Nice living

Today is the last day of 2018. The year will leave us soon. For me, I managed to build my house and moved in as planned although there was a delay. In the end, its all well that ends well. I love staying in the new house. I enjoy living in the village. Life is at a slow pace. There's no rush and no jam. I try to go to the mosque five times a day, riding my good old Honda bike. The place is quiet and peaceful. Everyday I see people fishing along the monsoon drain by the road side. Things are generally cheaper than in KL. You can still get Nasi Lemak for 50cents. I get my petrol for the motorcycle from the grocery shop. All in all, its a nice living living in the village.

Great win

I didn't see the match between Liverpool and Arsenal a few nights ago but was pleased with the result. An emphatic win for Liverpool 5-1. I was actually asleep by 11pm but woke up at about 1.25am just when the match was about to start. However, I managed to resist the temptation to stay awake to watch the match. Its nice to stay awake but I was more concerned about how I will feel when I wake up the next morning for the Subuh prayer. I know it will be a good feeling. More often than not I will regret staying awake the night before. Anyway, its immaterial now. Liverpool won. I saw the repeat. The second goal by Firmino is really class.

Celebration do

Was in Shah Alam on Saturday to attend a do by my niece whose husband is now a Phd holder. The do was to celebrate the achievement. While on the way there, stopped over at a tailor in Puncak Alam. Akid need to have his school badges sown on to the shirt. Maisarah as well. Then we we went to Econsafe for our grocery needs. After that we wanted to head straight to the event but felt hungry along the way. Decided to stopp at the Elmina R& R for some Satay. Then only we went to the house to attend the event. While there, the kids couldn't resist their temptation to jump into the swimming pool as it is just behind the house.

Schooling time

On Friday, Akid was at school again to attend his orientation day. This time it is the Sekolah Kebangsaan Parit Mahang. He will start his standard one class come Wednesday 2nd January. Wow! We have come a long way since he came into this world three days after we went for the Bersih rally in KL. He will be one busy kid once the school starts as in the morning he will attend his Sek Kebangsaan from seven till one. Then at two he will attend the KAFA school till five thirty. Its great that the schools are only about two minutes drive from the house and of course, living in the village there's no traffic jam.

Visitors

Visitors from the wife's family was at the house Friday last week.

Great lunch

Lunch date at Ja's house (niece) in Rawang. Great lunch with tempoyak, sambal, petai and other kampung food. From my house in Bkt Cerakah Jeram to her house in Rawang is only 25 mins.

Happy Birthday

Maisarah is five years old. Munirah will be three in march next year but she can't wait for her birthday to come. She is celebrating with her elder sister as well.

Orientation day

Akid will in standard one come the new year. On Monday he attended his orientation day at the Sek Ugama Parit Mahang. He will be attending this school in the afternoon. In the morning he will be going to the Sek Kebangsaan just next door to this school. The next year will mark the beginning of a busy time for him. Schooling in the morning and afternoon. No more relaxing at home watching TV. In sha Allah he will cope well.

To be grateful

I look back over the years and only now I realised, how blessed I was. However back then, I didn't appreciate it. I was always thinking that the grass on the other side is greener. I was never happy and satisfied with what Allah has given me, what more to feel grateful. Only now I know. It took a long time but alhamdulillah, I am finally happy because I am grateful all the time. Don't even talk about money or career or personal life, to be healthy is a blessing already. Those days money was plenty but I never appreciate it. Never grateful. Now I am retired, money is little and hard to come by but I am grateful. I am satisfied. I am happy. As I said, to be healthy is a blessing already. To have seven kids, four already living their own life while the other three are as healthy as can be, that's another blessing and there's many more to be grateful to Allah about Yes, many many more.

My many faces

Give them time

I read in the papers or the social media that the PH government has been a disappointment and is failing the very people who had voted for them. Personally I don't think so. I think they are doing reasonably well. Taking over from a government that have been running for over sixty years is not an easy thing to do. They have been so entrenched in their way of doing thing that changing it takes a complete overhaul. Like it or not, with so much corruption, abuse of power, huge debts and other wrong doings, changed is definitely needed. Change takes time. The pain will come first before the gain but we are definitely heading in the right direction. After all, it is only six months old. Give them time.

Sign of a champion

Liverpool has just opened up a four point gap at the top of the Premier league table. They have played one extra game compared to Man City, their nearest rival. Today Man City will play Crystal Palace which they are expected to win but anything can happen. As for Liverpool, they had a good win early this morning over Wolves playing away. These were the kind of games that Liverpool used to flounder before. Losing or drawing at places they are expected to win. No use winning against the top teams but failing against the also ran teams. Now, they have got that corrected. So far this season, they have been winning and winning, be it against the top teams or the bottom teams To me, that's a sign of a champion.

Posing

My little princess

Beautiful beach

Been quite sometime since I last went to Pengkalan Balak Melaka. Really like the place. Been there many times and for so many years. I accidentally went there many many years ago when I was around the area to do a job. That's when I discovered this place. Been going there ever since.

Sad

Sad to hear about the death of Adib. An innocent victim who was only there to do his job, to put out fires. It was a shocked to hear his death because I thought he has been progressing quite well after receiving treatment. The beating he received must have been severe. The pain he felt being beaten must have been unbearable. can't even imagine how he must have felt. There's no two way about it. The thugs who beat to death him must be punished. 

Sacked

Mourinho is finally sacked. Its been long overdue. Ever since the beginning of the season, he has been brooding, sulking, sour face and the like. He hardly smile. He quarrels with almost all of his players. He played his Man U team against Liverpool with his best player on the bench. That was the last straw I think. When you paid top dollar for a player but don't play them, something must be wrong. Its time Man U start again. After Fergy left, Man U has had three managers but still couldn't find the right one. The team is struggling badly this season.  Very uncharacteristic of Man U.

Can't update

The internet has been so slow I had difficulty accessing my blog. Don't know what is the problem but it certainly caused me to be unable to update. Very frustrating. The funny thing is other website can be easily access. No problem! So what is actually the problem?

She is tied

The shock news of the day for me must the news that Nurul Izzah has resigned from all posts in her party PKR as well as from the government. The news is as shocking as it can be. For what ever  reason we do not know as she has not said anything other then the obvious, that is to resign. Maybe she's disappointed in her career as a politician as she is unable to progress further beyond being an MP which she has been for the last ten years or more. As long as her father and mother are in the fray, she will have to take a backseat. Cannot be a Minister as her mother is the Deputy Prime Minister or people will accused her of nepotism. When her father takes over as Prime Minister, her mother will resign but for her, it will still remain the same. She is tied!

Bye bye for now

Aara and Alia are back with their parents since Friday. It has been a tough but enjoyable twenty days looking after them while their parents were doing their Umrah. Three children plus two grandchildren combined to make it an unforgettable experience. At times we felt like what have we got ourselves into but most of the times we enjoyed their presence. Tough and tiring it may be but they make our day. Aara is easy to handle. She can be put anywhere, anytime and still survive. Alia is still small. Takes a bit of a delicate balance to look after her. All in all, I enjoyed the experienced.

Phone scam

There are all kinds of scam nowadays. One well known way is using the telephone to scam you out of your money. They have been successful too. Millions have been lost. Sometime I cannot imagine how it can happened. These people must be real smart able to con millions out of people using only the phone. Who have not received such phone calls. I for one have received numerous time. The person on the line will say that I have an outstanding loan from a bank. The funny thing is, I have never done any dealing with the said bank but these people can get you rattled. Suddenly you start thinking, is it true or not? You get curious and asked for more info. That's when they trap you. So far I have managed to curb my curiosity I just told them don't worry I will call the bank myself thank you. If they persist, I will put the phone down. One even told me Bank Negara will come after me after this.

A delight

Been watching Liverpool a lot on TV these days. One player that have always attract me is Firmino. I enjoy watching him play, his control of the ball, his exquisite passing, his movement on the pitch and his link play with the other players . One minute he will be attacking and the next minute he is busy defending. Boundless energy every time. Another player that I like watching is of course Mo Salah. Brilliant little player. He can outran most defenders, small that he is. Dribbles well, can find space even in tight situations and wiggle his way around. A slight body movement and a shuffling of the feet, suddenly his through on goal! His goals against Bournemouth must rank among the best so far this season. Liverpool, in my opinion, is a delight to watch.

AFF cup final

Malaysia will play Vietnam in the two leg final of the AFF cup. The first leg will be played in Malaysia tonight if I am not wrong. All tickets are sold out. Thousands of fan queued overnight at the stadium hoping to get tickets once the counter opened. Thousands came, thousands got what they came for but thousands were disappointed as tickets were all sold out! Hmm.... so much the interest. I hope Malaysia wins the cup. At home, play an attacking game. Use our fast moving forwards on the wings, get the goals. Then in the away, play a defensive game. Play deep but keep it tight in the penalty area.

In KL

Was in KL yesterday after a long time. Two or three weeks I think since I was last there. Now that I'm staying in the Jeram area, which is about an hour's away from KL, I seldom go to KL unless I have something to do. Yesterday for example was to attend a wedding. Since I was already in KL, took the opportunity to meet a friend at Subang Parade. I got home at about 4pm. When my next trip will be I have no idea. Its the school holidays now. I might have some time but once the school starts, Akid will be in standard one. Maisarah will still be in preschool. Whatever it is, we will be busy starting next year. For me, its the second time around after about twenty years when my fourth child stared his standard one. He is now a working man already.

Gruesome

The Kashoggi murder is really gruesome. He was lured to his country's embassy in Turkey and then brutally murdered. It took his killers just seven minutes to kill him after he entered the embassy. His body was then cut up and dismembered. Until today the body has not been found. Initially only his disappearance was questioned but as it became abundantly clear that something was amiss, the disappearance turned to suspected murder. The Saudi's initially denied it but when it became impossible to do so as the evidence were overwhelming, tried to cover up with tall tale stories. Of course nobody believed it. Finally they admitted to murder. The fifteen killers were taken to custody and will be tried but the world is still asking, who ordered it? Just like in the case of Altantuya. Who ordered the murder?

Cannot access

Don't know what is wrong but yesterday I couldn't access my blog. This morning I had problem accessing it. It took a few minutes before I managed to get through. Tried other websites, they all seem alright. It was just business as usual but when I tried accessing my blog, I couldn't. After trying a few times I was finally able to get through. Hope it is just a small hiccup, the kind that you get everyday in your life. Its been ten years since I started it, in 2008. I hope to go on for ten years more and beyond. I don't get many visitors but never mind, its not a problem to me. My problem will be when I have no desire to write anymore, for whatever the reason. That will be a problem.

Biggest kleptocracy

Its been more than six months since the historic day of 9th May when we Malaysians voted for a changed in government. It was a day when we decided enough is enough. The kleptocracy government has to go, no doubt about it. Needless to say, when we managed to do it, I was overjoyed. It was a day I have been waiting for so long. Now, six months on, have I regretted what we have done? Absolutely no! Many of the corrupt leaders of the previous government have been charged. Many more are waiting in line. That's what we want. That's why we did what we did. They were destroying the country, putting it to shame. Now it is all behind us. Let's move forward to a better future with the  new government.

Having a dip

Changing taste buds

I never knew that taste buds can changed but now I know it can because I am experiencing it. Before I was never able to eat the small spicy chili (cili api) because it is so hot but now, I can. Before, just putting a piece of the chili in a dish would be too much for me. What more if the chili were to be cut up. However, now, I can even eat it raw. Wow! That's a massive transformation. My only explanation for it is because for the past seven years, my wife have been putting the chili in most of the dishes that she cooked. So, little by little, I began to get used to it until today, I suddenly find that I can take them. Now I can't wait to try some of the hot offerings that I was unable to enjoy before like the spicy condiment (sambal) in Publika, Damansara Perdana and the Assam Pedas Power in Melaka.

All is not lost

What a disappointing game. Malaysia huff and puff but couldn't get the goals they wanted. Thailand played a controlled game, very well disciplined in containing the Malaysian attack. They played deep, keeping it tight in the last third of the field, not allowing any room for the Malaysians to maneuver. On their rare counter attacks, they almost stole a goal. The Malaysians will need to very careful in the return leg as the Thais will surely play a totally different game when playing at home. At the moment, the advantage is with the Thais but all is not lost....yet. There's still ninety minutes of play.

Fun time

Having a good time

When aunties meet their nieces.

Disappointing

Disappointing....that's the word to describe Liverpool's defeat to PSG in the Champions League. With the defeat, their hope of progressing to the last sixteen is now hanging in the balance. They need to beat Napoli 3-0 at home in two weeks time in order to progress. That's a tall order! Although their defending have improved, their forwards are finding the net a little bit harder to find this season. Gone are the free scoring days of last season. Salah the top scorer is not so prolific this season. With this kind of scenario, I can't find a reason how they can beat Napoli by such a margin. It's a loss cause as far as I am concern.

If only

So Malaysia is in the semi final of the AFF cup. Big deal! It is nothing if we still cannot make it to the World cup. No, not even the World cup. Making it to the Asian cup is real progress already. That's what we must strive for. Up ourselves to be in league with Japan and South Korea. Impossible? No, certainly not. We used to beat the daylights out of them. How come now they are treating us like minnows? We beat both of them in one tournament years ago. If only we can do it again!

Stupid

The people who were paid to cause rioting in USJ 25 Shah Alam were certainly a determined lot. They gathered again for the third night in front of the temple. Alhamdulillah, the police were there to take charge of the situation. For a small sum of money, they were prepared to put their lives in jeopardy and to break the law. To me, it is really stupid. And the lawyers who paid them. They must have been out of their mind! Sure, they made a lot of money from the deal from whoever they were dealing with but was it worthwhile? Their brain must have been somewhere else when they did it.

Absurd!

Almost all of the Muslim majority countries have signed the ICERD. Only two out of fifty five have not signed. One of them is Malaysia. So why is the President of political party that is purportedly fighting for Islam saying it is obligatory for a Muslim to reject ICERD? It don't make sense at all. Is he saying that the fifty three countries that have signed have all committed a sin because they signed? What a f...... up statement! Sure, some people will still believe it but if we care to find out more about ICERD, it is certainly in line with the spirit of Islam except that in Malaysia we have to look at the local situation and sentiment. That is acceptable in Islam. The rules of Fiqh also take this into account.

Who can tell?

Five kids in the house now. Which are my children and which are my grandchildren?

Rioting

The rioting in USJ Subang Jaya was the main news the past two days. The first night it happened it was quickly put under control but then it happened again the second night. Don't know how it can happen the second night but I guess the authorities were thinking that it won't happen again after the first night so security was not so tight. From what I read in the papers, it was about the demolition of  temple. A court order was already obtained by the developer but was unable to apply it. He finally lose his patience I think. Still, the true story is still not known amidst the hundreds of opinions and views circulating in the social media. Some are trying to make it into a racial thing. For these people, everything is racial. Sigh........

Sunny days are here

The weather has been good lately. Very little rain with plenty of sunshine. The drains around the kampong are already drying up. Looks like the threat of flooding is over, for the moment at least. Of course, we do not know what December will bring. More sunshine I hope.

Busy time

Two of my grandchildren are staying with me for about two weeks. Their parents, i.e my son Hanafi and his wife will be going to Makkah for umrah. Together with three of my own kids, it makes for a wonderful time for the kids. For the wife especially, and me, its going to be a busy time looking after five kids.

Waste of time

A few parties are using the ICERD issue to further their political interest. There's a protest against ICERD planned for this Friday after the prayers. I can bet you almost all of the protesters who are expected to attend the rally today have not read about it or know very little about  ICERD except for what they have been fed. All of them will be Malays I guess because they have been told that it is against Islam. To them, Islam is Malay and Malay is Islam. To me, that thinking cannot be more wrong. It is flawed but for some people, it is through this slogan that they garner their support. Anyway, I don't expect many will turn up today as it will be a complete waste of time.

Rain again

For about a week, it was sunshine with intermittent rain in between. As a result, the water that has been stagnant on the land beside the house was almost gone but alas.....last night or rather this morning, there was a heavy downpour. It was not long. Just about ten to fifteen minutes but it resulted in the land covered by water again. Not as band as before but still, there's water. Now that will take another week of sunshine for it to go away. Sigh.... Anyway, November is almost over. The thunderstorm that was expected didn't happen. We are grateful for that.

A rare defeat

The All Blacks were beaten last Saturday by a very good Irish team. It is big news because the All Blacks don't lose games very often. A winning rate of 90% is phenomenal by any standard. I'm sure they must learned from the defeat and be ready for the World cup next year. Despite what has been said by the coaches after the defeat, they are still the number one team in the world. Make no mistake about that.

The result

So my favourite singer Zamani didn't win it last night. He was placed third. Somebody else took the mantle of champion of GV5 and deservedly so. Nevertheless, it was a good attempt by him. He didn't disappoint. Just that somebody else was better. On a serious note I hope he does not get involved in drugs again. It doesn't do anybody any good. No matter what's the excuse, broken love or whatever, drugs should be far far away from the mind.

ICERD, good or bad

Suddenly ICERD has become the talk of the town. Its on everyone's lips these days when just a few weeks ago, nobody have even heard about it. I myself was unaware of it until recently. So why suddenly it has become everybody's favourite? Because a Minister recently stated that Malaysia is willing to sign it, albeit with a few reservations. Sign what? Sign a treaty to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Most countries in the world has signed it. Malaysia is one of the few that has not. So what's the problem about signing it? After all it is supposed to be a good thing, elimination of all forms of racial discrimination. It's in line with Islam but why has the Minister caused a lot of concern with his statement? One or two opposition political parties are even threatening a riot if Malaysia signed it. Wow! That serious! I have no opinion at the moment about this ICERD thing but on the look of it, it is a good thing as it is in line with Islam. However, a detail study needs to be done before any decision can be made.

A bridge too far

Malaysia lost to Vietnam 0-2 last night. I didn't see much of the match but I saw the other matches against Laos and Cambodia. The boys give away the ball too many times. They seem unable to hold the ball for long before its given or taken away. They need to have the confidence to hold the ball, be aware of the surroundings and be able to run into spaces. That's the way to play the game. Otherwise we will never reach the World cup. No, not even that. The Asian cup will be a bridge too far if we continue like this.

Big boy now

Akid has finally graduated from preschool. Next year he will be in standard one. A big brother now. I will guide him as well as I can as he goes through life. Its going to be a long journey but as long as he knows his place and be a humble servant to Allah and follows the path of His Rasulullah SAW, he should be okay. I will ensure that he does just that.

Some thoughts

I have not watch nor followed the Gegar Vaganza 5 that much but couldn't help following on the happenings so far, especially with one of the participants, Zamani. A talented singer who sings beautiful songs during his heyday while with the group Slam many years ago. I quite enjoy listening to them as the melody is catchy. However, as usual, he got involved in drugs and that has taken away some of the shine. Still his talent cannot be taken away. He still is a good singer. Despite the many controversies surrounding his participation and the problems that had followed him throughout the program, he is in the final. Hope he does well.

Dried up a bit

The situation has improved a bit. Little rain means the land is beginning to dry up.

Having fun

There was little rain last week. The kids were able to take their bicycle out for a ride around the house. A relief for a while but the monsoon warning is still not over. Many houses around the kampong are still having flood problem as the water in the drains couldn't go anywhere. So its just either seeping to the ground or evaporate up in the air. Its a slow slow process.

Life is l

Its Thursday already. Day in day out suddenly its Thursday. Tomorrow will be Friday.......then Saturday....then Sunday. That's how it goes. Life is like that. I am already sixty two years old. The journey has been that long but I don't feel it. Life goes on and on. Every year I get older. If before, I can play football the whole day long, now Its only once a week I think. Even that is a bonus. At my age, health is wealth. Need to take care of the food I eat. Need to have enough rest and sleep. I had a friend who was my age but was living like a man in his twenties. Fishing, hunting, playing games and doing all sorts of things. Sometime hunting the whole night long. As a result. sleep was neglected. Food was taken as and when. No specific time pattern. After about a year or two, his body couldn't take it anymore. Suddenly he was bedridden and then passed away.

Student days

Maisarah and Munirah

Girls will always be girls. Both love to dress up and to look beautiful unlike their elder brother who just don't give a damn.

Water water water

My plot of land beside the house covered by water. It was like this more than a week ago, then it dried up a bit but now its back, even worse than before.

On the rise again

The water level has risen again. Heavy rain, although for a short period but everyday has caused the water to rise again. My land beside my house is covered with water. The drain behind the house has overflowed. The main drains by the main road has also risen, almost overflowing. Hmm..... That's how it is. This morning, I heard on the radio that among the places in Selangor expected to be having flood is Kg Parit Mahang. If the weather continues the way it is now, it is most likely to happen. Not only Kg Parit Mahang but also Kg Bukit Cerakah ( where my house is), Kg Bukit Hijau and Kg Bukit Kucing. All these kampong are susceptible to flooding.

House construction

House constructions going on around my house. Directly behind my house, behind but to the left and directly in front. All three are at various stages of construction. I think the one directly behind will finish first. They started first anyway. Now at the finishing stage i.e. plastering, tiles, etc. In a few months time, this place is going to be lively. Just the way I like it.

Rainy season

Its the rainy season alright. Everyday it rains but it's okay as long as the rain is for a short time. Heavy it can be but not for long. Half and hour or even one hour is still okay. Anything longer than that will spell trouble for many in the village. Now its November. There's still December to come so it will be touch and go the few weeks ahead. Hope everything will turn out alright. Last year I remember coming here in the months of October to December while my house was being built. Funny thing I don't remember the heavy rain. I only remember how hot it was especially when I am riding my bike. Yes, there were occasional rain but not flooding as is happening now. The water is the drains were also not that high!

November and December 2017

The first picture is in November 2017 while the second picture is in December 2017. It was hot and sunny and dry. Not like this year when it is all wet.

At Kuala Selangor

Was at K. Selangor last Thursday. With the water problem at home, we had to do our washing at a laundrette somewhere. Usually it is at Puncak Alam but this time because we had other things to do as well in K. Selangor, we decided to do our laundry there. After that we went to a TNB panel clinic where I took the injections for my trigger finger problem. Today after three days I think the thumb is beginning to heal a bit but lets wait and see. Hope the injections will do the trick and I don't have to have an operation on the finger.

Trigger finger

My left hand thumb is having a problem known as trigger finger, a direct consequence of living without water for about a month. The thumb will sometime locked in a bend position. When I try to straighten it, the pain can be terrible. Especially in the morning, it is the worse time. What happened was I was buying many water bottles for my water need. Can be six seven bottles a day or even more. The trouble was some of the water bottles were easy to open but there were some that were extremely difficult. Being a left hander, I had to use the full force of my left hand and the thumb. So everyday, I was doing it. Six seven times a day, maybe more. After about a month, I felt pain in the area of the thumb and surrounding it. Then one day it locked in a bend position. When I straightened it, I felt a painful sensation. This continued for a few months until I said I had enough. I need to do something about it. I went to see the doctor and that's when she told me it is a trigger finger occurring. Yesterday, she gave me two injections  the area of the thumb. Hopefully, it will cure.

Alhamdulillah

I called Syabas three times. Every time I called they sent their people. They will checked on the meter and then they will leave without telling me what was wrong. Even at night they will come to check the meter and then go. Meantime, I was unaware of what was the problem while the water remain slow, even trickling at times. I checked with our neighbours, they said the same. Water from the pipe is so damn slow. After three days, out water tank dried up. No more water. Our solution was to connect a rubber hose from our backyard where there is a pipe connected direct to the main pipe to the bathroom for water. The water was slow, sometime trickling, sometime zero but that was the best we can do. Finally on Thursday, after four days, a Syabas contractor came to our house to check on our problem. I showed them the slow water flowing from the pipe. They said they will rectify it come nigh time. Ahamdulillah, this Friday morning, the water situation is back to normal. They must carried out the job last night as promised.

Water problem again

Been almost four days since I updated this blog. Never realised it was that long. When I opened, I was quite surprised to see that it was last opened on Sunday, a bloody four days ago! Thought it was only yesterday that I last update the blog. Must have been extremely busy ......hmmm. Yes, we were busy. The water problem started on Monday when suddenly the water coming from the main pipe went slow. That night on the way for the evening prayer, I saw Syabas were working by the side of the road near my house. Hah... I said to my self. Once they completed their job, everything will be back to normal but how wrong was I!

A hard time

That night the water remained slow. The next morning it was still the same. That's when I made my first call to Syabas. Good response. They send their people to check but after after checking my water meter, they left without even telling me what was wrong. Meantime, The water remain slow. It was getting difficult as we can't use the washing machine while the water in the tank was getting less and less. Cooking was also difficult as water from the main pipe remain slow, sometime just trickling. In the morning when everybody is using the water for various reasons, the water from the pipe became zero. That was a hard time we had.

Perak it is!

The Malaysia cup final between Perak and Trengganu last night was really worth watching, for me at least. Main reason is of course because my home state won the cup again after a wait of eighteen years. Perak really left it late, equalising at the last moment to force extra time. Mind you that was after going two down at half time. During extra time, again an equaliser with almost the last kick of the match. It must have broken the hearts of the Trengganu players I must say after getting to within seconds of putting their hands on the cup. After that the penalty kicks were a foregone conclusion. The Trengganu players have lost their will and their believe. They promptly missed two of their first kicks handing the cup to Perak. Well done Perak!

Heavy rain

Rain was heavy last night starting about 11pm but alhamdulillah it didn't last very long. After about an hour or so it stopped. In the morning on the way to the mosque for the prayers, I saw that the drains are up to the brim again. If the rain had continued throughout the night, I think flooding could have occurred in some areas of the kampong. As it is, the water is almost flowing over. I really hope it won't happen.

Still struggling

I am still struggling with my attempt to memorise the Quran. Its a constant struggle given that I am doing it on my own. I had a target to reach within a certain time frame and a plan on how to reach the target but as always, the plan remains a plan, nothing more. As for the target, I am far off with the time frame long gone out of the window. The only part of the plan that I am following quite obediently is in the morning after the prayers. Even that I seldom reach an hour. Thirty, fourty five minutes and my brain get tired. As for the rest, it has not worked out as I had hope it to be. I am not giving up however. When the children gets older, I will have more free time. Then maybe I will enroll in a formal class. In sha Allah. As for now, I will keep doing what I am doing but will try to do more. Then maybe I can move faster.

Budget go haywire

When building my house, the budget for building the house was strictly followed or in other words, I was able to restrict the costs of building the house as per budget. However, when I moved in, that's when the budget go haywire. First the costs of moving was way above budget. Then as usual, when we move in there are sure to be things that we found that we have to do. One example is the water pump. That was not budgeted but we found that the water from the pipes in the bathrooms were too slow that it became inconvenient. Then we had to add additional awning at the verandah. That was also not budgeted but without it, the rain will fall straight to the verandah and sometimes get into the house. Then there's the grill for the backyard. Then there's ....... all these were not budgeted. Sigh.....

Ending soon

Yesterday I was again in KL to send the kids to their preschool. I have counted the number of days left before they finish for good their schooling in KL. Not more than ten days! Wow! That's good. It will translate into a lot of savings. Time, energy and most importantly, money because of less petrol and less toll. After that, next year their schooling will be in Bkt Cerakah itself. The schools not far from my house, just two or three kilometres away. Maybe I will use the motorcycle to ferry them to school as most of the kampong folks does. That will be a new experience.

Sunny days

Its been quite sunny the past few days despite the weather forecast saying it will be thunderstorm. naturally I am happy with the situation as the drains around my house are now carrying less water. The threat of flooding is over, at least for now. of course there's till November and December to come but that we will cross the bridge when we come to it in sha Allah. For the moment, I am just grateful that the situation has improved a lot since.

Yesterday

Was in KL again yesterday to send the kids to their preschool. While waiting for their school to end for the day, took the opportunity to go to the TNB clinic in Bangsar for my regular supply of medicine. Much to my surprised, I was served straightaway without having to wait. If before, I had to see the doctor to verify, this time they have done away with that. I got my medicine right away. Great service! Then I was at Setapak Sentral Mall where I paid my Maxis bill and did a few other necessities. At half past two I fetched the kids again,reaching home about quarter past three. It was sunshine all the way. At home, the water had receded quite a lot but unfortunately at night the rain was back although not very heavy.

Cheaper than most

After almost four months of staying in the village, I find that the prices of many things are lower than in KL. For example, I can still get nasi lemak at one ringgit per pack. Mee hoon as well. Nasi lemak plus a piece of chicken is only three ringgit whereas in KL, it can go as high as seven ringgit. Lunch can also be cheap. Five to six ringgit is the norm for rice with fish and a bit of vegetable plus plain water. I don't know about groceries as I don't usually buy them but house rental is also cheap. Four to five hundred for a two to three bedroom house is normal. Put the rental higher and there will be no takers. I love it when it is cheap as I can make more savings.

Getting better

After a bright sunny day yesterday, the water has receded a bit. Another two or three days of sunshine will definitely do the trick but alas ..... I read in the paper this morning the high tide will occur again in two days time. This is a sign of trouble if the rain also decided to come down at the same time. I hope not. Little rain is alright but not torrential. This morning the weather looks okay although the morning sun is not as bright as yesterday. If it stays this way it will mean another good day in sha Allah.

Hmm....

This morning it is sunny. The sun is shining brightly so early in the morning. A welcome sight for sure. Maybe today the water will subside a bit. That will be much welcome relief for many in the village and for me as well. Don't forget, this is only October. There's still November and December to come. These two months are known as the rainy season month. When I was a kid, it was only the east coast of the peninsular that will get the brunt of the rain during the two months. Now, its gone haywire. All parts of the peninsular face the risk of flooding come November and December. Hmm.... a new place, a new house, a new experience.

The risk of flooding

The land beside my house is water filled ever since the second night of non stop rain. The problem is it cannot flow to the drains around the house as the drains are already full. Even the bigger drains by the side of the road is up to the brim with water. As such, the water has been stagnant. The only hope is evaporation which will take a long time. That will happen if there is no more rain and the sun shines brightly. The other is it goes to the ground, again a slow process. So for now, the water is more or less stagnant. It's been a four or five days now. Don't know when it will dry up! For the moment it is touch and go. Another night of non stop rain may result in flooding.

Water water everywhere

A shocked!

Took a ride on my motorcycle last Wednesday to see how the villagers and their houses are faring given the heavy rain recently. What I saw gave me quite a shocked. A few houses are already flooded. A few roads are barely passable as the water has spilled onto it from the drains. Then there are houses that are on the brink. There are many of them which are in this situation. Another night or day of non stop rain will do them in. Wow! I never knew it is this bad. I remember this time last year when I was looking at the plots of land to buy, it was not like this. It was dry everywhere. This time this year, its a totally different situation. I am watching it closely as my house, though not as bad as the others, might be caught in the situation. I pray that it will not happen, in sha Allah.

Incessant rain

Last night it rained again the whole night long. In the morning on the way for my morning prayer at the mosque, I noticed a few places on the other side of the road are in danger of flooding. The water in the drain has reached maximum height. A few inches more it will spill, causing flood. That really is not a good sign. I hope the rain will not be frequent. Parit Mahang has one bad history of flooding in 2015. That was a really bad one. Kg Bukit Cerakah where I am now has some flooding before but minor. I hope the incessant rain that is happening now will not lead to flooding. 

Flood warning

The big drain by the road side opposite my house. This was taken about twenty hours after the rain had stopped meaning it was higher before.

 Another view. This roads leads to Puncak Alam.

The drain on my side of the road. The water has retreated some what but another whole day of rain will bring the water up again.