Welcoming the New Semester:)

Soon, the new semester will open and I certainly hope to meet enthusiastic undergraduates who are determined to succeed academically as well as socially, emotionally and spiritually. Theory and experience has taught us a great deal about interpersonal and intrapersonal strength in coping with challenges in the university. Let's pray that you take heed to this and muster more courage in your struggle for excellence in tertiary education.

Easier said than done? But things always have to start with something, somewhere, so let it begin with my kind reminder cum advice.

I guess I'll be teaching public speaking this time around, but there's no confirmation yet. If so, I'd be more than excited. Really, I just can't wait to groom more public speakers, scout talents for UNITEN EDSoc.'s debate team, and witness a whole class of future leaders speaking up their minds on issues and matters of importance and grievance, planning for their immediate future as well as the nation, deliberating ideas, and debunking invalid arguments. Let's just say that I anticipate a class of active and enthusiastic learners wanting to polish their public speaking skills, and not to forget, budding talents who are grasping with theory and interested in further practice on the public speaking challenge.

If you are a writer, not yet a speaker, you are also most welcomed to join the circle. I believe that speaking and writing are so beautifully connected. The only difference lies in how much guts you need to speak your mind. Seriously! But if you don't care about guts, face, and pride, and your only concern is passing the course with flying colours - then public speaking course will turn the writer in you into a fantabuluos public speaker. Just remember to talk a lot outside class, guess that's a handy kit:)

You may want to visit this link and read my simple article on the speaking-writing connection. hopefully, this piece of mind will motivate you a bit more...

<http://ezinearticles.com/?Public-Speaking-Challenge-And-The-Writing-Connection&id=1137252>.

Looking forward to seeing all of you again in the real classroom, and the speaking community.

The Ronald Mac Donald's Sports Challenge

Let me share with all my readers my daughter's fun video at Mac Donald's Alamanda Putrajaya...fun basketball trick..he..he..

It started like this. Ronald came over to Alamanda and entertained the children. They had great fun, as usual. I took my children there to join the events. First, they had a colouring contest. Nadia did a good job and won 3rd place. She received a goodie bag, a cap and a trophy. It's our first time joining Ronald's party. Here's a photo of Nadia and Ronald.

I have heard about Ronald's cheerful personality and talent to attract the crowd...thumbs up to Ronald Mac Donald coz that afternoon, the kids were all so entertained and had lots of fun and laughter. He was promoting healthy lifestyle through sports - so they had simple aerobics, sports quiz, and most importantly, sports-based games. Farah volunteered to play basketball and she had no idea what Ronald actually had in mind. Farah had to hold and contain SIX basketballs...and she did a good job...Luv u darling. That's definitely a tough job. Most importantly, that was a tremendously exemplary sporting spirit from a kid... Thank you Ronald Mac Donald for a wonderful family weekend.Hmmmmmm...and here's Farah's video...he..he..he...

Happy Teachers' Day

May and June are remarkably significant months for most of us. In May, we celebrate Mothers' Day as well as Teachers' Day. And of course, June brings more joy in the family with Fathers' Day celebration.

Like Mothers' Day, Teachers' Day is special in every way. Teachers complete our pursuit of education. Some of us start learning at home, definitely, with moms and dads reading us bedtime stories, playing alphabet games and spending time in the evenings watching fun and learning videos like Barney, Sesame Street and Teletubbies. Nowadays, children switch on to Astro Channels like Playhouse Disney, Nickalodean and Discovery Channel. But we still depend on schools to equip us with the necessary knowledge and skills embedded within the standard education system.

Teachers at tertiary institutions are referred to as lecturers. Nevertheless, they play the same role, to nurture the future generation for a brilliant and successful future. Perhaps their role becomes more challenging as well as instrumental to our lives because they assist their students to compete in the employability challenge. With some exposure to innovation, creativity, and competitive nature, their students become more resilient as well as competitive to decide on a bright future.

As for me, my mom is my first teacher. Since I didn't go to preschool, my mom was the 'teacher' at home equipping me with all the knowledge and skills necessary to survive in Primary One. She did an excellent job because I was placed in the best class at Methodist Girls' Primary School (2), and later got 2nd place in the final year exam. She had always wanted to be a teacher herself. Since she didn't have the opportunity to realize her dreams, I was determined to make it a reality for her. Now, I am a teacher/ lecturer at Universiti Tenaga Nasional. I know my mom will be the happiest person on earth to see me finally teaching, nurturing and shaping the nation's pride. My mom has passed away, but you can see that her dreams lives in me.

I went to a Science college, so it's only natural that most of my friends are now successful doctors, engineers, architects, managers, and entrepeneurs. I have chosen the teaching profession for some personal reasons close to my heart. And I'm so glad and thankful that I am a teacher. Life is always rejuvenating and exciting as a teacher; it's never boring. Every day is like a new day, and I can also learn a lot from my students. The teaching career may not be a lucrative choice, but it is an extraordinary world that I cherish till eternity.

Like me, many teachers feel the love and passion for this teaching career. Teachers' day may come once in a year. Yet, if we live for it's pride, aspiration, and honourable vision, teaching will keep us lively every second...hey..this is just what we need in this modern world. Teaching always makes me feel young at heart, and keeps me youthful as well:) ehemmmm....


Yours Truly,

A Teacher

A Tribute to Mom

Today, we celebrate mother's day. This is a very special event in every mom's life.

Early this week, my son came back from pre-school with a tissue-carnation. He did it with his teacher's help...hmm, I was so touched. I always like it when schools cultivate good values like this - to be thoughtful and loving to mom (and family). Thank you darling..oh...you are so wonderful...

Three days back, Farah and Emir sang a song for me entitled " Mummy...You are So Wonderful" and I recorded it. Now, it has become my precious ringtone...Farah's teacher wrote the lyrics for her school choir competition...isn't this great:)

Today is mother's day, and Nadia had wanted to make me scrambled egg for breakfast...but she will have to wait..hmmm...coz we had a special mother's day breakfast at Mac Donald's Taman Equine. Excellent deal... I got a free breakfast set with every order..try to imagine this...they actually doubled my order of Sausage Mc Muffin with Egg, and Big Breakfast...hmmm...thankx family restaurant.

And the greatest gift of all to all moms is the wonderful thought from each loving member in the family. I am so lucky and thankful to have a 'big' happy family. We may not have riches, but we are so rich in love, care and presents..he..he...here's a photo of us in front of Memory Lane Taman Equine.

The kids got me something...hmm...now, I am proud to have two extra hearts and another cuddly bear. My first two bears were given by my darling husband...guess, bears have become the 'lovey-dovey-cuddly-snuggly' mascot for lovers, kids and families...aha...:)

To all mothers, I wish you all a very happy mother's day. Cherish this moment of happiness. Although love comes every other moment in our lives, a one-day celebration like this is indeed the highlight to our family's tribute to us.

I have lost my mom, but she's always in my mind, forever my inspiration and the pillar to my determination and success. I pray may Allah blesses her soul, and I know she's happy that because of her, I am what I am today, blessed with a good career, three wonderful children and a very loving husband. (Thanks Prof. Kobkua for this quote in your sms. You are a very special mom in every way to me...)

So bloggers and readers....quickly send your love and thots to yummy mummy dearest...ok...and convey my special wishes 2 all of them...:)

Feel Like Giving Up???

Isn't this a common 'escapism' to our multi-coated life? Yah! I shall call it an 'escapism' because it actually means we take a flight, not fight our way to champion our pursuit and struggle.

Frankly, I nearly felt like giving up yesterday. All this while, I have put so much effort into my work, and I was so serious in scrutizing the process and product. But I had a bombshell yesterday evening when #### said he didn't see me doing anything!!!?

ok..I'm getting personal here, instead of being more professional. This just had to happen to me, so I had to face it like an adult. It may happen to you one day, but let's pray that it doesn't yaaa...

So, I really felt like giving up. But WHY should I? Afterall, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder;) So? Why bother? If I think I have done my work according to the specifications, and my work has been approved by a respectable committee of scholars, do I have to be affected by #### passing judgement like this?

Thoughts to ponder:

At times like this, let's tell ourselves that maaaaay beeeee - we don't need this EXTERNAL VALIDATION. We are what we believe we are, and we deserve some respect, even a tiny bit. #### doesn't have to undemine me for reasons that are made up out of sheer whatever:)

Today I'm back on my toes, and I'm so glad I'm ok...huh..even someone as adult as I am can be affected, but we all need to be a tough cookie sometimes.

Prayer:

Life is never a bed of roses, so when you find a happy and rewarding moment, live it to its fullest. May God bless all of you bloggers and readers, and you may want to share your adventure? in this roller-coaster ride:) Take care, and watch every step you make.