Spring is in the airrr....

My hands automatically waved back to Anna as I watched her walking briskly pass my window. ' C'mon ' she mouthed and swinging her forearms at her sides gesturing me to follow her. I smiled back at her while shaking my head. 'Okay..' she mouthed back and off she goes for her morning walk. For a 65 year old lady she amazes me! It has been raining since Thursday last week & this morning looks like a fine spring day after all...
Tomorrow we're going to DC again. Anis has got to go for an interview at MARA office there. Thank goodness, the interview has been shifted to DC and not back home...or else, we'ld be scratching our heads by now! I am always told i worry too much. But, that's me! :)

Newton South High School, MA

Newton South High School 140, Brandeis Road, Newton Centre, MA 02459.
My youngest daughter goes to the Newton South High School, here in Newton. Everybody says it's a good school. As I've come to know the Grade 9 teachers who are forever doing their best for the students, I agree with them. The likes of Ms Carol McNally, Mr Van Beever, Mr Peabody, Mr Mendez, Ms Jason, Ms Gilicina and many more are irreplaceable. Being an English Language Learner (ELL), meaning English is her second language, I do hope my daughter will improve & flourish as a student as well as a person under their guidance.
From my readings, Newton is served by fifteen elementary schools, four middle schools, and two large high schools, one of which is Newton South High School. According to the Massachusetts Department of Education, the schools in Newton spent a lot more for their students compared to schools in other districts in the state. Student population at NSHS increased quite a bit these few years. The student body has also seen demographic change. At Newton South, 13.6 % of the students are Asian, 5.0 % are black or Hispanic, 77.8 % are Caucasian and 3.5 % identify themselves as “other.” The largest group of immigrants at NSHS comes from countries in the former Soviet Union. For approximately one-third of the students, English is a second language. Somehow, I am glad my daughter is not alone when it comes to learning the English language. She has friends from practically around the globe in her ELL class - friends from Korea, China, Japan, South America, Israel...Everyday, she comes back with plenty of delightful stories to tell..
Newton South has always taken pride in the way its students exceeded both national and statewide College Board scores and Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) scores. While the statewide mean on the SAT verbal score was 511 and the statewide math score was 519, NSHS's mean SAT verbal was 600 and mean SAT math score was 629, as reported in the 2004 College Board test results. On the new SAT, South’s mean critical reading score was 605 and the mean math score was 630. To note : Standardised Acceptance Test (SAT) is a test that students have to take in order to get accepted into Colleges or Universities here in the US. My eldest son has taken the test somewhere in March this year. The SAT is known to be difficult especially the English part. But, I think most Malaysian students have no problems in the Math. My son did just fairly in both. We are still waiting for the results on his University application as a Transfer Student this Fall Admission. I pray for the best!! As the name says, MCAS exam is only applicable for Massachusettes schools and it became a graduation requirement a few years back. All NSHS students except for three have passed in time to graduate with their classes, and overall scores have stayed relatively the same over recent years with 98 passing and 88 scoring Advanced or Proficient in 2005. My daughter will go for Maths & English tuition held in Newton North this summer. I worry for her and I really hope she will progress & does well for her MCAS exams.
On the subject of teachers in NSHS, in addition to the required bachelors' degree, 49 teachers have a master’s degree, 29 have a masters' degree plus thirty or forty-five credits, and 8 of teachers have their doctorates. Meaning teachers in High School, or in Malaysia called Secondary Schools are with PHDs. I would love to see the day when PHDs are plentiful in Secondary Schools of Malaysia. Undoubtedly, with their knowledge, guidance and/or management would actually lift our education standard to a whole new level!.

Friends in DC...

It's good to have friends who make us feel welcome and are very sincere in their ways. Although freezing outside, one house on Talking Rock radiates the warmth of good ole hospitality that only a true Malay practices. I love the pounded 'sambal belacan' which I have not had since arriving in the US. Even the thought of 'masak lemak cili padi' prepared for dinner is still mouth watering to me. I hear the Koreans are 'big' in DC, meaning there are quite a number of them and thereby many Korean supermarkets. Their cili powder is excellent! I need to find one in Boston lest my 'cili kering' runs out!
I have been to DC before but that was the first time I have been to the Malaysian Embassy. It was not a good day as the boiler in the basement was faulty. So, every room had a stand alone heater which overloaded the power supply. Considering the building is still new I wondered what went wrong! But, the kids had a great time visiting the tourist sites. Thank you to our friends in DC...:-)

Trip down memory lane..

Today is Cikgu Zainal's birthday. He would be 74 this year. I couldn't help thinking of him as we drove down from Boston to New Haven this morning. It was more than 20 years ago when he, my mom & 2 younger sisters came down to pay us a visit in New Haven. Sometimes my parents amaze me - them being just small town 'cikgus'!
They somehow managed to perform few times of Haj & Umrahs as well as visiting a few countries like any other high income earner. My mom always stress on being 'berjimat cermat' & spending money wisely. She doesn't like to waste on anything & often shakes her head seeing my spending ways.

I can still remember the 6 of us comfortably seated in the big old Ford LTD. We don't see those kind around these days! My father in his sarong - 'kain pelikat' seated at the back, with his legs folded criss crossed (bersila). At times he nudged my mom who occasionally dozed off due to jet lag. " Bangun la..rugi mai jauh-jauh!" - Wake up, he said..it's a waste coming from so far! On the way south to Florida we stopped at NYC & DC.
My father treasured the photos we took at the World Trade Center, Lady of Liberty, White House...& my mom loved the tulips! We travelled up north - experiencing Niagara Falls - all the way to Quebec!. I have my husband to thank for driving singlehandedly throughout the trip & I believe he made his father-in-law very happy for a wonderful & satisfying holiday.

See the Halal sign... aaaah..only in New Haven! :)

Snow Storm & School's Out...

Kids will still be kids, no matter how old they get :-) In fact, we ALL have a bit of the kid in us! They have been visualising snow all the time ..asking me how it looks like & feels like. I'ld always tell them to go to the 'fridge' & scrape off the frost. Coming from all the year round sunshine country, to feel and see the real thing, I guess was too much for them. "Hah...macam nak gghaq punya seronok!" :-) ..
The day continued with a snow storm. The heavy,raging rain kept on pouring & the strong winds kept on beating the windows & glass doors until evening. Our landlord had to work overtime with his ice plough. Pushing the snow & scraping frozen ice at the sides of his tenants' houses & even on the main road. I know its stated in the lease, but shoveling snow is a backbreaking job.. especially for a man as old as him. He is 5 years older than Anna but still strong and healthy.
His secret is eat whatever that doesn't make your stomach or body suffer. But I told him.." ..it must be the olive oil" Yeah..Italians do take that a lot !...he said with a smile. Seing him makes me remember my father...( Allahyarham Hj Zainal Abidin..insya Allah dia di tempatkan bersama orang-orang yang beriman ), because just like our landlord, he is the kind of guy you can depend on whenever you need some kind of help.

Happy 21st ..in the land of opportunities!

I still remember when I had my 21st birthday..way back 'zillion' years ago! It feels like yesterday, though. :-) Celebrated it with friends in a small classroom where we studied. Felt like freedom was in my hands. I always had the urge to learn & experience things as much as I could...but back then, ( 'zillion' years ago..) there was not much to do & not much to see in an independent land, in its infancy. There were only movies to go to and the occasional 'flings' in discos around the city - grooving to the beat of Saturday Nite Fever & doing the Hustle! ;-) We were quite crazy in our own way but we did not go astray. I think it really boils down to the basics of morality & upbringing. I had a lot of that from Cikgu Bastiah & Cikgu Zainal back then!
My eldest turned 21 yesterday. It feels like only yesterday I was trudging down the snow from St Raphael's Hospital to our apartment, hugging his bundled up body close to me. He was barely 20" and weighing meerly 2.3 pounds! But look at him now, he has even outgrown his father!. But he will still be my bundle of joy :-) I pray & I hope the parenting & education that both of us have given him will make him into a well balanced man and guide him to the right path. Happy birthday, my son.. may you have all the blessings from Allah and be successful in your life..

Newtonians...

The City of Newton is located eleven miles west of Boston and bounded on three sides by the Charles River. Settled in 1630, it now has a population of 84,000 spread across thirteen villages. Often referred to as the "tree city," Newton in 2004 was named "America's Safest City" by the Morgan Quitno Press and was recently designated as one of five U.S. cities to receive the "U.S. Conference of Mayors Livability Award." Newton is particularly proud of its city museum that was a stop on the Underground Railroad, its award-winning public library, and its reputation for excellent schools. (See Wall Street Journal, April 2, 2004, and Boston Magazine, September, 2005.).
Although the city of Newton encompasses 18.22 square miles, commercial uses occupy only 4.1% of the land. In 2002, the largest employers were Boston College, the City of Newton, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Reed Publishing and Technical Aid Corporation, each with 1000-4999 employees. The unemployment rate in 2002 was only 1.3% in this city of largely academic and professional wage-earners. Over 94% of Newton's adult residents hold a high school or college diploma. Almost 40% hold a graduate or professional degree. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the median household income was $86,052 in 2004. However, amidst this stable affluence, 546 families or 4.3% of Newton's population have an annual income below the poverty line.
The people here are friendly, that is if we ever get to see them in this kind of weather!
The day we moved in, our landlords introduced us to our neighbours. House on the right are the Jewish couple who has a son named Michael. The Columbians live beside them. Our landlords live at the back of our houses & they have always been prompt when it comes to house repairs. Looks like having landlords nearby is going to work well!.On the left are the new house owners from Russia...Mother & daughter team. They paid quite a 'chunk' to get the property. They haven't moved in yet, though..maybe, later when the house is repaired & liveable.
Taking Langley, to the right of Beecher will lead us to Newton Center - around 30 minutes on foot (my pace). That is, if its not snowing, gauky & wet! Anna says when the weather's fine we can go brisk walking together. She's really something for a 65 year old lady..and a good cook too!.. I loVe her glazed roasted almonds..the lemony taste gives the zzziiing to the almonds!
I hear the Boston Marathon will pass through Newton this coming April- I can't wait for that & I hope the weather will be a bit warmer by then. I have heard a lot about the Boston Marathon, in fact I think there's a movie on it. I dare say, the runners are almost 20,000 strong & each of them have got their own stories to tell. Why they need to go through the ordeal of 26.2miles, on Massachusetts terrain is just beyond me!

Half way across the world...

We left KLIA in the wee morning of January 6th. Everybody was there except my mom & sister in Perak. My mom said that it was for the best. After all her Edah was not over yet & she didn't want anyone to fuss over her broken toe! I will always be teary eyed whenever I think of her, visualising how she looked now to how she looked years ago.....a far cry from the zesty teacher she once was! I suppose that's what my children will think of me in 20 - 25 years from now. But, she's getting better, I hear. With friends to keep her busy...marhaban, cukur jambul, yassin & tahlil..and of course she also has my sister & kids to keep her company.
We arrived at Newark Airport, New York on the same day. The flight was of course loonggg....transiting only an hour at Stockholm transit lounge. Remember, no liquids/gels/creams of that sort on board!. All will be thrown out. Best to keep them in the suitcases. Immigration was a breeze...
We took a domestic flight the next day to Logan Airport, Boston. Marriot Long Wharf was our home for 6 days, 5 nights.

My Vision 2020

I have been wearing spectacles or eyeglasses since aged 14. To this date no one has ever told me what to consider when buying one. Normally, I w'ld start picking out a frame first. I'ld always end up with a squarish frame which I think is suitable for my round face - except in the 80's when 'tear drop' shaped frame were a craze during that era! I have never focussed on the lenses though, which to me their functions are vision correction only. Recently I have come to know a few pointers (from Transitions) before buying my next pair of eyeglasses. First, I need to focus on the lenses that can greatly enhance comfort and eye protection. Some factors to consider are my prescription, lifestyle, and my eye and medical histories. Thick lenses can be made thinner and flatter which Opticians refer to by the names mid-index, high index, and polycarbonate. Surely I would need something that's strong & durable since I am rather hasty & active. I might also need lenses that let me see both far and near without squinting or switching specs. Nowadays, most have invisible lines called progressives. For those who only have trouble seeing close up, reading glasses will probably help. But, some inexpensive drugstore versions can have significant distortions, so its best to order ones made for your own prescription. I sit in front of a computer several hours a day, so I need lenses that are created to relieve both eyestrain and tiredness. Light bouncing off fluorescent bulbs and computer screens can also cause eye fatigue. And if I drive at night, the glare of oncoming headlights can be very distracting. Lenses which have anti-reflective treatment works wonders in these situations; it provides the clearest, sharpest vision. I am concerned about protecting my eyes from the sun. Thankfully, many lenses have built-in UV protection which is available as a coating. I might also want to consider photochromic lenses which darken when I go outside, exposed to UV rays, and get clear again when I am back inside. Polarized lenses will help reduce glare and reflection if I spend a lot of time near water or snow or even if I do a lot of driving. Next, I need to choose a frame that's flattering my round face and works well with my prescription. Tips: Contrast the shape of the frame with the shape of our face. Rectangular works well for round faces, round for square faces. Frame size should be in scale with our face size.Frame color should complement our skin tone and hair color. Also, I need to pay attention to frame materials - lightweight, flexible, strong, or hypoallergenic. I don't know whether I need more than one pair. Sometimes, another pair of specs may come in handy.

The opthamologist at Pantai Medical did a laser procedure to get rid of my 'floaters' last month. The readings he gave showed my vision worsened. My eyes somehow needs more correction. Is it due to the laser ? One thing for sure, going for Vision 2020 is not cheap!

Farewell to TM

At last my Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) has been approved - that's when the company you work with pays you for leaving your job. Great, eh? Well, it beats resigning with no compensation at all! Had to keep my actual reason a secret, except to Ummi who had been a gem of a friend. I knew the rest wouldn't understand...stop working? sayang gaji dah banyak... Well, if anything happens to hubby, siapa nak susah?...muka ni jugak kaan. Somehow I just want them to be happy for me.......at least TM is happy, I am out of her way. A fresh graduate who will be paid a fifth of my salary can be hired :-). But how come I am not jumping for joy now that I am a fulltime homemaker. That is what I was hoping for & wished for when I was bogged down with work, when I was being reprimanded by bosses, when I had to work late, when encountered with traffic jams! I guess I still need the sense of security that a job offers... I remembered my mom saying..." ..tak apa dia ada ijazah, ada Masters" refering to my BSc & MSc... She is forever the positive one. Although my education have made me a better person, I don't know whether I can still use those 'papers' later on. I think I better cross the bridge when I get there, or else I will have more lines on my forehead & more silver in my hair..... My farewell note..
To all my superiors (bosses), colleagues, friends & acquaintances (kenalan2);
I have received my VSS approval letter yesterday & as of 1st Dec 2006 I will be one of those who have VSS-ed from TM. Funny...but I have always thought I would live, breathe & retire in TM :-). But life has many winding turns & I believe Allah knows what's best for us. My heartiest thank you & sincere gratitude to all superiors & bosses. I owe you for all your guidance & support throughout my career in TM. To my colleagues & project team mates, I won't forget your coorperation & commitment that you have given. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!. To my friends, haaa...what can I say!? You all are the BEST! . To all acquaintances, great knowing you all!. Lastly, I apologise for any words that have hurt your feelings & for any of my wrongdoings. Mohon halal makan minum. Insya Allah jumpa lagi...

The KTM Komuter

My daughter surprised me the other day, with her enthusiasm when doing her school assignment on Malaysian transportation. Armed with a camera & sweet smiles, she and 2 girlfriends headed to the nearest Komuter Station. Mission - to get as many pictures and comments as possible on the service provided by the electric train - the first of its kind in Malaysia!!.

She was all chattery coming back that afternoon, describing how she and her friends conducted interviews on several willing (and some unwilling!!) passengers.....although a small feat, I was proud of their achievement. And, somehow glad they reached home safe and sound! (pic: Shah Alam Komuter Station.)

Here's something I picked out from the Malaysian National Library website:
The KTM Komuter was introduced by Keretapi Tanah Melayu- the Malaysian Railway, back in 1995. It is a fast and efficient public transport for commuters working in Kuala Lumpur, as they can travel to the city without the hassle of traffic congestion ( yeah..very true! ....except during peak hours when the Komuter itself gets congested. Heyyy.. add more coaches laa!).
KTM Komuter tickets can be purchased at the counters or by using the self-service Ticket Vending Machines, which are available at all stations and halts. Single, Return and Weekly tickets for adults and children are available at the Vending Machines. The fare structure is also displayed at all stations. All tickets are in single payment, including trips that require a transfer at an interchange station. Currently, there are 2 routes only, which are Sentul to Port Klang and Seremban to Rawang, totaling 22 stations and 17 stops.
If you happen to be at the Ticket Vending Machine and require tickets, do follow these 'buttons' instructions:
A - Select your destination. Be certain of your destination station. Route maps are located at all stations.
B - Select "Adult or child". Select type of tickets - Single, Return or Weekly.
C - If you require additional tickets, select "Add-On". Repeat steps 1 and 2. To cancel transaction, press button "B".
D - Take note of payment required.
E - Insert coins into slot; 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents or RM1 coins are accepted. Notes RM1, RM2, RM5, and RM10 are also accepted.
F - Take your ticket. Please check that the right destination is printed on your ticket. Collect change, if any.
Follow signages to the ticket validation point and validate your ticket at turnstiles or give your ticket to the ticket checker. Once your ticket is validated, take it back and follow the directionals to the correct platform. For safety, please stand behind the yellow line and follow the queue.
(Malaysians are getting better & better these days..despite all our other moral lackings ( or are there? ) ..we queue!!. To get to the other platform, please use the overhead bridge. (make sure you are not late as the overhead bridge stairs can be quite a chore on the knees!)
When the train arrives, please allow alighting commuters to get off first.(sometimes I do see traffic attendant guiding/controlling the passengers..but most of the time..where are they!!? hmmm..please someone, we do need them especially during peak hours).
When boarding the train, be cautious of the gap between the door and the platform. A bell chime will sound before the doors close. (the few times me boarding the train, I don't recall hearing any bells.!.or is it due to me focusing too hard on scrambling for the seat! OK ...my daughter says..ADA!! (there is!)..) Do not enter when you hear this chime. When making a transfer, use the route diagram to check for the right interchange station. Important:-
1.Observe the Do's and Don't's signs
2.Do not lean against the doors
3.Have your ticket with you at all times
4.Listen for your destination station to be announced
Passenger must have a valid ticket before boarding the train.

A minimum penalty of RM 10.00 including a journey fare from sector originating station will be imposed to the passenger without valid ticket.
To reduce traffic congestion on Malaysian highways as their main objective, KTM also puts speed, accuracy, comfort, environmental cleanliness, safety as well as reasonable fare into their services. We hope KTM Komuter can live up to their mission and vision, and expanding to more routes in the near future.....insya 'Allah..... with God's will!.

For a faster, easier and more relaxing way of travelling to or from the city, KTM Komuter is your best choice of transportation! o yes, as a reminder...you can't eat, drink or smoke in the trains.....my advice - just enjoy the view loh......Malaysian greenery!! :-)

Step by Step Approach to Doughnuts

Would like to share this doughnut recipe with you guys. It looks simple enough, even for me!!

Prep: 30 mins ; Chill : 2 hrs ; Fry : 2 mins per batch

Doughnut - Ingredients :

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 Tbsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 eggs

1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

2/3 cup milk

2 Tbsp. shortening(butter, margerine) , melted

1 tsp. vanilla

Cooking oil for deep frying

Sifted powdered (icing) sugar (optional)

Method :

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

2. In another mixing bowl, combine eggs and granulated sugar; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes or until thick.

3. In another bowl, stir together milk, shortening, and vanilla.

4. Beat item 2 at low speed (just to combine), after each addition of item 1 and item 3, alternately.

5. Stir in remaining flour mixture by hand. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and chill dough for 2 hrs.

6. Roll dough to 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.

7. Cut dough with a floured 2 1/2 inch doughnut cutter, dipping cutter into flour between cuts.

8. Reroll remaining dough as necessary

9. Fry 2 or 3 doughnuts in deep, hot cooking oil (375F) for about 1 min. each side, turning once. Removing with slotted spoon.

10.Drain on wire rack covered with paper towels. Repeat with remaining dough.

11. Dip tops of warm doughnuts in Chocolate Glaze. If desired, place cooled glazed doughnuts on waxed paper and drizzle with Cocoa Icing.

12. Or, dust plain doughnuts with powdered sugar. Makes 12 doughnuts and "holes".

Chocolate Glaze - Ingredients :

3 ounces unsweetened chocolate

3 Tbsp. margarine or butter

3 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

3 - 4 Tbsp. warm water

Method :

1. In a soucepan melt chocolate, and butter over low heat

2. Remove from heat, stir in powdered sugar and vanilla

3. Stir in warm water until glaze coats back of spoon

Cocoa Icing - Ingredients :

1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

4 tsp softened margerine or butter

2 -3 Tbsp warm water

Method :

1. In a small bowl, stir powdered sugar, cocoa powder and butter

2. Stir in warm water until icing is of drizzling consistency.

Have FUN !