I Thought This Was Amusing

Took my colleague out to the metropolis of Kota Tinggi yesterday in preparation for our journey.  We went for one hour hair wash/scalp massage, then fine dining at McD for 'big and tasty' burgers.  After this, we headed to my massage therapy place, but had facials instead of massage.  What a treat.  All this indulgence was for the grand total cost of (hair) RM12, (McD) Rm9, (facial)RM58.  The facial included a neck, back and shoulder massage - compliments of Lina, the massage therapist I often see.  When she entered my room, she announced herself. Hello Miss, is Lina.  I said, 'I know'.  (I could recognize her voice  and accent.) She again said, no, no, is Lina.  I again said "I know". Once more, a bit more frantic, she said, 'is Lina'.  Then I realized she thought I was saying 'no', not 'I know", so I just said 'good',  This satisfied her and we moved on.  After all our indulgences, I stopped by the RM2 store before heading home. I had espied wee tea cups and sauces there last week and thought they were cute.  Last week was Emma's birthday and this weekend she had mentioned how she would love to have tea cups instead of the enormous mugs and vessels commonly used here. So, the antique looking tea cups made in Thailand are now her's compliments of moi, as her birthday present. A grand total of RM 3.60.  Hope there is not too much lead paint in the composition.

Now to finish the packing and await the chariot driven by Zabri, Momar, or Mohammad (whatever he calls himself today) for the first leg of our journey to 'Bali Hai'.

This is Where iPads Are a Good Idea

I am pondering taking my computer. but will likely not.  Fretting about losing it or trying to get internet is not something a vacation should be about.  I know the place I am staying taunts wifi all over the place, but not sure if this really happens.  And then wondering if someone will take it from my room while I am out brings me to the thought 'just leave it at home'.  An iPad however would stow in the room safe and save all that trouble. Maybe next purchase will be the trusty iPad. For now, I am thinking I will go in the old fashioned way - simply with a blackberry to keep me in touch with the world.  Not that it will work out of the country, but I will have a camera on it.

Yesterday I stopped for a 2 hour massage on my way home from work. That was a great idea, considering the morning conversation I had earlier. I then came home and slothed about and watched two hours of The Big Bang Theory. I was hoping I would be coming home after this vacation to wireless internet installed in my home. That is certainly not going to happen. I called the provider yesterday morning and was instructed to call the business manager, as she would be expecting my call. Well this bimbo was less than cordial, and would not let me get a word in during her rant of second language English.  I finally asked if I could speak, but she could not hear due to her own blather.  Eventually I said (at a volume equal to her own) if you would slow down I might be able to understand what you are saying, and if you could briefly shut up, you could hear the responses to your own spew of information.  That was not well received. She disconnected after announcing I should return to Denmark where I would understand the  language. Denmark!  I did manage to interject and say, 'I am not from Denmark, I am from Canada'. Her response - Denmark, Canada, what is the difference? Then she disconnected.

Well, that precipitated a nice long letter, which I sent to my MP and delivered to the MoE in Kota Tinggi because that behaviour is not acceptable - to citizens or foreigners alike.  If there is no response in a positive direction to that letter, then I am finding someone to publish in a newspaper here.  One of my neighbours freelances as a journalist for one of the papers so I will take it to him.  I did my nerdy research and discovered that T M is a PPP corporation and is publicly traded.  Well, any publicly traded company has shareholders and those shareholders have a mandate. That mandate is to make money, and this bimbo was not interested in making money in that call. A PPP (public private partnership) is financed by the government because it deems (this particular one) to be an essential service to the 'people', namely land line phones.  Hence the reason for the letter to the government.  My neighbours are standing behind me on this one; cheering me on, but still hiding behind my skirt panels because they have never stood up to that which they feel strongly about.  Yay for the foreigner.

For these reasons, I think the computer would be best at home. You can see why I needed a 2 hour massage, right? If I find a public computer and have interesting pictures, you will see them while I travel, otherwise, see you back here in a week.

Jeez I hate auto correct. It takes over your life, makes a mess of the content, and sits back and pats itself on the back. If that little gremlin inside your computer or phone actually read what it wrote it should be embarrassed. Boo I say to auto correct.

Bali Hai

I'M HAPPY

Just talked with my handsome son who has come back to land for a while.  He is coming to visit me in a couple of weeks. What a great way to go back to work. Instead of being annoyed about going to work, I will be spending my weekend with him and then again the following weekend.

Life cannot get much better than this.  A vacation and his visit.  Life is good.

Gekko on the Wall

Looks like I am not getting away from Gordon on this trip. I looked at my itinerary and discovered that when I arrive at my hotel I am being taken to Gekko on the Wall restaurant for a seafood dinner.

I guess I will not feel homesick.  I must take a few pictures of the local geckos for Gordon. After all, he is like family, right?

Pen Pals for More

Once I gave up on the chance that another pen pal opportunity would arise I received an e-mail from a teacher in rural BC., Yay, looks like another school will have an opportunity to write and receive letters with Canucks after all.

Now to figure out who will do this.

If any readers know of another teacher who would be willing to take part in this project, please direct them to me.

Gordon et al

I finally found some information, but not sure I wanted to find this.

Reproductive cycle

Female Asian House Geckos lay two eggs approximately every four to six weeks. The large, white eggs are sometimes clearly visible through the body wall of a gravid female's underbelly. In the tropics, the geckos breed year-round, however in sub-tropical and more temperate areas their reproduction appears to take on a seasonal cycle and they do not breed during the winter.

While there are anecdotal reports that the Asian House Geckos may be parthenogenetic (not requiring males to breed), there is no scientific evidence to support this. However, experiments have shown that females have the capacity to store sperm for up to six weeks.

I live in the tropical area, so there is no end to breeding cycle.  Lucky me. Maybe I should just install air conditioners everywhere and let them think they are in a sub-tropical climate. I have been known to turn on my air conditioner in the bedroom, even though I don't like it; just to encourage the little critters to stay away. 

Just 3 More Days of work and then Bali Hai for Me

I am so darn ready for a holiday.  Bali Hai is not a place, it is a state of being apparently.  But I look forward to saying the words when in Bali - just because. It has been described as 'one of a pair' to some and in other places it is described as a 'place of perfection'. Being a bit of a Sheldon, I constantly do little searches to see what these things actually mean.   Most online searches produce some link to Hawaii, and of course the famous 1949 musical of the South Pacific brings more likening to that part of the globe as well.

For me, Bali Hai is bliss wherever I am. So I am leaning toward that state of being.  Searching further I found the following, so I think I am on the right path.

Bali Hai is everywhere, if you let it be. The place of kanaloa: The great peace within yourself. To experience that you have to accept what, who and how you are, and what you are able and obliged to do in your life within the cosmic network.

Bali Hai is calling me; I am responding

We Celebrate Teacher's Day Here

Unlike back home where teachers do not have a special day, we have a day set aside for honouring the teachers. Everyone goes to school but there are no classes.  Instead, the schools put on activities to interact with the students. There are big feasts, games, and tons of present for well deserving teachers.  I took several videos of the school I chose to attend that day.  I am posting the link for two of them because they were hilarious, but kept them only viewed with these links below.

My mentee that does such a great job in the classroom did a remarkable job in putting together this fine day. And the kids must agree. His 'boot' was loaded to full capacity with presents.

Take a look, you will enjoy.

Teachers bobbing for apples Taman Daya Style

http://youtu.be/QaYpFaDJF1s

Sack(less) sack race

http://youtu.be/zf2tkF8u5eA

Melt Down with the Travel Agency

I am not sure I will ever learn. Patience is a virtue one must adopt if one wants to live in this part of the world and think they can do things that one does in the western world.  My head aches, my back aches and I probably can no longer string a complete sentence together right now. What happened? Well, internet did not happen at my house so trusted that perhaps a travel agent might have better technology available. That was my first mistake.  Maybe after learning that credit cards and debit cards are not part of their language I would have been better off finding my own internet connection. But as I say, I don't seem to learn quickly.  Instead, I dashed to my bank and withdrew a substantial amount of ringgits to pay for the accommodations in Bali - but was told my credit card could be used for the flight. Not so. My card again, which has caused me enough angst in the past, did not disappoint me this time. Didn't work.  For some reason it did not like the secret pw but maybe, just maybe it was due to the slow connection at the travel agency.  I could have swam to Bali and back by the time we completed the transaction.  Just thinking about how things went makes my head ache worse right now.  I eventually went home and picked up my own computer and hooked into Rosemerah cafe (which seemed to be up and running today) and we completed the transaction for flight on my own computer. What is that telling me? I should have just gone to Rosemerah and did it myself. Could have saved a bit of money too. But then, the credit card was being pernickety, wasn't it?  So, cash on the table and I have a flight. Now the room. They gladly took my money but said thank you.  I asked when they plan to confirm my room reservation. Oh, yes, we will try next week was they reply.  No no that is not good enough. With a bunch of BS, they (I think) pretended to make phone calls to the resort and told me that they have to confirm on Monday.  I gave up.  Left with a much lighter wallet, and receipts that I insisted on and now wait to see if I really have a place to stay on that island paradise.  If not, I can say I have been to Bali. If so, I will have a wonderful time.

What is the A A prayer? 

Lord grant me the faith to accept the things I cannot change, the  courage to change the things I can change, and the wisdom to know the difference.  

I don't think there is a need to be A A to live by those rules. They can make life more peaceful for anyone.

1 Week and then a Break

I have been pondering a trip but still have not finalized that. I think I have decided but internet is again not my friend. I will have to trot to the local cafe to book it, but don't feel like going out.  Cross your fingers for me that the 'deal' is still available once I gather up the energy to part with my cashola.

I will let you know when I do something.

The Next Time I Natter about Gordon, Please Remind Me

Yes, my home is free of any kind of bug that could try to live here. Thanks to Gordon. But really, I know these little guys reproduce on some sort of cycle, and I keep forgetting to check the last time I was over run.  I an again over run. Even the lizard has vacated - they took over the lizard kitchen recently.  I opened my Barbie fridge and a tiny string of a gecko fell off the door.  I was looking for some supplies for work in the storage room and there before my eyes, a teeny guy dashed up the wall from his perch on the light switch.  Yesterday I watched two try to escape through the back bedroom screen.  They are about the size of butcher twine and same colour.  I am so afraid I am gonna step on one. It makes me icky feeling about that. I drove over a dead dog on the way to work yesterday and then on the other side of the highway, I managed to drive over another dead one on the way home. Each time I do the bump bump, hump bump, I shriek, squeal,  and then gag for about an hour thinking about what I had done.  I cannot imagine what I would do if I stepped on a live baby gecko.  I can't imagine.

So, please, if you see me ranting about an influx of geckos, please tell me.  I have noted that this latest crop appeared on Mother's Day, so I will be able to calculate a timeframe and prepare for the onslaught once I have a schedule figured out. I am not sure what I will do to prepare, but at least I won't be caught off guard.

It Was Only a Matter of Time

I was digging in a drawer of my desk to find a glue stick because I am making some resources for some of my mentees. Tomorrow is teacher's day, so want to take a few little gifts.  Who popped out of the drawer and scurried across the room with me in pursuit? Gordie.   He did his best to hide under a chair, but on a white ceramic floor he does not hide well. We had a small confrontation, and both agreed that he needs to go back behind the television if he plans to spend time in the house.

if he looked like this I might warm up to him, but he is unfortunately an insipid beige 

“Continued dark overnight, with widely scattered light by morning.”

I love it. I can be a weather forecaster.  A fellow alumnus from my alma mater wrote that title.  Now when people ask you the weather, you can probably always be accurate for part of the answer.

Other than that I don't have a lot to say.  We will see how the day materializes and maybe I will have a profound thought or two.

All for now, over and out.

One of My Offspring's Reason's to Celebrate Mother's Day

already learning the value of a good book

Mr Cool with the family pooch, whilst flashing us a kangaroo? card.  They must be canvassing the neighbourhood looking for the family kangaroo.  I am not gonna ask.

Happy Mother's Day Jenn, enjoy your day!

Happy Mother's Day to Us

For all you readers who are mothers, Happy Mother's Day to You

I managed to find a few cartoons depicting our day that I am sure will bring some fond memories for some.  For my own two children; thank you for giving me a day each year to celebrate you in my life. You are the best gifts I could ever want and have.

If there had been such a thing as a laptop at that time, this would have been a picture of us. 

Thank you both for many wonderful years.

we'd all like to think our children believe we are this - and most do, for a few years

I'm sure all can identify with this one

And, now for my politically 'incorrect' one:

one of those 'choose your own name' cards!

Do you think it is time for a pedicure?

I really must have my mom book me a spa day soon

Censorship seems to be alive and well

I have friends who ask me how I manage in a country that has such serious issues regarding what I wear, what I say, materials I use in the classes I teach.  The constant comment is that 'as Canadians, we are free of that burden of censorship'.

Well, as I found an internet connection this morning, I read an alumni newsletter which led me to a CBC story about Yertle the Turtle.  Not having all the background on this issue, I was still able to decipher the reason for the subject. While I was in Canada I tried desperately to get teachers to talk with me about having a pen pal program with me across the globe. None would speak to me. Why? Because they were on a sort of strike. I don't know the reason, and I don't want to know the reasons. I am here, they are there.  But this 'work to rule' issue did not give me an opportunity to give many children from two different cultures to learn about tolerance, economics, culture and so much more.  In my opinion, if these teachers were still working, I believe they were not doing their job when I tried to speak to them. For that reason, I do not support their reasons for this 'strike' - whatever their reasons are.  When a non union person has a job, they have a couple of choices. They do their job or they get fired.  Something has gone amok with unionized jobs since the concept of unions came into being.  The whole reason unions were created was to be sure that an employee was not exploited and that their safety on the job was assured.  Again, I say, I do not know their reason for the strike. But a mamby pamby strike that is 'sort of a strike' does not look like they were in serious physical danger, and I doubt very much they were exploited. I guess I could be wrong.  And the result, from my experience, is that children lost the opportunity to know about another part of the world.

If you are still reading, I have not left the government unscathed by my comments.  When fingering a cute green turtle as the culprit in this whole mess I wonder just what kind of society they have become.  Good grief, even where I live there is no ban on Dr Seuss books. The most effective punch, in my opinion comes from a comment in the CBC article that asks the question - if you ban this line in the Dr. Seuss book which refers to placement in a corporate structure as a slogan, must you also ban slogans that chastise bullying and all other rights of the individual? After all, this slogan eludes to bullying.

I am of the age that recalls the controversial Charter of Rights and Freedom in Canada in 1982.  It amended our Canadian Bill of Rights from 1950.  So what is the kefuffle all about in Canada, specifically BC right now?  A line in the story book Yertle the Turtle reads "I know up on top you are seeing great sights, but down here on the bottom, we too should have rights".
For some reason, the higher ups seem to think this is inappropriate to wear as a slogan in the classroom. Does that also mean that believing that slogan is wrong? Does it mean that those at the bottom do not have rights? If so, we as Canadians have not evolved.  


I could not personally debate this issue. I have kudos and criticism for both.  For those interested, here is the controversial story about Yertle the Turtle.  Prince Rupert is located in Northern BC, Canada.


http://www.cbc.ca/daybreaknorth/interviews/2012/04/26/is-yertle-the-turtle-really-banned-in-prince-rupert-classrooms/

Is Yertle the Turtle really banned in Prince Rupert classrooms?

"I know up on top you are seeing great sights, but down here on the bottom, we too should have rights"

- Dr. Seuss, Yertle the Turtle

While I find the banning of this book absurd, let it be known that I also do not completely side with the teachers in this issue. 


Is Curious George next to go?

Friday Flotsam

Today is yay, TGIF.  I managed to get some cilantro at the KipMart, so quickly went home and made myself some salsa.  Piled onto baguette slices and laced with a tiny tin of char grilled tuna, I had myself a very nice lunch.  Now I have to wait for tonight at the Pasir Malam to find myself some treats for dinner. 

What else happened? Well, the guys stopped by with the lemon grass plant for me, so I guess I better get it potted before they come home from work to inspect my outer garden.  I think they were shocked to see me not ready for work. I tend to avoid the crowds on Fridays because I visit a school fairly close to home and only see one mentee.  You get to see the result of that visit this morning.  A couple of the little guys describing their cards and another two who coloured pictures of Christopher Robin and Pooh bear.  This whole group is so advanced in comparison to my other schools, they managed to compress two days of activities into one.  They also tend to make me work very hard – they are full of beans and need to be constantly given tasks to do or all ‘you know what’ breaks out in the class.  I took a present – a zippered bag with a Pooh eraser, 3 Pooh pencils, a Pooh pencil sharpener, Pooh stickers, a Pooh ruler, and a Pooh self inking stamp. Recipient was whoever completely behaved and participated in all the activities fully.  A tough one for most, but the class was incredibly quiet and orderly today.  All wanted the prize, but it is not a prize if everyone gets it. And believe me, everyone did not qualify anyway.  But many were close.

This little guy was the recipient for the prize today. Not only does he work efficiently and cooperatively, he scored 2nd highest at 95% for his English exam this week. Remember, these little tykes are born into Chinese families, speak Chinese at home, and then come to school and learn to read and write Behasa Melayu and English immediately.  All the other schools do not administer exams in year 2, but these guys get into the grove of exam writing at a very early age.  

Having said the students have to learn Basah Malayu and English at school, this little guy on the left has Portuguese heritage, so that is his native language - then has to learn Chinese, Behasa Melayu, and English. Jeepers, that is tough!  The one on the right was the 2nd highest scorer in the exam.

I promised that next week there will be another challenge.  I plan to take everyone a Pooh ruler and hopefully have a reason to give one to each. Plus one special prize for the most behaved.


Here is the link for the video if you care to watch a pair of students with the matching game. The little guy on the left was the high scorer for the English exam this week with a score of 98%.

http://youtu.be/mBHMgmoEl0E

Enjoying a Lamb Chop - Malaysian Style

I think my little granddaughter in Canada has already learned how to be an international traveller.  She has comfortably adopted the Malaysian style of eating her dinner.

A little girl's most important job is to grow. Kolly is making that happen with her 'healthy appetite' and wisdom of how to get the food into the growing vessel. If I was there I would probably yank that chop out of her little fist and nosh it myself. Good thing I am not.

I Hope You Enjoy These

I take videos of most of the work I do.  They are always great for micro teaching and the children also love seeing themselves on video too.

The first one here is a professional development seminar that I did with some mentees.  I was teaching them how to teach the students to give and receive directions. Giving and receiving directions in this part of the world is a bit of a challenge.  Whenever I ask, I always get the beginning posture and words - first, you go straight (with arms outstretched before them, reaching as far as they can possibly reach away from their body, almost as if they were stretching to the actual point I am trying to find. From there on, it digresses and I never get accurate directions to anywhere.  So, with good humour on everyone's part, this video was made for training for classroom activities that are definitely fun.

Keep in mind, one mentee gives the directions, the other - with a paper bag over her head, listens and goes in the direction given.  Her goal is to ring a bell, somewhere in the room; with a flyswatter.  The biggest challenge in this particular exercise is that I placed the bell on the top of another mentee's head.

http://youtu.be/EZmTgKZkDwQ

This next video is one I took today. I prepped the students last week for the activity today.  Last week I read a short story of Winnie the Pooh to acquaint them with all the characters of the story.  Then handed out pages of each character to colour.  Today, they were each given a flashcard with only 1/2 of a picture of one of the characters from the story.  They had to mingle and then find the student with other half. Once found, they had to tell everyone who their character was. After accomplishing that task, they had to turn the card over and hold the two cards together again, because the two pictures on that side were of things that 'go together'. I think this particular video was of a bowl and spoon.  Lots of speaking and listening practice today!

http://youtu.be/pUlT38SK8GA

You may have to buffer the videos. I know I do, but then I have less than adequate internet.

cheers

What We are doing in Malaysia

If you are interested, here is a news article that showcases what we are doing here.  The focus was on Negeri Sembalan, a state that is on the west coast near K L.

What is going on there is the same all over the country.

Here is the story.

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=%2F2012%2F4%2F25%2Fcentral%2F11082440&sec=central