The Merdeka Spirit

Happy 53rd Birthday, Malaysia.

Every year at this time we celebrate the land of our birth with gratitude and appreciation for the shelter, provision and life that this land has provided.

2010 saw us the teachers and children alike coming together to commemorate our Merdeka Day... once again on a lovely breezy morning.

The school has the National flags flying high as a mark of respect for the nation.

The theme of the year is a constant reminder of a transformation for a good change... in attitude, resources and togetherness.

All these children in cosmo composition recited the 'pantun' in different voices but with one theme... Satu Malaysia.

Soo Yin, Esther Chow and Aaron ...

A message to both me and you

We're in this thing together
We're part of 1 Malaysia

At ordinary times, they looked quiet but they blurted out the Satu Malaysia song in great volume...

The choral speakers went ....

You pause, you stop, you stare,
At the rubbish over there,
To pick or not to pick?

Hei , just pick it up la !

The students were in for a pleasant surprise... rendering the popular Merdeka lyrics !

Tanggal 31 Bulan lapan Lima puluh tujuh

Merdeka ! Merdeka ! Tetaplah merdeka ... Surdiman Arshad popularised it.

Teachers too enjoyed moments of songs which brought back good memories
...Terima Kasih Malaysia !...





Doing the right thing... singing their hearts out... well done !

Avinash, the ring leader led the team well...

And we went 7 times ... Merdeka, Merdeka...

The final countdown with a bang !

Merdeka !

In a country so lovely as Malaysia let us practise love, patience and consideration and be the envy of many around us. The harmonious populace is the secret to all success in this land... the land that gave my father a chance to earn a living, set up a home, raise his children and to give him and his later generations peace, belonging and stay.

Thank you Malaysia.

Happy Merdeka.

Inspiring

You have to make a choice in life...
You either make a go of it...
Or you quit...



To my dear students who think making the grade is impossible, try this stance... playing the piano with your toes; just like Liu Wei.
I am sure making the grade is easier.
Don't quit.

Retirement

Does it really happen?

In my 20s I used to look forward to the day when I could finally call it quits, sit back, relax and do nothing albeit in my 50s only...

But it looks like it's not happening; at least not to my siblings...

Sister No.2, an ex-teacher thought yea... it's time to be the arm-chair critic and to have her arms all folded up and watch the show.

But how does she do it when the sweet one comes along and demands her life, her soul and her all? Yi-jay loves grandma Lee and misses her whenever she escapes for a breather elsewhere and I have heard of stories of his running his fingers all over her face to show how much he misses her after a break from him.

Bathing times means splashes and he wants grandma Lee for that too...fussy young man.

Lo and behold, when no.2 came along...the hustle and bustle in the home increased two folds. Now the 'busyness' is between the babies and the maids... which one comes first I have yet to know ! Grandma Lee grits her teeth in between heartaches and smiles and may I assume it's round 2 of baby cycles for her? Oh...when will it end ? Soon Grandma Lee...soon.

Oh no...son no.2 is getting married too ! Good luck.

Happy Birthday dear sis.

The Lord has really blessed you with a family that is so multiplied.

Brother Choy is the best. He has wealth and health but everyday he would lament to papa Lau...Oh Robert, what am I going to do? Although 'retired' he never seems to allow it to happen graciously and shoots questions like : " How am I going to maintain my life style in my retirement? Am I going to make it again? Oh Robert, Help ! "

Oh Brother Choy, you are so blessed by God. With your discipline, careful ways and submission to authorities especially in Australia when you obey traffic rules like craze, you will make it. Your kiasi attitude which runs so strongly in Kong's blood has already prepared you for the worst perils that can ever happen in life. Sit back and relax and do nothing now.

Happy Birthday dear bro.

And on such a lovely day, both retirees have really been blessed by the good Lord on their birthdays which fall on the same date albeit different years...28th August (28.08)

Happy Blessed Birthday Lee and Choy.

Something New

A First Time

There is always a first time...

No. 3 : Mum, Garrett has a question for you .
Mum : Garrett are you giving me the answer to the question I challenged you? Who is the godly character who became ungodly ?
Garrett : Eh...no.
Mum : What is it then?
Garrett : My father wants to invide you and uncle for dinner.
Mum : When?
Garrett : Before Sara leaves for the UK.
Mum : Oh sure !
No.3 : Mum !
Mum : Wei, it's not everyday that a pastor invites you for dinner leh ! The deal is on...

A first time for us... hehehehehe.

But I am waiting for more.

So Sad

Some news are so heart-wrenching...like this headline.

To survive cancer and definitely a fighter, it is so devastating to hear her die an untimely death. She was not used to resting on her laurels ; every inch a teacher who practised perseverance, patience and integrity. To wake up at 4am and setting the morning meal for her family before she left for work at 6.30am, we should not assume that she was leading a meaningless life. She was not used to doing nothing but to rise up to the fighting spirit that she had acquired through her illness. She must be a dear wife, mother and teacher to the ones around her.

In death, she taught us a lesson; to be careful wherever you may be and to let the snatch thief take your belongings; however important they may be to you because a life is more precious.

To this teacher and her family members, we are sorry to hear the news.

Roots

Nostalgia

A visit and a peep at some malls bring home much nostalgia as I recalled my childhood days back in Kampung Muar when the Ramadan season prepares the locals for a time of celebration after fasting for a month. Somehow during this time when Muslim friends fast, the neighbourhood is more tolerant and try not to get into ways that might offend them. It is fun though to watch them getting ready for the season as they bake, cook, sew and stay elated for moments when family members come home to celebrate.

Like most festive seasons, it is the preparation towards the celebration that brings greater joy than the festival itself when resolution sets in. Don't you think so?

The weekend was fun as I strolled along some malls and discovered to my delight some Hari Raya decor that were quite a sight.

However, strangely the 2 major malls in town had the same theme...they depicted the importance of the family unit and the ultimate call to remember their roots... so I think ; very unlike the Chinese New Year season when most themes are related to prosperity, fortune and weath. Even the teams behind the decor can read the hearts of the people so precisely!

At the curve...

... we see the typical Kampung houses found in many numbers back in Muar.

It is fantastic as they see to so many details including the candle-like feature dotted around the fences of the house. When we do visit Muar during the season, daddy would make it a point to go around the outskirts just to see the candles being lit ... it gives a warm feeling.






Parked at side of the house are 2 different modes of transport; the bicycle and the car. Cycling was so typical for local folks then and the mode has since changed in its importance. Muar used to be a bicycle town ; now it is not so anymore.

Surrounding the units, stores are put up for business. Business in style. It adds taste and style to the ethos of the mall.

The kebaya and keronsangs are a part and parcel of the Malay culture ; so rich and beautiful

Now you have to deliver business to meet the needs and wants of the buyers ; everything must come in greater appeal.

At Sunway Pyramid...

...the railway station perhaps depict connection to a destination... the Kampung.




They even have a keretapi to create authenticity and draw the hearts of the shoppers.

Congkak boards are placed on specially made platforms for shoppers to rest and play...all out to warm up to the public.




But of course, the bottom line is ultimately to boost up sales...typical stalls set up to attract the crowd and buyers. Sometimes you buy not out of need but giving in to gimmicks and then to regret later.

So cosy and tasteful. Makes you wanna buy, buy, buy and ... go home.

The Season of the year.

21 years ago...

Sara

21 years ago on this day, at 39 weeks you asked to be born and you worked hard at that. Mama worked even harder for after only 30minutes of labour, you were ready for the world! We had a temporal setback as the doctor was no where to be found and the nurses were too afraid to give mama the green light to go ahead. They coaxed me to hold on ...until the doctor appeared at the door.

The panting Dr. Tan Teck Sin of SJMC said "Push, Ik Poh !" and you were out in a minute. The nurses clapped at the easy delivery and hinted for a next baby...

It never happened.

Happy 21st Birthday

Sara

Sara at Asia Law Moot 2009




Sara at Taylor's Law Nite 2010




Sara being appreciated for her hard work at Taylor's Law Nite 2010

Sara being offered internship at top law firms ...

Thank you Sara for your hard work.

Mama is very proud of you and appreciates your outlook and response to the responsiblities given to you ; each time whatever the challenge.
Though we have many differences, we at least concur in some ; like being kiasi and kiasu.
Your diligence makes up for all that you are not and you bring tremendous joy to us in your achievements ... albeit only a big fish in a small pond as you always say.

May you be humble in your undertakings and a blessing to everyone around you especially when you leave for the UK.


May the good Lord's favour be upon you as you stand for Him.





Happy 21st birthday, girl .

Cyber World

You wonder where it begins and ends ?

But I find this tool super communicative for family purposes.

It is good to tell loved ones overseas the latest happenings at home through it.

Last night itself my brother from the States commented on my post on my papa's baptism ; how grateful he was that he could get to see pictures on it.

Last night I also received a call from Esther pleading to see the latest pics on Yi-Jay and Yi-Liz on which I replied I would if the mood gets in. But after much thought, I will oblige because it is good that she still asks for matters of the home.

So here it goes...

Yi-Liz at three months +... very adorable and sweet.

Yi-Jay at 1.5 years... learning to be macho and has a mind of his own; not easy to make him change his mind , a chip off the old block.

Here's Celine at 12 +... growing taller by the minute ; soon she will be the tallest lady of the family.

Esther, anymore requests?