Children's View of Christmas

This is priceless.  Only through the eyes and wisdom of a child could you look at Christmas like this.

Enjoy.
How Children View Christmas

Merry Christmas 2013

It is almost that magic day of Christmas Eve.  The little people are getting a bit testy - it is so hard to be good and they know that is the necessity if Santa is going to leave treats at the house in a couple of days.  But they try, and that is all we can ask.

Merry Christmas everyone, and to those who do not celebrate this day - all the best to you as well for 2014.

Maybe a Good Idea to go back….

Someone sent me this video.  Although it did not get as bad as this here, we did have our fair share of cars and trucks and buses doing pirouettes down the streets. And more than enough people landing on their backsides after taking a step on the ice.

I know that this would never happen in Malaysia. Maybe time to head back.

Navigating nature's ice

Plagiarism or Research?

                     To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism;

                                                     to steal from many is research.   

Nelson Mandela said

Education is the most powerful weapon you can choose to change the world.

Thank You again, Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela - probably the greatest peacemaker this world has known has continued his peace building even after he passed away.  A stadium in South Africa holding leaders from around the world gathered this week to pay homage to a great man. With Barack Obama addressing those gathered, it was also noted that he and Raul Castro shook hands. The world observed something that could only have been caused by the reason they were all assembled that day, and again; Nelson Mandela was that reason.  Let's hope that his presence in the past will continue to heal and reconcile other conflicts worldwide.  To look at that greeting as anything other than peace building is a pathetic way of looking at the world and relations in the world.  It is time for peace.

Sunday is the 101st Grey Cup in Canada

The land of Stubble Jumpers will be hosting the 101st Grey Cup this year.  A hardy bunch will be watching the game in the outdoors that day. Regina is probably the most hospitable city - Saskatchewan, the most hospitable province to host this final game of the season.

For anyone curious about the event - A Stubble Jumper Grey Cup

salmon on Vancouver Island

When the salmon come to this river in the fall, they lay their eggs for the next season and then, as you can see - they die.  Lots of eagles and bears come for dinner these days.  Quite a feast for nature as this cycle of life completes itself each year.

working on assignments - #2

I spent the day working on one of my assignments.  Good progress, so I am taking a break.  I am writing a course for students in business English communications. As I am definitely stalling doing my statistics assignment, I was glad to find this following bit of advise.

For now, I found a very wise suggestion

Canadian Footbal Finals

The stubble jumping province where I began life is vying for the western finals position for our Grey Cup.  They are meeting for the playoff to determine who represents the West in this final in November.  Calgary is the location for this playoff - another home town to me too.  It is said that the city of Calgary is really just Saskatchewan people who moved further west.  I think it is true.

As Saskatchewan (stubble jumper central) is an agricultural province, here is the method of transport that comedians have portrayed their trek to look. Keep in mind that Sask (roughriders) team colour is green, and Calgary (stampeders) team colour is red.

Tricker or Treaters and Jack O'lanterns

A squeaky mouse beside a super hero

Pumpkins outside the front door

And best of all - Ryan arrives today!

The Family Gathers

We Skype chatted with family last night, and are preparing for his arrival on Friday.  The youngest one here was definitely flirting with her uncle, and managed to get pretty buzzed up as she showed off for him.  By mid month we will all be staying over at his new home on the island.  Mr. generosity will be there having beds delivered to the house as we all gather (including his new wife), in Vancouver and travel over to view the property.  The last time we were all together was over 5 years ago.  Good thing people have babies. That was the occasion for our last family gathering. The adventuresome diver came home to meet his new nephew at that time. Now, it appears the reason for the gathering is his own marriage and ownership of property.  Whatever the reason, you can be sure I am a happy lady to have both my children in the same country at the same time.

My school work - good grief!  I have written to everyone at the university to get some answers, assistance, or some kind of direction.  I finally got a response to a question asking if I was on the right track or way off course. I sent an example of what I thought was correct.  Answer: you are on track.  (full stop, end of message)  That does not make me feel any better.  I think I will grab Jenn today and run this stuff by her brilliant brain to see if she can figure out why I am on track, and how I can stay there.  I only have a few more days to get three courses first assignments done and uploaded to the system.  This is not how I like to work. But I have done it to myself, so now must deal with the outcome.  Drat.

Halloween fast approaching - both goblins have promised Uncle Ry that they will save him a chocolate or two from their loot bags.  We have a mouse that squeaks and a superhero Batman that will be representing out household this year.  The mouse practices her sounds regularly and tends to forget that a mouse does not roar, frequently raising her little paws in a claw-like pose, dashing through the house roaring.  (photos to come)

Studies and what to do

As much as I enjoy doing research, quantitative research is not my favourite.  I have an entire class in that area this term.  I am the ONLY enrolled student in that class.  It is not an elective.  It is a core course.  There is no forum for discussion. There is no professor assigned.  I hate it.

Finally wrote my Dear John letter - I am sure the dean (whose name is John) cringes when he sees new mail in the inbox from me.  But no choice.  I needed some assistance. And considering the fact that every other student gets tutorials on every subject every second weekend, I am not asking for a great deal.  We will see what comes of the question.  He did reply speedily, with a name of some person to offer as a tutor.  I wrote.  But now wait to see if they can read, speak, or understand English, and hopefully have a Skype account.  If no Skype, it can be a slow process, or a sleepless one for me if I have to hover around the internet on their schedule waiting for some responses.

I never did get a response as to why I am the only student enrolled in that course, and appear to be the only one EVER enrolled in it.  Maybe I need to do some quantitative research in this area and see if I am simply being tested on something that has nothing to do with the degree, or that it really is not a core course and no one in their right mind would take it.  For now, I muddle along, unhappily.

studies continue - frustration does too

I managed to get all courses finally on my student page, fees paid, and into the material in order to catch up on the delay caused by the move.  What really bugs me is the fact that nothing seems to work on the site, and when it does, there is incomplete information available to do a task. Egad!

Right after I paid my fees, the whole university site shut down. For a few days. This was not the first time this happened to me.  I recall the first time, my buddy who was always laughing at me for taking this in the first place, and telling me to quit throwing my money away on something that will disappear.  Not sure why it shuts down.  But it does, so I try to always download as much as I think I need in case it happens when I need something from the site.  A few days later it was up again, but I noticed that there was a due date for the first assignment for models of instruction - but no assignment posted.  No facilitator name to write to.  I noticed a past semester prof in the forum discussions, so wrote to him. That was brilliant.  He never replied.  So, back to registrar, dean, president, and any other address I could find and finally got a reply from someone only listed as 'staff' who attempted as they always do - to make it appear like I overlooked something.  Thanked her and said yes, it is indeed posted there NOW, that I asked the question.  However, it is so loosey goosey that I have to write again.  No parameters of how long an essay and nowhere to upload it.  Only useful information was to 'submit a hard copy to the facilitator of the course'. But then, who is the facilitator, and what is the mailing address? You can be sure I will not be buying a flight to Malaysia to deliver a few pieces of paper worth 20% of a final mark. So, back to e-mail and taking a few deep breaths to get past this latest hurdle.  I cut and pasted the outline of the assignment, so that I need not be told once again that I misread something that I did not misread or miss.  Hard copy my foot!

I see there are still some readers

I had an amusing conversation the other day.  One of my daughter's friends announced that she and her family were going to a Malay restaurant for dinner that day. Maybe she was demonstrating her international palate.  I was a bit surprised - Malay food is not really something that would be considered restaurant fare over here.  My daughter clarified, and said the Malay restaurants here are more along the line of Thai food.  Talking further, I asked her what she liked in Malay food.  Oh, the nasi goreng is my favourite, was the reply.  Once I composed myself, I did respond - nasi goreng is fried rice.  If a native to Canada has ever been to a Chinese restaurant, fried rice is not a new thing.  And not really Malay.  I think the Chinese have that one sewn up (done a very good job as well) and have had it for many decades or centuries.  So, I am guessing we really do not have Malay restaurants here, but I could be interested in a Thai one - with banana leaf chicken or som tum.

I also amuse myself with greetings.  I never spent time out after dark, so the only greeting I used with any frequency was Selamat Pagi (good morning). Infrequently, I went to the night market - so mastered Selamat Malam. I was walking the dog the other night, saw an older Chinese woman and greeted her with Selamat Pagi.  She must have thought I was nutty.

for now... selamat tinggal

Teach My Child.....

Abraham Lincoln wrote these words to his son's teacher. I cannot think of a better letter written, or a better message for any parent to consider.

Letter to a Teacher

Maple Leaves that fall in fall

A tree ablaze with red leaves just waiting to fall off the tree is a typical sight in October here.

How is that for a BLUE sky?

Here are the leaves that have fallen - interesting how red they are on the ground, and orange they appear on the tree.

Using My Brain - in a different way

From a job that required me to think for myself, think how the learners think, and then guide them to something new, I discover I am just doing the same job with a different set of students.  The students right now are the grandchildren.  They keep one on one's toes.  Their mother has gone off to Florida for some work related meeting.  I am the get them ready and out the door - then reverse at the end of the day - person.  It is exhausting.  They are clever little people who have built a strong set of resources that they bounce off their mom.  I dont want that, I dont like that, I 'whatever' has stopped. Old Nana does not buy the routine. One rule with Nana.  No crying allowed, unless there is physical injury.  Which really means - no crying allowed, because anyone who has ever been a parent knows that when a child is really injured, they never cry.  Use your words is not a sentence I will accept easily.  Say what you need comes to mind.  Then we can negotiate if Nana considers the issue negotiable.  Whining is not allowed.  Big brother, who taught the younger one how to whine happened to notice how unattractive it sounded.  A good lesson for both. And that little 2 year old knows exactly what Nana means when she says whining is not attractive.  She immediately reframes the sentence in an affirmative manner - no wimpy sounds uttered.  What a clever girl!  Today was the best.  Miss 2 year old is very ready for potty training, but no one seems to be picking up on that.  We were outside waiting for the friend who was arranged to take her to the play school, and suddenly with little arms outstretched in a disbelief posture  I was advised ' there is poop in my pants'.  Right, some poop rascal just arrived and tossed it into her pants when she was not looking.  Back into the house we went, changed the pants  and were still ready for the chariot driver.

It is very obvious to me why God gave small children to young parents. It would have been a very mean trick to have changed that rule and given we oldies the little people.   I am looking forward to returning to my studies which begin next week. I have a month and a half to catch up on three courses, so no dallying around for me. Hit the keyboard is what I need to do to get my first assignments done on time.

Not the Tropics - But we do have blossoms

I actually tried to grow one of these in Malaysia. Not a good idea.  When I got home after work, it was wilted and draped neatly clinging to the flower pot as if it were a decal.  These need lots of moisture - which the tropics offers, but a lot less heat.

One Week

I have been home for one week and am beginning to feel human again. There is nothing much better than going to bed with a cool room that is not artificially cooled, and being wakened by the sweet voice of a cherub squealing "Hi Nana - I come down?"  Of course I say yes, and those little feet speed to my bedside to grin at me and plant a warm kiss right on my mouth. Her brother  usually comes along, but I have to admit - there is nothing more precious than a two year old and their babbling enthusiasm of life demonstrated with the chatter that spills out the minute they open their eyes for a new day. She was priceless one morning. I had slept in one of my traditional batik sleep dresses that clearly overwhelmed her. Eyes like saucers, the only words that escaped her mouth like a thought instead of a word - beautiful gown.  She is so observant, like all little people. I slept in another batik and although it was nothing like the pattern of the silk blanket I had made for her, the essence of the batik was there and she knew it.  Her interpretation.  Nana's blankie!

Great news. The diver is heading home in a few weeks too. Life cannot get much better than this, at least not for this old bird.  

Now I Know I Live Here Again

I went to the mall today and bought a sim card for my phone. That clearly tells me that I am here to stay - because I also tossed out the sim card from Malaysia that had several ringgits of use still available on it.

I seem to be the resident of this country with no real fixed address.   I have one address on my driver license, another for my income tax, health care, cc bills and whatnot, and another for parcels being mailed to me from SE Asia.  I would have used the billing address for my phone today but their system could not understand how to key in a direction for the street.

Now - time for a nap.  Kids soon home from school and Nana has to recharge her energy for that and Taco Tuesday.

City forest - a tree house?

Still not in synch with the time zone, I slept, the family went for a hike.  Here is what a tree looks like in this part of the world.  Like a secret playhouse for children....

The Stubble Jumper Goes Home

It took a while, but the title now fits.  I begin the journey today.  My kind driver picked me up early as he said traffic can be an issue. There was no way I wanted to miss the flight, so unfortunately, we got here quicker than expected, and now I sit and wait.  Doesn't matter. I am going home.  With an oversized watch face so the old peepers can see what time it is, I think about what it will be like to be cool instead of sweaty every day. The time displayed on my watch is something that has not occurred yet for my family that is waiting for me. Myself - I get to live it again tomorrow.

this is how a Stubble Jumper looks when she knows she is going home

Tomorrow

Tomorrow, for me, will last for 2 days. I dont care. On the second tomorrow, I will be home.  I can hardly wait.  Now lets see if my national carrier can be at least sort of nice.

2 days and then home

I cannot believe it. It has been such a long time coming, and now, a matter of hours - not days before I begin the trek home.  I have enjoyed the stay in a hotel. That is a big step for me, I normally dislike hotels.  But this one is so spacious, quiet, and conducive to relaxation.  All the ingredients that  I needed.  It is amusing with all the food and beverage staff here. They seem to be in a big competition for employee of the month, so they fall all over themselves trying to be the best employee. They are almost annoying with the cards for me to fill in on their behalf. The first one who was brave enough to bring his card to me must have told the others because the come to me with their card every time I go to any of the lounges or food outlets.  The head chef brought me a plate full of cheesecakes slices when I told him I enjoy cheesecake.  I could not possibly eat it all, so they packed it up and sent it to my room. Good thing I am wearing yoga pants home - I dont think anything else would fit if I actually consume that package of treats.

Tomorrow is repacking day, lining up the bags, and getting to bed early so I can dream about reuniting with my family. I was a lucky lady to have so many visits from Ryan while I lived here.  Right until the end of my residency here;  he even managed to see me in Singapore just before I left K.T. I cant get more attention than that.

As for television here - thank God I did not live here for three years. No Singapore means pure local viewing and a bit of the stuff that cable channels dump on subscribers.  Glad also that I dont count on television for a diversion.  I did find a BBC news channel, but that gets kind of depressing watching news about storm systems, terrorists, and anything else newscasters thing we want to see.

Now as it is almost 9:30, I really should prepare for bed. It's late for a vacation lady.

36 hours until the next journey begins

exiting the country

I had my meeting for all the paperwork for exiting the country.  Somehow they wanted me to sign a document that stated that I had been paid all monies owed me. I was not. I did not.  But to make them quit sweating, I did change the document, initialed it, and had them to the same. I altered it to I have been asked to sign this document agreeing that I have been paid all monies owed me, but since I have not been paid that sum, I will indicate that fact here, and look forward to a speedy change in the status of that payment.

One of the payments was in my bank account in the form of a cash deposit before I returned to my hotel. I am sure the other will be there shortly.  And my new found taxi driver/chauffeur escorted me to the meeting.


All in all a fairly productive day.  So celebrated with a 

becoming human again

It is amazing what some sleep and a bit of real food can do for the body.  I think I am on my way to normal again.  I found a little high tea place in the hotel and picked up a REAL roast beef sandwich to nosh on in my room if I get peckish tonight. The bread is kinda nasty, but there are real veggies on it.  I have had more food today than I have had in the last week, so not prepared for an evening meal at this point.





It looks like I will not be able to get together with my buddy from work before he leaves.  But internet is on our side - so we will just have to figure out a time of day to compromise and chat across the ethers.

As for the clowns we worked for - good luck to them. Whatever one gives to another, they get back probably 10 times over. I am thinking I would not want to be wearing their shoes right now.

12 Hours of Sleep Makes a Difference

I got to my hotel. I had to wait for my room, as they had not quite finished cleaning it by the time I arrived.  Fed rosewater drinks garnished with orchids, I was tempted to eat the orchids, as I had not eaten for a few days due to the frantic pace I was keeping. I restrained myself, and knew I could wait until dinner to nosh. None of the restaurants began service until 6 30, so I returned to the bar where I was given rosewater drinks and had a plate of curly fries and a martini.  Ready to send that martini back, I decided in fairness, I needed to take a sip. It was a cloudy amber colour and I knew I would not like it.  Darn. It was good.  Gin with cinzano apparently. I should have known - over here food and beverage seems to require copious amounts of sugar in order to be consumed.Maybe it was good because I have not had a drink of anything except water or tea for several months. Maybe it was good because I was running on a very low battery. In any case, it was good and went well with the accompaniment of curly fries.  Deciding that was enough sustinance, I went back to my room, and fell into bed at about 5 30 and was lights out by 6 30, so no dinner.  I should have eaten the orchids.  Now 6 am and I think I will survive.  Twelve hours of sleep tends to do that.  There was a fabulous Chinese wedding outdoors last night which I could see from my room. So I guess I can say I have taken in weddings of all three cultures over here.  Some woman belted out the most incredible bunch of songs - a voice like Adele - which did not affect m ability to fall asleep at all.  I have no idea how long this went on, but now before dawn I peered out and all has been cleaned up and back to normal.

4 am and ready to roll

I will wait for sunrise and then head on the trail to Senai.  My landlords showed up last night and were lovely, bearing gifts.  The mother of the family arrived with her son, and passed an envelope to me. I thanked them and told them I enjoyed living here for the past three years. She spoke to her son in Mandarin. She wanted me to count the money. I said I trust you. She still wanted me to count. I did; she smiled broadly.

One last shower in the home that echoes again, and then figuring out how to get everything I need to take onto a discount airline to KL.  I am sure there is a way - and sure also that ringgits are the language.

Wish me luck on this first leg of the journey.  For now, a couple of photos from one of the school assemblies I attended this week. If you ever want to feel like a rockstar, just hang around a few kids.

I am the one that does not have black hair

I am so exhausted I could cry

Main floor done. Now stairs and upper floor bedroom and centre room to wash, and I quit.  The house is almost bare. The house is 199% cleaner than when I arrived, and some furniture donations that spiff it up a bit too.  I enjoyed the stay, but will enjoy home much more.  For tomorrow I envision a 2 hour bath, a nap and then maybe another bath.

The tent has turned into some secret room. After I let the company know that my tax accountant here in KT was not please because my taxes were not paid according to the tax department, I was called immediately and told that they will pick me up from some hotel near KLIA and take me to some appointed meeting place. Still sounds very clandestine; but I guess once they knew I had an accountant and that he had talked with the tax man, things began to change.  Maybe they will take me down some dark alley and beat me up..........

Almost Clean Almost Ready

Tomorrow should finish up the wiping any trace of my presence here. It better, I leave the next morning.  Exhausted, I found a bag of pistachios on a shelf, and a small chocolate bar in the lizard fridge. That was dinner.  Now to bed to be ready to hit the floors and patio and greet my bevy of landlords.

g'nite

One Reason I Can Hardly Wait to Get Home

This little lady has a very special place in my heart.  She is a clown, a dreamer, a kind and loving person. I am so lucky to have her in this group I call family.

I have been flogging the song - Pete the Cat and his White Shoes - all week.
Looks  like we will be singing it a lot next week.

Children Enjoying English

If laughter is an indication of having fun, these year 2 students are definitely having fun learning English.  Thanks to some teachers who played parts in a video that caused the laughter.

Canadian Humour and Reality

Eternal Life!

A guy is walking along a Vancouver beach when he comes across a lamp partially buried in the sand. He picks up the lamp and gives it a rub. A genie appears and tells him he has been granted one wish.

The guy thinks for a moment and says, "I want to live forever."

"Sorry," says the genie, "I'm not allowed to grant eternal life."

"OK, then, I want to die after the government balances the budget ,eliminates the debt and abolishes the Senate.

"You crafty little bastard," says the genie.

3 more sleeps

I can do it.  Not sure how, but I must.  Work, move, pack, and post. But I can.  I almost wish I was an alcoholic - that way I could just get drunk and let someone else pick up the pieces.  But I am not, so I am the picker upper.

A Teary Adieu at a School

My special project school had me there to have a sing song with the students again - to say good bye. They were once again delightful, but started off as usual - very reserved. However, when we began with the John Lennon song Imagine,  they came up to me in droves and each gave me a warm cosy hug. They made me feel like a rock star.  My friend, Ms Wong took several pictures, so I will have fond memories of that day with them in September. The best part for me was hearing their voices join in for the words of Imagine.  The room filled with the sounds of young voices echoing John Lennon's dream.  That, I will miss.

4 More Sleeps

A ton of stuff to do, and only 4 more sleeps.  I can. I have to.  And then it is over for this chapter, and on to KL.  And then home. Not much use for this blog after that, unless people want to know how I learn to be back in Canada - cutlery, drinking water, food, and all else. Another culture shock probably awaits me there.

For now, on the run - to a school, to the pos office, and back to char woman duties.

I Can Do This

Like another Beatle song WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS.... I am getting on top of this moving.  A dear teacher from the old group I mentored showed up with two of her children and a friend.  She first spied a bin that I had and wanted it. I said she can have it for free if she goes to the kitchen and takes the food from the cupboard. We both won on that round, and then I gave her the cupboard.  Her friend arrived and took my computer desk and chair, plus the two fold up comfy chairs in the living room. Washer, dining set, and book shelves are lined up on my patio for Friday pickup.  I now have a chance to clean, instead of moving things from one place to another and back again.  A huge weight off my shoulders, I might even take time to go out for  a bite to eat tonight if I first get the entire main floor cleaned.

Funny, as I progress I also regress. No computer table, no fancy computer chair, nothing to sit on in the living room. But as I said - I will not give up a bed.

A Few People Said 'where's the lake?'

Here are a couple of views of the lake I will be spending time at very soon.  I think you will see why I am looking forward to that trip.

 A lake on Vancouver Island

This view shows a few of the islands on the lake. Nothing like living on an island on an island! The other one shows a bigger perspective of how big the lake is. 

My Living Room is Disassembled

Now I feel like I am on the move. One of my teacher's friends, who turns out to be a teacher at that school, came over today. She wanted my sofa. She saw a photo of it and was like myself - she loved it. That was enough for me to let her have it. It was something I really was drawn to when I bought it, and to know that someone else really loves it too, it belongs there. Then she spied my desk and chair that match. Hubby did not approve.  I was also disappointed seeing the things have to be separated, so 'make me an offer and it is yours'. Offer made, and out it all went. The protective glass on the surface cost more than the offer but that is ok with me. As she was leaving she then saw my jati bench. I had tried every way to get it home with me, but not practical at all. She must be my sister because she too loved it. Sat on it, consulted with hubby again. No.  Make me an offer.  She did. She now owns it.  But what a grand vacant spot in my home now. I can actually begin to clean.  I have five days to get this place in order. I have 12 days before I kick my heels together and say 'take me home'.

BTW it's raining.

I quit early today. Drove myself to Kiki's place and had a wash and dry as my treat for all the hard work I have been doing.  K.K. also dropped in, so gave me good directions to get to Senai on Saturday.  It is harder leaving here than it was leaving home. When I left home I knew I would be back. Tears, yes, but different. These tears are deep, I know I will likely not be back, and they will very likely not come to see me. This is a final farewell to many. It hurts, especially when I see it evoke tears and strong hugs.  Even Rosmerah gang said 'auntie, you must be back, do not go, is your home here now'.  No, boys, it is not my home. It has been, but home is where the heart is, and my heart has returned to Canada.  I did what I came here to do. I did make a change. With those who were willing to change. A successful clearing out day, an exhausting emotional day, an early evening because I deserve it. Maybe time to sit down with the iPad - on my bed, because there is no sofa any longer.  And play a few games that will make me insane.

Back to the salt mines tomorrow. A day off from work for some holiday again, but no rest for this wench, more cleaning and clearing.

PS As I return it to the way it was when I moved in, my home echoes again.  I have drawn a line. I refuse to sleep on the floor again like I did at the beginning.

It's Saturday. It's Raining. I wont miss this a bit

I was smart enough to get up early and pack a box - getting it to the pos office before mr. monsoon hit us again.  I look out at my patio and beyond. The jungle raging to fight this vicious rain and wind. The thunder and lightning roaring and flashing like no other.  I have lived in thunderstorm regions, but never did I have to deal with them on a daily basis year round.  They are a novelty, a natural show to watch and be in awe. But you cannot watch them here. The rain is too heavy to see anything but a wall of rain.  What will I not miss? Monsoons all year long with infrastructure that does not cater to the water accumulation.  And a car that does not have a defog cycle on the air system that allows the mist that accumulates in the car from heavy rain - to disappear.  Maybe I was supposed to stay here until I realized that what I had at home was pretty darn good. Maybe I had to go away from that to see what I could have, and end up setting my standards to that level.  I choose to go home. This Kota Tinggi week will be the toughest of the journey.  So many wonderful people who have become very good friends, and who I know will never come to Canada wait and watch as I say my good byes to them. Even Faizal at the first eatery where I managed to Skype with family early in 2011 said - no you will come back. It is silly, but this is actually more difficult than coming here. On that journey I knew I would be back. On this one, I am pretty confident I will not be back.  Saying these farewells is final. I love how I have caused some boundaries to shift. My Chinese friends hug me, and (dont tell anyone) muslim men do too. (very quick) They say it is because they want me to feel comfortable with my own customs.

7 days to KL

13 days to Canada

Oh, Guess What? It's raining

I will be extremely delighted to not have to say that every day. But then heading back to BC, might also require that sentence for the next several months. But at least there, there is a break from the monotony of daily rain. We have seasons. I managed to drag a 17 kg box of trinkets to the pos office. This part of the world does not cater to those who choose to send things by mail.  I had to haul that bloody big box up a set of 'uneven as usual' stairs. It is now on its journey to the lake where I will be residing back in Canada.  I am sure I will get there before it does. Doesn't matter. It was things I need but not immediately.  Now gathering the energy to pack a second box for shipping and take it tomorrow when it is hopefully not raining.  I had my last bowl of Malaysia popcorn for lunch.   I must have lost weight in this past few days from the sweating, swearing, and stashing I have been doing.

Enunciate or be Misunderstood

A friend sent me this message. It shows you how enunciation can change the message.

Moving Simplifies Life

It simplifies if we take the opportunity to pare down. I did.  And hopefully will not build up again when I get home. Charity has a windfall. I have two bags to check on the airline. Life is good.  In the next few days - clean everywhere, empty my kitchen fridge, and wait for those who want my things to arrive.  And work.

What will I miss? So many beautiful people in Kota Tinggi, who welcomed me into their lives, their homes, their environment and shared it all with me. Today the little girl at the pos office broke down and cried when I told her the package was for me, not for my family.  She said she loves when I come to her to send family packages. She does not want me to leave.  When you come back?  I am not.  Then the tears started.  When was the last time you moved and had the postal worker cry because you left?  That is how this little place is. They love fully. Everyone.

What have I learned?  Many things. Many things about myself. Many things about others I had never contemplated before. Although everything I attempt to do here causes enough frustration to grab for a bottle of tranquillizers, I have come to understand that in this part of the world the expectations of comforts are much lower than my own. Is that bad? Of course not. It just is, and while I am in this time zone and latitude it is my duty to buck up and adopt the same.  I am not always gracious about that.  I am sorry, Kota Tinggi for all the times I have lost patience.  Terimah Kasih, Shay Shay, and Nanri for accepting me as I am.

17 days

You Need a Laugh I Need a Break

Went to pos office today to mail my batik art home to myself. I had planned on sending it to my Lake address as I wanted it to go cheap and long time travelling. Nope, not gonna work.  I sorry miss, but too big.  What?  It weighs about 1, maybe 2 pounds.  No. miss, it too big - long big.  But can send pos laju.  We do that, but first, must wrap plastic wrap around, lie dat.  Please sell me some plastic wrap and dont tell me what it will cost right now to mail it pos laju.  We dont have.  Where might I get some?  A few discussions produced - the stationery shop. I know where that is, so off I sped before she left for her break.

I need plastic packing wrap please for a parcel I am mailing. Looks like I have 10 heads were produced and no words spoken.  Please, I need plastic wrap for mailing, I was told to come here. We do not have.  Well do you have any kind of plastic wrap that is like food wrap but a bit heavier. No, we do not have, it finish.  No, no, it never finish, you likely never had any. Please tell me where I can get it, because you dont seem to have any.  You know - like the kind we see on the furniture we have delivered. OH, FRANNIE, WRONG PHRASE.

Ok, lah, you go to furniture shop. They have.
No they don't, that was just an example. Never mind. sell me this stuff -It appears to be sticky to itself kind. How much is here?  There is no dimensions on the package.  It is RM20.  No, how much length? It does not say lah.  I know that, DO YOU KNOW?

I BUY A ROLL and off I go back to pos office. I now have access to the back counter - where the plate glass door is locked. They let the white lady in because I spend enough for all of them to get a raise.  Everyone greets me and giggles. Auntie is behind the counter.  I asked them when I get paid - this Friday? Next week?  they giggle again. Probably half have no idea what I just said.

Now down to work. We team up and figure out how to unstick the clear plastic from its backing and begin to apply it to the parcel that will be couriered to Canada.  Finally mummified in plastic coating, my parcels are ready for travel.  Turns out I never had to change from glass to plastic after all - pos laju mails just about anything - because they take all your money to do so.  I paid the bill, I then asked - when can they expect this parcel in Canada?  I look, just wait.  Ok lah. Maybe 1 week. Maybe 2 week.
I smile.  I leave.  I will likely be home before my express courier parcel arrives after being padded with a very hefty fee for the speed - all because some little carrier person cannot lift a 4 foot long package in the regular mail department.  I am leaving in 2 weeks.  I should have just carried it onto an Air Canada flight and had my fights with my own kind.

I will be sure to post the art here once I hang it at home. Probably some time before Christmas should be a safe guess.

Woman? Man?

Gotta be a southern belle who wrote this one - 'bahaves'?

Not a description of me - since my life over 'here' I can compete with any truck driver's vocabulary - which I really need to clean up before I go home.  Hence - I must be a man.

11 Days!

If you have been reading and yawning, it is soon over. Only 11 days left in my life in Kota Tinggi.  The vacate is moved ahead one day. More stupidity with the company. What can I say.  But in any case - 11 days.  This week is turning into farewells everywhere. Even the restaurants I trust know I am on my way. They tell me I look not well. They tell me I look so tired. They are right on both accounts.  And interestingly, they are some of the most difficult ones to say good bye to.  I am not sure, but I dont think most people build a relationship with the restaurants they attend. My servers ask me to give my e-mail address. They want to stay in touch. Why? So we can plan the next time I drop in for a meal?  But I give it.  If these people show up in Canada I would be proud to show them my home. Just wear a jacket. These people graciously serve me and feed me foods I can tolerate, always with a smile and kind word.

Today I was clever. I went to the pos laju after work and bought a couple of boxes.  My shoes and a few things need to go home and I dont want carrying heavy bags to and fro. The shoes can take the slow scenic route home and arrive after me.  But boxes are a thing of 'great mystery' here. Pos Laju has boxes, but they are for Pos Laju.  Those words mean something akin to Fed Ex, but Malaysian style. For that reason I am assuming the parcel arrives in its own good time, not at all, or is lifted by the locals.  It also means a hefty price tag. I asked a ball park figure. One box, if filled to capacity would cost me RM1500 to send.  That works out to $500CAD.  No box of shoes is worth that.  So, with a room full of customers I picked out one who looked like she spoke English. She did. After explaining what I wanted and several attempts at her trying it out on the clerk, I got my answer.  I wanted to know if I could use the pos laju box but send snail mail. I can. I bought two. I will. But first have to pack the boxes.

My HM at the Chinese school where the library came to rest still has not written the letter for my own country tax office. I need something to cover the taxes I pay in two countries.  I finally realized on my way to the school - she does not know what to write but cannot ask.  Shoot, I should have just written the letter and taken it to her. But very wise this old bird is. I got there. I was right. No letter. I asked if I could use a computer. I did. I typed the letter, then found someone to show me where to print it. Oops, printer on the blink.  But he was a good critical thinker. He transferred to his own flash drive, which needed to be cajoled and coddled in order to stay connected to that computer, then tried again. Ooops, still no print. He went around the various offices and found some printer that liked his flash drive and brought back the printed letter. Madam signed it. Now all I have to do is gather the courage to talk nicely to my scanner and get it scanned into my own computer.  Please, please oh great scanner of Kota Tinggi, scan one more document for the white lady.

I was having very good luck with the car rental poobah until I pointed out that the person who is trying desperately to take as much money off me as she can,  has a title at the car rental office and at the company where I work. I am guessing no one has ever pointed out that observation before.  Shoot again. I should have kept my mouth shut. Not worth having them exposed and crawling back into their caves to save face.  Shoot, will I never learn.  It was fun to poke though.  I will think of that incident as one more example of intercultural communications.  Which brings me to my own learning halls. I need to set up the next set of course before I leave. No sense in changing my money to CAD and then using a visa to pay these guys in ringgits all to give the banks and cc companies extra bucks.  But that nightmare of going to the bank, lining up like a bus depot, and getting fingerprinted to transfer funds to a university is more than I can face right now.  Maybe this can wait until next week.

So, tomorrow is another school.  Pos Laju, pos office, and whatever else falls in my lap.  I did manage to collect the certificates (left behind) because of  my school that did not attend the shindig. OMG.  We left them (well technically I guess - I - left them) in the party room. We escaped quickly because the bloody rain was pelting down and thunder was rocking the building. No certificates in my hand. Probably a good thing. They would have been wood pulp again with that rain. I was sure they were gone forever. But my bud said no way - they will be exactly where you left them. They were. Amazing.  I consider this one of the good features of those who do nada.  It worked for me this time.

I think I will just show up at the JB car rental office - unannounced. That way, they cannot be prepared for me wielding bats, hammers, and clubs to trash and smash my car in order to justify it needing repairs while in my custody, because after all, in my custody means my responsibility for repairs no matter what the cause.  Maybe that can be Friday's entertainment.

wish me luck

Bag Packed, but that is all.

I carefully weighed each little sack of clothing I hand picked to take home. I still have 6 KG space in that bag, but ran out of steam.  The bedroom cleaned, and some laundry taken to the dobi, I congratulated myself with a thin crust pizza from Dominos. Oh please, I will return to my old ways and never cross the threshold of Dominos when I am home again.  But better than chicken when you live here.

Someone is going to be well dressed once I get these things to the charity bin.  But for now - pizza and grape juice. Bon Apetit

Thank You to Friends Who Check In on Me

I got a message this morning from a friend who faithfully reads the blog and contacts me when she thinks I need a familiar word or encouragement. Today was such a day.  I wrote back and then realized that I lean on more than allowing others to lean on me. I really should consider the fact that we all have our mountains to climb, and mine is no rockier than the next. Just mine.

Yesterday was a particularly tough day for me. So much crap hits the fan far too often here, too many idiots get away with stupidity, and one has to be on one's toes all the time.  A new friend was very encouraging with me - she listened, she advised, she offered support, however I needed it.

Today's goal is to get the upstairs back to basics.  Plus furniture and water heater I am donating.  But the process is difficult. Especially when you couple it with eating. The Chinese restaurants only open up late at night here where I live. That I guess is because they are all busy working all day. So, taking a page from that, I guess I need to accept where I am right now in getting my life in order, and quit whining.  Before I do that, here is the cause of the whining right now.

Packing my other bag today. Anything I wear from today forward will peel off and go in the trash. Right down to undies. I like that!  You can imagine what kind of wardrobe I will be wearing that is trash barrel worthy. 

I cried yesterday. Could not figure out what to eat. Am grazing thru the fridge to clean out food and could not face that again. Option in KT?  KFC or McD. Or food poisoning in a food stall. I realized any choice here is chicken. The Chinese restaurants open too late at night to wait. I cannot do another rare chicken   So I cried and ate popcorn at home. 

I am ok today. I had an ice cream bar for breakfast. :)