PMR SEMINAR - SMK TAMAN UNIVERSITI

Finally, the seminar for the second PMR group of my own school was successfully carried out. The session should be done earlier but I was sick at that time. Then, it was postponed to last Monday and then, I had a flat tyre on my to school from UTM, so it had to be cancelled. Today, while delivering, the power supply was disrupted a few times but thankfully, everything went well until the end and majority of the students were attentive enough. So, I guess there was not much to complain.

This should be the last seminar for PMR done for this year. The exam starts on October 5 next week. Hopefully, whatever I have presented to everybody who has been listening to my talk will be a great help in their effort to get good grades in the English paper.

PMR SEMINAR - SMK PERMAS JAYA 3

I went to give a talk at SMK Permas Jaya 3. The session had been rescheduled for so many times but at last I managed to make it there. I was having difficulties in finding my way to the school but that was my mistake. I should have called the teacher in charge and asked for the directions. I stopped twice to ask for help (a security guard at a neighbouring school and a staff of a petrol kiosk) and the funny thing was they both gave me the wrong directions. Despite the fact that I was late, the session went well and the students gave full cooperation and very responsive. I guess this will be my second last PMR seminar conducted for this year as the exam starts on Tuesday next week.

MONDAY MORNING BLUES

Being a hardcore blogger, while Suhaizie was busy changing the car tyre, I was busy snapping pictures

As I was driving back to school from my class in UTM, I sensed something was very wrong with my car. I stopped and checked, and discovered that I had a flat tyre. Being a damsel in distress, I had to think very fast of people who were in the vicinity and someone popped into my mind. So I called up Mr. Suhaizie, an ex-student  from SPM batch 2006 who is now studying in UTM, to come to my rescue. In a few minutes time, the knight in the shining armour arrived to help change the punctured tyre and it was definitely a big relief to get someone to help.

So thanks again Suhaizie for the help. The brunch was not worth the assistance given and may Allah repay your kind deed.

THE 17th DAY OF HARI RAYA

Another group of students came visiting on the 17th day of Eid. This time it was the boys from 2KP1. All of them were sent by their parents (and two were car-pooling) and there two people from Kelantan who are the cousins of one of them. I must be very lucky to receive guests from such far away place.

Thanks also to Faiz who had brought along cakes and drinks, and also Emirul for the home-cooked food like ketupat, chicken curry, sambal goreng and serunding.

After five of the group members had left, I decided to drive the other three to Sultanah Aminah Hospital as one of their classmates was hospitalized after undergoing a surgery for appendicitis. We met another two of their classmates there. So thanks to Dhuhaa for letting us take the photo with you on the hospital bed and I was to glad to know that she was already discharged today. We pray that Dhuhaa will get well soon and see you in school after you have recovered.

THE 16th DAY OF HARI RAYA - POTLUCK IN SCHOOL

As a tradition, a pot luck was held in conjunction with the Eid. Consequently, the food prepared was food that was cooked specially for Hari Raya like ketupat and lemang, chicken rendang, lodeh etc. At the same time, not many students turned up for today's replacement school day so we had more time to spend eating in the staff room.

I guess everybody went home happy, but I was getting worried that I had put extra weight by now.

THE 15th DAYA OF HARI RAYA - TAHLIL

This an annual event held during Hari Raya. I tried hard to gather the male teachers, for both the tahlil event and also the Eid celebration. This was the fourth time I did this at home. More people turned up for this event, and my Chinese and Indian friends also were here. So after the recitation of the prayer that marked the end of the tahlil, food was served and this time my sister prepared Laksa Johor for everyone.

Thanks a lot for those who were present. With God's will, I will try to organize similar function next year for Hari Raya. I was glad to see that everybody had a jolly good time.

AN EID CARD FROM HAWAII

My third Hari Raya card arrived from Hawaii today, so now I already have 3 (real, non-virtual) greeting cards in my keeping. Thanks to Puan Suzanni Amin for her kind thoughts. Love the card as it is very informative and patriotic in a way. I will see you in Hawaii soon. LOL.

THE 10th DAY OF HARI RAYA

On the last day of the school break, three form 3 students came over, Syahir, Zakki and Hasmudin, and it was really thoughtful of them to come all the way considering the fact that they are going to sit for the PMR exam in two weeks time. I always find that it is easier to entertain people when they arrive in smaller number. I can be more focused when chatting and in a way, more stories can be exchanged. Perhaps the equation can be illustrated as such: time/number of people = space + comfort + satisfaction.

The second guests came without early notification but it was alright as long as I was at home. Mr. Ashabul Adnin, accompanied by his wife and infant daughter, is one from the earliest batches of students. He is from 1997 SPM batch and is now working in Kuala Lumpur. So far, he is holding the record for being the "oldest" student who came over for Eid.

And right after that, I went off for more house visits, friends and relatives, five houses in total. I am now very worried because my tummy is overloaded with Hari Raya cookies and I am having a class at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Nevertheless, throughout the ten days of Hari Raya, I have met many relatives, friends, students and ex-students too so it was a memorable occasion.

Everybody is going back to school tomorrow after a very long Hari Raya break. Too much of holidays is not good for you as I am sure everyone is still in the festive mood by now. And just to remind, the end of the school holidays does not mean that the celebration has ended, 10 days down but 20 days more to go. *sigh*

THE 9th DAY OF HARI RAYA

I'm sure by now you are already tired reading my Hari Raya stories, but that is all that happened throughout the week. As for today, I had attended two wedding invitations and two Hari Raya visits. The second wedding invitation was in Pekan Nanas which happened to be behind Aliff's house, so I paid Aliff (from SPM batch 2007) and his family a visit as well - talking about killing two birds with one stone.

The next house that I went was Mr. Sabri's at Taman Pulai Flora. It could be some sort of an open house but I was there towards the end of the event so not many people were around. However, I met Puan Shirley and Puan Baderah with their families so it was still a merry get together.

I am sure that I have grown fatter by now. And one more day left of the long, long Hari Raya break.

THE 8th DAY OF HARI RAYA

So the Eid story continues. Today, I managed to pay visits to two houses. The first one was unintentional as I was there just to pick a student, Fahmi, to tag along to another house but I was invited in. Furthermore, his mother, Ustazah Zaiti Ismail, is also a colleague of mine so I had not much choice.

The second house was so far the furthest I had been to for Hari Raya. I was invited by Mr. Shavarin, the one who came to my house on the second day of Eid. I had to go to be reciprocal but that was a good break or else I would be only staying home entertaining guests.

And lastly, late in the evening, another ex-student from SPM batch 2007 came over. I was Hilmi's tuition teacher when he was in form 3 and form 5 but he was one loyal kid who visits me regularly during Hari Raya. He had to come late because he went to many houses before arriving to mine and at the same time, I was also having a group of relatives before he came. Then, his brother dropped by and joined him before they bade good night at almost 1:00 a.m.

I have to attend two wedding invitations tomorrow and most probably visit a family's friend. Two more days before I have to go back to school. I think I am already getting lazy; too much holidays is not good for you.

THE 7th DAY OF HARI RAYA

More people came visiting today. The first group was Avinash, Luqman Hakim and their friend, Syazwan. They were from SPM batch 2006.

The next group to arrive was Encik Ismail, his wife and children. All of his schooling children were in my school before and we have become more like family friends now. There should be more pictures coming as I am still waiting to be tagged in Facebook.

Zulfadzelie, also from SPM batch 2006, came alone in the evening. He was in the hospital, taking care of his sick grandfather and it was very thoughtful of him to come over before going back to college tomorrow.

And then, I went to an open house invitation at Taman Pulai Utama. I was invited by an ex-student, Salma Sakeena (from SPM batch 2007), via sms. When I was there, I got to meet her sister, Sarah Khalida, who was also in my school before and also more ex-students who happened to visit her. I really enjoyed the lasagna, pasta and pita bread which had made me full and could not allow me to sample other delicious food served on the dining table.

So, after a week of Eid has gone by, I have met quite a number of people, friends, ex-students and relatives. Bear in mind, Eid is celebrated for one month here and therefore there could more people coming or I myself going visiting. Pray that I will not put on weight.

THE 6th DAY OF HARI RAYA

An ex-schoolmate decided to come for Hari Raya visit after seeing a picture of Dr. Md. Som and me that I posted on Facebook. Another "long-lost friend", we used to do house to house visit during Hari Raya when we were schoolmates in SMS Muar before. Mr. Mahayuddin is a very successful person in his career (which I should be asking what he actually is working as) and he owns a firm. He is also staying here in JB but most of the time, we are so near yet so far away. Sometimes we are too occupied with our work, or too busy with other things to get acquainted with old friends. I hope we can see each other more often after this.

Another group of ex-students from SPM batch 2001 dropped by in the evening, which consisted of Mr. Azeze, Mr. Hazizul and Mr. Shah Erhan. I am glad to say that we manage to meet more than once in a year but a Hari Raya visit is definitely compulsory. However, after the regular eat-the-cookies session, we went out for dinner at Kampung Melayu. Afterwards, when we went back to my house, as the conversation seemed never to end, they were forced to stay for cups of hot tea and in the end, they had to extend their visit right until midnight. As one of these guys is going to settle down at the end of this year, I wonder whether this kind of get together can be carried out in the future anymore but never cross a bridge before you come to it. Keep your fingers crossed, people!

THE 5th DAY OF HARI RAYA

A group of ex-students from SPM batch 2006 came today, 15 of them. Majority of them are still studying in instituitions of higher learning and time like this will be the opportunity to meet up.

They started coming for Hari Raya when they were in form 2. At that time, they would start as early as 9:00 a.m. from Taman Universiti, taking the bus to Larkin Terminal and from there, they would take taxis to get to my place. Going back will be much simpler because they could take a direct bus from my house to the town centre and from there get a bus back to Taman Universiti.

And now, many of them can already drive, so travelling is never a problem and car-pooling is always an option. I am very happy to see them every year during the Hari Raya and hope this tradition will continue in the future.

THE 4th DAY OF RAYA

The first get together of the day was with Dr. Md. Som and his family. Dr. Md. Som is my ex-schoolmate (of SMS Muar) who is at present running his own clinic at Parit Raja, Batu Pahat. The last time he came to my house was we were still in school so it was about 22 years ago. But being a true blue Jaybeerian (the term we used to refer to people who came from JB [Johor Bahru] when we were in school) he would not have the problem of finding my whereabout.

The next family that came visiting was Mr. Sabri's, a colleague of mine. His family is also one of the regulars during Hari Raya. Two of his daughters, Habibah and Hanani, are now studying in my school.

After the fourth day of Hari Raya, it seems that the number of people visiting is not as many as last year, or is it too early to tell?

THE 3rd DAY OF HARI RAYA

Ariff (SPM batch 2009), Aliff (SPM batch 2007) and their family members came over today for Hari Raya visit. They were regulars and I was looking forward to seeing them. Now that Ariff and Aliff are away most of time, long holidays like this is the only time to meet up. I could even see their sister has grown bigger and taller now. Thanks a lot for coming. Well, we still owe each other an outing, so hopefully we could do that for the next semester break.

THE 2nd DAY OF HARI RAYA

Eid or Hari Raya is the time to visit each other. While for some, it is once in a year affair, for others, they may be reunited after being away for some time. Puan Wan Noorziah's family was the first visitors I had for this year. She was teaching in SMK Taman Universiti before this and then went to Putrajaya to follow her husband. One of her sons, Adib, the eldest, was also one of the students of my school but is now teaching English in UiTM (if I am not mistaken), following his parents' footsteps.

The other guests that I had at home were Syazwan, accompanied by his father and brother. The last time we saw each other was at Pulai Spring during the breaking fast session there.

So thanks for visiting. I keep wondering whether there would be many people coming this year or not.

HAPPY EID UL-FITR 1431H EVERYONE

WISHING EVERYONE A BLESSED AND JOYOUS EID UL-FITR FOR THE YEAR 1431 HIJRI

Do expect more postings of my students visiti to my house, just like last year.

CAKES FOR THE COMING EID

Marble Cheese Cake and Fruit Cake - yummy!

Received good news today. My cakes for the coming Eid were ready for collection. The cakes were actually the courtesy of Puan Nor'ashikin, Mr. Mustafa Kamal and Amalina Nadiah, the daughter. I got the two pieces of cake for free. I voluntarily drove to Taman Pulai Utama just to get the Raya goodies

So thanks a lot to the kind-hearted people, may Allah repay their kindness.

MY SECOND RAYA CARD FOR THIS YEAR

So I was wrong. Yesterday's card was not the one and only Eid card for this year. Another card arrived in the mail box today and this time it was from Puan Hayati, an ex-coursemate of my UPM TESL group, who is now residing in Coventry, UK.

Although on the card it is written "Thank You", it is actually a season's greeting card. I am sure that there is no Eid card on sale for people to buy. The card and the message written inside are beautiful and I love it just the same.

So to Puan Hayati and all the family members in UK, thanks a lot for the thought and I wish you a happy and blessed Eid abroad.

MY FIRST (AND LAST) RAYA CARD THIS YEAR

At last, my first Raya card arrived from Australia today, and that could the only one for this year's Eid that was sent via post. (I think there are 4 cards sent by hand for me). I guess people do not send real cards anymore. They either send sms or post season's greetings on Facebook. I myself only sent cards to my friends abroad. One reason why I have stopped is the postage cost has increased and the second reason I have doubt whether my friends will reply if I send them cards. I wonder my reason of not sending card to save planet earth is acceptable or not.

Do you still remember the time when you came back from work or school, the first thing you checked was the mailbox at home? The experience of holding the cards, anticipating who the senders were and reading the messages inside, were much more thrilling. Too bad, this kind of thing does not happen anymore nowadays.

People have already started posting Eid messages on Facebook and with technology, they could come up with self-invented cards with their photographs on theb graphics, of course. Then, friends on the list will be tagged onto the card and wishes for Eid are sent. I already find people tagging me on the self-made cards quite irritating because my wall will be flooded with messages of people responding. In fact, I have to untag myself in one of my Facebook accounts which is specifically created for the school community. There are about 1300 people in my list and the network is always buzzing with activities but too much tagging will drive me nuts. Life has been made easy for us but that is nothing compared to the effort of choosing and buying cards, writing messages and pantun, and lastly going to the post office.

When I was younger, my two favourite pantun that were written in cards sent or replied were:

Pecah kaca pecah gelas, sudah baca harap balas

[translate: after you have received the card, please reply]

Pecah kaca pecah sampan, sudah baca harap simpan

[translate: after you have read the card, please keep it]

But gone are the days. Anyway, thanks a lot to Mr. Ridwan (and the wife and daughter too) for the lovely card which has travelled thousands of miles. Will there be another card for me next year?

Thanks to Mr. Ridhwan,my ex-coursemate from my TESL UPM group, for his kind gesture.I really appreciate it.

HAVING A LUXURIOUS IFTAR OUTSDE

I have a confession to make. I have overeaten and I think I am now getting fat. I was invited to break the day's fast by a student, Syazwan, with his family members at Pulai Spring Resort, as his father was organizing a buffet iftar with his other friends and colleagues. I was at first reluctant to go but I did not have the heart to let him down.


The place was full of people and when I arrived, they had started getting food as the time to eat was approaching. And there were not only Muslims, but I could also see people of other races and foreigners too.

Too bad, I was accustomed to not eating too much and after taking my first round of meal which mainly consisted of lasagna, potato and chicken, I was already a happy man. However, the temptation was too strong and there was too much food to choose, so I sampled some other food as well.

I even bumped into a form one student who was there with his family. And the other person I met was Mr. Zainuddin, an ex-colleague who is now teaching in Kulai.

food to feast your eyes on

and more food

All good things must come to an end. So thank you again to Syazwan and his family for inviting me for the iftar. I must be the lucky one.