A recent loss of life, the son of a friend disturbed me to the pits. He was 28, had been suffering from depression and eventually couldn't deal with it anymore. I am reluctant even get into what happened but it was mighty disturbing and had me by the hooks mentally and emotionally for the last few days.
How can somebody be so fed up? How can somebody be ready to give up? How can somebody else not see it, avoid it, stop it?
I can't wonder what the family would be going through when I as a bystander am so disturbed. I look at my kids, what could ever lead them to such a situation? What can I do now and keep doing to not let it reach there? Psychological diseases are difficult tackle, its not something you can just cure with a few pills. There is more to it, and definitely requires more patience. If it prolongs for too long, then it just becomes a reality one has to make peace with. But then, in that situation you make peace with something which actually needs more attention and continuous close monitoring.
Just had to write this one out to get this out of my system. Pray for the departed soul and for the family. Difficult times, these are whether we look with the macro lens or the micro lens. Our society is headed towards the end, I keep feeling this. We have just got it all so wrong.
Showing posts with label Life in the UAE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life in the UAE. Show all posts
All Positive Energy needs is Direction
So it was a day when Pakistan was facing West Indies in the final ODI of the series held at Abu Dhabi (read Abu Dubai by the pakhtoon taxi drivers...). Also, the Lahore Baadshahs were facing the Hyderabad Heroes in the rebel version of IPL, ICL. Guess which one got more attention? OK I have taken enough frustration out on the new form of the game called 20-20 so won't waste another post on it.
Anyway, this post isn't really about cricket.
A few friends came over and we were having tea while enjoying the cool winter breeze of Sharjah when we noticed the big crowd outside a shop. This was the local satellite shop which usually has a similar rush when matches are on as he puts the tv ON showing the LIVE match while cricket crazy fans watch jumping over one another outside his shop. He should actually sponsor his shop-door when matches are on hehe...that is some quick money...
Being the true sports fan, I thought I'll also see where the Pakistan & West Indies match has reached and how is our team performing. I was disappointed to see that the rush was about the stupid 20-20 game. Anyway, it was more like Pakistan & India considering the Lahore baadshahs had pretty much a better team than today's Paki international team and the Hyderabad Heroes were no short of superstars. That is what money can do and has done. It was not a nail-biter but people enjoyed the boundaries.
The wonderful thing to note was the positive energy.
All people around the shop in the worst of crowds. Jumping on top of another shoulder and trying to get a glance at the game. Discussing strategy, buzz. A smarter guy had brought 2 big bricks to stand on and watch the game. At the end of it, he smartly took them and went back to hide them from where he had brought it. Obviously, this was obviously a regular thing for him.
The whole crowd would clap at a big six or a great catch. I mean its TV guys. But that's how enthusiastic we are about the game. I saw a guy actually cheering the replays as well. That's how deprived he was.
Anyway, I stood wondering. So much of positive energy. So much of will to do something. All it needs is direction. Our religion and our history has made us very emotional & sensitive about the smallest of things. The politicians have used that to run student unions, election campaigns and win elections. They have used that energy to create more monsters out of the student lot which could have been directed to something more positive.
I believe it is never too late. All our country needs is direction and leadership. I wonder who will provide it. Will it be me? Am I up for it? Will I be able to do something? or will I just buckle under the pressure and become one of them. Just another part of the corrupt system.
Can I actually get up there at the most powerful chair in Pakistan and run the country? Make that difference? Re-direct the positive energy for the betterment of Pakistan? ....NAH...Its too big a risk. Enough what ifs come rushing through ....in a blink of a second.
But that is the solution. All we have ever needed and do need right now is the right leadership. Who will provide it? Who will bring the revolution? Not me...will you?
Anyway, this post isn't really about cricket.
A few friends came over and we were having tea while enjoying the cool winter breeze of Sharjah when we noticed the big crowd outside a shop. This was the local satellite shop which usually has a similar rush when matches are on as he puts the tv ON showing the LIVE match while cricket crazy fans watch jumping over one another outside his shop. He should actually sponsor his shop-door when matches are on hehe...that is some quick money...
Being the true sports fan, I thought I'll also see where the Pakistan & West Indies match has reached and how is our team performing. I was disappointed to see that the rush was about the stupid 20-20 game. Anyway, it was more like Pakistan & India considering the Lahore baadshahs had pretty much a better team than today's Paki international team and the Hyderabad Heroes were no short of superstars. That is what money can do and has done. It was not a nail-biter but people enjoyed the boundaries.
The wonderful thing to note was the positive energy.
All people around the shop in the worst of crowds. Jumping on top of another shoulder and trying to get a glance at the game. Discussing strategy, buzz. A smarter guy had brought 2 big bricks to stand on and watch the game. At the end of it, he smartly took them and went back to hide them from where he had brought it. Obviously, this was obviously a regular thing for him.
The whole crowd would clap at a big six or a great catch. I mean its TV guys. But that's how enthusiastic we are about the game. I saw a guy actually cheering the replays as well. That's how deprived he was.
Anyway, I stood wondering. So much of positive energy. So much of will to do something. All it needs is direction. Our religion and our history has made us very emotional & sensitive about the smallest of things. The politicians have used that to run student unions, election campaigns and win elections. They have used that energy to create more monsters out of the student lot which could have been directed to something more positive.
I believe it is never too late. All our country needs is direction and leadership. I wonder who will provide it. Will it be me? Am I up for it? Will I be able to do something? or will I just buckle under the pressure and become one of them. Just another part of the corrupt system.
Can I actually get up there at the most powerful chair in Pakistan and run the country? Make that difference? Re-direct the positive energy for the betterment of Pakistan? ....NAH...Its too big a risk. Enough what ifs come rushing through ....in a blink of a second.
But that is the solution. All we have ever needed and do need right now is the right leadership. Who will provide it? Who will bring the revolution? Not me...will you?
A typical ironic situation in UAE
If you have heard of UAE which you would have probably, you couldnt have done without hearing the miseries of traffic.
In the absence of a useful transport system, most people who work here travel by cars. Since Dubai is so expensive to live most people come from neighbouring Emirates like Sharjah, Ajman & Ras-al-Khaimah... add both together and the equation spells TRAFFIC JAM. Today's post is dedicated to this aspect of living in UAE which everybody pretty much gets used to and accepts as a given for living and working in the UAE.
Emirates Road is the route for most people coming from outside Dubai. Its a great idea of a freeway connecting all the Emirates. However it to has not stood the load of thousands of cars going in the same direction at the same time. The speed limit is 120km/h... officially.
One would expect the next line to read that people dont follow that limit and race through... hehehe...sorry to disappoint you. Remember that this post is about irony.
So what I really was trying to say is that if you get stuck in a a jam which I was a few days back... in front of a sign board saying maximum speed 120km/h and minimum 60km/h should they penalize me for driving slow?
That is one ironic spot to be in. Almost like someone played a joke on you...don't you agree?
In the absence of a useful transport system, most people who work here travel by cars. Since Dubai is so expensive to live most people come from neighbouring Emirates like Sharjah, Ajman & Ras-al-Khaimah... add both together and the equation spells TRAFFIC JAM. Today's post is dedicated to this aspect of living in UAE which everybody pretty much gets used to and accepts as a given for living and working in the UAE.
Emirates Road is the route for most people coming from outside Dubai. Its a great idea of a freeway connecting all the Emirates. However it to has not stood the load of thousands of cars going in the same direction at the same time. The speed limit is 120km/h... officially.
One would expect the next line to read that people dont follow that limit and race through... hehehe...sorry to disappoint you. Remember that this post is about irony.
So what I really was trying to say is that if you get stuck in a a jam which I was a few days back... in front of a sign board saying maximum speed 120km/h and minimum 60km/h should they penalize me for driving slow?
That is one ironic spot to be in. Almost like someone played a joke on you...don't you agree?
Celebrity Branded Real Estate in UAE
With the financial turmoil and recession effecting everyone from rich to poor, it is amazing to see how everybody manages to bring out the survival instinct out from within and somehow manages to make the now much more difficult extra buck that was flowing like anything early this year.
All industries have taken a hit with the banking and mortgage side of things being hit the worse. Who would have thought names like Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch could be threatened? Nobody has been spared. Take AIG, Morgan Stanley some serious role players in the market. Governments have come out with bailout and rescue plans to save the favoured organizations.
UAE has not been at the worst end but it has felt the heat also. The big boom in UAE has been the Real Estate market in recent times where there have been many people who have made millions in months with a simple strategy. Buy at the property launch and sell at double, triple price. Just these turnover investors who had the initial investable capital have been able to raise the prices. Unfortunately, the low liquidity has hit those now and to add to that some scandals and increased regulations to stop this unnatural price hike has led to the property boom just mellowing down a bit.
So the recommendations for people like me who have grown up playing monopoly till fajr on weekends is to just sit and lay eggs on your money. For me that is pretty much butt on the cold floor. The advice is to play safe and if really wanting to invest then do it in good property. So how does one define good? Good stable company with government backing preferably and good financial standing. Since the average person wouldn't know what that would mean, the marketeers have come up with a new & brilliant concept. Celebrity Branded Real Estate...
The Trump Towers had a great opening boasting a AED 35 million pent house and The Tiger Woods golf community something and Michael Schumacher theme park. I know Pamela Anderson has something here as well and just yesterday I heard Mr. Antonio Banderas is launching Spanish Ranches. The way things are we should pretty much have all housing schemes named after some celebrity. So that is what is selling these days. The "Novelty" element. The amazing thing is that it's working. People are wiling to spend on branded property even in these days of a credit crunch and liquidity crisis. These people are obviously the money kings of UAE and probably some european investors who are moving here after being financially body-slammed in their own countries.
Owning a home in UAE is an even more distant dream now and I have actually stopped thinking about it. Just save the extra penny in savings bonds and put some maybe in gold and thats that. Its time to stay put for a while.
All industries have taken a hit with the banking and mortgage side of things being hit the worse. Who would have thought names like Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch could be threatened? Nobody has been spared. Take AIG, Morgan Stanley some serious role players in the market. Governments have come out with bailout and rescue plans to save the favoured organizations.
UAE has not been at the worst end but it has felt the heat also. The big boom in UAE has been the Real Estate market in recent times where there have been many people who have made millions in months with a simple strategy. Buy at the property launch and sell at double, triple price. Just these turnover investors who had the initial investable capital have been able to raise the prices. Unfortunately, the low liquidity has hit those now and to add to that some scandals and increased regulations to stop this unnatural price hike has led to the property boom just mellowing down a bit.
So the recommendations for people like me who have grown up playing monopoly till fajr on weekends is to just sit and lay eggs on your money. For me that is pretty much butt on the cold floor. The advice is to play safe and if really wanting to invest then do it in good property. So how does one define good? Good stable company with government backing preferably and good financial standing. Since the average person wouldn't know what that would mean, the marketeers have come up with a new & brilliant concept. Celebrity Branded Real Estate...
The Trump Towers had a great opening boasting a AED 35 million pent house and The Tiger Woods golf community something and Michael Schumacher theme park. I know Pamela Anderson has something here as well and just yesterday I heard Mr. Antonio Banderas is launching Spanish Ranches. The way things are we should pretty much have all housing schemes named after some celebrity. So that is what is selling these days. The "Novelty" element. The amazing thing is that it's working. People are wiling to spend on branded property even in these days of a credit crunch and liquidity crisis. These people are obviously the money kings of UAE and probably some european investors who are moving here after being financially body-slammed in their own countries.
Owning a home in UAE is an even more distant dream now and I have actually stopped thinking about it. Just save the extra penny in savings bonds and put some maybe in gold and thats that. Its time to stay put for a while.
Dubai - More Expensive to Visit / Live
Just heard the news that the Dubai Visit Visa costs have been raised starting 1st June'08. There is a short visit (1 month) visa costing 500AED as compared to 110 I think earlier and a long term visit costing 1000AED. This is crazy...
Obviously, they are unable to manage the high influx of people and I believe that is one way to get less and still earn the same. It could also be that they think it costs the government more to manage each visiting family member. There is a separate Tourist Visa,
Obviously, they are unable to manage the high influx of people and I believe that is one way to get less and still earn the same. It could also be that they think it costs the government more to manage each visiting family member. There is a separate Tourist Visa,
Who buys a Yellow Shirt?
This is not for people who actually like YELLOW as a SHIRT Colour.
I do have 1 yellow shirt which I never bought. In fact I would never buy a Yellow Shirt. I got it from...now I dont even remember. It must have been a gift.
I think the only way a guy can have a yellow shirt in his wardrobe is via a gift from another guy who got it in a gift or via a 3 shirt deal at Pierre Cardin. Yes, Pierre Cardin in Dubai has a perpetual sale all year. It is a store who will give you 3 shirts for a good price....out of which one will be Yellow. Of course all of them will be NON-FITTING...being free-sizes.
Yellow shirts look so odd somehow....especially if you wear it with a black pant. Its like those footpaths going black-yellow-black-yellow-black....partial orange(PAN Peek)...partial yellow....black-yellow-black....
Or in a graphic design courses where they tell you the best combination to make a signboard visible to the human eye is Yellow on Black. You could be the human signboard wearing yellow on black....or even feel like a taxi.
The yellow shirt that I have actually has great material...and that is one reason I still wear it....otherwise I would have given it to someone ages back. Its for the days when I have no meetings and I have no chances of getting from my seat too much at work.
Anyway, no head or toe to the post....cos have not been in the blogging mode REALLY....need a few prayers for getting well permanently and also for my studies....don't really need to comment....just PRAY!!!
Thanks for still coming....
I do have 1 yellow shirt which I never bought. In fact I would never buy a Yellow Shirt. I got it from...now I dont even remember. It must have been a gift.
I think the only way a guy can have a yellow shirt in his wardrobe is via a gift from another guy who got it in a gift or via a 3 shirt deal at Pierre Cardin. Yes, Pierre Cardin in Dubai has a perpetual sale all year. It is a store who will give you 3 shirts for a good price....out of which one will be Yellow. Of course all of them will be NON-FITTING...being free-sizes.
Yellow shirts look so odd somehow....especially if you wear it with a black pant. Its like those footpaths going black-yellow-black-yellow-black....partial orange(PAN Peek)...partial yellow....black-yellow-black....
Or in a graphic design courses where they tell you the best combination to make a signboard visible to the human eye is Yellow on Black. You could be the human signboard wearing yellow on black....or even feel like a taxi.
The yellow shirt that I have actually has great material...and that is one reason I still wear it....otherwise I would have given it to someone ages back. Its for the days when I have no meetings and I have no chances of getting from my seat too much at work.
Anyway, no head or toe to the post....cos have not been in the blogging mode REALLY....need a few prayers for getting well permanently and also for my studies....don't really need to comment....just PRAY!!!
Thanks for still coming....
50 Million Dirhams
I just wanted to write that out to see how big it sounds. OK no wait...let me put it in figures. 50,000,000 AED. WHOOSH!!!!
That's the big number of the day today. Some 25 year old Shaikh in Abu Dhabi bought a NUMBER PLATE...yes guys a NUMBER PLATE....with "1" written on it. Its a fad here, buying unique number plates. The less digits there are, the more expensive it is. 50 million dirhams!!! I just cant get over it.
Just to add, he broke the record of his cousin which was for 25 Million Dirhams spent on a number plate having the No. 5 on it a few months back. Where do they get this money to burn from? Then they raise our rents and make a bit more.
That was an Abu Dhabi record. Just a few weeks back the No.1 plate in Dubai went for 30 Million AED. I thought that was it, nobody could beat that. I was completely proved wrong. I should never estimate the buying power of Shaikhs.
Where I have written stuff like the 1 dollar story, I can still do a lot with a 50 million AED. I wonder whether if its even possible in this life. Hehehe...50,000,000 AED!!! Man...!!!
That's the big number of the day today. Some 25 year old Shaikh in Abu Dhabi bought a NUMBER PLATE...yes guys a NUMBER PLATE....with "1" written on it. Its a fad here, buying unique number plates. The less digits there are, the more expensive it is. 50 million dirhams!!! I just cant get over it.
Just to add, he broke the record of his cousin which was for 25 Million Dirhams spent on a number plate having the No. 5 on it a few months back. Where do they get this money to burn from? Then they raise our rents and make a bit more.
That was an Abu Dhabi record. Just a few weeks back the No.1 plate in Dubai went for 30 Million AED. I thought that was it, nobody could beat that. I was completely proved wrong. I should never estimate the buying power of Shaikhs.
Where I have written stuff like the 1 dollar story, I can still do a lot with a 50 million AED. I wonder whether if its even possible in this life. Hehehe...50,000,000 AED!!! Man...!!!
First Winter in UAE
This is our first winter in UAE. I never thought the desert could get this cold. Other than the fact that its really cold, being sick doesn't help. I have been pretty much on bed-rest for the last few days or so. I get in bed stuffed with clothes. Vest, t-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, sweater and then in a blanket. Cold for a while, cosy next and into sleep. Then wake up in the middle of the night dripping wet. That is also because I would have shot down on the fever degrees, sweating. Taking of the sweater and feeling cold in the wet clothes and back in bed.
Its been different to say the least. I am not used to being sick, Alhumdulillah. And definitely not used to taking medicine at all. This time I have had to take some severe antibiotics as well and been sick for what seems longest period in recent times. I have not been this sick to miss work but its happened this time and 3 days, whoosh. I cant imagine what my boss would be feeling and to wonder that the yearly reviews are near. I am so worried about how this might not wash away my whole year's effort.
I wish best of health to the whole world even to my enemies. May God even keep my enemies away from sickness. Its just worth it. The good news is that the rest helped. I am feeling much better now and raring to go again. Maybe a much needed break is a positive way of looking at it not to mention I was on annual leave a month ago.
I may have mentioned somewhere earlier also that I hate winters. I would rather sweat in the summers and eat mangoes than be dry and cold in the winter. Anything below 15 degrees is severe for me.
Anyway, have to put my act together now. Its been a long break considering my high standards. Have been away from serious blogging also it seems, OK no, I have been posting either here or on mayg & utp so that's OK I guess. Thanks for all the prayers, they worked.
Its been different to say the least. I am not used to being sick, Alhumdulillah. And definitely not used to taking medicine at all. This time I have had to take some severe antibiotics as well and been sick for what seems longest period in recent times. I have not been this sick to miss work but its happened this time and 3 days, whoosh. I cant imagine what my boss would be feeling and to wonder that the yearly reviews are near. I am so worried about how this might not wash away my whole year's effort.
I wish best of health to the whole world even to my enemies. May God even keep my enemies away from sickness. Its just worth it. The good news is that the rest helped. I am feeling much better now and raring to go again. Maybe a much needed break is a positive way of looking at it not to mention I was on annual leave a month ago.
I may have mentioned somewhere earlier also that I hate winters. I would rather sweat in the summers and eat mangoes than be dry and cold in the winter. Anything below 15 degrees is severe for me.
Anyway, have to put my act together now. Its been a long break considering my high standards. Have been away from serious blogging also it seems, OK no, I have been posting either here or on mayg & utp so that's OK I guess. Thanks for all the prayers, they worked.
Mixing in...
When I was coming to Dubai in fact way before that....when I was interviewed I was continously told to be weary about Indians....Its my nature that I dont accept anything until I go through it first...and there were stories by different friends and people I met beware of politics...office politics and you wont move up the corporate ladder....these Indians wouldnt let you and so much to say....here I say...PLEASE THINK AGAIN....
Look at yourself first and then comment on others...yes there might be religious boundaries which you cant cross but you can definitely extend an hand of friendship and just have a good attitude towards them...
I was interviewed by 2 Indians and then again by another in the second interview...I was suggested by people that I should forget about it...you wont get selected...interviews of others are just formalities...I proved them wrong...Allah had kept my RIZQ here so I am here....now I am in a dept which has all Indians including my boss...and I am the only Pakistani and I havent worked in a more congenial environment before...You can learn explore and perform....see I think the problem that we have is we have forgotten that our RIZQ has been written in our fates ....its not people or companies who provide us...with salaries...or bosses who promote us etc etc....its only ALLAH. Once you get in that frame of mind you look at everything differently...more positivity...
I am jumping ahead of myself but I have had no problems with my colleagues as yet....some may say its early days but I have been welcomed in the nicest possible way...Alhumdulillah...
Today, I was invited to a dept BBQ party...everybody was there with their families and kids....and it was a wonderful affair to say the least...there was food of course but there was CHANGE for everyone....families meeting each other...I took my time mixing in but they wouldnt let me be the loner one side...there were games played such as 'Dog & the BONe' and 'PITTOO GARAM'....it was funny at the beginning seeing all grown up people running around but after a while when I saw my boss run around and slip on the grass...it was me who was once again left aside... so I joined in leaving all of my weary brainwashing thoughts aside and enjoyed to the fullest...
I ve got great colleagues...who are taking time out to teach me and train me to the full...so at this moment in time, I dont agree with anyone who has tried to advise of being negative about Indians...its how you behave....you can keep your distance just like you do so with anybody really...and yet make good professional relationships...
After today, I can surely say...its a mixed world out there and you can set your objective straight and chase it also but dont have negative feelings about some nationality before even giving them a chance to welcome you....most of us dont even let the borders of friendship open up....how can we ever get to peace in this world?
So all those people who feel Indians have taken away their jobs...please think real...its Allah who provides for everyone....and if a promotion is there in your fate its gonna come...dont blame it on the Indians....I loved mixing in with office colleagues and their families and children....its nothing different really....all the same culture...mothers respected....bhabis around...children calling you uncle....and then the games....WOW!! It was a very healthy activity....was wishing I had my wife and kid around to boast in cuteness also heheh....but I guess there is still some time in that....
Anyway, just had to let this be on the blog...you ve got to respect to gain respect...you cant let different nationalities hinder your progress....just be honest with your job and let Allah provide...keep the FAITH!!!
Look at yourself first and then comment on others...yes there might be religious boundaries which you cant cross but you can definitely extend an hand of friendship and just have a good attitude towards them...
I was interviewed by 2 Indians and then again by another in the second interview...I was suggested by people that I should forget about it...you wont get selected...interviews of others are just formalities...I proved them wrong...Allah had kept my RIZQ here so I am here....now I am in a dept which has all Indians including my boss...and I am the only Pakistani and I havent worked in a more congenial environment before...You can learn explore and perform....see I think the problem that we have is we have forgotten that our RIZQ has been written in our fates ....its not people or companies who provide us...with salaries...or bosses who promote us etc etc....its only ALLAH. Once you get in that frame of mind you look at everything differently...more positivity...
I am jumping ahead of myself but I have had no problems with my colleagues as yet....some may say its early days but I have been welcomed in the nicest possible way...Alhumdulillah...
Today, I was invited to a dept BBQ party...everybody was there with their families and kids....and it was a wonderful affair to say the least...there was food of course but there was CHANGE for everyone....families meeting each other...I took my time mixing in but they wouldnt let me be the loner one side...there were games played such as 'Dog & the BONe' and 'PITTOO GARAM'....it was funny at the beginning seeing all grown up people running around but after a while when I saw my boss run around and slip on the grass...it was me who was once again left aside... so I joined in leaving all of my weary brainwashing thoughts aside and enjoyed to the fullest...
I ve got great colleagues...who are taking time out to teach me and train me to the full...so at this moment in time, I dont agree with anyone who has tried to advise of being negative about Indians...its how you behave....you can keep your distance just like you do so with anybody really...and yet make good professional relationships...
After today, I can surely say...its a mixed world out there and you can set your objective straight and chase it also but dont have negative feelings about some nationality before even giving them a chance to welcome you....most of us dont even let the borders of friendship open up....how can we ever get to peace in this world?
So all those people who feel Indians have taken away their jobs...please think real...its Allah who provides for everyone....and if a promotion is there in your fate its gonna come...dont blame it on the Indians....I loved mixing in with office colleagues and their families and children....its nothing different really....all the same culture...mothers respected....bhabis around...children calling you uncle....and then the games....WOW!! It was a very healthy activity....was wishing I had my wife and kid around to boast in cuteness also heheh....but I guess there is still some time in that....
Anyway, just had to let this be on the blog...you ve got to respect to gain respect...you cant let different nationalities hinder your progress....just be honest with your job and let Allah provide...keep the FAITH!!!
Things in place...Alhumdulillah...
DEBIT...CREDIT....Its been that since the day I joined...more with the training...ehehe...I was prepared for this so it isnt really that big a problem. The good thing is I have started to think FINANCIALLY...if there is such a thing...I have never been a FINANCE person professionally so thats an achievement in itself...
Tomorrow, we are supposed to go to eat chinese with all the training participants and my dept colleagues including my manager...its going to be fun and am looking forward to it...
Other than that...I am now a Resident of UAE Alhumdulillah...all procedures complete....so thats something out of the way...I can get on with other stuff now...Inshallah...everything should work out as it has uptil now...prayers required here for ease of completion...
Today Pakistan plays the West Indies to open up the WORLD CUP....unfortunately no TV around to watch so am stuck to my cellphone to at least hear it on the radio...its ok I can manage...but do miss watching...
Anyway, everything is in place....sleep wasnt which I covered up for yesterday...the tough part of settling in Dubai are the timings...its not linked with jetlag as that is not much of a difference than Karachi...its the official work hours of 7:00am to 3:30pm...I love the working hours but the adjustment to them is still on its way....its like your breakfast time goes even earlier hence you get hungry around 11:00am but you actually eat only around 1:00pm then dinner at 8:00pm even though you get hungry by 7:00pm. You can stay up late...late being 10:00pm hehhee....cos you ve got to reach work at 7:00am....so its about switching to almost 3 hours before the normal timings in Karachi...
But overall its positive that you are home by 4:00pm with ample time to relax and do things with family...its more natural to your namaz timings as well so thats a big plus...Alhumdulillah....I have obtained regularity in Namaz and Tilawat-e-Quran...which was my objective since the day I left Karachi...ALHUMDULILLAH....
Havent had the time to wake up the intellectual side of me....its just been to busy...I think once I settle in and get a serious internet connection will I get time to relax and bring out the observant side of me...there is a lot to be said about the culture and environment...the mindsets of people...talking with various people.....taxi drivers, waiters, colleagues...and many more from all over the world gives a great insight to Allah's creativity of people...its amazing....more on this when I am in a more settled frame of mind...
Tomorrow, we are supposed to go to eat chinese with all the training participants and my dept colleagues including my manager...its going to be fun and am looking forward to it...
Other than that...I am now a Resident of UAE Alhumdulillah...all procedures complete....so thats something out of the way...I can get on with other stuff now...Inshallah...everything should work out as it has uptil now...prayers required here for ease of completion...
Today Pakistan plays the West Indies to open up the WORLD CUP....unfortunately no TV around to watch so am stuck to my cellphone to at least hear it on the radio...its ok I can manage...but do miss watching...
Anyway, everything is in place....sleep wasnt which I covered up for yesterday...the tough part of settling in Dubai are the timings...its not linked with jetlag as that is not much of a difference than Karachi...its the official work hours of 7:00am to 3:30pm...I love the working hours but the adjustment to them is still on its way....its like your breakfast time goes even earlier hence you get hungry around 11:00am but you actually eat only around 1:00pm then dinner at 8:00pm even though you get hungry by 7:00pm. You can stay up late...late being 10:00pm hehhee....cos you ve got to reach work at 7:00am....so its about switching to almost 3 hours before the normal timings in Karachi...
But overall its positive that you are home by 4:00pm with ample time to relax and do things with family...its more natural to your namaz timings as well so thats a big plus...Alhumdulillah....I have obtained regularity in Namaz and Tilawat-e-Quran...which was my objective since the day I left Karachi...ALHUMDULILLAH....
Havent had the time to wake up the intellectual side of me....its just been to busy...I think once I settle in and get a serious internet connection will I get time to relax and bring out the observant side of me...there is a lot to be said about the culture and environment...the mindsets of people...talking with various people.....taxi drivers, waiters, colleagues...and many more from all over the world gives a great insight to Allah's creativity of people...its amazing....more on this when I am in a more settled frame of mind...
Nazar....Nazar...
I was recommended by someone as to not open up too much on my blog...as "NAZAR lagti hay"...It got me thinking...I am one of the most paranoid people for Nazar and keep reciting Teesra Kalma and 4 Quls unconsiously....and I didnt think of that...
Where does one draw the line? Does anybody else think the same way? Serious bloggers blog about anything and that include their personal lives as well....
I was thinking about it and I think the recommendation is right....need to be a bit conservative on the blogging...its after all my personal life...more towards life and my version of experiences from now on....
Nothing much to tell today....other than the fact that the training started...and its just wonderful Alhumdulillah...enjoyed as I was getting it heheh...Its almost more fun when its that way...the 9 other people in the training are from various countries so quite an experience interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds....
Continues tomorrow...
Where does one draw the line? Does anybody else think the same way? Serious bloggers blog about anything and that include their personal lives as well....
I was thinking about it and I think the recommendation is right....need to be a bit conservative on the blogging...its after all my personal life...more towards life and my version of experiences from now on....
Nothing much to tell today....other than the fact that the training started...and its just wonderful Alhumdulillah...enjoyed as I was getting it heheh...Its almost more fun when its that way...the 9 other people in the training are from various countries so quite an experience interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds....
Continues tomorrow...
Hum tou hain PARDES mein...
Hum tou hain...Pardes mein...Des mein Nikla hoga CHAAND...
Apni Raat kee CHHAT pay Kitna...Tanha hoga CHAAND...
Yup those are the feelings...the weekend was great, went to sharjah and stayed both chuti nights at a friend's place...watched movies and gup sessions...thursday night all but 3 of our batch mates in Dubai/Sharjah got together...a huge gathering...at a restaurant...it was fun...got to meet everyone...
Second weekend gone...and I have finally managed to meet pretty much everyone...I know...It will get a bit more routine and normal now...I think...training from tomorrow...and lots to look forward to in the coming week...
The plumbing work at the new place couldnt get over with so no safai and no buying of new stuff...but since I got the extension at my temporary accomodation, its not a real issue...I was planning to stay here anyway...but I need to go there everyday to put pressure to get things done quickly....Went to Rashidya today and off to the nearby mall to see what actually is available. It was quite amazing to say the least, every damn thing...even TV, DVD players and grocery and mattresses....one stop shopping it seemed...good to have something like that nearby...
The extra week gives me some time I think to get my advance salary which I had requested for....the delay in plumbing is actually a blessing in disguise...the residence visa has been stamped and I will collect it alongwith my staff id card on the 13th...then I can apply for my family's visa...do pray that it goes smoothly and quickly....
I can also now apply for a driving license and a bank account....driving licenses are tougher to get than before...they take 40 or thereabout driving lessons before you can actually sit for a test...and if you fail the next attempt takes another 6 lessons and a month...each class costs 40-45 AED...so its costly business....anyway everything is happening on its way...this should also...Inshallah...
My newly wed friend who I stayed with over the weekend is planning to buy a car and bring in his wife...we saw some cars today...it was tiring and like accomodation the prices are pretty high on the car end as well....well I shouldnt say high when compared to Karachi cos they are not....but high when it comes to the market that was 2 years back and how it is now....he plans to go for a leasing plan...lease rates are great here....new cars can be got on as low as 4.5% interest over 4 years...its quite cheap...second hand good condition cars depend on the brand but a civic is costing from anywhere between 27k to 35k depending on model and milage...Not thinking about that right now....there is enough going on...already...We just had a heart to heart talking budgets and sanity and I think it helped both of us...nobody else could get it as the situation in life is different for most of our friends...being bachelors...so the conversation helped...
Helped 2 friends move out of a home and shift in a new place as well learning the technicalities of it with shifting trucks and how to get things done etc....lots of happening things and trying to get involved with everything so that I get "HANDS-ON" experience to the full.....heheh...
Well its late and should go to sleep now, happening weekend but a tiring one as well...but just had to blog...hehehe...
Apni Raat kee CHHAT pay Kitna...Tanha hoga CHAAND...
Yup those are the feelings...the weekend was great, went to sharjah and stayed both chuti nights at a friend's place...watched movies and gup sessions...thursday night all but 3 of our batch mates in Dubai/Sharjah got together...a huge gathering...at a restaurant...it was fun...got to meet everyone...
Second weekend gone...and I have finally managed to meet pretty much everyone...I know...It will get a bit more routine and normal now...I think...training from tomorrow...and lots to look forward to in the coming week...
The plumbing work at the new place couldnt get over with so no safai and no buying of new stuff...but since I got the extension at my temporary accomodation, its not a real issue...I was planning to stay here anyway...but I need to go there everyday to put pressure to get things done quickly....Went to Rashidya today and off to the nearby mall to see what actually is available. It was quite amazing to say the least, every damn thing...even TV, DVD players and grocery and mattresses....one stop shopping it seemed...good to have something like that nearby...
The extra week gives me some time I think to get my advance salary which I had requested for....the delay in plumbing is actually a blessing in disguise...the residence visa has been stamped and I will collect it alongwith my staff id card on the 13th...then I can apply for my family's visa...do pray that it goes smoothly and quickly....
I can also now apply for a driving license and a bank account....driving licenses are tougher to get than before...they take 40 or thereabout driving lessons before you can actually sit for a test...and if you fail the next attempt takes another 6 lessons and a month...each class costs 40-45 AED...so its costly business....anyway everything is happening on its way...this should also...Inshallah...
My newly wed friend who I stayed with over the weekend is planning to buy a car and bring in his wife...we saw some cars today...it was tiring and like accomodation the prices are pretty high on the car end as well....well I shouldnt say high when compared to Karachi cos they are not....but high when it comes to the market that was 2 years back and how it is now....he plans to go for a leasing plan...lease rates are great here....new cars can be got on as low as 4.5% interest over 4 years...its quite cheap...second hand good condition cars depend on the brand but a civic is costing from anywhere between 27k to 35k depending on model and milage...Not thinking about that right now....there is enough going on...already...We just had a heart to heart talking budgets and sanity and I think it helped both of us...nobody else could get it as the situation in life is different for most of our friends...being bachelors...so the conversation helped...
Helped 2 friends move out of a home and shift in a new place as well learning the technicalities of it with shifting trucks and how to get things done etc....lots of happening things and trying to get involved with everything so that I get "HANDS-ON" experience to the full.....heheh...
Well its late and should go to sleep now, happening weekend but a tiring one as well...but just had to blog...hehehe...
UTP - Mr. Busy Bee...
Well yeah its been that.....busy busy...buzz...buzz...a buzz here and a buzz there....moving to another country is not easy ... so much to do...think, plan...act....but Alhumdulillah...all is working out fine...and fitting in place...
Well was busy with a lot actually firstly, company leaving issues...my previous company is in bad shape...to be honest...and the 5th resignation (mine) within a month led to a real frustrated attitude from the management (read SETH) heheh...I dont blame him...the CFO, the Plant Manager, Marketing head and now the IT guy leaving...is not an easy thing...to swallow...unfortunately I was the last of all the resignations...and it all came OUT upon me...
But here I found out some negative things about the guy who really inspired me...with his dream when I came to work for him...he is crossed his sane age....like big time and his decisions are going to lead to the downfall of the company...I know its a big claim to say a thing like that but...its not me...saying that....I am only quoting the top executives of the company....who have all left other than a few...who are also looking around...
I need to take out my dissapointment somewhere....I guess it can be here...on my blog...the SETH decided to avenge something...and I was the punching bag....first waived off my notice period....and crossed out my salary for the notice period with a clause...from the policy...which in my books has no value since the SETH, who is the CEO as well which means a salary paid employee breaks a lot of rules from the policy as well...so really that policy manual has no INTEGRITY if you know what I mean...
Anyway, so that amount is not going to be paid...I did not retaliate...so he came forward with another 'KAMEENI' harkat to say the least..."The leave encashment is going to be paid in DUE COURSE OF TIME"....what the ****...I dont know what to say...why take it out on me bhyee? Top executives of the company deserted your company and took their final settlement on the last day of employement...but you take it out on me...poor soul?...but not me...I am going to wait when the company is able to pay off my few thousand bucks!!! hehehe....its just so...SMALL of them...It seems the company would suddenly start running by holding my settlement money? Well I hope it does....if thats what is required...this sorry state shows big hints about the cashflow as well....I am really worried about my ex-colleagues ...hopefully...they can take the right decisions as well, career wise...cos if the company is afraid that paying off a final settlement of an employee is going to hit the cashflow then its scary for the people who work there....currently....May Allah do the best for all of them and everyone else as well...AAMEEN...
I wouldnt waste my post any more on this (even though I already have...heheh)...as I have planned to move on...to something better and want to enter in a positive frame of mind...Its too SMALL a thing to waste time on...I shouldnt stoop at the same level as they have...
Have kinda hit the books again also...no not IT books but accounting and finance books...yes the new role requires my brush-up on my basic accounting concepts whatever they might be...so...am trying to sneak some time out for them...really excited to say the least...
Havent been able to spare time for blogging or visiting other blogger's developments...but hopefully apologies would be accepted. I have limited internet connectivity and also without a PC/laptop...well yeah its a tough few days in the middle here...an IT guy without his tools....I feel so incomplete...but have realized we can actually live without checking email in the morning!!! hehehhe....
Will post more updates...as I get time and internet availability...am off to my home city for a few days to spend some time with parents...and then back to some official work like attestations on educational certificates...before I leave...
Well was busy with a lot actually firstly, company leaving issues...my previous company is in bad shape...to be honest...and the 5th resignation (mine) within a month led to a real frustrated attitude from the management (read SETH) heheh...I dont blame him...the CFO, the Plant Manager, Marketing head and now the IT guy leaving...is not an easy thing...to swallow...unfortunately I was the last of all the resignations...and it all came OUT upon me...
But here I found out some negative things about the guy who really inspired me...with his dream when I came to work for him...he is crossed his sane age....like big time and his decisions are going to lead to the downfall of the company...I know its a big claim to say a thing like that but...its not me...saying that....I am only quoting the top executives of the company....who have all left other than a few...who are also looking around...
I need to take out my dissapointment somewhere....I guess it can be here...on my blog...the SETH decided to avenge something...and I was the punching bag....first waived off my notice period....and crossed out my salary for the notice period with a clause...from the policy...which in my books has no value since the SETH, who is the CEO as well which means a salary paid employee breaks a lot of rules from the policy as well...so really that policy manual has no INTEGRITY if you know what I mean...
Anyway, so that amount is not going to be paid...I did not retaliate...so he came forward with another 'KAMEENI' harkat to say the least..."The leave encashment is going to be paid in DUE COURSE OF TIME"....what the ****...I dont know what to say...why take it out on me bhyee? Top executives of the company deserted your company and took their final settlement on the last day of employement...but you take it out on me...poor soul?...but not me...I am going to wait when the company is able to pay off my few thousand bucks!!! hehehe....its just so...SMALL of them...It seems the company would suddenly start running by holding my settlement money? Well I hope it does....if thats what is required...this sorry state shows big hints about the cashflow as well....I am really worried about my ex-colleagues ...hopefully...they can take the right decisions as well, career wise...cos if the company is afraid that paying off a final settlement of an employee is going to hit the cashflow then its scary for the people who work there....currently....May Allah do the best for all of them and everyone else as well...AAMEEN...
I wouldnt waste my post any more on this (even though I already have...heheh)...as I have planned to move on...to something better and want to enter in a positive frame of mind...Its too SMALL a thing to waste time on...I shouldnt stoop at the same level as they have...
Have kinda hit the books again also...no not IT books but accounting and finance books...yes the new role requires my brush-up on my basic accounting concepts whatever they might be...so...am trying to sneak some time out for them...really excited to say the least...
Havent been able to spare time for blogging or visiting other blogger's developments...but hopefully apologies would be accepted. I have limited internet connectivity and also without a PC/laptop...well yeah its a tough few days in the middle here...an IT guy without his tools....I feel so incomplete...but have realized we can actually live without checking email in the morning!!! hehehhe....
Will post more updates...as I get time and internet availability...am off to my home city for a few days to spend some time with parents...and then back to some official work like attestations on educational certificates...before I leave...
Dubai Chalo...
Yes people, its time to open up the BIG news. I am going to Dubai...
I have found a good job over there and have decided to move to Dubai. I just resigned today from my current workplace and the notice period to serve is a month. So, I should be in Dubai by end of Feb or start or March.
Here I look for heaps of prayers of my fellow bloggers....as its a tough tough situation...to make such a switch...its already a difficult thing to switch jobs and this time its much more than that. Its a change of environment and country...leaving your loved ones here....
I plan to go first and try and settle in and then bring along my wife and kid...
The planning begins...and a new phase in life as well....
Alhumdulillah for this blessing Ya ALLAH!!!
I have found a good job over there and have decided to move to Dubai. I just resigned today from my current workplace and the notice period to serve is a month. So, I should be in Dubai by end of Feb or start or March.
Here I look for heaps of prayers of my fellow bloggers....as its a tough tough situation...to make such a switch...its already a difficult thing to switch jobs and this time its much more than that. Its a change of environment and country...leaving your loved ones here....
I plan to go first and try and settle in and then bring along my wife and kid...
The planning begins...and a new phase in life as well....
Alhumdulillah for this blessing Ya ALLAH!!!
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