Kelantanese delights

I had been in the doldrums for months. Life had been mundane, albeit hectic. It took this event to shake me up. It started with an invitation to lunch consisting of Kelantanese delights, which included a long chat with the hostess. It actually took me less than 5 minutes to compose and forward the messages to MGS friends because this event had been on my mind for months. This happened a week before the big day, which was the first day of the two weeks holidays. Looking back, having a week to prepare was really useful because I was juggling school work, Khing and Chien's project works, teacher's day celebration in my school (I was in charge of teachers' presentation) and the children's celebration in their own schools. Buying gifts and other items were squeezed in after school. On top of that, Joanne and I were worried about Wan's non-performance for the coming Grade 5 music exams. During one shopping trip at night, she and I came to a compromise - she is to aim for at least a merit pass, and we will seriously consider her deferring the music lessons for a year.     

On 25th May (Saturday) 12pm, they started arriving. Puan Chia, Puan Tan and Gawery came together. Everything happened in quick succession then. Chee Lian and Puan Wan arrived, followed by Miss Ng and Meera. Miss Lucia and Mrs. Beh came alone. We joked that MGS teachers are as prompt going to class. It was a great start to a wonderful afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Wong came with their three little angels later. At one point, I commented that the vodka our girls had added to the fruit punch was effective because of the continuous laughter and jokes.  

Lunch was simple, hearty fare - "khau jam", acar and laksa, followed by a variety of desserts - bingka ubi, cendol jelly, sago pudding and black glutinous rice. Every dish was delightful, despite being a cholesterol nightmare. Khau jam was a novelty and a huge success, because many of them, especially Puan Chia, like nasi kerabu or nasi ulam, as Miss Lucia so aptly put it. Lin and Jean were really wonderful little helpers, serving and clearing up, all the time being on hand to make sure that every little need was taken care of. 

Mrs Beh and Mr Wong had to leave earlier. I am so glad that the others stayed on for coffee and another chat. The camaraderie was due to the bond we formed while working together. What it was a wonderful era of my life it had been. The afternoon ended with the sentiment that nothing lasts forever. In all the excitement, I later realised that I had forgotten two things - to pack some leftovers for them and worse, to take pictures. Now, we have to console ourselves that the afternoon will always be imprinted in our minds.

 

Khing's Big Day

15 January 2012 was a big day for the family. Khing was to play two songs solo - "Remember When" and "Gypsy King", sing a song in the music group, as well as participate in three ensemble songs.

First, I had to help make sure her performance was tip top. Joanne blew her top (sic) several times when both Wan and Khing's playing deteriorated badly during the long school holidays. Things reached a crescendo during one music lesson, and I received an earful of an sms from Joanne while I was attending the first meeting for marking SPM accounts papers. I was in a daze, although I had half expected it. Of course, I had to deal with it when I reached home. Khing took the 'deal' in a hard way - "Never in my life have I seen such a wicked mother." Not realising the degree of her frustration, I went out with KH. He got a call from her, describing how evil his wife was. Glad to say, her anger cooled quite rapidly. By the time we reached home, she had regretted her rash action. She slinked to my side and started making small talk. Sigh, what could I do but take it as a sign of reconciliation?

Then came the headache of getting a suitable blue top. She wanted to wear Wan's t-shirt, which we all felt was not formal enough. At the last minute, we managed to buy her a suitable shirt in the boys' department. (This piece of information was not divulged to her, for obvious reasons.) 

Everyone was early for the event, except Lin, who had gone to Melaka with her friends. Chien's good friend, Yen Nee had even taken the trouble to go to Wangsa Walk to watch. 

All the performances were superb. Khing's solo performances were the second item. The best part was seeing her smile throughout the show. We all concluded that she played very well. When the emcee asked her whether she loved practising, the reply was a very firm "Yes". Upon further questioning, she replied that she would practise for at least fifteen minutes and that she would stop if she was happy with her progress. The most embarassing part was when she was asked if she was rewarded by her mom if she practised well. There was such a long, poignant silence that the audience burst out laughing. Her reluctant "Sometimes" drew another burst of laughter.

Aaah, it is moments like this that makes life even more colourful.

No Regrets

What a year 2011 was. I was swept by the tidal wave of life, all the time trying to stay afloat and remain calm. First, the amount of work in MGS and at home. Actually, things were much easier due to the fact KH no longer had to commute to JB weekly. However, there were so many things I wanted to do, and I was in a constant flurry, ignoring all signs that my body was giving way. The surgery was the turning point of my life. I stopped trying to slot every task or 'hobby' into daily schedules.

The most obvious examples were:
1. I stopped my shopping at pasar tani every Wednesday morning, i.e. trying to fill my Old Faithful's trunk in 10 minutes before school started.
2. I no longer go to Elaine to retouch my roots, send one of our girls to tuition, get a hairwash and treatment, then rush to pick up our daughter. Elaine's comment that she would never do that to herself woke me up.

I have replaced my obsession with pasar tani by spending more time for our weekly marketing with KH. I indulge in longer breakfasts after shopping, just enjoying his company. As for retouching the notorious roots, I spend more time chatting to Elaine. She, and many other friends have noticed that I am more relaxed.

I always feel that God has his own plans. Barely three weeks after recuperation from the surgery, came the letter of promotion. Although the feeling of homesickness for MGS has not lessened much, I am gradually making new friends in Puterijaya. The workload is much lighter, and I get to concentrate on my favourite subject, Economics.

I think the best part of 2011 is falling in love with my husband. We have both undergone so much trials and tribulations together and separately during our marriage. We have seen the best and the worst in each other, and learnt to love one another in spite of everything. The first time I have ever seen him crying was during my farewell speech in MGS. Months later, at my prodding, he admitted (sheepishly) that he had felt very touched.

To end the year, Wan actually got a place in CBN. We silently rejoiced. The awareness of the saying, "Be careful what you wish for, you may very well get it." has made us more cautious. I spoke to Wan about the importance of deciding what is right or wrong. I see the change in her, especially in her piano practice.

We welcome 2012 with open arms and minds. Like what Lin wrote in her English essay when she was in Form 1 - "Well begun is half done."