Concert & Graduation 2012: Colours

This year, the theme for our annual Concert and Graduation at Kembangsari was 'Colours'. Therefore, the material used for all the performances had something or other to do with colours.

Preparations began earlier this year, as I was around then to give ideas. As I was only there during the very initial stages, the educators (and myself, admittedly) were very nervous about putting up a good show. Preparations not only encompassed training the children in singing the songs but also the choreography of the songs, as well as matching and designing costumes and props.

Nearer the big day, Dad would draw up a draft of what the stage would look like.

Some of the educators then arrive on the night before, and more come on the morning itself to help with setting up the stage.

For particular educators, the night before also involved getting some of their props ready...

We received positive feedback for the stage this year, with the 3D effect created by the pieces of cloth that floated midair from the front to the back of the stage.

To see the hall seated to its maximum capacity and full from beginning to the end of the show was also a very encouraging sign. We really appreciate the support from everyone in the crowd - thank you!

You have no idea the amount of work that goes into making a successful show. And when I say work, I do not mean only the training and preparation for the performances. I also mean all the effort invested into grooming the children into the confident individuals that they are.

Like the African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child", it takes the hard work and sweat of all the teaching and non-teaching staff and management, parents and the individual child to see the results we see in the children. It takes time and patience to guide children to become a team player who is respectful of themselves and others. It takes belief and perseverance in cultivating the habit of learning from mistakes with a positive attitude. It takes skill and enthusiasm to promote enjoyment for learning and doing new things.

The event, in my opinion, was a success. The children outdid themselves and performed better than everyone imagined. The parents were respectful of each other and were very supportive of all children. We are very honoured to have all of you with us.

Hope you will enjoy the DVD and we look forward to putting up another spectacular show for you next year!

Happy birthday, Mummy and Little Bro!

If only I was home this year for my own birthday, I would then be able to celebrate Mum's and Bro's birthdays, too. Apparently, Dad brought them to Bumbu Bali Restaurant in Bandar Puteri Puchong for a treat. Argh, missed yet another sumptious meal!

Here is to wishing my beautiful and capable mother, as well as my charming and popular brother HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Love you lots!

Happy birthday, Michael!

When I asked you out for dinner, I did not expect you to choose to have a mamak dinner. I was expecting something like Japanese or Thai. But never mind, it's your birthday so you get to have the last say.

My dearest sai lou, may the coming year be another year of personal growth and achievement for you. 

Happy birthday!

Happy wedding, Junda and Sharon!

When my friend Junda from UTS, enterprising owner of PappaRoti Australia and Petaling Street Malaysian Hawker Food Sydney Branch extended a wedding invitation, I could not say no. And so, along with three other lovely ladies, I went to Doltone House for a very purple evening.

Each of us received a personalised shot glass each...

I have to say, the food was not too bad. However, some of us were comparing a Western-style wedding dinner to a Malaysian-Chinese-style wedding dinner. No competition really. One is a three-course while the other is at least an eight-course.

Thank you for the invitation, Junda and Sharon. Congratulations and wishing every best for your future together as Mr. and Mrs. Khoo!

Life #11

Hello, my favourite month of the year. How have you been? You seem well. You brought with you splendid weather. You brought with you endearing endings and exciting beginnings.

Ah yes, it has been a while, has it not? A whole year has gone past without us realising. I suppose that is a good sign, no? A sign of us living life to the fullest and really enjoying our earthly pursuits.

We tend to take life for granted, do we not? Life, as in even the 'free stuff' that Mother Nature provides. Take now for example.

I see the flickering of the shadows made by the leaves on the trees playing peekaboo with one another.
I see the golden rays of sunshine, which provokes a sense of warmth.
I see birds of all kinds taking flight, making full use of the cool breeze that helps them fly with less effort.

I see all but I see only when I take the time and effort to slow down and pause to observe and ponder. This stopping to ponder, to me, is an important process but I am not suggesting that we do it every minute of the hour. I hear you ask, "If we stop to ponder so much, how does that help the year go past faster?" Ah, now, the answer to this question would differ from one individual to another. And for me, this process of reflection helps me shape my thoughts and to help me become.

Become?

Yes, become. To become more me. To listen to myself more. And when I am more skillful in listening to who I truly am, I am a more genuine person.

The world isn't just the way it is. It is how we understand it, no? And in understanding something, we bring something to it, no? Doesn't that make life a story?” ― Yann Martel in Life of Pi

Do not get me wrong. There is not intention to become the perfect being. This process of becoming takes plenty of effort, and life lessons. And I think, it also involves taking time to stop in our normally fast-paced, technology-packed tracks to just be grateful for everything and everyone.

So yes, my favourite month of the year, I am grateful that you have arrived. And thank you.