I wrote in fits and starts and in bits and pieces about my experiences growing up in an extended Nonya family. I recorded my teenage years and my relationships with my great grandmother, grandmother, aunties, cousins, parents, sister and our dogs. I also share my many adventure growing up in school. I was every teacher’s nightmare until I grew up and became a teacher myself.
Teacher training days were as fun as they were funny. I graduated and became a fully trained Physical Education teacher with many episodes of teaching and learning from the children. I will always hold close to my heart all the treasured memories of each school that I was posted to, each unique in its own setting and stories.
When my cancer returned in 2010, my ‘To Do’ List became my ‘Bucket List’. Finishing my book moved up to number one on that list. So here I am typing furiously so this book can get printed, distributed and read. I want readers to smile and chuckle and laugh. I want them to have tears in their eyes as they remember their own childhood, or share similar experience in their long forgotten yesterdays. And I want others to read with envy and think that if I can do this, so can they.
The book went into self-print because no publisher would publish an autobiography or a memoir of a nobody. Profits from the sale of the first print of this book will go to support the work of non-profit organization ‘Goducate’ (Go and Educate) - helping poor Asians help themselves, the Kampung Temasek Project, and individual families in need.
Dear Elizabeth, I may not know you but I do know you as revealed through your writing. Thanks for the book, such memories are too precious to be kept just to yourself. Being a school teacher myself, I could identify with the scenes you so vividly painted, so real! I've enjoyed every page of your journey, thanks for sharing. I like your subtle humour between the lines. Wish you all the best as you battle on, surely God is on your side!
ReplyDeleteDaniel
Hi Elizabeth. Just a note to say that I enjoyed reading your book. Many interesting insights on teacher training, teaching, students, school, teachers and most importantly, how to have a positive attitude no matter what happened in life. By the way, at least 34 teachers at Xingnan Primary School have read or are reading your book. Many have told me that they like your book. Happy New Year. Kam Ming
ReplyDeleteDear Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you remember me - met you over NIE practicum matters some years ago. I find your book very easy to read. I enjoyed it and have given copies of it as gifts to friends. Having been a teacher myself, during the same era as yours, I could relate to many of the situations you shared. Your insights into growing up in a Peranakan household were also very informative of that culture. I am so glad that you were able to achieve your goal of sharing your life with others. Thank you and may the good Lord continue to bless you abundantly!
Best wishes, Angela
Dear Godma Liz,
ReplyDeleteYour book is the most interesting book I have ever read. My favourite story is the one about the frogs. I like the story because it teaches me resilience and it tells me not to listen to people with discouraging messages. I pray to God every day for Him to protect you and to give you strength. Thank you for being such a wonderful Godma.
Love, Shane
Dear Godma Liz,
ReplyDeleteYour book is very interesting. It's almost like a diary, and I also like the
story about the frogs. It teaches us about not giving up. Sometimes, we
have to be 'deaf' just like Herman! Thank you for being such a kind
Godma. God bless you.
Hugs and kisses, Shaun
This is I Elizabeth ... and it is to say - "OUT OF STOCK"! Yes, the book is now out of stock and I want to thank everyone who have helped by selling or buying the book. Having sold 5000 copies in 5 months is quite a feat. Having it circulating around the world makes it international. And, having it in Braille makes it special. So, I guess his Is I Elizabeth has become a special international fastest best seller! And all thanks to God and you guys!
ReplyDeleteI have plans for a second print but have been asked to consider making it available electronically. I will post updates on this blog.
Once again, thank you for all your support. I have been greatly encouraged. Perhaps there will be another This Is I Elizabeth ... But for now, please allow me the glee of saying this one more time - "OUT OF STOCK!"
God bless you all.
Dear Ms Poey (that's how I remember calling you back in NJC :-)),
ReplyDeleteI really really enjoyed your book very very much! It was fun and yet inspiring. I could feel your passion and gratitude of being alive! You really set a great example of making each day count. Thank you for the wonderful stories. You have indeed created a legacy.
Hey Hwee Ling (that was probably how I called you back in NJC). I am so glad you enjoyed the book. I had a great time writing it. Yes! I am glad to be alive and I can only thank God for this wonderful third chance at doing something more to glorify His name. indeed God has been so good to me. My book has enabled me to reconnect with ex-students from way way back. Just met up with two from my first batch of kids from 1974! Best part is that we are now all in our 50s!!!! So cool. Ha ha ha ... Thanks again for the support.
ReplyDeleteDear Liz, Your book made me laugh and cry, I only wish it was longer...Just as you did in PE class way back in NJC, you continue to encourage and inspire me. Thanks so much for sharing the amazing journey of your life in this truly special book. Agnes
ReplyDeleteDear Liz, My good friend Linda Chan lent me her copy. I enjoyed reading it as I too am from a peranakan family and was in TTC in 1967-1969 and so can identify with your experiences. I'll be looking out for your reprint or ebook. God bless you and keep you.
ReplyDeleteDear Ms Poey,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the book tremendously. Thank you for the wonderful insight of being a P. I am lending out your book to a colleague to enjoy. :)
Karen
(Viv's sister)
Thank you Karen! Always lovely to know that my book is enjoyed. I have experienced a runner's "high". Now I am experiencing a writer's "high"! It will certainly spur me on to writing another book. However, this "high" must overcome the lazy bones in me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing my stories. God bless.
Hi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteMy husband happened to pick up your book at one of the CDAC libaries. After reading a few pages, he was impressed. He took a snapshot of the cover to show me. After a few days, by chance, I saw your book at the National Libary!
I've just completed reading it. I love your book! You are really witty and humerous. My husband and I had a good laugh as I quoted the funny encounters u had as a primary school girl and as a teacher. I'm a teacher too. You inspired me to carry on what I am doing.
I was wondering if you are still doing a reprint. It's fate that brought me to your book. I would like to keep a copy of it. :)
Btw, do you happen to know Mdm Estee Tan? You sort of reminded me of her. She's a great lady who had similar experiences as you. She just left this world recently.
Take care. Wish you well and healthy.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful stories.
Hi Thang Li. Thank you for your kind comments. I am glad my book has inspired and encouraged you to continue to make a difference to your pupils. We teachers are so so special. Many don't know this, but we are! I too am encouraged by you! Please thank your wonderful husband for picking up my book and for sharing it with you. God has His ways of connecting people. Email me at epoey.book@gmail.com and send me your mailing address and I will send you a copy. You can donate the $10 to a charity of your choice. I am sure Mdm Estee Tan was a was a lovely person ... if she is like me. God rest her soul. Thanks again!God bless.
ReplyDeleteHi Ms Poey I chanced upon your blog and was surprised to find out about your cancer. The last we spoke you were still in the education industry, but now you have retired. Have not read your book, but will when I do lay my hands on it. Will continue to follow your blog. Vivez la vie pleinement, nous ne vivons qu'une fois!
ReplyDeleteHi Ms Poey......
ReplyDeleteYou inspired me ao much in NJC....and you continue to do so till this day. Thanks for sharing...you certainly help to put life into perspective.
Count me in for 6 April !
Pow Wai Lin (NJC 1983-1984)
Dear Anonymous French Person. Indeed you are right we should live life to the fullest as we live only once! Battled cancer twice in 2008 and 2010. Email me at epoey.book@gmail.com and I can send you a copy of my book. Just back from Israel - an amazing country and I had an amazing journey. Hope to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous French Person. Indeed you are right we should live life to the fullest as we live only once! Battled cancer twice in 2008 and 2010. Email me at epoey.book@gmail.com and I can send you a copy of my book. Just back from Israel - an amazing country and I had an amazing journey. Hope to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteDear Ms Poey,
ReplyDeleteJust a short note to say THANK YOU! Your book was a joy to read and truly inspiring indeed. Keep travelling, and keep discovering! Cheers!
Dear Ms Poey,
ReplyDeleteYou taught me PE at NJC (82-83). Thank you for making PE so enjoyable. You taught us to chant this while doing warm-ups:
we must, we must, we must!
we must increase our bust!
the bigger the better, the tighter the sweater,
man are depending on us!
Remember??? :))))))
I would like to buy a copy of your book for my niece who is aspiring to be a teacher. Can you let me know how I can buy a copy?
Thank you and God Bless.
geok-cheng
Dear Geok Cheng,
DeleteSorry for the long silence. So wonderful that as I sat on my deck enjoying the cool mid-morning breeze and thanking God for another beautiful day, that I was prompted to get back to blogging! And, read your note.
Hmmm ... I certainly remember the first 2 lines but you must have made up the other two!!! Ha ha ha ... those were super great days. I enjoyed my 12 years in NJC.
I have a few copies of my book left and will be pleased to send you a copy for your niece. Can I have her name so I can personalize it? Autograph lah ... maybe will be priceless one day! Can't buy this book any more. OUT OF STOCK! Email me at epoey.book@gmail.com
Thanks for dropping me this note. Always nice to be remembered ... for whatever reasons!!! Obviously, those bust exercises never worked on me!
God bless.
Liz Poey
Dear Ms Poey,
ReplyDeleteYou taught me PE at NJC (82-83). Thank you for making PE so enjoyable. Remember how you taught us to shout this rhyme out loud while doing warm ups?
we must, we must, we must!
we must increase our bust!
the bigger the better, the tighter the sweater,
man are depending on us!
:))))))) you're the best!
I would like to buy a copy of your book for my niece who is aspiring to be a teacher. Please let me know where I can buy a copy.
Thank you and God bless.
geok-cheng