hani aziz: One Day At A Time ... ;-))

A week has passed by 2016. I had been quite busy since my return to Alor Setar from KJ. After the visit to Kulim with Zin and Syafiq and sending them off the next day, I had to oblige my social engagements. No planning, no prior appointments. Just a call and we met up. Firstly, there was Zeti and her children. Noor's sister in-law. Since we were meeting for hi-tea, she called up another in-law (aka my biras). A gathering of the female biras. She joined us with her children too. Thus I had ten of us at Secret Recipe including me. We had a foodie time with me giving a treat to the children who got their UPSR and PT3 results.

The next few days there was a call from an ex-student who was leaving for Klang for a new job. Thus, we met up for lunch and bonded as teacher-friend. I also managed to catch up with Omayah for hi-tea. There were also wedding invitations to attend. Friends and family who came as it was the school holidays. It was a busy time as a friend, family and hostess. So, I could not really say how does it feel being retired? There was also a charity project with Omayah. We went to this very deep- in village to lend support to her friend who started the free clothes and books project. It was very humbling to see how the poor villagers - mostly rubber tappers and padi farmers - felt honoured and grateful for the used clothes that we collected from friends and neighbours. Alhamdulillah.

I always do things without thinking - impulsive and spontaneous ... Not good if people do not know me ...

Finally, the school reopened. Officially I am a retired civil servant. Thus, to commemorate this auspicious event of my life, I had lunch with a fellow retiree. We took photos and sent them to our young friends who were sweating it out on the first day of school !!!! Hahahaha ... ;-0))) There were a few things that I had to settle after I had retired. The union where I was a member. Now the status has changed to associate member or a member for life. My health care insurance which was more expensive now since I was no longer in the collected group. I terminated my membership with the KGMK - a cooperative for Kedah Malay teachers. I completed my claims and filled in the requisite forms. Thus, I can proclaim myself a retiree. As my brother Zin put it - with nothing to do .... well, I agree to some extent in the sense that nothing being pre-planned and formed in the mindset of what to do and accomplish for the day. No agenda. No meetings. No datelines. No appointments. NO STRESS !!!! hahaha .... ;=)))

So, what have I been up to these early days? Well, I have the job of feeding the birds and cats. I go for my morning walk after Subuh prayers which is akin to going to school at that hour. I prepare breakfast for both of us. I can do my extra prayers and recite my Quran at leisure. I prepare dinner since both of us do not take lunch after a heavy, late breakfast. I catch up with my reading. If I am bored, I go out for my evening walk and just walk away whatever is in my mind. Night is dedicated to my Maker. By the time my partner is home and I have served his dinner and catch up with each other's news, it is already midnight. Another day goes by .... I am more relaxed. I do not have to rush and run helter skelter catching up with time. I slow down. I appreciate time and every day given to me. I am content being at home. So, why do some well-meaning people keep asking what am I doing now? They cannot accept that I do nothing. Yet, to me, I am doing everything. I am a very simple person with simple needs to make me happy and content. The plus side is - I am being paid for taking my life leisurely .... hahaha .... :-))