Moments to remember..too

One day, I was assisting in a BM class. Teacher had instructed the children to create a card for their fathers since Father's Day celebration was just around the corner then. They were each given a piece of colour paper for their card.

Now there's nothing extraordinary about carrying out this activity. This would be the perfect opportunity to teach the children some common greetings associated with father's day. In fact, Teacher had already given a few samples on the board for the children to copy should they not have any ideas of their own.

Now, in this class, there were three boys who are infamous for their discipline. Well, they were just naughty boys. They would speak the loudest, run instead of walking and of course, boys being boys, sometimes fight with each other. Its lesser now, though. Yet, they were actually best of friends.

Everyone was busy at work with their cards. There were some were trying to decorate the cover, some trying to copy the messages in their cards, and there were others who thinking what to do. The three boys were also hard at work, although they had both their hands and mouth moving at the same time. Nonetheless, I could see that they were enjoying this activity.

As usual, I went round assisting those who needed assistance. Cutting out heart-shapes, showing them how to colour their cards, give them ideas how to decorate their cards, and most importantly, reminded them not to forget to write their father's day messages in Bahasa Malaysia.

With about 10 minutes to go, one of the three naughty boys had finished his card. I took a look at his card and praised him for a job well done. He looked pleased and then asked if he could have another piece of paper. I gave him one after Teacher said it was alright.

Instinctively, I asked him what he would do with the paper. He shrugged. Then, in his usual split second change in behaviour, he said, "I know! I will make a card for Ms Principal!' He quickly got started. I was surprised but smiled.

Now, Ms Principal is our school principal. And this boy, well, lets just say that he has had numerous visits to her office. I looked at him, so engrossed in creating his card. He was fast, keeping every simple, minimal decoration at maximum speed. Finishing the card, he showed me. I smiled, praised him for his good intention.

Then he did the most interesting of things. He asked me to send the card to Ms Principal on his behalf! He was so insistent that I could not say no. Seeing that class was almost going to end that time, I asked him if he would like to come along. He immediately said, no and insisted that I helped him deliver the card. 'Now ya' he kept repeating, his face looking so earnest that I cannot help but smile. I sent the card after class.

Of course, my principal was very surprised and pleased at the same time. She asked me to call the boy down to her office. I did and left for my another after that. I saw him again after that, smiling unusually wide. He told me, he got an apple from the principal. I smiled.

fDog professionalism..

So where do I stand now? Whose umbrella should I take shelter under? English? Or art? Today that I am confused, is totally understated. I am very angry and confused.

Today, another sample of hasty and very unprofessional management was proven to me. Unfortunately, to me. I was just back into the staffroom, barely started on my marking and was just about to be asked something from my opposite neighbour when The fDog came in. She came straight to me, in such jittery and broken manner, told me that Ms Principal requested that I join along the Art&Crafts Club, since I am teaching Art. I stared at her, and sent her a big 'Huh?!' to her face. She repeated herself, distinctly I could feel her stressing when she said Ms Principal.

I knew I was stunted, pissed, angry, very angry and my face was showing. I just gave a simple, 'K', asked her where it was held, and then just ignored her. I continued chatting a little with the teacher, slowly arranged my books before deciding to go to the studio. Yes, I was actually debating whether to go or not to go. In the end, I went. I am but a teacher by choice.

It is not that I am reluctant to go, but I think that all these should be inform beforehand. As a manager, you manage, and manage well. What kind of management is this if I only have 1.5 rest periods, to do marking, while the rest is filled with classes and duties, regardless if I am the main teacher or not? Furthermore, you cannot justify that way, when there is another art teacher as well. Why is she in the club then?

I do not want to compare in such sense, so please do not give unreasonable reasons. If you need me to be there, just say so. I am not a kid, or a fresh player in the working industry. As much tact as you can have, if you are not professional in conduct or execution, you will still fail to my garner support and respect. In fact, it might just backfire on you and what you have gathered so far, will slowly be peeled away. I cannot, just cannot, be another fDog!

Tomorrow I am going to have another full day with just 2 periods free, which of course, there will be markings to do. In other words, there's no free period at all, not even free to plan and prepare my lessons! Am I suppose to be so boxed down with so much duties? Do you think that I can function better without sometime to plan out my lessons? A teacher has to plan and manage, too!

I am beginning to hate this school and that's bad.

Which side of the coin?

Do I want to see the school close? I had given that thought some weight, but in the end, I still could not make up my mind.

While I would be very happy to get the directive from the ministry to have our school shut down for a week, that could only mean one thing. Quarantine!! And that meant, there is at least a person from my school has been infected by the virus, and has exposed his or herself to us. In other words, no traveling can be done if that is declared. Neither going out nor going home. I am stuck here, cracking the head to find entertainment to amuse myself.

On the other hand, it's good to have the extra one week of so-called rest. I could catch up planning for my suddenly thrust upon art lessons. I get ready some planning for about 4 weeks worth of lessons. Also, I would be able to recover myself from the current exhausting state that I am. Yet, on the other 'other' hand, which probably points back to the original hand, most likely we would have to replace all the classes which we miss, which could only mean, more exhaustion later.

Argghh.. weighing the pros and cons. See, do you understand why I said that I just could not make up my mind? I stand to gain from either sides of the flip of the coin. And I stand to loose from either sides of the flip of the coin, just as easily. The question now is which one would I prefer before channeling my energy there!

EXhaustion

The new semester started last week, amidst all the hype of the latest pandemic. Panic button has not been pressed by the Education Ministry yet, but mine has! Right from the moment I was 'casually' informed by the Ms HR, who was 'casually' busy on the photocopier, the button was stuck in that mode!

Panic attack! I was in a state of panic. Yours truly was practically dazing the day, just trying to get through. It did not help that when she gave that little bang on my head, it was the first day of school and I had just brought back my body to this part of the earth. Undoubtedly, the soul, mind, and heart are definitely still over there. The alarm sounded when Ms Principal later announce, (no) but it's for the whole level! I was dumbstrucked! What??!! Five classes? Alas, nothing came out of me. Too stunt!

A week into it, I am exhausted. Very much exhausted. I have packed days. Although my schedule does not really show it's pack, but my have tons of book markings to do. I am taking 2 english classes for book marking, on top of the five art classes. It's exhausting. I am exhausted.

I would say that for the past six days being in school, slowly, I am bringing back the mind to work. But now the body is being stretched. I am not sure how long, how thin, how far it can be stretch, and am really afraid that it would snapped. It's just too taxing.

Today, I would have journals from 2 classes to review and definitely new incomings of books to mark. Of course, on top of that, I will have to prepare for my art lessons. There are colour papers to be cut and drawing papers to be torn out of their drawing books. I am so not looking forward...to exhaustion!

Expect the unExpected

It's getting late and I have just finished my second art piece for the semester. This would be the sample for this week's art lessons.

My second week into teaching art to eight year-olds and already I'm feeling a little stressed out. It's good kind of stress though. I worry, but it's more on thinking how may I overcome those problems that might face while executing this second lesson. I have ideas, improvision ideas and that's a good sign. Normally, I am lost when it comes to thinking how to execute an academic class, finding the best way to explain something to kids so that they may understand. I am just too rigid, able to explain a point in one way. The golden rule I have became aware of, expect the unexpected.

This week, they are going to do some cuttings and pasting to make art pieces. I have done the sample. It is not difficult, yet, I think it's not easy either for eight year-olds to do it like that way I did it. Therefore, I think that I would modify some steps so that they would not complain too much and the lesson could be done smoothly. Also, I dont' want their parents to come back to me, complaining the hands of their children got hurt during art lessons.

I just worry that when I show them the example, they would just let me know, teacher, we have done that before! I hate that the most, simply because it's difficult to take over a class without any experience in your hands, and neither having ample time to prepare mentally nor the time to consult the previous teacher. Making an appointment with her was just difficult last week, I practically did not see her enjoying any free periods. Pity to her. Luckily, I have a very good consultant staying here with me.

Let's then just pray for a great day as a start a wonderful week!

Sharing....albeit limited :)

I wrote about June's being here, when June just got here. The all important June with its announcements. To share the truth, there are 2 announcements to be made by me.

The first one, the closest of my friends knows it. Only one did not anticipated, thus was shocked to hear it from me. Of course, queries followed, tons of them. I don't blame her, she didn't know the history of 'what lies beneath'. Haha! But it was certainly a great relieve to share it out with them. I guess, something so important as such is really difficult to hold in alone, not especially when it's something soon or later, others would know about.

Now, the second one is a little tricky. So far, I've only shared with 2 persons, with the strictest of instructions to them, that it's confidential. This week, in June, because we, Wonderful Guy and myself, had agreed to only to say it out in June. Timing I guess, so as not to shocked the world.

Friend #1 was really surprised to hear. Good surprise, she said, but she really did not expect me to do that. At least, not now. I was just glad to share that with her. She was very, very happy to hear that coming from me. Perhaps, at least, finally something is going to make me stop moaning so much to her ears. Friend #2 was also surprised with what I shared, but glad for me, and also for her!

I was afraid though, because prior to that, I had not seek the consent from Wonderful Guy to inform. I certainly did not anticipate his so very positively happy reaction. He said, at last, it was taking us to another milestone, putting cement in the mixture of us.

I love him for that!

Moments To Remember..LoveOnWheels

It was my first time. Not knowing what to expect, I was really impressed by how orderly things went. In matter of about 10 minutes, it was all done. We packed up and was already ready to head to the second stop, which was about 15 minutes away. When we arrived at the second stop, it was similar as the first.

The lines were already formed. 2 lines, 2 very long lines. From the young ones to the old ones, from mothers to children to uncles and aunties. They were all there, their faces full of hope, waiting eagerly for us to arrive.

Quickly, we wasted no time. The team worked together. In just a couple of minutes, the banners were up and 'Love On Wheels' were ready to serve. Just like at the first stop, 'Love On Wheels' started of with a short speech by none other than Auntie Clarine herself and also the Team Leader, followed by, of course, the Fungates Cheer!

I was amazed to see how almost everyone present joined in the cheer. The seasoned ones cheered enthusiastically, while the newbies joined in. Boy, they were certainly fast learners! By the third and last cheer, everyone was cheering their hearts out. Amazing spirit!

While the food was being given out, some of us took the opportunity to get closer with the people. We chatted, smiled, high-fived, greeted as much and as best as we could with everyone. It was really interesting to note that at time, age, race and religion holds no barrier. All of us were just there for each other.

Within 15 minutes, everyone has gotten their packs of food. Happy and relief faces were everywhere. We too were smiling, another successful trip. Tired but glad we could offer this little help via 'Love On Wheels'.

Moments to remember..

Previously, as part of the administration team, my job required me to answer phone calls to the school. Most of the phone calls were from parents, with issues ranging from simple inquiries like wanting to know when is school dismissal time to handling complaints. I remember one request from a mother of a primary two student.

She was concerned of her daughter who had fever the day before. She called up the school, hoping that the class teacher could help look out for her daughter's temperature, particularly on that day, afraid that might she run a fever again. I suggested we could get her to office and get her temperature measured then and once again after lunch, just to make sure she was alright. The mother agreed. So, the girl had her temperature measured during those times, and both times, she was normal.

I had thought, that was it. It was just a routine job to me. But I was wrong! One day, when I was walking, a girl greeted me, so cheerfully. I looked at her face, but couldn't place where I've met her. Then I saw the nametag. Oh, it was the girl! The girl whose temperature I took. She just came up to me to say hi. I was really moved. I chatted with her a little while before asking her to get back to her class. I really did not expect that she could remember what I did. Furthermore, I was not a teacher then, just someone who works in the front desk in the school's office. But it really made me feel better that day.

Anyway, I have moved on, and am now teaching her art. :)

Oh, whistle, don't you get tired..?

Finally, a moment devoid of the shrilling whistling of the traffic personnel. No, I am not wrong in using not using traffic policemen. I believe these are members of the public like you and I, carrying out their daily job. Their job is to control the movement of the traffic in the respective areas. Almost all of them are in uniforms, complete with a helmet, and has a whistle hung around their neck.

I've never met one who had been hesitant in using the whistle, so far. From the room, high above see level, I can hear clearly, the sounds from the whistle. Non-stop. No respite. If there was a rare occasion of silent during the day, then to have that moment last for more than a 10 seconds is definitely an impossible wish.

The whistle blower, literally, surprisingly exudes lots of authority. Drivers and riders, hell as they are on the roads, listen and obey to this so-called traffic personnel. He first blows the whistle to get the attention before continuing with another few more blows to direct the traffic.

What's best, the drivers don't seemed to get confused at all, with this constant whistling. I marvel at this. In an area where perhaps there could be more than one person blowing the whistle, the drivers are still able to understand which whistle blow is for them, and abide by them.

It's a little irritating, though, to have to hear this whistling all day long, non-stop.

Right to be fussed-over

Why do parents think that it is very okay on every thing that concerns their health? My mother, lady who well looks younger than her actual age and very hardworking, was telling me about the fainting spell she about a week ago, nonchalantly. I was, well, speechless.

The way she said it, as though it was no big deal. She had indigestion problems that day, she said, suspected caused from consuming mushrooms. A bout of vomitting followed well into the night, I was told. During one trip, I forget the details, but she did mentioned she was holding the door knob when she felt dizzy and almost black-out. What was the word she used, 'layu'. That, I think, was serious enough.

Then she proceeded to add, after that, though I am not sure how soon after, she went to the washroom, having felt discomfort in her bowels. Standing up from the bowl and heading towards the sink, which need not any more than a step, she fainted! She fell head first, her face hitting the mozaic-tiled floor, faced down! What gets into me was how she was smiling while pointing at the scars where the bruises from the fall were healing! I can't believe it! She's taking the whole thing so un-seriously, as though the scars were bonuses or something to be happy for!

I rapted her for that. Questioning her for details, she added, happily(?) that she even took medical leave the next day. What? The next day?! I was very angry and sad and dismayed and confused, all at the same time. That they, my father and mother, only decided to go see the doctor the next day?!! Oh My Goodness, what was going on in your respective minds at that time, father and mother?

Pressed on, she related that the doctor gave her only normal medicine, no referral or letter of recommendation to visit the hospital for, perhaps a further check up, or X-ray. No need, she had given her own diagnosis. Perhaps, just lacking of air due to ingestion. I really cannot stand it anymore. Clearly, this is no simple matter. If you need to give your own diagnosis, then definitely, you know something's wrong. Why can't she see that? Why can't they see that? Why can't the doctor see that? Or perhaps, doctor was not aware of it? Speechless..

She even had the cheek to add that she was lucky enough have not-too-bad bruises. If she had knocked on the basin, she would had worse bruises. I really cannot fathom her logical thinking at this point. Hitting huge wate-filled basin would spell disaster! What then if she fell head first into the basin??!!! How could she say, it was lucky??!!!

Clearly, I am in no position to understand the way her mind works and process things. I do not think that I want to. It's just wrong. You do not say it's alright after suffering all these. Perhaps indigestion might have caused all these, but it's not okay. It must have been a very very bad state of indigestion for all these to happen. And that means, something is very wrong. It is just not alright. I am bewildered too, as to why my father failed to act upon those, seriously. Just visiting the clinic is not enough. He, of all person, should know that.

You have the right to be fussed-over. It is not wrong. I am the right to fuss over you, just like you had over us, when we were little, suffering but only bouts of the normal fever or cough or flu. If force is needed, it will be applied, for I think that you need a medical check up, thoroughly done, to check and confirm and affirm.

June's (!) here !!

The Big JUNE is finally here! After a long wait, it finally has come. I'd be lying to say that I am not waiting for it. For months, it has been the plan to wait for June, before any announcement can be made.

What announcements? That might be swirling in the heads of some. Well, announcements of sorts. Who I am now, Where I am, and How I am. Definitely! I am me, un-single, yet not un-attached. I've moved from the place I was living, from the people I was living with, from the house I was living in, to this new place that I am living, with new people that I am living with and in a new place that I am living in. Am I doing well? I feel so. Yes! Loving every minute of it and living every second of it!

That's all? Maybe..not. That's not all. There's another pending announcement to make, but it's not mine to make, alone. Definitely, it's a mutual decision. Why June? Well, a study, a very unprofessional study, was made and then a timeline graph was charted, for me. From that study, it was decided that June would be the month of executions.

June! Do hope that this June will not bring much cowardice in me. All the announcements requires tons and tons of courage and bravery. Yours truly is but famous for backing out at the last minute, no. So, she definitely hope that this June will be one of executions, not exclusions!

Alas, hoping that this June will not pass without waiting for me. June, please yeah, do not go too fast., not like May. Do wait for me. Have mercy for me to have my announcements made. Only then, if you want to whizz pass me, you may!

another writer, i'm excited!

Yesterday, I saw a very interesting note from a friend. She's writer, yes, she is. She has written some very interesting articles and posts over time in social applications such like multiply, facebook, friendster, etc.

This girlfriend is one very talented writer. She writes, and writes very well. Her ideas always clearly stated and simply put. Her topic of interests, wide but very identifiable. I have to admit, I look forward to reading her writings, the few ones that she wrote about.

It never did occur to me then, that she did not have a blog. Worse, did not cross my mind to actually ask her to have one. All the time, the places where she'd share her thoughts and spread her insecurities had been those places where I'd be able to access, no restrictions. Everywhere, yes, but everywhere too, I'd follow. No complains.

So when just a couple days ago, if my memories fail me not, she mentioned that she finally had a blog created for herself, I was a little surprised. Then only it dawned to me that yes, she actually had not any blogs under her belt. She has been writing and posting but not in a blog. The birth of the blog might be pushed and persuaded upon her, yet, I have this little hunch that this little action is THE big stepping stone towards her happiness in time to come.

Last I checked, in just a couple of days, she has managed a few postings! Areas covered included introduction, promotion and indecision. So well thought of! How great can that be right? Really, I now have another blog to notice and learn from. I'm really excited!