Update on High School Reunion

We had our meeting last Tuesday, at a swanky place called The Noodle Room at the KL Hilton.

To date, we have 55 old students coming to join us at the reunion. I can't wait for the event. The theme will be Hi Tea Glamour, and I just can't wait to see all the glamorous people. I'm still looking for that perfect dress. I feel like a teenager again!!!

Last day doing part time

I managed to survive 2 months of working part time with Jennifer. I learned a lot and contributed a lot. Despite being overly tired most of the time, I feel that I've done my part for the last two months.

When I told one of her student, he made a sad face. He waited for me at the exit door to shake hands with me.That was a bit touching I thought....even though I was not too comfortable with the attention I got from him while I was there, I think during the last 2 months, I did motivate him in some ways.

I went back with a pay cheque!!! for a change.....

Wednesday Afternoon Break

I do plan to take a break every wednesday afternoon. I used to go shopping and have tea with friends before. I must put aside some budget for that.

Today, I had lunch with jennifer. We both felt quite tired from studying for our yearly test. Instructors have yearly test. I get nervous about it every year.

Today, it took me extra strength to push myself out of the house. I just felt like staying home today. It must be one of those days.

It's good that I pushed myself out to be with friends. I ended up laughing for quite a bit.

I've been a good citizen lately

I've been busy, and last night I sat down and listed down what i've done this last one week.

1) formed a peer counseling group for my "facebook" group list. It is with intention to help the youngsters to open up instead of suffering silently. I have appointed a few mentors (seniors in the group) and hoping for these mentors to be able to help the teens with their everyday problem. I did not limit the problem because I know it's never easy to be a teenager.

2) working with a friend, who's organising a talk about raising teens. The problem and how to tackle them. This is still under planning, but by end of the week, the flyers will be out.

3) compiling receipts and bills for my accountant for the tax submission.

hmmmmmmmmmmmm.........

I'm so behind time

I'm suppose to come up with the invitation card for the students' prize giving fun day at the Bird Park by Monday, but I havent' done a thing. A lot of my family members were at home this weekend, so I was distracted. I have a pile of work just about to be completed. I still haven't done my marking for Monday and Tuesday. What's happening to me?????

What a commotion

I had no idea what it would be like to loose a purse. The purse was alright, even though it was a nice purse from Mama Kathy, my intructor friend from Australia. The contents of the purse was the issue. I had to renew my ID. I could not report it was stolen because it was at a friend's house, so I was fined. It was the same for driving license. I managed to get all three important things today. My replacement ID card, My driving license and my bank card. It took me ages to drive around Petaling Jaya, but thank god I know the place well.

What made me really happy today was the service I got from everyone at the counters were excellent. They were all very helpful.

Wednesday Afternoon Break

I spent some time at my friend's house today. While I was there, I lost my purse. The hassle I have to go through to re apply for a new ID card, new credit cards, and so many other cards.

These boys were just playing around with nothing to care!!!

They're cute aren't they???

Rambling on my mind

Today, it struck me that LOVE does not always mean suffering and giving up what you valued most. It's not about making ways so that it's better for the other person.

If it's real, everyone would feel the happiness. If it's real, everyone would feel it's the best thing to do.

For now, I am what I am. I find happiness and love in my work. I believe someday soon, my happiness will turn into LOVE. The love that I've been missing.

Yeeeeeeee Saaaaaang

I had my wonderful once a year doze of yee sang today. It was a truly Malaysian affair. My friend who is half punjabi and half chinese organized it. And there we were....all the races celebrating it together. In the picture, what we were doing was to mix all the ingredients together while saying yeeeeeee saaaaaang. It's a good concept of togetherness.

Things have changed

Quite a number of my students hve been with me for more than 5 years. I've seen them from very young. some as young as 2 and a half. Most when they're 4. Now that they're all grown up, I sometimes wish I can turn back the clock and have the sweet lil girl or boy back.

Now all grown up, some of them have changed. Some feel they're more sophisticated. Some feel they're more macho. Last week, one of them only managed to twitch her eyebrow as a sign of saying hello. Not even a smile.....

sob sob

I feel like I can't handle it

I sometimes wonder how it's like to be able to stay firm as a boss. Jennifer pointed out to me that bosses can't really be friends to their subordinates.

These are the things that I have to do. Draw the line. Make it black and white. Be bold!

I just want to be an educator.....not an administrator. I hate being bossy, because the last time I was bossy was when I was 17. It got me into so much trouble.

However, I may not know, that I'm already bossy. So all I have to do is to brush up on that skill.

I'm just mumbling........

Just like old friends

I met Masako in December, during one of my student's Hari Raya Open House. Naturally we talked about Kumon. Her being from Japan and Kumon originated from there. Finally, today, she came to the centre for a meeting. She was reluctant to attend the meeting thinking I'm going to lecture her on the program. However, the minute she walked in, we started talking as if we've known each other for life.

Now, we have that teacher/parent bonding.

Right before she came a couple from the middle east sat down for half and hour to listen to my preview. It was a serious meeting. So, it was good to see my new friend, Masako, or Mako for short.

Children are awesome, aren't they?

It was nice to be back at Jennifer's centre again last night. It was quite touching to see how some of them crowded around me and wanted to sit at my table to do their homework. Probably one and a half weeks break was too long without English lesson.

I have been having terrible breakout lately and it has made me really down. Looking at myself in the mirror, puts me off. Luckily, I'm brave enough to face the children at the centre. Believe it or not, none (I repeat..NONE) of them even mentioned it. It is visible, so it's not something they would not notice. Probably they think I'm one of them....with my pimples. I came back smiling happily thinking that I'm still accepted despite my appearance at the moment.

What a month

In January, the centre made a record of having 24 enrollments in the same month. We're back in business.....This month, it'll be less, but I am confident that we'll make it to the top 30 list again by June.

Con Man

A student was transferred to my centre recently. Coming from a friend's centre, I accepted the child and was eager to let her continue her studies. I have no problem with the student, but am having some problem with her DAD! I have a feeling he's a Con Man. With 2 bounced cheques, and broken promises, who wouldn't think he is. As for this week....he's Missing In Action!

My friend called Jennifer

Today, I had a serious meeting with my good friend, Jennifer. She's helped me a lot in getting where I am today as an instructor. From inspiring me back in 1999 with her near perfect system at her centre, to allowing me to be her room mate when we had our very first trip to the land of the rising sun. We have become good friends ever since then.

She made up her mind to help me even more this year. She wants me to achieve what she had achieved for the past 5 years (at least).

We analysed my centre's performance from so many different areas. I'm glad we're still friends after all these years.

Need a break someday soon!

January was a busy month for me at the centre. Looking back at the organiser, I can't imagine how I survived. Since I'm still up and about, I'm planning to get busy for the next 5 months. I hope I'll always have the energy.

I have to keep thinking what can make me go on and on till June 2008.

In April, I have so many things to look forward to. An old friend, Etsuko, will be visiting from Tokyo. We used to be neighbours. It's high time that I take a break by the beach. So, I'm hoping to do that when she's here.