Being punctual

For as long as I can remember, I have always been punctual. That has been me from small till now but that also has been and still is my problem because most of time, I am the only one on time. Others are late. What is worse is they feel nothing about it. It is normal. So, most of the time, I am made to wait. I would make sure I arrive on time only to be disappointed because the other party is nowhere to be seen. Its frustrating! If only we can changed this rubber time of ours.

Time keeping

Yesterday, very early in the morning I was already on the road. I had an appointment at eight in the morning. To avoid the morning jam, I left my house at 6.45am, just like I used to when I was still among the work force. I reached my destination by 7.30am. After taking my breakfast, I was ready for the appointment. As usual, I waited and ....... waited and...... waited. The person I was to meet only arrived at ten past nine. Sigh.....

Emerging market

Every time I read about emerging markets, Indonesia will always be mentioned as one of them. The country is a favourite of investors for the moment. Don't be surprised if the country emerged as the new economic frontier in the next decade. Vietnam has lost its lustre while China, India, Brazil and Russia has reached their pinnacle already. They are not expected to expand much further, at least not in the scale seen before. Malaysia? Political and market reform need to take place first.

2011

A lot of things happened in 2011.
My number one disaster for the year has to be the earthquake followed by a tsunami followed by a near nuclear meltdown that happened in Japan. The fight to prevent a nuclear horror was certainly one of the greatest human stories of the year.
2011 was also the year of the Arab spring. Who would have thought that a death of one person would trigger a reaction that reverberated throughout the Arab world. It is still being felt even now with Syria the latest country under siege. I'm sure it won't be the last.
The sporting event of the year must be the Rugby World Cup with New Zealand deserving winners after twenty four heartbreaking years. Favourites every time but fail when it matters. This time they come good.
As for me, 2011 is the year to remember for ...........

Didn't I say so

Didn't I say so! The market went up although not as high as I expected. Nevertheless, it broke through the 1500 barrier. That's definitely a good sign. As I'm writing, the markets in Europe are all positive. We are still waiting for the market in the US of A to open in a few hours time as well as some important figures that are due. Whatever, I believe the good times are here, at least until the new year. Tomorrow I am anticipating another good day. Cheers!

A good day today

I'm expecting the market to be up today. Boxing day sales in England has been brisk despite the tube strike. Earlier, John Lewis, the biggest retailer in Britain reported a surge in sales during the run up to Christmas. These plus the fact that markets in Europe and US closed in positive territory just before the holidays add up to my optimism. It will be a good day today.

Its a passion

Its been almost four years since I first started blogging. When I started I never thought I would last this long. It was just something I wanted to do as every other people were doing it. Besides, starting a blog is as easy as one two three. Today, almost four years later, I'm still blogging. It is kind of an outlet for me. I write what I want to write. Even if nobody reads them, it is not my concern. As long as the passion remains, I will continue blogging.

A story to tell

The final of the TV reality series 'Solehah' was really something. Some of the finalists moved me to tears with their presentation. Yesterday I watch a movie on TV. Again tears flowed freely from my eyes. Somehow nowadays, I'm easily moved. Perhaps as one gets older, this is normal because it never happened to me before. Or perhaps its because of the emotional experiences that one acquire as one goes through life. A story to tell, a scar so deep, an event etched forever in the heart. Like everybody else, I have had my share too.

The year that was

Nobody saw the phenomena now known as the Arab spring coming. It brought down four governments. Nobody foresee the money woes that would affect the Euro zone countries at the beginning of the year. It also brought down four governments. Nobody thought there would mass protest in Russia. How will this story play out? All these happened in 2011. What have 2012 in store for us? I really can't wait to know.

Trading in oil

Investing in equities is risky especially now when markets all over the world are struggling. What more when predictions for next year are all negative. 2012 is going to be a difficult year economically. So, where can you put your money? Arts? Gold? Properties? How about trading in oil? Some are predicting it will hit 150US dollars! Why? Iraq is in turmoil. Just one week without the US army, the political tension is rising while the killing mayhem has started again. In addition there's Iran with its nuclear ambition, Saudi Arabia possibly facing a belated Arab spring while Libya is still recovering. All these factors will push up the oil price higher. Sure?

Its nothing

I don't understand what's all this fuss about bringing down a picture. The way they say it, it is as if an illegal act or a great sin has been committed. Funny the way some people see it. To me it is nothing but a spontaneous act that happened in the heat of the moment. Why...they even had the courtesy to put the picture back! I don't see much wrong in it. Juts a few students who got overzealous, that's all.

What a strange wolrd

A psychopath of a mother killed two of her daughters with the help of her two sons. A daughter lost during the tsunami came back out of the blue after seven long years. A man was caught for stealing women stockings. Apparently he has a craving for it. There are hundreds or thousands more of these kind of stories. What a strange world this is. Perhaps that's why it is only temporary. The permanent life is in the hereafter.

Finding the consistency

After a long time, I am now finding the consistency again in my exercise routine. I used to jog every other day. Then I got lost a bit, jogging only once or twice a week or sometime not at all. This went on for almost eight months, since my retirement to be exact but now I am back to doing it every other day. I will try to maintain this consistency for as long as I can. Nothing beats the healthy feeling after a good jog.

Retirement has its advantages

Among them, enjoying a quiet read ........on a lazy afternoon

Time waits for nobody

I thought time would pass by at a snail's pace once in retirement. I would while away the time reading the newspaper, watching the TV and surfing the internet while fighting away the boredom of the days that would be slow, long and dragging. How wrong was I. For all I know, time seems to move at just the same pace now, if not faster. Tomorrow is Friday already while it seems only yesterday I was performing the last Friday prayer. Soon, the new year is upon us already. Wow! Come to think of it, its frightening sometime the way time moves. Just like what the Quran says.

Highways that are highways

Some highways are really worth their money. Guthrie for example. Then there's Duke. They make driving a breeze in busy Klang valley. My life become a lot simpler using these highways. I'm sure there are a few others that have the same effect. On the flip side, there are highways that doesn't do much to help alleviate the traffic congestion. They just increase our traveling cost but doesn't make the travelling any easier.

Pathetic!

I don't understand some people. They make public statement criticising their own party knowing full well that what they are doing will certainly be ammunition for the opposition. Yet they say they love their party and want to continue staying in the party. How pathetic! If you don't agree with the way the party is going, just go. Nobody will cry for you.

Have I missed something?

Yesterday, the Dow Jones finished in positive territory. Very much so. Earlier, Europe was also all positive. This morning, from New Zealand to Australia to Japan to Hong Kong to China to Malaysia, everywhere it is positive. What triggered these reversals? Have I missed something? Hope this trend continues till the new year.

Terrible

I don't like going to shopping malls during the school holidays, even on weekdays. Its too crowded. On weekends, it is worse. Parking is another problem. Finding one will take at least half an hour. Terrible. Yesterday I had to go to one for an appointment. Sure enough, parking was a problem. Inside the mall just as I had expected. Swarming with people!

I predict

I predict the general elections will be held next year. I predict the opposition will win more seats than the ruling coalition in the peninsula. I predict the opposition will still find it hard in Sarawak and Sabah. However, I predict a new government will be formed in the country.

Could China be next?

China's growth over the last ten years have been nothing less than phenomenal. As a result, it is now an economic powerhouse, overtaking Japan as the second biggest economy in the world. Only the US of A is bigger. But recent figures have been worrying, if you read Paul Krugman. Signs of strain are showing in its economic armour. Japan, USA and now Europe. Could China be next?

A great mosque

I have been to the Sultan Salahuddin mosque in Shah Alam a few times. What impressed me most about the mosque is the hive of activity that goes on there. Day, evening, night, even after the Isya prayers, the activities continue unlike others where everything shuts down after nine at night. During the school holidays, the mosque is crowded with schoolchildren from the very young to the teen age attending one kind of program or another. The mosque is also wired, I mean free Wi Fi is available throughout the mosque. There'a also a foodcourt within the mosque compound. Its a great mosque. A nice place to relax and unwind.

Out of this world

How do you play against an opponent who don't give you the ball? That's what Santos discovered when they played Barcelona. Barcelona had so much possession its a joke! Santos were totally outplayed. For Barcelona, possession is the name of the game. Its a simple philosophy. The opponent can't harm you if they don't have the ball. How long will Barcelona domination continue? I bet it won't be long cause Maurinho will surely find a way to play them.... soon.

Escaping the traffic

When driving around KL, I always try to find the route that I think will give me the least hassle in term of traffic congestion. In other word, no jam. If I have to drive a few kilometres extra, so be it. If I have to pay extra toll, so be it. What is important is I get to my destination faster because of no jam. It was this attitude that saved me last week when some parts of KL was flooded. Otherwise it would have curtains......for sure.

Neymar, the new superstar?

Brazil have been producing great footballers for as long as we can remember. Everybody have heard about Pele, the greatest of them all. Then there's Zico, Ronaldo, Socrates, Rivaldo, just to name a few. Now there's a new name on the horizon. He is Neymar. Just nineteen years old but already a superstar. Will he be as great as the rest of them? Only time will tell.

I'm quiting .... for a while

I have decided to take a break from trading for a while. The tension is proving to be too much for me. I can feel the blood pressure rising. Its not good for my health. Its even worse than when I was working, the tension I mean. In retirement I need to relax and take it easy, not getting involved in something akin to a pressure cooker. I don't know how those traders can do it. Me.....I'm getting out, at least for a while.

Reinventing myself

After spending all of my working life as an engineer in a utility company, reinventing myself into a market trader is really tough going. I have to learn new skills while immersing myself into a different kind of environment and try to make sense of what is happening in the financial world. Equity, bond, forex are some of the familiar ones. Tankan survey, non farm payroll, treasury yields, libor rates are the Greek ones for me. Perhaps that's why my blood pressure has been borderline lately.

Price of oil

I thought the price of oil would shoot up because of the worry over Iran. It did go up for a few hours but yesterday it was down and down and down. Many amateur traders I'm sure would be caught by this changed of direction. Apparently OPEC had a meeting yesterday. Member countries agreed to increase production to counter for this worry plus also Libya continued shortfall. Will it remain at this level?

Still crowded

With gloomy news everywhere, you would think the shopping malls would be empty of shoppers but no! I was at Mid Valley last week. The place was teeming with people. Parking was a hassle. I had to go round and round until I finally found one half an hour later. People are still buying or are they just window shopping?

Hopes

Everybody knows the general election is near when the road in front of the house suddenly gets redone, the street lamps start to function and the government starts dishing out all kind of money, never mind if its pittance, even as it waste billions elsewhere. Will the people finally see through the folly of it all? I hope so.

Latest me

A public holiday

Yesterday I went to the bank to do some payment. To my surprised, the bank was closed. How can this be! For a while I don't know what to make of it. For a fleeting moment, it even crossed my mind that perhaps this branch of the bank is closing down for good. I saw a guard nearby and asked. He said its a public holiday, that's why its closed. What? A public holiday? That's what retirement has done to me. I hardly can tell if its a weekend or a weekday, what more a public holiday!

What to do?

The Samsung Note has really caught my eye if for nothing else but its size. Not too big and not too small. It would be just perfect for me. The only problem is I already have a Samsung Galaxy II. Otherwise I would surely have bought the 'Note'. My experienced with Samsung phone has only been good. I also like the android platform that they use.

Its a long dark tunnel

Yesterday the market was up a bit. Today I'm sure it will be in the red once again.Why? Cause last night Europe and US were all down. No matter what they try to do in Europe, the market is still not impressed. I can see a long, long dark tunnel ahead with no light at the end of it.

Up up and away

All the markets in Europe finished in positive territory last night. The Dow Jones also advanced. Are we going to see the same in Asia come Monday? Its about time we see get some relief. It has been terrible the last few weeks. Has Europe finally solved its problem?

A warning

My doctor said retirement has not been good for me. I've put on weight while my blood pressure is unusually high. Too much of the easy life. He suggested I start working again to get my adrenaline active. I was given three months to put my health back on track or he will have to provide some remedy.

The saga continues

Three times before MAS went through revamps because of losses. All were unsuccessful because now it is in yet another revamp, the fourth in a decade. Every time there's a revamp, one of the thing they say they will do is to stop flying unprofitable routes. This latest revamp is no different. The question is, why are there still unprofitable routes when they should have been done away with in the previous revamps?

One crowd too many

I was at Mid Valley yesterday for an appointment. Wow! The place was swarming with people. Parking was next to impossible. I had to drive round and round for almost half an hour before finding one. Then I remember. Its the school holidays off course. It makes me wonder. The big mega malls are pulling in the crowd but are they spending?

Clueless

I am tired of hearing about the Euro zone. Everyday I hear about its trouble. Everyday I also hear about what is being done to solve the problem. Yet, everyday the news is not getting better. Is it so difficult to solve it? Perhaps they haven't a clue. That's why they have been clutching at straws!

Time is.....

Why is it when things can go wrong, they go wrong. Why can't for once they go right? It really is tough when things are not going your way. Life then becomes a struggle but as always, time is the greatest healer. Just bear it out, keep your faith in God. Everything will be all right.

Everything will be okay

Its been two years since Tiger Wood won anything. I didn't realise it has been that long. Seems only yesterday when he was involved in the accident that triggered the start of his troubles. It was downhill from there on. Looking back, time for sure is the best healer, for anything and everything. Just bear it out. Over time, everything will be okay.

Almost a hurricane

The wind was very strong. The rain continuous. The road was slippery for sure. To make it worse, fallen trees branches and leaves were scattered all over. For once, I thought a hurricane was brewing. Thank God it was not that bad although the papers today contained stories of cars crushed under fallen trees. Still, it was frightening while it was happening.

Green green grass of home

A Wedding in the Kampong

This senior citizen having a good time belting out a song. Who cares if my singing is in tune or not. The important thing is I'm having a good time.

Highway moves

It rained all the way to Seremban yesterday. Luckily traffic was moving although slow but on the way back to KL, traffic was at a standstill everywhere. I made it back home in good time but after some highway maneuverings. I moved from KL Seremban highway to NKVE via the KLIA highway, then to the Federal highway, to Duke highway, to MMR2, all the time running away from the jam.

I love the green

Not my cup of tea

Although I was not interested in the going on at the PWTC recently, I can't help but noticed it since it was given a lot of publicity. From what I can see, the election is nearing as the speeches were all geared towards it. I don't agree with most if not all that were said. I cannot understand the logic nor the thinking behind it. They seem so out of place......

Suddenly Sick

Last night I suddenly fell sick. Don't know what caused it. I didn't do anything different. I remember drinking a cup of coffee before that but I have been drinking coffee all my life. Never been sick because of coffee! Before that I was lying on the bed with the fan at full blast. Could this be the reason? Then again I have never been sick because of the fan!

Cannot do without the computer

When I looked at the clock, its already 12 noon. That means I have been sitting in front of my computer for almost three hours. Sure I took a break every now and then to go to the loo, watch TV, read the papers but the three hours were mostly spent in front of the computer. Looks like I have joined the millions of people who have become computer junkies. I wonder how we managed to get by when there was no computer!

Congratulations

The third in my family to obtain a degree. This one from UIA, accounting degree. All the years of toil and hard work boils down to just one thing. The Degree. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.

Thinking of another trip?

Retirement age

I read with wonder that the retirement age in England is sixty five. I'm even more astonished that this age is going to be raised to sixty seven by 2026. Chances are it would be raised higher till seventy as life expectancy further increases. Wow! Working till you're seventy. Unbelievable. I worked till I was fifty five and I found that hard enough. To have to go on for another ten years......

Its anybody's guess

What a roller coaster ride it was. The Euro swing from high to low to high to low throughout the day. I'm sure many a trader must have had their heartbeat beating faster that they can count their money. Rumours of a breakthrough in the Euro crisis pushed up the markets worldwide. Alas, the market back home was closed so we missed out that rally. Hopefully, today, the rally will continue. As for the Euro, its anybody's guess!

Life is

You can never anticipate what life has in store for you. All you can do is to make do the best you can, whatever the situation. For example, once retired, I thought I would be 'winding down'. Life then would be about reaping the fruits of the past thirty years, enjoying it while slowly riding into the sunset. But God has other plan for me! Yes, my life changed after retirement but in ways I could never have anticipated. Still, I am grateful to God....grateful to God.....

Never stop learning

I thought my days of attending seminars and workshops are over once I retired. How wrong can I be cause in the last few weeks I have been attending workshops and seminars like nobody's business. The only difference is this time I attend them because I want to, not because I have to. One workshop I attended went from morning right till eleven at night! Wow! Anyway, I'm learning new things and picking up new skills. The learning never stops.

Euro on the brink

What is going to happen to the Euro? The contagion is fast spreading, with no respite in sight. Greece, Italy, Spain and possibly France. Even Germany couldn't find enough buyers for their bonds recently! Is a collapse imminent? It was unthinkable just a few months ago but now, it is a real possibility. The next few months will be intresting.........
Meantime, I'm taking a short ride on the Euro

The New Assembly law again

I don't understand how there can be two totally different views on the proposed new Assembly law. We have the opposition saying it is even more oppressive than the present law. On the other hand, the government MPs are full of praise for the new law. They say it is progressive, the way to go forward. However, if even the laws in Myanmar can give more freedom when compared to ours, then I must say we are actually making a few steps backward.

New Assembly Law

Been reading on some of the comments made on the proposed new Assembly law. Seems like the new law is going to be worse than the present one. It will give more powers to the police and place more restrictions on freedom of assembly. So, where is the promise of greater freedom then?

Tahrir square again

Egypt is stirring again. Eight months after the revolution, the people are unhappy because it seems that their revolution is going nowhere. The army is still in control, just like before. The leaders are still the same group of people, just like before. After the euphoria of the revolution, eight months on, things are still more or less the same, just like before. So, its back to Tahrir square!

The world in trouble

Us of A is in trillions of debts. They are struggling to contain it. Europe is in trouble. One by one, the countries in Eurozone are facing up to the fact that their debts are becoming unsustainable. Germany remains strong but for how long? Japan has long been in trouble, unable to get out of the rut they are in. Meantime, China is booming and so is Indonesia. Malaysia?

Malaysia to win

Who will win tonight? Malaysia or Indonesia. The way I see it, if Malaysia play the way they can, they will win. The Indonesia supporters will intimidate them while the importance of the occasion will get to their nerves. They need to snuff out all of these, get on with the game, play their normal self, follow instructions. They can do it!

Amazing

I read in the papers about a house that has been broken into eight times in the last two years. It is unbelievable. After the last break in, the owners have had enough. They will be moving out. I am amazed that they have waited so long. To me one break in is one too many. I'd be looking to move out of the house immediately. Off course, it is not so simple but twice would be the last straw.

Just Another Day

Woke up in the morning feeling lethargic. Perhaps it's because I have not jog for about two weeks already. Getting lazy I guess. Need to start jogging again before my body gets even lazier.
Went to a friend wedding do at Ampang this afternoon, his son wedding actually. We were college and university mate from our days in England. Was hoping to meet more of them from those days but unfortunately I had to leave early for another appointment.
Went to Damansara after that to hear a talk on financial investment opportunities. The talk was very convincing. Don't know if it really work in reality.
Came back watch the football match between Malaysia and Myanmar live on TV. Malaysia won 1-0 and will be in the final. Tonight there'll be more football matches, the Premier League.

Safe Investment

The last few weeks I have been looking at the financial opportunities available. There are so many of them like gold, properties, stocks, unit thrust, forex, land etc. etc. Some of the investment options are so attractive it makes you wonder if this is another Pak Man Telo in the making while others carry with them risks as all investment do. Buy stocks if you have the time. Otherwise just buy unit thrust. Buying oversea land is attractive but it takes a long time to bear fruit. Properties is okay but is not so liquid. The fastest is forex trading but the risk is also fast and high. So, what is the best type of investment? It depend on your risk appetite....

Exciting possibilities

Many people thought the general election will be held this December. It didn't. Now people are speculating that it will be in May/April next year. I believe it will be sometime next year but not before the reform committee has finished their work. Otherwise, a tsunami in the name of Bersih 3.0 will happen, which will certainly be a setback for the ruling party. Anyway, these are exciting days. For the first time, there are possibilities........a change in government maybe?

Kaput

Yesterday my Astro went blank. Normally if it rain it will do this but I didn't see any rain this time. Don't know what cause it but it sure wasn't working. With no TV, I on my computer to do some reading but guess what! There's no internet! Damn.........

Living the life

These days I spent my time doing things I enjoy doing. Its a luxury most people don't have. I was one of them. From ever since I can remember, it was schooling, then university, then working. Sure, they're different things at different period of my life but they all have one thing in common. There were deadlines to meet, KPIs to achieve while there never seem to be enough time. How different things are now! Its a life to live!

World in crisis

The world is so intertwined that the crisis playing out in Italy is felt the world over. A drop in the Dow Jones will surely caused the KLCI to drop as well. Since 2008, talk of world recession has gone on unabated. Why have we come to this situation? Its people living beyond their mean! Countries living beyond their mean! Borrow, borrow and more borrowing. Until you can't pay. Not so long ago it was USA. Last week it was Greece. Now its Italy. I don't know what's next.

How lucky can you get!

How lucky can some people be. They get millions of dollars in loan from the government to do business. Two hundred and fifty million in fact. With that amount of money, I will be a rich man beyond my dream!

Absolute mayhem

The problem in Italy is now full blown. Its absolute mayhem at the market last night in Europe and US. I'm expecting a bruising day this morning at the Asian markets. Seems to me the people in Europe are clueless on how to solve their problem. Germany is the one country that can help. It has done some but people are expecting more. Meanwhile, the market is going south. For those brave enough, this is a good time to find easy pickings.

Smoking Joe

I know Joe Frazier mainly because of his three fights with Muhammad Ali. The fights were legendary. The whole country, if not the world, were captivated. The roads deserted, offices stop working, all because people were glued to their television set watching the fight. Because of the popularity of Muhammad Ali, to most people, Joe Frazier was mainly the villain. I remember the fight in Manila especially, for its ferocity and brutality. The 'Thrilla in Manila' as Ali would called it. Those were the days when boxing captured the world, the heavyweight division that is. Today I hardly know who is champion!

Danau Maninjau

View from Pak Hamka's birthplace

The Kaabah and me

Makkah

Terrible display

Saw the Malaysia vs Singapore football match yesterday. At one time I felt so bored I almost fell asleep. They had difficulty controlling the ball, what more to put more than two passes together. On this display, we still have a long way to go before we can match the likes of Japan and Korea. Looks like the World Cup is a very long long way away.

Who's next

Brought my car to the workshop to replace the break pads. Since then been waiting for it to be done. Getting bored waiting while they do the repair. While the Greek problem is more or less stabilised, the Italian problem is beginning to rear its ugly head. This, I read, is going to be an even bigger one. Wow! One by one, they are showing up. I wonder who's next? France?

Aidil Adha

Hari Raya Aidil Adha is not celebrated on a big scale, unlike Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. For most people, including me, the day come and go without much activity. Early in the morning I went to the mosque for the 'sunnat' prayer. After that I was in the house doing nothing much. Nevertheless, my heart goes to the millions of pilgrims in Mekah. They are now in the midst of the 'Haj' ritual, which started yesterday with the 'wukuf' in Arafah. May God bless them all.

That's life

Somebody knocked into my car a few days ago. As a result, one side of the car is dented with scratches here and there. Then last night while driving, a signal appeared, telling me by brake pads are worn out. Sigh......looks like my pocket will be some ringgit lighter.

New toy

After more than three years with my net book, I have bought a new, faster and bigger laptop. Its heavier but not so much. The battery can also last longer. Just what I like. My daily activities now involves a lot of computer use. My new laptop will certainly help.

Debts

Germany was a powerhouse before, conquering Europe with its army. Now, its conquering Europe with its money. Of all the Euro zone countries, Germany is the most stable, financially off course. Greece is in trouble, unable to pay their debt. Euro will help, with a lot of it coming from Germany but with a condition. Greece will have to go on an unpopular austerity drive, driving more people out of work and out of money. But what can it do.....there's no other alternative!
What about us? Our debts are increasing, at a pace so rapid its frightening!

Euro woes again

I looked at the unemployed figures for the young in Europe....its scary. Spain 48%, Greece, 42%, Italy 30%.... No wonder they are all worried. Greece is number thirty two in the world economy league but what is happening in Greek have implications far beyond that number. The world is suffering. Latest, the referendum is off after some hard twisting from Germany and France but who knows what will happened tomorrow!

Crazy

First it was thought they had problem finding a solution to the Euro debt crisis. Then a deal was announced. Everybody went home happy, thinking that it is finally being solved. Then, all of a sudden, Greece wanted to have a referendum on their problem. That jolted everybody out of their slumber. Wow! Never ending problem. Meanwhile, markets all over the world go crazy, depending on what the news is for the day. What it does for my heart need not be said.........

Monday surprise

Thought its the school holidays but this morning, I was surprised by the early morning noise coming from down below. It sounds familiar. When I looked, I saw that the school is back in business. They were having their usual early morning assembly. Perhaps, it will be another few weeks before the holiday begins. Who cares anyway....not me. My school days are long gone, so have my kids!

Saturday morning jotting

Here I am sitting high up in the balcony. Down below, I can see vehicles driving up and down the main road. Everyday there are cars, lorries, buses, motorcycles.......don't know when there'll be a day when I will see none of them. Looking straight ahead, I can see KLCC, towering above all the buildings in the city....and KL Tower as well. Left, right, in front, everywhere in the distance, I see high rise buildings. Some look so strong and majestic while others look like it will fall when the next wind blows. Except for the never ending sound of vehicles coming and going, everything else is quiet. Even the school below is eerily silent. Its the school holiday off course. I sit here, watching, thinking, plotting, writing. Life goes on, like a wheel that is turning. The right path has been shown to us, as well as the wrong one. It is up to us to choose where we want to go, heaven or hell.

Pursuing my interest

Retirement can mean different things to different people. For me, six months into my retirement, I am seeing and learning and discovering many things that I never knew before. Not actually new but things that I had always being interested in but never care to find out and learn more. Perhaps being busy with work kept me from pursuing. Now that I am so free and have all the time in the world, I am looking at these things with renewed vigour. Who knows, one day I might even become an expert in some of this things!

A Final to Remember

The Rugby World Cup final was one of the best rugby matches I have seen in a long time. Everybody thought the All Blacks would swamp the French with their sleek, fast running, open, attacking rugby but as it turned out, it was the French who was doing most of the attacking, especially in the last thirty minutes or so. The All Blacks were reduced to some desperate defending, closing down the game, tackling ferociously and kicking the ball away at every opportunity. Nevertheless, I thought the end result was fair. The All Blacks deserved the win, showing to all that they can also defend when the situation warrants.

Smartphones

Samsung has surpassed Apple as the biggest smart phone seller! Don't know about others but I am certainly not surprise. Samsung smartphone has caught my fancy because of its beautiful screen, easy to use features, light and thin. I also like the Android platform that it uses. Enjoying my Samsung Galaxy S II................

Its the same every year

Every year its the same. The audit report will give a damming assessment of how departments spent the money away in the wrong way, wasting millions in the process. And every year, promises are made to improve the weaknesses. But I can say for sure, next year, the audit report will again be more or less the same! More millions being wasted! Where's the promise? Hmm.........Sigh.........

Everyday is a Sunday

I didn't know that Wednesday was a public holiday because of Deepavali until Wednesday itself. That morning, I noticed things were quieter than usual. The hustle and bustle signaling the beginning of another another busy day was absent. It was like a weekend but I know it was not a weekend. I only realised it was Deepavali day when I switched on the TV. Anyway, that's life in retirement. The different days, weeks or months don't mean a thing anymore. Everyday is a Sunday.

The end of an era

Forty years in power, ruling with an iron fist, controlling every aspect of the country as if it belong to him and his family. Nobody thought he could be overthrown. It was thought impossible but in the end, it became possible. Living his last days on the run, chased out of his fortress and finally meeting a violent end, cornered into a sewage pipe, pleading for his life. A terrible end, one we would not want to happen to even our worse enemy.

Euro woes

Europe is facing financial woes of a magnitude so big, they are having problem solving it. While still wrangling on how best to tackle the debt situation with Greece, Italy is proving to be another that will surface soon if not nicked in the bud. The there's Portugal, Spain. To solve their problem, they need to go on an austerity drive, making highly unpopular measures that will not go down well with their citizens. Otherwise, Germany, their Euro partner that can help them, will not.

In the mood for exploring

Been busy lately exploring new things. Things that I have always wanted to do but didn't have the time nor the resources. Now that I'm retired, I'm looking at them with renewed vigour. Don't know where all these new 'ventures' will lead me but all the same, I'm eager and excited. Hopefully, they will take me to greater heights.

Wow!

What a match. I was on tenterhooks throughout. They had to do it the hard way. Never thought the match would turn out the way it did. Missing three relatively easy kicks along the way didn't do the nerves any good. In the end, one point separated the team. The French played the game of their life. While they were controlling the ball and attacking, one mistake from the All Blacks was all it needed. Somehow, they held firm, not giving any penalty and not giving any quarter. In the end, I thought the All Blacks deserved the win, ugly rugby or not. Overwhelming favourites all the time but failing to deliver when it matters, this time they did it, at last.

Memories of Padang Indonesia

Sea side stalls - Padang

Buya Hamka......my teacher

A dream come true. I have always wanted to visit Sg Batang (his birthplace) ever since I first started to read his books about thirty years ago. His books form the basis of my foundation in Islam. Before that it was a case of just follow what people do without really understanding. He put me on the correct footing through his writing. I shall forever be grateful to him.

The house where Hamka was born in Sg Batang, Bukit Tinggi. Its now a museum.

Bukit Tinggi from Pasar Atas

Down in the valley, small villages dotted the Padang/Bukit Tinggi road.

Padi field on the road from Bukit Tinggi to Padang. Stop over for lunch here.

View from Kelok 28 with Danau Maninjau in the background

Lost

Played around with the blog template. Wanted to try a new one. Getting bored with the old one I guess. Ended up lost. Don't know how to update because the new template don't show how. It took quite a while before I found the way. What a frustrating time. Anyway I'm okay now!

Big games coming

I watch the All Blacks vs France match on TV. Thought the All Blacks were a bit nervous the first few minutes. They were defending most of the time with the French dominant and attacking. Somehow, a lucky break saw the All blacks scoring a try against the run of play. That calmed the nerves. After that there was only one winner. Can't wait for the World Cup to get to the knockout stage where the big teams will play each other. They will make for intruiging matches.

Shawal in KL

This is the last weekend of Shawal. From what I've heard, the roads were jam yesterday and today as well. Everybody busy driving to open houses everywhere. I don't know about other countries or even outside of KL but this is the tradition over here. For those trying to do the six days of fasting in Shawal, it really is a challenge especially for those working. Almost everyday there are invitations. Thank God I'm retired......

Another day of mayhem

Stock markets all over the world are taking a beating. As I'm writing, the Dow is down by over three hundred and fifty points while earlier in Europe, losses were as much as 4%. Don't know how the market in Japan, Hong Kong and more importantly Malaysia will react come morning. Looks like it will be another day of mayhem. Meanwhile, I'm waiting......just waiting....... to strike. Wow! some ambition!

Food for Shawal

As have been the tradition, Hari Raya is celebrated for a month in KL. Throughout the month of Shawal, there'll be open houses everywhere, especially so during weekends. At the offices, every department will be having their own open houses. So, for the whole month, its food, food and more food. Sometimes I just worry a bit, healthwise!

Sick for a day

Woke up yesterday morning, feeling sick and body aching all over. To make it worse, I had two appointments for the day, both of which needed to be done. By the time I'm done, I was feeling so bad I could hardly walk. Took some medicine after visiting the doctor and rest in bed for the rest of the day. By night time, I regained my appetite. Come this morning, I'm back to my normal self! Alhamdulillah.

Market woes

Its downhill all the way. I have a feeling this trend will continue for quite a while. Perhaps it will reach the thousand mark by the end of the year. I don't see any positive indicators anywhere in the world at the moment. Everywhere, its bad news as Europe struggles to contain the problem in Greece while in the US, it is not much better. As for me, maybe its time to take a closer look at our market! Bargains could be just around the corner!

Hooray.......no haze

On a clear day, you can see........KLCC

Stock monitoring

Years ago, monitoring stocks on the market was a hassle. The broker's office was the only way of monitoring the prices. The phone was the other alternative but it was not attractive as the phone can prove to be frustrating. However, these days, monitoring is easy as ABC. Its available anytime you want it....on your laptop.

No way out

Everyday I'm reading that the world economy is tottering on its feet. It cannot sustain the way countries are spending their borrowed money away. They might end up defaulting on their payment. There have to be a determined effort to cut spending, go on an austerity drive. But doing so will only make it worse. People will be out of job, there'll be less money to spent, businesses will suffer etc. etc. So what's the way out?

Two for one

The ISA is going to be abolished! Done away! For good. Wow! I could hardly believed it when I first read the news. Must be one brave act by the government to do such a thing but wait. Yes....it will be abolished but it will be replaced by two new acts. What? Why? This is really mind boggling.

A lot of nothing

I attended a seminar on property recently. Thought it would give me more insight on how the property market is doing, prospects for the future, investment opportunities etc etc. As it turned out, I got almost next to nothing. If I want to know more, it will be at another program where this time I will have to pay a hefty sum to get in....sigh....

Buy low, sell high

I have been watching the market with interest lately. Prices are going down, down, down. Analysts are predicting this trend will continue for quite sometime yet. Economic woes from US to Europe to everywhere else are certainly not helping. I'm just watching at the moment. Who knows? With prices racing south without any brake in sight, some stock might just be ripe for the picking. I might do a Warren Buffet, buy low sell high! hi...hi.... dream on.........

Ten years on

Memories of September 11 2001 has been dominating the media since a week ago. Its been ten years since it happened. What do I remember of that day? Not much except I remember turning to CNN and suddenly saw this building on fire, almost collapsing. Later on I learned that a plane has crashed into it. Not long after, the building collapsed. It was a spetacular sight, something extra ordinary, almost unbelieveable! I remained glued to the TV for hours after that, watching as the event unfolded.

Closing the gap

South Africa beat Wales by the skin of their teeth. France had a scare against Japan. England win through tries late in the match. Australia only beat Italy in the second half. Even the All Blacks don't look very convincing against Tonga. The favourites are finding the going tough in their opening matches. Scoring a try is not that easy anymore. Lets hope it continue this way. It will definitely make the tournament more intresting.

Morning of 1st Shawal - after the prayer

KLCC....where are you?

Hazy days

The haze is definitely getting worse. From where I'm sitting, KLCC should be visible but not today. I can only see white smoke or smog or cloud or whatever you call it. Terrible. Seems like nowadays, we get this haze every year without fail.

History is for the victorious

The current controversy over Mat Indera only serve to remind us that histories are written by the victors. More often than not, they glorify the victors while the defeated are forgotten. Worse, they often ended up as the wrong side, labelled as rebels, communist, traitors or whatever. For all we know, it is they who are on the right side. That's why when reading about history, Islam for example, I like to read books that go against the grain. These books tend to give you more detail, telling it from different perspectives, opening up your mind to new possibilities.

Para Pencari Tuhan

I have been following the Indonesian TV series, Para Pencari Tuhan since it was first shown on TV last year. At first I paid no heed to it but after a while, I got hooked. Now, I try to watch it whenever I can. Its a comedy yet it teaches you about Islam. I guess it must be very popular cause it ran to four series although over here, they are only showing the third series.

Investment options

Property makes good investment but the past one year, prices have sky rocketed so high that I believe a correction is imminent. So its not a good time to buy property. The stock market is also on the way down after being on a high for so long. So that eliminate stocks. Unit trust is not attractive cause its too slow moving. Gold? Also on the way down. So what then? Put your money under your pillow!

World Cup in New Zealand

Can't wait to watch the Rugby World Cup which is starting very soon in New Zealand. In fact as I'm writing now, the first match is hours away from starting. The All Blacks will have a lot to prove this time. Consistently rated no 1 in the world, playing on home soil, there's no excuse anymore if they don't win it this time!

Fasting in Shawal

On the fourth day of fasting in Shawal, Alhamdulillah. Been dragging my feet on when to start actually. Every year its the same. To get started is the problem. I prefer to start early, from the second day of raya but off course that is not always possible. Once started, I also prefer to do it in one go, six days straight. So, Insha Allah, in two days I will complete it for this year. Next year, now that's another story.

Living the healthy life

Now that Ramadhan is over, I need to start my jogging again. I will complete my six days of fasting in the month of Shawal, Insha Allah and then it will be all system go. The seventy year old man who became the oldest man to swim the English channel recently has given me the impetus to continue with my fitness regime. I will not be so ambitious off course. Just enough so that I remain fit and healthy, that's all.

One month of raya

Its already the sixth day of Raya. KL folks must be back in town, ready for work come Monday. As usual, the Raya celebrations in KL will continue throughout the month of Shawal. Weekends and even weekdays will be full of invitations to open houses. Like it or not, looks like the stomach is going to have to work real hard, taking in all the food served on the table.

Umrah vs giving

I used to be critical of people who go to Makkah repeatedly to do the Umrah. To me, once is enough (to do the Haj) cause that is a must. Anything more is putting your money at the wrong place. Instead of spending say RM5000 to do the Umrah, why not give it to the needy. Isn't it 'wajib' to help the poor while it is only 'sunat' to do the Umrah second, third or more times. Anyway, after doing the Umrah recently, I'm not so sure now. The call of the Kaabah is too strong. The feeling of wanting to be there time and again is difficult to resist.......

Morning prayer

As usual, the mosques will be filled to the brim for the Raya prayer. What an irony cause in terms of religious obligation, it is not obligatory. You can do it if you want. You can also not do it if you don't want. If only the crowd is like that for the five daily obligatory prayers. wow!

Its a different raya

Talk about wanting to do something different during Hari Raya because year in, year out it has been the same old thing. Morning prayer and then visit relatives around KL. By night time, its back home, tired and worned out. Its been six years of the same thing. Well, this year, its an entirely different Raya for me. Different in every which way yo can imagine......

Jalan TAR, eve of HRP

Last minute shopping

Shopping like there is no tomorrow. Yes.....spent all. After all, tomorrow is another day.

Life post retirement

Four months and a bit into my retirement, I am still adjusting to this new life. I am still trying to find a routine. Its not like when I was working when the days were more or less decided by the working hours. Now, some days I might have some errand to attend to but on most days, I'm free. At the moment, I am enjoying this free time. When joy turns to boredom, then I will have to seriously think of my options.

A winning mentality

If a cat has nine lives, Alex Ferguson must have more than twenty. More than twenty years at the helm of Manchester United, he has build and rebuild his team so many times over those period. Last season they were champion. You would have thought he would be happy with the team but no! this seson, new young exciting players have come to the fore and as usual, the team is still winning.

Will they choke again?

All Blacks defeated again. Twice in row. First to South Africa, then to Australia. This surely is not the best preparation for the coming Rugby World Cup. Is the World Cup already playing on their mind. The best Rugby team in the world, World Cup favourite everytime, yet it has evaded them time and again. They choke at the crucial moment, losing to teams they would beat nine times out of ten. Will they choke again this time? Playing at home will definitely add to the pressure!

Eleven the final number

Last night I was at yet another mosque to do the Tarrawih prayers. Must be mosque number eleven I think. The crowd was much less at this mosque. This must be due to some of the regulars 'balik kampong' already. As Ramadhan is coming to an end, I think for me as well, eleven will be the final number. Tonight will be the last Tarrawih prayer for this Ramadhan. I will do it at my local mosque. As for next year...... that will be another story.

In the mood for shopping

With Raya just days away, the shopping mood is in full evidence. I happened to be at Sogo yesterday. Wow! The crowd was maddening. Fathers, mothers, children, teenagers, grandfathers, grandmothers etc. were busy shopping away. Thought most of the KL folks had gone home to their kampong but how wrong was I. With large crowds everywhere, I decided shopping was impossible so I went home without buying anything.

Busy, busy

This morning I have many things to do. First I need to go to Pantai hospital for my regular check up. Then off to RHB bank in Bt Bintang, to collect registration card for my car. Next to Maybank to make some payment. After that to HSBC for yet another payment. Then to see some properties which I have been intending to buy. Wow! Been a long time since I have been this busy. Don't know if I have the time.

Final third

We are now in the last ten days of Ramadhan. This is the period when we are encourage to stay up the night, praying. The whole night if possible but at least the last one third of it. This is because this is the time when 'Lailatul Qadar' happens. A night that is better than a thousand month. When exactly it will happen, no one knows except that it happen in the last ten days of Ramadhan. As usual, I don't want to be left out as well.

One by one .....

I woke up this morning to the news that the rebels in Libya have reached town, I mean have entered the capital city Tripoli. That can only mean one thing....Col Ghaddafi days are numbered. So far he has managed to avoid capture but two of his sons were not so lucky. Two rulers have been toppled since the Arab spring began. Ghaddafi will certainly be the third. Who will be the fourth?

Dates

I never knew that there are over a thousand variety of dates until I read an article in a newspaper while in Makkah recently. That's why I guess over the years I have taken all kind of dates, big, small, medium, hard, soft, sweet, not so sweet etc. They come from various countries all over the world. While in Makkah, breaking of fast is with dates and zam zam water only. Somehow back home, this practise is not followed.

Losing a tradition

I remember when I was young, we will not know if its Shawal or still Ramadhan until we hear the announcement on TV. Thus, after the Maghrib prayers, we would wait eagerly by the TV waiting for the annoncement. If the moon is sighted, tomorrow will be Shawal, meaning its Eidul Fitri. If not, it will fasting for another day, much to our disapointment. These days, the tradition is gone because the dates are known already.

Ramadhan is leaving soon.....

Day in, day out, time keeps on running and before I knew it, its already the 19th of Ramadhan. Normally I can tell its the middle of Ramadhan by just observing the crowd at the mosques. The mosques will be less crowded as compared to the first week or so. However, this time around, I did not see any noticable changed. The crowd is still there, as enthusiastic as before. Only the airwaves are starting to play Raya songs..........

Makkah on my mind

Was in KL a few nights ago. As Maghrib approached, decided to have my prayer at the Kampong Baru mosque. As usual, the place was full of worshippers, this being Ramadhan. Luckilly I managed to find a parking space. When Tarawih prayer time came, much to my surprise, the Imam who led the prayer was an Arab, specially imported from Masjidil Haram! Wow! Immediately Makkah came to mind..........

Enjoying the atmosphere

This Ramadhan must be a record for me. If before, I do the Tarrawih only at my local mosque, this time I prayed at so many different mosques I have lost count. The pick of them all must surely be the ones done at Masjidil Haram in Makkah. No matter what, I enjoy the different atmosphere that each mosque brings. And no matter where, the mosques are mostly crowded with worshippers. That's the beauty of Ramadhan, this special of special month.

A simple problem after all

My phone has been giving me problems for quite sometime. It gets annoying especially during messaging cause it tends to slow down considerably. Worse, at the most crucial of time, it just hangs up. I was thinking of getting a new phone until I decided to try repairit first. Guess what? The problem was only the storage card which has been corrupted! Changed it and voila! everything is okay once again!

Meltdown

What's happening? Another economic meltdown? The stock markets worldwide have taken a terrible beating lately. Could it be because of US of A rating downgraded to AA from AAA? That's what happened when the economy is run on deficit! He may have his doubters especially when it comes to the opposite sex but Bill Clinton was the last American president who managed to tackle this deficit problem.

Quality vs Quantity

As usual, come Ramadhan, tadarus or reading the Quran is usually done in groups. This is the Sunnah. Unfortunately, year in, year out, the main aim of tadarus is not met. Most of the time, the aim is to finish reading the Quran and not much else. Understanding what is being read, lessons that can be taken from it and then applying them in life is not given much thought. That's the drawback. Its mostly going for quantity rather than quality wheareas quality is what God advocates.

Tarawih prayers

Since coming back from Makkah, I have been making the rounds of the mosques to do the Tarawih prayers. Its been to a different mosque every night. What I noticed is that the Tarawih prayers are done in a variety of ways. Although the basis is still the same, there'll be little differences here and there. No harm actually as they are all acceptable. Its akin to a tree. The trunk is still only one. Only the branches are many.

Jet Lag

I'm still suffering from jet lag more than twenty four hours after arriving from Jeddah. Having difficulty sleeping tonight. While at the mosque, doing the Tarawih prayers is a struggle trying to keep awake. It will take sometime before I get over it. Meanwhile, I just have to live with it.

Makkah street scene

Its between prayer times thus the streets were less crowded. As prayer time nears, the street will be filled to the brim once again with people walking towards the mosque.

At Masjid Qiblatain

This is the only mosque in the world with two Kiblat. As we all know, in the early days of Islam. our Kiblat was Masjidil Aqsa in Palestine. The prophet s.a.w. was praying at this mosque, having completed two rakaat facing the old Kiblat when verses of the Quran came directing to change the Kiblat to the Kaabah immediately. The prophet s.a.w. immediately did, completing the rest of the prayer facing the new Kiblat as directed.

Changing with the times

When I was last there in 2002, I remembered that they were quite strict with handphones fitted with cameras and cameras off course. We were not allowed to take photograps in and around the areas near to the mosques, both in Makkah and Madinah. However, I guess times have changed. Almost every handphone have cameras now. Nowadays, you are free to take photographs as you like, even in front of the Kaabah.

Outside the Nabawi mosque

Leaving the mosque after Maghrib prayer

Leaving the mosque after breaking of fast and Maghrib prayer.

I will break my fast at the mosque with dates and zam zam water. After the Maghrib prayer, I would head back to the hotel to have 'dinner'. I guess that's what the rest were doing as well. Come Isha, we all will walk back to the mosque to say our prayer and also do the Tarawih.

Kaabah

They keep on coming

Even with the mosque as big as it is, it still gets overcrowded during the Haj and Ramadhan season. When thousands and millions of Muslims from all over the world come to Makkah during this two period, you have to see it to believe. The place get so crowded that finding a space for prayer inside the mosque is a blessing itself. On Friday it gets worse. The crowd will spill to well beyond the mosque, choking the roads leading to it. On this last trip, I noticed that yet another extension to the mosque is underway.......

As I remember it

When I first went to Makkah in 1996, the Grand mosque more or less dominated the city. At least that was how I remembered it. It was the biggest and perhaps the tallest building in the city if you take into account the minarets. You can see it from miles away and everything in Makkah was centred around the mosque. These days, there are so many taller buildings around the mosque that it don't stand out anymore. The towerig clock for example is just beside the mosque....

Changing for the good

Many many years ago, the five daily prayers were repeated four times each at the Grand mosque. This was to cater for the four different mazhabs, namely Maliki, Shafie, Hambali and Hanafi. Alhamdulillah, this practise has now stopped. Its done only once now. I cannot imagine what it would be like if this practise had continued. With the ever increasing crowd, chaos would have ensued.

Ramadhan in Makkah

Although this was my fourth trip, it was the first time I spent Ramadhan in Makkah. What can I say except that it had been an enriching experience. From the fasting itself, the breaking of fast and the Tarawih prayers at the Grand mosque, I enjoyed them all. I loved being among the crowd, walking to the mosque, walk back to the hotel, praying, breaking of fast, reading the quran, doing the tawaf, saie and so on. There were just thousands and thousands of them. I was fortunate enough to be one of them, a guest of Allah.....

In the holy land again

After almost nine years I was in the holy land again. No word can described my feeling. Last time I went was in 2002 to do the haj for the second time. I had done done the haj first time around in 1996. In between, in 1999, I went to do the Umrah. This was my fourth.

Lively as ever

So many have changed since I last came nine years ago. Makkah and Madinah have undergone tremendous changed, all for the better I'm sure. New hotels, buildings and shopping complexes have come up but some things remain. The prophet's mosque in Madinah is as majestic as ever while the places in and around Masjidil Haram is crowded as usual. Talk about places that never sleeps, Masjid Nabawi and Masjidil Haram are at the top of the list.

A spiritual journey

Every now and then, the spiritual part of our lives needs an uplift. There's no better way to do it than to go to the two houliest places on earth, Makkah and Madinah to do it. That's what I did recently. A two weeks journey to the holy land that began on the 25th of July and ended on the 7th of August. Four days in Madinah and the rest in Makkah. What did I get? A faith that is renewed and restrength. A faith that will remain steadfast as I continue living this life Insha Allah. All in all, it has been a journey well done.

Porous defence

Arsenal put in four... Liverpool thumped in six and last night Singapore put in another five. Fifteen goals given away in three matches. That's a poor poor record by any standard. Something needs to be done about it. Quickly as well. Otherwise we don't stand a chance.

Its a long road

Tonight Malaysia will play Singapore. Can they win? If they play intelligently, comfortable and confident when having the ball, stop kicking it aimlessly out of defend, they stand a chance. I hope they do. Its a long long road to the World Cup but we have to start somewhere. There's no better way to do it than just across the causeway.

The only way is up

It seems to me Tiger Woods wants to start fresh. Get rid of the past. Discard everything. Latest to get the boot. His caddy of thirteen years. Start new. Hopefully this will stop the lack of success since that 'painful accident' that led to everything going downhill. From now on, the only way is up.

Not easily swayed

This Bersih thing could be the clincher in Malaysian politics. For whom, it depends on which side you're on. Despite threats of arrests, roads blocked and being labelled as illegal, thousands of people still went out to show their support. On the other hand, the other side has been going all out to discredit the event. Everyday, the protesters are being slammed left, right and centre. However, I believe Malaysians are now not easily swayed. They know what's right and what's wrong.

Saturday jottings

Was at the airport this morning to send off two of my children. They were going to Pekan Baru, Indonesia for a few days of studying holiday. Its holiday plus attending religious classes. After that went to Tabung Haji in KL to buy some items for my Umrah trip which is only two days away. I'm as excited as can be. The last time I was there was almost eight years ago!

The road to heaven

In life, everything happened for a reason. It is up to us to search for it and take lessons from them. Similarly, what I'm going through at the moment must be for a reason. It is up to me to find the reason and learned from them. If it is to make me become a better person in the eyes of God, then I accept it with all my heart. I am prepared to go through all the heartaches, the trials and the tribulations, as long as at the end of the day, I make it to heaven.

Praying at the mosque

Ever since I got myself free of working life, I try to have my five times daily prayers at the mosque. Doesn't matter where I'm at, when its time for prayer, I try to stop at a mosque and join the congregation. Since practising it, I have been to many mosques. I enjoy doing it and hope I will have the strenght to continue doing it Insha Allah.

It can be lonely

I never knew how lonely one can feel until I experienced it myself. In a world of millions of people, there are still hundreds, if not thousands who are lonely. This is especially so for people living the city life. It seems like the world is passing you by. Nobody cares for you. People are too busy living their life they don't even noticed you. Ironically, in the villages where there are not so many people, people seldom gets lonely!

A pleasant experience Insha Allah

Ramadhan oh Ramadhan! The holy month of Ramadhan is just two weeks away. Ramadhan brings with it many pleasant memories. At home, at work, at the mosque, everywhere in fact. Two weeks away, the wind of Ramadhan is already felt, ever so strongly. This time, I hope to spent the first few days of Ramadhan in the holy city of Mekah. It will be a new experience for me. A pleasant one I hope....Insha Allah.

What's next?

This Bersih thing have been making the headlines the last few days. Everyday I'm reading about it in the papers, I am seeing it on TV and I'm hearing it on the radio. I don't understand why the authorities acted the way they did before, during and after the event but it sure backfired. Bersih have now become the in thing. Its has become a rallying cry for the ordinary people. What's next?

Living the life

At the moment I don't know what the future holds. The changes in my life have been profound, in more ways than one. I am fifty five years old. I am officially retired. I am also facing this world in ways I never thought I would have to. I pray to Allah that I would have the strength to continue, with my faith even stronger, no matter what the challenges are or will be.

That's life

Been days since I last updated my blog. I guess I have been busy taking stock of what's happening in and around me to find the time to write. A few things that have happened have really affected me. Some were eagerly anticipated while some, I'd rather not even think about. It has been heavy on my shoulders but as usual, I have to take them in my stride. Yes, take them in my stride and move on....,

We have to move on

Was at Shah Alam this afternoon when I bumped into an old collegue. Decided to have a drink together while reminiscing about the past. It reminded me again how time flies. Seems like only yesterday when we were together in Germany, learning about gas turbines. In actual fact, its almost thirty years ago! Sometimes, the past brings back happy memories but as they say, we have to move on, like it or not.

Alhamdulillah......

Today I'm officially retired. I am fifty five years old. No words can describe my feelings on reaching this milestone except to say Alhamdulillah. It has been an eventful fifty five years. I pray to Allah that I remain healthy and most important of all, faithful. I must not lose sight of the fact that this world is only temporary. It is the hereafter that is permanent and thus my ultimate goal.

Just another day

What a day it was! Tens of thousands of people descended upon KL despite the clampdown. Locking up the city was never going to be the solution although they tried. Banning people from the city in which they live in is another desperate move that borders on the ridiculous. Come to think of it, they should have just let the people walk peacefully.

In time of needs

Its a tough life all right! Anyway, who said its going to be easy? Even a newborn baby knows it. That's why the first thing a baby does is cry when born. There's a lot of living to be done, from the first till the last day of life. Take them as they come. In time of needs, never despair, not even for a second. For Allah will always be there to guide and provide for us.

Coming soon

After thirty two years of working, tomorrow I'II be officially retired. No, not tomorrow cause tomorrow is a Sunday. I have to wait another day till Monday. Anyway, what's another day my friend. Its been a long time coming but finally it will be here. Yes..... it will be here!

Location, location, location

Been looking at the property scene a bit lately. The biggest money to make is from commercial properties. In terms of capital appreciation and rental, they are the best but as always, the bigger the gain, the bigger the risk. Condominium will give good rental but little capital appreciation while houses will give good capital appreciation but small rental. These are the fundamentals. Off course when talking about properties, its location, location and location.

In a gridlock

I don't know what calamity has hit KL. Roadblocks were everywhere causing massive traffic jams. Sg Buloh, some twenty kilometres away from KL, was not spared either. I was on the way to town just before Maghrib but was caught in a jam. Had to make an unscheduled stop for the evening prayer or I would have missed it!

A win nonetheless

The upswing continues for Malaysian football with another win last night, although they actually lost. They will now meet Singapore in the next round. However, they need to improve further if the dream to the World Cup is to be realised. Again I see too many kicking the ball aimlessly out of defense when they could have easily hold it or pass it. They have to learn to keep possession.