Hear along....

School break will be in two weeks' time. Ruth just completed her final examinations today. For the past week she had been tense and edgy, having to complete all 12 papers in 5 days. She came back tired and exhausted after each exam day and it's a big relief that the nightmare was finally over. When I was a student, my parents and relatives used to tell me that school days are supposed to be the best ones in my life, that I only need to study hard, get good grades and the rest will take care of itself. Looking at Ruth's dedication, hardwork and sometimes struggle to do well, I am not so sure that this is still the case today. Times have changed and in this increasing competitive age, it certainly takes alot more than academic qualifications to qualify for a good paying job or mainstream acceptance in the society. I can see that Ruth has to polish herself in many areas of her life before she's finally ready.

Studies aside, hubby came back last weekend to attend some meetings at his former workplace. He flew back to Malacca on Tuesday and is now on his way to the United States of America for a working visit to some oil refineries there. And maybe a chance to meet presidental hopefuls Barrack Obama or John McCain. Ha! Ha! Just a joke!

Just thinking....

Yipee! Our audit was finally over! Sure, there were some minor issues here and there, but we managed to get our accreditation renewed for another 3 years. It's a big relief to all concern that our documentations and process are again certified in accordance to ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System.

Now, I can put my legs up and take a breather. But, only temporarily, as Ruth's final examinations will commence next Monday. It's another marathon race, but I do hope that she cames better prepared this time round. Do your best, Ruth!

Studies aside, hubby called to inform me that he had just paid AUD1,100.00 for a new Apple 3Giphone. During our last trip to Australia, he was already looking out for the iphone. We visited the Apple store with my cousin but he did not manage to buy one. However, after checking the prices in KL, he made up his mind to get one. So, when, my cousin from KL went back to Australia for his annual vacation and hubby requested him to get one. But it caused a whopping RM2,800.00! Well, I suppose it gives him the ump! Looking at the price, I don't think I will ever indulge myself in such an expensive "gadget". My old faithful Nokia handphone cost me RM200.00 only and it serves me well.

Different Strokes

Hubby's back over the weekend. Our Indonesian maid is extending her contract with us for another year, so he had to apply for her visa. She has been with us for three years now and has proven herself to be very responsible and reliable. I must admit that I'll be quite "lost" without her helping in the household chores, cooking and cleaning. As an incentive for her to keep up with the good work, hubby decided to increase her salary and bonus.

He flew back to Malacca on Sunday and Ruth's already missing her dad. But, she's also busy with her revision, as her end of the year exams will be held in two weeks' time. Hopefully, she will do better this round. A number of her friends are now sitting for their PMR examinations and she'll be facing hers next year.

Time really flies. In a little less than 3 months and we will be ushering in Year 2009. An exam year for Ruth. Sigh... sigh. But, that's the way forward.

Some updates....

Hurray! It's holiday time again! We are having a 2-day break to celebrate Hari Raya Adilfiltri. But, unfortunately, I had to go back to office to complete my preparations for the coming ISO9001:2000 compliance audit which will be conducted during the third week of October. So, there's no break for me even though it's a holiday. Sigh.....sigh.... Hopefully, this will be the last audit for me before I opt for early "retirement" next year!

Ruth is also having two weeks break, one for Hari Raya and the other during the PMR examinations. She enjoys snoozing late, drawing her cartoons, watching TV and doing some revision. The final round of her examinations will commence in three weeks' time and she's determine to do better this time. During her mid terms, she recorded a slight improvement in her grades.

Hubby's busy with work as usual, and he could not make it back to Bintulu for the break as he had to be on call. Most of his colleagues are away for the festivities, so he's one lone ranger in Malacca. Poor thing! Hopefully, he will be able to make a trip home during the middle of the month.