My Pride

 You see, you are bound to meet them somewhere.

My protege from Seafield.

This is Ms Neerosha.

Guess what. She did her form six studies in Seafield. Today she reported here as a trainee for her TESL degree. So today teacher met student and they become colleagues.She has chosen the road less taken by being a teacher; a vocation avoided by many. So she is brave and is starting a career that helps the community. May she find the path rewarding and fulfilling. Really, the vocation will add colours and heartaches to her life. But rest assured she will hold a legacy that will only be hers alone. Have a good journey, girl. May the best stay with you.

 

Meet my ex head of Seafield; Ryui Bynn. Today he came to see me about another good venture. He is into motivation and training for the young and brave at heart. Am I glad to see him into a career that will help many youths in life's journey. An exemplary student himself, he has always been known as a polite and obliging child in his school days.Many are touched by his generous spirit and ever willingness to help in times of crisis and needs. We were not wrong to judge him as one with a meaningful future. Today his visit to the school has confirmed our gauge of him.

I look with pride at him. Today he talked with my counselor on programmes that will boost up the leaders of the school.He is out to help many as has always been his forte and passion. So I will see him in action soon. Isn't it most rewarding to see your protege like this ?

This is the meaning we hold and keep close to our heart; so glad to see them developing into individuals that will add value to society.

Proud of you, my children.

A Day of Apprecaition

 The week last was a long one; with a working Saturday.

Saturdays at work sap one's energy for the marketing of the following week will have to be made on a precious Sunday; the day of rest.

So, very soon Sunday is done and there you are back to routine; waking up at fiveish in the morning and rushing to meet your obligations for the day.

If there is anything I am envious of, it is when you see others still in bed at that hour.

But today, despite the short weekend, was a day of pleasant surprises.

 A student came in and said: Nah... mama says thank you.

Thank you for? She reminded me of the incident when she had some physical challenges and how we got help for her and also the comical expression of "grease is the word..." during the PTA general meeting last Saturday. When I shared how challenging it was to control the latest skinned-hair look boys wear to school these days and how much we need the cooperation of parents to get their children to school on time and how we much we need the mothers to ensure right uniform outlook or else we find the school being swarmed with rolled up sleeves like the fashion of the "grease" days, I must have got her in stitches.But how else do we share the heart beats of the school? I think she must have read my heart.

 It's not everyday that a mother says thank you in this way. In fact the lovely cake was indeed so tasty that I must keep a piece for Sara, the cake maker of my home. Its cheesy and chocolaty and yummy! Ask all the teachers who had a taste of it. Everyone can testify of the unique taste.

But I must convey my thanks to this mother; indeed you have made this Monday a most memorable one.

Today the counseling department is also in tandem with this appreciation mood.

See the students crowding round the stage?

We remember the birthday boys and girls of Jan-Feb.

Cakes were prepared for them too.

All these acts to say we appreciate them too.

To remind them not to be up to their naughty tricks but to love the school too.

This is what we do; to tell them somehow out there, they need to be responsible for themselves.

 So they are happy to sing and cut the cakes; see the guys on the right? They are turning themselves into swans ... Personally, it is good to see them happy. So the gentle reminder goes out; no cutting cakes in class lest a wild party is created but we allow them to cut and share among everyone who are celebrating on the stipulated months right on stage.

 What a good morning to end as the school launched the reading programme for the day. 

Reading maketh a Man; so the truth be drummed into them.

Indeed we lose a language when we stop reading.

It is splendid to see them read the special article distributed and having a few up on stage to summarise their reading. May they continue to read and seize the opportunity to improve their reading speed and skills.

Happy reading, children.

A day of appreciation.

Valentine Time

It's an auspicious day as it coincides with the Chinese version of the English Valentine's Day.

So it's everyone's day.

Happy Valentine Time.

Some spend their time at home; saving money as every flower and meal seems to cost extra.

Some make it a point to have a special dinner at a special place.

Some throw oranges into the sea in their search for their love.

Some make romance real.

Some treat it as an ordinary day.

But I would like to remember it as a day when I remember loved ones at their best; the perfect way to pass the day. May love be the basis of decisions and let there be harmony and peace.

See, how fast time flies. I thought it was only yesterday but today all have grown up; some are married, some are fathers and many are ready for their next stage of life. Where did the years go? When were they so small? My children and nephews are all adults now. I must remember that time and tide wait for no man and I must remember to say they are all my valentines.

 

 Can you spot them?

Only Jason is missing.

The rest are your good guesses.

The family has extended.

 To this special couple;

Happy Valentine's Day.

The Ophir Mount

 Also known to the locals as Gunung Ledang, Mt. Ophir is located in the suburban town of Tangkak, Johor.

It is a much visited site for picnickers and campers.

The jungle trails are a favourite among walkers and hikers and it is not strange that I also camped at the peak in my school days.

School children have also picked this place for training survival skills and counselors are keen to use it for learning and teaching.

 To reach the site, one has to go to the foothills of Mt. Ophir and then make their way up amidst beautiful flora and fauna species. Nature has its strong impact here and indeed is a learning hub for all kinds of skills; physical and mental.

Esther pestered almost everyone and got her way.

She insisted that some follow her to the legendary place; a place of folklore and mystery.

 Dad was up early in the morn and told me that they were making a day trip to the place. I treasured my sleep and did not comply. So, the adventurous five took the day into their hands.

 Sunrise was beautiful as can be seen. Esther was up to her yoga tricks while Celine made the monkey act. It is indeed a surprise that Sara conceded to the idea. She is never an outdoor girl; but the walk surely is good for her. The waterfall is enchanting and it's no wonder many are attracted to the natural beauty.

 That's cousins Celine and Esther on the left; both are outdoor people loving nature and elephants and dogs; not forgetting snorkeling and diving. Garrett is good influence on Sara forcing her to love nature.

  The towering trees are a majestic sight and the tall and lean trees tell us that they are fighting for light.

The natural waterfalls are attract swimmers but I also have heard of stories of many being drowned when caught by strong currents. Captivating but at the same time there is always need for care.

 So, the adventurous put us who slept late regretful. They seemed to have enjoyed themselves tremendously. Next time, when in Tangkak, pay a visit too.

 

Perhaps another attraction of the town is to taste the beef noodles of the town.

Tangkak has always been popularly known as the town which serves the best beef noodles int he country.

The cow is the symbol of the beef noodle shop; they serve beef noodles in all forms; wet, dry, hot and more.

Ooo... doesn't that look delicious? Try it.

But I have not changed my taste for my love; I still love the one in Lai Foong restaurant near Central Market in Kuala Lumpur. Did I not say that taste doesn't change? It takes a lot to switch your love.

Gunung Ledang and her Puteri mysteries.

Little Happenings

 The Lunar New Year break was a time of rest; though it never seemed enough.

Family members are many and preferences are aplenty too.

So many activities took place and I recorded some of them for a small sharing.

 Doesn't the town look quaint? When my sister sent me the shot, I did not associate it with the town; instead I thought it was a Chinese overseas town. But yes, it's Muar ; all bright and pretty.

 Yes, here's a strange practice. In this covered parking lot , the owner of the car on the right has purposely placed a stone and a pail between the cars with the warning that it be not removed. Reason? That the owner of the car on the left may open the door and slam onto his side... to teach irresponsible residents to behave well. I think he needs help; too much of himself.

Great that he has the time to plot like this.

 This is truly nostalgic. Why you may ask.

Yes, that's the place where my siblings and I grew up in.

Today the place is under the good hands of others but I dropped by the lane just for a peep.

It's difficult to associate the place with our growing up years.

Everything has changed and seemed strange; except for the bougainvillea trees.

They were the trees planted by my dear mother and the hot weather is instrumental in the splendid flowering of the plant. Bougainvilleas bloom best under such heat. when I showed the photo to my mum; she instanly recognised the trees and lamented on the lack of care for the place.

Not to boast but surely true; if mum were still staying at this place it would have been neat and clean; a perfect place for me to meet my boyfriends as what it was like in those days.

The stone table set is missing !

 They say nothing can beat Penang cendol. But you must give a try at this local concoction.Manned by a mamak vendor, this cendol drink is popular amongst the locals and I could not stop myself for giving it a try again. It's very palatable. I remembered drinking it at a very age and the vendor told me he is the grandson of the original vendor ! Talk about generational careers.

 So, when you have a mother for a teacher...what happens?

 Muar is old; as old as these trees at the least. They have been labelled as heritage pieces. The photos were taken when dad made his morning walks around the town and trace every possible landmark and history.

Dad said these are sand barges. They sail across the straits to the neighbouring country; Singapore and  possibly for the construction industry. See, when you are neighbours you cannot change the destiny.You depend on one another for survival. Generations come and go but the spatial relationship is eternal.

So it's better to remain friends.

 This landmark is strategic. It show the center of the town. 

Dad got everyone guessing at its location int he town.

Trust him to go searching and noticing such spots.

 But the sun rise and sun set scenes calm the soul and allow deep reflections of life.

What is right? What is wrong? Sometimes it's difficult to decide.

This year is especially strange at my parents' condo. The draft that surrounds it is loud and strong. There were few moments of stillness.The chilly wind makes it difficult for windows and doors to be ajar. The old folks had to virtually close them; all the time. So it's not strange that my mother  had so many rounds of coughs and colds.This time it is really appropriate to say; blame the weather.

Look at the branch. It has a permanent bent; bending to the direction of the draft. Even when the draft has disappeared for some moments, the defect is permanent. A strange phenomenon.

I hope you have enjoyed the recordings.

February Babies

 February is memorable.

3 babies in the family.

To cut the cake in grandies' abode.

It made the old folks happy.

Cousins Ky Jinn was born on the 3rd, Esther on the 5th and Ky Shen on the 10th (left to right).

 All are into adulthood but they always remain as babies in the parents' eyes.

Just when you think matters are under control, then challenges arise; jobs, parenthood, marriage and the list is unending. So what can we wish them on this day?

That they will be tough, resilient and steady.

That they will not forget the Good Book and their God.

That they will survive with good values and principles.

That the ups and downs of life will not tear them.

That the Good Lord will protect and sustain them.

Grandma is especially soft towards her grand girls.

Her prayers cover them day and night.

She cries to God to keep her generations well.

She will get the attention of the Almighty I am sure; for God hears the prayers of a crying heart.

She told Esther before she left for the South : Be happy.

So be it.

Let us all stay happy.

Happy Birthday dear babies.