Hanging in there.

I just had to call in sick.  My first MC of the year, and the first month is not even out yet.  Woke up this morning at 5.10 am, feeling only slightly better than last night when I fell asleep at 9pm. Alhamdulillah the kids did the important chores; laundry done, doors all locked and Ryan tucked asleep with Sarah.  I just need to sort and fold the clean laundry and clear the sink of the dishes.  It took the strength of every fiber in my body to make dinner last night.

Iman called from STF this morning at 5.30.  We talked until Azan.  She called again at 6.30, still crying.  She is homesick.  When I told her that Daddy is in Aberdeen, UK, she cried even harder.  I wish I had a magic potion to cure homesickness.  Another long weekend (Maulidurrasul Day) is coming up.  She desperately wants to come home.  I asked her to be strong and hang in there.  What else can I say.

I went to school to pick up stuff.  Having an MC slip doesn't mean the work on my desk will get done all by itself.  I pray things will end better today..

Meanwhile.. I am sitting by the laptop waiting for Daddy to Gtalk.  Oh boy.. have I got things to unload!!

First Day STFian (4.1.12)

Taking time visit Lehigh sister, Liza at her residence in Malacca.

Liza patiently soothing Ahmad, who had an extraordinary 1st day  of school.

Ahmad couldn't let his mama go.

A teary goodbye, moments before leaving STF.

This building used to be my 'home' for 5 years, now it's Iman's.

Dorm B3
Iman chose 2nd bed from the door.

Back in the 80's, this room was a Study Room reserved for 3rd and 5th Formers only.  Other students were 'lovingly' shooed  away.  Now it is Dorm B3 and houses 10 students from Form 1 - 4.

The Bathroom next to my A2-13 Dorm, just as I remembered it.

My Dorm ('83-'87).  I wonder if the mirror at the back was the exact same mirror  we had.  Given STFians' record, it could be very possibly is!!

Dorm A2-13 (now called B4).

Iman and Izzah.  What Iman doesn't know is that Izzah cried for hours in the car, after leaving STF.

The corridor between Tun Teja Block and the Dining Hall.

The Dining Hall.

School block, as seen from the Dining Hall.

Daddy waiting outside, while Iman took her 1st lunch in the Dining Hall.

The back of School Hall.

Netball court, next to School Hall.  Iman is active in Netball now. 

Nice area now.  Back in my time, this was forbidden area. 

Tun Teja Block.

School prefects used to eat at the stage.  Now no more.

Iman, having her 1st lunch.

Lunch time.

Unpacking.

Remember, no creases!!

Blue sheets in Tun Teja Block.

Filling in SMM forms in Tun Teja Common Room.

Sarah's PMR

Sarah took her PMR results with a brave heart. Anyone else (her mommy included) would have crumbled to see a "Donkey" on a result slip.  She took it all in her stride.  She did very well in most subjects, A's in Malay and English Languages, Science, Math and KH.  We asked her if she wanted to continue her Form 4 in a Religious School.  Her answer was a prompt yes.  Then she added, "as long as the school doesn't make me study the Arab Language."

Now that explains the Donkey.

Congratulations and keep up the good work, my dear.

A Srikandi in the making

Last night, as I was making dinner ( rice, ayam masak merah and fresh salad), Daddy came up to me quietly and nonchalantly said, " Iman dapat STF."

I screamed first, then asked,'' What?? Iman dapat STF?? Betul? Abang jangan main-main ni.."

I had to pinch myself to believe that my 3rd child is going to my alma mater.  Then I jumped, danced and screamed.. and hug and more hugs..  All the while, Iman was smiling. The tears came afterwards.  No, I didn't cry buckets like I did the day she got her 5As results last month.  These were humble tears.. special tears for Iman who will one day be one fine Srikandi.

Syukur alhamdulillah.. Allahu akbar.

One night in Pekan

Sun 11/12

Left home at 10.30 am after saying good bye to Ryan at his Mak Nor's house.  Stopped at Genting Sempah for lunch and some chestnuts.  Arrived at a Homestay around 6 pm.  Ample time to jama' zohor/asar, and then maghrib/isya'; before heading out to find dinner, in a heavy and furious rain.  It's a good thing that Ryan stayed behind with his Mak.  Our little guy doesn't like to get wet!! Neither the hot sun nor being cramped in his car booster seat in an 8-hr journey would make his day any better!

Mon 12/12

Found our way to MRSM Tun Abdul Razak.  The reason we were in Pekan.  The interview started at 9, and our Iman was briskly escorted (along with about 20 school-uniform-clad 12-y-olds) into a classroom.  She looked nervous but sure-footed.  She came out around 12, smiling.

Ya Allah.. please give her the best and grant our wishes... Amiin.

Penang Butterfly Farm

Batu Feringhi Beach