It is now 1316. Wednesday,28/5/08. I am alone in Johor. Nothing much to do, nowhere special to go. The quiet surrounding seems to be very peaceful to me, and oh..for the luxury of having my own time to do as I please. And certainly what pleases me most is having the time to write...my mind, my thoughts, my opinion. Write and write and continue writing...
My son Ashraf, he would be the first to agree with me how much school demands of our time, he as a student, and I as a teacher. Almost all my time is dedicated to doing school work, and when the weekends come, it is devoted to becoming the driver/maid. Writing becomes a dream only. But now the school holidays are here, and what more I am alone here in Johor, I find myself very focused and you know what, this is my 3rd post in a row that I am posting.
I hope this fever stays on, and I pray that once I am back, I will still have precious time like now to do my writing...what a way to release all my stress..aah for the love of writing!
Alas...11 piles of exam papers await me at home...
Wednesday 28 May 2008
Teacher's Day - ACS Style
Last Friday, 23/5/08, the last day of the first semester, we celebrated our Teacher's Day celebration. On the whole, it was a great celebration - some new innovations on the agenda. I particularly liked the multimedia show..an insight to the goings on in school throughout the year. Great job done - oklah...I will mention the names, Darleen and Amelia, and all the Fraternity club AJKs! Heartiest congratulations on a task well executed.
The point that I am interested to highlight though is this...you know what? On that particular day, we were instructed to wear our formal batik attire, the red silk batik designed specifically custom made to be made the ACS formal batik attire/uniform for teachers. Now if that wasnt an issue in itself. When suggestions were made to have teachers to wear a common formal batik attire, I was probably the only Malay teacher opposed to the suggestion. As to the other non malay teachers, quite a few objected as well. I wasn't particularly interested to be in uniform, it felt to me like a loss of one's individuality. Finally, a vote was made, and it was in favour of having that formal batik uniform - red in colour, never my favourite colour. But, a decision is a decision made, and I bow to the unanimous vote..., after all it was just an issue of batik dressing, the fashion is left optional to us. So I figured that it doesnt really affect my principles, except for my distaste to the colour red. This formal uniform is to be worn on special occasion, such as on this Teacher's Day celebration.
A bit about this batik wearing day. I think everyone knows by now that this is the idea of Pak Lah, in memory of his late wife, who championed the Malaysian batik industry. And this instruction is to be acknowledged by all government employees - from the highest ranking right down the line.
And so, on this auspicious teacher's day, reluctantly I wore my red batik baju kurung, telling myself it is a directive from the head of the government himself (...more frighteningly... from mdm Darleen hahahah...gotcha). But ironically, most ironic, in ACS, I was immensely surprised to witness some teachers not wearing the formal batik attire. And most disconcerting was that, those that purposely or unpurposely did not wear this batik were the higher ranking administrators...which made me wonder why? I have heard prior to this. that some teachers were not too happy with the choice of colours...what??then why did you guys agree with the colour in the first place? Once a vote is made, then the decision stands, over riding individual preference. And what is worse..was that, those who did not wear the formal batik were mostly the non malay teachers...how come, why so? My mind strays, I dont voice it out, but I am putting it down here on my personal blog. Is it because you guys associate it with something Malay? Perhaps it used to be...but now it is a nation's issue..propagated by the Premier himself. Maybe you guys do not like the pattern, the colour choice, but surely, it is not big deal to get another batik design...as long as it is batik..just to get into the mood of unity on that day.
Maybe some will argue that it is not compulsory. Well maybe so...but it is propagated and made as instruction by the PM, so as far as I can say, at least, at the very least. the administrators should show. even just apparently so, their support of the government's campaign. After all. they are the administrators, what they do, reflect the school and affect the other staff members. If an administrator does not see it in her/him to show respect for the government's campaign, what more is to be expected of the teachers...the students? You guys are the administrators, decision makers of the school, and the top liners who are supposedly the ones who preach implementation of the various government policies. I remember everytime a teacher is found to be lacking in his/her service, it will be droned into his ear. "If you don't feel you are up to doing this job, then leave...change profession". Then perhaps it should be said too that, "If you as administrators cant find it in you to appear to be supporting the government's campaign, even if seemingly so... then shouldnt you...." It is said that once you gain power in the government, then the more you have to comply to their commands, or else....It is for this very reason, that many people refrain from working with the government...any government today for that matter.
We are teachers, first and foremost. What we do, what we say, knowingly, or unknowingly, are being watched and evaluated by our students. Sometimes, I begin to glimpse the reason why some students here just dont seem to have the respect for other people's race and culture, and forever insisting on theirs. But...it is no longer that..the batik is now a national issue...a Malaysian issue, there is no need to prove that you have your own culture at this point...Wallahualam.
The point that I am interested to highlight though is this...you know what? On that particular day, we were instructed to wear our formal batik attire, the red silk batik designed specifically custom made to be made the ACS formal batik attire/uniform for teachers. Now if that wasnt an issue in itself. When suggestions were made to have teachers to wear a common formal batik attire, I was probably the only Malay teacher opposed to the suggestion. As to the other non malay teachers, quite a few objected as well. I wasn't particularly interested to be in uniform, it felt to me like a loss of one's individuality. Finally, a vote was made, and it was in favour of having that formal batik uniform - red in colour, never my favourite colour. But, a decision is a decision made, and I bow to the unanimous vote..., after all it was just an issue of batik dressing, the fashion is left optional to us. So I figured that it doesnt really affect my principles, except for my distaste to the colour red. This formal uniform is to be worn on special occasion, such as on this Teacher's Day celebration.
A bit about this batik wearing day. I think everyone knows by now that this is the idea of Pak Lah, in memory of his late wife, who championed the Malaysian batik industry. And this instruction is to be acknowledged by all government employees - from the highest ranking right down the line.
And so, on this auspicious teacher's day, reluctantly I wore my red batik baju kurung, telling myself it is a directive from the head of the government himself (...more frighteningly... from mdm Darleen hahahah...gotcha). But ironically, most ironic, in ACS, I was immensely surprised to witness some teachers not wearing the formal batik attire. And most disconcerting was that, those that purposely or unpurposely did not wear this batik were the higher ranking administrators...which made me wonder why? I have heard prior to this. that some teachers were not too happy with the choice of colours...what??then why did you guys agree with the colour in the first place? Once a vote is made, then the decision stands, over riding individual preference. And what is worse..was that, those who did not wear the formal batik were mostly the non malay teachers...how come, why so? My mind strays, I dont voice it out, but I am putting it down here on my personal blog. Is it because you guys associate it with something Malay? Perhaps it used to be...but now it is a nation's issue..propagated by the Premier himself. Maybe you guys do not like the pattern, the colour choice, but surely, it is not big deal to get another batik design...as long as it is batik..just to get into the mood of unity on that day.
Maybe some will argue that it is not compulsory. Well maybe so...but it is propagated and made as instruction by the PM, so as far as I can say, at least, at the very least. the administrators should show. even just apparently so, their support of the government's campaign. After all. they are the administrators, what they do, reflect the school and affect the other staff members. If an administrator does not see it in her/him to show respect for the government's campaign, what more is to be expected of the teachers...the students? You guys are the administrators, decision makers of the school, and the top liners who are supposedly the ones who preach implementation of the various government policies. I remember everytime a teacher is found to be lacking in his/her service, it will be droned into his ear. "If you don't feel you are up to doing this job, then leave...change profession". Then perhaps it should be said too that, "If you as administrators cant find it in you to appear to be supporting the government's campaign, even if seemingly so... then shouldnt you...." It is said that once you gain power in the government, then the more you have to comply to their commands, or else....It is for this very reason, that many people refrain from working with the government...any government today for that matter.
We are teachers, first and foremost. What we do, what we say, knowingly, or unknowingly, are being watched and evaluated by our students. Sometimes, I begin to glimpse the reason why some students here just dont seem to have the respect for other people's race and culture, and forever insisting on theirs. But...it is no longer that..the batik is now a national issue...a Malaysian issue, there is no need to prove that you have your own culture at this point...Wallahualam.
Sunday 25 May 2008
APC
Last Thursday, 22/5/2008, I finally went to Goldcourse Hotel in Klang for the APC award ceremony (see previous posts). Johari, Azman and Noradila car pooled with me, and we had Johari driving my vehicle...(thank God..on the way back, the town was heavily jammed). We left school in time to reach the hotel in Klang by 8 am. Once there, the others, Rajamokan, Mr. Surinder, Mr. Lee Tsai Fui and Jaja were alreaday there. They had come on their own.
I am not always comfortable in formal situations, but upon registration, I was happy to be greeted by so many friends from my previous schools - especially the teachers who were in my Science Panitia once when I was head of the Science panel in SMKKJ - Vanitha was there, and so were Romizah, Shafiqah, Rupitah, Cikgu Mat Aris, and a few others, whose names have escaped me right now. I am so glad they are getting the award too (APC = Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang/Excellent Service Award) for their tireless effort in teaching. Vanitha and Rumizah once worked with me in the Science Panel, and I must admit I admire their dilligence and commitment to their jobs. I am just glad that their efforts are being recognised finally.
We, the ACSians were placed upstairs in the hall, table 57. As usual, speeches were made by the VIPS. As we listened and waited, the butterflies in my stomach grew in numbers and fluttered wildly within. As I said, I am never comfortable in formal situations, where protocol must be observed, and even worse when I have to go upstage...for any reason at all. I prefer to be just one of the backbenchers...anytime. Thank God, messages from friends encouraging me proved useful in calming my nerves.
And then, as usual, the barrage of speeches ensued. I could see many were not listening, I try to as much as I can. Interesting to find out what our supreme education officers have to say. One comment made by the Selangor Pengarah Pendidikan, Datin Hamidah Nordin, caught my interest, and sparked off my brain into thinking. She made a reference to the present community today who dare speak up, in loud and clear voice, their dissatisfaction with what the government was doing. Point accepted. Then ironically she continued and questioned whose fault is it? that we have created a generation of citizens who dare criticise the government? And, according to her, guess whose fault it is? yup...she blames it on the teachers who have probably built a generation of ingrates.
Excuse me!!! What does the education system in our country really wish to achieve? Just a breed of "yes master", "yes massah" zombies? Just a generation of youngsters who are experts on sucking up? What is wrong in criticising the goverment, if the mass thinks it is erring in its ways? At least it acts as a check and balance mechanism, I should think. That the citizens of Malaysia can see and criticise, is an indicator that the new generation is a thinking one...able to discern what is acceptable and what is not.
And why are we teachers to be blamed? I believe the majority of us teachers adhere to the pledge we take...we realise our position is one that has high impact on the future generation. We adhere to what is good, what is moral, what is true...and we propagate it. And I believe, if the truth sometimes hurt, so it hurts! But the crucial thing is to learn from our mistakes..not blame others ..or what is worse..accuse others, such as us teachers as being the propagators of ingrates. I think that is a wee bit uncalled for. If an unjust is done, it will be seen somehow or rather, sooner or later, and we teachers certainly don't need to highlight it.
As a teacher, I am a paid employee, meaning I am paid for the service I render...and by saying so, what I do for my living, what my relationship is with my employer, should not, in any way, undermine my freedom of thoughts, the principles I believe in. My movements might be restricted to a certain extent because I work with the government, but certainly not my thoughts. The freedom to think and to discern what we deem good or bad, is our birthright, and as a teacher, I am not prepared to deprive my students of that right. Wallahualam.
P/S: You know what...when i returned to school that afternoon, the most beautiful hand bouquet of macdonald's lilies were waiting for me on my table..it was only signed from a "you know who". Boy..if I wasn't the envy of the day! Well You Know Who..you know who you are, thank you so very much...it was such a lovely and most unexpected surprise. Needless to say, it made this happy day for me, almost perfect...yea.. a bouquet for teacher Hafizah...
I am not always comfortable in formal situations, but upon registration, I was happy to be greeted by so many friends from my previous schools - especially the teachers who were in my Science Panitia once when I was head of the Science panel in SMKKJ - Vanitha was there, and so were Romizah, Shafiqah, Rupitah, Cikgu Mat Aris, and a few others, whose names have escaped me right now. I am so glad they are getting the award too (APC = Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang/Excellent Service Award) for their tireless effort in teaching. Vanitha and Rumizah once worked with me in the Science Panel, and I must admit I admire their dilligence and commitment to their jobs. I am just glad that their efforts are being recognised finally.
We, the ACSians were placed upstairs in the hall, table 57. As usual, speeches were made by the VIPS. As we listened and waited, the butterflies in my stomach grew in numbers and fluttered wildly within. As I said, I am never comfortable in formal situations, where protocol must be observed, and even worse when I have to go upstage...for any reason at all. I prefer to be just one of the backbenchers...anytime. Thank God, messages from friends encouraging me proved useful in calming my nerves.
And then, as usual, the barrage of speeches ensued. I could see many were not listening, I try to as much as I can. Interesting to find out what our supreme education officers have to say. One comment made by the Selangor Pengarah Pendidikan, Datin Hamidah Nordin, caught my interest, and sparked off my brain into thinking. She made a reference to the present community today who dare speak up, in loud and clear voice, their dissatisfaction with what the government was doing. Point accepted. Then ironically she continued and questioned whose fault is it? that we have created a generation of citizens who dare criticise the government? And, according to her, guess whose fault it is? yup...she blames it on the teachers who have probably built a generation of ingrates.
Excuse me!!! What does the education system in our country really wish to achieve? Just a breed of "yes master", "yes massah" zombies? Just a generation of youngsters who are experts on sucking up? What is wrong in criticising the goverment, if the mass thinks it is erring in its ways? At least it acts as a check and balance mechanism, I should think. That the citizens of Malaysia can see and criticise, is an indicator that the new generation is a thinking one...able to discern what is acceptable and what is not.
And why are we teachers to be blamed? I believe the majority of us teachers adhere to the pledge we take...we realise our position is one that has high impact on the future generation. We adhere to what is good, what is moral, what is true...and we propagate it. And I believe, if the truth sometimes hurt, so it hurts! But the crucial thing is to learn from our mistakes..not blame others ..or what is worse..accuse others, such as us teachers as being the propagators of ingrates. I think that is a wee bit uncalled for. If an unjust is done, it will be seen somehow or rather, sooner or later, and we teachers certainly don't need to highlight it.
As a teacher, I am a paid employee, meaning I am paid for the service I render...and by saying so, what I do for my living, what my relationship is with my employer, should not, in any way, undermine my freedom of thoughts, the principles I believe in. My movements might be restricted to a certain extent because I work with the government, but certainly not my thoughts. The freedom to think and to discern what we deem good or bad, is our birthright, and as a teacher, I am not prepared to deprive my students of that right. Wallahualam.
P/S: You know what...when i returned to school that afternoon, the most beautiful hand bouquet of macdonald's lilies were waiting for me on my table..it was only signed from a "you know who". Boy..if I wasn't the envy of the day! Well You Know Who..you know who you are, thank you so very much...it was such a lovely and most unexpected surprise. Needless to say, it made this happy day for me, almost perfect...yea.. a bouquet for teacher Hafizah...
Saturday 17 May 2008
Innertalk
Salaam. Today, I attended the Innertalk Stress Management Talk from 10 am to 12.30 am in Damansara Perdana. Actually, I came to know about this talk when I bought two of the Innertalk CDs during the recent BookFair. However, I have heard of Innertalk programmes since last year, but only now decided to get into this programme.
The talk was a very relaxing one, with only 8 attendees...very cozy indeed. You know what, I could relate to many of the information presented by the speaker, Chandran. So it looks like I am stressed out hahaha. To summarise, stress is basically related to these 2 fields of life: work and relationships. He cited examples about stress faced by people in different walks of life ; pregnant mothers, parents of ADHD children, teachers (me..me...me...) and between spouses and so on and so forth.
Then, as suggestions to solving the stress issues, Chandran pointed out that any external solutions will not be effective in the long run, for as long as we do not take charge of ourselves from within, from focusing our inner strength and detoxifying all negative thoughts which have been embedded in our subconscious, sublimal mind - etches or pictures which we call ENGRAMS. These engrams are like the triggering word/phrase that hypnotists use to instruct the person being hypnotised to carry out instructions that have been told to them when in state of hypnotism. The trigger wordphrase make us react without us having control of our actions. So, just imagine if negative thoughts have been embedded in our thoughts for so long, they can have real dire repercussions on our lives!
Stress must be addressed ...and handled. The thing is for us to be a Master, having control of our stress, instead of being the Victim, where we are helpless to manage our stress. This strength must come from within, and it starts off by detoxifying our minds from all previous negative affirmations we have heard directly or indirectly before. The INNERTALK programme is basically a series of CDs which on the outward appear to be soothing or rejuvenating music or sounds, but in effect, sublimally, in the low frequency background, positive messages, positive affirmations are being sent to us simultaneously. It is sublimal, so it means that once we put the CD on, we can go about our business as usual, as the messages reaches us in our subconscious minds no matter what.
My boys and I have been trying out these CDs for about a month now..and slowly, almost unconsciously, unawares, I begin to see subtle changes within me, and the boys. The CDs which I have bought so far are basically to aid learning, i.e. Accelerated Learning, Concentration and Creative Writing. One of the participants who attended the Stress Management today, was a lady from India, who has an ADHD child, and she claims that after tirelessly trying to help her child, she has finally found that the Innertalk CD on ADHD actually succeeded in helping her son..and I could see she is a staunch supporter of this programme.
You know what...anyone reading this, should just give it a go. The whole brain talk programme caters for most of our needs. It is easy to use, it addresses our subconcious minds, so the results will come almost unawares, and the positive affirmations will only make our outlook to life much better...nothing to lose actually.
Anyway, for those interested, try logging on to www.Innertalk.com.my
O by the way..I bought 3 more cds today, two are for improving my stress level...am hoping to detoxify my mind and help me handle stress better, only so I can avoid giving stress unconsciously to my boys and students. This is my investment.
The talk was a very relaxing one, with only 8 attendees...very cozy indeed. You know what, I could relate to many of the information presented by the speaker, Chandran. So it looks like I am stressed out hahaha. To summarise, stress is basically related to these 2 fields of life: work and relationships. He cited examples about stress faced by people in different walks of life ; pregnant mothers, parents of ADHD children, teachers (me..me...me...) and between spouses and so on and so forth.
Then, as suggestions to solving the stress issues, Chandran pointed out that any external solutions will not be effective in the long run, for as long as we do not take charge of ourselves from within, from focusing our inner strength and detoxifying all negative thoughts which have been embedded in our subconscious, sublimal mind - etches or pictures which we call ENGRAMS. These engrams are like the triggering word/phrase that hypnotists use to instruct the person being hypnotised to carry out instructions that have been told to them when in state of hypnotism. The trigger wordphrase make us react without us having control of our actions. So, just imagine if negative thoughts have been embedded in our thoughts for so long, they can have real dire repercussions on our lives!
Stress must be addressed ...and handled. The thing is for us to be a Master, having control of our stress, instead of being the Victim, where we are helpless to manage our stress. This strength must come from within, and it starts off by detoxifying our minds from all previous negative affirmations we have heard directly or indirectly before. The INNERTALK programme is basically a series of CDs which on the outward appear to be soothing or rejuvenating music or sounds, but in effect, sublimally, in the low frequency background, positive messages, positive affirmations are being sent to us simultaneously. It is sublimal, so it means that once we put the CD on, we can go about our business as usual, as the messages reaches us in our subconscious minds no matter what.
My boys and I have been trying out these CDs for about a month now..and slowly, almost unconsciously, unawares, I begin to see subtle changes within me, and the boys. The CDs which I have bought so far are basically to aid learning, i.e. Accelerated Learning, Concentration and Creative Writing. One of the participants who attended the Stress Management today, was a lady from India, who has an ADHD child, and she claims that after tirelessly trying to help her child, she has finally found that the Innertalk CD on ADHD actually succeeded in helping her son..and I could see she is a staunch supporter of this programme.
You know what...anyone reading this, should just give it a go. The whole brain talk programme caters for most of our needs. It is easy to use, it addresses our subconcious minds, so the results will come almost unawares, and the positive affirmations will only make our outlook to life much better...nothing to lose actually.
Anyway, for those interested, try logging on to www.Innertalk.com.my
O by the way..I bought 3 more cds today, two are for improving my stress level...am hoping to detoxify my mind and help me handle stress better, only so I can avoid giving stress unconsciously to my boys and students. This is my investment.
Saturday 10 May 2008
The New House is Ready...finally!
Salaam. At last...at long last, today hubby and I went to see Mr. SK Lau, the site supervisor to the new house which I bought...like 4 years ago...and which was supposed to be ready in March 2005...to perform our final inspection.
Alhamdulillah, our patience has finally paid off, by the Will of Allah. It is not that we are desperate to move out..it is just that the kids were saying that, with our present home, the only place they can go to is up and down..up and down. They don't go out of the house much, mainly because the front porch is always blocked by the car, which leaves very small space to do much else. Outside the gates ...well, it is not their habits in the first place to roam out of the gates.
So, it was one evening, 4 years ago, that the boys and I were as usual unwinding at Tesco on the way back home from their school, that we saw this kiosk advertising a new housing area, in Andalas Jaya, very close to Andalas area. I have always liked living in Andalas, after all, the housing area was named by beloved Abah himself many years ago.
So back to the kiosk story. The boys and I noticed that the area was ideal enough, and the houses sold were proposed semi-D's. Hmm...interesting, we thought. Then we looked at the price range, and with a little mental calculation, I deduced my loan legibility could well cover the price. So, after discussing the issue over dinner at KFC with the boys, we decided to simply fill in the booking form first at no cost, with the understanding that, should we agree to purchase the house, a booking fee of rm2000 was necessary.
Back home, the meeting and discussion was further brought to hubby's attention, the house plan and area presented to him...for the final nod.
And so, that was how, by the Will of Allah, we came to own this house in Andalas Jaya. Between the kids and I, up till today, they would laugh when they remember how Ummi.."does not only shop for groceries at Tesco, she even bought a house at Tesco..."
Unfortunately, the happy eager wait turned to anxiety, and then plain worry..and finally graduated to, "it'll be ready when its ready...". Ashraf has finished his pmr, Zakiy will be going to form 1 soon, and only now it looks as if we are finally going to shift in by June, I'nshaallah. All their eager excited talks have quietly faded away, and they are not as excited as they were 4 years ago when we booked the house. They have grown up since..but I believe once the moving house fever is on...they will catch up again on the excitement and thrill of moving into a new home. At least today, I hear Ashraf thinking out loud of getting a new study table for his new room, and Zakiy has never forgotten my promise to get him a bicycle once we move in to this new housing area, which is definitely more quiet and safer in terms of traffic for him to ride his bike outside the gates. My only wish is that, my boys' dreams of inviting their friends over and having tea in the front lawn, without disturbing Ummi's privacy inside the house will come true for them soon. Ashraf will be in his final year of secondary school soon enough.
And finally, you know what? As far as I am personally concerned, I am just glad that I am earning enough to provide for my kids...and my family. All praise be to Allah...
Alhamdulillah, our patience has finally paid off, by the Will of Allah. It is not that we are desperate to move out..it is just that the kids were saying that, with our present home, the only place they can go to is up and down..up and down. They don't go out of the house much, mainly because the front porch is always blocked by the car, which leaves very small space to do much else. Outside the gates ...well, it is not their habits in the first place to roam out of the gates.
So, it was one evening, 4 years ago, that the boys and I were as usual unwinding at Tesco on the way back home from their school, that we saw this kiosk advertising a new housing area, in Andalas Jaya, very close to Andalas area. I have always liked living in Andalas, after all, the housing area was named by beloved Abah himself many years ago.
So back to the kiosk story. The boys and I noticed that the area was ideal enough, and the houses sold were proposed semi-D's. Hmm...interesting, we thought. Then we looked at the price range, and with a little mental calculation, I deduced my loan legibility could well cover the price. So, after discussing the issue over dinner at KFC with the boys, we decided to simply fill in the booking form first at no cost, with the understanding that, should we agree to purchase the house, a booking fee of rm2000 was necessary.
Back home, the meeting and discussion was further brought to hubby's attention, the house plan and area presented to him...for the final nod.
And so, that was how, by the Will of Allah, we came to own this house in Andalas Jaya. Between the kids and I, up till today, they would laugh when they remember how Ummi.."does not only shop for groceries at Tesco, she even bought a house at Tesco..."
Unfortunately, the happy eager wait turned to anxiety, and then plain worry..and finally graduated to, "it'll be ready when its ready...". Ashraf has finished his pmr, Zakiy will be going to form 1 soon, and only now it looks as if we are finally going to shift in by June, I'nshaallah. All their eager excited talks have quietly faded away, and they are not as excited as they were 4 years ago when we booked the house. They have grown up since..but I believe once the moving house fever is on...they will catch up again on the excitement and thrill of moving into a new home. At least today, I hear Ashraf thinking out loud of getting a new study table for his new room, and Zakiy has never forgotten my promise to get him a bicycle once we move in to this new housing area, which is definitely more quiet and safer in terms of traffic for him to ride his bike outside the gates. My only wish is that, my boys' dreams of inviting their friends over and having tea in the front lawn, without disturbing Ummi's privacy inside the house will come true for them soon. Ashraf will be in his final year of secondary school soon enough.
And finally, you know what? As far as I am personally concerned, I am just glad that I am earning enough to provide for my kids...and my family. All praise be to Allah...
Thursday 1 May 2008
1/5/2008 - Workers Day.
I just realised that I have not written anything throughout the month of April. Many things have happened in April, and by right many things to write about. But I guess I just didn't have the time nor the drive to post it into my blog. Not good....I must learn to break away from this nasty habit of procrastination...
Many interesting things did indeed happen throughout April, some good ones, some less fortunate ones. Firstly, on one morning in April, in my rush to get to school, I reversed my car out of the house...right into the bumper of my Viva...kena lagi viva tu... the bumper of the CRV got misaligned because of that. Hmmm...I know it is my fault for not looking at the rear view mirror when reversing, but, hubby too should have parked the viva in the usual place or at least told me that he had not parked the car in its usual place prior to my reversing the CRV. Anyway, thats that...
Then on another occasion when I was in school and went up to the office for some errand, the clerk came up to me. And you know what? I had received the Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (Excellent Service Award) from the District Education Office! Thats encouraging...at least it makes what I do for the kids in school seem worthwhile. I can only thank God for that...
so its one unfortunate event neutralised by one good news...more about this later after I attend the ceremony I hope.
And oh! dont forget, April is the Book Fair Week! The family went on Saturday, 5/4 after the boys' tuition class and as is the norm at every book fair, I finished my money there...this time buying the INNERTALK CDs - two of them. I have heard and read about how INNERTALK, helps to deal with our subconcious mind before, but this time I actually went out and bought 2 of the CDs - one for Zakiy, on "Concentration", and the other for Ashraf and I, on "Creative Writing." We have been playing them over and over again for about a month now. I like it. I think, subconciously the innertalks hidden behind the music are getting to us.
What else? Aaahhh yes...mustn't forget the Money Mastery Boot Camp that hubby and I attended on 12 -14th April. Wow! What an eye opener and humbling learning experience for me there. More of this in a separate post.
And last, but not least, the boys' Prize Giving Day on Saturday, 29/4 and what ensued before that. Also hopefully in a separate post...
Must push myself harder to write...no buts, no excuses...I plan to..that is the positive action word...so ...
I just realised that I have not written anything throughout the month of April. Many things have happened in April, and by right many things to write about. But I guess I just didn't have the time nor the drive to post it into my blog. Not good....I must learn to break away from this nasty habit of procrastination...
Many interesting things did indeed happen throughout April, some good ones, some less fortunate ones. Firstly, on one morning in April, in my rush to get to school, I reversed my car out of the house...right into the bumper of my Viva...kena lagi viva tu... the bumper of the CRV got misaligned because of that. Hmmm...I know it is my fault for not looking at the rear view mirror when reversing, but, hubby too should have parked the viva in the usual place or at least told me that he had not parked the car in its usual place prior to my reversing the CRV. Anyway, thats that...
Then on another occasion when I was in school and went up to the office for some errand, the clerk came up to me. And you know what? I had received the Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (Excellent Service Award) from the District Education Office! Thats encouraging...at least it makes what I do for the kids in school seem worthwhile. I can only thank God for that...
so its one unfortunate event neutralised by one good news...more about this later after I attend the ceremony I hope.
And oh! dont forget, April is the Book Fair Week! The family went on Saturday, 5/4 after the boys' tuition class and as is the norm at every book fair, I finished my money there...this time buying the INNERTALK CDs - two of them. I have heard and read about how INNERTALK, helps to deal with our subconcious mind before, but this time I actually went out and bought 2 of the CDs - one for Zakiy, on "Concentration", and the other for Ashraf and I, on "Creative Writing." We have been playing them over and over again for about a month now. I like it. I think, subconciously the innertalks hidden behind the music are getting to us.
What else? Aaahhh yes...mustn't forget the Money Mastery Boot Camp that hubby and I attended on 12 -14th April. Wow! What an eye opener and humbling learning experience for me there. More of this in a separate post.
And last, but not least, the boys' Prize Giving Day on Saturday, 29/4 and what ensued before that. Also hopefully in a separate post...
Must push myself harder to write...no buts, no excuses...I plan to..that is the positive action word...so ...
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