The life of Agasta Nunis, beloved grandmother!

It was a usual morning. Well, quite usual until I heard my dad's car leaving the house much earlier than usual. I didn't think anything of it. It was my first day at a new part time job so I thought I had a few more minutes to just catch up on some sleep.

Then my brother came to knock on my door and he said the words I thought I would not hear for quite a while more. Grandma has passed away. Even writing this right now is putting my emotions in top gear. I couldn't believe what he said. I called my aunt and then when I said the words tears begin and I just couldn't hold it. 

It was Saturday, January 5, 2013.

She was having some difficulties lately but I was still thinking that she is strong, she always has been strong she will pull through this. It was just the week before that we celebrated New Year's day and she was enjoying some KFC mashed potato - her favourite. 

Grandma was always a rock for all of us. She had a tough life too but she never showed nor complained and lamented about her tough life. I still miss her till this day, walking into her house and her not being there. Maybe this is why its taken me this long to write this post about her. I tried doing it earlier in the week that she had passed on and again about a few months back. But just couldn't bring myself to write it.

Grandma as all her grandkids know her was the sixth out of seven children. Her dad was a long haul lorry driver and her mom a housewife. Her dad passed away when grandma was only 12. It was a work accident. My grandfather came from India and was working in Melaka when he chanced upon my grandma. She was 15 and he was 25 when they got married.

On their wedding day

My handsome grandfather, Mr Simon K.

It was a love marriage and they really were a happy couple. Though times were hard, they brought up 13 children that remain to this day a tight close knit family. It was 3 girls and 10 boys, a large family that was quite common then.

I believe this was the 1st family picture.

Both grandparents were quite strict with their kids and although I only knew my grandfather for 7 years, he was the fun one. He loved us, his grandchildren, at the time he was alive, there were 5 of us. Now its 25 grandkids.

A family photo of my grandparents with all their kids on
my eldest uncle's wedding day. This is priceless.

Grandma was the no nonsense type. I remember spending my days in her house during the school holidays. She and grandpa would be in the kitchen together cooking our lunch and at the same time making sure we were not up to mischief. It was just us 5 grand kids then and they doted on us.

Grandma lost her husband (my grandfather) 26 years before, and then a son in 2001. When my mother passed away about 8 years ago, she was there and was very sad. She doesn't say much about feelings but she knew what us - her grandkids were feeling and showed in her own way. It's hard to describe it, but it was most certainly felt.

We had a lot of good times. She was the happiest on all the wedding days, coming from a large family, there were many wedding days. Also, during Christmas and New Year's day, it was a must to be at her house. The warmth holiday feeling is always felt in her house. We also made a big deal of celebrating her 75th and 80th birthday on a grand scale. She was really the 'belle' at these events.

Grandma's 80th birthday celebration

At her eldest grandson's wedding.

Grandma you have fought a tough life and still found many happy moments. You have created a wonderful family and we thank you for all you have done for each of us. We still miss you and was glad to have celebrated one last Christmas and New Year's day with us. I know you held on to give us that.

Madam Agasta Nunis

May you have eternal rest in the Lord's house!

2013 was Fast & Furious

How else can I say it? Year 2013 zoomed past!!!

There were many changes and also many eventful days to look at. The biggest change of all was at work. With a brand new vibrant and energetic principal, its no wonder the year had just zoomed past.

Many changes were made for a better work environment but that also came with some not so happy people. Yes, change is inevitable in life, every part of our life is a chapter, a new chapter that some would embrace and some would resent. However you look at it, you can't control and dictate when a new chapter ends and when a new chapter begins. It just happens!

The year looked liked it was starting off well, but 5 days into the new year, tragedy struck my family. Our most beloved grandmother was called to the Lord. She was not well even before Christmas but she was here, at home for Christmas and New Year's day. Who could have guessed that this would be her last celebration with us. It was a time that brought every family member back home. One of the rare times that we have managed to all be there. 

Even then there were a few missing from this picture. Hopefully we get one with all of us one day. It continued to be a sombre yet eventful year. Many times some of the family were gathered to acknowledge an occasion.

It was my first time going to Thaipusam at Batu Caves. I've read about it and seen many pictures about it, i've learned about it in school and even watched documentaries about it on TV, but never have I actually been there for such an event. Very shameful to say that, since I am a Malaysian and live not too far from there yet there are people who would travel many, many miles just to experience this event.

I have to admit though, those stairs are a real challenge. If you have not been working out, don't even attempt it. I only walked halfway up, then decided it was too much and turned back down with my aunt.

We also spend a weekend in Melaka, meeting up with more family there. It was nice to see Grand Uncle James and his family. It also looks like there will still be a few more addition to this family in the very near future.

Many more family gatherings were organized and many with lots of laughter too. We also said good luck and bon voyage to our cousin Mark, who for the first time in his life is going to study abroad in the USA. Sadly, we will miss celebrating his 21st birthday with him.

Some events were recorded with pictures while most of the other is with our memory. What an incredibly eventful year.

Being consistent!

How do we remain consistent?

I ask this question simple because it is now more than year since I last wrote a post. Instead of writing post, I should be 'writing' some assessments paper, or completing a section of a teacher's diploma, or reading up on early years education to decide on dissertation title.

Dissertation!! Right now, this word sounds overwhelmingly stressful and a sight ridiculous to be doing this when I have a full time job as a teacher plus managing the early years section of my school. But this is all in the name of personal progress and upgrade.

With my aunt at Batu Caves

Consistency here is key for me to complete all of the above and come out of it with all my hair on my head and all of my brains intact. I'll be fervently counting my blessings as I diligently trudge through this phase of my life.

I need to be consistent in my teaching methods and planning.
I need to be consistently marking the worksheets and workbooks,
I need to consistently maintain discipline and monitor the progress of kids.
I need to consistently exercise.
I need to consistently read articles and research papers.
I need to consistently complete my assignments.
I need to consistently attend my classes at the university.

Most of all I need to be consistently being consistent.

It's June 2012 already!

It's now June, a half of the year 2012 has past. There were some uncertainties in terms of work and there were loads of stress too. So when the mid year school holidays came around, I was jumping for joy. I could stay at home for a few days and just relax. I did just that!

It seems that these days, we do take time for granted. During work days, I'm out of the house by 7am, back home in the evening then out again at night. I hardly do much at home except bath and sleep. If my mum was around she would say that 'home is my hotel now'. Its so true, we try to create and have a relaxing home so that it will be a place for us to unwind and relax when we get home. Seriously though, how much time do we spend at home.

I was very happy to have at least 3 days straight at home during the school holidays, what a relaxing time. Also, I got to really clean the house and throw out a whole lot of rubbish. That's two mission accomplished. The rest of the holidays were spent with continuous relaxing. After the few months of hectic work, it was most welcomed.

I managed to catch up with my colleagues too. During work there is no time to chit chat not even over lunch. So it was very good to go out, have lunch, chit chat and catch a movie. We met at KLCC, went to the food court to have lunch and also some good chit chat time, then we went to watch a most hilarious movie, went window shopping and then headed home with a big smile on our faces.

KLCC Park

KLCC

No matter what we teachers do, we just cant avoid working during school holidays, so in the second week we had to spend about 3 days working on our classrooms and lessons. How joyful I was when my aunt called me on Wednesday to invite me on a road trip. Woo Hoo!!! I was motivated now to complete my work. Hehe!! Simple pleasures of life!

Friday came around, I was excited as ever. I was going to a beach. Sounds like im a 'loco', but I havent been to a beach for almost 2 years. That's a very long time. So we four gals set off for PD late morning and reached there at lunch time. I have to say, PD has cleaned up itself since the last time I was there. Its incredible to see clear blue water so close to the beach. Amazing really!!! Never thought PD would ever be cleaned. First thing first, dump our bags under an umbrella and ran straight for the water. Ahhh!!! It was cool! So cool!!

Enjoying the water

See what I mean. Clean and blue.

New business - umbrella, table and chairs for rent.

Then around the time the sun was going to set, we cleaned up and headed to Melaka via the inner roads. I was apprehensive about driving through the inner roads, but it was a better idea rather than heading out to the highway and then back in to Melaka. I was most surprised to find that the inner roads from PD to Melaka have been very well paved and developed. Its much better than the roads in PJ. Seriously!! We made some interesting discoveries too. Some small villages which name we have never heard of before and buildings that has maintained its old, rustic facade.

 We reached Melaka in time for dinner, so after some shopping we headed to one of the roadside stalls in Jonker Street for a most delicious dinner, even though it was raining cats and dogs. After dinner we were headed to the car when we all had the same idea, lets check out how much are these new cheap motels just off Jonker Street. Maybe we could spend a night here. To our surprise though it was not really cheap for simple room. But we might consider doing this another time, booking a better hotel.

Ohh What's in there? (An ancient pot, about 100 years old)

Pit stop - Hotel Puri Garden

Dinner at Jonker Street

 
What a day we had.

Two weddings and a funeral

2011, it came and left in a blink of an eye. Now, we are at the end of the 1st quarter of 2012. Time does really fly. Lots to of things to be expected and of course the unexpected as well. Within just a month, I've attended two weddings and a funeral. Plenty of emotions flying through the air, and it is very tiring.

February 18, a date we were looking forward to for a while now. We were most excited when informed of my beloved cousin, Veronica's wedding to her best friend, Ron. Its been a few years since the last wedding in the family and before that it was about a decade plus since the last wedding in the family. It was the most beautiful and down to earth wedding. So off we went the to The Good Shepard Church in Setapak for an evening wedding mass.

The uncles and aunties with the bride and groom.

Of course, Veronica's creativity could be see throughout the decor and especially on the dress she wore. It was simply perfect! It suited her personality to the tee. Then to the K Club in Taman Melawati for the dinner. Except for a few absent family members, we were really, really happy to have an occasion to gather, laugh, drink and dance. Wow!! we did dance the night away. Even the aunties let their hair down and thoroughly enjoyed the night.

Some of the cousins

On March 3 it was off the Ipoh for me. For another most anticipated wedding. You know, I was the happiest person when I was told the dates for my cousin and then my best friends wedding. I decided on a day trip with my cousin, Kathleen to keep my company. We left Bukit Jelutong at around 8am and arrived at the Canning Garden Baptist Church in Ipoh well ahead of time for the wedding. It being a christian wedding service we were anxious of the proceedings. All the anxiety was in vain though. The service was long but it was a happy and fun kinda of way. There were some heartfelt moments but mostly it was just smiles, laughter and claps, lots of whooping and claps. Unusual for me!

(Will upload pics later)

Next, was lunch at a Chinese Restaurant in Ipoh itself! Simple and delicious food it was. I enjoyed it tremendously. Then, it was the drive back to PJ. I was very happy to get out of KL even for just a few hours, the scenery on the way was just simply refreshing. Long, rolling GREEN hills, actual hills yah!! Not oil palms plantations. Blue sky and lovely fluffy white clouds. I'm looking forward to the next road trip very much. Kudos!!! to Kathleen for excellent map reading skills. She was my GPS for the day in Ipoh!!

After all the lovely things that had been going on, it was most disheartening to get a phone call from my cousin, informing me on the death of a beloved grand uncle. Uncle Michael to everyone else (but Godpa to me), was a very cheerful man. He had his way of just making you smile always. I never really got to spend a lot of time with him but the time that we did meet was always full of smiles, hugs and laughter.

Michael Nunis and his brood of granchildren
(except for 2 strays there)

 He loved his whiskey and he loved his Dunhill. He lived until he was 74, and he was just a couple of days shy of his 75th birthday. He was always concerned for each and everyone around him, always giving advice and a helping hand, always giving. He has lead a peaceful and happy life.

Michael John Nunis
(20/03/1937 - 12/03/2010)

Dearest GODPA, May your soul have eternal rest in GOD's wonderful splendour!!

July 2011

Busy, busy, busy.

It’s been this way since January and there are no signs of it letting up, even for just a short bit. Seems like having a class size increased by 50%, also means 50% more paperwork to be marked, checked and filed. I would not have any child being transferred into another class or my class being split up though, for I could never choose between all of them.

Teacher's during the Chinese New Year celebration in school.

The first 3 months was a period of adjustments in many areas, the children needed to get to know me, get comfortable with me and me with them too. I also had to assess their level of reading, counting and general knowledge. What I have with me, is a bunch of really good, motivated and intelligent 6 year olds.

Children being children they need to know that what they do is important, it matters to me when they are not in school, it matters to me when they can’t spell or read well. It makes me happy when they have put in the effort to try and read a long word.

The first time I was assessing their reading level, I wasn’t happy with the level for some of the children. So I had to make sure that the children know what is required of them. They would need to reach level 6 by the end of the year, so there is a long road ahead for some of them who are only in level 2. Motivation is the key to it!

It’s been about 7 months of school year now. Guess how they are doing? The lowest level now is 4. Those few who struggled in the beginning had made the most improvements. No! No! No! It’s not because of me. It’s the children’s motivation. You wouldn’t believe me, but the children motivated themselves and each other.

One of the many birthday parties that I had attended this year!

We have been on two field trips this year, the first was to watch a play “The Ugly Duckling”. The children enjoyed it because it was a first for all of them to watch a play. They know cinemas very well but a stage play now that is something new. The trip was in May it’s now August and they still talk about the play and sometimes when they are playing they pretend to be the characters in the story.

The 'Ugly Duckling' play which the children enjoyed!

The second field trip was most recent. We visited Aquaria KLCC. Some of the children had been there, but going on a trip with friends always seem more exciting. They enjoyed themselves, but poor things had to walk for about 2 hours non-stop. It was tiring, even for me.

Now, we are concentrating on concert performance. They are excited and looking forward to the costumes. Also, it’s their graduation ceremony. It hasn’t sunk in yet that they will be moving on to different schools, meeting new friends and teachers and going into a very different environment. But I’m sure they will adapt with ease.

This year’s concert will be their last kindergarten performance. So, we are all busy, busy, busy with the practices. I’m just hoping they don’t forget their steps or music notes or get a stage fright. So far, practices has been going well. So, I’ll be keeping my finger cross they continue this way.

It's 2011!!

Well, the new year is here. It's 2011, and I've started it off with a BANG!!

We were at the funeral parlour for my grandmother's wake. The BANG was from the fireworks that was let off just after midnight, also we could see the fireworks at a few other places from the parlour. Many family members were there, I don't think we have gathered together like this for quite a long time. It was great to have the family there!

The weekend whizzed passed and soon it was the first day of school which was also the day of my grandmother's funeral. I had to take some time off from school to attend the mass and then head back to school. It helped tremendously to have the kids surrounding me!

Soon it was time for the company annual dinner. Themed : Polka Dots - quite a many of them came 'dotted' for the occasion. It was great food, games and entertainment! The teachers really had their fun on that night.

All 'Dotted Up" for the night!

Then came Aunty Penny's 50th Birthday Party. She had a really 'retro night'. It was great!! The food, the entertainment, the decor, the music and the dancing!! Happy 50th Aunty Penny!!!

The Hippie Birthday Girl!!

A very hippie 50th birthday!

Then there was also Kathleen's 21st Birthday party two weeks later!

Happy 21st Kathleen!

Sam and Me

Very soon it was Chinese New Year! The family gathered together for a whole afternoon of food and laughter. It was a whole lot of food and a whole lot more of laughter during the card games!!

After this was the 40th day prayer and dinner, which was the usual fun, food and laughter for the whole family.

Remember this is still in the month of February only!! Next we had uncle Jude's birthday celebration at his home.

Happy Birthday Uncle Jude!

Then we had Kenny and Sarah's marriage registration at Putrajaya! Most of us had work so we couldn't make it but some could and made it all the more merrier.

Congratulations Kenny and Sarah!

Well, so far this has been my year 2011!! Very eventful and its promising to be more eventful as the year progresses. We'll keep you posted!