58

Whatever man may say; we still have this to say.

"We love you Malaysia; Happy 58th Birthday."

May God continue to preserve and protect this land now and forever.

Happy Merdeka

The Release

The Law

It was 7.30 am. The lawyer in the house shouted across to us and said she was ready for court. Today was validity day; guilty or not guilty.

Sara invited me to go to court with her. She said it would be a good experience to witness court proceedings. I will get to see real life dramas. In the ride to the court she was worried if dad's migrant worker would be released, There could be unforeseen hitches and if true it would also mean he may not be released even after the 14 day remand. No bail allowed for an offence of this nature.

He was nabbed for illegal entry into the country; condemned because he did not have his papers with him while on an evening chore. He thought his work identification card was sufficient to tell authorities of his legal status. So a charge in court was made against him and the process of getting him released was not a simple one.

At the courthouse I noticed people of all races mostly fathers and mothers gathering in the magistrate
room waiting for their cases to be called. I wondered what kind of crimes had been committed. I had flash backs of such situations in school when we charge our wards of ill discipline, theft, truancy and the all. It was exactly the same feelings; except this time I was not the prosecutor but the defendant so to say. Later Sara told me that many were drug addiction crimes.

Sara was determined to get the worker out by hook or crook. She spoke to the interpreter who without prejudice reiterated that he was not sure the case could be settled. That got Sara unsettled and she contacted criminal lawyers on best solutions. Being the conscientious one, she would not take chances and had earlier on contacted Tenaganita, an NGO. This pro bono organization had sent representatives to visit the accused and also to make sure he was safe, It was not easy to get official permits for jail visits and only official bodies could get access. Dad was concerned about his welfare and whether he understood that help was on the way and that he should stay strong till then.

On a morning such as this and when you realised that not everyone could do anything unless trained as a lawyer, I am proud to be associated with an institution called school. In schools, we nurtured, taught and guided children and prepare them for the real world. Today, when I think of all that has been done to prepare a child for a vocation, I see with my own eyes how Sara carried out her duties. She was confident and vocal, asking questions to clear her doubts. She spoke to the interpreter, the chief police officer and finally the deputy public prosecutor for answers. I looked at her with much pride. The other criminal lawyer representing many clients knew about the case and was amused to find out that the daughter was standing for the father's case and quickly commented that "it is good to have a lawyer in the home; it helps ". 

After being in remand for a fortnight, the DPP finally confirmed that the legal papers have been submitted to the immigration authorities and she was happy to announce that the worker was indeed granted legal entry into the country and acquitted.That was a real relief indeed and dad broke into a smile. He would be able to collect the worker and send him back on site again. I was eager to see him and give him encouragement. As he was handcuffed to the stand I caught a sight of him. He was shaved and seemed to have aged. We tried to get his attention and reassure him that we were there to see him through.

Tenaganita also sent two lawyers to help and a worker with the organization said that they were very eager to see justice done and wanted to follow the case thoroughly. They were happy that we stood for the truth and were willing to go through difficulties for justice. The release letter from the magistrate took quite a while but the wait was worth the while. By noon, dad finally got  his worker out of the court's jail and finally headed back to site.

It was a learning process for me. I was happy and relieved that I received the assurance from Psalm 121  and knew God was working hardest for us. Sara had occasionally called out " Pray, mum".
Yes, we prayed for God's favour and He was merciful. Thank you dear God.

Happily I gave a lunch treat to Sara at her favourite chicken rice stall in SS3. I further made her day by offering to pay her tailor for a dress sewn. It was a pleasure to give her the treat. She had been a good girl and we are awfully proud of her.

All's well that ends well.

We hope to have a deep sleep tonight.

The Morning Meet

It's good fun.

Somehow mornings are the best hours of the day.

Serene, calm and picturesque.

It's makes you want to stay home and not go to work.

Well. I need not go to work; for quite a while already.

I am getting used to getting up slightly late and not going after the jam.

It's refreshingly attractive.

But when you need not work, you also need to find activities to occupy yourself.

You want to feel useful.

Well. At least meaningfully retired.
My retired friends tell me they chauffeur wards up and down, clean the house, cook, bake,read. 

So, I do this.

Every alternate day of the week I join them and jump up and down.

I need to loosen those joints of mine; keep my weight in check and health of course.

At first, I was a little shy.

I did not know if I could just join in.

But of course what else can I not do? Ask.

... and get in.

I am beginning to look forward to it come morning.

We normally get engaged in the activity for 30 minutes on week days and 45 minutes on Saturdays.

I am really getting into the routine of retirement; exercise, read the Bible, pray and then bathe. Next, read the papers, blog and sew; sometimes cook. Soon, it's afternoon and then evening and then night. Can I go on like that? How long? Learn.

Fun in the morning.

The Cousins

Oh I know I have gone a little too sentimental. But when you received news that another one has left home for studies you cannot help but recap her growing moments.

 Celine, the youngest girl has always been close to my daughters. This photo taken in 2006 is a reminder that indeed time has flown past. Whenever there is an opportunity they would be spending time chatting, playing and posing. She has always been the darling of the home; being the youngest among her peers.

 Celine is seen here with her American cousins, Leyla and Jasper. All have grown. Leyla , now a ravishing beauty is with Disney world ! What a privilege to be an employee of this theme park.

Jasper has finished High School and now preparing for further tertiary education all in the land of fun and joy; Florida.

Esther with her cousin Leyla and Jasper on her trip to the States in April this year. Esther is super playful and will trade in anything for fun; even finishing her work leave all in one go.

See Esther and Celine sharing a drink with straws.

Both enjoy outdoor activities together; the sea, diving,

mountain climbing and feeding elephants. They are happiest

doing things together.

 A couple of Lunar New Years ago, they climbed Gunung Ledang and landed up playing spring waters.

Both reached the Mount Kinabalu peak last year. They got me in fear when the weather turned bad and they were not allowed to continue the climb. But when the skies got clearer bold Esther sighed Celine in as her ward and were finally allowed to scour till they reached the top. 

Adventurous and dare devils.

It's 9 years ago? Why is everyone looking so different? The older ones have aged and the younger ones have matured. Taken in Nuremberg on a family holiday trip, they were days unforgettable. No boyfriends, no husbands, no ties... the girls surely were free and easy. Much have taken place since then. Marriages, broken relationships, growing up and babies. Celine sure is the baby of the house then.

 Ha. This lass has much up her sleeves. Not often talkative, she has the calmness and level headedness of the father and though she looks fragile then, she is in fact strong and sporty. She speaks to por por and kong kong in Mandarin, to her parents in English, sometimes German to her father and definitely Dutch to her paternal granny. So, she is a linguist. No play, play.

 My sister informed us this morning that they are on the way to the Dutch Land. The land where one studies technical things in good order. This is definitely a no play land.

See Celine packing 70kg worth of stuff for another new venture in her life. She must be glad to leave the parents for a change...hahaha. Well, it's time to grow up and no more tied to the Apron's string. Papa and mama have to let go too. Let her go finish her engineering course, get a boyfriend; maybe break up and get another one. Part of growing up well. "If you don't try, you would't know..." I have been reprimanded. But why try when there is so much at stake? Aha, will not try to argue anymore.

Pretty Celine now all grown up ready to conquer the world. 

All the best to you Celine and may God's presence be ever with you wherever you are. 

In 4 years time, you will work as an engineer like Uncle Robert.

Another generation.

The Next Generation

In the blink of an eye.

Time does pass by... fast. 

You think you are still young; but there are tell-tale signs that you are getting older.

Perhaps the best reminder is when I see the generation after us.

 Esther on the right is daughter number 2. Who is next to her? She shot the question a couple of months ago. Oh she does seem familiar and I have seen her somewhere... my old memory failed me. Both met over a meal in Singapore. She poked at me and said I was obtuse to have forgotten her. 

Who was she?

Of course she revealed.

 She is JM daughter to a university mate back in the 70s !

 So, when you are free and easy, you do have the time to dig up some photos and then reminisce about them. The photos were taken in 1980 ? We went for a trip to Lake Toba in Sumatra and since then I have never been back there.That's me on the right and SB on the left. JM is daughter to SB. What a coincidence that the girls met in Singapore.

SB is an old soul mate. We met in the University of Malaya and since then have kept in touch. We also did the teaching diploma programme together and we both landed up as teachers in different schools. SB was friend material the moment we set eyes on each other. As she was a local of Bangsar, it was not uncommon that I would drop over to her place for her mother's best Hainanese chicken rice. Her mother is a jovial lady and today is still a joker. I think it is fun to be around the old dame and listen to her wise tales.

SB has met my parents too and back in the younger days, she even made a trip to Muar to put up a couple of nights. We can share without limit and many a time we talk about loved ones confidentially. There are some souls who click immediately. She is one of them. Though we do not meet often, we do contact each other for important occasions and become happy for good moments. We know we can call on each other; any time; anywhere. Sometimes even when we do not speak, we know each other's  heart beat. That's is friendship.

So, it would be soon when I will invite SB for the next wedding in the home.

Now, this reminds me that I am already a grandmother. A grandmother. Am I really one?

That's daughter number 1, Grace who met Keith a couple of weeks a go. What did they do?

Compare and contrast.

Grace has a daughter and Keith has a son.

Both were school mates and Keith's good wife is classmate to Grace.

Yes. It's the next generation now.

By the way Keith's mum is teacher Molly who happened to be an ex-colleague of mine in Seafield.

What a small world.

But it is a relief too to see the next generations passing on the torch and carrying the family values. As parents we hope to be good examples to them and may they not be slothful and goalless but live as exemplary figures and responsible parents and citizens of the nation.

Of the next generation.

Colorful Community

 In a day

I observed the occupants of the condominium and as usual decipher the happenings; the going outs and coming ins. You cannot help it as you transport yourself up and down the common lift. This is also an exercise to retain one's alertness in retirement. When you have nothing much to do you tend to dwell on details and issues that come along. Then you write; just like me. My girls associate me with busybodiness and frequently chide me on my ill behaviour.

Go and do something more useful la, ma...

...but I thought I was doing that ? Entertaining the world in the blog?

 Muar is a natural. The sea breeze that blows ceaselessly allows you to slumber on some days without the ceiling fan; let alone air conditioners. So, it's pleasant and very liveable even more so in my parents' abode. After this enclave, no where else in this whole universe can be home to them. So, we can only concede to their love for the place and take turns to accompany them in their golden era.

 If you should think they are lonely and left aside you are most mistaken. I observed gladly how occupied they can be what with a community that speaks of no colour and creed in this little enclave.

"Selamat Pagi" dad greeted the medical specialist in the lift and the immediate response was " auntie ada baik, uncle?" I smiled at him and he reiterated " your dad's still strong; he's an inspiration to us". Dad blared away in Hakka " his wife is the ophthalmologist who always treats your mums' eye allergy and Dr. Ali is serving in the specialist centre..." Later, mum told me that the Malay couple is exemplary in manners and speech and often bought articles from them in the past. The specialist on his way out from the lift worded " please ask your parents to call us anytime when in need. We are just a few floors below them." I thought that really was out of the world. Such kindness.

The phone rang. " Ah sister, how are you ?", an old church acquaintance inquired. It was the church elder and wanted to know why the lights of the shop was on the previous day as he did not know that I was with dad while he did some handiwork. My mum has high respect for him for his good deeds have made a significant impact on the local folks. An ex teacher in his 90s he is still actively involved in social work organising dinners and meetings for friends and accomplices. My mum is no less involved " Teacher Ling, please I also want to pledge some funds for the dinners and I still want to contribute as I have always done in the past." So, mum is forever generous in her givings to others. So, it is in giving that you feel best about yourself.

Knock, knock... "Kong kong , por por"...a lady in her late 30s came to the door and called out. " Don't forget to join us for my son's birthday party this Saturday. We wish for your presence." My father shouted across to mum that he would want to give the little boy a red packet for it will be difficult to pick a gift. Mum told me that she saw the birth of the boy some 7 years ago and how the Indonesian maid would be cradling him till he slumbered in a sarong carrier tied across her shoulders. The pretty maid later got herself married to an expatriate there and has since then left the place. Talk about meeting the right partner. Anywhere is a good place when the chemistry strikes.

It is dark. The lady pastor came with friends. " Auntie, thank you for allowing us to put up at your place." The well mannered guests came in and shook hands with the old folks. They must be thinking how lonely they can be. Mum though still walking around with aid is high in spirits warmly ushered them in. Such is the gesture of love. She makes sure she is still of use to the community and willingly help out in times of need. My father is slowly but surely picking up the skill from her.

While dad picks up some social skills, mum also learns to watch the sports channel. As partners you learn to give and take. Since she could not occupy the Taiwanese channels with the badminton season on, she might as well call out aloud " Lee Chong Wei, Lee Chong Wei" and called me as I walked to the terminal for Subang Jaya excitedly " He won, he won". I was relieved to leave when I see them relax, confident and happy. It is time to go back again.

As I scoured the streets of the old place to the terminal, I talked to myself about the childhood memories and how we siblings used to play at the backyard. We had no other playground to turn to. Just a piece of forsaken land behind my parents' shop and we played shuttle cocks, marbles, hopscotch, hide and seek and dolls. The shop was business premise, home, playground and everything into one. Yet, we grew up well and studied well too. We learn English proficiently, picked up Bahasa Melayu just as well and enrolled for POL classes learning basic Chinese language. Simple, happy, contented.
Life should be like that.

 I set foot on these steps. I had frequently stepped on them in my childhood days. Friends and siblings were fearlessly running everywhere unaware of possible lurking dangers. But back then there was little need to fear.

 See, this corridor. We ran like nobody's business along it night and day. The building held by the yellow pillars was where I was delivered. Home delivery by a mid wife. Mum told me she nearly bled to death but was rescued by a doctor. She had to drink concoctions you will not want to know... boiling cockroaches... But that's long gone.

Muar is still warm with people who greet you and want to make connections.

We pray it will still stay safe and natural for many more years to come.

Thumbs Up

The immigration Criminal Case

Dad is committed to help one of his foreign workers caught by authorities for not having his papers with him while on a walk to the grocer for a pack of rice. When caught under such circumstances, it is knotty. The process is tedious and time consuming and dad has been in and out of the police station  for the last few days but in vain. So we were told that it is named a criminal case. It also means things have to be settled in court proper.

In Muar, I could do nothing but pray. So, since this is the first of its kind that we are going through I wonder at the solution.Who do we turn to for help? Is it just a simple presentation or something more than that?

When we raise children and lead them to a line of studies, we only ask that they do well and be acknowledged at the work place. That they be seen as conscientious and a hard player. All that they have been nurtured on and values passed down be practiced. But today it is surely rewarding to taste of your own fruit. Today, dad sought the help of Sara. As I have said, small in frame, she surely rose up to the occasion.

I was told that she presented the case on behalf of dad to the prosecutor and after the formal proceedings, the foreign worker's documents were to be further identified and verified by immigration authorities for the next hearing. Though we wished the case could be resolved, the formal steps need to be adhered to. There is law and order here...so the next hearing is to be a fortnight later.

But today it was a relief to have the lawyer in the home. We never knew it could come in so handy. Just as it is good to have an architect in the home who can sketch and design in tandem with dad's vocation. Yes. It is good to have the professionals in the home. It really is handy when a need arises.

So, Sara, in appreciation of your timely help, mama is coming home with your favourites from good old Muar tonight.

The Teochew kueh of your choice. Even the vendor says he has not raised the price of the goods though the ringgit has fallen to US4. I told him while in the motherland we do not compare. We should choose not to leave the nation in this season and time.
 Stay home I told him.

 Scour the beauty of the local scene.

This is also your favourite. Mee Siput. I have searched high and low for the best taste.
Yes there are many versions and I believe I have got a good find.
So, eat to your heart's content.

Thumbs up to you Sara.

Thank you for taking leave and seeing to dad's needs.

The lawyer in the home.

Glassware

It was a Friday. The best part about retirement is that you are not tied up with a routine at times. So when Sara while on leave suggested I follow her to a location to buy glassware I gladly agreed. She had done her research and sourced the cheapest for a project for her big day.
"Mum" she reiterated "do not be afraid to use the waze. It will bring you anywhere under the Malaysian sky." The younger generation is always a reminder for us to relearn in life. When in their company you have to change or face irrelevance.

She ploughed through the mad traffic in search of her finding. To buy glassware for door gifts. I wondered at her determination and ability. Somehow when she makes up her mind, big things happen under her small frame. They use to say small doesn't mean anything less in achievements ! My mother sometimes looks at her small frame and wonder if clients adhere to her advice and doubts her ability in her litigation skills. Oh my dear mother has not faced her wrath...

Not very far she said; only at Kota Damansara? But the surroundings all have some connection to the term 'Tropicana'. In short it is somewhere along the factory lots opposite a medical centre and Segi University.

Aged 60 but still so super ignorant, I discovered on that day how thriving businesses survive in this place. All talk about volume, variety and competitive prices. Sometimes big corporations win by selling competitively. So, no need to be too sticky about prices. You win because you have volume.

Sara is determined to pick the best shape, best priced, best use for her guests. She is into details to plan for the best evening for her dear guests. It's a lot of time and energy but planning is her forte. Maybe it's her vocation that has taught her to be careful and meticulous. She is not into spontaneity and unplanned events. That is why I trust her instincts and efforts. So, when you trust, it is best that you say nothing at all. Just follow. 

 This is a good bargain place for all forms of businesses related to glass containers. I can think of jams, sauces, wines, nuts, drinks ...

 Cosmetics too can find its niche here. So, this is how and where people can lock their businesses with lower costs. Why? Sara told me from her findings that they offer the most competitive price as far as she is concerned.  So, it must be quite a bargain.

Perfumes? Medicated oils? Eye drops? Ear drops? The choice seems limitless. 

Creativity is a must to have the extra edge. 

Even special gift packaging is found here. Look at the various
container covers. All sizes, shapes and hues. It's amazing.
 So many ideas. But  I guess this is only at the tip of the ice
berg. There are many other ideas connected to this enterprise.
It's just being innovative and being relevant.
Idea to be added upon idea.

So, that's another learning point for me.

Of glassware and its use.

It was a good discovery day.

The Appreciation

Memoirs

Today was appreciation day for the retired civil servants of the state of Selangor. 

A gathering of more than a thousand retirees thronged the hall in Shah Alam.

 The Director of Education of the state took time off to be with us.

 It was a once a chance in one's lifetime. Many who came were old colleagues of former schools and we were glad to see one another again. 

It was also a reminder that we have hit that age limit and it's time for rest.

Rest. What rest? Almost everyone I met would ask the same question : what are you doing now?

Isn't it obvious? Rest and chill? But no. The infamous question would pop out of nowhere and it's what are you going to do next.  The district officer jokingly said that one would surely feel lost and disorientated by the fourth month of retirement.

 I have reached the fourth month and he sounds quite precise. 

To my surprise quite a number are actively involved in the work force again ; some full time and some part time. It surely is not easy to JUST RETIRE. There is something called routine and a need to be back on one's feet. Well, the grass is always greener on the other side. 

It's good to have a good combination of rest and work; I think.

 Phung of Seafield is and old pal. We were together for more than 10 years. After knowing each other for so long, one need not say anything to know almost everything about each other. That's the beauty of friendship. We know each other's children by name and we see all of them grow up. She taught my children and I taught hers. Friends indeed ; forever. We wish each other a good retirement life.

Some even say life has just begun.

 All present were given a watch and a certificate of appreciation .

I took the watch and wore it. It was an article in memory of retirement.

But this is a good memory. To be etched in an image best depicted by the children. It was a journey of discovery, love, kinship, friendship, knowledge, self development and the list is endless. I thank God for His divine presence, guidance, protection throughout the 36 years of teaching. The students, friends, parents and colleagues who came along are precious in the heart and the experience unforgettable.

 It was fun while it lasted and if you were to ask me if I wanted to be a teacher again, the answer is a resounding YES.

Thank You , dear God.

The i-robot

Let it do the works...

That's what it says.

Papa was told by friends about the wonder of this little gadget. If you are meticulous about cleanliness and freaky about dust and mite , perhaps this may help you in the home.

An American product, Grace purchased it through a friend in Singapore and gave us a demonstration on how it works.

 Small in size, it can do works that most of us find it tedious to do. Battery-run, it finds its ways to every corner of the house and picks up tiny pieces of material which your eye finds it impossible to spot. It goes under tables, chairs, sofas, coffee tables, cabinets and slides on top of carpets to gorge in everything. So, it's no wonder even after a good sweep with the conventional broom and a wet mop, it still makes you feel shoddy about your hard work.

 You see what I see?

You get what I mean?

The little gadget does works no ordinary hand can do. Even after a thorough sweep and a wet mop, and you feel you had done a great job, the i-robot proves you wrong. We were surely mesmerized by it.

It picks up hair, threads, nails, dirt...anything it sees.

All we had to do was to let it walk round the house floor by floor and leave it to do its job.

 By the way it has a sensory system whereby it will halt its move whenever it goes near a dip.

 So rest assured it would not fall and destroy itself.

The only task we had to do was to open it up and remove threads and strings which may be stuck in it. Other than that it seems pretty easy to upkeep. I suppose this will be a great help to many who may not have house help and couples who need the extra hand. Of course, the wet mop is still important for the good feel. Otherwise , this surely will come in handy for easier days.

See this on my pants? Left on the bed, my daughter's cat is the culprit behind it. I-robot will do the wonder. I hope she hears me loud and clear. It surely is no fun to have a toddler around with a cat that drops hair every second. Alright. I know I am a nagger.

The i-robot costs around US600.

Of robots and its duties.