The Eurasian

Celine

She brings much joy to the family.

Of Dutch and Chines descent, she puts her Chinese cousins to shame.

It is her annual obligation to put up the couplets; her wishes for her grandparents.

This year after a flight from Taipei, she reached the family home this morning at 3am via Singapore.

Last night all loved ones from Singapore arrived safely and we had a 'jamless' trip.

That was the best surprise for the season.

Last year she diligently posted them; this year she says a change is needed for the new Lunar Year.

She wrote the calligraphic expressions on her flight back home. Por por is very impressed; "Celine, Celine , how come you are so clever?" She ranted away.

 

She proudly puts them up. What has she say this year?

The one on the right says : Chut Pao Pin Ann

The one on the left says: Nei Fu Yin Choon

So we need the grand old man to tell us the stories behind the couplets.

"Chut Pao Pin Ann" has a story back to warring China when during Cao Cao's period, the soldiers found shed and safety behind the bamboo shoots. So the Chinese regard the bamboo trees as points of safety and peace. Kong Kong at 94 still remembers his facts very well and chips in here and there to make the story complete.

"Nei Fu Yin Choon" is a simple expression to greet the latent blessings that flows out to greet the season.

All are expressions of good feelings.

 

Kong Kong and Por Por want to know what is "ulala'...; they need the younger ones to tell them that it is only a sound befitting the snake year in the Lunar calendar.

During ths time of family get together may the old learn from the young and the young from the old.

 

Happy holidays.

Homeward Bound

 Yes, excited to go home.

But we are expecting a massive jam.

So we are taking our time; timely drive home.

We, Malaysians have peculiarities that belong only to us; so we know when to drive and when to avoid the mess; but we also hope not everyone is thinking the way we think... otherwise we may end up in the same jam!

 So, here's to everyone; young and old. Happy Lunar New Year.

 The couplets profess all the blessings that befit every family; may it come to pass.

 The Chinese fathom that the 'good fortune' character must be hung upside down to allow the full flow of everything good; so let it be...

So, we too took a little effort to brighten the home to welcome the Lunar New Year.

May we enjoy the love of the home as we travel from near and far for the annual get together.

Sing Nian Kwai Ler.

Joyful Spring

It's here.

 The Lunar New year is just days away; so it is in me to be in the midst of noise, fun and Chinese music. Sara laughs at me because I am so ancient and just want to be a busybody and budge around aimlessly. That was exactly what I chose to do. So I dragged poor dad along the streets of Kuala Lumpur and see the town coloured in red. Red is the official colour associated with the Lunar New Year. Red to the Chinese of the olden times was symbolic. It wards of evil and bad luck. The loud hue lights up the mood and promotes merriment. People longs to be happy and joyous. So another new year with a fresh bout of good things.

 This is the "Chang" clan. My father is also a "Chang"; he is so well respected by the clan in Muar that the members of this clan refuse to elect anyone else as the head of Hakka Association except him. Kong Kong has over and over again reminded them that he is no more energetic and could no longer function as the head effectively. They refuse to agree and insist that being old is not the same as being useless. They still want his leadership and his skill in resolving clan issues.So, the dear old head is still making daily decisions for them.
 I am proud of him. He surely is a good son of the clan; useful till the last days of his life.

 The malls are so imaginative and can catch the spirit and heart of her audience.
So they packed 'Hakka' goods in beautiful coverings to attract the Hakka crowd; talk about competitions.
 One is tempted to buy just for the packaging; not even the taste.

 "Wan Tze Chien Hung" is a term to connote hues of all shades and beauty. 

This is an example of the expression. 

So pretty and alluring.

The mood is really set.

 The blossoms are here to tell us it's spring time. They will flower on trees in temperate lands to greet the season. In the local mall, they also brighten up the place and brings joyful expressions to everyone.

 I saw this tree 'dressed' in pink blooms and it brought a big smile

.People do go all out to create the ethos, don't they?

 The red lanterns again create the romantic and good feelings; a right setting for the season.

 Chinese calligraphy of good greetings and blessings written and spoken bring people together in joy.

 The red hue is a must for this season.

 The well decorated stairs with wide spans of the red cloth is a calling for all the good things to happen.

These stairs are so well decorated.

It is nostalgic to see customs and culture not forgotten.

 

The day out was made memorable with these drums; the sound being the symbol of good fortune and times; traditions and cultural practices passed down from generation to generation.

Looking forward to the Lunar festival.

Till It Hurts

I love this.

I must thank  Praba for posting.

My promise to my children

For as long as I live I will always be your parent first and your friend second. I will stalk you, flip out on you, lecture you, drive you insane, be your worst nightmare and hunt you down like a bloodhound when I have to, because I love you. When you understand that, I will know you have become a responsible adult. You will never find anyone else in your life who loves, prays, cares and worries about you more than I do. If you don't mutter under your breath "I hate you" at least once in your life, I am not doing my job properly.

I wonder how many parents will agree with the above quote; how many express their love to their children in this manner. Is it wrong to show concern in this way? If you have read Amy Chua's prominent account of how she handled her children in "Tiger Mom" you will understand the opinion better. Most who read do not agree with her obsession in " getting things right" in the upbringing of her girls; one unforgettable incident being her finding a piano for her daughters' practice even during family breaks. She would look high and low in hotels, music schools or anywhere so long as there was one for learning. Her determination to make sure that which was needed to make 'things work the way it should' drove her to do the maximum. It worked better for the first girl and not so much for the second. For some children, they cooperate in tandem with the adult's opinion while for others manifestation can result in defiance and you might think you have lost a child.

 I have a confession to make. Compared to dear Amy, I am but a fraction of her devotion to her children. But I did things to my girls which I am very sure caused them to utter 

the three little words. 

I forced the first girl to learn Mandarin in her primary days because I was convinced that it was the right move. Every week I would walk her to a neighbour's house and force the precious words down her throat. Her repulsion for the language was so great that even I, even I, even I gave up. Today she is in Singapore; a place where the language seems to be the lingua of the day. So she has to pick the language colloquially to handle her daily duties. How good it would have been if I had allowed her to hate me and press on. My first regret for not loving her deep enough to want my way.

Why did I force my children to play the piano? In those days, I thought it was only appropriate that girls play the piano. I 'believed' playing the instrument will make them cleverer; they having to understand musical notes in tandem with their fingerings. Was I too old- fashioned? First girl again got the worst from me. How could she fail any grade? She did. I did not let her off. I haunted her and found a teacher who was willing to help her with the last grade; she did accomplish in the end to her gain. When it came to girl number 2, I am sorry to say that the energy level went down a little and she got scot- free; I gave up when she gave up at grade 6. So I must apologise to her for not pursuing the race with her. The lesson learnt must not be repeated for girl number 3. The 3 little words were most used by her on me. She told me she would not make it for the last grade as she had decided that she did not have the right frame of mind for it during her SPM year. There was tuition, debate and prefect duties to perform; the piano was a big burden. I did my duty well this time; I told her I did not mind 'wasting' all my monetary investment on her and even if she failed I would accept it. It was a clash of the titans. Who would win the bet? I put on a brave front and needed to let her know she had to take some of my decisions. She went through and failed by 3 marks. Did I regret? No. It is hers to decide. So what if they had not gone through piano classes? Then I would not have the pleasure of seeing No.1 play in church, No. 2 banging it whenever she feels like it ( but the sounds are musical though) and No. 3 going to the keys and playing for pleasure.

If only I had been more loving; they may have been able to have the edge? No cost; only gain. Indeed we must love till we are hated; then we have really loved and who can take the brunt better than the ever caring mum? I stalk in love. My friends in school who love their sons and daughters insanely all stalk. We stalk to make sure our children are in one piece, that they are protected and that they are fine. Whenever we sense something amiss we go on our knees on their behalf and plead to the merciful one for favour. Deep, genuine loving is painful and it is alright if we are hated for it.

Mothers, agree?

The New Boy

 Yes, it's a new boy in town !

The students had a pleasant surprise this morning during assembly. Besides the launch of the VLE Frog programme when students were informed of this cyber channel where parents, teachers and students can connect in cyber space, the new boy took the limelight for the morning.

The students were excited at his presence; they are always fond of visitors especially Caucasians ! It's been quite a while since we last had them around. Even the AFS programme has stopped sending them for the last couple of years.

So, it was indeed a timely entry.

 They clapped loudly and happily when the principal introduced him to the crowd.

Who exactly is the new boy?

 He looks pretty decent from the back and side. He definitely has a neat cut and put some of the men teachers to shame. He wore a tie and tucked in his shirt neatly. He is surely an exemplary figure for the students to emulate.

He is Mr. Robin Berge from the land of chocolate fondues; yes Belgium. I have yet to find out if he is of Dutch or French influence. He took the initiative last June to ask for a place to do his practicum for his final semester and after quite a time, we finally managed to get  formal permission from the MOE to get him across.

He shared that Malaysia is not new to him; he being here as an AFS student in 2005. Malaysia must have created quite an imprint in his heart so much so that he is willing to return for a second stint. He will be here to share some of his experiences and the principal is definitely looking forward to his participation for an international link. 

The principal got us in stitches when she threw the question: "In which class should I place Mr. Robin?" Everyone clapped responsively and asked to be taught by him ! Oh they surely behaved in a deprived manner ! 

Well, we certainly will see more of him in the next couple of months and hope for a meaningful collaboration.

The school welcomes him with open arms.

Selamat Datang ... and by the way he speaks with the 'lah' slang too.

AGM PIBG 2013

 The hot sunny morning greeted us well as we launched another annual general meeting for the PTA of the school.

 The banner was designed to usher in the Lunar New Year; so considerate of the teacher. So, we conducted the general meeting with the same tone; red.

 This year the AGM was graced by an important figure; the Director of the Ministry of Education for mainstream schools. SMK Seafield is considered a normal day school for the general public.

 The principal and the President of the PTA were truly honored at his presence.

We are just an ordinary school with an ordinary agenda. Why was he attracted to us?

Yes, it was in response to the PTA's effort in gaining the coveted place of the best managed PTA in the country. Dato Haji Mazlan Bin Mohamad was highly impressed by our achievement and in gratitude paid us a visit in the midst of his tight schedule.

We were indeed fortunate.

 So we also gave him unforgettable roll call; the uniform bodies of the school did a splendid show to show our appreciation.

 The Vulcanz; the cheerleaders of the school has always mesmerized her audience; young or old with their brave stunts and performance. The girls take many hours and a huge bout of discipline to be able to put up a show like this. Nothing stops them when they train themselves for a cause.

The Director of Schools must surely be impressed with the choir of the school; they have gone far into the international arena and will be making another major trip to South Africa this March break. You know something; each time I hear them sing, a great sense of pride overwhelm me. I will  go to the u tube to hear them sing when I retire next. They are truly sons and daughters of the school who have made the school famous. Don't you think they are impressive?
Oh by the way, I must say I miss Shakir; the boy who has left for greener pastures in a boarding school.

Dato Haji Mazlan Bin Mohamad has many words of wisdom; the most unforgettable one being his emphasis of the role of teachers in a student's life. He said if we pass down good values, the children practise good values and if we condone bad practices we produce bad apples. A good and useful citizen is definitely the work of the home and the school.

He further reiterated that the principal and the President of the PTA of the school have been given the mandate to be facilitators of the nations PTAs and SMK Seafield is to be an exemplary pattern for the rest to follow; a tall calling indeed.

For an ordinary mainstream school, he was impressed at the achievements of the children both in the academic and co-curricular realms.

This was definitely confirmed when Samuel Saw; the president of the PRS spoke on the plight of the Palestinians and campaigned for funds for them. His eloquence is clearly noted and the principal is convinced that he is an example of a future leader of the school.

Dato Mazlan graciously launched the AGM and the special fund collection after the cry of Samuel for the Gaza people.

Parents too were invited to come forward to collect the bonus of RM100.00 for each child campaign and they were truly delighted. What a privilege to receive from him.

We had a group photo to commemorate this special occasion and it reminded me some 18 years ago when at the exact spot we had our ex-Prime Minister; Dato Seri Abdullah Badawi coming to the school to launch the internet learning campaign. That did not seem too long ago; or is it because I am refusing to admit age?

After not such a difficult afternoon; we finally had the new lineup for the year.

Yes, it's a different batch but with the same No.1 and 2.

We look forward to another year of good cooperation and reap.

May the school prosper under the management of this group of aspiring men and women.

May 2013 be a memorable year.

Retirement

 She leaves gracefully.

Yes. Madam Lim Ong Lan calls it a day. A devoted mother to her children, she opines that money is not everything in life. Taking care of the family is her first priority and so she curtsies and closes another chapter of her life. Not everyone will take such a plunge but the brave girl says " enough is enough " !

 She's all smiles today and shares that though she has made many blunders, no one really chastises her the way she deserves. For that she is grateful and even pronounces that she has never met a bunch of friends and colleagues like the ones here.

 Feeling really loved. Who would do that to her? So sweet of Datuk Haron to do that, don't you think so?

 From the right: Mr. Gan, Datuk Haron, Pn Loy Pn Tan. Pn Tey, Pn Chow, Pn Jega and Pn Teo. With the exception of Haron, all have been her colleagues since day 1. So the parting is sad ; though smiles are on the faces.

 That's lovely Joyce hugging her warmly with Sujatha in agreement.

 She treats me like the big sister; I hope. So I can only pray for the best to come to her.

 Encik Rahim, Periachee and Ms Darina are great pals to her too. 

 Here's Shanta, Tey, Goh PC, Chuah Lay Suan, Pn Tan, Pn Lau and Madam Chow having the last pose for memory.

 The warm and kind principal remembering her good deeds and contributions to school. She gives her the best ever compliments in her life which she will treasure and keep.Many a moment when she went through trying times, the principal had spent hours comforting and keeping her in a piece. She expresses her appreciation to the head. What better place to serve ?

 Some gifts in appreciation of her years of service in the school. Ms Lim is still young and energetic. The years are still ahead of her.

 More to be photographed; Looi CY, Sophia. Shahrizad, Tee, Maziha and Zunaidah. 

All have been friends through thick and thin.

 Yes, a friend to the left and right.

We can only agree with her calling and wish her the very best.

So we part today with this lovely tune; a presentation by the school choir last March in Heidelberg and so appropriate for the occasion.

...we are friends, we are friends forever... it goes on and on beyond what we can see...

Madam Lim, may the Good Lord's countenance be upon your life and enjoy your retirement days.