Bigger by the day

These are the days

Got the news yesterday that one of my friend from university days in England is at IJN with heart problem. Thought I wanted to pay him a visit today but then I had something on. Perhaps III go on Monday. Then there's another friend whom I have not seen ever since I retired. He has loss control of his fingers on both hands, making him unable to drive, write, use the phone or computer or even eat properly. Used to visit him while I was still working. Maybe will pay him a visit again someday.

That's not good enough

Sometimes you'd think doing a certain job is easy but wait till you try it. Then you will find it is not as easy as you think. I always thought being a tourist guide is easy. All you have to do is talk something, and everything will be okay. I have seen them working first hand while on my travels, to Iran, China and Indonesia for example. Nothing complicated. As easy as ABC. But now I'm having shivers up my spine cause next week I have to be on a bus going round KL. That is not a problem cause its the easy part. The thing is I have to do the commentary while the bus is traveling. Now that's the hard part. The people on the bus are real tourists. My knowledge of the roads, buildings, important sites, history and other relevant information about KL are at best 5 out of 100. Now, that's not good enough!

Labu Sayong

Originate from a place call Sayong in the district of Kuala Kangsar, Perak. In the old days used as a place to store water because of its coolness effect. These days they are more for decorations or souvenirs.

A new mouse and a Note

Finally I had to buy another mouse. The mouse I had just bought turn out to be a dud even though its new. The trouble is I bought it in Seremban. To go back to Seremban just to have the mouse changed is going a bit too far. So I decided to buy a new mouse. This one is okay. I'm using it now.

Samsung has come out with the new Note. I'm seriously thinking of buying it. I like the Note because of its size. This new one has got a compressor that's super fast, 1.6hz. When its in the stores, I surely will have a look.

Taking things for granted

As human beings we tend to take things for granted. For example I lived in Port Dickson (PD) for almost a year. During that period, I drove past the sea and the beach everyday but never bothered to stop for a swim. In my mind, I can always do it anytime I want since I lived here. After a year I was transferred to Klang. And guess what? After a few months, I came back to PD with my family for a swim and picnic by the beach. What an irony. One year in PD I never bothered but justs few months away, I brought my family back to PD for a picnic.

Only recently, I discovered there are so many things in KL that I never knew about. Sure I've been to these places but never knew its history or whatever. I take things for granted.

This is peanut

Never thought I would be in this situation again but I am. Assignments, homework, reports etc etc. They are all outstanding. They are simple enough but the numbers are increasing by the day. The more I procrastinate, the more they become. Anyway I know I can handle them Insha Allah. I remember when I was doing my MBA, it was even worse. We had to work throughout the night most of the time. This is peanut when compared to that. 

The house in Seremban

Went to Seremban yesterday to look at the progress of the house I bought. The house is completed. Its only the roads, piping and sewerage connections that are outstanding. This will take some time from what I can see. When I bought it thought I will move to Seremban but on second thoughts decided against it. So I bought another house in Cheras KL and will try to sell the house in Seremban once its completed. In the meantime, I have to be tight with my cash flow.

So frustrating

My mouse went 'kaput' so I had to buy a new one. Thought I'd try a wireless one. Went to a computer shop, saw a reasonably priced wireless mouse and bought one. Took home but unfortunately, try as I might, I couldn't get it going. Don't know where I went wrong. I tried and I tried it was so frustrating. Finally I gave up! I'II have to ask somebody who knows.

Images of KL

 Where the rivers meet and below, to measure the water level at Masjid jamek

Images of KL

 Sultan Abd Samat building

Where the Gombak and Klang river meet

I'm confused

Hei.......Wait a  minute! I thought its not in our culture to demonstrate. Then what was this group doing demonstrating last Friday? Or it is not in our culture only when we demonstrate against the powers that be but it is in our culture when it's the opposite. Please, tell me. I'm confused.   

Wah! Its been four days

Been too busy lately with other cores I couldn't find the time to write on my blog. The next thing I know, its been four days already since I last opened the blog. I know Saturday and Sunday why I was busy but Thursday and Friday, I cannot remember what was I doing that prevented me from finding the time to write. Saturday I went on a walking tour of KL while Sunday I had visitors to the house. Ah....now I remember. Friday I went jogging in the morning followed by Friday prayer in the afternoon. After that I slept while in the evening I spent the time watching TV. Thursday I still cannot recall......

What should I do?

Two weeks into the course, I realised that it will not be as I thought it would. I thought it would be plain sailing with little in the way to worry about. All I need to do is just turn up and everything would be alright. Little did I know that there will be assignments, tests, homework, practical, things to memorise and most dreaded  of them all, exams. Wow! Its like going back to school, even more so. Now I'm caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. To back out, its too late already. To continue, it means a lot of hard work ahead. What should I do?  

Real in real trouble

Real Madrid is in deep trouble so early in the season. Twice beaten in four matches, eight points behind their arch rival, Barca, their star player Ronaldo not happy and to cap it all, Maurinho their manager says he don't have a team. Whatever is happening to them? This is their worse start in years! For the first time in his distinguished career, Maurinho is facing a crisis. His team is not playing to their best. It will take all his managerial skills to turn around their poor start. Can they do it? 

Last day of Shawal

Today is the last day of Shawal. After a month, Hari Raya celebrations will officially ends after today. I'm sure there'll be last minute scrambling for open houses here, there and everywhere. Today is also the last day for the six day fasting. If you have only done four days, its too late already. You will not be able to complete it for sure. You will have to wait next year. Its also a public holiday today because of Hari Malaysia. That's why I noticed less cars this morning when I came back from the mosque. I am planning to visit perhaps the National Mosque or the Museum or Karyaneka sometime in the afternoon. Just to brush up on my knowledge of the place.   

Taken for a reason

I took this photo because I wanted to try my luck in the audition for the Money Drop series at Mid Valley. However, on reaching there, I found the crowd so large and unmanageable, decided against it. 

Rugby Championship

Next to the Rugby World Cup, the Rugby Championship is another favourite of mine. Formerly called the Tri Nations, the name changed came about after the addition of Argentina into the group. I like watching the matches because it involves New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, the top three rugby countries in the world. Argentina can only benefit by joining the group although for now they have to be contend becoming the whipping boys. Last Saturday, New Zealand played South Africa, winning comfortably. So far they have played four times, winning all of them.

Heavy rain

The rain was so heavy last night I could hear the sound of the wind blowing and the pelting of the rain even while I was in my room with all the windows closed. It must have been wet and cold outside. What a terrible time this must be for all the people who were working. They must be thinking of their warm bed. I know cause I used to work shifts before. Evening (4pm to 12 midnight) and night shifts (12 midnight to 8am) are the worse time. When it rains, the warm bed seems like a luxury you can't have.   

Sleeping time

Intruiging

The fascination with the British royals intrigues me. Why are we so fixated on a couple who's only claim to fame is because they are from the royal family of England. That is all. Its not like they are a great sporting icon like Beckam or a famous musician like Paul. Maybe its because of the connection with Diana, the girl who married the prince. Who don't know her. A fairy tale marriage to a prince that turned sour after a while, a tormented life behind the sweet smiling face and finally a tragic death in Paris. Maybe......     

BN and bankrupt

Whenever Pakatan comes out with a new proposal, BN says bankrupt. Pakatan says give education for free, BN says bankrupt. Pakatan says bring down the price of cars, BN says bankrupt. Pakatan says give free water, BN says bankrupt. Pakatan says bring down the price of oil, BN says bankrupt. It seems to me it is BN that is bankrupt of ideas. After 55 yrs, they have run out of ideas on how to run this country. They prefer the status quo. I think its about time we should sent them into retirement. Let in a new government, a government with new ideas and not afraid to try the untrodden path. Who knows, we could improved by leaps and bounds.   

Can I do it?

I learned geography and history while in secondary school. When I completed secondary school, I thought that's it. I will never be learning them again. That was thirty seven years ago. Today I find myself learning geography and history again, albeit a little different from before. Still, I have to remember things like places, dates, legends etc. Its a bit hard for an old mind like mine. Don't know if I con do it...... 

I need the internet

In a month I am paying something like four hundred dollars for all my internet connections. There's Unifi for the house, Celcom for the smartphone and Celcom for the I pad. I would like to reduce them but at the moment I don't know how cause I need all of them. How I wish I can have just one internet connections for all of them. Then the payment would be a lot less. In my retirement, I have to be careful with my expenditure. I don't have an income. Until I'm able to create one, I'II have to extra careful with my money.  

That's the saddest part

It beats me why people are still reading and believing the nonsense being spewed out by this paper. Its incredible! They are giving out rubbish after rubbish after rubbish it is just unbelievable. Not for the rubbish because after a while you have come to expect it from them but for the people who are reading and believing them. And the fact that they have not been censored by the authorities up till now is another you have come to expect. That's the saddest part.  

Murray at last

Before going to the mosque for the morning prayer, I switched on the TV for a quick looked at the US Open final being played out at Flushing Meadow in the US. Murray and Djokovic were already slugging it out, for about an hour already. I came back from the mosque, they were still at it. Then I went jogging. Came back after about 45 minutes, the match was in the fourth set. I took my bath, get dressed and sit in front of the TV. They were playing the fourth set. In the end, it was more than five hours of full blown tennis. Andy Murray won his first Major tournament after losing four times in the final before.  

I will enjoy them.

On Saturday I was away from the house for the whole day attending a course that I had recently taken. Been quite sometime since I had to sit in a class for some eight hours listening to the lecturer. I had problem keeping awake especially after a heavy lunch. It was such a relief when the afternoon session ended. I could have slept right there and then. Anyway, it is something totally different from what I have been doing for the last thirty two years. The classes will continue for the next three months. I'm sure I will enjoy them.  

Too glaring

Sometimes I wonder why they bother to make police reports at all when there's no follow up action from the police. Reports after reports are made but so far, I see little action. I'm talking about Pakatan off course. However, when the other side make police reports, the action is fast and furious. Sometimes, it seems that even before a report is made, the police are already in action! The double standard is too glaring to see. 

Much like before

Geography was one of my favourite subject while in secondary school. I like learning about the different countries of the world, the people, the cities, the rivers and the mountains. I don't know why but they just fascinates me. I dream of visiting the big cities like Tokyo, London, Paris, New York etc etc. I especially wanted to see Big Ben, the famous clock tower in London. Alhamdulillah, I was able to fulfilled most if not all of those dream. I also enjoyed learning about Malaysia. Recently, while in the course of doing something, I had the opportunity to learn the geography of Malaysia again. It was like going back in time to my schooldays. Sure, some things might have changed but the rest are much like before.

Gold again

Gold has risen steadily over the past few weeks. It is now at a five months high of about US1700 an ounce. Analyst are predicting a steady rise to about US1800 by year end. Looking at the graph of gold prices over the last ten years, it can be seen that it has risen steadily, albeit with a few hiccups here and there. Overall, it is a rising graph. can it rise further? My guess is as good as yours.

He is a joy

Akid is growing up nicely. I was initially apprehensive about having him especially so when thinking about my age. How am I going to cope with another child? Will I have the strength to love and take care of him like I did with my other children. Caring for a child is no small matter. It can be tiring. It drains you. Off course the reward can be immense later on. Seeing them grow up right before your eyes is an experienced never to be missed. Receiving their love in return ( not a given thing ) in your twilight years is another. Alhamdulillah, Akid has proven to be a joy. He makes my day and my night so much more lively. Great to have brought him to this world.  

Ronaldo is sad?

He's one of the best player in the world playing for one of the best team in the world. Makes millions of dollars a year from salary and endorsements. He is in his prime, terrorising defenders whenever he plays. He goal scoring exploits are unmatched by anyone except by one other player, Messi, and there lies the problem. Whatever he does, Messi always does better. The little Argentinian is always one step ahead of him. That's why he is sad. If only there is no Messi, Ronaldo could have been unchallenged as the best player in the world.  

What's the fuss

What's the big fuss over a butt of a joke especially when similar incidences in the past were let off  without so much of a warning. Suddenly it has become a big crime. Please give me a break! The double standard is too glaring for all to see. The practise of selective persecution has been going on for far too long. It need to be stopped immediately. Be fair to all. A crime is a crime no matter who commits it. That's all we are asking.

It was draining me

The rain was so heavy yesterday at about 6pm I could hardly see through my windscreen. Lucky thing I was going in the opposite direction. I was going to KL when most people were coming home from work. Hence I escape the traffic jam. Later I read in the papers there were floods in Kajang and Serdang. 

Jogging this morning, the track was wet. I had to do a lot of maneuvering in order to avoid the numerous pools of water. Otherwise my shoe would be wet making it uncomfortable. 

At my former company, the age for retiring has been upped to 60. Many would welcome it but I know of some who dread it. I personally won't like it. I left at 55 even though at that time the age for retirement was 56. I felt tired after working for over thirty two years. It was draining me. 

How come?

Malaysians are feeling the heat of increased political weather. As the general election gets nearer and nearer, the action is getting hotter and hotter. Its good for the rakyat as we become more aware of what is going on in the country but what is bad is the violence that are increasingly becoming a daily occurrence. Heckling, shouting, shelving, disturbing, threatening to stone throwing, they have become the norm. What is frustrating is when the authorities turned a blind eye when its happening to Pakatan but move quickly when its happening to BN. It seems like there are two set of laws here. One side can get away with almost anything while the other will quickly be apprehended even for the slightest of things. How come? 

Gridlocked

Last Weekend KL was caught in a gridlocked. I am not surprised cause that has always been the case during Shawal. People are busy going from one open house to another, more so during the weekend, clogging the roads everywhere. There's two more weekends to come. Be prepared for more of the same. Don't go out if you don't have to. Better stay at home and relax. 

Alhamdulillah

What a great feeling to have finally completed my six days of fasting in the month of Shawal. It always is a challenge to fast especially when it is not compulsory. Only the thought of the handsome reward that comes with it made me do it. Fasting six days in Shawal plus the one month in Ramadhan is equivalent to or like fasting the whole year, the prophet said. Now isn't that great! This year as in previous years, I did it in six straight days. I prefer it that way rather than taking breaks in between. Alhamdulillah....

Like father like son

Among the also ran

QPR is a team that is not usually within my radar. However, ever since it was bought and owned by a Malaysian, I have been following its fortune just a little bit. The way they have been buying players recently is really not to my fancy. Sure they have been busy in the transfer market but most of the players they bought are a has been, if you pardon my expression. Park Ji Sung is a glaring example. He was a great player, no doubt about it but he is in the twilight of his career, on the decline. Buying him and making him the captain probably sums up their whole philosophy. I wonder what is the club's ambition or are they just satisfied to be among the also ran.  

Football Transfers

The transfer of football players between clubs is like a merry go round. This is especially so when the transfer window is reaching to a close. That's when the transfers starts to get a bit frenzy with players switching clubs like there's no tomorrow. Today happens to be the last day of yet another transfer window. Since the last twenty four hours, the transfer activities went like crazy. Many players were involved plus millions of dollars changed hand. I feel happy for Berbatov. He has moved to Fulham from Man U. The surprised was Essien who moved to Real Madrid from Chelsea (on loan?) Liverpool flop Andy Carroll moved to West Ham. I also hope QPR who has been active in the transfer market will start to play like potential champions with all the new signings.