All Is Well

 This year is a challenging year where outdoor activities are concerned. The country has been encountering high API and to conduct a cross country event is a feat. Nevertheless when funds have been collected, the run has to be honoured. 

The hazy conditions in June caused the school to postpone the Jogathon till today and it was not an easy decision when a concerned parent called up early in the morning to warn us of another threatening haze.

But the show has to go on.

 Today is a special day for the school is also celebrating her countdown to the Merdeka day.

With flags flying high and reminding all of our love and respect for our beloved nation, we took it upon ourselves that this day is to be remembered.

 The children were sporting as they came in high spirits to celebrate and honour their pledge to the doners of the run. They also came to confirm their love for Malaysia.

All children are taught the right attitudes and hopefully they will pass them down to the next generation.

 Traditional dances and choruses to celebrate ethnicity and culture took our imaginations away and we were awed by their performances. Glad they displayed love and respect for one another.

 They came together to sing patriotic songs; telling one another of the deeds of the past and how the country has brought hope and means to her people. They sang out their hearts and many were touched and reminisced pn our beloved land. We have to keep ourselves together and love in the right spirit. 

 That's Jon who has lost quite a bit of weight; what with his Indian dancing stunts and the cross country race. That's teacher Bodjit with her charming smile all ready to declare and catch the winners of the run.

 That's the winner among the boys; Kiran I think and Alya of the girls' section.

 Attractive prizes for the Jogahthon collection; the children are very fortunate indeed. I-phones, cameras, mountain bikes, and a motor bike ! Seafield has one of the best runs in town.

 That's Victor and Colin; both collected enough funds for their special prizes and all thanks to supportive parents too.

 Pei Er has her mother to thank for; a hardworking mama deserves a hardworking daughter too. I am sure she will do her mama proud in the SPM exam.

 That's the chairman of the run, Mr. Chong with the grand prize winner; his son. 

Indeed, like father like son.

 Congratulations to the pair!

 Now, this is an important box with coupons for the special grand draw.

 Who is the owner of this grand prize?

 Yes, Mr. Selva.

 Yes, the happy winner receiving the grand prize. Hope he remains happy for a long while.

All's well that ends well.

So the beautiful bloom speaks volumes.

We celebrated out Merdeka day, had our Merdeka run, many won prizes and we have completed our pledge to the public.

Thank you dear God for a good day.

The Waiting Game

 Parents wait.

All the time.

 Last week was rainy. The rain poured just before the bell rang for home. I was mesmerized by the springing of umbrellas 5 minutes before the bell for dismissal rang. I thought it was a tale-telling scenario; how fathers and mothers would wait for their children for almost everything.

Parents wait for their babies to grow up; send them to kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, pre-university institutions and most finally to the university.

They also wait for them at meals, outside tuition classes, piano classes and even shopping malls. Then very surely they camp outside school gates during public exam days and fervently pray for happy faces after each paper.

They wait for their sons and daughters to complete whatever they have to do with education; hope for meaningful jobs and then wait again; for a good life partner.

Then they wait upon the younger ones; to help them through life with the next generation.

The cycle never ends.

That's life; the waiting game.

 Last weekend was a refreshing one; walking down the streets of Kuala Lumpur with the girls and shopping for daddy. This time the girls waited for daddy to choose his attire; a good change. We had a simple meal; it is not easy to gather them as a group for they are now grown-ups and it needs juggling of time to be together. Strange; but true. We are always waiting.

I suppose that's how life is; waiting.

The Newly Weds

 Yes, today is a joyous day for the new couple; Nadia and Jazli.

 Nadia is daughter to Puan Zaidah; the physics teacher. I taught Nadia in her younger days and today she is the bride to the handsome groom. She is a matured lady now, ready to be the help mate. 

May the couple plough through a life of harmony, peace and happiness together. 

Nadia once told me that the groom is attached to marine services and that explains the uniform he is in.

 I believe she has found her heart's love.

 Friends and students alike came in to give best wishes and convey their congratulations. Nadia once had a temporary teaching post in Seafield and many students are attached to her. Mr. Charles came in with his lovely children and wife and I gazed in wonder the amount of energy and attention poured into taking care of the young siblings. It reminded me of my younger days too when I had to look after my Charlie's angels. Somehow when you are young, the sky is the limit and you are not consumed by the enormous duties and tasks. It sure is good to be young.

 Puan Zaidah is now mother-in-law to 2 couples and may she continue to taste of the good experiences of life. 

All the best to the family in the days to come.

Congratulations again Nadia and Jazli.

The Raya Treat

 The treat was sumptuous; a delight to indulge in.

 Today our Malay counterparts took it upon themselves to give all a treat. We had the usual great taste; lontong, satay, soto, cakes and all sweets.

 That's the PIBG boss together with the principal and faithful Christy who is always all out to support the school in small and big ways.

 Other members include Chong on the left and Tan on the right ; also all ready to help out in projects to upgrade the facilities of the school. They have a passion to meet the needs of the children by setting up new things and improving the lot of the school.

 Colleagues gathered together in great spirits to the tune of the season's music and tempo. It is indeed joyous to move in tandem with the music of the day.

 Today we had a different set up; at the hall instead of at the canteen. It was more spacious and the mood was definitely more festive and the hardworking teachers surely deserved the treat. So we look forward to such set ups in future undertakings !

See, we had a galore of choices and tastes. Many thanks to those who put up the special effort to make the occasion memorable. Indeed, every occasion is to be remembered with great fondness and appreciation and to be etched in our memories.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

The Choice

 

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

When I asked my students what was the main gist of the poem, they told me:

Choices.

 So true, we make decisions every moment.

Sometimes they are good; at others poor.

But we stand by them.

At some moments, I tell myself not to think too hard; just pray and let go.

Be happy.

The Bright One

 We spotted him in his early years in school; he played an effective role as a leader in the lower forms and led the prefects to a new level of management. He was a good team player and was able to get many to work along with him.

 Kaelan Ong Wei Ern was given the Principal's special award before he left his Alma Mater;

 an indication of his potential as a future leader.

 As the president of the Interact Club he conducted many projects of labour of love; including this task of cheering up the children's ward in the Sungai Buluh Hospital.

 With the teacher-in charge, Kaelan painted a good name for his Alma Mater and his early involvement in such social commitment helps to lay a bold foundation for his future endeavours.

 Despite being heavily involved in co-curricular activities, he made it to one of the top 10 achievers in the SPM exam; earning him a scholarship with the securities commission.

 The strong and loving support of his parents and siblings added much moral strength and hiked up his confidence. 

This is indeed an exemplary family.

Today, I heard he has again made it with his 4As in his A levels and so he has earned a place in the coveted institution - London School of Economics. I am sure he is going to make waves there again.

So, Kaelan may you continue to excel in whatever you do and bring pride to your family. country and Alma Mater.

May you also continue to labour in love for the less fortunate and stay humble as you savour in the successes of life. 

Take care and all the best in your future endeavours.

Lessons of Life

Learning is Eternal

I like to hear stories from my girls. Some stories are ridiculous, others funny , still others nonsensical. But I still listen for I intend to treasure moments with them; that in the process of sharing, I get to read them better. You see them change in maturity, thoughts and attitudes as they mingle with new people and in a new work environment. You wonder at times if you have lost them; or is it true that we as adults need to transform ourselves to accommodate and be more acceptable by them.

One thing I am sure and believe is that experiences in life are the best teachers for them. As a mother, I can only pray for God's special protection and mercy on them; that they need not be put under situations that are beyond them.

Today, as I walked into the house from school, with tears in her eyes, Esther said: " Mama, Audrey gave birth to a boy." Who's Audrey? I asked. "Oh mama, have you forgotten?" Oh you mean that Timothy guy's wife? I have heard of this popular couple since 4 - 5 years ago; which blogger has not heard of Timothy Tiah and his wife? I am most interested in their love story as they are contemporaries of my children and their friends. I must confess I actually was an ardent follower of their blogs. Their stories are funny and sincere.
Esther insisted that I read the letter written by Tim to his dear wife when she was struggling to preserve her baby as she underwent pre edampsia; a medical condition where the mother suffers from severe high blood pressure and when it is best that the baby be delivered in the fastest possible time. But what does a mother and father do when the baby is also pre matured? The first loving decision; to be a rock for each other; to stand by each other under taxing circumstances. This is experiential; not theoretical.

Tim expressed how lost and painful it was to see his dear wife suffer; it takes a man to realise that the woman was undergoing so much to preserve his son; that her love for him and the unborn child is real. This love is proven for him. Now, he must remember this for life; that his dear wife was willing to do anything for him and that no prenuptial agreement is necessary for this marriage.

As I read on, ...no amount of money, no amount of time I spent with you, no amount of research and no amount of medical care could make this situation any better... a desperate cry from the big man who at one point could almost control every blogger's interest is now in destitute. So true. It is good to know that we can face situations that no amount of money we have can change a situation. It keeps us humble and human. Tim must have prayed? I would. Divine help is hope in action. We need that to go through the ups and downs of life. Now both of them know nothing can be taken for granted.

Mr. Tiah cried from his heart. Have you heard a man cry? I think real men do cry. The agony of fear and seeing his wife and child fighting their lives for each other. So appropriate that they nick-named the child; "Fighter". He is made a fighter from day one. So  be careful how you name your child! So cry if you have to. It does not make you a lesser male.

At first, he thought walking away to work is alright. That when he came back a few hours later, the problem would be solved by itself. We do that sometimes, don't we? When the challenge seems insurmountable, you just disappear for a while and let the other concerned parties go through them without you. But Tim is brave in not running away; he returned to his dear wife and decided to go through the ordeal together; no running away. A lesson that we learn; we take the good, the bad and the ugly of life together. He could not bring himself to allow his wife to suffer alone. But how much can you tell about birth pangs to a man? He will never have to go through them. For that, all men must love their wives for they have made them fathers of children. It is really great to be called 'dad'. Believe me.

The months of carrying the child and the last few weeks of intense pressure and tension have caused both Tim and Audrey to rely on each other; nothing now tells them otherwise. That Audrey would take risks that may threaten her life to give her husband a child is commendable; let Fighter be a reminder of this bond. Tim is fortunate to have her as a spouse.All proven. So love your dear wife.

All's well that ends well. I am indeed glad to hear of a safe delivery and I hope all the medical help and expertise available will pull all of them through this time.

Congratulations to the couple and a special pat for Fighter for living up to his reputation.

Thank you for the lovely lessons learnt through both your experiences and take care.

This is a special clip of both their love for each other and proven well.

Enjoy.

The Celebration

 The fasting month is over.

My Muslim friends and colleagues are rejoicing and making family gatherings meaningful and joyous; celebrating another year of togetherness. 

It is during such times that loved ones are brought into the nest and moments of endearments shared. 

This is what life is actually about; peace and love.

Living a life of givings and sharings.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every of my Muslim colleague 

 "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri"

• Datin Zaleha.Ainon.Abdul Rahim.Siti Rohana.Norhayati.Jafny.Normadiyana.Suhaili.Charles. Tasnim.Nurnajihar.Hasmilia.Azizah.Maziha.Rosanita.Shahrizad.NorAjlaa.Zaidah.Norathikah.
• Zuraimi.Mariani.Saadiah.Norhidayah.Noorhafishah.Wan Fazilah.Noorizan.Zulena. Zunaidah.Datuk Haron.Rahizam.Yusdin.Latiffah.Rozlina.Norfazlina.Azlin.Nurdarina.Sumalidza.
• Normarliana.Ruhaida.Saripah.Rapidah.Zaini.Norsalawatty.Musawir.Zaharol.Zulkifli.Khadijah. Ardi.Norazlinda.Nordiaan.Siti Muslihat.Siti Fatimah.Suzliani.Khasniyati.Nazuha.Dziatul Liana.
• Juhairinniza.Tengku Afidah.Yusairah.NorMalissa.Rahimah.Noorwahida.Shuhaila.Norhuda. Syazrah.Nursyahida.Norliza.Noriayani.Azlinn.Nur Habibah.Tn Nor Hazipah. Baizura.Mukhlis.

 Have a meaningful family time.

 At home, neighbours and friends came knocking and gave us a good treat !

 It was heart warming to see them presenting their goodies at out door step.

 The chicken and beef rendang were yummy and so palatable.

So we invited other family members to join in too.

What a good occasion to enjoy; food is indeed them the melting point.

 

Better still, food is a culmination of cultures too; taking the Malay cuisine with Chinese tea.

Yes, a happy occasion indeed !

Selamat Hari Raya.