Make the Best of It!

"Things didn't turn out the way they were supposed to, but what can you do? You must take life the way it comes at you and make the best of it."

~ Yann Martel, 2001

The quotation above is very meaningful, even more so if you have read Martel's 'Life of Pi', especially the account on Pi's adventure and survival, being in the same life boat with the Bengal tiger for more than 200 days. Martel wrote a fantastic story about how man and beasts co-habit with one and other in a limited space surrounded by water. You might think it's an island, but no, it's a life boat, where they ate and slept together. They have even survived together upon reaching land!

I used to complain, and sometimes, still do, when I face difficulties in my life. After certain difficulties were solved, only I wonder... why had I complained at all in the first place where there's solution for most of everything when what I need to do most is to think, yes, t-h-i-n-k! From those days onward, I've started to label all my 'difficulties' as challenges and smile when I face them. Hmmm... you may say, it's easier said than done! True, I'd agree with you. Therefore, start thinking about the people around you who have more difficult 'challenges' to face, how are they facing them? Complaining? Sitting at one spot by doing nothing would not chase the challenges away...

Who's to blame when things don't turn out the way they suppose to be? Blame no one but self? But what on Earth have I done to earn the blame? So, stop blaming and complaining, but start thinking of solutions, make the best of life, the way it comes to you!

As for now, forget about what you want to complain, follow me, inhale... exhale... inhale... exhale... ahhh... don't you feel much better now?

At Home on Tuesday ~ A Haiku

Nice cooling weather,
peaceful surrounding it is,
great to be at home.

The sound of drilling,
constructing and hammering,
these will stop at lunch.

Everywhere's quiet,
Only the sound of the fan,
the lunch will end soon.

It's already two,
the noise has come back again,
searching for ear plugs.

The drilling goes on,
covered my head with pillow,
still can't take a nap.

When will this thing end?
the sky's dark and stomach growls,
long to rest at home.

My Days at the Hostel

Desasiswa AD is the hostel where I stayed for the first year I did my Bachelor's degree. This is the place where wonderful memories are knitted from different yarns of happenings. There were ups and downs, laughter and horror, yes, you name it, we have most of them...

Fast forward from year 1998 to year 2010... here I am, in a different hostel, or it is known as a Guest House. It is called Rumah Tetamu KAB. I will spend about nine days here working on the daily bulletin for the 2nd ASEAN Schools Games 2010, most of the time doing editing and proofreading the reporters' drafts. The is the view from the guest house I'm staying for these days.

I guess most of the public universities' hostels look quite alike. That's why when I reached here, seeing the buildings brought me back to the time when I had the opportunity to stay at a place where I use to called it my second 'home'. At my hostel lat time, they have a few rooms in the building, common bathrooms and toilets, and the place where we can dry our laundry. At least, the basic necessities are there. As for the basic facilities, we have an activity room, a TV room and a cafe.

Hmmm... no, we don't have washing machines where we can just slot in our coins and let the gizmo do our laundry. We were the machines washing our clothes ourselves. So, we usually felt the heartache whenever we saw the sky was getting dark or cloudy. Our hearts would shout out loud, "there goes our laundry!" if it rained.

The room... It is a basic room with a single bed, a cupboard, a study table and a chair. Since three students share one room, there would be enough furniture for all three of us. All except for the bed -- as there will be one bunk bed and one single bed. I could still remember my roommate who slept on the upper part of the bunk bed. You could find her things on the floor next morning when you wake up. I guess she must have done some pushing and kicking through the night that had caused all her stuff to fall. Thank God, she did not fall...

The room could be small, but being at your own corner, sitting at the study table, the comfort is still there. We could study and do our assignments till late at night. We would use our study light and switch off the common light if anyone of us would like to sleep earlier. We would decorate our mini notice board with stuff and reminders and timetables and quotes. Did I mention a MINI notice board?

One of the best moments besides sleeping and studying in the room is non other than friends/coursemates who come to visit you. For this, it all depends on your roommates. If they know them well, they would be as happy as you seeing them. If they don't know them at all and when noise is made, you could feel that their looks from their eyes could pierce through your body. We could be chatting and laughing hilariously or whispering and gossiping, well, it's laughing most of the time.

Have I missed any other stuff to share here? Spooky encounters at the hostel, you may ask... Let me know if you want to read about it... I might just blog about it here...

The Stage

The stage has never been synonymous with my name. I would run away or hide if there would be a chance for me to go on the stage. I was not a familiar face to be on the stage ever since I've started schooling. I couldn't remember if I had stood on my kindergarten's stage, but I could proudly say that I have conquered a few stages in my life =).

I remembered the first time I stood on the school stage was the time I received multiple prizes for the competitions that I won and the exams that I excelled in. However, these chances have become fewer the older I grow. I mean the chances of receiving prizes on the stage.

During school days, I would usually got a chance to be on the stage, either to assist the teacher during prize giving or certificate presentation ceremonies. The one that I could recall was the ceremony when my fellow Interactors and I received our certificates on the stage (thanks to the photograph I was tagged in FB).

However the best one ever that I could recall was in the year 1997. I would say that I have broken any prefects' record in conducting the school assembly. I was put to manage the school assembly. I had to arrange a prefect to lead the assembly every week. I would or should I say that it is truly a blessing in disguise, whenever my fellow prefect was not available, I would always be the one standing on a metal-made podium facing a sea of 600 faces, I meant students. We sang the national anthem, the school song, and recited the Rukunegara and/or the Anti-dadah oath. Then, I would invite teachers to give their speeches or reminders. Otherwise, I would be representing them reading out all the announcements given. I think at that very moment, I have developed the love of speaking with the microphone and to be stage-fright free. I thanked my discipline master for the opportunities given to me, and of course to my fellow prefects who were not there to take the task assigned =). Some had had the guts of telling me that they chose to chicken-out on the duties given.

For the next few years, when I was studying at the varsity, I didn't have much or maybe no opportunity to be on the stage at all. Yes, not even once. Oops, there goes my experience being on the stage down in the drain with only memories left in my mind. I didn't have the opportunity to speak or sing or even dance and perform on any stage those years. It is sad, isn't it?

Well, most probably my prayers were answered, that I was posted to a secondary school to teach in year 2001. And the old faithful stage fright had come to visit me again the day I was asked to lead the assembly as a teacher on duty for that week... I couldn't speak clearly as I was shivering... "and hey, I'm a teacher and I'm shivering on the stage at this very moment???"

Fast forward to the year 2010, 17th May... I was seen on the stage along with my 6 colleagues singing a medley of songs. Unbelievable but it's true, try to pinch your own arm, sorry, my arm... We had barely less than one hour of practice and there we were performing or you may say we were enjoying ourselves on the stage during a special assembly for teacher's day celebration. All the 'praises' and compliments given by the audience have made me ponder... if there is another opportunity given, should I take it?

Driving When There's A Jam

A red Savvy played her right signal light indicating that she wanted to move into the lane I was driving. Seeing the light blinking, I didn't hesitate but to slow down and let her move in. I could feel myself grinning. Why? The moment I saw her hand raised and waved at me, I could feel that she is thanking me. I do have the same habit and I call it 'giving five ringgit', especially when you raise your hand with all your five fingers shown upright. Sometimes I do get a 'fifty cents', but not to worry, it's not from a road bully showing me his/her fist. I would say most probably s/he has a small hand.

Jam, it's sweet when you can spread it on bread and cakes. Jam, it's bitter when you are stuck in one. It's even more bitter when you are in your car, observing other drivers around you having one thousand and one facial expressions. After a long day of hard work at the workplace, do we deserve to be stuck in a jam, you may ask. Everyone is longing to reach home and may be trying their best to reach their destination as soon as possible. I think at this very moment, if there were snails or tortoises walking beside us, even Kancil, Rusa, Kenari would have to raise a white flag.

There was this moment where I called it coincidence, when my hubby told me to look on my left. Lo and behold, this lady driver in a car next to us was singing the song I was singing too! Well, I could read her lips, hehe... Obviously, we were listening to the same radio station, enjoying the same song! How often can you have such coincidence? It's very rare indeed. I felt happy at that moment and could see myself grinning from my reflection of my car's side mirror.

Back to the signal indicator... Is it so difficult for the drivers to provide a sign whether they have decided to turn left or right or to more into the left lane or into the right lane? Is it so tedious to lift a finger and push the device? I've tried not giving any signs and what I got was stares of anger. Giving a signal is sort of asking a permission. It doesn't show that you are a weak driver or an uncool one. Most of all, it reduces unwanted problems and everyone is able to head for home safe and sound... well, minus the heart attack given by some drivers who are fickle-minded.

Never Judge a Book by Its Cover

It was last night. We've brought our parents to a restaurant in Uptown to have a dinner to celebrate Mother's Day. As we were all quite hungry, we hurried into a restaurant. As soon as I entered the eating outlet, I looked around for a comfortable place to be seated. Having chosen a table nearest to the entrance of the restaurant by majority, I just agreed.

At first, I found a bit difficulty of getting into my seat that I mumbled, making a little remark on the customer next to our table under my breath. Why couldn't she sit properly by occupying the whole chair? Such inconvenience to us all... Anyhow, I sat on the other side and kept asking if my parents were seated comfortably despite the narrow gap in between the chairs.

Half way through having our dinner, the customer was lifted by another two in order to vacate her seat. That was the time when I felt my eyes welled with tears, not too obvious to be seen by my family members though. I felt apologetic and kept on praying for her.

It has never crossed my mind the difficulty and illness that she is facing until my mother uttered 'Parkinson's disease'. My heart sank deeper. That should teach me a lesson! From then, I keep on reminding myself to never judge a book by its cover, especially to this poor sickly lady and her close friends, who are kind enough to bring her out to see the outdoors. I ate silently and chanted a prayer for her seeking for her forgiveness and wishing her all the best.

My Owlie

This is the owl that I've made some time ago. I used pieces of printed cotton fabric and a few different colours of felt. The pattern was taken from the craft magazine 'Get Creative' (page 78-79) that I've bought for only RM12.90 as it's a past issue. I was supposed to enlarge the pattern image to 300% but I didn't have enough material for such a big owlie. 300% is big enough for you to hug! Maybe someday when I manage to scavenge a big piece of cloth...

I hope I'll be able to sew more cute toys and trinkets in future and share them with you here in my blog. Have a nice day, everybody...

Google Docs...

Google Docs is one of the online tools that I have learnt at the Peer Coaching course conducted at Hotel Impian Morib. It is pretty useful and anyone who is well versed with MS Office can be quite skilful in no time if it is used constantly. It can do most of the basic things that we do with MS Office, with an added option to its presentation tool. It enables real time chatting where people who are invited to be either collaborators/viewers can have conversations/discussions.

I wish I can use Google Docs in my lessons. However, for my wish to come true, I have to wish for perfect and smooth internet connection for myself and my students.

Special thanks to the Facilitators and Organizers of this Course. Hope we can have the next Phase soon!

1. Woman tries to kill self and kids after tiff

TAMPIN: A 26-year-old woman who had an argument with her husband thought the best way out was to take her own life as well as those of their three young children.

View Original Article

After reading the news, I feel that something must be done to reduce such incidents. These women should have seek advice from their family members, relatives or close friends before they decide on doing anything. There is nothing to be embarrassed or shameful to discuss about crucial family matters with somebody who is concerned enough to listen. Even by relating the matter to a good trusted listener can lift a bit burden or stress. We may not know in detail what has gone wrong in the household but the opportunity to lend a listening ear to the concerned may change a decision made earlier. Taking their own lives does not solve any problems but only complicates the lives of their love ones.

All in all, ladies, if you are reading this, please say 'hi' and ask 'how are you' to your friends and relatives every now and then or when you are feeling free to do so. They may just pour and share with you what they are facing. The timing may be so right that you will never know your kind act may have saved one life or more!

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My Favourite Advertisement

I remember I have blogged on this TV advertisement in the year 2008. It is still the best advertisement that I have seen on TV and the one that has really made me teary-eyed until today...

(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear by Elvis Presley

My Teddy Bear

Teddy bear is always my favourite toy, no matter how old I will be. People may call me childish but hey, that's me. I love both the toys and the pictures of teddy bears. I even love to collect gift wrappers with teddy bears. I think I have dozens of them now. I don't use them. Even if I do use them, I'll only use a fraction and preserve the rest. I wish I could keep all the teddy bears that I have received since I was born. I find this impossible though... otherwise wherever I move, I would have to prepare a bedroom specially for my collection, spend a bomb dry-cleaning them etc. I know what I am going to do next. I think I would take photographs of the teddy bears that I have and preserved them that way. When they are rotten enough to be discarded, then I would have no regrets in dumping them away. There is no age limit for anybody to hug a teddy bear, neither do the teddy bears care about the gender of the person who hugs them. Teddy bears could be the best buddies anybody can have! They are friends who listen passionately without any complaints!

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It's Patience that Saved the Day

I was at Giant after work to claim the cash that we have paid extra the night before. The cashier has accidently scanned the bar code of a packet of XXL white prawns twice. It didn't cost much but part of my objectives being there was to see how effective the customer service department work...

I reached there and was immediately greeted and assisted. After listening to my explanation, the officer there was apologetic and told me to wait for they have to view the recordings to check. I was asked to wait for 15 minutes. I said fine and stood at the counter observing how the others worked to kill time.

As I was waiting, I witnessed how the person-in-charge of the customer service counter managed an elderly customer who placed a complaint on the different price charged for a carton of drinks she bought. All the while, I only heard the elderly customer showing her anger and demanding to see the manager, when the person-in-charge was listening quietly and patiently, as cool as a cucumber, to her. She had to listen to the old lady's nagging as she was not given any chance to speak. The moment she tried to explain the procedure in order for the elderly customer to claim her money, the old lady shouted at her. This happened for a few times and she even called the person-in-charge "a f**"(!) and demanded to see the manager.

The person-in-charge listened quietly and tried to pacify the customer by telling her that they would return the difference. Efficient enough, after a few seconds, she came out from a small room holding a few notes and a piece of document for the old lady to sign. After that, she left, still grumbling under her breath.

After the whole drama ended, it's finally my turn to get mine. I thanked and complimented for the person-in-charge's patience and the others for a good job done. I was also very glad that I didn't act like the elderly customer. Did I mention that the old lady didn't even utter a word of thanks?

They understand the policy of customers are always right but can't the customers/consumers show their courtesy to the people at the customer service counter in return? After all, do we enjoy rice (making demands and raising our voice) and expect them to enjoy broth (giving them a hard time)?

Therapeutic Foliage

A new member added to my workstation.

There are many things on my workstation, books, stationery, calendar, little soft toys given by fellow colleagues, and now, the latest addition, a plant I called 'Therapeutic Foliage'. She (yea, personification) is a plant given to me by Mdm. Z this morning (thank you very much ^^). Why have I named her so? The first word of the phrase is introduced by Mdm. Z, it is therapeutic to look at greens (whenever possible). I added the next word, foliage, as she has only leaves with no flowers.

I am starting to look at her to rest my tired eyes, to search for ideas or points to complete my work, to talk or share my views, opinions... wait a minute, I'm talking to a plant? Am I talking to a plant??? Yes, I'm talking to my Therapeutic Foliage, she may not respond, but she is listening for sure...

Congratulations to My Former Students of SMKSU PJ

It was 1.22pm on 30th Dec 2008 that I got a few SMS-es. I looked at the mobile phone numbers but I couldn't figure who they were. I had changed a new one and that's the reason I couldn't recognise their numbers. They were my former students from the school I taught from Jan 2005 to Aug 2007. It was quite fortunate that they introduced themselves first and addressed me as a Puan (Madam in Malay language). It has been quite some time students I taught have not addressed me that way. They usually call me Madam or Ma'am in the college.

These few students still remembered me and texted to tell me their PMR results! I was so delighted that they have done quite well. They are NLL, THW, TWY and SS, all were from class 3A. NLL even apologised for getting a B for her History paper which made me so proud of her that she could secure something above C. She even promised to obtain better results in her SPM in year 2010.

To all the students formerly of 3A and 3C (year 2008), I wish you all the best in your future undertakings and pray for your success.

Happy New Year 2009 Messages for Me...

These messages were sent to my mobile phone since New Year's Eve...

• Happy New Year... Wish you a very happy 2009... Take care... From, N.
• As 2008 comes to an end, as we cherish the many good moments, as we try to wipe the unpleasantries, let us welcome 2009 as the year that will bring good health, good times and fortunes. Best wishes and much love. From, N.S.
• What is the secret of happiness? You can find the answer in your house. The WALL says BE STRONG, the CEILING says AIM HIGH, the DOOR says BE OPEN, the WINDOW says LEARN TO GIVE AND TAKE, the CLOCK says TIME IS GOLD, the CALENDAR says LOVE EVERYDAT AS IF IT WERE THE LAST, the CABINET says KEEP THINGS IN ORDER, the BED says TAKE TIME TO RELAX, the LAMP says BE THE LIGHT. And GOD, who's found everywhere in your house says, KEEP THE FAITH BECAUSE I AM WITH YOU! Happy New Year 2009! From, N.R.
• Wishing you unlimited amounts of happiness and laughter for the new year. Have a good one. From, S.O.
• Wishing you and family health, wealth, joy and happiness for 2009.. From, S.
• See ya 2008... What's up 2009... May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. May good faithful friends be yours, you may roam. May all life's passing reasons bring the best to you and yours!! HAPPY NEW YEAR. From, MLZY.
• A blessed and healthy 2009! May the New Year be a year of abundance, blessings and good health for you and your loved ones! From, PWMW.
• I wish you a FANTASTIC January, LOVABLE February, MARVELOUS March, LUCKIEST April, ENJOYABLE May, SUCCESSFUL June, WONDERFUL July, INDEPENDENT August, HEALTHIES September, TASTIEST October, BEAUTIFUL November, and HAPPIEST December. Have a blessed and victorious year. Happy New Year... 2009. From, JK.
• The year is almost gone but has made us strong. The path was long, but we have walked with a song. There were fears and tears but we alseo have reasons for cheers. Wishing you happy memories of this year and a great beginning to next year. Happy New Year 2009! From, S.S.; M.K.
• I pray that happiness be at your door. May it knock early, stay late and leave the gift of GOD's peace, love, joy and good health behind. Have a wonderful new year 2009! From, JCSP.
• Happy New Year 2009: 12 months of HAPPINESS, 52 weeks of FUN, 365 days of SUCCESS, 8760 hours of GOOD HEALTH, 525600 minutes of GOOD LUCK, 31536000 seconds of JOY for GOD. Wishing you and your family a "Happy New Year". From, TCK.
• Thousands of yesterdays are gone. Millions of tomorrows will come. But there is only ONE today. So, I don't wnat to miss the day to say Happy New Year 2009. From, J.
• May God's love walk before you. Troubles pass away from you. True friends stand beside you. And those you love surround you... throughout 2009. Happy New Year. From, MDL.
• I wish you health, so you may enjoy each day in comfort. I wish you the love of friends and family. And peace within your heart. I wish you generosity and love so you may share all good things that come to you. Happy New Year 2009! God bless! From, ANLC.
• 2009 is at your doorstep... Remember, life is short, break the rules, forgive and forget quickly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile. From, M.M.

Thanks everybody for the New Year wishes and wishing you all the best too!

2008 & 2009

Time flies.
Another 4 hours, we will be ushering 2009.
To me 2009 equates a new set of challenges, not to mention if most of them are obstacles,
Shouldn't have felt pessimistic...

2008
equated a few new phases/foundations which existed in my life,
has taught me valuable lessons,
has opened new opportunities for me to explore,
has made me a better person...

2008
i have read more books than before,
made more new friends and met many old mates,
seen my beloved students doing well in their next phase of life,
started blogging and facebooking...

2008
a traditional wedding ceremony,
a honeymoon in Taiwan,
addressing his family who are also mine...

2008
has added more knowledge and experience to my job
has accepted a variety of tasks in my career
(sounded more like missions: impossible, but made possible)
has made me older and more mature (?) at the workplace...

2008
has given me heartaches
my beloved student passed away in an accident
i fell on the field with injuries that lasted for 4 months
disasters after disasters happened locally and globally...

2009
people around expecting me to have a bundle of joy
people around expecting me to get a another degree
people around put high expectations on me

i'm not sure what to expect tomorrow when i open my eyes after a slumber. but what i know is life goes on... it's up to me to make it better, meaningful and worthwhile. it's a choice to make, for better or for worse...

Happy New Year 2009!

Twilight

The movie Twilight directed by Catherine Hardwicke.

The novel Twilight written by Stephenie Meyer.

I have watched the movie and have read the novel of the same title. This time around, it some sort gave a sense of deja vu. I have never thought I would be blogging about it. The last time I did something similar was when I had to submit my assignment for my Literature paper for my degree. Doing a comparative study on 'A Passage to India' after watching the movie and reading the novel. If you were from USM doing English as your major at the School of Humanities and were taught by Dr Gitu Chakravathy, I'm quite sure you had completed such assignment too. FYI, I got an A- for this assignment, muahahaha... (why did I sound so wicked suddenly? Shaking my head left and right a few times...)

I finished the novel in less than 5 days. Mephy encouraged me to purchase the novels (which was at a very good price, two-in-one for the price of RM49.90 at Borders Tropicana City Mall). I didn't regret owning them. FYI, I'm reading New Moon at the moment, rather slow...

Now... do I still do a comparative study here? A bit lazy, since it's not going to be graded, hmmm...

I have watched the making of the movie via youtube. I am still fascinated by what the author, Stephenie Meyer, has mentioned, the novel was written with visuals appearing in her mind and how she hoped to see it materialised in a movie. Well, her dream came true! A story by her, a movie produced, two superstars are born, Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson!

I have watched the movie before reading the novel. Maybe due to that, I could finish the novel in less than five days. Everything is so detailed in the novel, with more exciting moments shared by the two main characters. I tried to visualise too as I was reading the novel. Whenever Edward and Bella's names are mentioned, their features appear in my mind. This goes the same for the other characters as well. It is like the extended sort of movie is playing in my mind too. I think fans of Twilight would not mind much if the novel is made into series of drama in detail, episode by episode, and everybody will be glued to the screen when the time comes. So, that's one good thing about reading and visualising at the same time.

The novel is written from Bella's point of view. However, I have found something more exciting than that. I saw 'Midnight Sun' somewhere on the net, and it is written from Edward's point of view. I wonder if it is published. This is because I only have the chance of reading its very first chapter only via pdf.

Hmm... I wonder how it would be like if I have read the novel first than watched the movie next. Would I be disappointed? Maybe yes, maybe no. I'll test this by watching 'Marley and Me' next year as I have already read the novel last year. It's my birthday gift from somebody special ^^.

Since this is not a comparative study, it is not really a review either, and I am still wondering what is it really! Maybe a brief sharing about my current favourite movie. A nice movie I enjoyed watching, a romantic-horror movie that I don't have to cover my eyes with anything when the (handsome and beautiful) vampires appeared in front of my eyes. And the effect? I was not afraid at all to travel in a dark lift to my empty office at Level 4 yesterday. Yikes! I have not considered those who are the opposites!

I don't find it a surprise when I saw the novel is also published in Chinese at the bookstore and is sold at RM29.90. Now, I wonder if this novel is also published in Malay language here...

Christmas Party at NASAM Ampang for the Strokees

NASAM Ampang's Christmas Tree ^^

This was the look of the centre when it was decorated.

The Strokees were having a game.

Entertainment at the open space outside the centre by Simon (the one playing guitar) and pals.

We were singing 'Santa Claus is coming to NASAM' as Santa Claus himself was walking down the stairs from the office.

The Strokees are having their western lunch served by the volunteers.

Did I mention yesterday that we are going to have a Christmas Party at NASAM Ampang for the Strokees today? Yup, I did and I attended it too! Thank goodness I have traded my facial treatment this morning with my presence at such a fantastic and meaningful party of the year for NASAM Ampang's Strokees. What's more wonderful, Ms. N is getting her break of the year!

I was rushing there as I was not familiar with the traffic in Ampang especially in the morning. I was there 15 minutes late, sorry Ms. N... Once I was there, I started to wrapped the gifts as promised. Then I moved on to decorate the Strokees' nametags with glittering string of gold. We, the volunteers (gee, am I a volunteer by now too?), had the glittering string of red. Some tied it around their necks, some on the wrists, and some, well, they were more creative than I thought (I won't be detail, you do the imagination yourself)... And not forgetting the Strokees' loved ones (inclusive of their maids), they had glittering string of green... Now, you may ask, why the colour coding... it was thought by the NASAM Admin, to make sure that the Santa Claus could identify the Strokees easily.

The Strokees came and were helped to sit in a big circle at the porch. They had a game, passing the parcels. A few Strokees were given parcels to hold. They would have to pass the parcels until the music stopped. Once the music was stopped, the Strokees who were holding the parcels would have to perform according to the slips of paper chosen. If they were able to do them, the parcels that they held were theirs. This had added delight to them. How many of us could really think of such way to play this game?

After the game, we had a singing session. We sang Christmas songs and a Mandarin number. I joined Simon and his friends too to sing. I was thinking that my voice could change the fine weather of that morning when somebody complimented that I can sing! I was so happy that moment, really... hopefully, it was more of a sincere compliment than an insult (which I usually get...) thanks Mr. L., that boosted a bit of my level of confidence.

Once the lunch was ready, with table cloth and utensils and serviettes laid beautifully to the Christmas theme, we wheeled and helped the Strokees into the hall. And soon, almost everybody was munching away. The food prepared were delicious! I could see those Strokees emptying their plate quite fast. As they were eating, Simon and his friends started to sing 'Santa Claus is Coming to NASAM' when a Santa Claus seen walking down the stairs. He started to distribute little gifts to the Strokees and the volunteers too! I got a dairy milk chocolate bar (I had not eaten any chocolate for some time, so this was a good excuse for me to enjoy it then, hehe...)! Then dessert were served. The result of Ms. and Mr. NASAM were also announced, Ms. NASAM went to Madam Lisa who had worn a beautiful red dress with red scarf and Mr. NASAM went to Mr. Durai, a look at him and he could be mistaken as Tony Fernandez of AirAsia at the Christmas Party! We even celebrated two Strokees' birthday! How happy they were as we sang a birthday song to both of them and each of them even had a birthday cake to call their own!

Once the food was cleared, the cakes were distributed, the Strokees started to leave for home. All of us were seen cleaning up the centre as there would be another session of therapy for the Strokees at 2 in the afternoon. I had a good time there, helping and enjoying myself. I wonder when will my next visit be... I will try my best to keep a couple of days free come March 2009, there's a week's break. Keeping my fingers crossed and praying hard.

Thanks to Ms. N and her colleague, thanks to NASAM Ampang volunteers, Irene, and those whose names I can't recall (sorry ya...) sharing their stories, experience and knowledge about volunteering at NASAM, thanks to Simon, Mr. L and their friends for the wonderful singing session together.

To the Strokees of NASAM Ampang and all the NASAM centres in the country, I pray for your happiness, recovery and good health!

Happy Christmas & Merry New Year 2009!

This is truly one of the most memorable events this year and I am so glad that I can treasure it via blogging and share with you, you and you ^^...

My Half Day at NASAM Ampang

NASAM Ampang

The Strokees are having a warm-up session.

The look of the compound after everyone had left at 5 in the evening.

I met Ms. N in the month of August 2006 because I needed physiotherapy treatment at the hospital she worked in. From three times a week of treatments, it became once a week. Then, I was fully recovered and thank goodness I didn't need to go there anymore. During my treatments done by Ms. N, we had a good time chatting about what girls chat about. Believe me, the treatments were not really pleasant but I needed them. The conversations we had somehow shortened the time for every part of my treatments there. Thanks to her and not forgetting her staff then, that I have recovered fast. When the time came that I did not need the treatments anymore, Ms. N was informing me that she was leaving the place too. We exchanged numbers and we do keep in touch since then.

NASAM Ampang is her new workplace. I've heard a lot about it via phone conversations and e-mails, and during our short outings together. I listen to her stories with full interest. The reason? She treats her patients like how I treated my students in school! Or her patients' (mostly above 50s) behaviours are like the secondary students I taught in school!

Finally, I braved myself, I learnt my way to the centre. I read the map on the Internet, made short notes and remembered the route mentally too. I reached there about 12 noon after I missed the first turning on my left into Jalan Awan. I really hope the relevant authority will put up the roadsign there or am I too blind to see it today? I gave a call to Ms. N and she gave me the direction, "after Flamingo Hotel, drive a little further about 100m then turn left when you see the signboard of Pasar Kuala Ampang," for that I did an illegal U-turn...

It was 12 noon, most strokees had left after their morning session. I felt quite disappointed at first. Nevertheless, Ms. N told me that there would be another batch in the afternoon and a Christmas party on the next day... We went out for lunch somewhere nearby on foot and ta-pao-ed for Ms. C (the admin there) her lunch. Nice yet simple lunch, we had economic rice and I gave most of my meat to a stray dog there.

The Strokees for the afternoon session arrived at 2 in the afternoon. Some were pushed in by wheelchair or walked in slowly with the help from their maid or their own child/husband/wife/sister/brother/relatives. Then, they were seated in a circle. Two physio trainees took turns to conduct warm-up exercises with them, with Ms. N's supervision, of course! At this moment, I had started to help. Being my first time, I observed how the staff did their part and I tried my best to be as gentle with them as possible.

I got to know a few Strokees when I was introduced to them by Ms. N. All of them were stroke patients before of different causes and their levels of recovery also differ. Some were seen to be doing their routine without much difficulty. Some were seen struggling even to have an opened palm from a clenched fist. I felt sad the moment her tears were wiped away by her carer. I felt a bit upset when another cried out loud for she could not take the pain much more. However, it takes an experienced physiotherapist like Ms. N to know whether those were true or they were faking... They can act like small children who don't eat green vegetables served, if you know what I mean. They can fake so that they can stop the painful routine when it is the routine they need in order to reduce the pain and enable them to move about again.

For the Strokees, every move they make is a pain. However, for their loved ones, every pain they can see is a neverending agony...

With the NASAM centres formed in most of the states in Peninsular Malaysia, may they serve and live with their motto "YES! There is Life After Stroke!"

Read all about NASAM here.