Job of my Dreams

Through the Grace of God, the power of Ekadashi and the practice of The Secret, I have been successful in getting the teaching job of my dreams. On Saturday 25th July, I had an interview at a state-of-the-art school, Mission Heights Primary situated at 103 Jeffs Road, Flatbush, Auckland.

This is the link to the TV 1 footage on Close Up which went on air on August 6th.

My resignation date is September 11th but I am still waiting for a teacher to be appointed for my position at Kelvin Road School.

A big THANK YOU to all who had faith in me getting this job, those who prayed for me and those who provided written, verbal or video recommendations. There are too many people to name but God bless you all.

Good things happen to those who pray.

Faith always,

Kree

Kree's Tribute to Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009)

It was with great sadness on Friday the 26th June, in my school staffroom, that I learned of the passing away of my beloved pop-star, Michael Jackson. Michael passed away on June 25th at the age of 50 years, from an unexpected cardiac-related death.

Michael, you're gone too soon! There was and will be NO OTHER like YOU. You were superhuman, my angel, my GOD. You transcend death - you are IMMORTAL. Only the blessed ones of this lifetime were able to know you, love you and believe in you. What a loss to the rest of the world. Who cares about what people say or think? They did the same with Jesus Christ, Sathya Sai Baba and many Avatars of our world. I hope you never doubted the love of your true fans.

Michael, your death has left a hole in my heart, but I know that your music and your unselfish love for humanity will fill that hole and will heal me and all who mourn for you. I must admit, now that you have transcended into Spirit and Soul, I feel SO CLOSE to you.

Michael, please watch over our Earth...let your death cleanse the world of all hate, greed, wars, racism, poverty, crime, etc. May your love Heal the World and save our beautiful Earth. I am sure Heaven is now complete with you there Michael.

Michael, I shall love you for always, my SuperHero.

Your loyal fan,

Kree Raman Vandayar

9 years Vegetarian

On 25th June 2009, I celebrated my 9th anniversary of being a vegetarian...all through the Grace of my beloved Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. My Sai I pray that you will shower Your Grace to more people so that they may experience the bliss I do.

Kree observes Nirjali Ekadashi 3rd June - 4th June 2009

I have had an amazing day on 3rd June, as I observed my first Nirjala Ekadashi, without taking food or water from last night till Thursday morning (4th June). I think it is a miracle that I survived this day on AIR and FAITH alone, not even medication! On a regular day if I skipped a meal I would have an intense headache. My husband Kanthan Vandayar also observed the fast and is overwhelmed that we were able to achieve this. My daughter Thanusha fasted from morning till 4pm and couldn't manage it, but at least she tried. In the evening we went to Papakura Ganesh Temple (4 Dent Place, Papakura) to give Thanks for our Faith and good fortune in this life.
I realised With FAITH, we can conquer anything!! Air + Faith = Life.
By reading this, I pray that you and your loved-ones be blessed to dream BIG and achieve your goals. GOD BLESS YOU :) now and always,
Kree Raman Vandayar

Read about the significance of Nirjali Ekadashi by Narottam Das:
http://www.h4all.org/nirjal_ekadashi.html

Extraordinary Sun Meditation - Monday, June 1st 2009

I really want and need to observe the Nirjal Ekadashi fast on June 3rd.

I am going through a beautiful phase in my life now, I mean spiritually.... Imagine 24 hours of no food and no water! I think it will be proof that we can survive on Faith alone!

Often, my sign to observe a certain fast or perform a certain pooja is the fact that a few days before an auspicious event or religious festival, I start menstruating, thus preventing me from indulging in intimate desires of the body so that I can be 'clean' for the fast. This is how I know that I should observe Nirjal Ekadashi, and if I do, it will be God's Will and Strength.

I want to share with you an extraordianary meditation I had today, Monday 1st June 2009, which was a public holiday in New Zealand to celebrate The Queen's birth. This morning, while chanting the Hanuman Chalisa at my prayer altar, I felt the morning sun shining behind me through the window. Although my eyes were closed, I was overpowered by the light of the sun and changed my seating to face the sun. I had my back to the lamp (although I knew this was not acceptable) but the power of the sun drew me to it like a magnet. I continued my chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa, with my eyes open and taking in all the beauty of the sun. Then I closed my eyes, and just there between my eyebows, I could still see the sun as though my eyes had been open. I slowly opened my eyelids to make sure that I had shut them in the first place...what I saw next was breath-taking! The sun had seven rays, you know...like the way preschoolers draw the rays of the sun in their pictures. Has anyone actually seen the rays of the sun? How did we know about it as children then? The biggest ray I saw was at the bottom of the sun which was making contact with me....I mean I was looking at a ray of light coming from the SUN right into my face (or eyes). It was magnificent. I usually experience this Jyoti meditation when I'm looking at my lamp with eyelids half open half shut....you know what I mean. Anyhow, I kept closing then opening my eyes...the colours and shapes in and around the sun were breath-taking. It felt as though I was floating in space (our Solar System) and witnessing the power of the sun from close-up! Suddenly, I had a revelation that The Black Hole in Space is really our "Third EYE"....the EYE of GOD. Imagine that? Is that where our souls go to after death? An invisible eye? The Third Eye? Is it the Black Hole in the sky? These thoughts were going on in my mind when next I saw the outline of the sun burning a bright yellow light on the inside, then a ring of orange light around that and a ring of red light on the outer side of the sun. Awesome! Then there appeared a dark grey round shape spinning around either inside or in front of the sun, with just a ring of yellow sun shining around it. (Earth? Moon?...I wonder). Around the sun were rings and rings of hot colours, spanning as wide as five times the size of the sun. In my mind, I kept thinking I must paint a picture of these colours....

At last I finished chanting the Hanuman Chalisa, so I instinctively made salutations to the SUN and returned to my normal seating position, giving thanks and bowing in front of my lamp and Sai Baba's portrait. I continued with my reading from "The Book of Daily Thoughts and Prayers" by Swami Paramanda. This was the thought of the day on page 174.

June 1st:

Salient Thought for the Day:

Have Faith! It glorifies the life. It exalts it.

Lines to memorise:

It is the flame of faith that sheds light upon our life's straight and narrow path.

Faith, how oft thou dost come to my rescue as I stand in the dark corners of life, puzzled and helpless. O blessed Faith, Thy transcendent glow hath filled my life! Thy lustre hath brought me new sight. I shall walk now with the light of Thy holy sanctity.

Lesson:

What you need is a basis in life which will bring you upliftment, courage and resourcefulness. At no time do you need to feel lonely, destitute, devoid of help. All will come out right if you have faith. Faith always enriches the life and brings true understanding.

Prayer:

O Thou who art the source of all goodness, may I learn to work, worship and aspire with unaltering faith and selfless spirit. May I gain strength and vigor of mind, high inspiration and peace. May Thy holy peace fill my heart and life.

[The Book of Daily Thoughts and Prayers, Swami Paramanda, p. 174]

Thank you for reading my recount of this amazing experience. I pray that all who read this may feel the same power, faith and peace that I felt.

Love, faith and peace to you and your loved ones.

Kree - Asthma + Bronchitus - what next??

My cough started acting up on Sunday morning 7 September (Father’s Day in NZ as well as Kanthan’s 9th year of sobriety). Later that day I had a sore throat and on Monday my neck was stiff and sore. By Tuesday, I was losing was voice, had a blocked nose, sneezing, nausea, no taste and smell – the works! On Wednesday my voice was really bad and every sentence I spoke required great effort. Yes, I was at school all three days – meetings, as usual, only left school 5pm Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday I made a doctor’s appointment (Kaveshan’s advice) for that afternoon – the earliest appointment was 3:45pm. By lunch break I knew I was too sick to come to school Thursday and Friday and emailed the DP. I pushed myself to cope until 2:30pm when school ends, hardly taking a break from teaching/talking all day. By that time my voice was just a squeak and my chest was tight, burning and sore, all the way up to my throat and neck. When I arrived at the surgery, my heart was racing and I was so out of breath that I couldn’t say my name out clearly. Luckily the nurse immediately picked up on the signs and quickly put me on a Ventolin nebulizer. It relieved me quite a bit but by now I was rather anxious – imagine battling to breathe – it feels like you’re dying!! I never realised what Asthmatic sufferers have to deal with, like my sister Julie. I myself have not been asthmatic – however this is the third time in three months that I have experienced severe coughing and wheezing. At my last consultation a month ago, the doctor gave me two inhalers to be used during the wintertime. I wasn’t aware that I was mildly asthmatic. The medication I was given from yesterdays consultation are: Bricanyl Turbuhaler; Pulmicort Turbuhaler; Prednisone; Co-trimoxazole (antibiotic). I really pray that these meds will work soon because my voice has not yet improved, and without a voice I cannot teach. If any of you are asthmatic or can offer advice, it would be a great help.

After 3 days of medication, there was little improvement and on Friday the nausea was worsening, aggravated by the cough, little improvement in my voice and my nose still blocked. Today, Saturday 13th September, I went to another doctor for fear that it could be my thyroid playing up or even pheumonia!! The doctor's diagnosis was Bronchitus as well as Asthma and he changed my antibiotic to Augmentin (which has worked well for me in the past). He also prescribed Otrivin nasal spray which cleared my nose with just one swirt and has so far released loads of phlegm. I have been put off work until Wednesday and need lots of rest. Thanks to all who have emailed and posted Facebook messages on my wall.

Graduation - Victoria University of Wellington

Kanthan and I took a one hour flight to Wellington on Tuesday 13th May and spent two nights in the wonderful windy city. To my surprise, I didn't feel it as cold there as it was in Auckland this past week. On Wednesday morning we had a scrumptious hotel breakfast and then set off on foot to collect my graduation gown. We started off walking in the opposite direction to where we were going and fortunately a courier guy pointed us on the right path. We made our way up a steep hill with over one hundred steps to climb into the street above leading to Kelburn Parade. It was an arduous climb which must have taken about fifteen minutes what with all the stops I made after climbing each flight of steps. We then staggered another twenty minutes until we reached Murphy Building and collected my graduation gown, hood and trencher. I refused to walk back so we grabbed a taxi to the Law School at Lambton Quay for the graduates street parade. It was a new and exciting experience for me but I only wish I could have had more family and friends there to share in my joy like the rest of the graduates. The parade started at 12 noon and finished around 12:45 in time for ceremony 1 starting at 1pm. Luckily my ceremony was at 6pm that evening which gave us time to enjoy a delicious lunch at an Irish restaurant before heading back to the hotel for a two hour nap. With all that walking, it was a well deserved and refreshing sleep before getting dressed for the ceremony. We took the taxi to the Michael Fowler Centre at 5:25 pm and arrived there on time at 5:30pm. All the graduands looked wonderful, wearing hoods and gowns appropriate to their degree, and carrying their trenchers. We lined up according to our marshalling numbers for an unrehearsed ceremony. When we walked into the dark hall, a Maori Kapa Haka group was rendering some beautiful waita ringa. After singing the national anthem and some speeches we were capped. It was a fantastic ceremony and I couldn't help but feel so proud of my achievement. I remembered my late Dad and my mum who were at my first graduation at Springfield College twenty years ago in 1988 and gave thanks to them for my journey - not forgetting the Grace of God.

After the graduation there was a reception for everybody. Kanthan and I walked back to the hotel so I could change out of my sari and we set off for dinner.

We slept in on Thursday morning until 9am and after breakfast we spent the rest of the day at Te Papa Museum, then had a light lunch before flying back to Auckland at 4:30pm.

All in all, a fantastic and memorable graduation experience.

Our Celebrations

On 18 March Kanthan celebrated his 7th year of being a non-smoker - what a difference this has made to our lives. I wish every smoker reading this 'Good Luck' in kicking this stinking habit - do it for the people you love, if not for yourself.
On 31st March Kanthan & I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary, we thank God for every new year He gives us together.
Two days after our anniversary was Thanusha's sweet 16th birthday - can't believe that our baby girl is growing up so fast! Four days after Thanusha's birthday was Kaveshan's 13th birthday - at last he is a teenager although he has been acting like one for the past three years!
And all these celebrations are only through the Grace of God, to Whom we give our humble gratitude every day. Thank you GOD.
Birthday Pics

Kree's health

If you were wondering why I have not been in touch for most of this year, it was because of my terrible health. In February, I was surprised when the doctor told me that my blood pressure was 200/90 and I was put on pressure tablets again after 8 years. The Inhibace tablets prescribed caused a terrible cough and after one month my pressure was still high. My tablets were changed and the new pressure pills Felo 5er caused severe headaches. After 10 days I couldn't stand it and returned to the doctor for the third time. My pressure was 180/100 and I was worrying about my continuous periods. The doc prescribed Ferrograd for the anaemia, Provera to stop the periods and doubled the Thyroxin for my underactive thyroid. He didn't think there was any serious concern saying that I was just overly anxious and even suggested me getting a second opinion when he noticed that I was not too happy with his diagnosis.
I decided to change to a female doctor and on my first visit to her, she changed my pressure tablet to Cozaar (which is the one I had been taking in SA about 8 years ago). The tablet was miraculous and it decreased my pressure and I have not had a headache for the past two weeks. Since February I have undergone bloodtests four times, fortunately, we do not pay for diagnostic tests in NZ. On my second visit to my new GP on Monday (which makes that the 5th doctors visit in two months) I was told that I have Helicobacter Pylori infection of my stomach lining! It appears that around 75% of the world's population have this infection and 50% of patients diagnosed with stomach cancer have it! Well that means more medication for me so today I started on a triple pack 14 day treatment including Losec and antibiotics - hope it works. The doc has also booked me down for an ultrasound as my periods have not stopped in 34 days! I will be on the waiting list for 6 - 8 weeks before I am given a date for the ultrasound - the price to pay for using public health. If the ultrasound confirms a recurrence of Fibroids which I've had 10 years ago, then the doc suggests undergoing a hysterectomy. So there - now you know what I've been up to since I returned from my holiday overseas. So what's your excuse for not keeping in touch?

Back from my holiday to South Africa & Thailand

Hi, how are you? I am sooo happy to be back in my home sweeeeet home in Papakura, Auckland. There is no place like New Zealand! We had a fantastic time in South Africa, visiting family & friends in Middelburg & Durban...it was an emotional rollercoaster ride, one minute we were so happy to be reunited with people, the next minute sad to say farewell, wondering when our paths will cross again! The weather was unbearably hot and humid, often a sticky 35 degrees! After two weeks we got really exhausted from the heat and all the driving and visiting. The last four days was spent in Thailand - we loved the beautiful temples in Bangkok and the shopping was great...so great that we had to buy two extra hand luggage bags and paid an extra $500 for overweight luggage - bugger! Will upload some of the 2000 digital photos I have so check my album for these.The weather in Auckland is to die for - such magnificent perfect summer days :-)Have a safe and happy 2008 - love & laughter always.
**Kree**

Kree's Reflections on Ulearn07 Conference

Sunday 7th October 2007
Hi All,
Hope you have all had a good break and are feeling refreshed for the 4th and final term – only 79 days to Christmas :-)
I spent the first week of my holidays entertaining visitors from South Africa – it was wonderful catching up with two of my neighbours from Durban, who I have known since the age of four. The second week kept me busy with spring-cleaning and the last three days I was fortunate to attend the Ulearn07 conference at Sky City. What a fabulous conference it was with three inspiring keynote-speakers and some amazing NZ teacher/presenters.
I have learned so much and by the last day I was on overload. The biggest message for me was about networking, collaborating and connecting with others in order to prepare our students as lifelong learners of the 21st century.
I have learned that one of the aims of teaching is to develop and extend students' thinking and learning by catering for pupils’ individual learning styles, multiple intelligences and providing meaningful assessment which informs learning. Computers and the Internet has revolutionized the world we live, learn and teach in. There are numerous exciting programmes, tools and software for teachers and students that can make learning fun. ‘Many computer applications have been developed explicitly to engage learners in critical thinking.’ ‘…computers should be used as tools to help learners build knowledge…’ If teachers have an attitude of: ‘Please don’t give me any more information; I already know what I think!’ (Longworth, 2003) then I believe today’s classroom is not the place for them because learning is a lifelong process and it is forever changing. According to Tony Ryan, in this Information Age of the 21st century, computers are rapidly overtaking many of our analytical functions. Occupations for future generations will probably require a strong imaginative and personal component that computers are not capable of doing. It is therefore important to integrate a variety of creative teaching strategies into our classroom practice in order to prepare students for success in their learning as well as in their uncertain future.

Below are some links that you may find useful:


Keynote speakers
http://blog.core-ed.net/derek/


Conference Photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ulearn/

Kree’s Ulearn Pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kreeraman/


Kree’s twitter
http://twitter.com/kree4sai


Kree’s favourites/bookmarks
http://del.icio.us/kree12



Ewan McIntosh’s Blog
http://edu.blogs.com/


http://newzealand.takingitglobal.org/


Tonnes of valuable resources
http://www.tki.org.nz/e/tki/


Evolution of Communication
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/evolution_of_communication.php


http://aucklandregion.takingitglobal.org/connections/stories/story.html?MemberID=25064


Free Books on the Internet
http://users.erols.com/jonwill/freebooks.htm


http://www.linkedin.com/home?trk=tab_h



Kree Raman
Room 12 Teacher
Kelvin Road School

Kas & Regina in NZ

It was really cool having my childhood neighbours visiting in Auckland for a month. Kasturi & Aunty Regina (who is still Amma's neighbour), arrived in Auckland 29th August and returned to Johannesburg/Durban on 1st October. Kas and I have known each other just under 4 decades, and it was wonderful sharing our childhood memories after all these years. Kas had 3 job interviews while she was on holiday as Lenny and her are serious about relocating to New Zealand. Through God's Grace, we shall see them back in Auckland early next year.

Kree is on School Holiday

So far these holidays have been good compared to the drama we had during the last holidays :(
Remember Kanthan's Dad had a stroke on July 3rd and passed away on the 11th July? It is really sad when you lose someone close and you're miles away. Fortunately Kanthan made it to visit Middelburg and see his dad in hospital.

Now it's week 2 of the school holidays and I'm enjoying spending my sparetime at the computer in between washing curtains and growling at the kids. It's been a wet day since yesterday so no chance of going outdoors today. We had a lovely visit to Kalay and Segie's house in Hamilton yesterday and rushed back to Auckland to say farewell to Kasturi and Aunty Regina who were flying back to SA this morning. I have one more day to rest, then I shall be attending a 3 day ICT conference "Ulearn '07" at Sky Towers, Auckland City from 3rd - 5th October.
School reopens next Monday 8th October for the 4th and final term of 11 weeks.
Looking forward to visiting South Africa after 5 years this Xmas. Hope to catch you then!

http://centre4.interact.ac.nz/spaces/space.php?space_key=12482

What has Kree been up?

I must apologise for not keeping in touch as often as I could this year. It is proving to be quite a challenging year for me - what with studying after 22 years, it's not easy! I am presently doing a Bachelor of Education Degree in Teaching through Victoria University of Wellington. When I first started teaching in NZ five and a half years ago, it felt as if I had dropped the NZ Curriculum puzzle and I have been struggling to grasp the curriculum ever since. This BEd course is helping me put those puzzle pieces together, making teaching & learning an exciting and stimulating challenge. So far I have passed 4 assignments, and just handed in my 5th assignment on Friday - woohoo : )
I have one more assignment to do next term and then I shall compile my teaching portfolio due 2nd December.
If you don't hear from me - you know why!
Keep me in your prayers.

Introduction - Welcome to Kree's Blog

Hi/Kia Ora/Vannakum from Auckland, New Zealand.

My name is Kree Raman Vandayar.

I was born in South Africa and now living in New Zealand since 2002. I am a primary school teacher since 1989. I have a wonderful husband Kanthan (JT) and two great kids Thanusha & Kaveshan.

Welcome to my blog - where you will find news about me, my family, inspirations or anything that touches my heart and moves my soul.

Love, Faith & Hope always. Kree