strong enough to allow the flight. Fly, fly, fly and later they will be dismantled and kept for the next meeting. Someday new ones will have to be bought.

In the evenings when all is quiet and calm, the game causes you to think and out beat one other. Who was the most outstanding player? None other than the one with the beginner's luck - Celine. She said it was her brain not the luck.

Then the men get together to consider matters; at times they remain quiet staring into that box; too exhausted to think after a year of hard work. When will they rest their minds?

The women folk attempted a new recipe. Yam with ginger and ikan tenggiri skin and roll them into balls for deep frying.

I am sure you are salivating already. It was super yummy; a concoction which money cannot buy.

Believe me; out of the world.

Then Por Por with her teow chew style of preparing food; all laid down for lunch. The cooking is different.

You get to taste them during the season.

See what my brother in Melbourne has missed?

Then the family gets together and be merry; eat and eat and eat.

They say the family that eats together stays together.

Let is be so.

Then we are fortunate we have the youngest generation to add noise and fuss to the occasion. That's the new addition to the home and the girls have been waiting patiently for his arrival.They think that having babies is the ultimate. So, they took turns to carry and fuss around them. But honestly speaking, it was good to have the noise; the small baby talk helps the older ones relax and enjoy.

See, Esther will do anything to entertain them. Jay and Liz are a bundle of joy and energy. You have to be in top form to move around them.

Then, soon it was meal time again. Por Por and Kong Kong are great; they can still take the challenge of organizing dinners in the restaurant of course. So, after a few courses in these places; you only want to eat home-cooked food. Yes, meal after meal but it was a good experience for the annual eat-together.

4 generations got together for days of food, fun and family.

 But none can deny the delight of receiving the red packets; big or small sums. The girls received from their cousins of the same generation; soon they may not qualify. You have to remain single to qualify; what a price to pay ! This year was different; the grandparents had the privilege of the boyfriends visiting them too. 

What a joyous occasion to remember by. May we continue to have good years ahead.

I am looking forward to John, Jason and Jeremy to return to Malaysia before Chap Goh Mei.

Yes, boys?

A Season of Home

Strange.

When it comes to times like this, the man must find his ties and roots. The family unit is unique. Seasons are created for the family to come together. God has mandated that there shall be times of reconciliations and harmony. Differences come aplenty; individuals have opinions that can tear one another apart and yet when you belong to the family; nothing can change the status; you belong to the unit.

So you learn to accept, forgive and love as the Good Book teaches. 

In fact, one man's meat is another man's poison. Doesn't that occur in the choice of colours, styles, outlooks and surely the life partner. However, I realise that nothing is really wrong as long as you live by certain acceptable values and norms in basic living. I have told my girls it is how you lead a life that is important. This is the best test of our teaching coming into place. Blessed is the home that lives in harmony and peace.

Look at Kong Kong. He has gone through much. He has resolved issues with one main principle; to stay focus. He told me last night that he learns to switch off at petty matters and project on the right values...make money. Hahaha...his pocket is always full and refuses to concede to sloth and wrong decisions. He chides at ill behaviour and praises right attitudes and harasses his grand daughters ...'when are you all getting married; when are you all buying houses...' the girls will cheekily smile and allow this annual interrogation. After all he is the grand old man.
So, the teasing is accepted.
My brother feels bad for not being home; he being with his family in Melbourne. He compensates by face timing non-stop. But it is still different. He collaborated with my brother -in-law and together they have a mini reunion there.

The wonder of Whats app. You get everything free and easy. So my brothers have their gala time...the mini family unit. Even when you are away from the patriarch and matriarch you congregate at this time of reunion. Then you won't feel so out and lost and forgotten. You see, the family is unique. You do belong somewhere; don't you? So, the guilt is too great and he promises to be home for Chap Goh Mei instead !

The reunion dinner is never forgotten.

This year is slightly different for my immediate family because we girls make an unusual presence to the home of the oldies on this special evening. The Chinese home is traditional. Reunion dinners are to be spent with the son's family and the daughters go visit the 'niang chia' (materanl side) on the next day. It's not so approriate otherwise. For 30 years I diligently did that. So, I will cordially make a request for something different for my girls. I wonder if I can ask for an amicable compromise? Take turns? One year with us and the other with them? Othewise, papa and mama will have to spend that dinner alone ...
Maybe, maybe, maybe someone can contribute a better idea? Or come each reunion pa and ma will end up in a cruise, a holiday or outback in Australia? Some cultural practices need a relook?

Alright. I will remember Kong Kong's great advice; only consider important matters; the rest we let rigth values reign.Talk about differences, hahaha.

Happy New Year.