Christmas decorating

Last night, we were at Julia's helping decorate and baking our first Christmas cookies;) I can't believe December is almost upon us... It really doesn't feel like it, as much as we try - with the music, decorations, etc.. it's just too darn hot!! Instead of going outside in our parkas and hats to hang the lights (as you do anywhere else..), we were in shorts and tank tops, dripping with sweat! Lovely... Well I shouldn't complain, I bet a lot of you out there are sick and tired of the coat thing and the rain... and the cloudy skies...am I right?!!

Snake!

Yes I know they are God's creatures... but sometimes I wonder why He made them... They freak me out! Who wouldn't be freaked out by these things??!!
These are TWO snakes found on our school campus in TWO days.. The brown one was found by one of the cleaners outside a classroom at 10pm at night - even more scary!! Shame, apparently she screamed and ran to the security guard's office at the gate, and they had to call the fire dept - it took 3 firemen to get rid of it! They released it on another part of the island..ugh..
The green one just pitched up in the middle of the school day - luckily one of the yardsman was around to take the beast away.. and released it on the field next door to the school.. ugh..
So needless to say, I'm a little paranoid these days, keeping a watchful eye out - cus you never know when or where you will see these nasty things!

Father here

On Thursday, my dad arrived for a short visit - he's been in China and S Africa the last 6 weeks, and is now homeward bound to Canada this coming Thursday. It's been great having him here :) Lots of shopping on the weekend, and this week, he's visiting his S African buddies he made last time he was here and some other contacts! It's quite exhausting, though - I'm not used to the energy and enthusiasm around all the time! Don't get me wrong, it's wonderful:)) Just different to my normal "quiet" every day routine I have! I will miss him when he leaves this week, but soon - very soon, I'll be home for Christmas;))

Surprise Day Off

Well it's Thursday and guess what? I'm not working!! It's an Indian public holiday, Deepavali where they celebrate good conquering evil (or something like that..!) So I am in my classroom, on my laptop, catching up on some work that has been lagging...Yes I am working, but hey, there are no kids to tire me out! I got to sleep in, make muffins, and leisurely get myself to school by noon! This holiday wasn't scheduled for us, but at the last minute (Friday last week)administration decided to give it to us! I'm not complaining!
My dad was supposed to arrive last night, and I was looking forward to a nice day off with him, but... he missed his flight in South Africa, and so is only arriving tonight instead! Oh well, at least we have the weekend! He leaves again on Thursday for Canada.

Dressing up again

You will start to think that all we do in Malaysia is dress up!! Last week we had our "costume parade" in the elementary school. It gives the kids a chance to dress up, especially North American kids, as they would be doing it for Halloween back home.