Grassroots

Roots of grass are probably one of the hardest to uproot, because they're clumpy and hold on to the soil for dear life with complete fervour.

Last 2 days I did some weeding and was inspired to write this post, after encountering a few clumps of stubborn grass.

The amateur gardener in me prefers not to have weeds surrounding the plants I am tending to, hence my frequent activity is to remove weeds from the neighbouring areas, by digging up their roots. Why? Because it takes longer to re-grow if its roots are removed. Eventually these weeds will even forget that they were a permanent resident in our garden.

The analogy was: Why are political supporters called "grassroots"? Grassroots when compared to lalangs (tall weeds) are not as easy to remove from the soil, because they stick together (teamwork/ unionised/ solid group) & their roots are clumped together digging deep into the soil (i.e. they retain their political beliefs passionately and wholeheartedly). 

Currently we need more grassroot supporters. Well perhaps all along they were there, but the politicians have done them injustice. Now disillusioned, they move to another party or in some cases do not participate in the election anymore >> or is that just me?

Tools & Skills

In late December our 'management' handed down an instruction that we will fully utilise our LMS (learning management system) app, because the channel is the only way to monitor students' payment of fees. In addition, the app is customised and considered as our "IP" compared to Microsoft-owned Teams. Valid and reasonable points. I concur.

The effect: We will, from Jan 2021, put up all teaching materials & conduct assessments in our LMS. Microsoft Teams will be used only for teaching & recording lectures and tutorials.

All other materials, including assessments will be on our LMS (moodle).

CONTEXT: All these while moodle has only been used (by many) to accept assignment submissions & nothing else. Why do we not like it? It seems slower when uploading & downloading & when moving through the pages; class folders are not as easy to locate (compared to Teams); design on courses also require a minimum of developer-like skills (in assigning the fields).

Literally speaking, we are thrown in the deep end together with our parachutes, life-jackets and life-boats and being told Godspeed!

We will be attending a course related to moodle at the end of the month & for the time being we are making do with our existing knowledge. People in our university are indeed a resourceful lot. We just do not get enough credit. Not expecting it either after so many years of apathy.

Negativity aside, the moving-forward-with-moodle plan seems reasonable and workable. I just do not like moodle, and now I have to condition myself to be a functional user. This is what we call learning by experience/ learning curve. Rise up to the occasion and do it.

The potential is endless. I have seen may good examples of an online space/ classroom that are engaging and student-friendly. I don't know how mine will turn out, but I sure as hell will make it happen. Good luck to all of us!

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Currently the number of Covid19 infection are shooting through the roof.

When hubby was diagnosed as positive, we were open about it and contacted everybody who are our close contacts. When we got our results and found to be negative, we announced it too to our contacts. So that they have closure.

I have noticed the different reactions other people have, when faced with the Covid19 virus infection:

1) Requesting privacy and not wanting to bring the news out in the open; hesitant of even calling close contacts or deliberating whether to call the person or not

2) Selective announcements to small groups of people. Direct contacts especially, with very specific request to not inform anyone else, except those on need-to-know basis

3) Stress/ panic (or) fear of discrimination

4) Being upfront and open about it

5) Complete nonchalance/ ignorance, making a judgement call to complete the self-quarantine and not declare (or notify) any contact

Typically I respect all decisions by every individual, and mentally it may not be the easiest thing to inform someone that "I may have exposed you to the Covid19 virus" and I fully understand that viewpoint.. however for public interest, our contacts (at the very least) should be notified. Swallow the brave pill and spit it out. Honestly I feel that we need not even sound or feel apologetic because this virus is not something we seek or want in the first place. Despite all our precautions and best intentions, the virus caught on and we got sick (because or it) or happen to be in their circle of contacts.

With the current numbers of infections, someone would have transferred to us the virus. It is also important for the public to accept and understand this. They are not criminals. They just need some space and time to heal. That's it really.

Positivity

Currently every other person whom I know is a contact or has contracted Covid19.

The best thing to do is today indoors. Stay safe, they say.

Daily so many people are outside, doing work and making a living. My sons included

In the social media, may appear to be speculating that there will be a total lockdown & some plan to buy things as stock. There is no necessity I feel (well these could be my famous last words) because there is enough food out there. Even with the total lockdown from March to June we were still able to go out and buy things. One person per household. 

Realistically speaking there is no economic sense of total lockdown. It may be better to let the public be exposed to the virus, contain/ control the spread by being responsible, and hopefully our incompetent government will do the right thing(s) this time around.

I cannot help but think what the elected government would have done. They started off well with the daily briefings and initial SOPs. Up to March, April and perhaps even May the current government benefited from the previous Health Minister's apparently wise moves. Now that the new guys have taken charge, it is completely mind-boggling how they can get anything done with the bickering and distrust and speculation. What's left are the 'servants' who really serve the nation like our DG of Health, while the politicians bump against each other and into walls. 

The citizens are repairing potholes, sewing PPE sets, donating and helping those needing help, finding out how each other is doing, even helping KKM (Health Ministry) update the goings on & the procedures of quarantine now that they have become severely shorthanded.

Soul

There is one message in this particular Pixar movie, about finding your 'spark'.

It is not your purpose in life- that is too basic Jerry had said

The whole story made me think about my own life. My purpose (not quite my spark). 

I do love teaching. I do love speaking to my students. I do love it when my students achieve things.

Most likely I am already fulfilling my life's purpose. Maybe not with the right company. Haha

Something in the air tonight

Numbers of Covid19 infections are rising and unfortunately that also gave rise to speculations and potentially fake news. Yesterday's infection in Malaysia numbered 2451 cases.

Something's definitely in the air. It is unseen yet it is as real as ever.

Now the numbers of infections are rising and the government probably needs help in public members who can calm others down. Those like us who have experienced infection and quarantine, and have gotten through it. The Health Ministry probably needs to give an announcement that those not called by them or not picked up by the ambulance to the quarantine centres should stay home and self-isolate. Now we are relying on complete trust. That they will stay at home and not spread the infection further. 10 days is what we ask of all of them. Please. The Health Ministry mechanism is currently overwhelmed and need every little help that they can get.

Gardening

There are not many talents that I have, and gardening is not one of them either. I would probably consider it an 'interest', more than a talent. I cannot grow any fruiting plant, except the tiny birds' eye chilis. 

This morning I planted some lime trees. My personal plan is to let it grow small. Every now and then I will trim the trees and let them grow bushy and small. By the time they fruit, they will be short and fruiting. Well that's my theory at least. There are 3 locations where they are planted: 4 in new soil (with proper patch of land); 2 in a pot (these would ideally be thriving the most, because they will be least interrupted by weeds); 5 directly to unprepared soil (these are the ones that are experimental and I do not expect to grow that much, being in the elements with weeds). Will update in upcoming entries. 

The End of the World (a work of fiction)

Will the end of the world be coming soon?

No, I would know

How would you know? Do you have special powers?

I do not need special powers. I KNOW.

Okay, if you say so. Something about the way she said "I KNOW" stopped me from probing further.

Do you want to get some ice-cream?

Not now, we have to be on the lookout

[for what exactly?] Not said aloud. She looked worried.

They're coming to get me, but it's not my time yet. Something is not right

What's coming to get you?

You cannot see them. 

[after a brief pause] If I start wheezing or looking like I cannot breathe, sprinkle this around me and run away as fast as you can. I will meet you at school in a week's time [hands me a small pouch filled with powder] Run and do not look back

When she did wheeze (choked, more like it), I sprinkled the powder and ran as fast as I can. I did not look back until I reached the doorstep of my house. Some powder was smudged on my hand, while some specks remained in the pouch. I kept the pouch in my drawer and walked quietly upstairs. Mom was in the kitchen preparing dinner and did not hear me come in. 

Day upon day passed and I wondered if she would really be back in school next week. Her sister called in and the teacher announced that Lily was not feeling well. I would only know next week, as Lily's family does not own a phone. They're one of those families who does not take to technology that kindly. It consumes your soul she had said, probably echoing what her parents would have said.. but that's Lily to you. Always very intense, even at 10 years of age. 

One week later, Lily did turn up at school. Nothing seemed to have changed. She was her usual self, but I could tell that something happened that night. 

Lil, you okay?

Yes, absolutely

Sorry I took off

You did what was asked of you. Thank you Sara

What happened?

I will tell you one day, I have bought myself another couple of days. Do you still have that pouch?

Ethical Debate

With Covid19 threat being real and very much present, many countries have started acquiring vaccines for their citizens. Various approaches are being implemented by Health Departments in different countries. Indonesia for example will vaccinate the public officers followed by their younger workforce: older people are lower in their priority list, while countries like US and UK started vaccinating the more at-risk/ vulnerable groups i.e. older age individuals.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-15/younger-people-get-vaccines-first-in-indonesia-s-unusual-rollout

Malaysia on the other hand is still debating who will be vaccinated first and our vaccines will reach us the earliest in February. Trust our politicians to be debating all these.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/01/03/report-malaysia-to-begin-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-in-feb-one-million-to-rec/1936821

The ingredients of vaccines have also become a subject of interest: whether the vaccines consist of 'halal' ingredients. Some clerics have taken the stance of (life-saving) 'necessity' to allow use of vaccines which ingredients have not been certified halal. 

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesias-mui-to-issue-fatwa-on-covid-19-vaccine-amid-concerns-over-its-halal-status

Indeed people are concerned. Indeed, the ingredients (of the vaccines) may or may not be halal (and incidentally I do wonder if under IP laws the pharmaceutical companies will release their ingredients for verification by Majlis Fatwa). Indeed, the injections are needed to shield us from further calamity by the pandemic. Which way do we go: stand on moral/ spiritual grounds and insist for the vaccines to be first certified as halal; or approach it using the utilitarian way and deliver these vaccines to many who are in dire need. So that we can survive.

I tend to agree with the 'necessity' argument. Say if the vaccine is not halal, so do we push it away and choose to survive the elements using our own antibody? That's one way. How about the vaccines that were administered since our birth- are those halal (in hindsight)? Must they be halal? Or what about lifesaving antibiotics, or any capsule or medicine for that matter- are we sure of their 'halal' ness?

Negative

Never have I been so happy to be negative. Covid19 negative to be exact.

Tomorrow we are going to the clinic to have our quarantine bracelets removed, and life goes on. We go on living until the next adventure.

How does it feel to be in suspense, not knowing the outcome of the PCT test? Not fun. Daily we wait for a result, and ours was delayed due to the new year holidays. I can only imagine how overworked everyone in the hospitals and testing centres and labs are; handling literally thousands of samples daily.. and the strain on the government coffers, just because of this coronavirus.

How does it feel to be found covid19 positive and brought to quarantine? Hubby accepted the covid19 positive results quite calmly- he had said that it is just another virus; life or death is not in our hands. The only 'exhilarating' experience was the ride in the ambulance on the night of 23 December to Sungai Buloh Quarantine Centre. The inside of the ambulance was darkened, and the driver sped his way through traffic. Other than that, the experience in the quarantine centre was rather mundane- a lot of waiting- and the food was not delectable (according to him); eventually he made friends and now they belong to the "Covid19 Alumni" group.

On the plus side though, those found positive will already have immunity signature in their blood plasma and the likelihood of re-infection is very small to none. The rest of us will have to continue taking precautions and vitamins and comply to SOPs. No matter. All these happened for a reason.

Hubby now has this bravado that he is immune from the virus. It is an interesting approach, and I do love his outlook of life. 

How the Curve is Flattened

With the vaccines being in circulation and the economies the world over being revived, everyone is excited to start again. This covid19 pandemic, although alarming, has given a number of new opportunities. That many things are in fact possible (even to the hardcore dissenters) like working from home, and online classes, and accessibility to goods via home delivery; and e-payments.. the list goes on.

This opportunity is likely to create new jobs, or new recruitments. Last night we had a wonderful opportunity to speak to our senior who's currently based in San Francisco. She had mentioned that in 2021 many companies would be roaring to return to full production and hiring may pick up again. Hence if ever we consider to work overseas, this is the time. Apply to either work for a US multinational and eventually find a way to be 'seconded' to the US; or do a PhD while at the same time become a research/ teaching assistant. That way we earn as we study. 

Great pointers and wonderful leads. Let's get cracking!

Quarantine

Hubby was found to be covid-19 positive on 23 Dec 2020. He was then taken away by an ambulance, with 2 fully suited attendants inside, to the Sungai Buloh Quarantine Centre. One lucky thing was: when he was taken away at 7 pm, the neighbourhood had quieted down by then and all the children had returned home. Only 1 neighbour saw the whole scene and I believe he has us under surveillance as we speak.

We were asked to do our swab test on 28 Dec 2020- we are still awaiting the results- and were given pink home quarantine slips & had to each wear a hospital bracelet. On 6 Jan 2021 we will go to the Petaling Clinic and remove our bracelets. 

My initial response (when hubby was tested positive) was to panic. He was ill with high fever for 2 days prior and we had been waiting for a call to do a test, because on 10 Dec he had a covid-19 positive contact. Eventually hubby decided to conduct the test at a private clinic (the results were received on the morning of 23 Dec) and immediately called the Health Services when found to be covid-19 positive. 

He was then asked to make a list of close contacts and we were called to do our swab test on 28 Dec. By this time I was already at the acceptance stage (after the initial panic and eventually denial). The whole process of swabbing was reasonably smooth- it is exactly as what you have seen on TV where samples were taken from inside the nose and the throat. Once done we were asked to return home.

In the meantime life goes on and we had to order our groceries and food online. Thank goodness for that, because we do not plant any fresh vegetables or rear chickens in our yard. What I found is that the online groceries' item selection is rather limited, and the shops tend to offer the more pricey items via the online mart (for example: only basmathi option for rice). Other than that the process is pretty convenient and safe, because it is contactless.

At this moment we are just waiting for the results and in the meantime life goes on. New Year's day was spent indoors like any other years, and tomorrow I must call the Health Services for our test results. 

A lesser known fact: hubby told me this when he was discharged (as he had been told by the medical officers at the quarantine centre) is that once the 10-day gestation period is over, covid-19 positive patients will not infect others and have very little or no risk of contracting it again. However no further swab tests will be done, because the virus will stay in the body for another 3-6 months (i.e. there is no point doing a swab test because the results will return positive anyways).

So, in my case, I would like to get my results please. Being covid-19 positive may not be too bad either if it means that we have immunity for future attacks i.e. our lives can go on. Now I see the rationale of Sweden, that never imposed a lockdown from the beginning. Their health services can focus on the vulnerable/ high risk groups and let the low risk groups recover at home. Eventually everybody (or most bodies) in the country will have immunity- fabulous!

Happy New Year 2021

2020 was interesting to say the least:

1- We learnt that work from home is thoroughly possible

2- Many classes were transferred online

3- Malaysian politicians coined various versions of the MCO, while the public debates and discusses and provides their own interpretation of what can or cannot be done

4- Resilience takes on a new meaning as businesses and people adapted to the new norm, in more than one way

5- Economies around the world get hit 

We have just stepped into 2021 and one of the first announcements by the Malaysian government is that the RMCO is extended to March 2021 [https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/01/01/rmco-nationwide-extended-until-march-31-as-covid-19-new-cases-peaked-yester/1936524]. 

Basically we can work and travel with some restrictions. Places of worship may welcome a small number of devotees at a time; schools will reopen on a staggered basis from 20 Jan; shops open subject to SOP; offices are encouraged to allow staff to work from home >> essentially we are free to go where we want, subject to reason. 

What are my hopes in 2021? For simplicity. Clean the house. Let go. Give away stuff. Minimalist Living. [It is SO hard to do!]

Next is the video/ YouTube project. For all the slack I have given to local dramas, I should start my YouTube channel and get slapped by the whole world with mean comments. That's only fair, right?

My ongoing resolution (perhaps for the whole of my life) is to be a good mother.

Great to meet you 2021 💖