A Parisian Rendezvous

Yes...another farewell party to mark the end of their studies in school.

The youths are powerful. When they organize their event, they make our Aloha evening so plain and colorless. It's good to see them create and in action. It's also an event for the school to say a formal goodbye to them. The school has an unique relationship with her protegees ; it is an annual event when the teachers join their students for an evening of fun and fellowship. The adults go through the formal setting with the youths and later the older ones leave them alone for their own fun. Good arrangement?

Every year at this event, it becomes nostalgic as we see another batch graduating and leaving us for the unknown future. But that's reality ; even our biological children leave us at one point to venture into another stage of their lives.
So this year we had a Parisian touch ; Kevin the chairman told me that Paris signifies black or red...the dare to win hues.

I thought they were very imaginative as they took pains to make a symbolic representation of Paris for the night...the Eiffel Tower . Left on their own, the sky is the limit.

Hmm...good to the eyes and the ambience was just perfect.

A buffet for the evening ...food...so so only la.

The ever supportive teachers of the school dressed for the occasion - to feel the Parisian Night .

The lady HEM and Viani also dressed to kill...saying goodbye to them on a peaceful note.

This really caught the eye. En Zaha who will be leaving the profession soon hand in hand wiht En Azlan, our PIBG representative. En Zaha has a son...Adi...who is studying medicine in Russia and was once the classmate of my second girl. Adi also remids me of Dinesh who is also pursuing the same course there. Wonder how they are doing now...it was 5 years ago when they too had this evening together. I really feel like a dinosaur.

Suddenly, the girls and boys became so matured...I addressed them as ladies and gentlemen. They were really pretty and handsome...an evening for them to show one another what they can really be under their external facade. Ah ; they have grown up and are leaving us pretty soon. So fast...but where is Shing Queen?

Jasmine the life wire is a vain pot...look at her...but she too grew up that night ; so attractive.

Like every other prom night, the students poured their hearts out in great performances.

It was a skit to depict the multi make up of the nation. How well they remember the nation ; they always remind one another of their differences but at the same time find ways to almagate the differences and become one...1 Malaysia.

The usual expression of vocal cords ...James and his Bee Gee hits.

Jenny Lim gave a splendid performance last year but this year she expressed disappoinment in her rendition...it's ok...just as fine...thank you for the rendition.

This beat-boxer is in a class of his own...grade A and excellent. Shaun Lim is a professional in this area and has gone international. I would name him No.1.

Chew-bacca ... they never fail to entertain us with their dance...so well choreographed and the background music was so very appropriate.

This dance to the tune of Grease was commendable. The team belonged to the dance club of the school and their performance was nostalgic as it brought me back to year 2001 when the then SPM Leo Club leavers staged a Malam Bakat Seafield and also the later version 2 years ago by the Music Club and all to the Grease theme. It was a good dance.

Later in the evening they had another dance ; this time is performed to the tune of a medley- Malay, Chinese, Indian ...betul betul 1 Malaysia.

And of course...the hopefuls of the evening waiting to be named the best. Who would be the king and queen of the year?

Jowin, the king voted the best and awarded.

The queen of the year ... Hannah !

So they were the prefered couple of the year...Jowin and Hannah.

After the official crowning, I chose to leave. We need to give them space and time for themselves. Thank you for a lovely evening and this batch...is docile and sweet.

All the best in SPM /STPM.

The Yeos

Sisters
Both graduated from the school- SPM 2000- at the same time
How come?
Younger sister was a PTS student and so they ended together in the same class...if I am not mistaken.
Bright and sensible girls.

The older one on the right is Audrey and the younger sibling is Corrine. They took the trouble to pop in last week to say hello.
Audrey is in the states - Aviva , Iowa and is into statistics. She told me the States is fun and if not for the boyfriend in Hong Kong, she wouldn't leave the place. She was sponsored by an American aid and so she is doing the country a favour by staying behind to render her service.
Younger sister is even bolder...she told Puan Loy that while in the UK studying Actuarial Science, she had the opportunity to acquire 5 part time jobs at one time. Even with her hands so full, she managed to excel in her studies and her JPA loan was settled at 25% because of her excellent results. Boleh tahan. She has no plans to come home any time soon and someone whispered into my ears that she had even acquired an apartment in London ! No joke...she has got the gaya ! A keen worker of Ernst & Young, I am sure her future is as bright as the sun.

I love to meet old boys and girls. They give me a chance to tell stories. But most of all, they make my days in school meaningful when I see them mature into sensible citizens.

I hope to see more of them.

Aloha

Hawaiian Theme and Dreams

It is again coming towards the end of the year and teachers were given a treat last weekend at the poolside venue of the Holiday Villa.
The Holiday Villa was making tons with at least 4 functions being hosted concurrently...a busy, busy evening. This year's annual party for the staff was slightly different... a poolside adventure instead of the normal high tea. It was a well-deserved evening for the teachers ; hardworking and tired.
This blog is specially dedicated to present and past students who may be in or out of this country. Thanks to blogging ; news can reach everyone. I just want to share the latest with you ; students both past or present because really ; we are a family...after all these years.

Even a notice in this manner carries free advertisement for the hotel. But tucked at a corner of the hotel, we only gave them revenue and not trouble.

Five tents. Guess who paid? Yes...nothing is free ; we had to find our own supplier and we were afraid that the evening could be hampered by the unwelcoming rain. It did rain but not cats and dogs and so we did enjoy the outdoor atmosphere with little disturbance. The well-meaning tents were put to good use.

Garlands of orchids accompanied some of us to accentuate the ethos of the evening - hawaiian- we wanted it to be casual, fun and light-hearted.

Generous sponsors added colours and excitement as everyone of us looked forward to receiving the grand draw - a digital camera. I thought I needed one badly but alas I was not the lucky pick of the evening.

Assorted fruits and sweets

What is a barbeque without the lamb? So everyone had a fair bit and could not do without that mint.

The 2 beautiful receptionists - Sujatha and Doris. Doris is Grace's contemporary and each time I see her, she reminds me of her.

The leader of the pack - the principal- arriving on time and collecting her number for the draw.

Next, the chairman of the PTA making his presence known.

The evening was surpisingly graced by the local representative of MCA - Madam Ong and her followers.

We had a short ceremony on a mock cheque presentation, a sum to appreciate the teachers of the school.

Puan Tan, the President of the club gave her short and sweet words of thanks, appreciation and gratitude for a year of good cooperation among the teachers . She is such a dedicated and resourceful worker and is the lady behind the latest win for the school - Number 1 in Selangor for the Reading Program of the state. Seafield is blessed to have her.

After the usual initial talks, we had entertainment time. What is an evening without Viani's vocals? Viani, the Sarawakian who loves to render and in tune.

Though new to the school, Ms Shuhaila surprised us with her rich and melodious renditions...we kept asking her to continue after her first one ; she is alikened to the very famous Siti Nurhaliza ; she was really good.

Hei, she is the lady behind the theme of the evening ; doesn't she look Hawaiian? She sure took great pains to dress up and secretly told us she went round her neighbourhood to gather flowers for her final look. She sure is sporting and brave...walking through the grand entrance of the hotel with many eyes upon her. Have you got her guts?

Puan Poh and Puan See are great pals and have been long time friends - they talk about the pound and conversions all the time ! Sungguh kaya ! The Chemistry and English teachers are for you to behold in their fields.

We the three musketeers of the school ; Puan Roslina, Puan Chong and Puan Teh...we try our best to look after the affairs of the school - many there are but our hearts are out for the children.

Puan Loy in her unusual attire - gentle and kind - a great favour among students. Her hallmark lies in the way she handles difficult students and getting them to cooperate with her.

Pretty ladies in a row. From my right - Ms Tan Shw Shing, the historian who doesn't seem to age a bit and dressed in bright hues mingles well with many. Puan Zaidah with her Hawaiian attire is a mother figure to many. Puan Zunaidah and Puan Norhayati are like Peter and Paul and stay glued to each other in school. Shahrizad, the avid reader also doesn't seem to age a single bit, has a son who has just completed his PMR. Puan Saadiah, another Chemistry expert, has a pleasant and humble disposition.

Friends forever- Puan Zunaidah , the gentle and meek one with Puan Maziha ; the happening of the school with her colour schemes, ideas and bright solutions depicted in her dressing and her touch here and there.

Who can forget this pioneer of the school ? He started with the school and today is still with the school. The bomba man has trained eyes to trace unsual behaviours and movements in the school.

Puan Ng Shwu Leng and Puan Tan Kwee Cheng are relatively new to the school but are an asset to the organisation ; the latter being the sister of the Media lady of the school.

Puan Yeap is the Domestic Science expert while energetic and alert Pamela Ngoo moves around the school actively seeing to the many duties and chores. This ex Sri Aman girl has a great future as a teacher. She is born to be one.

Puan Aw and Puan Chow, the beloved ones of the school. Cheerful and always supportive to others around them, both teachers love children and will go the extra mile for them.

Puan Roslina, the student affairs chief with Puan Robita, Puan Zaini, Puan Azizah and Puan Saripah posing for the shot. I have known them for many, many years...for as long as they are in school. They are great to work with.

Another one for the camera. For those who have benefitted under the guidance of the counsellor, Puan Wong , you should visit her to tell of your success. Puan Tah Mong Ling is cheeky, clever and bright while Puan Goh Pek Hong, the brilliant one has just achieved the perfect score for her PTK exam...and so she's going to get loads of money soon. Give treat la. Puan Sophia, pretty and petite is already a mother of 2 and runs around like a mad lady behind the home and school.Teachers are great - we are mothers, wives, housewives, tutors and drivers...who can deny that we are darn great !

All looking neat and right for the evening - Puan Loh, the lady behind all the musicals ; Puan Lau Ching Ching the Mandarin expert; Puan Ho Siew Hoon , another Sarawakian who is quick with figures; Puan Ng Poh Choo , though naggy at times, has the interests of her children at heart and is well-loved and remembered by John, my nephew in Australia. Puan Teo is attached to the KH block of the school and takes it easy.

Remember En Musawir? He is still with us and had a great time that evening. Mr. Kang is the PA man of the school and if you want the best from him, find his Archilles heel.

Bright- eyed and smily, Puan Grace Ong is the ICT reference of the school. Apa apa computer breakdown just call on her.

Puan Ung in white wanted to look angelic and relax for the evening...she is strong. Puan Thilaham, the iron lady behind the maintenance of the school; she knows almost every JKR man in town and they listen to her. Puan Viani , the supportive one and Puan Looi Siew Kean the maths jargon, has also achieved the perfect 4 for the PTK exam. She is in store for great benefits from the grade.

Try tracing any grey hair in Mr. Gan's head - you will be disappointed. This guy never ages and many have complimented on his youthful look. He joined the school as a newly wedded husband ; today his child is already in Form 2. Puan Goh Hooi Hong who only talks about Physics and Puan Hong ; the Mandarin coach of the school with Puan Tee, the accounting expert. En Zulkfli is relatively new to the school and behind his jacket is a hawaiian shirt. He had hoped to robe in the best dressed award.

Four newly posted teachers to the school - Adidah, Mariani, Nordiana and Hasmiliah - all geared towards having a future in the teaching career.

Here is a real shot to behold - all mothers - the library angels; helping Puan Tan to look after the resource centre of the school. Their relentless and tireless support is a reason why the library is functioning so well. Thank you ladies.

The unforgettable one - Joyce - the lady behind all the successful debates of the school. She is a doting and great mother. Puan Shanta, Puan EST Doris and Puan Mohana make their marks in school in special ways. Bertuah la Seafield.

It was a sweet and memorable evening with the teachers gathering together for meaningful encounters and sharings. We had fun, food and laughter. Everyone had a lucky draw and the coveted draws included a printer for Puan Goh Hooi Hong, a handphone for Puan See and the digital camera for En Zuraimi.

The evening ended with the announcement for the best dressed man and lady and you make the good guess. Who will you pick ?

I was not named the best dressed but what do you think of the beau beside me...Mr. Rahim, the koku head of the school ? Does he deserve the honour? And...Encik Rahim, those flowers around your neck...did you pluck them from somewhere familiar? ...They look pretty similar to the ones in our orchid nursery ! Minus marks.

I hope you have been entertained and for those who have left us for quite a while, enjoy seeing the faces of your teachers again.

Lovely Hawaiian Night ; it was.

Recycle !

The old sewing machine.
To throw away? Not on dad's vocabulary.
No wastage
Save
Rethink
Reuse
Recycle

To discard with the garbage...not with the handy and creative one.

So dad always does the impossible, the unthinkable and the most practical. Took it out of the box and fix it on a marble piece as a decorative item in the home.

Looking forlorn or good? But it will remain as museum piece in the home as long as it is good.

Creative and frugal dad...that's what he is.

Along Orchard Road

Orchard Road

While waiting for Grace's arrival at Orchard road on the eve of Deepavali, Sara and I watched and observed the heavy passenger traffic along the street.

Jet Star was on a fierce promotion exercise inviting almost everyone into their booths for the latest offers.

Undeniably, ice cream vendors dotted the place and we were wondering if they were individual owners or if they belong to a chain store. After much argument we concluded that they must belong to a group enterprise. A dollar for one.

Sara had a taste of it...very ordinary but it attracted a lot of customers.

We noticed that people love to smoke here from ladies to gentlemen and from the young to the old. The one there was a grandmother and she enjoyed that stick in front of her grandchild. They had a jolly time racing each other along the street.

We popped into Lucky Plaza despite Sara's protest...ma, everything is filipino. Indeed, everything is filipino ; all sorts of stores and goods meeting the needs of the thousands of filipino house help from sauces to pans, perfumes, lotions ; every item that a filipino needs is there. It's a little filipino hub and haven.

Opposite it is of course the place where every local loves to go in...Takashimaya next to Atria where the action is.

Sales, sales, sales...everyone seemed to have gone crazy. The other complexes that we visited were also filled with frenzied buying and some of the offers were really attractive. But the exchange rate is not so fun though.

At one point when our legs could carry us no more, we sat in front of Takashimaya and observed these delighful children playing among themselves...without a guardian. Where's the guardian? What would happen to them if they were left alone in the streets of Kuala Lumpur? Stories of kidnap and rape filled out thoughts. We kept watching them for a good half an hour before the modern mama appeared. She sure was bold and unfearful. Well, Singapore must be very safe.

Perhaps the epitome of the evening was reached when Carrie Underwood performed in front of Paragon and she rendered the lovely tune ; 'I told you so'...the song she sang in one of the final rounds of last year's American Idol. It was a lovely way to end the evening.

The Old Faithful One

My Sewing Machine

Given to me by my mother some 20 years ago, it has helped me save money throughout my motherhood years.

Believe me, sewing makes a woman feminine, creative and useful. Many of this generation and era do not think there is a need to sew. Buy off the peg at malls...clothes are a plenty and the choice is infinite. But like home-cooked meals, home-sewn clothes, curtains and the like are an outward expression of an inward personality. Sewing is therapeutic and expressive. Besides cooking, sewing is my favourite indulgence when I was younger and not bogged down by administrative duties.




My sewing machine is old, fit for the museum. But she has brought me to great heights of achievement as I learnt the basic skills to survive making things comfortable for the home.
I started out by sewing curtains...it's just machining in straight lines...but try it. Plain straight lines too require some skills.





Simple curtaining in my kitchen but when sent to the tailor may cost a little. Just to share with you some economies of life...I remember buying the material from Muar and the curtains in the whole kitchen cost no more than RM15.00...no sewing fees of course. Some money saved.



A section of the hall holds the material brought from Ikea...and it cost no more than RM25.00 ; so how's that ? Think it's worth learning how to sew ? Tell it to my girls? Gone. They are from a different generation. Being frugal is also a skill. They have to believe in being frugal.

During those days when the children were kids, it would cost a bomb to buy them frocks and having to dress up 3 girls was no joke. So I asked myself the pertinent question. What's so difficult about sewing? Why can't I do it? If any seamstress can do it, so can I. So, for the love of my children I started to sew clothes for them. I love cotton and I would dress them up for church. Believe it or not, about a couple of months ago, someone in church actually recalled mine dressing the girls up in frocks and also often time using the same material . She remembered me as the mother with the 3 neatly dressed up daughters. Thank you.


Notice the material...all the same...all cost me no more than RM 20.00...saved some money again...but a lot of diligence and love. I guess my girls will tell me...aya ma...we will just buy la.
Ya, just buy la. By the way, the curtain in the background was proudly sewn on the old faithful ... saved money again.

I also diligently sewed their pyjamas because I only believed in cotton and not those nylon stuff sold in malls. Besides, my sister in Penang can testify that I make real comfortable pyjamas for her until this day. I only sleep with self-sewn cotton pyjamas. Imagine die-hards like me not able to sew...and not getting what I believe in. My girls don't like what I like...they don't use pyjamas anymore...just t-shirts and shorts. But when they were young they were dressed up in proper pyjamas before they go to bed.

You see how happy they were before they went to bed? All dressed in pyjamas.

Later on , I ventured into buying another machine...this time with some embroidery features.

I began to cart it back to Muar during long breaks and sewed crazily and I was able to produce beautiful frocks alike the ones shown below.

I took pride in them.

See the little girl with the pretty patch work frock? It was first worn by Esther and then passed down to Sara. I really loved it and it was done using the brother machine .

Away for a trip to Kuching once, Sara and Esther seen above dressed in my own sewing too. I really took pride in my work. In fact, there were very many more ... all given away and some even went to Orlando ...to my niece.

Besides achievement, sewing really helps one to save...the girls will not agree totally...too old fashioned.

After many years of rest, I gave up serious sewing and concentrated on school work. But really, it is useful when you have to sew a badge, patch up a hole, shorten or lenghten a skirt, or even altering your clothes when you put on weight...hahaha...

Last week, I tried altering again on the old machine but I found that it is no more working as it used to. It's giving way... I could feel it in my bones. But I would not able to live without one. My old brother machine too has lost some spark and parts ... they say when left unused, machines die a natural death...the brain also dies when you stop using it.

So I made a decision to get another old-fashioned machine again. You ask me why not an electrical one? Why...because I am old fashioned and through my experience whatever people may say of the new look and accessories of the electrical one, I prefer the old look as it gives me better control when I sew. So, the old faithful had to give way to another one of the same family.

The old faithful...giving way to the new one.

My new Singer sewing machine with the old-fashioned look. This has been in the European market for the last century and it still functions well. Talk about technology and practicalilty...they are in the machine. I hope to indulge in more sewing adventures when I retire.

Maybe I will sew pyjamas again for the next generation?

Cotton ones, so my grandchildren will be more comfortable...hehehe

Versatility

Necessity is the mother of invention.

The human mind is an expert in solving problems.

Even the local municipal council cleaners are as versatile and agile in their thinking skills.

As one cruises along this part of the road and then pauses when the light shows red, one can only look around and savour in the serene atmosphere... and the eye starts to rove around.

One will inevitably notice the pine tree series dotting the landscape.

Take a closer look and you may just see some strange articles hidden in between the leaves.

Go nearer and there the storing place of the cleaners' equipment is revealed !



For lack of storage space or more likely taking an easy way out, the cleaners have resorted to keeping brooms, dust pans and maybe even plastic bags when the day's job is done... among the leaves ! Quite, quite clever.

Emulate the storing pattern in your garden too ?

New Blooms

Good morning.

I caught the blooms last week and I could not resist shooting them.

The lovely blooms which occasionally show up is a reminder of the surprises in life ; at times when you think they will never bloom again, they just arrive to bring cheer for the day. They also bring colour and joy to the ones who notice them...the flowers always catch my eye... a mini orchid nursery which seems to last forever in the school compound.

O...that they will leave a legend behind.

The Ringgit...sigh

Not that I have been to many places in this universe, but each time I go down South or to Down Under, I feel the brunt of the currency.

Ouch, it really hurts !

You are delighted when you first see the price...but after the conversion...really boh syiok la !

Fortunately we have a buffer in Grace.

So the youngest of the home goes Jie Jie Der Wen...can I have this ? that?

As a token in appreciation, she diligently delivered her home-made cookies - Macademia banana choc chips, triple choc hazel nut chips and cashew nut chips...shrewd one.

Of exchanges.

Happy Deepavali

Another year gone by.

To all my friends, colleagues and students,

Happy Deepavali and it may it be a good day to you and your family.

May my greetings be espescially dear to Suseela, Shantakumari, Selva, Thilaham, Jegatheswari, Jagah Jothy, Lakshimi Praba, Komalam, Nagesvari, Thenmoli, Malarvizhi and of course Periachee. Happy celebrations.
To the Indian students of 3 Ilmu - Manoj, Naveen, Avinash, Priya (2), Letchumi, Shalyn, Meneesah, Aaron Kumar, Nadisyhaa, Tharveen...enjoy your day.

Happy day.