Ramadan greetings from KL

Have a blessed Ramadan and do remember to help those who are in need.

Greetings from KL! 

I know it's the era of social media and bite-sized news where catchy headlines and viral posts rule the world. However, I am going to write this blog post the good-old fashioned way and keep it real. 

Anyway, can you believe it? It's been nine months since my move to KL. This time round I had overcome the initial quirks of getting to know the city. In fact, this is my first time experiencing Ramadan in KL with its vibrant street bazaar, delicious local food and not to mention the sweltering heat.

However, it's not just the weather and the culture that I had gotten accustomed to. I had also survived taking the public transport (which I find highly inconvenient) and am now driving around KL's roads.  I now begin to understand when KLites say: "It is better to drive then to take public transport".  

I used to think how far Pasir Ris was to Jurong until I had to drive from Sepang all the way to Sungai Besi. It felt like an endless journey! So far, I had driven to two speaking engagements wearing my Baju Melayu, explored the nurseries at Sungai Buloh, went to the Ramadan bazaars in Puchong and delivered mattresses as well as groceries as part of my #projectspeakersgiveback CSR programme.  Even with the help of the Waze application, I had made many wrong turns along the way as KL's road's and expressways can be quite confusing. I take this as part of my learning experience.

Looking back, I still cannot believe that  I had survived driving around KL so far. This was good as I needed that spark to write my upcoming book. For months, I have been experiencing the much dreaded writer's block when writing about the train system in KL. The challenge is writing about public transportation and its impact on the property market in a way that will resonate with my readers. I mean, public transport isn't exactly a sexy topic. In comparison, writing Property Buying for Gen Y was effortless as I wrote about the struggles I had faced following a stream of consciousness. Now that I have experienced KL's roads first hand, it has become sort of a catalyst and inspiration for my manuscript.  I will put in an equal dose of humour as well. Just wait!

On the work front, it has been keeping me very busy. I used to think I work hard in Singapore. However, I work much harder here throwing in almost 12 hours a work a day, travelling for meetings which can sometimes take me to Johor and back home to Singapore. Sometimes, I go up north to Penang. It made my work ethic back in Singapore look really sloppy. I'm not kidding!

My diet has also changed drastically. Gone are the fried stuff. I now eat salads and fruits everyday. This wasn't a conscious decision I assure you as I am not particularly bright in the kitchen department. I now even have my own herb garden in my balcony. I have also signed up at a local gym which I try to go to daily when work permits. I have to say though, I feel and look so much more healthier now.   

On a more serious note, I do notice that bullying in Malaysia has become rather prevalent. I would often read about it in the local newspapers and my Facebook feeds. Bullying can manifest in many forms. They veer from hurtful online comments to physical abuse. Listen, bullying is never ok. Bullies are usually socially awkward and they cower when they are confronted one to one. I say this as I had experienced this personally. I take a strong stance on bullying.  If you are on the receiving end of bullying, approach your teachers, managers, friends and family members for help. We are all born differently with unique gifts and talents. Learn to accept differences and respect them. Let's take time to reflect on this during this Ramadan.

Speaking of which, I know some of you may be busy making preparations for Hari Raya. However, let us not forget to help the less fortunate as well. You can do your part to ease their burden by visiting old folks home, the orphanage and so on. On my end, I am pleased to say two dormitories housing foreign workers are now well stocked with mattresses and groceries, under our #projectspeakersgivebackproject. Initially, they were in a  deplorable state and not fit for human habitation. Many thanks to those of you who had lend your hand and thrown your weight behind this project. As we are heading to the tail end of Ramadan, let's make full use of this blessed month. Remember, goodness begets goodness. May your Ramadan this year be more meaningful.

Wishing you a blessed Ramadan.