THE CLOCK OUT

Goodbyes are usually emotional affairs but my clocking out was a joyous occasion. I wonder who's happier - me or them.

As I posed in front of the Hilux that will take me one last round the institute, i joked that it was reminisce of my wedding.


No more walking round these corridors in search of certain people....

But I think I leave behind some achievements - notably, the institute's library. It was expanded during my tenure, equipped with more books and I had the centralized air condition going. I'm sure the students would be able to study here in comfort. I hope the librarian will set up a coffee kiosk - like the one I saw in Newcastle.

Then there's the Archive Division - where all the achievements of the institute ARE documented and displayed

My pride division - the setting up of Indigenous Study Division - this sets our institute apart from other institute as we planned to focus our research on indigenous pedagogy. I hope in 2 year's time, this institute will be able to hold a seminar or conference of international standing.... ( I must confess that I got this idea when visiting Newcastle. They had a centre for aborigine studies)

Final pose with some of the female staff - notice that some of them are already wearing my baju kurung.

Goodbye to this dining table - where I spent hours surfing the web, writing, reading and playing computer games.....

Final goodbye to this house. I have been kept safe in spite of all the stories of Toyols and "orang halus' that some of them regaled me with. My secret ? "He who is in you is stronger that he who is in the world."

CURRENT READ

The MOE has been gracious in granting us a parting gift to the value of RM400/-. So when the office asked me what I would like to get, I immediately said : "BOOKS." They were surprise : "Books ? Not a watch or some jewellery?" " No, only books," so off we went to the bookstore for my selection.

So now, I have a new collection of rather good books to keep me occupied for the next couple of months. Some people gave me personal gifts of books too and among them was "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. I've wanted to get this book since I watched it on Y-tube. Though battling with pancreatic cancer, he did not give up on living and the Last Lecture was his legacy to his children. As he talked of his life, he slided the values that he wanted his children to hold when they grow up. Many the values he espoused were age-old values which we hold on to - like honesty, sincerity, hard work, not sweating the small stuff....- but he put it across very eloquently

Among the quotes : "We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we played the hand." It's just like If life hand you a lemon, we can make lemonade from it - instead of crying about the unfairness of life. I highly recommend the book.

Oh, this is good too - Sam and Paul's selection from Swan Valley.

ANOTHER PHASE IN MY LIFE

Well, the last goodbye has been said, the final hug and the phone has finally stopped ringing. I am now soaking in my new role as a retiree. Colleagues and students have been generous with their gifts of love. It's quite embarrassing actually to receive such much gifts and accolades from them. I don't deserve half of what is said, really. Just doing my job.

It will take some time to get used to not dressing up for work, not getting a regular cheque at the end of every month, not having a driver to take you from point A to point B ( background is Mr. Johny, my ex-driver)......not travelling business class, not staying in hotel at government expenses ..................On the other hand, no more filling up forms, no datelines to meet, no ISO, best of all, no more speeches to make.....

The highlight of my celebration was receiving an array of cakes from my dear children - so they remembered!!

Some friends and members of the family kept on asking what I plan to do after retirement ; "You'll be bored, you'll get restless.." Well, maybe so, but right now let me have the luxury of being bored. After 35 years of faithful service in the Ministry, I think I earn the right to have my well-earned rest.

So cheers to nothingness!!

GIRLS' DAY OUT

Was in KL on business and mum came up to spend some quality time - something we never did when we were younger. It so happened to be Ryan's birthday - and the little boy was thrilled to bits - so grown-up, getting to order his own food. The highlight was of course the birthday cake and in order to have the cake, we had to sing the birthday song in 3 versions !! Talk about 1 Malaysia - this boy knows a thing or two!!

Here he is - grinning from ear to ear - making the guests sing for their cake. And then there was the pose with family and friends.

The next day, we girls - as in Hui Si, Hui Min, Sis, mum and I met up for lunch at the Pavilion. He 2 younger girls had to leave early - work and other commitments. The three of us older ones window-shopped. Then we had tea at an upscale cafe : Market Hall Cafe at Level 6 of Pavilion.

The food was quite good - (We had creme brule, cheese cake and cookies) and the ambiance was just right for a cozy afternoon tea. We chatted the afternoon away.

I think mum enjoy this time out with us. Will definitely do it again - come this September.