Tonight three of my 'better' staff go overseas. One of them for an 18-months masters degree programme in the UK, for which we went through endless hassle getting the approval and the funds. But it is a good investment for the institution though we will sorely miss his expertise for some time. The other two, ladies, I dispatch to Frankfurt and Berlin for a week to do some homework and research on book fairs, museums and galleries. Steady now ladies, get the most of your trip! My own proposed trip to Melbourne last week was overturned by the powers-that-be, which is just as well. I am in no mood for travels at the moment. Anyway I will be spending Deepavali in New Delhi with dear friend Seng Sung and Julia and Christmas in Canberra with friends there.
I had a good Hari Raya Open House two Saturdays ago at my Club house. Could not invite as many people as I would like but it was a warm cozy number, mix of friends and relatives.
Over the Malaysia Day long weekend I made a trip to my favourite East Coast, a two night stay at the ever busy and crowded Hyatt Kuantan (with the oh so noisy air con system!) and a day outing to Cukai/Kemaman where I had lunch at my nephew's brand new expanded house. I discovered some new nurseries near the hotel and went home with a car full of plants. As usual I made a stop at Lanchang to visit my darling cucu Kuca and had a nice lunch with the family. Kuca is such a doll, and such a bundle of joy! Frantically learning to speak and can relate well to her 'atok'.
The budget announcement yesterday was somewhat predictable! From what I gather I will get my RM500 pensioner's bonus and half month's salary bonus in December. And my pension will be increased by 2% yearly. Retirement age has been moved up to 60, the second time since I went on retirement at 56! But I shouldn't complain. I was given a tree year extension of service on contract when I retired, and five months after that was over I was offered this present job. I have now passed 60 years of age and am still working, what's there to complain about about (haha - so why the ever ongoing debate whether I should continue working?). Anyway, Alhamdullilah for big and small mercies.
This month four of my friends, Mushlim, Rezal, Fauzi and Amin embark separately on the haj pilgrimage. May you all be blessed with a good pilgrimage and may Allah SWT facilitate all your rituals and grant all your prayers my friends, amin.
Have a nice weekend all, God bless.
Dawn from my bedroom balcony some days back.
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