What a beginning

After a long break, I went back to work on Monday, 5th Jan. I had terrible ache all over my body by end of the day. Not to mention, mood swing throughout the day. I thought the 2nd day would be better, but I was wrong. Emotionaly, I was just not ready. I thought I was.

I think next time, I should not take such a long break. It's just not too good for me.

Luckily, first thing on Monday morning i received two letters from my teenage students who have gone to the camp and made to write to me. They had nice things to say, and were also apologetic about not making me happy sometimes. That tickled me.

New Year, New Vision, New Idea, New ME!!!

After a bad New Year's Eve last year, of locking myself in a dark room, this year, I decided to go out. Not just go out, but celebrate the new year.....with nice dinner, good friends, fireworks, dancing, and sweat!!! I think the last time I had as much fun during New Year's eve was 20 years ago.

I remembered one time being stuck in a room full of middle aged ladies I don't even know 80% of them. What a way to welcome the new year.

Anyway, that's all behind me now.

The fireworks display at 12.00 am on the 1st of January, symbolizes victory and craziness I've had for the past years. I take it positively by having a vision to make a mark in my life this year. I have an aim to create a better and happy working place. I want to expand into other areas and focus on more than just one thing. I am going to be a real entrepreneur. 10 years training is good for me and it's time to diversify.

I can't wait to get back to work on Monday.

In the running....

Every year, the company will award Instructors who are able to fulfill some criteria they have set. The criteria was set to create certain standard in the instruction, communication and management levels. I was told this year, that I'm in the running for the award. It is called Best Achievement Award. I was also told that this year only 12 instructors are in the running out of 200 something instructors.

I think that was the best piece of news I've received this year.....or perhaps in my entire career in instruction. Getting it will boost my level of happiness, a gift to myself for surviving for the last 10 years.

Busy Holiday!!!

This year, I decided to start doing what I plan to do after the new year much earlier. I thought, if i've decided to do something, I should just start anyway. Why should I wait for the new year..right? I started going to the gym right after my Subuh Prayer (about 6 am) and start sleeping earlier (before midnight!).

I started right after our year end holiday, and am feeling good about it because I don't feel my holiday is wasted.

I do miss my stdents though! especially the small ones.

Serve me right!

I have 4 more days to go before I start my new year at the centre. I just realized that I have something very important to do in December and have failed to fulfill it. I hope I won't be in trouble first thing Monday morning.

How can I not do it earlier??? I am a great procrastinator. I delayed everything till the last minute, and now....I seriously hope it's not too late.

I'm nervous!

Merry Christmas and Happy 2009!!!

Today is the first day of my long break. I plan to take some time planning for the year ahead. It's been one of my most challenging year. In year 2007 and 2008, my life has changed tremendously. I managed to survive some very difficult and tough times. Many times I walk in the centre feeling like I should run away from it all, but more times, I feel like I want to stay there forever.

I have challenged myself to stay on and be strong facing it all. The best thing of all was, to face it all on my own. Like a real tough teacher would.

Today, I'm declaring happiness from now to eternity. I have accepted all the challenges and I have accepted my flaws. All I want to do is to contribute to the society. I want to be there to help the youngsters that may walk in the centre with hope and fear of learning.

My heart is bursting with love for the children and students who have and will join me in my journey.

Amin, ya rabbil alamin.

Catching up in Japan

Early this month, I was in Tokyo. I was there, mainly to celebrate the company's 50th Year Anniversary. Somehow or rather, it turned out to be an event to catch up with old friends. Had a blast meeting old friends and managed to make some new ones.

With friends from Malaysia but hardly meet. We took our own tour to Nikko and Asakusa. Picture was in front of Lake Chuzenji



With dearest friends from Japan, Ogawa Sensei and Terashima Sensei. They came all the way from Osaka.


With Ibu Emmy and Ibu Selfi at the Narita Airport. That thing in the plastic bag....I won at Disney Sea!!! after paying 500 yen. Cute stuff!!!!



With Indonesian instructors....new friends!!! Next to me...Bapak Indera! an instructor

More new friends from Brazil and Indonesia. At Komagatake!

New friends at the Global Forum. Japanese, Singaporean and Philippino at Chinzan-so. Standing next to me was our interpreter who was actually a completer at the age of 6!!!!

With all my Australian friends after a round of drinks at their hotel lobby. They call themselves "The Margarita Girl!"...and they've declared me to be part of it!