Volunteer activity

My new hat

I just got this hat from John and Lindsay, a couple from our school who just left Malaysia. I really like the chin strap. It holds the hat in place during wind storms.

Impaired Driving test in Singapore

I bought Amy a little gift in Singapore. I think it was a wallet:)

 The roadside DUI test is quite easy in Singapore. All you need to do is walk for 5 meters, between the two lines on the road. The pass rate is 99.9%.
































If it's a really busy night, the officers ask you to remain in your car, and then drive between the lines. They can process more drivers that way. Again, a very high pass rate.

Computer Boredom

Okay! So I was bored. On the top left is the new computer; one piece. All the rest of those items are parts of an old computer. I was very curious to see how these things are assembled, so, I gently trashed it, and voila. It was fun! I can't wait for my new computer to surrender it's spirit.  :)

Stars

The star holding a star

French Malaysia

I've been here for a year now and just recently noticed the French Quarters in Subang Jaya. Wow! Now I can 'Parlez-vous' wit dose French folk. Um very appy about dat OK la.

More Singapore!

I strolled around this store. Things were kinda hanging around.

Amy lost her glasses so I got her a pair that she will never lose again!
Our motto for 2011!

She's got the whole lion...in her hand!

Singapore...Organized & Clean.

Singapore is whole new world. Clean, organized and balanced. I felt out of place. I need a touch of chaos in my life. This photo is exactly what you think you are seeing...a boat atop 3 hotels. 

Amy met some guys on the street and was allowed to share their meal. They never even budged while she dug in!

There was this guy pointing people to the Middle East.

There's only one way to celebrate Christmas!

I told these guys lame jokes and everything, hoping they would share their food. Not a chance. Amy had better luck. It must be the 'cute girl' thing. I think they were dissing me in their native language.

Bouquet of Appreciation

Amy received a nice bouquet from one of her students, a gesture of thanks for being an excellent teacher.

James in Malaysia

Is this safe?

This hole in the sidewalk is three feet by three feet wide. We walk along this sidewalk night and day. It's been like this for at least a month now. Four adults could fall into this hole, no problem. This is how the local city officials decided to make it safe. The drop is about seven feet deep. There's nothing like a few solid twigs to secure a dangerous hole.

Kirsti and Melinda

Kirsti and Melinda at Melinda's grade eight graduation.

I won an Osacr...REALLY!

I was both honored and humbled, by my period four students, on the last day of the July-December 2010 semester with an Oscar. The category: World's Greatest Teacher. I was so moved. I will treasure that Oscar to the end of time. Thank you all very much.

Halloween..NOT!

Is she not the cutest squaw you ever did see?

Native names are given by the Chief of the tribe. They're usually related to what the Chief sees in nature or how he feels at the time of birth. My native name is 'gone with the wind', as a buffalo farted and knocked a squirrell out cold.

Amy's native name is 'smokin all over', as the Chief watched his Teepee burn to the ground.

Terry Fox 2010 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Three teachers accompanied 50+ students to the annual Terry Fox Run here in KL. Our students earn community volunteer hours as clean up crews, route marshals, and t-shirt sales people. They are studying the grade 12 Ontario Curriculum and are required to complete 10 community service hours. It's always an honorable moment, for me as a Canadian Terry Fox enthusiast, to hear the Malaysian organizer, promote the heart and spirit of our great Canadian hero. I'm always so proud of him. The t-shirts this year are awesome. A huge # 30 on the back with Terry's picture neatly located inside the numbers. A sea of blue left the starting line. It was very moving and quite amazing. I love being part of that event. Our CPU students always represent us so well. They do a great job volunteering their time to the cause of cancer here in Malaysia. All funds collected here are donated to the SIME DARBY CANCER CENTRE, located minutes from my home.

Terry Fox is such a humble and well spoken young man.

I'm always so impressed with his spirit and humility.

 Proudly representing Taylor's CPU and 
the cancer research effort.

It's simply elating.

 A line dance for Terry Fox.

 We are looking up at Terry who is looking down at us, 

hence the smiles. He gave us the 2 thumbs up.

Tim directing traffic.

 Let the race begin!

 Now these are the rules folks...no pushing, 

or sleeping on the route. Ok lah?

 

I see a sea of blue...cheers!

 A collective workout before the run. Everybody dance now!

 Our Canadian High Commissioner's representative to Malaysia.

 Our CPU team of excellent student volunteers.

 Don't worry, we found the run.

Beautiful Wisdom

Talent is God-given, be thankful,

Praise is man-given, be humble,

Conceit is self-given, be careful.

Tony Dungy

2010 Leader Cast Broadcast

Taylor's College, Malaysia

My sister Kimchel

OK...OK, I'm out with it already. I have a ninja twin sister...
THERE! Ahhhh what a relief.

The Highland Towers Disaster - Malaysia

I just watched the History Channel's documentary about the The Highland Towers Disaster. On December 11, 1993, the apartment complex came crashing down, killing 48 unsuspecting people. I offer my sincere condolences to all the families who lost precious loved ones. 

As I watched, I was once again reminded of how quickly our lives can be erased, the when and how always unknown. It's important to live for the moment. If you love someone, tell them today.  If you miss someone, tell them today. If you forgive someone, tell them today. If you like something about someone, tell them today. There's nothing worse than standing graveside, wishing you had said this, or wishing you had done that.

My beautiful mother Brenda, left this world in a flash at the age of 47. I stood graveside, filled with unsaid words and feelings. 

My awesome brother Johnny, aged 19, was taken from our family in moment. I stood graveside, filled with unexpressed words and feelings.

Tell them today because graveside is too late.

Keepsakes & Mementos

In grade eight, Melinda won the French award. Proud moment.

There is nothing more powerful than a keepsake or a memento, to remind us of past events, moments, actions, or words that have blessed our lives. A photo, a hand made card/gift, a letter,  a concert ticket stub, a note, a gift, or a piece of clothing. Anything that represents an event, a moment, or a person, is worth saving, permanently. I have a big green bin in which I store such mementos. Some are 20 years old, some are as recent as yesterday. When I look at these mementos, I remember the person(s) involved and I'm reminded that I matter to someone. I always feel good when I have a sit down and review my mementos. Start building your bin today.
Kirsti made this bookmark for me some 16 years ago. 

Kim & Brian sent us a package and included among many other awesome gifts, this bottle of sand. They went to our home land, Wasaga Beach, scooped up sand from the beach, bottled it, and sent it to use in Malaysia. Isn't that a beautiful gesture. We will keep that bottle forever because it reminds us of how much we matter to Kim and Brian.
 
July 2010, dancing with my niece Morgan. 
She has the spirit of ten Queens. 

 
Anchoring up to go para-sailing. 
It was a moment I'll never forget. 
Bungee jumping is next!

Moments in time!