What time is it?

Today's one of those days that I enter my blog on inspiration. For this evening, it's about "khadak" or paying back prayers that one's missed. I was ill for 2 days. Missed a whole bunch of prayers. I only managed to do maghrib & ishr today. So all in all, I would owe:
day 1 = ishr
day 2 = all 5
day 3 = 3
total: 9 prayers.

Alhamdulilah, it's not too bad I hope. Having said all these, I feel ashamed, asking around and hoping that I would need to pay them back, the lazy streak in me talking now. Come on, what is 9 prayers that you missed? Wasn't you the one who claimed to be so in awe of people who couldn't even walk and stand straight going to the mosque and now you're bargaining?! Shame Shame on you!

Ok, my fault. It's not easy being a muslim I guess. As much as I would like to think that it's the devil's playing with me, I've to admit, it's me who guilty of maliangering. Don't I feel like a fool now. And know what? It was so much more evident when I completed my ishr not more than 15 minutes ago. Sigh... whatever came over me. It's me dumbo!

Su did tell me on the way back when I picked her up from school just now that what if, while I was contemplating whether or not to pay-back the prayers, that I suddenly died. That would in turn effectively mean that from then until the Day of Judgement, I would be owing the 9 prayers! Not a very god track record eh?! Ok, once I'm done blogging and talking with my sayang, I'll attempt to complete them as best I can. Knowing that I LOVE to do sunat hajat! Yeah!!! Get the ball rolling!!! Rolling, rolling, rolling...

jahwsl
1144
17th Nov 06'

Along Koon Seng Road

Thank you for all of you who have been concerned about me (actually, really for asking me why I've not been blogging these few days). Well, I've just shifted to another apartment along Koon Seng Road, and the place was not internet ready for the first few days. And I've also been sick with a flu and fever. Alhamdulilah, I am better now.

It's been a real long time since I fell ill. Insya Allah, I'll be healthier. The last time was a few months back when I had a gastric attack. I couldn't move. Didn't have the strength to do anything. Alhamdulilah, I am better now.

Suraya was pretty pissed at me last night for not allowing her to come visit me. Her work/school schedule is so tight that she can barely squeeze in enough time for sleep, let alone look after me. That poor thing. Alhamdulilah for such a wonderful girlfriend. I am feeling much better now dear. Rest easy. Insya Allah, I will be better on Monday. I think I caught it on Tuesday when I went for the medical checkup.

Come to think of it, last night was really the first time Su showed her anger on me! Alhamdulilah! All these years having lived alone and apart from people, I never really had the need to be looked after when I'm feeling under the weather. So having Su wanting to look after me was a little different kind of experience. But I am grateful nonetheless.

There's actually so much that I want to write about, having been MIA for so long. Oh, Alhamdulilah! I've been offered 2 jobs! It is really interesting how it worked out. As most of you kow by now, I've not been employed for the past couple of years. Been doing my own thing(s). Although things are nice, Alhamdulilah, I do miss the corporate world. I never miss the politics though. But really, the measuring of standards and apprasials... those things that you can never get out of from doing your own business. I am blessed in a sense that for most of my adult years, I've been working for MNCs and not local companies. There's just this air to it. Insya Allah, I will be able to choose wisely.

For the first position, I was offered the job there and then. Although the starting salary was a little less than I asked for, the expatriate HR manager did ask me to consider it. I had a total of 3 interviews with 3 different managers: HR, Regional Products Development & Quality and Logistics. I spent more than an hour with each of them.

On Monday, I met with the HR manager again, this time to discuss more in-depth on the issue of the doubts that all 3 of them had. The primary of course was the fact that was I able to be a "stayer". In effect, it was truly encouraging to hear him say that all of them believe that I do have what it takes to do the job well, and that I show pontential as well. Alhamdulilah, the HR manager also decided to increase my starting salary to the start of the range of what I asked for. Alhamdulilah!

Today, I went for another interview, to teach primary school students in an international school in Vietnam. I was offered the position also, probably because not many people were too keen on it. The real setback was the salary offered. At US$1,000 - US$1,100, it may be a little difficult for me to have a reasonable lifestyle there. The position starts in mid-December. On one hand, you'll get to gain experience in a teaching environment in an international background, and possibly help in getting a teaching position back here in Singapore. But then again, who am I kidding? I doubt MOE would want me. Three times I've applied and nothing, even with my international exposures and experiences.

I think I'll stick to staying in Singapore for the time being. For the fact that I do think that my skill sets are relavant and that I could make a positive contribution to the environment here. Also, I do think that I could manage with a few more appraisals and qualifications under my belt. I am after all coming to 32 only and I've about 7 years experience in international work environment. Insya Allah, I can make it happen. Insya Allah.

The good thing about the company is that because of the large foreign community, they are very flexible in a sense that they have no problem with me having to pray or setting aside a place for me to do it. In effect, my poisition is a "stand-alone" position where I do not report to anyone. I am measured by my own achievements... I guess. Alhamdulilah! I know of companies that do not allow their workers to go for Friday Prayers or allow them to pray in the workplace. "Not company policy" they say.

Gotta do the laundry now. Take care guys. Will catch up with you all soon enough, Insya Allah.

jahwsl
1352
17th Nov 06'