Came across Edgar Allan Poe's poem 'ALONE' recently and dwelled over what Poe was trying to reveal of himself. Poe's writings were best known for his tales of mystery and the twisted mind and macabre. Writing to earn a living was difficult for him, resulting in a financially difficult life and career.
In the poem, Poe was portraying himself as a lost soul, decaying and searching himself within him in a morose manner. Poe had alienated himself from the simple things in life which forced him to spiral into a deeper depression. His feelings were numbed and his eyes were blinded from the simple beauty in life. He plunged and threw himself into the world of darkness and found refuge and immunity from it. Where one would see the heavens or happiness, Poe still saw it dark and demonic in a personification way.
Coincidentally found a YouTube video about the poem.
Monday, June 29, 2009
POTRAIT OF VIETNAM
FACES OF HO CHI MINH
People colour the scene. People run a country. People pulsate the world. Life is a journey where adventures beckon at every turn. And when that happens, one wants to immortalilse these moments. When I was in Vietnam recently, I thus focussed my lens on the common faces I met throughout the journey.
The children of Mui Nee caught my attention. They were as free as skylark playing along the beach, thier innocence untouched by the development and modernaisation that are taking place in HCM, but who pounced on you the minute they spotted the not very often busloads of tourists descending the steps to the beach. They leeched you all the way till you part with their wares and your Dong. Yet, they are so lovable and endearing. Only their eyes mirror the pain and the sufferings their ancestors had gone through...
People colour the scene. People run a country. People pulsate the world. Life is a journey where adventures beckon at every turn. And when that happens, one wants to immortalilse these moments. When I was in Vietnam recently, I thus focussed my lens on the common faces I met throughout the journey.
The children of Mui Nee caught my attention. They were as free as skylark playing along the beach, thier innocence untouched by the development and modernaisation that are taking place in HCM, but who pounced on you the minute they spotted the not very often busloads of tourists descending the steps to the beach. They leeched you all the way till you part with their wares and your Dong. Yet, they are so lovable and endearing. Only their eyes mirror the pain and the sufferings their ancestors had gone through...
Sunday, June 28, 2009
LIFE IS A JOURNEY
VIETNAM TRIP REFLECTIONS
Our paper and pen planning were put to test and we were delighted to observe it coming alive with the student leaders as the main cast of the performers. The team of teachers had set the level of expectations for the students to reach right from the beginning and we were very glad that the six-day trip had pushed them to reach that elevated status we bench marked for them.
Jeremy, Idham, Yati and I worked very well because we possessed a common shared belief - to project YSS student leaders as good ambassadors with a global mind set and for them to have the initiative, commitment and responsibility in discharging their roles as exemplary role models.
The teachers had a host of multiple roles to support the students in achieving the objectives of the trip - as a director, disciplinarian, philosopher and an emotional surrogate personnel . We played different roles so that the leaders would know exactly what to give us back as their deliverables after each day of the trip.
Safely, we can say that the students had benefited tremendously from the trip. We received sms from them thanking us for giving them the opportunities to have faith in themselves and to uncover their blind spots. Their parents had expressed their gratitude too (thru sms to the teachers) for providing the guidance, encouragement and support shown and rendered to their child.
During the trip we sought for opportunities so that the leaders who were lying low because they had not been given much chance to lead before, to stand tall. We were pleasantly surprised by some leaders who grew and glowed each day. We strived to push and prop the leaders who were under performing to scale more. We saw leaders who motivated their peers when the morale was low. We saw leaders who gave the emotional support when others buckled under pressure.
We noted leaders who acted as a 'big brother' or 'big sister' to one another when they needed an extra pair of hands around them or when homesickness crept in during their solace moments. We witnessed natural born leaders who soared to higher altitude and outshone others. We saw leaders who shouldered through and did not crumble under heavy responsibilities. We observed leaders who came up with their own initiatives and solutions when faced with problems.
We noticed leaders who came up forward to voice their suggestions for the betterment of the trip. We were touched when we saw many selfless leaders who chipped in to help others readily without any nudge of doing so. They were lugging and retrieving heavy baggages for one another during the transfer of the coach and checking in and out of the hotels. We saw leaders who were sensitive to the needs of others. For example we had three leaders whom after we compared the size of their seating space with the bus mechanic took the initiative the next day to give him a gift to show their appreciation of him. What more could you ask from the fourteen and fifteen year old students who were with us? Their actions spoke volume of their character.
Needless to say, we also 'tore apart' leaders with attitude and directed them the way on the correct behaviour. Altitude is determined by your attitude. Haven't they heard of that? We did not want their ego to be bigger than their head. Everyone should be treated equally. Were we harsh and hard on them? True, we counselled them for an hour or so in the hotel lobby and true we gave them extra pages of journals to write but WE beg to differ as after that we could see the transformation in them after the session. After all, we wanted them to bounce back and be resilient when they were in the doldrums after a bad push or a fall and this group of leaders heard and responded to our call. We wanted them to realise that the whole world doesn't owe them anything but they owe the whole world everything. We taught them what humility is all about and stressed that values and principles maketh a man.
We slowly witnessed the loose groups of the different races beginning to bond and gel as one within six days despite them coming from the different student leaders group background - prefects, class chairman, CCA leaders. We kept on insisting the importance of the processes they had to undergo to achieve their final product - be it the blogging, the student's interviews, the reflections and the way they presented themselves in the two schools we visited.
We received positive feedback from our Vietnamese tour guide, Singapore and Vietnamese organisers from Travel Dream who were with us through out the trip and those education officials who sat with us for lunches. They sang praises of our students. If only they knew how we had "grilled" them nightly during the debriefing at the hotel and in the coach. But the team of teachers believed strongly that the line must be towed if it has gone astray and if we wanted them to carry the school flag high.
Were simply too ecstatic to see the morph in the leaders and the pride they made us feel for them. We had reminded them that the journey for them to excel and project as strong leaders did not end once they leave Vietnam soil. Instead it should continue.......
What about us, teachers? Our journey too would not end here. We will keep on trying to make future trips more different than this one and will study the AAR for more improvements.
Just like the Mekong Delta we visited, we are silted with more ideas for future trips ahead knowing the fact that we would have a part to play in nurturing our youths to be better and gracious citizens. Goodbye Vietnam and your people. But just like what the students had noticed and voiced out, you will take the world by storm as your young people are hungry for knowledge and waiting for the right moment to sensationalize and seize the other parts of the region. You will be another dragon of the east to wake up after a long slumber and start snort fire to the rest of the world.
We left Vietnam with tears in our eyes, not because we were sad to leave you, but because deep down in our heart we knew our mission had been accomplished. We teared because of the pride that YSS flag had flown high and mighty, unwavered by the occasional heavy downpour we experienced and the strong gust of wind that blew.
Tham Biet (Goodbye!) Vietnam and till we meet again!
Kam Ern! (Thank You)
Our paper and pen planning were put to test and we were delighted to observe it coming alive with the student leaders as the main cast of the performers. The team of teachers had set the level of expectations for the students to reach right from the beginning and we were very glad that the six-day trip had pushed them to reach that elevated status we bench marked for them.
Jeremy, Idham, Yati and I worked very well because we possessed a common shared belief - to project YSS student leaders as good ambassadors with a global mind set and for them to have the initiative, commitment and responsibility in discharging their roles as exemplary role models.
The teachers had a host of multiple roles to support the students in achieving the objectives of the trip - as a director, disciplinarian, philosopher and an emotional surrogate personnel . We played different roles so that the leaders would know exactly what to give us back as their deliverables after each day of the trip.
Safely, we can say that the students had benefited tremendously from the trip. We received sms from them thanking us for giving them the opportunities to have faith in themselves and to uncover their blind spots. Their parents had expressed their gratitude too (thru sms to the teachers) for providing the guidance, encouragement and support shown and rendered to their child.
During the trip we sought for opportunities so that the leaders who were lying low because they had not been given much chance to lead before, to stand tall. We were pleasantly surprised by some leaders who grew and glowed each day. We strived to push and prop the leaders who were under performing to scale more. We saw leaders who motivated their peers when the morale was low. We saw leaders who gave the emotional support when others buckled under pressure.
We noted leaders who acted as a 'big brother' or 'big sister' to one another when they needed an extra pair of hands around them or when homesickness crept in during their solace moments. We witnessed natural born leaders who soared to higher altitude and outshone others. We saw leaders who shouldered through and did not crumble under heavy responsibilities. We observed leaders who came up with their own initiatives and solutions when faced with problems.
We noticed leaders who came up forward to voice their suggestions for the betterment of the trip. We were touched when we saw many selfless leaders who chipped in to help others readily without any nudge of doing so. They were lugging and retrieving heavy baggages for one another during the transfer of the coach and checking in and out of the hotels. We saw leaders who were sensitive to the needs of others. For example we had three leaders whom after we compared the size of their seating space with the bus mechanic took the initiative the next day to give him a gift to show their appreciation of him. What more could you ask from the fourteen and fifteen year old students who were with us? Their actions spoke volume of their character.
Needless to say, we also 'tore apart' leaders with attitude and directed them the way on the correct behaviour. Altitude is determined by your attitude. Haven't they heard of that? We did not want their ego to be bigger than their head. Everyone should be treated equally. Were we harsh and hard on them? True, we counselled them for an hour or so in the hotel lobby and true we gave them extra pages of journals to write but WE beg to differ as after that we could see the transformation in them after the session. After all, we wanted them to bounce back and be resilient when they were in the doldrums after a bad push or a fall and this group of leaders heard and responded to our call. We wanted them to realise that the whole world doesn't owe them anything but they owe the whole world everything. We taught them what humility is all about and stressed that values and principles maketh a man.
We slowly witnessed the loose groups of the different races beginning to bond and gel as one within six days despite them coming from the different student leaders group background - prefects, class chairman, CCA leaders. We kept on insisting the importance of the processes they had to undergo to achieve their final product - be it the blogging, the student's interviews, the reflections and the way they presented themselves in the two schools we visited.
We received positive feedback from our Vietnamese tour guide, Singapore and Vietnamese organisers from Travel Dream who were with us through out the trip and those education officials who sat with us for lunches. They sang praises of our students. If only they knew how we had "grilled" them nightly during the debriefing at the hotel and in the coach. But the team of teachers believed strongly that the line must be towed if it has gone astray and if we wanted them to carry the school flag high.
Were simply too ecstatic to see the morph in the leaders and the pride they made us feel for them. We had reminded them that the journey for them to excel and project as strong leaders did not end once they leave Vietnam soil. Instead it should continue.......
What about us, teachers? Our journey too would not end here. We will keep on trying to make future trips more different than this one and will study the AAR for more improvements.
Just like the Mekong Delta we visited, we are silted with more ideas for future trips ahead knowing the fact that we would have a part to play in nurturing our youths to be better and gracious citizens. Goodbye Vietnam and your people. But just like what the students had noticed and voiced out, you will take the world by storm as your young people are hungry for knowledge and waiting for the right moment to sensationalize and seize the other parts of the region. You will be another dragon of the east to wake up after a long slumber and start snort fire to the rest of the world.
We left Vietnam with tears in our eyes, not because we were sad to leave you, but because deep down in our heart we knew our mission had been accomplished. We teared because of the pride that YSS flag had flown high and mighty, unwavered by the occasional heavy downpour we experienced and the strong gust of wind that blew.
Tham Biet (Goodbye!) Vietnam and till we meet again!
Kam Ern! (Thank You)
Saturday, June 27, 2009
INDRA SHAHDAN CAME TO YSS
MORE PHOTOS ON INDRA'S VISIT
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Thick lips are beautiful. No Botox needed here!
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A sweet floral frame for a sweet princess
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I am not a dumb blonde ok?
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Goofing around with a clown's face
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NUR ON THE MOVE ROADSHOW
Welcoming Indra at the school foyer
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Close up with a soccer star; Indra Shahdan
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Hanaffi, my ex-student is involved in theatre works
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Hanaffi and Indra
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The students went gaga over Indra
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Close up with a soccer star; Indra Shahdan
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Hanaffi, my ex-student is involved in theatre works
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Hanaffi and Indra
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The students went gaga over Indra
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The Sec 4 boys did not want to be left behind too
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The dramatists who ruled the stage
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One for the road before they rush to another school
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A promo shot for Ain Society
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Engaging Indra on stage to share his experiences
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One for the road before they rush to another school
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A promo shot for Ain Society
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Engaging Indra on stage to share his experiences
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Students clambering for Imdra's autograph
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Thrilled at being photographed with Indra
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The drama was a hit with the students
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The grand dad voicing his concerns over his grandchildren's behaviour
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Thrilled at being photographed with Indra
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The drama was a hit with the students
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The grand dad voicing his concerns over his grandchildren's behaviour
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FROM A VICIOUS CYCLE TO A VIRTUOS CYCLE
I organised an assembly programme for our students and invited the Ain Society to perform a drama for them. The drama was well-received and the students had a shock of thier life when Indra Shahdan, our national soccer captain was called on the stage to share his experiences on his teenage days and his perspectives on why education is important for our youth.
NUR-on-the-Move
BRIEF DRAMA OUTLINE
The drama performance is driven by 3main characters; an old grandfather and his troubled teenage grandson and granddaughter. The teenagers are getting into a lot of trouble i.e. lost of interest in school, unwanted pregnancy, excessive drinking habit etc. This worries the concerned grandfather who desperately confides in his neighbours for advice.
Meanwhile, the grandchildren feel lost and frustrated and do not know what to do about their situation. They start to blame other people and refuse to acknowledge their mistakes. Fortunately, they have good friends who encourage them into looking for various modes of help and discouraging them against getting into further trouble. These suggestions are initially met with resistance, but both of them finally relented to it after much persuasion.
The grandfather’s witty character is hoped to act as a bridge for the youth audience to see the issue of troubled youths from an adult’s point of view. The short drama also captures the chaos in the teenagers’ family and how it has resulted to their misbehaving and involving in negative activities. Some of the youth audience may be able to relate to this particular scene which shows parents who are in conflict with each other and choose to resolve it through violence. It will add on to the understanding of the background of the main characters and the intensity of the frustration that they are facing.
In all, the drama performance hopes to convey to the youths that no matter how challenging their life is, they themselves have the ability to make it better and the situation is not entirely hopeless. This is the angle where the roadshow wants to promote the NUR teens helpline to inform the youths on an avenue of help should they have any problems to share.
For the interaction session, Ain Society invites renowned local icons such as singers, actors, footballers, celebrity DJs etc. to share their experience being a teenager and the challenges they face to achieve their current status. Both the emcee and the invited speaker engage the participation from the youth through quizzes or on stage spontaneous performances.
BRIEF DRAMA OUTLINE
The drama performance is driven by 3main characters; an old grandfather and his troubled teenage grandson and granddaughter. The teenagers are getting into a lot of trouble i.e. lost of interest in school, unwanted pregnancy, excessive drinking habit etc. This worries the concerned grandfather who desperately confides in his neighbours for advice.
Meanwhile, the grandchildren feel lost and frustrated and do not know what to do about their situation. They start to blame other people and refuse to acknowledge their mistakes. Fortunately, they have good friends who encourage them into looking for various modes of help and discouraging them against getting into further trouble. These suggestions are initially met with resistance, but both of them finally relented to it after much persuasion.
The grandfather’s witty character is hoped to act as a bridge for the youth audience to see the issue of troubled youths from an adult’s point of view. The short drama also captures the chaos in the teenagers’ family and how it has resulted to their misbehaving and involving in negative activities. Some of the youth audience may be able to relate to this particular scene which shows parents who are in conflict with each other and choose to resolve it through violence. It will add on to the understanding of the background of the main characters and the intensity of the frustration that they are facing.
In all, the drama performance hopes to convey to the youths that no matter how challenging their life is, they themselves have the ability to make it better and the situation is not entirely hopeless. This is the angle where the roadshow wants to promote the NUR teens helpline to inform the youths on an avenue of help should they have any problems to share.
For the interaction session, Ain Society invites renowned local icons such as singers, actors, footballers, celebrity DJs etc. to share their experience being a teenager and the challenges they face to achieve their current status. Both the emcee and the invited speaker engage the participation from the youth through quizzes or on stage spontaneous performances.
More about Ain Society:
Ain Society was founded in 2000 by 12 activists who resided in Woodlands, the northern part of Singapore, mainly to serve the residents in that area. As it grows, its target group has widened not only to the residents in the north, but also island wide. ‘Ain’ means ‘eyes’ in Arabic. It is chosen to symbolize as the ‘eyes’ of the community to foresee and address social problems in the community especially among the youths and disadvantaged families.
Their tag line is ‘Love, Care, Concern’ .
Check their hotline service which is part of the Integrated Programme for Troubled Teenagers which brings together several Malay/Muslim organizations in Singapore.
NURteensLINE: 9 7777 687 OR 9 777 NUR
WEDDING INVITATIONS
LONG SERVICE AWARD
With the President and First Lady in 2004
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With the then Min of Education Adm Teo
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Another photo with Adm Teo
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Photo taken in 2005
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Photo taken in 2007
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At a Drama Course
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Another shot at a Drama Course
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With friends at a workshop
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Winning a staff bowling competition
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During an EL Day with Siti
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With the then Min of Education Adm Teo
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Another photo with Adm Teo
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Photo taken in 2005
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Photo taken in 2007
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At a Drama Course
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Another shot at a Drama Course
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With friends at a workshop
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Winning a staff bowling competition
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During an EL Day with Siti
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Mentor for new beginning teachers
Cooperating teacher for NIE student teacher
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Our Action Research paper got published
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Research paper got published in this book
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Long Service award presented to me by my VP
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Cooperating teacher for NIE student teacher
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Our Action Research paper got published
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Research paper got published in this book
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Long Service award presented to me by my VP
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With a humanities dept colleague, Siti Z
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TEACHER:
…must stand above all students, yet be on their level
... must be able to do 180 things not connected with the subject being taught
... must run on coffee and leftovers,
... must communicate vital knowledge to all students daily and be right most of the time
... must have more time for others than for herself/himself
... must have a smile that can endure through pay cuts, problematic children, and worried parents
... must go on teaching when parents question every move and others are not supportive
... must have 6 pair of hands.
"Six pair of hands, " said the angel, "that's impossible"
"Well, " said the Lord, " it is not the hands that are the problem. It is the three pairs of eyes that are presenting the most difficulty!"
The angel looked incredulous, " Three pairs of eyes...on a standard model?"
The Lord nodded His head, " One pair can see a student for what he is and not what others have labeled him as. Another pair of eyes is in the back of the teacher's head to see what should not be seen, but what must be known. The eyes in the front are only to look at the child as he/she 'acts out' in order to reflect, " I understand and I still believe in you", without so much as saying a word to the child."
"Lord, " said the angel, " this is a very large project and I think you should work on it tomorrow".
"I can't," said the Lord, " for I have come very close to creating something much like Myself. I have one that comes to work when he/she is sick.....teaches a class of children that do not want to learn....has a special place in his/her heart for children who are not his/her own.....understands the struggles of those who have difficulty....never takes the students for granted..."
The angel looked closely at the model the Lord was creating.
"It is too soft-hearted, " said the angel.
"Yes," said the Lord, " but also tough, You can not imagine what this teacher can endure or do, if necessary".
"Can this teacher think?" asked the angel.
"Not only think," said the Lord,. "but reason and compromise."
The angel came closer to have a better look at the model and ran his finger over the teacher's cheek.
"Well, Lord, " said the angel, your job looks fine but there is a leak. I told you that you were putting too much into this model. You can not imagine the stress that will be placed upon the teacher."
The Lord moved in closer and lifted the drop of moisture from the teacher's cheek. It shone and glistened in the light.
"It is not a leak," He said, "It is a tear."
"A tear? What is that?" asked the angel, "What is a tear for?"
The Lord replied with great thought, " It is for the joy and pride of seeing a child accomplish even the smallest task. It is for the loneliness of children who have a hard time to fit in and it is for compassion for the feelings of their parents. It comes from the pain of not being able to reach some children and the disappointment those children feel in themselves. It comes often when a teacher has been with a class for a year and must say good-bye to those students and get ready to welcome a new class."
"My, " said the angel, " The tear thing is a great idea...You are a genius!!"
The Lord looked somber, "I didn't put it there."
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HOW TIME FLIES
I was recently awarded with a long service award for thirty years of teaching service. I didn't realise that I have been teaching for more than half of my life. My love affair with teaching began in 1976 when I applied for a trainee teacher. My father had been retrenched and being the eldest child, I had to help the family. I was selected to attend a three year full time course, earning $220 per month. I had to report for lecture in the morning at Paterson Road and reach Tiong Bahru Primary School by 1.30pm. The school had since closed. It was truly hectic and sometimes had to catch my lunch in the bus. In 1979, I joined Bendemeer Secondary School as an English and Geography teacher. I also taught Art for a few years because of teacher constraint while there.
When I got married in 1985, I applied for a transfer for a school since my hubby and I had applied for a flat at Yishun. I was then staying at Bendemmer Road. Within less than a month, we received a letter from HDB asking us to choose our flat. I received a new posting to teach at Yishun Secondary and have been there since the school began in 1986.
Teaching is a calling. Not everyone can fit the bill to be a teacher. It takes a lot to be a teacher. Only a teacher would understand what I meant.
THE CREATION OF THE TEACHER
The Good Lord was creating teachers. It was His sixth day of 'overtime' and He knew that this was a tremendous responsibility for teachers would touch the lives of so many impressionable young children. An angel appeared to Him and said, "You are taking a long time to figure this one out."
"Yes," said the Lord, " but have you read the specs on this order?"
I was recently awarded with a long service award for thirty years of teaching service. I didn't realise that I have been teaching for more than half of my life. My love affair with teaching began in 1976 when I applied for a trainee teacher. My father had been retrenched and being the eldest child, I had to help the family. I was selected to attend a three year full time course, earning $220 per month. I had to report for lecture in the morning at Paterson Road and reach Tiong Bahru Primary School by 1.30pm. The school had since closed. It was truly hectic and sometimes had to catch my lunch in the bus. In 1979, I joined Bendemeer Secondary School as an English and Geography teacher. I also taught Art for a few years because of teacher constraint while there.
When I got married in 1985, I applied for a transfer for a school since my hubby and I had applied for a flat at Yishun. I was then staying at Bendemmer Road. Within less than a month, we received a letter from HDB asking us to choose our flat. I received a new posting to teach at Yishun Secondary and have been there since the school began in 1986.
Teaching is a calling. Not everyone can fit the bill to be a teacher. It takes a lot to be a teacher. Only a teacher would understand what I meant.
THE CREATION OF THE TEACHER
The Good Lord was creating teachers. It was His sixth day of 'overtime' and He knew that this was a tremendous responsibility for teachers would touch the lives of so many impressionable young children. An angel appeared to Him and said, "You are taking a long time to figure this one out."
"Yes," said the Lord, " but have you read the specs on this order?"
TEACHER:
…must stand above all students, yet be on their level
... must be able to do 180 things not connected with the subject being taught
... must run on coffee and leftovers,
... must communicate vital knowledge to all students daily and be right most of the time
... must have more time for others than for herself/himself
... must have a smile that can endure through pay cuts, problematic children, and worried parents
... must go on teaching when parents question every move and others are not supportive
... must have 6 pair of hands.
"Six pair of hands, " said the angel, "that's impossible"
"Well, " said the Lord, " it is not the hands that are the problem. It is the three pairs of eyes that are presenting the most difficulty!"
The angel looked incredulous, " Three pairs of eyes...on a standard model?"
The Lord nodded His head, " One pair can see a student for what he is and not what others have labeled him as. Another pair of eyes is in the back of the teacher's head to see what should not be seen, but what must be known. The eyes in the front are only to look at the child as he/she 'acts out' in order to reflect, " I understand and I still believe in you", without so much as saying a word to the child."
"Lord, " said the angel, " this is a very large project and I think you should work on it tomorrow".
"I can't," said the Lord, " for I have come very close to creating something much like Myself. I have one that comes to work when he/she is sick.....teaches a class of children that do not want to learn....has a special place in his/her heart for children who are not his/her own.....understands the struggles of those who have difficulty....never takes the students for granted..."
The angel looked closely at the model the Lord was creating.
"It is too soft-hearted, " said the angel.
"Yes," said the Lord, " but also tough, You can not imagine what this teacher can endure or do, if necessary".
"Can this teacher think?" asked the angel.
"Not only think," said the Lord,. "but reason and compromise."
The angel came closer to have a better look at the model and ran his finger over the teacher's cheek.
"Well, Lord, " said the angel, your job looks fine but there is a leak. I told you that you were putting too much into this model. You can not imagine the stress that will be placed upon the teacher."
The Lord moved in closer and lifted the drop of moisture from the teacher's cheek. It shone and glistened in the light.
"It is not a leak," He said, "It is a tear."
"A tear? What is that?" asked the angel, "What is a tear for?"
The Lord replied with great thought, " It is for the joy and pride of seeing a child accomplish even the smallest task. It is for the loneliness of children who have a hard time to fit in and it is for compassion for the feelings of their parents. It comes from the pain of not being able to reach some children and the disappointment those children feel in themselves. It comes often when a teacher has been with a class for a year and must say good-bye to those students and get ready to welcome a new class."
"My, " said the angel, " The tear thing is a great idea...You are a genius!!"
The Lord looked somber, "I didn't put it there."
WHERE'S MY TAILOR?
Thirah, my niece who always tags along with us!
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Pirate Thirah looking ouot for her lbounty oot
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Sorry, this vampire has no fangs
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Pirate Thirah looking ouot for her lbounty oot
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Sorry, this vampire has no fangs
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Thick lips are beautiful. No Botox needed here!
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A sweet floral frame for a sweet princess
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I am not a dumb blonde ok?
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Goofing around with a clown's face
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Ouch and poink!
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Nemo has reached JB
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No durian lover would miss and ignore this!
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With the durian seller who flagged our car to stop
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Parked the Terios beside the makan stall
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Had luch at this stall. Weather was so hot!
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At last the carbo would give added energy
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Thirah's lunch - biscuits and bread
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Nemo has reached JB
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No durian lover would miss and ignore this!
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With the durian seller who flagged our car to stop
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Parked the Terios beside the makan stall
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Had luch at this stall. Weather was so hot!
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At last the carbo would give added energy
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Thirah's lunch - biscuits and bread
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With Abah
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Thirah with Nenek and Tini
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Had planned with my hubby for a trip to Kota Tinggi during the holidays. There were some materials which I wanted to be tailored into kebayas. Mini Kelantan was my usual haunt except for once when we drove for another 8 km more to reach the Kota Tinggi Waterfall.
We stopped by at roadside makan stall to fill our growling stomach. There were lemak, curry, asam pedas and the 'ulam' to tempt you. After sipping the 'teh ais' and getting lost in space, we left for my favourite tailor shop. Luck was not with me as Su, my tailor had left for Pahang and none of her other assistants were around. I cursed myself for not making an appointment with her before hand. I always tell myself to be positive and not make everybody's mood affected by the circumstances. We walked around the area, venturing to other places which we had not covered in our earlier rounds. We came across another cafe which served wonderful western food.
Since we were not in a haste, I managed to spend more time at Kota Tinggi and bought two suits of baju kurung for office wear. Had I been stuck with Su, I would not have the time to find the new cafe nor the brown and orange baju kurung which I bught. Sometimes, life has its pleasant surprises. And sometimes the surprises can come in double doses. On our way out of Kota Tinggi, a lorry driver of Muar D13 durians was hailing us to stop. I'm for one would not give good durians a miss. Parted with RM 25 for six durians that were selling at giveaway prices.
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Thirah with Nenek and Tini
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ENDED UP WITH DURIANS INSTEAD...
Had planned with my hubby for a trip to Kota Tinggi during the holidays. There were some materials which I wanted to be tailored into kebayas. Mini Kelantan was my usual haunt except for once when we drove for another 8 km more to reach the Kota Tinggi Waterfall.
We stopped by at roadside makan stall to fill our growling stomach. There were lemak, curry, asam pedas and the 'ulam' to tempt you. After sipping the 'teh ais' and getting lost in space, we left for my favourite tailor shop. Luck was not with me as Su, my tailor had left for Pahang and none of her other assistants were around. I cursed myself for not making an appointment with her before hand. I always tell myself to be positive and not make everybody's mood affected by the circumstances. We walked around the area, venturing to other places which we had not covered in our earlier rounds. We came across another cafe which served wonderful western food.
Since we were not in a haste, I managed to spend more time at Kota Tinggi and bought two suits of baju kurung for office wear. Had I been stuck with Su, I would not have the time to find the new cafe nor the brown and orange baju kurung which I bught. Sometimes, life has its pleasant surprises. And sometimes the surprises can come in double doses. On our way out of Kota Tinggi, a lorry driver of Muar D13 durians was hailing us to stop. I'm for one would not give good durians a miss. Parted with RM 25 for six durians that were selling at giveaway prices.
Beggars can't be choosy right?
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