Fun in Learning

Surprise, surprise, surprise.

Saturday last was a day of pleasant surprise for my teachers and I.

Visiting a vocational college was perhaps a best decision to make before I retire as I was exposed to some realities of life.

Having mingled with students of the main line stream, it was an eye-opener to know about those who did not make it academically but vocationally. As I have often told others especially reluctant parents, the skill-based manpower is taking over the nation and that it is a precise decision to develop vocational capabilities among our charges and lead them to independent living.

The teachers were eager and wondered at the outcome of the day.

What was in store and what was there to learn?

The principal briefed us on her passion to help the hyperactive ones and channeling them into vessels of positivity in the local industries and making a good , sustainable living. She is focused and her deep desire to shape the youths was clearly depicted in her speech and disposition. She is inspiring and contagious. It was indeed a privilege to meet her and her success story is proof that a job was well done. 

Similarly, her staff was a representation of discipline and quality.

It proves the fact that behind every success story is a figure of integrity.

I was truly impressed and grateful to have met her.
 It's no wonder her collaboration with the MOE works.

Divided into 4 groups we were quickly ushered into different departments to see staff and students in action.

The fruits are ordinary looking but we were told some tricks about their versatility.

The secret to carving and art is the set of knives.
 If you don't have them; get them.
 It doesn't work otherwise.

See, the male and female had a go at the fruits .

The tomato skin is useful as a rose is carved out of it.

The apple is artistically sliced and shaped into a swan.

The water melon or any other melon is a decorative item at weddings.

The carvers told me that patience is the essence of the vocation. If you do not have it; don't try it. But if you persevere and has a natural flair for art, go for it. In fact some students and teachers moonlight when they are called in by hotel managements to create and display during weddings, company parties and gatherings. A good call can fetch as high as RM400-500 per display. Skills can be acquired but patience is essential. So if a child is apt at carvings and paper cuttings, encourage them for surely they have innate qualities to see them through a particular vocation.
This reminded me of my second daughter for she was also very patient and carefully concorded plastic flowers and special paper cuttings while her sisters were reading away. Today she is in an industry related to patience, long hours and designs. I also shocked everyone when I enrolled her in a diploma course while her contemporaries took up academic lines. It was an appropriate decision; I believe though she sometimes jokingly tells her sisters she wants to be a doctor !

Next, we were ushered into another vocational component; this time "Fine Western Dining" where we were told

 of the etiquette needed when you dine formally. 

There was this need to use the right plate, spoon, fork and knife. 

Many rules to dine formally.

 It reminded me of the fine dining that I had to go through when Sara was called to the English Bar. 

You bet it was formal.

The teachers had a jolly time asking possible dinner fumbles and what to do and what not to do.

At the end of the day, I know you must leave your cutlery turned up this way to say you are done.

We were shown how to fold the napkins; Yoke Shu did it just as well with one lesson.

Chinese dining is simple with fewer crockery but the chopsticks are compulsory.

No Chinese dine without them.

While some find food and beverage tedious and difficult, others find their niche in hands-on vocations like electrical fixations.

The lecturer gave us a comprehensive exposure of the electrical industry and many guys love this vocation. The college boasts of an invention by an intern when a portable air conditioner was invented. Mush was explained but it did not interest me for it is surely a man's domain.

 The 4 male contemporaries could have found it interesting.

The Japanese are known for their neatness. The 5S instructions are clear and practical. If you follow closely, your life will surely be in order. This notice was posted everywhere around the college.

 It is a good set of rules.

Next we were again given another exhibition related to a man's domain.

Computer repairs.

The principal was very pleased with this charge of hers. Having left school after PMR, he enrolled into a computer system repair vocation. To many of us it was like back to school and those who found it boring suddenly realised how it feels when our students found it difficult to comprehend in class when we are teaching. This is simply so true. Now, we must remember not to jump to conclusions when we find our charges refusing to learn. Is it because we have failed to explain well?

While we may find academics our cup of tea others may consider them poison.

Finally, we were given a chance to cook !

The teachers were happy indeed.

Free food for taste and free, simple instructions for healthy cooking.

What a privilege.

Tasty cooking is never void of spices.

 Tomatoes are a must for thickening and taste.

When you cook the briayani rice, ghee is mandatory.

No ghee, no nasi briayani. Stir fry spices, onions, garlic, bay leaves and the like. 

Now you know why the early explorers trade for spices. 

They simply make everything tasty and unforgettable.

Pour in uncooked rice, and in 8 minutes it's bingo !

Yogurt is a must to make sure the rice doesn't stick together and adds the extra taste.

Pop corns. 

How easily prepared. Tasty too. All you have to do is to put in spoonfuls of uncooked corn and in 2 minutes the pop corn is ready for consumption. How easier can it get ?

For such easy cooking the magic word is - the pressure cooker. It's about minutes and buttons. All forms of hot sweets like the green bean, black glutinous rice, red beans are easily managed and prepared through teh fantastic pot. It's mandatory that every household has one for it saves time and energy and all in the name of modern cooking. Easy indeed.

Lady chocolate gave a short briefing but no demonstration. What a shame. All I remembered was the earning margin is super high. So if you want to make money from chocolate making enroll for a course!

Only RM500.00 we were told.

Then you can gain back by selling your product.

What a day to absorb all the learning.

At the end of the day, it was thumbs up from all of us.

Thank you CQ-Tec for the wonderful day.

The teachers now can spread the good news and educated reluctant parents of the chance a tvocational studies and careers.

Go to a tailor and see how much they charge you.

If you visit a sough-after tailor be prepard to pay through your nose.

The vocational studies verses the academic studies.

Go for the one where you have the innate flair.

Either way is a success story if you have the right values.

 

I came home to another great pleasant surprise.

Sara was busy preparing cup cakes for a special occasion.

She did not attend special classes; she picked up through books and trial and error.

This is the beautiful part when you have the interest.

You can pick it up yourself.

Fun-filled day.

The Take-Over

 It's time to pass down.

I wonder how many of us realise that time really waits for no tide and that we do grow old. 

At times it is self-denial; no it's still not time to give up; I am still as energetic as before  and I can go on and on and on. 

But alas, this is not so. 

It is the moment of truth; that we do grow older and growing old graciously is a constant reminder. 

So, today I witness another episode of life.

 Often said but definitely true. Taste is acquired and when you want food, you will automatically go to a favourite stall and savour your familiar choice. Sundays are good; you can afford some time to yourself and the jam is not so demanding. So I drove to a local hawker stall for my wantan mee. 

I remember how I long to lunch here when I was expecting all my 3 girls. Simply loved how the noodles were prepared and wherever I stayed in Subang Jaya I would make it a point to eat the noodles here. Business was and is brisk; the queue is never ending and the locals seem to love the noodles.

In those days, there was this lady boss and her big boss faithfully serving their customers with the best recipe and her friendly disposition was an added point to the brisk business. Lady boss was smiley and never looked tired though always on her two feet.

Today when I visited the stall, I expected Lady boss to be there.

She was missing.

Instead I saw 3 younger ones serving us.

 I casually looked at the labelling of the stall. "Fei Lou Sum Wantan Mee" which connotes that someone burly was the owner. Oh yes, I remembered that the big boss was indeed burly. So a simple address to a stall was indeed truly indicative. But today I did not see him too.

However, I noticed a younger version preparing the noodles on the right.

I asked the lady in the center: Where is your mother in law? Oh, she has retired; she quickly replied and I am her daughter. This lady on my left is the daughter in law. I guess the burly guy must be the son then.

One whole new generation inheriting the business of the parents. Very commendable. The daughter told me her dad has passed way and her mum is staying away from the business for a much deserving break and rest. The game has been passed down to the next generation. She is fortunate that the family business is now well managed by them.
Yes, we have to learn to pass down. The take-over has begun and I wonder if they have a different agenda from their parents? After all time changes. But certain things need not change...am I wrong?

I wonder again. But I do miss seeing the old couple at work.

The Evergreen

 No regrets.

To be out on a week day is not a norm for dad and I. We are very homey and we spent much time enjoying quiet evenings watching the box or out beating the games on our phones. 

There is a never ending number of chores to see to and never a minute wasted.

Grace and the sisters told us about the star in town and generously purchased the tickets at the click of a button and bingo; the tickets were booked.

When the daughter gives you a treat, it's especially sweet.

 The last time we were here was when we watched a Chinese star performing Teresa Teng songs and tonight was another real treat. The air smelt of excitement and we were really looking forward to an entertaining evening.

 We were greeted by this very youthful image; wow Leo sure still is handsome...but that must be some 40 years ago. Dad told me that he was a real clown on stage but definitely talented with his song writing and composition skills. So will we be happy tonite?

In his sharing, Leo recalled that he was only a simple British lad aiming to make it at the entertainment world with his songs. Coming from the outskirts of England and humble beginnings, Leo has since made his name internationally.

Look at the audience. We noticed that most of them including us were in late 50s and 60s and that would mean we were of the same age group hoping to savour in the music of our era ! I laughed softly to myself but was happy to be out with my contemporaries. It's about time to forget about school and work and allow myself to enjoy. Everyone was keenly looking forward to a night of unforgettable hits.

 The show started slightly later and we were pleasantly surprised with the presence of Our Majesty, The Queen herself ! What an honour. How many of us ever had the chance of watching a show with a royalty. Indeed, it was an honour.

Leo Sayer belted away his popular hits like nobody's business when he sang "Orchard Road" and related his love for the Lion City. Wow, wow, yea, yea love you more than I can say ...and he had all of us tapping our feet away and wowing in tandem with him. An old timer in the entertainment arena, his style and charisma had his audience falling in love with him more so when he coaxed many to the dance floor as his rendition of "You Make Me feel Like Dancing" had even the not so very young swaying away. No inhibitions. The audience were clearly not afraid to let their hair down and definitely not shy. It's good to be free and easy but that has to be learnt...

There was this lady, Paula who could not stop dancing and was there entertaining us too. It was sweet fun and simple joy. We burst in laughter when Paula reiterated that she was tall and had big feet whereas Leo was short and had small feet ! Ha ha ha Leo indeed was a miniature beside her. Small but he had a big voice and big energy too. At 67, he indeed was energetic and did not show any sign of anything less than his youthful days.
Leo kept ranting that he was a small town boy looking for fame and though lack courage initially, he nevertheless took the step of faith and it made him famous... really famous. His encore hits included the Beatles evergreen "Let it Be"  and I Can't Stop Loving You". They were renditions hardly forgettable and the after taste was simply great.

Aged a little, Leo Sayer surely did not lack in any way. Still a first class star and skilful in getting his audience on his side. It was a good evening and I told dad that we will go for more shows and pamper ourselves more often ... so we ended up taking the famous "Hokkien Mee" along Loke Yew road to make the evening even more unforgettable.

Thank you Grace for the treat. We felt young again.

The Final Term

Yes, it's the final term.

The feeling is strange and at times nostalgic.So, this is what's it's like when you are numbering your days to retirement. Do I have to behave differently? No, life goes on. It's the same again; meeting the children teachers and parents. It's the same requests; can I have a change of class? Why is my child put in this group? Can I have a change of package? Yes, you may or no, it's not possible...

Life goes on but it's a pleasure to be with them.

But the best news of the year is when you have a bunch of kids showing off their coveted results ! Yes, the PT3 results have been a surprise; a pleasant surprise. A group of 11 children had the perfect score and they sure did the school proud. We also have many who missed the one or two As for the perfect score. Congratulations to everyone.

So this is the batch which will have to carry forth the school legacy.

May they always hold the flag high and bring joy to all around them.

Well done, boys and girls !

Grateful

Goodbye to 2014; a year of trepidation and unforeseen circumstances.

It's goodbye to the year.

Grateful to be able to go through it with God's mercy and provisions. 

Hello 2015.

It's upon God's mercy and provision that we paddle through; protected and kept under the wings of the Almighty One.

Christmas came and went. It was a memorable one as the girls came home despite a tight schedule at work. What greater joy than to have them home to celebrate the season. Thank You dear God for journey mercies and safety. This year we had Por Por with us. She had to be with us for though she is independent in many ways, she was coerced into spending time with us because of a bad fall.

The scare was real. So, she has to tread on careful ground. May the Good Lord continue to watch over her and give her speedy recovery so that she can be up and about and be her normal self again. She has taught me a lesson; we may be independent but it is still the greatest privilege to have loved ones hovering around you. No man is an island.

This is also one of the reasons why I have been kept so busy.

Perhaps, this is a sad tale to tell. Though the fish has been with us for more than 10 years and the faithful Allie feeding it all so well, it had to leave us on Christmas eve. The Yellow One finally called it a day after having been in existence for about 35 years? It was first bred in Muar by the late Grandpa Lau but had to be carted up here as grandpa and grandma had to move away from the family home. So kept here under the care of Allie, it brought much pain and sorrow to her at its demise. Poor Allie could not believe her eyes and kept ranting. We have to remember everything must go; one day.

We discard the sad news and fill our hearts with a cheer. God bless little Emily; Grace's and Aaron's baby. We are delighted at the good news and continue to pray for her growth, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We ask that Emily will bring joy and cheer to everyone around her and be a blessing to all who come into her life. Thank you dear God.

This is so Esther.Though she looks fragile, she is so into men's working domain. She prefers the tool box to dancing skirts and uses the hammer like a pro. She also thinks she can conquer the world with her climbs and runs and is never sedentary for a moment. I woke up one morning to find this pair of cowboy shoes all covered with mud; she had just returned from another Epic Build in Batang Kali. She confessed that her hands and legs itch whenever she is away from action for too long. I hope and pray she will continue to stay happy and be fulfilled in her search for her inner self. 

God Bless my child, I pray.

More cheer. Sara finally has agreed to wear the ring.

She feels she is still the baby of the home; but the beau does not think so.

We pray the wedding day will arrive soon; not a baby anymore.

This was a scenario that I could not forget on Christmas day.

Both tried the cigar with style.

May they continue to have greater bonds together.

Seafield of 2004.

I looked at them with pride and joy.

All have turned out well and are doing good in their careers. They remind me that being a teacher is a good calling for we are a part of many proteges' lives. It is meaningful to nurture people and teach them values of life. Thank you God for allowing me to be a teacher.

Grateful I may be, I continue to ask for God's mercy upon the lives of so many who have suffered under the brunt of the cruel floods. May they quickly recover from their loss and be back to normal. For all that they have lost, may they be spared of further calamities.

God have mercy, I pray.

The year ended just too sad with a reminder of the aviation crashes suffered by Malaysia.

It is just too painful to relate and recall.

Be merciful and gracious, O God as we commit our dear country into your hands.

Protect us , I pray.

May we all have a safe journey through 2015 with God.

The News

It's been a while, folks.

But there were many news; school, home, parents, babies but the greatest for the year is this.

Yes, he is her choice.
Yes,she is his choice.

A Christmas gift.

Garett & Sara .

Congratulations from papa and mama.

God Bless You both as you plan for the future together.
Can I know when is the wedding day?