<..: Retreat II :..>

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the
more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no "brief
candle" for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for
the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before
handing it on to future generations.

(George Bernard Shaw)

It's gonna be long... 31 August never fails to make me cry...especially at night... To start off, I received quite a number of gifts from my kids. The thing that never fails to touch me is the cards. I love reading and I believe in the power of words. In the morning, my P5 students gave me a surprise with the whole class chorusing to wish me a Happy Tchers' Day. I was touched but I kept a straight face...action garang katakan. Then it was my P6s. I was dissappointed..only one wished me and the others just buat bodoh...sedih jugak ah...then it was concert time...I got a nice surprise from the parents. They presented me with a certificate and a bandanna. I was blown away...seriously...we started about a month ago when Mdm Latifah asked me to help out in the parents' dikir barat. Being the eager beaver, I composed a short song and helped out wherever I can...I enjoyed every bit of it. I've never managed to work really closely with the parents of my kids...and it's like THE first time...but the moms that I worked with during the sessions are great. They never fail to make me laugh and of course I was fed well with my favourite Mee Siam, fruits and of course yesterday we had Nasi Goreng and Ice Jelly. Being moms...there will certainly be food! Anyway, I attended most of their practice sessions and for a month, I had to seal my mouth and not mention that the parents had a surprise for the teachers. When they called my name yesterday, I was embarrassed. Truly. I helped them because I enjoy doing it. Never did I expect they would present me with something. Thanks Mommies!

After the concert, I went back to my P5C. We took crazy pics and to think that this is the class that I usually shout at...they made me touched with cards and wishes. I was beaming. I think I was walking around the whole day with a smile. In the afternoon, I was thinking of heading home early. I had a migraine and my assignment was not completed yet. At about 130pm...while I was packing, an influx of my ex students came. They shouted my name through the glass door of the staff room. I was so elated! They do remember me! Gosh, I'm so touched. Many came and I mean many...all that I've shouted at, many that I've screamed at...but most importantly ALL that I LOVE very very much! I am so overwhelmed with joy! This is what every teacher looks forward to every 31 Aug. I wanted to shed a tear when one said that she came because of me...just to see me...Awww! "Kita datang nak jumpa cikgu aje...why do u think we r here every year? To see u lah!" I can still remember the words! At that moment, I know I am in the right path.

There were some who came to hug me ...because it's been so long we hugged...yes I'm a touchy person...I hug my loved ones! I ran out of chocolates to give them. Some even tested me whether I still remember them and I'm not lying...I remember every single one of them! They were so small then...now...they have all grown into beautiful and charming young adults! I was teasing them that soon I'll be getting wedding invitations! There was this particularly one boy who tried to hit on me. He asked me whether I am married and wanted to ask me out. I told him sorry I'm taken and I told him straight that he can be my son and he shouldn't be asking me that question. He winked and said "Alah cikgu ok apa...CT boleh kahwin Datuk K...takkan saya tak boleh?" Cheeky boy! Hahah...
I was packing to go when a few boys came...one particular bioy who just graduated last year and whom I always shouted at...ran to me gave me a flower and a card. He wished me and ran off...I opened the card and I regretted everything that I've shouted at when he was with me...He apologised for his behaviour and said he knew whatever I did...it was for his best. Aww...how can I not cry?
I left after that coz my assignment was due before 1159pm and I still have the bibliography to do. I scooted off and sat in front of my computer till 9pm. I told my hubby that I am proud with my assignment and my hubby says don't get too happy...anyway this TMA will be a gauge for me...I will get through this somehow...I don't care...4 years?5 years? If its gonna take me that long to wear that graduation robe and mortarboard...I will go through it!
When we reached home that day, I told my hubby not to disturb me...it's gonna be a long night...I'm reading the cards and I'm taken aback with what kids write...I received a card from a parent ...it was certainly nice and I'm thinking of replying all cards...well I still have a few days before I set off to Sabah to see the orang utans...well I'd better cracking now...that's it for now...

Saturday, September 02, 2006