Monday, June 10, 2019
Some Actual Fun
Marked yet another batch of 30 scripts today. In fact, I completed the last one just 10 minutes ago. But since Noi and I also got out to enjoy a somewhat delayed Anniversary Dinner (featuring ice cream for afters) all was not lost. (And possibly a kg or 2 may have been gained.)
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Still Not Much Fun
More marking today - another 30 scripts. Not a lot to enjoy in that. But managed to get out with Noi for a cuppa during the day, whilst purchasing some mutton. And we've just got back from a new place we've found at which to scoff prata, so the day has not been entirely wasted.
Saturday, June 8, 2019
No Fun At All
Spent a significant part of the day marking scripts from the IB May examinations. The paper I'm marking for was set for a much later date than usual, and I'm facing a very tight deadline for clearing my designated load. The problem is, though, that it's just impossible to mark more than 30 scripts in a day without feeling completely brain-dead and even managing that number does unpleasant things to the psyche. But I did the necessary despite the attendant unpleasantness and, crucially, managed to give full and fair attention to each script through to the end.
It's salutary to think that what becomes an almost meaningless chore for the marker might have a profound effect on someone's future. Something one needs to remind oneself on dealing with each and every script.
It's salutary to think that what becomes an almost meaningless chore for the marker might have a profound effect on someone's future. Something one needs to remind oneself on dealing with each and every script.
Friday, June 7, 2019
Thursday, June 6, 2019
It's Never Easy
Got to the gym this evening for the first time post-Raya. Thought I'd have quite an easy time without being concerned with having fasted during the day. Couldn't have been more wrong. Ran out of energy 15 minutes before the end of my stint. Only just kept going in desultory fashion. Figured out this was likely due to dehydration. The last five occasions I've been in the gym I'd just loaded up with liquid after breaking the fast. This time I'd neglected that aspect of preparation, thinking that after a day of drinking what I wanted when I wanted it just wasn't necessary. Now I'm pretty sure it was.
Funnily enough I'd been chatting about exercise with Hamza and Fuad after prayers on Hari Raya, thinking of myself in a quiet way as a bit of an expert. This evening's struggle certainly brought me down to earth.
Funnily enough I'd been chatting about exercise with Hamza and Fuad after prayers on Hari Raya, thinking of myself in a quiet way as a bit of an expert. This evening's struggle certainly brought me down to earth.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Blessings
Hari Raya Puasa, Eid ul-Fitr; 1 Syawal 1440
11.00
Just back from prayers at the masjid down the road, followed by coffee with Hamzah, Fuad and Aiman. How odd it is to be drinking during the day. And how splendid.
15.30
Envelopes distributed and several cups of tea consumed. Off in a little while for the first of our visits, then we've a barbecue to contend with in the evening. This is indeed plenty.
19.00
Three houses visited and lots of salams delivered. And, indeed, to all who find themselves happily celebrating this day I wish: Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfithri - Eid Mubarak!
11.00
Just back from prayers at the masjid down the road, followed by coffee with Hamzah, Fuad and Aiman. How odd it is to be drinking during the day. And how splendid.
15.30
Envelopes distributed and several cups of tea consumed. Off in a little while for the first of our visits, then we've a barbecue to contend with in the evening. This is indeed plenty.
19.00
Three houses visited and lots of salams delivered. And, indeed, to all who find themselves happily celebrating this day I wish: Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfithri - Eid Mubarak!
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
All Clear
30 Ramadhan, 1440
18.45
Now at Mak's house in Melaka. The final buka puasa due soon. Food already appearing on the table. A sense of ease in the air.
And we were blessed with the easiest of journeys earlier, sailing through the checkpoints on both sides. Much to be thankful for, indeed.
23.15
Prayers have been said for Mak, and the fast broken with much appreciation for the splendid grub provided and the fact that we'll be eating and drinking to our hearts' content on the morrow.
It's been a challenging month, which is as it should be. The rewards are more than plentiful.
18.45
Now at Mak's house in Melaka. The final buka puasa due soon. Food already appearing on the table. A sense of ease in the air.
And we were blessed with the easiest of journeys earlier, sailing through the checkpoints on both sides. Much to be thankful for, indeed.
23.15
Prayers have been said for Mak, and the fast broken with much appreciation for the splendid grub provided and the fact that we'll be eating and drinking to our hearts' content on the morrow.
It's been a challenging month, which is as it should be. The rewards are more than plentiful.
Monday, June 3, 2019
In Readiness
29 Ramadhan, 1440
Furious preparations now underfoot for our departure to Melaka tomorrow morning. We'll be to-ing and fro-ing for the next couple of weeks, but there'll be no shortage of biscuits and other goodies at the ready to ease the journeys ahead:
Furious preparations now underfoot for our departure to Melaka tomorrow morning. We'll be to-ing and fro-ing for the next couple of weeks, but there'll be no shortage of biscuits and other goodies at the ready to ease the journeys ahead:
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Alight
28 Ramadhan, 1440
We enjoyed a bright and sweaty evening at Geylang yesterday. (Pictorial evidence above.) In contrast to this evening when we aborted a planned outing to a new eatery on Clementi Road due to a ferocious rainstorm. Proving that you never can tell, can you?
Saturday, June 1, 2019
Going Back
27 Ramadhan, 1440
We were back in our stomping grounds of old in Geylang this morning, paying our zakat at Darul Arqam, after seeing my back doctor at the hospital nearby. The Ramadhan market was quiet, it being before noon, in contrast to how it's likely to be later this evening when we're going down there yet again for our first real visit of Ramadhan.
Inevitably I found myself reminded of previous visits, sometimes in what is now the far past. Yes, it's changed and, yes, somehow it contrives to stay the same. Much like ourselves, I suppose.
We were back in our stomping grounds of old in Geylang this morning, paying our zakat at Darul Arqam, after seeing my back doctor at the hospital nearby. The Ramadhan market was quiet, it being before noon, in contrast to how it's likely to be later this evening when we're going down there yet again for our first real visit of Ramadhan.
Inevitably I found myself reminded of previous visits, sometimes in what is now the far past. Yes, it's changed and, yes, somehow it contrives to stay the same. Much like ourselves, I suppose.
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