Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Hikmah - Wisdom

Bismillahirrahmannirrahim,

Since this afternoon, I was cracking my head on what to write. I don't want to write on meaningless topic like I used to - daily routine or who I was frustrated with etc.

I want to write something that may inspire or give a bit of thought to the reader. At about 1030, saw a friend online and chat and the above mentioned word - "HIKMAH" was her response to my current situation.

I left my job at CB due to certain issues I face. To make it clear, I have no issues with my colleagues and direct reporting manager. So last Friday 5th June, after a 2 months stint, I left.

As compared to the first one, I did not panic neither I feel sad. I don't know why as I feel that i was destined to quit and to fulfill or complete a certain tasks this week. With me employed, it is almost impossible to do it - getting a NPL will definitely raise eyebrows.

True enough, the moment I spend my weekend alone, I was bombarded by 2 matters:

1. Grandma & Aunt Moving In 

I thought it was just going to be a simple moving in. However, I was highlighted to some administrative matters.

i. changing of address
we all know that we have to go down to ICA or NPP to notify them on the change of address. However, to bring my 85 year old beloved isn't just the way to do it. The carpark to NPP is too far and I don't want to strain myself carrying / pushing the wheelchair.

Mak, offered to come along to which I gave an incredulous stare and ask her, with your current eyesight, I have to manage 3 person movements. I rather have 2 - grandma and aunty.

I dwell about this for a few days. I was contemplating to hire one of those uber drivers, pay him his rates and be my dedicated driver and PA until i texted someone who used to be in the police force.

He advise me to just get a utilities bill or any bill related to my grandma's name with the moving in address. That's impossible. Grandma don't have bills for the past few decades now.

Then it occur to me I should be calling the police station and ask for advise.

So i made the call and find out that I need to do 3 simple things to which grandma or aunt do not need to appear to police station JUST to change their address:

1. Go online to ICA website and fill up an online form - Pre Notification for change of address.
2. ICA will mail that letter to you
3. With that letter, I can then go to NPP to do the necessary updates.

So 1 done, now wait for 2 and then i can complete 3.

ii. Maid Levy
With the recent changes to maid levy, I recall that the FDW levy was reduced further from $120 to $60. I didn't thought much about it until I met my uncle and we had a meeting. I was advise by his wife to get the new rates. However, this can only be done once I have update the change of address.

I have printed the documents and once the change of address is completed, will address this portion as well.

2. Fund raising 

Recently, a good friend of mine came into a very very bad situation. She told me about it in bits and pieces however, I can already figure the impact of the whole situation.

I took time to mull over the options and the easiest way is fund raising.

I announced a fund raising on Monday through my facebook and today I have managed to secure the following:

i.   A vehicle / lorry to transport all her items from existing place to new place - at no cost.
ii.  Raised SGD 400 to meet her current needs
iii. Got SGD 150 NTUC Vouchers
iv.  Commitment from 4 donors to buy groceries

I am truly thankful to my friends in Facebook who bothered to ask and check and donate. Most importantly those who donated are strangers to her.

Do not worry, the money will be put in to a good cause.

I will continue to keep update and account for it.

This is where my friend's comment came about. On Monday, she gave me a ring and asked if I am available for an interview to which I agreed with. It was an urgent position and they need to get it filled sometime next week. The interview went well and based on my assessment, it is good except that the only tipping point was the package.

In summary, I conclude that, all these events - from the day i resign was to assist in managing affairs at home, things that is happening within family and friends who matter.

I am really thankful and that was the word she use in her phrase to me earlier...  "probably there is Hikmah as to why all this happen"

Yes, I take it as a Hikmah for me and most importantly I enjoyed doing it. And that's what matters most.

Alhamdulillah :)


Monday, June 08, 2015

The Next Lap?

Bismillahirrahmannirrahim,

Over the past 2 days, I was kept occupied - thinking of what I should do next, making arrangements for grandma and aunt bedroom and wardrobe arrangement, instructing Maria what to do during grandma's stay with us etc.

I was also texting and making arrangements to meet up with friends to catch up.

One of them is my dear friend / sister - Shida.

We seldom meet but we kept closely in touch through chats. I updated her about my current situation and she made a suggestion - if I am keen to expand on my culinary.

She explained further if I want to do joint orders and start small with a circle of friends and families.

In my heart there is this mixed feelings.

I am ok to sell cakes or kuehs because it is something I enjoy doing. However, my brand name not that popular yet - so the orders isn't that regular. To sell food is something different and you got to really work hard and ensure that what you sell differs from what others have out there.

However, to me she did made a very good suggestion. I would be doing everything from home - something which I enjoy and like.

I would be occupied from day to night and the tasks would be as follow:

1. Marketing - Promoting the food I am selling
2. Marketing - Buying ingredients
3. Accounting - Costs / P&L
4. Delivery - Cooking and Sending them out.
5. Review / Administration - Checking orders.

There must be a systematic way of doing it and I note there are order forms online which can help to automate the process.

Alhamdulillah, I will consider it. Inshaa Allah - I will be coming up with something this coming Ramadan.

I seek you doa everyone.

Edz

Saturday, June 06, 2015

If I could turn back time


Bismillahirrahmannirrahim,

I am very sure the title today would resonate with almost everyone. We make mistakes, we have regrets and try to salvage things and we hope for the best. We are only human.

So am I.

There are many times I wonder if something had  not happened, how would I be? Where would I be in life? What might I be doing? etc..the never ending list goes on.

In Islam, if you take it too seriously, it might be misunderstood that you are not thankful for the life that was granted for you.

Alhamdulillah, I am truly thankful to Allah SWT for blessing me with good parents who did their best to raise me up. In return, I am working equally hard to ensure that they are comfortable now and I hope they redha to the situation I am in now.

So now...how do we begin? Perhaps, I should begin from the day I was in secondary school as most of my early decision making days begins from then on:

1. If only I had paid more attention to my studies

Truth to be told, I was never a good student. It was probably because I was always burdened by financial issues at home that I took up a part time job during my schooling days. The money I earned helped with the school pocket money, the occasional cab fares and the shopping.

If ONLY I leave that part of history to my dad. However, to console myself, there are lessons learnt from that episode. I learn the value of earning money, how to spend it and how much I gave mak.

I didn't earn much - maybe about $60 - $100 per week working at KFC. I would give Mak about half. and I will keep the rest, spending only towards end of the month.

I would probably be a much more studious person, If I had not work, i probably scored well in my O levels too.

2. This is one of the biggest regret - IF only I didn't quarrel with Mak for my freedom.

At 18, those who know me that I was tightly controlled by Mak. I was with ITE and Mak will be forever asking questions where I go, who I go out with, why I go out...though the TIME TABLE is prominently displayed on my table.

I have band practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays and it stretched till quite late in the evening.

I was so irritated one day that I just tell her off to stop asking like as if she care. I was working, paying bills and schooling. Tell me, any teenager at that time who will not explode?

Mom let go but it became my biggest regret till today.

3. If only I had deepen knowledge in Quran - reading and translating it earlier in life.

I am quite capable in reading Quran though the tafsiran took many many years later. However, I urge all parents to start young with the children so that when they can master Quran, they can master everything else.

We are all blinded by worldly matters and religion will take a back seat at that point. It is however the other way round.


However, it is not too late as long as you live. Making up for lost time, I am striving towards what I had missed, what I crave or wanting for and to live only to meet these objectives.

May Allah SWT give me strength and mercy to meet them. Inshaa Allah.



Thursday, June 04, 2015

Bachelor Bakes

Bismillah,

In my previous posting, I have mentioned that Bachelor Bakes was created for a purpose.
Aside from baking cheesecakes, tarts and mousse, I am also experimenting with simple home made cookies for sale.

However, my love is still cooking. This bachelor loves to cook.

I cook for family, for my friends, for strangers. I don't mind. It can be tiring however the satisfied look from those whom I cook for makes the tiredness go away.

As the fasting month is approaching, I would like to take orders. It is still open.

Cakes

1. All cakes order is open till 3rd week of Fasting Month or when order is full, whichever is earlier.
2. Payment made in full and delivery charge of $12 will apply.
3. I encourage consolidated orders.

Price as follow:
Cheesecakes - round 9"

1. Plain $49
2. Flavored (Blueberry / Strawberry / Oreo) $55

Blueberry Crumble
1. Square $38
2. Rectangle $45

Oreo Mousse - round 9" - $55
Mousse In a Cup - per box of 16 pcs -$50
Chocolate / White Chocolate Tart - $45

Sweet Treat Snacks (100pcs)
1. Chocolate Chip Cookies - $24 bottle
2. Honey Cornflakes - $18 per bottle

Bulk Purchase:
Honey Cornflakes
4 bottles - $66
8 bottles - $128

Chocolate Chip Cookies
4 bottles - $90

Delivery Additional $8 per location. I encourage consolidated orders.

For more pictures and info do check out BachelorBakes facebook account!

Look forward to your support.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Edz