Juggling

At my age, I am still juggling with having to pay loans. Most people at my age would have cleared all their loans. There's nothing left to pay except for the daily living. The house loan has been cleared. The car loan is also cleared. Me? I am paying loans left, right and center. Sure, I have fully paid my houses but I there are others which I have not. That's why I have to keep on working. The cash needs to keep on rolling. Alhamdulillah, on many occasions, I have been saved by Allah SWT. They came when I most needed it and in ways I didn't expect.

Sunday jotting

I have another wedding do to attend today in Bangi. In sha Allah I will be there. Next Sunday I have three invitations. That will be a tough one but I intend to go for all three. Lucky thing they are all during day time. If at night it would have been impossible! 

I last played golf some ten years ago. Since then, I don't know where I have stored my golf set. I tried searching for it recently but have no clue to where it is. I am thinking of hitting the small balls again just for fun. I was never good at it that's why I stopped. 

My favourite game is off course football. Can't get a game of football, futsal is enough. That's what I have been doing the past two weeks. Play futsal. As usual, my playing partners are half my age. That is okay with me as I enjoy playing the game.

hmm.....

How to balance my budget!

The good old days

These days when I meet my old friends, classmates, office mates, course mates etc. the questions we ask will be how many grandchildren you have. That's more or less the standard question. I am after all, almost reaching sixty years old. Wow! So old already! When I think about it, I wonder where did all those years went to? I think about my childhood days in my hometown Selama Perak. Those were the carefree days. Then I was in Taiping for my secondary education. Those were days about discovering myself, learning more about the world surrounding me. Ah….. I can go on and on about the good old days. Alas, they move on. It will never come back. Sometimes I do miss the good old days. 

Decision soon

Today is the second day that my alarm didn't ring. Yesterday I woke up late because of that. This morning when I woke up from my sleep, it was already 5.40 am, way past my alarm clock time. What happened to the alarm? 

I am thinking of going somewhere for the Raya holidays but until today, I still do not have a clue where I want to go. The closer it gets to the date, the more expensive the flight ticket will be. What can I do? I am still unable to decide where I want to go. Not easy when I have to balance the money equation, the kids suitability, my own preferred choice plus the timing. Need to decide soon!

What are they up to now?

Intresting

The politics in the country is getting to be very very interesting. Both sides of the political divide are having problems. They way it is going, I can see changes imminent to both sides. Just wait till the end of the month. There's a party election that will decide which way one party is going to go in future.  Any which way its members choose, it will have a strong effect on its strength. Then there's this big, big problem thing that is threatening to strike at the very heart of the corridors of power. Its playing out in the open for everybody to see. It will have to end sooner or later, with big consequence one way or another. 

Doing what I need to do

On Saturday, I finally find went jogging. That was after a long long time of not doing anything except for the futsal the week before. This time, we couldn't get enough people to play futsal so I decided I need to continue exercising. That's how I ended up jogging at Tasik Titiwangsa. A first time for me but it was enjoyable. A nice place to jog, relax the mind, right in the midst of busy KL. Should have done that earlier. The problem is weekday I don't have the time as I work till late in the day. Weekend, I want  to spend time with the family. However, I have made a resolution. I must exercise. That means jogging, even on a weekend.

The Weekend

Was at a wedding do on Saturday. Nice place it was at 10th mile Jalan Gombak. A village setting with a small river, must be the Gombak river, running along side it. Very far for most if they are coming from elsewhere but for me, it was near as I live at 4th mile Jalan Gombak. Sunday was spent 'relaxing'  at home. Off course with the kids well and active, it was not much of a relax. From now till the fasting month, I have wedding receptions every weekend. Alhamdulillah, all in KL. Talking about the fasting month, its coming soon. 

Another one

Another of my children will be getting the hitch. Not so soon but on the way. As parents, its the day when you can congratulate yourself for a job well done. You have looked after them from when they were small, took care of them, taught them the ropes, guided them through life. Now they are grown up, able to live on their own until finally they are ready to take on the responsibilities of being a husband or a wife and naturally, bringing up their own children. That's an accomplishment, any which way you look at it. Its a great feeling.

Back on my bike

Rode the bike to work yesterday. Been quite a while since I done that. What a feeling it was. It was exhilarating. There were a few things I wanted to do later in the day hence the motorbike. It was really handy instead of driving the car, get caught up in the jam and spending hours looking for parking space. Usually, one will be found far away from the intended place and you end up having to walk quite a distance. I don't mind the walk but the hot sun makes it real terrible. I went to Bangsar in the morning, to PJ during lunch hour and to KLCC after work. It was plain sailing all the way mainly because I was riding the bike.

Waiting to board

Did some reading, took some food, watch TV, waiting for boarding time.

My story yesterday

I woke up at twenty past four yesterday because I had to catch the plane at 8.15 am. Left the house at 5 am to make sure I have ample time for the morning prayer, breakfast and off course, to the board the plane. Alhamdulillah, everything went as planned. On reaching the airport in Kucing, took the taxi to go to the meeting avenue. After the meeting, headed back to the airport to catch the plane for KL at 4.30pm. Reached KLIA at about 6.10pm, took the car from the parking area and drove back to the house, reaching at about 7.30pm. That was my story for yesterday. 

Nice break

Just like the weekdays, the weekend was over in a flash. Now its back to the office. Was in Melaka over the weekend to attend to a wedding. Stayed overnight just for a look see. It was not very long ago that  I was last in Melaka but I see a few changes with new hotels coming up. The place was as usual crowded with many tourist especially at the historical site. It was nice break nonetheless. Something I can do with.

Salam

It Friday

Its been a busy week at the office. Most days are filled to the brim with things to do and attend. I'm glad it's coming to an end. Hopefully the time spend away from the office during the weekend will revitalize me again for the coming week. Its going to be the same, I think. I have appointments lined up already including a day trip to Kucing. 

Futsal

Can't wait for tonight when there will be a futsal session with the office group. Been a long time since I did any exercise. The futsal tonight will be a good beginning. Don't know if I still have the stamina to play the way I like to play but I will be cautious nonetheless. I played a few times last year while in Bakun. Manage to hold my own against the young boys. Tonight I do not know. One thing I do know, I will enjoy it, in sha Allah.

Its the weekend again

Its Friday once again. Day in, day out, its the weekend ahead already. I'II be traveling to Melaka on Saturday to attend a wedding. Will stay back for a night before traveling back to KL. Been quite a while since I was last in Melaka, about a year I think. Used to go there quite often while in my previous working capacity. That's how I got to know Kuala Sungai Baru, a beautiful, layback resort village by the beach. Development has changed its structure somewhat. Its not as it was when I first came across it  more than fifteen years ago. Still, its a place I like to go for a break. Anyway, this time I will be going to Melaka the city.

Who will win

So Bayern was knocket out of the Champions league. With that, there goes my prediction. Real also got knocked out. Its Barcelona vs Juventus. Who will win? I dare not predict anymore cause they never come right. Let's just enjoy the game. 

New strategies

The story of QPR is a lesson on how not to do things. In terms of wages, they are no. 7 among the premier league clubs but in terms of performance, they will most probably end up last, no. 22. Paying lots of money for mediocre performance, that's what it is in a nutshell. Its a poor return, in terms of business. How can that happened? I remember commenting previously that QPR is fond of buying players who are a has been. Big names relying on past reputation looking for one last big paychecks. On the field, their performances can never match the days when they were top top players. QPR needs to look for new strategies. Otherwise, it will be another failed sports adventure of you know who. 

In unison

Even in sleep they are in unison. That's when also I can get some break. Have some time for myself. On the other hand, too much of time for myself can be boring as well. When they are awake, looking after them takes away the time. No time to be bored. They have given me much pleasure. Spending time with them is really tiring but enjoyable. Gives a lot of satisfaction  

That's a real bonus

This is what the kids will get up to when at a restaurant. They cannot sit still. We can only have a peaceful meal if they are sleeping. Otherwise, it will be a handful. Its hard no doubt but when they are active and full of energy, it can only mean one thing. They are healthy. That's a real bonus.

Coffee latte

I first saw it on TV. They can do all kind of things with the coffee and the milk. I ordered coffee latte while in Kucing. This is what I received. Interesting! Not as complicated or intricate as the ones I saw on TV but it was something new nevertheless. At least for me.  

Anti climax

On Monday it will be back to work as usual after two weeks of which I was on holiday plus working away from the office. In a way, the meeting in Kucing was a disappointment. We spent so much time preparing for it but the outcome from the meeting was nothing much to shout about. It was an anti climax. I know what went wrong. Our objectives were way apart. What more when suspicious of each other were the order of the day. In the end, the outcome more than justify the situation. There could not have been any other.

Good excuse

Can't remember when was the last time I went jogging. Must have been ages ago. I'm feeling it at the stomach. It seems to be bigger than normal. Mostly its the work that is preventing me from exercise. By the rime I finished for the day, its already night time. Its dark. On weekends I get too lazy to do anything. I just want to rest. That has been the way for so long, since December I think. Soon it will be the fasting month. That will be another good excuse not to exercise. Hmm.........

The saga continues

The saga with IMDB is getting more and more interesting. Is it a bailout or is it not? The answer will depends on who is answering it. One side will say it is a sound investment decision looking at the market price. The other side will say it is definitely a bailout, looking at the situation with the company. I wish the result of the auditing will come out as soon as possible. That will put a stop to all the speculation as we will know the truth then. Otherwise, the saga will continue on and on.

Waiting for flight

This morning I was waiting for the meeting to start. This evening I am waiting for the flight to KL. Its flying from Kucing at 9.35pm. Will reached KLIA at 11.25pm. What it all really means is that I will only reached home at about 1am. Alhamdulillah, tomorrow its Saturday. At least I can have a rest. Its only 7.41pm now so that means the waiting will continue for another hour and more. What is there to do except to wait.

Waiting for meeting

Waiting …..waiting ….and waiting. Hope will start soon.

Salam

In Kucing

After one night at home, I am now in Kucing. Flew in yesterday reaching Kucing almost 8pm. Will be here for two days for meetings. Will be back on Friday, another late flight at 9.30pm. Most probably will reach KL at almost midnight. Anyway, that's for another day. For the moment, I have to concentrate on the coming meetings ahead. Been quite a while since I was last in Kucing. Took a walk at the waterfront last night. Was surprised that the place was lively, with many people enjoying a quiet walk in the night air, the street revelers plus the hawkers selling everything from food to souvenirs. The last time I was here, it was dark and dangerous. A couple got robbed at the very place.

Back at work

After three nights in JB, it was time to go home. My holiday is over. It was fun and enjoyable. Now its back to work. My next holiday? Maybe during the Hari Raya period. Still undecided where to go. I will cross the bridge when I reached it. Meantime, I'm back at work this morning. There will be meetings before flying off to Kucing later in the day. Will be there for two days of meetings. Will only come back on Friday late flight home. 

Out of bound

At the Iskandar Development, we took the kids to the Hello Kitty town. Maisarah as usual took in everything in her stride while Akid was a bit reserve. Only towards the later part did he enjoyed himself, running around at the playhouse. I drove past the Pinewood studios but everything looks closed. We didn't go to Legoland as the kids would be too small to be able to take in all the rides. Wait till they are a bit older. Same thing with Universal Studio. No point going in when most of the rides are out of bound, for the kids at least.

It has been a good day

Came back from JB yesterday. The day before brought the family to Singapore for a walkabout. What a tiring day it was. With the two kids in tow, everything was double the work. Anyway, it was fun. For Akid, he just love the trains. So getting in and out of the trains was enjoyable to him. For Maisarah, she is too young to know anything. She takes in everything that we throw at her, enjoying herself all the time. It was good but tiring. We went to Sentosa Island, took the MRT to the Singapore flyer, went to Ochard before taking the sights of Sentosa Island via the cable car. By the time we got back to JB, I was worn out but satisfied. It has been a good day. 

memories2

memories1

Good morning JB

Upon reaching JB yesterday, was just too tired to go anywhere. Just stayed at the hotel room except for a walkabout at the shopping complex nearby to grab some food. Otherwise was holed up in the hotel room most of the time. Had planned to buy the bus tickets to Singapore at the Tune hotel lobby a short drive away but looks like will have to get it today somehow.

In JB

I'm back in JB for a holiday. The drive was smooth yesterday. The traffic snarl happened on Friday, the day of the public holiday. I chose to travel  Saturday to avoid it. The last time we were here, went to Legoland and Hello Kitty park too late. Both were almost closing time. This time must go early so that the kids will have more time to enjoy the fun.  

Memories

Patience

Yesterday was a great day. Our three and a half years of struggled ended for good yesterday. It is finally in our hands, the all important papers. During those years when we were in the midst of it, there were times when we thought of giving up. We couldn't see any light at the end of the tunnel. Everything was so blur, there was no way through. Alhamdulillah, Allah is great. Whoever has faith in Allah, Allah will provide the way. Frustrations, anger, despair, they were all there. In the end, what is needed most is patience.