Year end

Its November and soon 2014 will be gone.Its the time of the year when people plan their holidays and what they want to do come year end. For me, it will be a time for reflection and stock taking and looking forward to the new year with gratitude and happiness.Whilst looking forward there is the looming threat about changing the pacer battery and simple though it may be the thought of being under the knife is a bit daunting but we'll worry about that when the time comes. To me year end is making business plans for the next year and making sure that the staff has something to look forward to in terms of their salaries and bonuses.They have worked hard and deserve some reward. Looking forward to some time with all the family members and a few days of relaxation in Ipoh where I dont have to wake up at 5am for a round of golf and a round of all the Ipoh food which I dearly miss.That is satisfaction already and I do not have to think about travel to other places.Its funny but as one grows older one's needs become more basic and simple.We have seen all there is to be seen and done whatever needs doing so now its just a matter of winding down which we do happily. I am quite contented to have simple meals , do simple things and spend time with the family especially the grandchildren.They are growing up and its a joy to see them develop mentally and physically and that is holiday enough for me.In our younger days every time a break comes along we would think of where to go and what to do.today the fire is not there anymore and just being healthy and be able to do simple things is good enough.I guess everyone will go through this cycle.Life is still challenging and there are still many things to do in terms of personal development , social contribution and be a better role model for the younger ones. This will be what is going to keep me going for the 2015 and as a friend says " Do not grumble about getting old....many dont have this privilege".

A senior's lifestyle

Who says seniors should take it easy , relaxing and waiting for the time to go ? As a person I have always wanted to challenge the existing norms and this means changing one's mindset and questioning the accepted norms.I work and if people think that seniors should take it easy whilst working I feel its not right.To me , if you take a salary it means you have to work just like anyone else to justify your being paid. The day starts at 645 am when the eyes open and the first thing is to thank God for letting us see another day.By 7am its off for my new found habit of a brisk morning walk.There is a lot to be said for the morning walk as the morning air is so fresh and is good therapy for the mind and body.Half an hour or forty five minutes is all it takes and then its home for a cup of coffee and the newspapers before a shower and ready for work. It takes at least 45 minutes for me to reach the office and once there its checking the mail and attending to all pending issues.My personal SOP is that all mail and pending issues should be attended to within 24 hours. Then its getting feedback from the staff and continuing with the training of several new staff that I have. A quick lunch ( sometimes we can only have time to "ta pau" and eat in the office.In between there are meetings to attend to, students problems to attend to and also dealing with the University personnel and parents. My day ends at 4 or 430 after which its the long ride home.If there is no rain then its another 1 hour or so at the driving range to sweat it out a bit before home , a shower and dinner.After this its a couple of hours of TV and time with the grandchild and then its off to bed.So there is nary anytime wasted during the weekdays.Sundays means waking up at 5 am getting ready to meet the buddies for our regular Sunday golf which ends with a good shower and lunch and then its back home for some rest before the week ends.The day ends with shopping for the week's groceries which we take for the weekday breakfast. Though busy I feel productive and greatly thankful that I am able to do all these things at this age and none the worse for it.Its all in the mind actually and it takes some discipline and will power to be able to stick to this kind of routine especially waking up at 5am on Sundays but when you think of the challenge and the fun of a round of golf with good friends its worth it. At the end of the day , its actually what we make out of our life that makes it worth living.Rather than just sit down and wait for your time its much better to use the time that you have to good use and it feels good to know that you are still able to contribute and are still considered useful rather than a burden to others.