Throwback Thursday 24072014

I woke up for the match – it was the final match after all and Germany were playing – and wasn’t disappointed (I could do without the extra time though). Well done DFB!

July, July

Wow, it has been some time since my last post. The World Cup had begun and ended with its share of dramas and Ramadan had commenced too. I was not looking forward to the World Cup at all – I didn’t like the idea of Brazil hosting the tournament. I don’t like Brazilian football and have never supported Brazil in any World Cup. So this was the first World Cup which games I never bothered getting up for (I used to get up for my football vigils in previous editions of World Cup and Euro tournaments). The only two or three matches I watched involved Germany of course which I’ve been supporting since way back when and even then, I slept through the alarm and didn’t catch two of their matches. And after years of supporting them, I was only too happy when they won. It had been a long time since their last win.

As usual, I was not looking forward to Ramadan (or rather the sacrifice of an hour of sleep) but once it’s here, I’m fine. The hectic month I call it where I try to squeeze as much as I can into limited hours. Besides the usual non-Ramadan routine and chores, most of us rise earlier for our pre-dawn meal and try squeeze in more ibadah. I’m trying to finish reciting the Quran as usual, insyaAllah and alhamdulillah I’m on track there. Reading takes a backseat in this month but I try to squeeze in where possible. Come to think of it, I’m not sure which I look less forward to between Ramadan and Syawal. I hate that Syawal has become too commercialised and that most people think that it’s ok to celebrate Eid for a month just because they fast a month in Ramadan. And I especially hate that there are those who still don’t repent and spread even more fitnah in Ramadan.

Then there was the MH17 tragedy last week. I must confess that there have been times on my way to work when I spot planes flying too low (in my opinion) when I wonder ‘What if this plane blows up? What happens if it crashes?’ (yes, I have morbid thoughts so sue me). And to think that one was actually shot down... I felt speechless with numb and shock. So soon after MH370 too. But it’s not going to deter me from flying and travelling. When my time comes, I would die anywhere anytime anyhow anyway.

I wanted to travel somewhere around my birthday and I’m one of those who don’t think Ramadan hinders travelling, I’ve never let Ramadan stop me from travelling that is, but the thought of braving the crowd at the airports (originating and destination airports) on my outbound and return trip wasn’t appealing and besides the World Cup was ending and I wanted to watch the final few matches if I could. But I did manage a day trip to Ipoh and had a sauna time along its heritage trail.

And now Syawal is almost upon us... I have never been one to go all out and celebrate Eid like there’s no tomorrow. There has always been something that dampens my Eid experience, be it brothers who suddenly descend after long periods of absence and silence like the prodigal sons, annoying sisters-in-law and irritating extended nieces and nephews. It’s a back-breaking effort trying to get the house into order before, during AND after Eid and it doesn’t help that Abah is oblivious to the mess he leaves behind and the effort I take to clear the mess. 

I still miss Mummy and wonder if I will ever stop missing her. Probably not ever. Yes, I know life goes on and I must go on living – she would want me to – but it still hurts at times.

  

I have been thinking again of late of making a will and getting my worldly affairs in order. In truth, I’ve been thinking of this for the past 7-8 years (yes and still haven’t done anything about it!). Asked C in mid-June if she had any suggestions and a few days later, a lady from Amanah Raya called me. Went to see her last Friday to see my options and insyaAllah I will make up my mind and get it done soon.

I have also been busy researching some destinations and insyaAllah will be stepping on those soils soon (and not so soon) insyaAllah.