300th Post

I never thought I would still be posting to this blog at the 300th post mark. To mark this momentous occasion I changed my photo.  I recently purchased a membership to a local fitness club and I have quite enjoyed it.  It's not if I was completely out shape, I was not.  It was more that life had become routine once again, and if I was going to be here for another year then I had to vary the routine. 

So every second day I head off to the fitness club.  I took this photo after walking back home and I was still sweating.  Sweating is something you get used to in the tropics or you simply head home. to another climate.

This coming week is the last week of school and I have 20 days until I step on the plane to head home.  It will be a busy 20 days with review, presentations, exams, the Prom, and last but not least graduation and hugs all around.

We heard from Jordan and he told us he ended up in the hospital.  Turns out he picked up a bad bug and couldn't keep any liquids inside his body. He was so dehydrated that Lauren took him to the hospital and they filled him up with 4 bags of fluid. He seems to be on the mend now.  I can't wait to get home to give him a big hug.  He gets in a week after we do so I will have some time to wait.  While I am waiting I will get Yammy ready for a ride and spend some quality time with Jaime (Yams). Maybe Yams and I will go for a ride on Yammy :-)

TTYL,

Jim

Next up 300

This post #299.  I will have to come up with something really good for #300, complete with pictures. The experience has been very worthwhile and I do believe I am much changed by the experience, both inside and out. We are just days away from our second graduation and this one is much more meaningful as we know most of the students graduating this time around.  It's kind of sad to just have them for a year, and then they are gone.

Tonight we work out (really sore yesterday) and then head out for dinner with Bill Roach the person who recruited us.  Bill has been holed up in an office all day, talking to teachers who he has recruited for Taylors.  He just wants to know how their experience has been and whether he sold them a bill of goods.  It's nice to know he cares :-) I am still ticked off my company car has yet to arrive :-(

I think we will head out to Tony Roma's for dinner tonight at Sunway.  We meet Bill at the Grand Dorsett where he is staying and cab it to Sunway Pyramid. That is also where are fitness club is located.  Turns out Jordan reads my blog and knows I have started working out.  Guess that means I have to stick with the program :-)

Wednesday and Thursday are audit days when teh auditors come in and make sure everything is on file and uptodate such as long and short range plans, course outlines, etc. It's all based on ISO standards and sure results in lots of trees being wasted.

Well that all I have for #299,

TTYL,

Jim

2nd Workout, 1st with the Group (27 days until Canada)

I had my second workout in the fitness centre and this time Amy, Michel and Shelley came along. Shelley, signed up today as well.  Everyone agreed that this was great decision and it was a great way to spend Sunday morning. After the workout we went for a swim and then Shelley managed to talk the restaurant manager into a 2 for 1 special for the Sunday buffet.  Don't worry, we went light on the carbs and heavy on the protein and salads.

Shelley and I then walked back to the condo and it was back to some programming, marking and planning for the final 8 days of classes. We also have graduation and the prom coming up so it will be a very busy 3 weeks before we head back to Canada for the break.

Michel and I had a chat in the pool and we both agreed our stint in S.E. Asia has made us appreciate how great a country Canada is. That is not to say S.E. Asia is bad, it is not, simply different.

TTYL,

Jim

Saturday Night out for a Bday Dinner

Just a note for Rheal, we are back in Ottawa for 3 weeks from June 19th to whenever.  We lose a bit on either end for travel time and jet lag. 

Tonight seven of us are heading out to celebrate Steve's birthday. Steve's wife is back in Canada, looking after a parent who is very ill so Steve is on his own and you just can't celebrate birthdays by your self.  He picked a nice Japanese restaurant that we have never been to so it should be fun.

I signed up for my fitness club membership today and so did Amy and Michel.  Shelley will probably sign up tomorrow.  I also had my first Malaysian workout in air conditioned comfort while watching the news on CNN.  There was an Air India crash and it did not look like anyone survived.  Air plane crashes are unfortunately more common here than in North America and Europe.

Bill Roach, Taylor's recruiter is visiting this week and Shelley and I are heading out for dinner with him on Tuesday night. Bill is always lots of fun. If anyone is looking for employment as a teacher here at Taylor's Bill is the person to talk to.

Unfortunately I have some programming to do this weekend so it could be a late night or an early Sunday morning.  Neither really appeals to me.

TTYL,

Jim

TGIF

Apparently someone has organized a TGIF today in the new mall at Chilis. I need to check with Shelley to see if she has anything planned.  If not, a TGIF would be good.  There are now only 8 days remaining until exams start and 29 days until we depart for Canada.

Our son, Jordan started his journey back to Canada from Australia today.  It sounds like he had a great time but we will know more when he gets back to Canada and we can actually call him on the phone.

This weekend, 2 of our teachers are playing in a hockey final at Sunway Pyramid.  The game is at 9 pm and we have a birthday dinner to attend at 6 pm.  Makes it just about perfect to have dinner and then catch a cab to cheer on our fellow teachers. Apparently about 60 students have been showing up to cheer them on.

TTYL,

Jim

Thursday and I am Bored!

It's 5:30 and I am in the lab with my best students working on their CPT's.  It's funny that the students who really need the extra help are usually the ones who avoid it.  The best get better because they work harder at whatever they are doing.  Holds true for sports and academics as well.

It now rains much later in the day.  Earlier in the spring it rained about 3 pm.  Now it rains about 5 pm.  We will soon be in the summer dry period which if I remember correctly from when we arrived, lasts for about 3-4 months. Does not mean that it is less humid, just that it does not rain :-)

There is definitely trouble in Bangkok and I hope John McGrath is okay as the military went in and broke up the red shirts camp and carried off their ring leaders.  There were deaths reported on both sides but mostly withy the red shirts.  They managed to torch quite a few building before being ousted.

Shelley is already at home, probably marking. I will walk home at 7:30 and it takes me less than 30 minutes and I view it more as exercise than transportation.

TTYL,

Jim

31 Days Until Canada

It's Wednesday and it has been a long week as I am at school until 7 pm every night as I keep the computer lab open and help my students with their CPT (game).  That makes for a 12 hour day as I am at school at 7:30 and don't get packed up and out the door until 7:30 pm.  However, the week is almost over and the projects will soon be complete and then we just have presentations and review as their are only 10 days left until exams start.

I can't count how many times I have been approached by students asking if they should accept U of T's offer or UBC's offer.  I tell them, everything else being equal choose the institution where your friends are going as you will need housemates by the end of February to move out at the end of April into some form of student ghetto.

They sure are an excited group of 180 students heading off to Canadian universities in Canada. Many are attending Carleton, Queens, and U of T.  If anyone wants to adopt a Malaysian student for the Christmas holidays I can easily find a match.  They don't go home for Christmas and will be spending it in residence.  Shelley and I are thinking of taking in about 10 of them as we will be home for this coming Christmas.  Should be lots of fun :-)

TTYL,

Jim

Jordan Did It!

Well, Jordan went sky diving in Australia.  He has lots of pics up on facebook if you want to see him do it in living colour, all the way down :-)

I had cabin fever today and decided to head out for a walk.  I met up with Shelley at Sunway Pyramid and we had a late lunch about 3 pm and then we decided to take in our first movie here in Malaysia.  We, decided on Robin Hood and it was 2.5 hours long.  Lots of action but not as good as Gladiator with Russel Crowe as well.  We bought a double seat.  A double seat is made for a couple and has no arm rest in between.  This is great as you get quite a bit more room.  Seats are preassigned and they let you in 5 minutes before the ads start.  You get to pick where you want to sit, first come first served.  Quite civilized.  What was not so civilized upon exiting, way too many people were filed into a small corridor with one set of exit doors opening inward.  This was also the fire exit.  A disaster waiting to happen but Shelley and I have noticed this quite a bit in Malaysia.  I guess that is why it is still called a developing country.

Today was really hot, probably about 38 degrees with 95 percent humidity. I worked out for about 20 minutes in the little fitness centre at the condo (no AC).  I just found out I can join the fitness club at the Grand Dorset (used to be the Sunbang Jaya Sheraton) for 120 ringitts per month with no contract.  That's about $40 Canadian per month which is a great deal as it includes a very large pool, hot tubs, and great equipment with 5 treads with individual T.V.'s.  I am going to sign up tomorrow!

I have to do something or Jordan is going to be trash talking me when he sees me in July.  He has really been working out and is tremendous shape.

Time to finish my book and hit the sack.

TTYL,

Jim

35 Days until we are back in Ottawa

I am officially starting the count down to Canada.  I also started lifting weights again today as I do not want to be dissed by my son Jordan who seems to have been pumping iron all over Australia.  Check Jordan Dale (Trinity Western University) out on Facebook to see what I mean.  It looks like he is having a great time.

I was chatting via eMail with jaime and she says she is missing her daddy and is looking forward to having him at home for 3 weeks of hugs :-)

This is another weekend of marking and preparation for the final 3 weeks of school which means review, lots of it.  I also plan to keep the lab open until 7 pm Monday - Thursday as I really encourage the students to finish the CPT game project before the last week of classes.  I hope they take advantage of it.

McDonalds supper just arrived via their motorcycle delivery service at $3 ringitts for the delivery.  That's 90 cents Canadian.  You can't even start your vehicle in Canada for that amount of gas.

Don't want it to get cold, so

TTYL,

Jim

Week Flying By

This week is just flying by.  It's Friday tomorrow and there are just 15 class days left before exams.  It's going to be hard to fit everything in, especially the review.

It's time to vary my diet.  I never thought I would get tired of McDonalds and Subway but I am.  I am especially tired of chicken.  I need an Outback, The Keg, or Milestones for a really big steak and baked potato, mushrooms, and a fine glass (make that a bottle) of red wine.

Another item I missed is a plate of bacon and eggs.  I will definitely have to do the greasy spoon deal at Mellos with the boys.  The Prescott for a meatball sandwich platter is another gotta do as well as Timmies for the breakfast sandwhich and a large double double.  No takeaway there, but a sit and savour, and soak up the Canadiana :-)

Our return flight takes us through stop overs in Hong Kong and then Toronto and the hop to Ottawa.

See you soon,

Jim

The Terminator

I had to terminate a student today with 20 days left in the year.  If you miss 15 days the policy is you get the boot.  I decided to try to save this kid 3 weeks ago and tried working with him after everyone gave up on him.  He signed a contract with me that he would not miss any more classes and had to visit me every morning at 9 am to check in.  He had to miss 2 days (long story as he was called up to the army) and I had to cut him loose.  The only thing between him and the army was his enrollment at Taylors so he will be marching in a couple of weeks.

Not a fun part of my job :-(

Jordan has lots of Australian pictures up on Facebook so check them out if you have time.  He really seems to be learning lots and having lots of fun.  He managed to get everyone to sign up for sky diving the last week in Sydney before they head home.  I am really looking forward to having a couple of nights out with Jaime and Jordan when I get home in June.  I don't think Jaime has ever been to the Prescott so perhaps, King Louie, Katie, Patrick, Jordan,  Jaime and I can indulge in a meatball sandwich a few quarts one night.

TTYL,

Jim

Funny Movie

Shelley and I just watched a very funny movie called 'Old Dogs' featuring John Travolta and Robin Williams.  It is hilarious, you have to rent it. We, of course, bought it from one of the friendly dvd sales persons in Malaysia, land of copyright (not!).

It is now Mother's Day in North America so Happy Mothers' Day to all you moms back in Canada!

TTYL,

Jim

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!

I hope Jaime picked up a card and managed to get you flowers. I know she was quite busy with extra shifts at Milestones.

I picked up a card for Shelley last night and booked a reservation at Trader's Hotel in KL.  Their brunch, which starts at 12 noon is probably the best brunch I have ever experienced.  I loved the roast beast and Shelley loved the seafood. Lots of other stuff as well and the desserts were many and yummy all around.

Where we had brunch.

Roof top swimming pool and bar.

Lobby

View from roof top pool.

After Traders we went to my favourite bookstore in Petronas Mall and I picked up two computer books on creating games in Actionscript and Shelley purchased another purse.  You just can't have too many purses and shoes and they have to match of course.

Shelley is on the net right now booking us into Tioman for the long weekend at the end of May. Tioman is a YATI (yet another tropical island) but we have not done it yet, so what the heck, off we go for the weekend.  I will have pics for you as always.  It will be our last trip before heading home for 3 weeks.

I managed to get my exam written this weekend as well as a bit of programming for ePLC. I have some marks to input into Markbook and then it is some reading and a call home to Ottawa about 9 am to wish my mom a happy mother's day.

Hey Larry, did you spring for the pedestal this Mother's Day?  Don't want you spoiling Lorraine now :-) Then again, she is all alone on her pedestal as far as I am concerned.  It's not often you find a woman that knows a Tarheel from a Blue Devil and manages to keep the fridge stocked with beer with King Louie around. That, and she even likes the Prescott!

TTYL,

Jim

TGIF

It's great it is Friday but it is bound to be a busy weekend with marking and an exam to make up. There are 18 days of classes and we are trying to cram everything in to cover the curriculum. With any luck I will make it :-)

It will be another hot and sunny weekend, as it always is.  There is nothing as constant as the weather here in KL.  The only thing that changes is what time in the late afternoon we get our 20 minute downpour. Lately we have had a few very nice thunderstorms with lots of lightning and thunder.  Great fun, much louder than you get in Canada.

I am reading a great Science Fantasy novel and I will be torn between school work and pleasure reading.

We had an email from one of Jordan's TWU profs stating that they all arrived safely but tired due to the jet lag. The actual course starts today and runs for the next 3 weeks.  Sure wish I had that opportunity while I was in University, but perhaps it was there but I never could afford it.  Come to think I probably could have afforded it as I was working 2 jobs at a time through most of University as well as playing a varsity sport. Not complaining, I had lots of fun and never ran out of beer money :-)

I just did a count and there are 45 days until TGIM (Monday) at East Side Marios on Hunt Club when I arrive back in Ottawa. We just might want to do breakfast at Mellos to kick off my return to Ottawa.  If I don't show, you chimps know the drill :-)

TYYL,

Jim

Eagle has Landed!

Jordan landed safely in Australia and is 'chillin' according to his Facebook page.  Today is CPU Open House day for parents.  The school office area is all decorated in red and white and there are university pennants and brochures up everywhere.

Shelley was talking to former students last night who have gone on to Taylor's university and are quite disillusioned. After learning how to question, problem solves and use their higher level thinking skills, their new profs have told them not to ask questions, 'They are the lectures, you are the students!', sit and listen, take in my knowledge and wisdom.

Sadly, one of these students is in Journalism.  Go figure!

Next time I meet with the university president I think I will have a chat :-) The good news is that he listens, but how do you change a teaching and learning culture so archaic?

TTYL,

Jim

Jordan is in the Air

Jordan left this morning for Australia and seemed quite pumped for the experience.  It is a great trip and he gets 2 course credits for the experience as well.  Apparently he took his MacBook along for teh ride to take notes for his courses.

It's hot and sticky here (what's new) and I have extra help for students from 3:30 - 5 pm in the lab.  It's that time of year when their CPT's are getting near due and they start to count down the days.  They have 19 classes left and that will fly by.

I had many students sign up for my course next semester so word must be getting around that it is a great course.  They haven't lived through the last month of the course yet :-)  Lots of girls signed up as well which is a pleasant change.

I just have time to make a coffee and head down to the lab, so

TTYL,

Jim

Drying with Toilet Paper

I will never get used to drying my hands in the washrooms with toilet paper.  They are the exact same rolls you find next to the toilet. Ever tried drying your hands with toilet paper? You can always tell who washed their hands after using the washroom as they will have little bits of tissue sticking all over their hands. There may be a market for hand towels here in Malaysia :-)

The 'Night on Broadway' put on by Taylor's students and CPU teachers was awesome.  It sold out all 3 performances and the money raised went to the Somali Refugee School. It really demonstrates what good things happen when you educate the whole child, including the Arts.  It makes me want to start up a couple of basketball teams here at Taylors. They have a multi-purpose hall that is only used for large assemblies and exam writing.  It is the same size as Canadian gyms.  All I need is a couple of decent portable hoops, 25 basketballs, and 2 sets of uniforms (ladies and gents).  Anyone out there have a spare $15,000 CDN to start a basketball program at Taylors.

If King Louie, Mr. Fixit, or Grasshopper are reading this, you would not believe the number of Chinese students who are over 6 feet tall.  I can definitely field a team here that would be the scourge of KL :-)

Today is a shortened day as the students have to choose their options for next semester.  They visit the department that the course is offered in and ask the teacher what prerequisites are required and what the course is like.  The teacher initials the course and they are good to go.

We are now into May which is pretty much the home stretch at Taylors.  Students are hard at work on CPT's, ISU's, essays, and last minute assignments.  The prom is also coming up at the end of May. There is lots of excitement in the air and a little sadness as well.  CPU is a one year program and the students just get into the program in semester 2 and then they are done.  It's kind of like teaching at Frank Ryan, except compressed into 1 year.

I don't know if I have mentioned the makeup of my class. This semester I have students from Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Tanzania, India, and Malaysia of course.  It is fascinating to learn about them and their countries.  And no, the students from Kazakhstan are not the least like Borak!

TTYL,

Jim

Pics of our new Condo

 Jaime has been asking for Pics of our new Condo (maybe she is coming for a second visit :-)) We probably went from 2,000 sq ft. to 1,500 sq ft. Still lots of room for 2 more visitors at a time.

Nicer dining room table with marble top (there are 2 more chairs for company, hint).

The living room with nice leather couches.

The newly renovated kitchen.

The second bedroom with lots more cupboard space and a new mattress.

View from balcony in second bedroom.

Washroom # 2 in second bedroom.

Living room closeup. Television is being replaced by LCD unit.

View from living room window. 11th floor.

Master bedroom with Jim's work area.

New mattress for master bedroom as well :-)

Lots of cupboard space for Shelley.

Won't be empty long :-)

Counter area in master bedroom washroom.

Shelley's makeup area.

Living room window.