A New One

A Cross Breed

When you stop at the Tapah Rest Area you will be greeted by its many fruiterers all fighting to have your attention to patronise their stores. One new species of fruit not seen or known to me in my existence caught my attention.

They told me it's cross bred between the apple and the guava. At the first instant my response was to ignore as the colouring was too artificial for my liking. However the bus driver told me that it was tasty and sweet and out of the world. I trusted his judgement and bought some.

Verdict :

When I served to my guests on a Friday evening, none of my buddies went near them.

Personally after tasting them, it did not go well with my buds and I will not go for another buy.

Trust your first instinct.

An Interview

Live, Laugh, Learn.

A motto of the guest speaker of the school.

I was told that he is a good motivator who brought a lot of laughter and fun during the session. It is the exam season and the fever is on. Last Saturday was designated to delight the hearts of our protege and to coax them into putting the final gear of the run. But alas, many did not turn up and so they missed the tips, information and laughter ... sometimes you really miss out because of disobedience. And... free nasi lemak with chicken for those who came.

Me : So, Dr. Nelson where're you from?
Speaker : United States, Tampa Florida.
Me : Oh , Universtiy of Gainsville?
Speaker : Yea, that's my alma mater.
Me : My brother is residing in Orlando with his family now. What about you? Where's the family?
Speaker : Oh, my wife is teaching in a local International School and my 2 girls are back in the States for their studies. One is in Gainsville doing a Masters in Education Programme and the other is in Tennessee. All will be in the teaching line.
Me : Wow, a family of teachers. How long have you been here?
Speaker : 12. Intend to stay longer.
Me : You must love Malaysia a lot. What about the food? You love them?
Speaker : Oh we love them. My daughters request for maggie mee and old town teh tarik ! We have to send to them occasionally.
Me : Oh but maggie mee? Can't they get there?
Speaker : It's not the same. They have been here since they were eight. Malaysian taste buds. So, madam, tell me what are the challenges you face among the students ?
Me : Right now there are some who fail to see the need to strive academically as they do not see the relevance when parents provide them all they want. Some even think you don't need academic excellence to make that buck. So basically it's a challenge to lead them to realise the need to discard instant gratification and learn for themselves. I have a student who tells me that it is alright to not do so well because the mother has already found him a solution. So how does one respond? What about you ? What are the challenges you face among your tertiary ones?
Speaker : Low proficiency of the English Language, rote learning, wants to be spoon fed all the time and not taking effort to look for further knowledge on their own and worst still - regurgitating. They don't strive to be creative and are plain happy with the notes given to them.
Me : But... I see them graduate too? How do you reconcile with that?
Speaker : Oh the private institutions are also money making concerns... they need to produce results too. How do you attract business when they don't graduate? However, presently my college takes great effort to narrow the gap between academic values and monetary gains...yes we are obliged to produce academic excellence too. And also, I wish Malaysian employers are more creative and are not bent on giving instructions all the time. There must be room for their employees to contribute ideas on how the company is managed and not run them down.
Me : Oh ok...good luck with the effort. I've got to go... nice meeting you.
Speaker : Bye and thanks again for the opportunity to share with the students.

Another reminder to cultivate self- access learning for excellence on your own. It's crucial to think out of the box to make a difference. And by the way if you think you can simply get by with private colleges, you are wrong.

5 credits in the school SPM trial exam for entry into a learning programme.

Strive not to beg for marks.

All the best in learning.

Die Hard Friends

Sara's friends.

Sara has grouped her friends in different categories : primary school mates, secondary school mates, college and university mates. Each time she is out with a particular group, I know which category they come from. However, one feature is common ; they are her die hards.

Some friendships arise out of loyalty and common interests; others out of love for the same religion and still others out of common studies in tertiary institutions.

Each set of friends stay relevant under different circumstances and I am glad she is warmly and deeply received by them.

I know when she leaves for the UK she is going to be in contact with some die hards of hers and that gives me great assurance of a meaningful stay for her.

Look at his photo : it's her secondary years in school and though this seems a casual shot it is true to say that they are still thick in friendship...this group is out of the love for the same faith.
Sara recently celebrated her 21st with some of them though they have been out of school and going through various routes of life since 2006.

Here they come :

Shaun ; ha. I remembered interviewing him in my office; guess why? He has been coming in late in the mornings and when I asked him why the late arrival ; he unashamedly said late nights and serious skating lessons in the Pyramid! He must have cringed at my rantings but he despite all the late nights I must say has great foresight. He has been training himself for 'on-call' sessions cos he's a budding doctor to be !




This fun-loving girl has always been known in school to be asking permission for this and that. "Can we have the camp fire night? Please, please we promise to keep the compound spick and span after the event. Can we stack the tree trunks under Block C ? We promise we will not breed aedes mosquitoes and can we...non stop." The scout champion is niece to me and her grandma was my principal in my secondary school years in Muar.
Fun loving but serious in her relationship with Jesus ; now Sophie is a champion in theological studies in the UK and she will be a good influence on Sara ; go to church!



No, no, no please don't blog. But Esther you asked me a pertinent question : Puan Chong, can I call you auntie? I am no longer your student. Sure Esther, call me anything that is comfortable with you. When her father cannot locate her , he will call me for Sara's number. Her father loves to know she is in the company of Sara ! No nonsense he thinks...hahaha...I don't know.

But this budding lawyer says it sounds strange to address me as auntie. Ellen says he will stick to Puan Chong. Apa pun boleh. He boleh tahan juga. Cooks the best nuggets.

Miss Actuarist ; growing prettier by the day. I look forward to having Agnes during pot luck dinners. Her mother cooks the best of everything. Sara says she doesn't know how she has developed such a strong liking for her. Must be same tastes... and maths.

Quan Wei arrived home from that 'guten tat' country a few hours before the gathering and could not wait to join his old buddies. This impending engineer is now fluent in German and can now 'cari makan' with some German braggings.

This couple has just been married ; fresh from the UK and are friends to Sara, Sophie and Garrett. Jason is Malaysian and attached to Astro while the lovely wife Simone is a Brazilian and an architect. She says she loves Malaysia and the weather is home to her ; similar to her coffee producing land of origin.





The buddies took the task of preparing the best cocktail and had a good yamseng time...while dad and I fell asleep.

Good friends who stand by you through thick and thin are the best gift of God. May they continue to be good friends in the years to come from generations to generations !

I know I sound old.

But this is a photo that I cannot for the life of me keep away. Sara with Anusha and sister. In her primary years they used to be good pals. They are so adorable. But times have changed. I wonder if they are well. They should be in contact I am sure through face book.

Friends... you have to be a friend to others to have friends.

Different

Girls and boys.

I love the times when I have heart to heart talks with my sister and some close friends as more often then not, the subject of children will crop up in our exchanges.

Today is one such occasion.

Friend : I called my daughter (overseas) last night.
Me : How's the going?
Friend : Hmm... the conversation started right. But as I went along and asked what she was doing and having replied that she was taking her dinner, she next almost choked in tears . She told me that she was taking rice with ... what ? I asked. Hesitantly she said : vegetables. So there was no meat as I guess it was difficult when you have to eat alone and when the other foreign students indulged in other forms of diet.
Me : So, how did you feel?
Friend : I am alright. She just has to get used to it.

When I reached home I immediately asked my sister if my nephew had called home and she said he skyped.
Me : So how is he? Was he homesick?
Sister : No la. He seems ok.

I don't know why girls cry more than boys. But ... don't be misled by the tears. When a resolution is reached, they can be steely. Casually I asked Sara if she's gonna miss home when she leaves me next week to which she replied : No. You are going to miss me as you will not be able to get me to do all that I have been doing for you...

Very confident ; just like the grit of a boy and I like it. Don't whine, Esther...you are made of greater stuff.

lalalalalalalalalala!

Derlyn was here!

Hey Ma, come visit me in Melbourne la I'm on holiday but no one wants to come visit me. Whats this! Why you do me :(

The Mid Autumn Moon

The Moon on 22nd September 2010

(Isn't this Equinox?)

It is to be the roundest and biggest because it falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar calendar.

But... it's a cloudy sky and we had rain this afternoon.

Will we be able to see the moon at its best tonight?

May all of us be privileged to see it at her brightest tonight so we can have tea and moon cakes in our compound.

Enjoy the evening with your loved ones.

Lady In The Moon

How the story evolves...

When I was a little girl, they told me that there was a lady in the moon waiting to meet her lover every year during the Mid Autumn Festival. The lady was known as Chang- Er and her lover, Hou yi. I was saddened by the fact that she was banished into the immortal world and he the mortal one pined for her dearly... ha; how we can get caught up with feelings.

But today I observe it as an occasion for family gatherings , moon cakes, tea tasting and of course goundnuts munching; not forgetting the pomelos too. So the little ones would gather, light up the lanterns and go round and round the neighbourhood looking at the full moon. It'd better be full moon...

Dad used to light up paper lanterns and hang them on trees around the house and the girls on an occasion did go round the neighbourhood with the paper lanterns to join in some fun.

So from a cultural and perhaps religious connotation, it has evolved into simple family celebrations without any 'big reason'... Lady In The Moon...




Commercialisation never fails to tap in. Malls take the opportunity to sell commodities ranging from moon cakes to lanterns and complementary articles.

Raise up the red lanterns !

Look at the packaging... we pay more for them than the cakes.

The packaging is so enticing... you want to buy.





They come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and colours. No wonder we are paying a bomb for them. Dad says the boxes can be reused as containers for jewellery! Very high esteem indeed.


Sara's moon cakes!






Just last year, Sara was so into moon cake making and selling them to friends and relatives in a big way. Never in my wildest dream would I ever fathom that she was capable of that. But that is history. This year she makes no moon cakes no more. Why?







She is too busy packing to leave us. But don't worry. She already asked if she could come back for Christmas. By all means.


So much for moon cakes and the opportunity for families to gather and be happy.

Thanks to Lady In The Moon.

Mom's Work Never Ends

Listen





Familiar to your ears?
Exasperating?
Wish your mum isn't like that?

Today was a good reflection time in church. Pastor spoke on the topic :
Bringing up children ... he meant how to be parents to children. The children need not go through any course. Parents need to be guided ; to be parents. What irony. But that's the whole truth. It's all about relationships.

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children;instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Eph. 6:4. This verse is a constant reminder to the limit of what we as parents can do. Yet, when you do not insist on a certain degree of discipline, who is to be blamed when they do not do well in school and at work?

In a nutshell, whatever is said and done, we the adults and parents should strive to create a home environment that is conducive, safe and warm for good relationships and self realisations to emerge ; tough job but a right thing to do. If parents have gone through traumatic childhood experiences, release forgiveness to their parents and if they have exasperated their children, ask for forgiveness and start to love the way of the Word.It's all about relationships.

Finally, children obey your parents for it is the natural law (Eph 6:1) and honour your parents for it is the divine law (Eph 6:2).

It takes two to play a game well ; may all parents and children clap well...

Of fathers, mothers, sons and daughters.

Time Off

Youthful Indulgences

Dad is a busy man but he takes time off to indulge in hobbies from days of young. He has a special affinity for dogs and fishes. Ever since we first set up the home, it was an understood fact that I have to learn to like them too. I did not put up a protest. I went along with his passion and for the past 27 years have been living with dogs and fishes.


Occasionally, I reminded him that it is more expensive to maintain his dogs and fishes than to maintain me ! Oh I dread the times that I have to go to the supermarket to get dog food, fish food, dog shampoo and fortunately we need not bathe the fishes! I am not complaining...


As though there are not enough fishes around the compound, dad had the urge to put up a new tank for 'smaller species'...his rainbows sometime this year.

Quietly but surely a new feature emerged to delight his tired moments after work each evening. He would pull a chair to it and count the fishes and can actually tell when the newer ones went missing after being attacked by the first occupants of the tank and he would go ranting away.

I am no fish lover. I don't see anything so enlightening about them but when you live with someone who loves them , you've simply got to learn to love his hobby too.

So I began to see the thoughtful arrangements of the greens and the water species that compliment his picture.

This surely brings us back to poems and Enid Blyton days, don't they? They look adorable and do bring a smile to people if they choose to notice.

How about this little umbrella to provide further detailings ?




These earthen pots seem like treasures under the Straits of Melaka?

Yesterday, he carted a huge pot and began to recruit a larger following in it.

The fishes are smart ; they gather at the surface whenever they see us... for food.

See... they respond to us so warmly... and I must learn to look at them more closely.

Take time off to love what brings therapy and rest. Maybe you can begin too.

When Do You Start To Live?

It is now.

Driving along the Pudu Bus Terminal to a Nursing Home in Tung Shin Hospital, I could not help but notice the vast difference in the traffic scenario recently emerged after the shift of the Bus Terminal to Bukit Jalil. In fact, the town has never been more quiet than this in the last few decades. It dawned upon me how a decision of the town council could change the ethos of the entire township. No hustle and bustle; instead a deep sense of loss and unfamiliar feeling. That's life? In its hey days the spot would have never fathomed that such a destiny could befall it.

Walking into the Nursing Home to visit a family friend struck with stroke, we were greeted by friendly medical assistants at the front but as we proceeded further, we saw mostly older folks incapacitated in one way or another; almost entirely stroke cases.

I saw an Indonesian maid pushing a gentleman around the Home compound in circular movements and I could decipher that the man had a stately look indicating that he must have had an important position before but he was physically impaired. He had a good looking cap on - white.

Then there was this lady in her 80s struck with a stroke after an angiogram calling for attention not wanting to be in her room. She asked us to move her up the bed and fearing we may incur harm we called for the nurse who immediately moved her onto a wheelchair and related that she would put her outside with more company. Apparently she doesn't like to be stuck there.

I ventured further to see the common room and saw a few other cases of the older folks watching the box in a dazed look ; resorting to a fate-like attitude. I also heard a daughter talking to her mum telling the latter to be obedient and cooperative.

Then I saw my family friend; quiet, unassuming and soft in her speech. She has difficulty moving and needs daily physiotherapy for her limbs and is a problem without proper nursing care if left at home. When it is your loved one, the strings at the heart are tugged. What if she doesn't engage in conversation with others enough ? The fact that she can't read doesn't help. Can't you bring her home? I asked. The logistics at home cannot help her condition ; I was told. Now we must let the left brain control our decision ; not so much the right one or we will be weeping.

On the way home, my brother and I called home to Por Por and Kong Kong .

"Ma, what are you all doing?" Mum related that it has been a busy Saturday morning and the weekly help has just finished cleaning the house.
" What's Kong Kong doing?" ... "Oh he's into his papers again. You wanna talk to him?"..." No it's ok, ma." We needed to be assured of their well-being. It gives us tremendous peace.

When we left the Nursing Home, we remember that life can be patterned after a certain course. But we learn to live under the grace of God and resolve to live as right as we can. We learn to live life now and not wait as my brother says for tomorrow ; for it may not turn out the way we want. He says he has changed in his perspective in life after his stint in Australia. No need to pursue actively after material things. Live now.

A reminder from some unfortunate tales and people sometimes put us in the right perspective towards life and can humble us as we realise our inability to control the future. We both agreed.

Live now.

Green Gold

From plastic junk to green gold

These humble recyclables are making its relevance apparent in a technology-savvy island such as Taiwan. In the New Straits Times dated September 13, we are told that there is great potential attached to this little thing named - plastic bottle.

In 2009, 180,000 tonnes of used plastics were recycled into raw materials worth RM434 million in Taiwan! The recycled plastics were transformed into garments, flower pots, wigs and zippers and the island took pride in the manufacturing of her 'eco-fabric' jerseys for the recent Fifa World Cup in South Africa.

So, is it any wonder that these are sold at dirt cheap price? They may be recycled from plastic bottles...

Taiwan has looked into building houses with recycled bottles that are processed into bricks which can actually resist earthquakes, wind and fire and at the same time providing natural lighting to cut electricity costs. These 'polli-bricks' are less expensive than the conventional ones and will lower constructions costs.

So one day when you walk into a posh hotel on the island, you may actually be finding shed and rest under the coverage of 'plastic bottles'!

Don't underestimate that bottle which you more often than not throw away without a second thought or glance in schools - it's green gold !

No wonder the general workers are picking green gold with much delight around the school compound and I have heard of an incident when the worker would even stop to wait for someone to finish that drink in the bottle and then to gleefully receive the empty bottle without it being thrown down the thrash bin.

You wonder what's her main occupation - general cleaning or collecting recyclables ! But it's okay ! It's the 2 in 1 concept just like cafe 21.

From plastic bottles to green gold - a commendable transformation.

Hari Malaysia

Malaysia Day

16 September 2010

47 years ago the then Malaysia was united with Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya and together became 1 nation ; a date that was not deeply etched into the memories of the younger generation.

Today we celebrate this important milestone in the history of this land.

Much has happened to this land since its independence and the formation of Malaysia. Some are happy while others have much to grouse about.

But one thing I know ; I was born in this land and I am thankful for all her provisions for me. It has given me shelter, education, opportunities and a home. I do not want to dwell on what could have have happened if I were in a different land but rather what I have got from this land ;


... Ask not what the country can do for you
Ask what you can do for your country
John F. Kennedy


When you have an attitude of gratitude, this land is beautiful. Free from earthquakes, tropical cyclones, massive flooding and other natural catastrophes, you are not plagued with fears of disasters. It's a perfect country to nurture a family of young children and plant opportunities of good career prospects. Malaysia takes pain to provide education for everyone and its free at your doorstep.

Take the challenges of the nation with an open attitude and you will be surprised how they churn you into tougher and more competitive species ; beneath every dark cloud there is a silver lining.

It doesn't take much and long for my father of 91 to tell me last weekend in Muar that he is very grateful to be in Malaysia since he was 14 and once again he confirmed that this is indeed the land for him ; no other land could have provided better for him.

After all a plate of wan ton mee only costs RM2.80... very affordable.
He says Malaysia is good.

The Changing Alley

Transformation

I know the shots are dark and do not depict anything much but we were told by dad that this used to be 'the changing alley' of the 70s.

Dad related that during school breaks he would pop over the straits and visit this place which was once the embarkation port for many vessels that entered the port of Singapore. The locals could not get the term correctly and called it 'chin cha lee' and it was here that the transaction of goods took place; it being one of the entry points of the island.

Today much has changed. It is no more an embarkation point. It is now an artificial bay created for the leisure of the island. Reclamation efforts has made it possible for the port to be extended further and the only outlet for the waters to join the seas is through the tunnels under the Benjamin Sheare's Bridge ; named after the second President of the island.

Besides the Ferry's Wheel are red lights which light up the bridge and it is under this bridge that the waters of the bay join the seas.

It is also now associated with the One Fullerton water front which is a perfect hangout in the evenings.

The Merlion is a connection to the past - of Parameswara and his founding of the island. He never knew how his landing could culminate in a success story seen today.

One of the latest addition to the island - a vessel on top of buildings. Singapore is manufacturing too fast !





I managed to catch a shot while cruising in the day time... looks as impressive as in the night lights.

The One Fullerton walkway is a scenic gathering place for family outings and also for the young and energetic with its clubs, coffee place and even a river cruise.





Supper for the drunk and wasted? What's your interpretation? Can anything not right happen here?

This looks more acceptable.

Aha... familiness.

The Fullerton hotel is The Hotel I was told. Everyone in the famous list rests here.

Notice that ERP sign? The island has that all over the city especially during weekends. It tells the residents who drive Singapore vehicles to enter with a special pass other wise they will be slapped with a fine. Grace driving dad's Malaysian plated car was frantic whenever we were caught at places with the ERP sign. We ran into several roads with that sign and thought we have had it! How much were we going to pay? How are we going to be charged at the immigration point ?

Clever Sara commented : "Surely there must be some leeway with foreign cars? How does one know about ERP? It is never made known to tourists!"

Grace called cousin Steve and was relieved to find out that foreign cars can move around as much as they require around the island even with ERP warnings with a teeny weeny fine on the pass card at the check point ... S5 sahaja! So it made our day as we went around with light hearts and laughed at local cars ... hehehehe

All around the city, we could see the authorities getting the place ready for the F1 race . Lights were generously lit and barricades all set up for the impending race. Singapore with her F1, casinos and new plans up her sleeves is all out to woo tourists.

It's no wonder Grace thinks it's the place she wants to be in for the next few years though living costs are exorbitant. We also wonder why so many of the older generation are still in the work force. Bored?