The longest day

When I left the house to do my errand yesterday, I never thought it would take so long. Not only that,  I also didn't accomplish what I had set out to do. I left the house at about noon, thinking I should be back home well before the evening prayer with all things settled. As it turned out, I only reached home about 10 pm with half the things still not done. Plus the traffic jam that I had to go through, it all add up to make it a day to forget. By the time I got home, I was flat, so tired and worn out, all I wanted to do was sleep. Alhamdulillah, I was able to do that although this morning, I'm still feeling the after effect.  

Jottings

I woke up this morning with a throbbing pain on the left side of my head. Don't know what caused it but it sure is uncomfortable. Maybe its because of the fish that I took yesterday. I hope it goes away soon. 

I'm drinking a lot of pomegranate juice nowadays. I read an article about it recently saying its good for the health. I searched the supermarket and found two bottles of pomegranate juice. I bought both of them. 

While fasting in Shawal, thought I could continue with my jogging but found my energy level so low I decided against it. Better to wait till I finished with the fasting before jogging again. 

Today I have to travel to three places i.e. PJ, Gombak and Damansara Perdana for some personal businesses. It may sound a lot but I should be able to complete the whole thing well before the evening Insha Allah. I can be home for the breaking of fast.

How to stop Messi?

For once, Real Madrid got the better of Barcelona but only just. Even playing with only ten men for more than half the time, Barcelona was threatening. The early goals helped. Also the two goals in the first game prove decisive for it allow Real to win by the away goal count. The mistake by Barca goalkeeper Valdes allowing Real to score their second goal was costly indeed. The way to play Barcelona is to stop Messi. How to stop Messi? I don't know! 

Hello

Let me tell you a secret

Let me tell you a secret. Almost a third of the friends in my Facebook account are strangers to me. I don't know them. Whenever I received requests from people to be my friend on Facebook, whether I know them or I don't, I obliged just the same. It has been my practise all these while. Now when I look back, I hardly know some of them. And to think that I only have about two hundred friends. What about those that have in their thousands? 

Can I do it?

Wow! seems that 2012 is a prolific year for me, blogging that is. Its only August but I have already exceeded my target. I set out to publish at least once a day, meaning in a whole year I will need to publish 365 times in order to meet my target. However, up to today, the 29th of August, I have already published 372 times. That's way way above my target. I can stop writing now if I want cause the target have been reached. No, I will not stop. My new target will be 550. That's publishing more than forty times for each of the next four months. Can I do it?   

I'm feeling sleepy

When you are sleepy, the mind and body feels tired as well. That's how I'm feeling at the moment. Damn sleepy, resulting in tired mind and body. Last night I slept a bit late, about 1am while this morning I woke up at 4.30am for my 'sahur'. Thus I have had very little sleep. Thought I wanted to sleep after the morning prayer but no matter how tired I felt, I just couldn't sleep at that hour. Its not in me to sleep after 'Subuh'. Over thirty years of working life have conditioned me to be this way. I'm on my third day of fasting. Insha Allah, by this Saturday, I will complete my 'puasa enam'.

Morning blues

Its been raining since last night. I had problem getting up this morning because of it. It makes me want to continue with my sleep, tuck comfortably under my warm blanket. But I had already made up my mind that today is going to be my first day of fasting in the month of Shawal, so like it or not, I forced myself to get up. I was also undecided about going to the mosque for the morning prayer. Finally I decided to brave the rain and go. Thank God I don't have Monday blues anymore cause I am not working. It could have been double blues, Morning and Monday. That would certainly be too much to take.

Madrid in Real trouble.

Only one point from a possible six! That's a terrible start for Real Madrid. Two games into the new season they are already five points behind Barca. Its may only be five points deficit but against Barca, its almost like the season is over. Barca will not drop points easily, what with Messi carrying the form of last season, playing fantastically and scoring merrily. Real need to have Ronaldo in top form soonest possible. Otherwise, they might as well kiss the season goodbye.

Look at me!

I'm 'botak'. The barber did this to me. If I had my way, I will not allow this to happen but what to do? Nobody understood me when I said no. Anyway I look okay without the hair. Just like 'Kojak', my father's favourite policeman. Also my mother said this is for my Aqiqah. So no complain. 

Back to normal

KL is coming back to normal again after the holidays. Almost everybody is back from their 'balik kampung' sojourn. By today I guess all those who are still not back will have to inch their way to KL, as the traffic will be extremely heavy for sure. I would never want to be caught traveling on the highway today.    

Barcelona again

Once again Barcelona got the better of Real Madrid. Maurinho must be feeling real sick in the stomach of losing to his arch rival, time and again. Sure, Real wins once or twice but most of the time, its Barcelona who triumphs. His team can claim superiority to the other teams but not against Barcelona. Until that happens, Maurinho will feel that he has not done the job that he is paid to do. 

Fallen on hard times

When I was small, Japanese products were the subject of ridicule for their inferiority. Then as I grow up, they became well known for their quality and innovative. Who haven't heard of Sony, Sharp, Sanyo, Honda, Toyota, Panasonic etc etc. The list is endless. Nowadays however they have fallen on hard times. Most of them are struggling to keep up with the times. Korean firms have suddenly emerged to take the shine off the Japanese. Samsung in particular have grown by leaps and bounds. For the moment, they rule the world, just like Sony did before. Will it be the same in ten years time?

Hello again

Hello, how are you. I'm fine thank you. Just came back from Perak yesterday. I am feeling very tired today after the Raya experienced. My parents made me wear new clothes and took me to visit some relatives. I don't enjoy them very much because most of the time my mother was too busy talking she forgot to give me milk. However I love the ang pow!  

A month of celebrations

Its great to be back home after being away for a few days. No matter where you go home is still where the heart is, even if is just a small little abode. It is where you feel ...... at home. Glad to find everything is intact. With stories of break ins happening in greater frequency during the festive season, I kind of worry a bit about mine being empty for a few days. Alhamdulillah, everything turn out fine. 

Now I brace myself for a month of Hari Raya celebrations. For a whole month of Shawal, its Raya non stop. Even if you want to avoid it, you can't cause there'll be invitations to fulfill. Lucky thing I am not working anymore. Other wise, it will be worse. Every day there'll be departments or units having their Raya do. By the time Shawal ends, my stomach will be bigger than it was before Ramadhan!

Back to KL

So soon its already the fifth day of Raya. I'm driving back to KL today. Will drive in the morning, hoping to beat the jam. The traffic usually starts getting heavy towards the later part of the day, at least that's what I've gathered from news reports and the papers. Hence, I hope my morning start will let me reached KL about noon, well before the traffic starts to build up, Insha Allah. 

Come Monday I plan to start my six days of fasting in the month of Shawal, targeting to complete it by the middle of the month. As for my exercise, I went jogging on the third day of Raya. I felt good although its been over a month since I last went jogging. Nevertheless, I will take it step by step before I get back to the full routine. Slowly does it.

 

    

Thanks a lot

With the help of AAM, I managed to find a reputable workshop in Kampar to repair my car. Thought it would cost me a bomb. Fortunately, it didn't. In fact it was very very much lower than I had expected. I have been a member of AAM for so many years already. So far, they have served me well in times of need. Saved me a dollar or two as well. On the highway, at home, in towns, in KL, they have come to my rescue without failed.

Kampar that I know

The old Kampar used to be a busy town. I remember in the days before the highway, those going up north will have to pass through a few towns. One of them was Kampar. It was one of the bigger towns along the route. Passing through it was a hassle, having to go through many traffic lights. Once the highway was built, Kampar passed into oblivion until somebody decided to build a big university campus nearby. Thus the new Kampar was born, driven by the new university. Local businesses and housing estates thrive around this new place, just a few kilometres away from the old Kampar. As for the old Kampar, empty prewar shop houses still line what used to be the main street. It won't be long before they too will go.

Finally.....

Sleeping soundly after half a night of crying.

Third day Eidul Eid

Driving along the highway northward was great yesterday. Except for a few hiccups here and there, traffic was flowing smoothly. However, on the opposite side I noticed the traffic was heavy. Perhaps those who have not taken any leave are rushing back to KL already. They have to work come Wednesday. 

I made it to Malim Nawar in good time. Only my car started making unnecessary noise soon after that. Don't know should I visit a workshop here or wait till I get back to KL. Stayed at a small hotel in Kampar for the night.
Akid had problem sleeping. He was crying non stop for half the night. Alhamdulillah by about midnight he finally fell asleep. Feeling damn tired, I slept too.

Eidul Eid....

Its early in the morning of the second day of 'Eidul Eid'. I'm siting at my desk catching up on the news from the internet. The spirit of 'Raya' is still very much alive. After all, its only the second day. On TV, on Facebook and in the papers, I see everybody having a nice time celebrating with their loved ones. As for me, I went for the usual morning prayer at the mosque followed by visits to a few houses. However, by 5pm I was back home already. 

In KL, Eidul Eid means a whole month of eating and more eating. Just about everybody will hold open houses. Sometimes, you have invitations to five or six open houses in one weekend. That's a lot to take, especially for the stomach.

While driving yesterday, I noticed that the traffic was quite heavy. Whoever said that KL is empty during Eidul Eid? Maybe years ago, yes but not now. Thousands may have balik kampung but there are thousands still who have not. I'm one of them. However, at the mosque during the evening prayers, there were less people than usual. It will be like this for a week or so I guess before everything is back to normal.

Its 7.30 am. My ear is hearing the faint sound of a child crying. Must be my son who has woken up. He usually does at this time of the morning. I'd better attend to him before he gets louder......

 

Driving in KL

On the way to Gombak last night, there was a slight jam along the MRR2. Initially I thought it would be like this all the way to the Karak highway but thank God it didn't. There were a few stalls by the roadside selling 'lemang', that's all, creating a mini jam. Earlier in the morning I was in PJ and Damansara. Traffic was smooth all the way. If only everyday it is like this. Then driving in KL would not be such a hassle.

Images

I'm thinking

Laughable

Desperation can make you do all kind of things, bringing out the worse in you. The latest being the damming verdict on DAP by an obscure 'ulama' from Kelantan. I'm sure its the work of desperado's who are reaching the end of the road. The verdict is laughable at best. Its only goes to show how much knowledge this person has or perhaps is it because of some monetary gain? I hear that he was rewarded handsomely. Perhaps he is not as stupid as you and I think.

Keeping fit

With Ramadhan coming to an end soon, I hope to resume my healthy living activities again i.e. jogging. I will try to finish the six days of fasting in Shawal as soon as possible. Then I can start jogging again. I need to exercise regularly to keep fit. I'm in my mid fifties already. Keeping fit has become priority. So far I have been blessed Alhamdulillah.  

Tail end of Ramadhan

I hear the traffic is getting bad on the highways. Its 'balik kampung' time. However, this morning at the mosque, the congregation was still large. The same with last night. Perhaps tonight and tomorrow morning, the effect can be seen. In Bangi yesterday, there was a sale going on at one of the shop selling head scarfs. It created quite a crowd. People had to queue for almost an hour outside just to get in. Its strange indeed when there they could have easily gone to the many other shops in Bangi selling almost the same thing but no sale off course. For a fistful of dollars, people are willing to go to extremes.

Those were the days

When my parents were still around, there's always a place to go back to during Raya. Now that they are gone, it is not the same anymore. There's no more place to go back to. Its been like that for a number of years already. It was hard the first few years but after a while, I got used to it. At least I have my family to spent the Raya with. We would go to the mosque for the morning prayer, visit my brothers and sisters who are living in KL and maybe a few other relatives. By the end of the first day, we would be exhausted from all these activities but satisfied. But ......  those were the days my friends. How was I to know that one day it would all end.         

Those were the days

Day in day out, suddenly we are only three days away from 'Raya'. Today its Thursday, tomorrow will be Friday, then Saturday and that's it, its Raya time. When I was small, Raya was very much anticipated cause that's the only time I get to wear new clothes, shoes and everything. Then there's also the money or 'angpow' to look forward too. It also means the end of Ramadhan. No more fasting or sahur. I can sleep without interuptions till morning. Its also a time of get together, meeting family members once again after a year of being away, and not to forget, friends. Yes, those were the days my friend, I wish it would never end................ 

Jottings

Don't know what Shebby was trying to do. I was shocked when I heard him. I knew he will get into trouble the moment he said it. Sure enough he had to apologise the next day. That's the trouble when the mouth is faster than the brain. A bad start to his new career indeed.

With the 'Raya' holidays coming soon, the annual exodus from KL will begin by this Friday I'm sure. We are now in the last few days of Ramadhan. A month of fasting is coming to an end. Last night at the mosque, the crowd was already smaller than usual. As for me, Have I done my best?

I have a feeling that the General Election will not be this year. BN is finding it hard to find a suitable date. Any date they choose they will lose. On the other hand, the longer it goes, the better it will be for PR. Its time for a change anyway. After all, it is already 55 years. BN should retire gracefully and let PR take over.

After over a year of doing nothing, I think its time I start doing something. I have no idea what I want to do but that's not a problem. Too much of a rest and recreation is not good for the body and the brain. Maybe I'II cycle round the country for all you know, take pictures, see places, write on the things I see, meet people. Wouldn't that be a good idea?

Its back

What great timing. The European football season is back just when the Olympic is over. From next week onwards, Saturdays are going to be very much anticipated. I look forward to great football matches in this coming season. Some teams like Liverpool and Spurs will be coming to the new season with renewed vigour I'm sure. They both got new managers to lead their side. The usual suspects i.e Man U, Chelsea and Arsenal will surely be serious contenders again. Add to it the defending champion, Man C, the new season will be an exciting one as teams challenge for the top prize. Can't wait to see how Shebby will fare with his Blackburn Rovers.

A weekend to forget

I was jolted from my sleep when the alarm rang. I looked at the clock. It showed 3.30am. No wonder my head still felt heavy. Normally it would have been 4.30am but last night I changed it to an hour earlier. The US PGA was showing live on TV. I had wanted to see it. I scrambled out of bed straight to the bathroom to do the necessity. After doing the 'Tahajud' which I have been doing every night since Ramadhan started, I turned on the TV to watch.

Rory Mcllroy was thrashing the rest of the field. At the end of the day, he won by eight strokes. What a great performance by this young man. Even Tiger Woods would have been impressed. I was especially touched when he celebrated by hugging his father in full view of the crowd. That was a beautiful moment. Tiger used to do that as well. Wish I could say the same about me, done my father proud. Just like they did. Now its too late.

I remember when I was studying in England for my degree. In the five long years I was in England, the number of letters I wrote to my parents can be counted in one hand. That in a way is a measure of how much I care for them. They must be longing to hear more from me but how was I to know or care? I was too proud of myself. After all, I won a scholarship to further my studies oversea, haven't I? 

 

It had been a tumultuous few days for me. I had wanted to make the last weekend a memorable one.  Instead it became a weekend to forget. I should have known better. How can it be memorable when forgiveness, love and respect lose out to anger and hatred. If only they were the other way round, I'm sure the weekend would have been beautiful. Just like Mcllroy and his father. Or Tiger and his.

Anyway, as I have always said, life goes on. I have my life to live just as others have theirs. I will continue to try to be the best person in the eyes of God even though I know I am far from it. Things happened for a reason. If it is to make me a better person in the eyes of God, I welcome it with open hands.

  

In the mood

Ramadhan has seen more than twenty days already. Only about a week is left before Shawal comes. The Raya mood is evident everywhere. I see the shopping malls crowded with people busy doing their shopping, especially during weekends. As for me, I have not bought anything much. Just the usual 'baju melayu' that's all. Even then I was initially reluctant to buy cause every year when I buy, I wear them on the first day of Raya, that's all. After that, it is left to rot. Next year I buy again. Wear it once then no more. I thought its a waste. Anyway, I bought one this year. I'II be spending my Raya in KL most of the time, just like every year.

Fixed deposit no more

Its getting to be very interesting in Sabah and possibly, Sarawak. Three prominent leaders aligned to BN has resigned to join force with Pakatan. Is this a sign of things to come? As we all know, Sabah has always been hot, politically. Unlike other states, Sabah has seen changes in government many times in the past. Only lately, perhaps because of the influx of foreigners who were given papers and allowed to vote, controversially I must add, the government has managed to stay longer than usual. This time however, things a brewing again. The Sabahans are getting restless. They were the fixed deposit for BN but not anymore I believe!

Weather woes

Yesterday I felt really tired. It didn't help that the past two days the weather has been hot. Ever since Ramadhan started, the weather has been kind except for the last two days. I went to Bandar Mahkota Cheras for some personal errand. This place reminds me of Subang Jaya during its early days. There's only one outlet from Bandar Mahkota Cheras if you are heading to KL. As such, at the traffic junction going out to the highway, long line of cars can be seen every time. They have solved the problem in Subang Jaya. There are many outlets now. Hope they do the same in Bandar Mahkota Cheras. Otherwise, the problem will be compounded, what with more shop lots being built along the road to the traffic junction.

What a let down

As has been the case with Brazilian football teams, defending is not one of their strong point. Their Olympic 2012 team is no different. They can score freely but they also let in goals freely. Against a strong team like Mexico, their lack of defensive quality was cruelly exposed. Everybody thought it would be Brazil who will win gold except for the Mexican off course. In the end, two gift away goals let the Brazilian down. Superstar Neymar was largely anonymous in the first half although he did came back strongly in the second half.

Next four years

So Bolt didn't break the world record. He ran in a 'slow' time of 19.32sec in the 200 m. Still it was enough to win him the gold. The first time in the history of the game that someone was able to defend both the 100 and 200m title. A mighty achievement indeed! Can he do it again in four years time? Let me put my neck on the line by saying no. I think, somebody will challenge his domination within the next four years. Already we are seeing the early signs. And who is that person? That person will be Blake, his training partner, the silver medalist in both the 100 and 200m.

How come?

In KL, I see people everywhere. At the mosque, I see them. At the shopping malls, I see them. At the cafes and restaurants during breaking of fast, I see them. On the road while driving, I see them. In other words, they are everywhere. During the fasting month, I go to any mosque, its crowded. I thought wow! People are more religious now. Then I go to the shopping complex, its crowded as well. In fact, even more so! How come?  

Jam, jam ,jam

What a terrible day! Caught in a massive traffic jam in PJ. The traffic on the Federal Highway Klang was not moving at all from Bangsar onwards. Thought I'd bypassed it by turning into PJ and get to Shah Alam using the Pantai expressway. Little did I know that PJ was also experiencing a terrible gridlock. They had blocked the road leading to the Pantai expressway for some maintenance work. This created the massive jam in PJ. As I couldn't get to Pantai expressway, I had to get out of PJ the same way I got in, meaning caught in the same jam twice. Its double jeopardy. Was really frustrated what there's nothing I can do. Just bear with it!

A jog too far

Thought I 'd continue with my jogging during the fasting month. However, in the twenty days since Ramadhan began, the thought have not even cross my mind, much less to be at the jogging track. Jogging in the morning is definitely out because the thirst felt afterwards would be too much to bear especially when the breaking of fast is many hours away. Jogging in the evening is okay but so far, I always find myself doing something else instead of jogging. Looks like I will only start jogging again after the fasting month. Must jog cause that's the only exercise I do nowadays.

I need to improve

Today is the twentieth day of fasting. There's only ten days left. These last ten days, we are supposed to double or triple the effort of doing good deeds during the fasting month. However, some people have run out of steam by this time. They have instead focus their energy towards preparations for the 1st of Shawal. Shopping for new dresses, making cakes, spruce up the house like buy new curtains, furnitures etc. As for me, why is is that every Ramadhan, I feel like I have not done enough? Have not grab the many opportunities offered during the month? Every Ramadhan, I have intentions to do more but every Ramadhan, I have this feeling of not having done enough. I need to improve........

Another broken dream

After Lee Chong Wei's failure to win the gold, I thought Azizul could at least manage a bronze. Gold was definitely out of the equation as Britain Chris Hoy was just too good. Perhaps a silver but more likely a bronze. Unfortunately, he came last in the final. I don't know what happened but he was unable to mount a challenge at the last lap. With the two gone, is there any hope left? Maybe, just maybe, the 10m diving could provide some consolation. We'll have to wait and see!

I sure hope so

An interesting thing developed during the Olympic football tournament. Of the four semi finalists, two were from Asia and two from South America. The two from South America, Brazil and Mexico can be expected but the surprised were the two from Asia, namely Japan and South Korea. There were no teams from Europe and the African continents. Is this an omen of things to come? Asian teams to dominate football in the near future? I sure hope so.

Wow!

Look at me. I have grown so big. Can't wait for the day when I can crawl. My father says it will take another month or two. I am three months now. I am going to crawl everywhere in the house. Now I can see many things but cannot touch them. Once I start crawling, I will touch all of them.

One more chance

Malaysia's quest for Olympic gold continues as Chong Wei couldn't do it last night. We have one more hope in this Olympic through Azizul in the Keirin. It is a tall order no doubt but lets hope he can beat the odds to win. The day of reckoning will be on Tuesday.

Electrifying

I thought he was off the pedal towards the end. Otherwise the time would have been better. Still, it was an electrifying run, the second fastest ever. Seven of the finalist ran under 10 sec. The one that didn't, Powel, pulled up injured after a few metres. Bolt proved he is still the champion. A great win by a great athlete. Four years ago, he delighted the crowd in Beijing. He delighted the crowd in London today. Can he delight the crowd in Brazil in four years time? 

After that....

Like everybody else in the country, I look forward to the Chong Wei - Lin Dan match later today. I think this time it will be a close fight with Chong Wei having a slight edge. Lets see. Then there's also Bolt in the 100 metres. If he is fully fit, the world record is going to go for sure. The past few months, it has been one sporting event to another. It has been great watching the action on TV. After the Olympic, the US PGA open will be on. Then the European football season will be back. After that......

A sad state of affair

It saddens me when a whistleblower is charged while the culprits get away. Sure they charged one but what about the others? Talk about transparency and integrity. Its a joke! Then there's the tender awarded to a company although this company has failed to meet the requirement. Its a blatant disregard for the tender exercise. Again, talk about transparency and integrity but its only talk. Action is something else. Its a sad state of affair we are in. Our country will be the loser unless we act fast to change it.

Sleeping after 'subuh'.

After the morning prayer yesterday I felt so sleepy I slept. At about 9 am, I woke up but my body felt lethargic and listless. For the rest of the day, that feeling continued. It sort of spoil the day for me. That's what will happen to me if I sleep after 'subuh'. Its not normal for me to do that. Normally even if I feel sleepy, I will not sleep. I will wait till its about 10 am, then only I will sleep if I still feel sleepy. If I do that way, I will feel okay on waking up.   

Its alien to me

Last night I had problem sleeping. A few things were occupying my thoughts. I tried my best to make it go away but still it won't. Its about people who borrow but drag their feet when it comes to paying even though they have the means. I find it disturbing that people can have such an attitude. I don't understand it. To me, its alien culture. When you owe, you pay. That's what I always thought. The onus is on the borrower to pay without the lender having to ask. When the time comes, you pay! Somehow this simple logic don't register in some peoples' mind. Its baffling! I just don't know what else to do to except to present my case to Allah the Almighty.

I don't understand

One of the earliest thing I wanted to do in my life was to repay my parents for everything that they have done for me. After all, from the day I was born, they have given me their all, took care of me until I grow up, make me a person. For all the things that they have done, I know that no matter what I do, I can never repay them, not ever. Being independent financially is my own little way of repaying them, although I know it is never enough. Thus, it was one of my proudest moment when I manage to do that, while still in my teens. Later on, when I started working, being able to give them money every month was one of my happy moments. 

However, these days, I don't understand. They want to squeezed as much money as possible from you. They not only ask, they demand! Have it ever crossed their mind that its time to do some good deeds in return, before its too late. To start giving?  

A day to forget

At first I thought this is going to be the worse Merdeka celebrations ever, as far as the slogan is concerned. It sure doesn't represent the nation as a whole. They are so desperate, they had to hijack the Merdeka celebrations and turn it into a campaign for BN. Then I saw the logo. What an ugly sight. Nothing could be worse, with everything lumped into a total mess but wait, I have not heard the theme song yet. When I heard it, I was speechless! So there you have it, the theme, the logo and the song. They all add up to make this Merdeka celebrations a day to forget.