The Mammogram ...

I took leave today. I had already fixed an appointment with KMC (Kedah Medical Centre) to do my mammogram. Finally, after putting it off for so many years. Adik discovered cysts in her breasts. Although stable and non-growing, the doctor monitored them. Wah had her wombs removed due to cysts that spread all over it. Kak Leha had hers removed due to fibroid. Thus, due to family history, I knew I had to check mine. I had the endometrium hyperplasy checked and the doctor found it negative of cancerous cells.

The LPPKN (Family Planning and Development Unit) came to our school to give students their HPV injection for cervix cancer immunisation last week. They were offering vouchers for doing a mammogram test at KMC for breast cancer screening. It was on for RM50 instead of the RM180 - RM220 per screening. I took up the offer and fixed today as the appointment date. I was apprehensive and afraid but I knew I had to get it done. I went alone as usual.

It was painful but a bearable kind of pain. The girl or radiographer was very calm and professional. I had to wait for half an hour for the results. I thought everything was cleared but nothing was ever easy. Not for me, anyway.  ;-{  The doctor or Radiologist wanted to have another screening of the left breast. By now I was already afraid of the results. The radiographer was cheerful so I thought everything was alright. Hmmm ... never trust cheerful hospital staff.  :-}   Anyway, I waited for the result again. By this time, whatever I was reading in the newspaper did not make sense.

She finally called me to hand over the results. The doctor explained that he saw some abnormal cells and wanted to confirm whether it was benign or malignant. He told me it was just cells at a benign process. I could only take a deep breath and Alhamdulillah. I then went to the LPPKN clinic to submit my report. I was so thankful because honestly, I would not know how to react and accept if it was malignant.

Thus, to further fully utilised this day, I went to Omayah's office and took Nawal and her out for lunch as my treat over the good news.  :-))   Now, for some rest before I proceeded with the next agenda for the day - tutoring Ain. Thank you Allah, for a day which started with little things I could do for people - Kakak Kamariah (Naim's sister) called early in the morning and asked for Kak Haj's phone number as she could not get through to her. So, I called Kak Haj and arranged for her to call Kakak as she wanted to book an apartment in Camerons. Then, my GK called asking confirmation about the set classes I was teaching in Form 1. Although it was my off day, I answered whatever queries she had. Well, just to make her work easier rather than checking out the main time-table. Then, at the parking lot at the hospital, a car was looking for parking so I showed him my car and he followed me to take over my lot. Little things but I know it means a lot to these people. May today be a better day than yesterday. May the little things be big things for me. InsyAllah.

It is advisable for ladies above 45 years old to have the mammogram to detect anything abnormal and for early prevention or monitoring. I am glad I went as it was always at the back of my mind what if .... just go and get it done. I think this campaign is all through Malaysia. Just go to any LPPKN clinic and apply for it. All you need is your Identity card. Go for it. As a colleague said when I asked her why was she taking so many types of supplements - Health is Wealth.  :-)))

Tasoh Lake Resort and Recreation - 17 & 18 MAY 2013

Here are some of the photos taken at the resort while taking a walk out of the briefing or on the way back to our rooms or conference hall. A simple place. Good for resting the tired souls and bodies. Very quiet and tranquil. Nothing much to do here although we saw canoes. I guess one can have it arranged at the reception. Across the lake, the hills represent the borders of Thailand. No restaurants so I guess one would have to order food in advance. One can always check out the internet for more details. Very private actually - good for lakeside wedding, family recreation - the cabins can be used for barbecue functions, long walks along the lake or just sit at the cabin to enjoy the panoramic view and commune with nature.

A sharp turning to the left or you will miss it ..

The view from the first level in the rain

Surprisingly, there were cows grazing and we thought they were horses ...  ;-D))

The path leading to the edge of the lake ...

The view of our semi-D chalet on the second level of the hill resort

Our chalet for the night - 031. Very cosy, quite spacious and comfortable.

One of the cabins by the lake in the early morning walk ...

The cabin is enshrouded in mist due to the rain the night before ...

Some of the smaller cabins by the lake - the hills across the lake act as the border between Thailand and Perlis

The view of the cabins in the early morning - one of the teachers did her tai-chi in one of them

The 2-room apartment enclosed by trees and shrubs 

The conference hall where we spent most of the time ...

The early morning view from our second level chalet - the breaking of morn

The misty breaking of morn - as Melody said - we should get out earlier ..

One of the species found dead on the road - I would not want to have come across  a live one  ... it was large !!!!

One of the cabins overlooking the lake - serene tranquil, refreshing and invigorating

ULKCP Briefing 2013

Due to the new education policy (I'm not sure if it is only in Kedah or other states as well) of MMI (Memartabatkan Masa Instruktional - i.e teaching hours) all meetings, briefings, courses should be held during the weekends.  ;-(  and all meetings were held after school hours. This was taxing and tiring that most of the time, our brains and bodies were just not functioning. Thus, the ULKCP (SPM English oral for private candidates) briefing was held on a weekend. This year we were called up to Tasoh Lake  Resort in Perlis.

If you were not careful, you would miss the turning ..

  As usual, the question of how to get there and with whom. I checked out the list of names (105 names in all) and saw Melody's name. I called her and arranged to go with her. I checked out the internet and could not get directions to this place. Both of us were hopeless. Syafiq decided to "lend" me his smart phone. He set the GPS to the resort. He remembered to set it for home too. :-DD)  He taught me how to use the phone (Samsung S2) to navigate. Okay, I completed the tuition. :-)  I think it would be quite alright. Thus, Friday morning was bright and sunny as usual in Alor Setar. We had arranged earlier that I would be driving and Melody would navigate.

We could only plan. Little hiccups to test your patience. Firstly, when I was filling in petrol at the petrol station, I noticed a flat tyre at the driver's side. Hmm..this did not look good. I went to pump the tyre and it was down to only 58. When I reached Melody's pick-up point, she banged her finger against the door while closing it. I told her about the flat tyre and being hopeless ladies in distress and before anything happened where it would be beyond our control, we decided to take her car. So, we detoured to her house and changed car. I would navigate. Her finger hurt but she could still drive. Upon reaching Kangar, it started to rain. It rained all along the way to Tasoh resort. Thank you Allah and Syafiq, we found the place without any hitches. I trust the GPS !!! The road to the lake was the road towards Padang Besar and quite quiet. We congratulated ourselves and the GPS. Thus, Tasoh resort welcomed us in the rain.  ;-}}  

The calling said briefing would start at 2:30pm. When we checked-in, there was a notice that it would only start at 4:00pm. Lunch was not provided and I was hungry. There was a misunderstanding about our room. It seemed that either we misunderstood or the receptionist was tired, we went to the wrong room. We left our bags, took the keys and went out in search of food. There was no restaurant at the resort.   ;-((  We drove out and found a few shops along the way and had our late lunch there. The place overlooked Tasoh lake thus the view was amazing. We finally reached the hall for the briefing at 4:00pm and received complaints that we had taken up somebody's room. Little hiccups .... Melody was already fed-up with the respective teachers who were complaining loud enough for everyone to hear. So, I took a deep breath and told them that I would settle with the receptionist after the briefing. We were tired, it was raining and with all the little hiccups .... and we would have to bear their company until tomorrow. Well .... just take a deep breath, istighfar and concentrate on the meeting. After tea, which we decided to miss, Melody and I went to the room and took our bags. We noticed that they had already put their bags there. Melody was already grousing that it was only a room. I justified that they said they came earlier and had booked first. Fine, she said scathingly under her breath. I went to the lobby and returned the key. I asked for another room and she gave me a room higher up but with a more breathtaking view of the lake. Allah worked in mysterious ways.... at the end of the day, we could only be grateful that we did not get lost like so many of the others. We had a room with a better view. It's not like we had to walk up. We learned to be thankful for the little things that he made it easier for us.

After we had rested, we decided to walk down for the night briefing. It was still drizzling. We walked in the silent night filled with the sounds of crickets and other nocturnal insects. It was a long time since I had this night walk. It was quite safe in the resort. The air was refreshing and revitalized us after a trying day. We walked in companiable silence while appreciating nature. The 15 minute walk made us feel better and we entered the hall for dinner and continued the briefing in better spirits. We skipped supper and decided for an early night. There was no wi-fi service and we did not take along our broadbands. Thus, with nothing interesting on TV, we talked the night away until we finally went to sleep.

We got ready early so that we could take a morning stroll around the resort. It was chilly and refreshing after the rain the night before. We had a misty view of the hills across the lake from our chalet. We walked towards the lake and the cabins by the lake. A teacher was doing her tai-chi in one of the cabins. Some of the others also joined in and after we had completed the resort, which was quite hilly, we adjourned to the hall for breakfast and final briefing. After lunch, we checked out and decided to venture to Padang Besar to buy chocolates at the duty free shop.

The journey home to Alor Setar was easier as the weather was kind to us and we could see the sign boards which showed us the way. By the time I took my car from Melody's house (the tyre was still intact), I finally reached home almost 4:00pm. All I needed was some sleep. After a bath and unpacking the dirty clothes, I was ready for a shut eye when my phone rang. It was from Sofiah who asked me to join in the "majlis bacaan yaasin" tonight after maghrib for her mother who was warded in ICU. InsyAllah, was my reply. Thus, the night was culminated with doing a good deed for a friend and neighbour. Well, a small act of gratitude for all the big things that Allah had granted upon me -  a smooth journey to Tasoh Lake albeit in the rain, a tolerant attitude towards a misunderstanding about the rooms, a smooth briefing, a happy gathering of old friends and the opportunity to buy some chocolates for friends and family. Alhamdulillah. MasyAllah. SubhanAllah.
 

Teacher's Day - 16th May 2013

It's Teacher's Day. Full of controversy and dissatisfaction. Yet, the teachers came with new clothes, wide smiles and calling out greetings to colleagues while thanking students who wished them along the corridors. At 8:00am, we adjourned to the school hall and had an assembly. The Principal read out a "perutusan" from the Education Department, we stood to attention to the songs "Pendidikan Transformasi Negara" and this year's theme song "1Aspirasi 1Agenda" being played. Then, the teachers sang the all-time favourite, classic "Kami Guru Malaysia". After that, the prefects went round to hand out gifts that they had bought through collection from the students. Thus, the assembly was dismissed and the teachers trooped back to the staff room or their official rooms.

Usually we had pot luck breakfast or lunch by the staff club and school. This year there was none. So, most of us convened to the school cafeteria to replenish themselves. Games were on the next agenda. Since the decision to go ahead with the celebration was only made yesterday, hence everything was hastily put up. So, there were last year's indoor games and futsal with the students. The teachers who did not take part were in the staff room or wherever doing their own work or just catching up with colleagues. I decided to call up my class students and went up to have our own birthday/teacher's day celebration.

The students were looking forward to this function. I had ordered rice for them and bought the birthday cake for the 8 students celebrating their birthdays in April and May. It was relaxing, fun and most of the students including the "geek" of the class, let themselves go. They took a lot of photos and the best part was watching them close racial ranks. They accepted each other based on the fact that they were classmates. The Malay boys, who were usually shy and reticent, took photographs willingly with the Chinese girls. There were a lot of teasing and posing for photographs. I hoped if through this class party, I could instill the spirit of unity, friendship and acceptance that they were, after all, Malaysians, then, whatever actions the school would take against me, I would be more than happy to accept. Only 2 classes defied the orders not to have a class party. Mine and another Form 2 class.

The birthday cake - Chocolate walnut cake

The simple main course - nasi hujan panas, chicken sambal and acar

A relaxing atmosphere ... with most of the food gone int happy stomachs ....

I received the usual presents from students who thought you were special enough for them to show appreciation. The most memorable incident today was when a young Form 1 girl came looking for me in the exam room. She had been looking for me the whole morning. She gave me a present which she said was from her mother. I was puzzled and asked her who her mother was. When she mentioned a name, I was very sorry that I honestly could not recall her. She must be in her late 30's or early 40's since I started teaching here with the Form Fives and Sixes. I could only thank her and send my regards to her mother. I was touched, humbled and grateful for her thoughts of me as her teacher. That once upon a time, I was a part of her life. A teacher never really knows where her influence stops.... It also made me realised my age ... and the length of years I had been in this school ...  ;-}

The day culminated with a show from students and teachers. One of the teachers went up to perform a song or two. It was nostalgic since she used to perform every year on Teacher's day. WHen she sat down next to me, we recalled those easygoing, relaxing years where studying and teaching were not the main priority of schooling. That there were other activities that were educational instead of just classroom oriented. Well, times changed. System changed. Thus, we, too have to change to keep up with the new agenda and transformation. At the end of the show, they announced the best decorated class of the month and it went to my class!!!  :-)D))

Well, teacher's day has come and gone. Another to add to the memory and remembrance of good times. Everything happens for a reason. For what it is worth, life goes on. Work goes on. But the impact and what is imprinted in the hearts and minds of the students leave a lasting impression. I hope, in my own insignificant way, I have touched their lives.

Pre- Teacher's Day Reflection

Happy Teacher's Day. As a friend commented - it was a day that students really looked forward to. Firstly, there would be no lessons that day. Then, of course the games where teachers vs students with the teachers cheating and threatening the students with low marks or punishment.   :-)) After that came the class party. Finally, it ended with a talentime show of teachers and students showing off their hidden talents. Yes, I agreed. Nostalgia. That was then. This is now.  :-}

Over the years, Teacher's Day celebrations had mellowed down and slowly trickled off to just a day that was celebrated as a necessity. It always fell on exam week. There was no mood among the students and most teachers would rather have that day to finish off marking their papers. It was just liked "Let's get it over and done with". It had lost its meaning. Students did not have high regard for their teachers anymore. Over the years, teachers were only treated as the people who would teach them and help them to get through the exams. I guess the teachers' attitude were partly to be blamed. Nobody bothered to instill the awareness, the importance and the relevance of having these teachers as part of their young, impressionable lives. Personally, I would prefer to be in the exam room and get my work for the day done. Yet, if called upon to join in the games, I usually do with high spirits and participation. I drew the line at talentime show.  After going off to further my studies and being a non-form teacher for almost 10 years due to other tasks, had left Teacher's Day redundant to me.

This year, though, I am a form teacher again. I had the best class of this level. Well, the best in our school. I wanted them to feel and enjoy the Teacher's Day celebration. I joined in their planning and we would be having a double celebration i.e the birthdays of those born in April and May for the class.We could only plan.  ;-}{}  

A memo was received from the Education District Office early this week that there would be no celebration of Teacher's Day. Schools would only be given 2 hours for a formal assembly and reading all the "perutusan". Then, it would be teaching and studying as usual. WHHAAAATTTT??????? All of us gave up with the new policy. As if a day without teaching and learning would put these students in detrimental ignorance!!!! We decided not to celebrate at all. The administrators were also aware of our dissatisfaction and grouses. I was asked to adjust the exam time-table so that the last day could be set aside for the celebration later. I refused. It took me almost 2 weeks of adjustment to fit in the 11 elective subjects so that they did not clash with each other. I had to do 2 drafts before I finalised everything with the subject teachers so that their subjects were catered to. I had left 16th May free. The PK concurred.  The administrators had a meeting to decide as the PPD said they would come to check on schools to see if they adhered to the memo. Finally, this morning a tentative schedule for Teachers' Day celebration was proposed. No studying on that day. No exams on that day. Nor would there be any class party or staff room party. It would be a day of assembly, singing all the required songs, some games and a show put up by students who only knew about it today.

Now you know why teachers are so stressed out with new policies, new syllabus, new system which the policy makers only know how to conjure up but we are the ones who have to implement them WITH tons of paper work, filing, on-line keying  marks and data ...that we are so confused with all the different passwords to remember for APDM, SAPS, PBS, TARANTULA, E-KEHADIRAN, etc...etc...etc... The PBS filing alone was enough to drive your blood pressure up!  :-D))  

I don't care with whatever their policy is. I told my students we would adhere to the guidelines but rules are meant to be manipulated. Not broken, I emphasised, but manipulated.  ;-))  We would go ahead as planned but a little modified. During the break for recess, i.e. before the show, we would convene to class and have the birthday celebration. Gifts they have prepared for the teachers would be delivered to their respective tables. I had ordered packets of rice this time around. So, the students would distribute the food to their teachers' respective tables too. No invitation for the teachers but they would still get into the spirit of celebration.  :-)  Honestly, if any actions are to be taken up against me, I will not mind. They can always transfer me out. I will certainly welcome that !!!!  :-DDD 

Thus, we will wait for tomorrow and what it may bring. With Allah's grace and compassion, I hope and pray that everything goes well. For the students. For a day of appreciation and fun. For a day they will remember as the BEST Teachers' Day celebration they ever have. A birthday celebration most of them never have. Whatever happens tomorrow, I have done my best for these children. Maybe to those in urban areas, it is nothing. To these kids, it is everything. With whatever little resources they have (with a little subsidy from the Form teacher) they make do. They learn the act of giving, sharing, caring and appreciation for their teachers and classmates with enthusiasm.

Hence, with much appreciation and gratitude, for who I am today, I salute and thank teachers of past, present and future.