"Ara cakap apa sampai dia marah?"

"Perangai macam perempuan. Kuat membebel"

"Laa. Ara melawan dia buat apa. Diam je la"

"Ehhh laki kita cakap pun kita menjawab. Nak suruh kita dengar cakap dia"

"Habis ayat la nak cakap"

"Dahlah kuat sentap astu nak marah-marah jerkah kita. Eh please la. Bini dia boleh la dia buat acam tu. Tak gila ke bini dia bang dengar dia membebel?"

"Nanti kalau kena tindakan macam mana?"

"Biar eh. Peduli kita"

2/4

"Kita call nak cakap I love you. Okey, bye!"

"Kejab la"

"Kerja, bang"

"Satu kiss tak boleh?"

"Abang"

"Separuh ke"

"Bye, abang"

"Bye, darling"

_

"Abang macam letih aje"

"Letih sikit"

"Abang buat apa tu?"

"Tengok landscape plan. Tengah pening orang mintak konsep tak pernah buat dek orang"

"Dah makan, sayang?"

"Cuba cakap sayang lagi"

"Dah makan, sayang?"

"Dah…kenyang orang panggil sayang hehehehe"

"Mulut manis"

13/4

7:30 AM

Brush teeth

Take a shower

Choose outfit

Make the bed

Hang the towel

8:00 AM

Breakfast

Listen to Zikir Munajat & Asmaul Husna

8:30 AM

Measure height & weight

Light exercise

Indoor gym play

9:30 AM

Milk + boiled egg

9:50 AM

Get ready to go out

Clean up

Change into outing outfit

10:40 AM

Head to the mall

Choose favorite food, toys, and drinks

Enjoy Yakult + rice cereal

1:00 PM

Lunch at the park

Brush teeth (public toilet)

Nap time

2:30 PM

Nestum + oats

Plain water

3:00 PM

Picture book: Reptiles

3:15 PM

Free playtime

4:15 PM

Head home

Plain water + pudding

5:00 PM

Free playtime

6:30 PM

Bath time

Rest

Drink milk

7:40 PM

Dinner

8:20 PM

Cuddle with daddy

Share stories

8:50 PM

Drink milk

Brush teeth

Recite Ya Zal Jalali Wal Ikram

Sleep

-

Outing Output

Self-care basics

• Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet

Social Skills

• Say “thank you”
• Take turns
• Greet others politely

Safety Habits

• Hold hands when walking outside
• Stop at the street and look both ways
• Don’t talk to strangers

"Anak abang, suka hati abang"

"Manja sangat aih"

"Biar la. Bukan dosa pun. Banyak lagi abang nak beli"

"Sebab tu suruh kita gi kerja kannn"

"Abang minta belikan tak nak tolong. Biar la. Bukan lama pun jadi budak-budak. Kejab je. Esok lusa dah besar"

"Kita bukan tak nak"

"Ara tahu tak…abang masa kecik tak pernah main semua tu. Basikal pun tak ada. Tak pernah tengok pun mini bike ke apa. Ada sekali tu abang meniaga dekat pasar malam. Selang dua meja ada orang jual kereta mainan, kereta control. Ramai mak ayah datang dengan budak-budak beli. Masa tu dalam 30 ke 40 ringgit je. Abang teringin, tapi abang tak ada duit"

"Sorry la. Kita tak marah pun"

"Sekarang permainan dah advance. Dari beli excavator ke backhoe mainan baik beli yang mini boleh bawak. Praktis terus"

"Abang beli ke?"

"Ha?"

"Ye, kan? Macam kita tak kenal abang"

"Dia kecik dulu jadi princess siap ada castle kita tak komen. Anak nak main sikit dah bising. Bukannya mahal pun. Bijan lagi mahal. Allah, terungkit pulak hehehe"

"Abanggggggg! Eeee! Melampau tau back-up anak"

"Bagi la abang peluang. Zaman Umar, Adam, Huda membesar abang tak merasa. Abang sakit masa tu. Apa pun tak boleh buat"

Panggilan telefon

12/04/2025

Saturday, 12 April

8:00 AM

Brush teeth

Take a shower

Make the bed

Put dirty clothes in the washing machine

8:40 AM

Breakfast

9:10 AM

Light exercise

Deep breathing

Feed the animals

Water the plants

Clean the backyard

9:40 AM

Sourdough bread + milk

Rest

10:20 AM

Ride-on adventure time

Motocross - Boys

Chopper cruiser - Girls

11:40 AM

Eat fruits + plain water

Take a shower

Free play

12:40 PM

Lunch

Brush teeth

Nap time

2:30 PM

Nestum & oats

Free play

3:00 PM

Pack bag

Head to the catamaran

3:40 PM

Fishing

4:20 PM

Smoothie + agar-agar

5:30 PM

Get ready for BBQ

6:15 PM

Take a shower

Rest

Drink milk

7:00 PM

Get ready to watch the sunset

Drink plain water

7:20 PM

Listen to Quran recitation & reflect on the surah

7:35 PM

Free play

8:00 PM

BBQ time

Moongazing

Singing

9:30 PM

Drink milk

Brush teeth

Bedtime story (travel-themed)

Sleep

Friday, 11 April

8:00 AM

Brush teeth

Take a bath

Make the bed

8:40 AM

Breakfast

9:10 AM

Morning walk (grounding)

Enjoy the sunrise

9:30 AM

Muffin + milk

9:50 AM

Sewing (cutting fabric)

10:30 AM

Fruit + plain water

Rest

11:00 AM

Drawing & coloring

11:30 AM

Lunch

Brush teeth

Nap

1:45 PM

Nestum & oats

2:10 PM

Picture book – Local culture

2:30 PM

Free play

2:50 PM

Toast with kaya + Vico

3:15 PM

Walk outside

3:30 PM

Jigsaw puzzle

4:00 PM

Milk

Free play

5:00 PM

Obstacle course – crawl under, jump over, zig-zag

6:00 PM

Pudding + coconut water

Rest

6:30 PM

Bath

Free play

7:40 PM

Dinner

Clear the table

8:30 PM

Free play

Listen to violin music

8:50 PM

Drink milk

Brush teeth

Bedtime story – Great Women in Civilization

Sleep

Ara’s never really been into the arts—painting and poetry don’t interest her much. We're quite different that way. I’m not into painting either, and I wouldn’t say I have any artistic talent. I only know technical drawing. But one thing she truly loves is cursive writing. Her parents enrolled her in cursive handwriting classes when she was younger, along with piano and violin lessons, among others. She has an impressive collection of pens, and I’ve always encouraged her to teach our kids how to write in cursive. It’s such a beautiful skill to pass down. I’ve been thinking—it might be a nice gesture to get her a new pen as a little welcome-home gift after her short work trip.

Yes, she wrote me letters, sweet little memos, and heartfelt love notes—all in her beautiful handwriting.

Thursday, 10 April

7:00 AM

Brush teeth

Take a bath

Pick clothes

Make the bed

Put dirty clothes into the laundry basket

7:50 AM

Breakfast

8:15 AM

Stretching

Feed the animals

Water the plants

8:45 AM

Cycle around the neighbourhood

9:15 AM

Pancakes & milk

Free play

10:00 AM

Learn manners / public etiquette

10:20 AM

Do a simple house chore

11:00 AM

Eat fruit and drink plain water

Read picture book (food around the world)

11:30 AM

Help daddy set the table for lunch

Lunch

Brush teeth

Nap

2:30 PM

Cereal

Free play

3:00 PM

Make smoothie and toast bread with daddy

Clean the kitchen

3:45 PM

Rest

4:00 PM

Playdough

4:30 PM

Ball games

5:30 PM

Pudding and plain water

Rest

5:50 PM

Visit the beach

6:30 PM

Take a bath

Get ready for the mosque

Free activity

7:40 PM

Dinner

Clear the table

Wipe the table

Bring dishes to the sink

Wash dishes

Wipe dishes

Arrange dishes

8:20 PM

Stargazing

8:35 PM

Drink milk

Brush teeth

Mystery story

Sleep

Nama anak

"Dah orang letak nama suka hati, elok ada guideline. Kalau ayah nama Megat, anak perempuan nama Puteri. Kalau bapak nama Meor, anak perempuan nama Wan. Tapi ada jugak memang keturunan Wan, anak laki ke perempuan pangkal nama Wan. Kalau Raja, laki perempuan Raja tapi bila panggil tukar Engku. Dalam keturunan Raja, ada yang namakan anak perempuan Yong"

"Tuan pun ada, kan?"

"Ada. Tun pun"

"Alaaa Haraaz tak boleh ke?"

"Haraaz datang mana tiba-tiba?"

"Ritu cakap nak nama Haraaz astu tak jadi"

"Kan tak ada maksud, nak letak macam mana. Habis semua kitab abang bukak, semua bahasa abang check dari Parsi sampai Urdu memang tak ada maksud. Ada, tapi maksud tak berapa baik"

"Cuba cari agi"

"Anak mana ada dah nak letak"

"Buat laaaa"

"Amboi!"

28/3

Kegawatan

"Dua hari lepas abang dapat tahu harga batu dekat kuari naik. Barang lain pun akan naik. Construction mesti slow. Orang akan berjimat, bermaksud peratus penjualan rumah akan menurun. Kemungkinan bisnes slow sikit tapi tak effect sangat. Yang penting tabung makanan tak susut, yuran sekolah dengan duit belanja Kakak ada, sewa tak sangkut. Kalau perlu kurangkan kos, kita pindah rumah sewa murah sikit. Ara nak beli apa-apa sebelum bulan 6. Lepas bulan 6, abang kena review dulu. Kalau lulus, beli. Tak lulus, tak boleh beli"

"Takde buat masa ni"

"Kalau jadi kegawatan lama. Kita dah bertahan dulu, harap kali ni kita okey"

"Susah senang kita sama-sama, abang"

"Buat masa ni vacation tak potong, tengok macam mana"

"Ara percaya abang. Setiap keputusan suami, Ara hormati. Ara tak akan pertikai"

"Terima kasih"

"Awalnya buat perancangan"

"Jaga keluarga dah tentu. Abang kena pastikan semua terkawal. Pekerja nak bawa balik duit bagi anak bini makan. Nanti dapur tak berasap"

Panggilan telefon

10/4/2025

Ary

"Sembang-sembang datang tidak. Tunggu bini aku balik arr"

"Mana bini lu?"

"Kerja"

"Cuti menetek la ko seminggu kahkahkahkah"

"Hahahahaha harey"

Global Recession

1. MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS OF RECESSION

A. Declining Oil Prices

Causes:

• Reduced industrial/consumer demand (global slowdown)
• Shift to renewables + energy efficiency policies
• Geopolitical factors (e.g., OPEC+ disputes, U.S. shale production)

Impacts:

• Negative: Fiscal crises in oil-dependent economies (Nigeria, Venezuela)
• Positive: Lower input costs for transport/manufacturing sectors

B. Trade Barriers & Supply Chain Disruptions

Key Drivers:

• U.S.-China tech decoupling (semiconductors, EVs)
• "Friend-shoring" (e.g., EU shifting supply chains from China to India/Mexico)
• Export bans (e.g., food, rare earth metals)

Consequences:

• Higher production costs → Inflationary pressure
• Delayed deliveries → Just-in-time manufacturing collapse

2. SECTOR-BY-SECTOR IMPACT ANALYSIS

A. Most Vulnerable Sectors

Oil & Gas

Key Risks:

• Price volatility due to demand collapse (e.g., Brent crude dropping below $40/barrel).
• Stranded assets from ESG pressures (e.g., Shell’s $22B write-down in 2020).
• Fiscal crises in oil-dependent economies (Nigeria’s currency devaluation, Venezuela’s hyperinflation).

Case Examples:

• ExxonMobil’s 2020 $22B loss, Saudi Aramco’s dividend cuts.

Manufacturing

Key Risks:

• Consumer demand collapse for durable goods (autos, appliances).
• Supply chain bottlenecks (e.g., semiconductor shortages crippling auto production).
• Rising input costs (steel, aluminum) squeezing margins.

Case Examples:

• Ford’s 2022 $3B supply chain losses, Foxconn’s factory shutdowns.

Construction

Key Risks:

• High interest rates freezing project financing (e.g., U.S. housing starts dropping 30% in 2022).
• Material cost inflation (cement +25% YoY in EU, 2023).
• Labor shortages exacerbating delays.

Case Examples:

• China’s Evergrande crisis, U.S. commercial real estate defaults.

Luxury Goods

Key Risks:

• Discretionary spending cuts (e.g., China’s luxury sales growth dropping from 17% to 1% in 2022).
• Secondary market resale cannibalizing new sales (Rolex, Hermès).

Case Examples:

• LVMH’s 2020 revenue decline (-17%), Kering’s profit warnings.

B. Resilient Sectors

Healthcare

Why It Survives:

• Inelastic demand (chronic treatments, aging populations).
• Government-backed funding (Medicare, EU public health systems).

Case Examples:

• Pfizer’s COVID vaccine windfall ($37B revenue in 2022), UnitedHealth’s steady growth.

Utilities

Why It Survives:

• Regulated monopolies with guaranteed returns (e.g., U.S. rate-base models).
• Essential service status (no demand destruction).

Case Examples:

• NextEra Energy’s +12% annualized returns during 2008 crisis.

Discount Retail

Why It Survives:

• Consumer trade-down effect (Walmart’s 2022 +6% same-store sales).
• Private-label expansion (Costco’s Kirkland brand now 30% of sales).

Case Examples:

• Dollar General’s 2,000 new stores in 2023, Aldi’s U.S. market share doubling since 2018.

Cybersecurity

Why It Survives:

• Remote work → Higher IT security budgets (global spend to hit $215B in 2024).
• Government mandates (e.g., U.S. SEC’s 2023 cyber disclosure rules).

Case Examples:

• CrowdStrike’s 60% revenue growth post-COVID, Palo Alto Networks’ $6B R&D spend.

Key Contrasts

Worst vs. Best Performers:

Oil & Gas

• EBITDA margins may drop to 5-8%, while Healthcare sustains 20-25%.
• Luxury stocks (Richemont, Kering) underperform S&P 500 by 15-30%, but Utilities (NextEra, Duke Energy) outperform by 10-20%.

Footnotes for Depth

Geographic Nuances:

• Emerging markets suffer more in Manufacturing (Vietnam’s -7% GDP shock in 2020), while developed economies shield Healthcare/Utilities.

Policy Dependencies:

• U.S. CHIPS Act ($52B) may partially offset semiconductor manufacturing risks.

3. CORPORATE RESPONSE STRATEGIES

A. Defensive Measures

Liquidity Management:

• Hoard cash (Apple’s $166B reserve in 2020)
• Renegotiate debt covenants

Workforce Reductions:

• Meta’s 2023 layoffs (11,000 employees)
• Automation investment (AI, robotics)

B. Offensive Moves

M&A Opportunities:

• Distressed acquisitions (e.g., Disney buying 21st Century Fox post-2008)
• Vertical integration (Tesla securing lithium mines)

Pivot to Recession-Proof Products:

• Unilever’s focus on budget hygiene brands (Dove, Lifebuoy)

4. PERSONAL FINANCE & INVESTMENT GUIDELINES

A. Opportunities

Investing:

• Value Stocks: Blue-chips with strong balance sheets (e.g., Coca-Cola)
• Real Estate: Commercial property discounts (post-WFH crash)

Career:

• Upskill in recession-proof fields (healthcare, data science)
• Freelancing/gig economy diversification

B. Risks to Mitigate

• Debt Traps: Avoid variable-rate mortgages (2023 SVB collapse lesson)  
• Overexposure: Rebalance portfolios away from cyclical stocks (e.g., travel, luxury)  

5. GOVERNMENT & POLICY IMPLICATIONS  

Monetary Policy:

• Rate cuts vs. inflation control dilemma (Fed’s 2023-24 balancing act)  

Fiscal Stimulus: 

• Targeted subsidies (e.g., EU’s green energy grants)  
• Unemployment benefits extension (U.S. CARES Act model)  

Trade Policy:

• Regional trade pacts (IPEF, Africa Continental FTA) replacing globalization  

HISTORICAL CASE STUDIES

2008 Financial Crisis:

• Failures: Lehman Brothers (overleveraged)  
• Winners: Amazon (e-commerce boom), Goldman Sachs (distressed asset buys)  

2020 COVID Recession:

• Collapse: Hospitality (Airbnb’s 80% revenue drop)  
• Growth: Zoom (300% revenue surge), Pfizer (vaccine windfall)  

7. LONG-TERM STRATEGIC OUTLOOK

 

Mega-Trends Accelerated by Recession:

• Deglobalization: Reshoring critical industries (chips, pharma)  

Automation:

• "Lights-out factories" replacing human labor  

Climate Adaptation: 

• Green energy investments insulated by policy (IRA, EU Green Deal) 

Cycles and Crisis: Dalio, Strauss & Howe on Historical Reset

Ray Dalio

Economic Cycles: Dalio emphasizes the long-term debt cycle, noting that economies move through predictable phases of borrowing, spending, and deleveraging.

Big Debt Crises: He identifies how excessive debt leads to financial crises and how policy responses (like money printing) affect recovery and inequality.

Changing World Order: Dalio's recent work discusses the rise and fall of empires, showing how internal conflict, external war, and debt cycles contribute to the decline of great powers.

Principles: He’s also known for his systematized decision-making using radical transparency and truth in leadership and management.

William Strauss & Neil Howe

The Fourth Turning: Strauss and Howe created the theory of generational cycles (or saecula), arguing that American history moves in 80–100 year cycles, divided into four turnings:

1. High (post-crisis rebuilding)

2. Awakening (spiritual rebellion)

3. Unraveling (institutional decay)

4. Crisis (Fourth Turning) – a period of upheaval, often leading to a re-founding of society.

Generational Archetypes: They categorize generations into four repeating types (Prophet, Nomad, Hero, Artist), each shaped by and shaping the turning they grow up in.

Current Era: They argue that we’re in the Fourth Turning now (began around 2008), suggesting a major crisis is culminating by the early 2030s, potentially reshaping institutions and society dramatically.

Perang Perdagangan

"Acam kebetulan sangat. Alaaa abang mesti tahu. Cakap la kita nak perang ke"

"Dari tahun lepas lagi abang nak buat mini militry untuk budak. Tak ada kaitan pun"

"Eleh. Kita tak percaya"

"Kalau negara besar Eropah dah keluarkan arahan, mungkin ada maklumat risikan yang kita orang awam tak tahu. Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Ireland dah keluarkan awal lagi supaya rakyat alert dan berjaga-jaga. Sentiasa buat persediaan. Perang ekonomi akan berlaku. Kemelesetan dunia mungkin terjadi. Saham semua jatuh teruk. Gaza dah parah"

"Kita takut la mmm"

"Amerika dengki dengan China - ekonomi kukuh, teknologi kedepan, ketenteraan kuat. Dia dah jauh tinggal. Market berdarah teruk. Nak paksa kilang patah balik sana mana maunya. Buruh China $380 sebulan. Itu pun dah mahal sangat. Mana ada company nak bayar pekerja mahal"

"Gaji pekerja abang acam tinggi aje"

"Abang bayar tinggi sebab tak nak pekerja lari. Orang bawah kena ikat dengan duit. Gaji tinggi, on time memang tak pergi mana. Setia. Tapi kena tabur duit la. 5 minit lambat menjerit dah dekat staf office maki-hamun"

"Ehh gitu pulak"

"Memang macam tu. Kita on time bayar, ada sehari lewat sikit siap la kena maki. Duit cantik, semua himpit. Ramai yang nak ambil kesempatan"

"Laki kita jarang sangat cerita pasal kerja dia babtu kita tak tahu. Tahu sikit aje"

"Lambat payment jentera, maki. Tanya hardware kenapa barang lambat sampai padahal dah bayar pun kena sound. Tuan rumah bukan senang nak jumpa yang okey. Kadang tu saja tak nak bayar. Kena jadi pengemis baru nak bayar. Gaji pekerja jalan. Kena pandai-pandai cari duit nak cover sementara tunggu payment. Gaji plus barang hardware dah cukup nak buat company bungkus kalau tuan rumah pending berminggu-minggu. Belum campur kena cong macam sewa esk(avator). Kerja 2 hari buat sampai 5 hari. Lari bajet. Kena pulak pekerja pun sama buat kerja tak ikut jadual, saja lewatkan sebab nak gaji lebih memang masak la"

"Gaji lebih acam mana, bang? Gaji tetap, kan?"

"Contoh kerja plaster dalam jadual seminggu. Dia buat 15 hari. Saja perlahankan. Sehari katakan gaji RM 130x15 hari. Kita rugi 8 hari punya gaji. 8 hari tu sepatutnya dah bergerak ke stage lain. Jadinya kita akan rugi sampai habis projek sebab lari dari jadual. Benda boleh siap 3 bulan boleh pergi sampai 5 bulan. Seorang kena ikat 1200 bata paling sikit. Kalau dia malas, satu hari buat separuh, lambat semua gerak kerja. Dulu masa company kecil letih semua nak handle. Sekarang dah macromanage. Hal tu semua staf urus. Jaga orang bawah ni susah. Degil, besar kepala, tak patuh arahan. Semua ada. Stres tu jangan tanya"

"Dengar pun letih"

"Dah tak ambil job buat rumah sangat. Sekarang kita bina rumah lepas tu jual. Tu lagi senang"

"Abang, pasal Putra Heights tu kan kontraktor ke siapa yang salah?"

"Tu nanti jawab. Soalan tadi tu, kebarangkalian nak perang kena fikir jauh sebab masing-masing ada nuklear. Trump cuma ulang balik taktik lama dia. Dulu dia buat dekat Jepun, berjaya. Sekarang dengan China. Yang jahatnya, dia cuba melesetkan ekonomi. Bila ekonomi menurun, harga hartanah, saham jatuh. Trump dengan kawan-kawan dia boleh beli semua dengan harga murah. Enjoy bila harga naik. Nanti la kita sembang ehh macam dulu tak belajar ekonomi masa dekat sekolah. Beria tanya"

"Dengar kuliah suami lagi best"

"Ada ke sembang benda ni. Sembang la benda lain. Duduk jauh kan rindu hehe"

"Rindu kita tak?"

"Rindu"

"Rindu apa?"

"Ada la hahahahahaha"

Panggilan telefon

8/4/2025

Luqman

Daddy: Luqman suka tengok bintang?

Luqman: *angguk*

Daddy: Cantik, kan?

Luqman: *angguk*

Daddy: Luqman tak suka susu almond?

Luqman: *angguk*

Daddy: Patut tadi tak habis minum. Nanti kita minum susu lain, okey?

Luqman: *angguk*

Daddy: Hari ni Luqman buat semua terbaik. Daddy bangga dengan Luqman

Luqman: *peluk*

_

Mata berair :(

Ikan

Daddy: Kenapa Hasha pandang ikan?

Hasha: Ikan tak pandai berenang

Daddy: Amboi. Ikan yang tak pandai berenang

Minyak kelapa dara

Raysha: Daddy makan apa?

Daddy: Minyak kelapa dara

Raysha: Daddy cakit perut?

Daddy: Amboi. Minyak je daddy sakit perut eh

Ayam

Daddy: Raysha nak apa?

Raysha: Kai

Daddy: Ha? Apa pulak tu?

Raysha: Acha nak kai

Daddy: Kita cakap bahasa Melayu la, mana daddy faham

Raysha: Acha nok aye

Daddy: Tu bukan bahasa Melayu. Melayu la tapi Melayu Pattani. Cakap Melayu biasa

Raysha: Acha nak ayam

Daddy: Haaa! Ayam! Adoih!

Wednesday, 9 April

7:00 AM

Brush teeth

Bath

Pick clothes

Hang towels

Make the bed (arrange pillows)

8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:30 AM

Light exercise

Walk barefoot on the beach

8:50 AM

DIY woodworking project

9:20 AM

Avocado toast + almond milk

9:40 AM

Basic arithmetic

10:00 AM

Play with musical instruments

10:30 AM

Cottage cheese + fruit + plain water

Rest

11:00 AM

Read storybook

11:20 AM

Walk outside

11:45 AM

Lunch

Brush teeth

Nap

2:00 PM

Smoothie

Dance

2:30 PM

Kidnap prevention training

2:45 PM

Free play

3:00 PM

Science experiment

3:30 PM

Chia pudding + plain water

Rest

4:00 PM

Craft activity

4:30 PM

Free play

5:00 PM

Outdoor activity - Nature Scavenger Hunt

6:00 PM

Fruit + plain water

Bath

Rest

7:30 PM

Dinner

Clean the table

Wash dishes

8:15 PM

Listen to oldies songs

Bonding with daddy

8:40 PM

Drink milk

Brush teeth

Storybook (Islamic hero story)

Sleep

Kakak

My daughter called me, and she sounded really shaken. Over the past two days, she’s been stopped and questioned by the police three times. She hasn’t joined any protests about Gaza—I had advised her not to, for her own safety—but even so, she and her friend have been intimidated on the street. She told me she’s feeling unsafe and deeply unsettled. She doesn’t want to stay there anymore and is seriously considering taking a one-year break to step away from everything. She was also feeling down today. She discovered that Waterstones, the UK's leading bookstore (often considered the British equivalent of Barnes & Noble), has stopped shipping all items to the US due to the new tariffs announced by the newly elected US President. This upset her because she loves their collection, and it was one of her favorite ways to connect with literature from abroad.

My son

1. Educational Resources:

Books:

• The Economist Guide to Investment Strategy by Peter Stanyer

• Factfulness: Ten Reasons Why We're Wrong About the World—And Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling

• The Most Important Thing: Uncommon Sense for the Thoughtful Investor by Howard Marks

• Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits by Philip Fisher

• The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John Bogle

• Stocks for the Long Run by Jeremy Siegel

Online Courses:

• Investopedia Academy

2. Developing Practical Skills:

• Paper Trading:

• Investopedia's Stock Simulator

• ThinkOrSwim by TD Ameritrade

• Excel Skills:

• LinkedIn Learning
• Excel Exposure

• Financial Modeling:

• Formulas

• Data analysis techniques

• Market Trends:

• Study market trends, economic indicators, and factors influencing the market

3. Networking & Internships:

• Virtual Finance Events:

• Webinars

• Internships:

• Investment firms

• Financial institutions

• Fintech startups

 Top Firms:

• Goldman Sachs
• JPMorgan
• Morgan Stanley
• Jane Street
• SIG
• Maverick Trading
• Topstep Trader

4. Trading Simulators:

• TopstepTrader

• MarketWatch Virtual Stock Exchange

5. Building a Portfolio:

• Start Small: Diversified portfolio

• ETF Investments: Invest in low-cost exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
• 
  

6. Joining Communities:

• Reddit Finance Subreddits:

• r/investing

• r/finance

• r/stocks

• The Trader’s Podcast

_

I’ve been updating this outline since he was 11 years old. He’s always accompanied me to work, and over time, he developed a strong passion for trading and the stock market. I’ve supported his growth through online courses (both free and paid), webinars, trading simulators, and a wide range of reading materials. He’s a hardworking boy, full of curiosity and motivation. He’s currently taking an economics class and really enjoys it. Science isn’t his favorite subject—maybe that’s why he even avoids touching leaves. He has a natural entrepreneurial spirit. 

He runs small businesses like selling nasi lemak, sandwiches, and hotdogs at school, and sets up stalls during school events. He’s also started doing a bit of small-scale trading and is very disciplined with money. I give him $50 for two days, and he usually spends just $7. He avoids buying food or snacks outside and prefers to spend on books. He also likes to treat his younger siblings to ice cream or chocolate now and then—it’s his way of giving back. He’s always been wise beyond his years and never shies away from rolling up his sleeves to get things done.

_

Name: Umar

Age: 17

Career Goals: Finance Professional, Trading Specialist, Economic Analyst

Tuesday, 8 April

7:00 AM

Brush teeth

Shower

7:30 AM

Breakfast

7:50 AM

Light exercise

Deep breathing

8:15 AM

Gardening activity

8:35 AM

Basic literacy

9:00 AM

Drink milk

Singing & dancing

9:30 AM

Read a vehicle-themed picture book

10:30 AM

Free play

11:30 AM

Lunch

Brush teeth

Nap time

2:00 PM

Eat fruit

2:20 PM

Learn about animals

2:35 PM

Sensory play

3:00 PM

Free play

4:00 PM

Outdoor activity – Mini Military Module (running, jumping, climbing, crawling)

5:00 PM

Juice + crackers

Rest

Listen to piano music

5:30 PM

Go for a car ride

6:30 PM

Rest

Take a bath

Get ready for the mosque

7:40 PM

Dinner

Clear the table

Wipe the table

Bring dishes to the sink

8:20 PM

Read a book from the “National Figures” series

8:35 PM

Drink milk

Brush teeth

Listen to Quran recitation

Sleep

Nagging: The Hidden Negative Impact

Emotional Stress in Relationships and Health

(Based on studies from University of Michigan & Denmark, 2014)

1. Cause: Stressful Relationships

• Frequent arguments, criticism, or nagging
• Unhealthy communication patterns
• Emotional pressure (especially on men)

2. Scientific Effects of Chronic Stress

• Body releases cortisol (stress hormone)
• Long-term high cortisol levels disrupt:

• Immune system
• Blood pressure
• Sleep
• Mental health

3. Research Findings

a. University of Michigan (5-year study, 1,200+ couples)

Linked stress to:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Weakened immune system
• Depression & sleep issues

b. Denmark Study (9,800 adults, ages 36–52)

Emotional stress =

• 2–3x higher risk of early death
• Increased internal inflammation
• Faster onset of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)

4. Conclusion:

• Nagging isn’t always wrong, but:
• When communication becomes toxic or constant
• It can create serious emotional and physical stress.

Solution:

• Practice healthy communication
• Learn to manage emotional stress

Sperm Selection and Fertilization Process

Sperm Selection and Fertilization Process (Based on studies from Stockholm University & Manchester NHS Foundation Trust)

1. Traditional Misconception

• Fastest sperm does not necessarily enter the ovary

2. Scientific Findings

• Ovary has selective receptors
• Allows only the healthiest sperm to enter
• Not necessarily the first or the fastest

3. Study Details Researchers:

Stockholm University (Sweden) & Manchester NHS Foundation Trust (UK)

Published in: The Royal Society

Debunks the theory:

Fastest sperm does not always penetrate the ovary

Selection process:

• Sperm selected by female reproductive cells
• Based on chemical attraction

John Fitzpatrick (Associate Professor, Stockholm University):

•  "Human eggs release chemicals called chemo-attractants that draw sperm towards the unfertilized egg."

4. Sperm Journey

• Millions of sperm reach the ovary
• Only the best are allowed to enter

5. Fertilization Process

• If a healthy sperm meets the egg (ovum):
• Process of creating new life begins
• If fertilization does not occur:
• Egg’s journey ends in the uterus
• Egg is broken down and expelled through menstruation

4/1

Propylene glycol

Propylene glycol is used as an antifreeze agent in car radiators and in vapes. It is also used in food products, such as in bread and ice cream, to help retain moisture, soften textures, and maintain consistency.

Hantar cinta

"Kita hantar cinta. Dapat tak?"

"Mesej ke? Tak ada pun"

"Cinta aje"

"Dekat mana?"

"Hihi abang, abang"

"Apa? Yela abang tak dapat apa pun. Internet problem kot"

"Hihihihi"

"Apa, Ra?"

"Abang dah makan?"

"Dah. Adam masak kari ayam. Pedas. Umar cakap tak pedas langsung"

"Adam ni kan. Sat agi kita bebel kat dia"

"Bebel, bebel. Pedas sangat tapi dia cakap tak campur cili blender. Rempah kari je"

"Panjang ngadu. Cinta dapat tak?"

"Haa dapat. Simpan dekat bibir hahahaha lambat"

Panggilan telefon

5/4/2025

Pendakwa Raya v. Arumugam a/l Subramaniam and Pendakwa Raya v. Steven Lim Beng Chuan

Case Title: Pendakwa Raya v. Arumugam a/l Subramaniam and Pendakwa Raya v. Steven Lim Beng Chuan

Facts of the Case:

Date & Location: The incident happened around 1991 in Malaysia.

The two accused—Arumugam a/l Subramaniam and Steven Lim Beng Chuan—along with two other unidentified accomplices, broke into a house around dawn.

The victims were a married couple with a 1 year 4-month-old daughter.

What Happened:

The group tied up the husband, beat him, and robbed the house.

The wife was gang-raped by all four intruders in full view of her husband and child.

The acts were extremely inhuman, degrading, and violent.

Trial Court Decision:

Both accused were found guilty of gang robbery and rape.

However, the Sessions Court (initial trial court) gave what many viewed as a light sentence:

10 years in prison

8 strokes of the cane

Shockingly, the accused were reported to have laughed and joked in the dock after the sentence was read.

Court of Appeal Decision:

The Prosecution appealed, arguing the sentence was manifestly inadequate for such a brutal crime.

The Court of Appeal agreed and enhanced the sentence:

35 years in prison

24 strokes of the cane

Monday, 7 April

7:00 AM

Brush teeth

Shower

7:30 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM

Light exercise

Deep breathing

Grounding in the garden

8:40 AM

DIY electronics

9:15 AM

Yogurt

10:00 AM

Free play

10:40 AM

Geography map

11:10 AM

Singing & dancing

11:45 AM

Lunch

Brush teeth

Nap

2:00 PM

Cereal

2:30 PM

Formal event protocol

3:00 PM

Free play

3:30 PM

Milk

Jigsaw puzzle

4:30 PM

Smoothie

Pancakes

5:00 PM

Clean the yard

Separate the trash

5:30 PM

Playground

6:15 PM

Pudding

6:30 PM

Shower

Get ready for the mosque

7:40 PM

Dinner

Clean the table

8:20 PM

Quran reflection

Salawat together

8:40 PM

Milk

Brush teeth

Moral story reading

Sleep

Ahad, 6 April

7:00 pagi

Gosok gigi

Mandi

7:30 pagi

Sarapan

Kemas bilik

8:30 pagi

Bagi ikan & kura-kura makan

Siram pokok bunga

9:00 pagi

Aktiviti kraf

9:30 pagi

Nestum & Oat

9:45 pagi

Eksperimen cahaya

10:15 pagi

Aktiviti bebas

11:35 pagi

Makan tengah hari

Gosok gigi

Tidur

2:00 petang

Mandi

Smoothie

Bersiap keluar

3:00 petang

Edar pizza & air kotak kepada pekerja pembersihan di marina

4:30 petang

Balik rumah

Makan buah

Rehat

5:30 petang

Latihan asas pertahanan diri

5:50 petang

Jalan-jalan naik kereta

6:35 petang

Mandi

Minum susu

Aktiviti bebas

7:40 malam

Makan malam

Angkat pinggan

Kemas meja

8:15 malam

Baca puisi

8:30 malam

Minum susu

Gosok gigi

Dengar instrumental

Tidur

Sabtu, 5 April

7:00 pagi

Gosok gigi

Mandi

7:40 pagi

Sarapan

Senaman ringan

8:15 pagi

Balik rumah

8:30 pagi

Siram pokok dalam green house

9:00 pagi

Bagi ikan & kura-kura makan

9:30 pagi

Nature walk

10:30 pagi

Balik rumah

Nestum & Oat

Rehat

11:00 pagi

Mandi

11:40 pagi

Makan tengah hari

Minum susu

Gosok gigi

Tidur

2:00 petang

Yogurt & buah

2:30 petang

Lego

3:15 petang

Globe

3:45 petang

Aktiviti bebas

4:00 petang

Minum petang

Bersiap pergi masjid (L&D)

4:30 petang

Aktiviti bebas (R&H)

5:00 petang

Pantai

6:15 petang

Mandi

Rehat

Minum susu

7:40 malam

Makan malam

Angkat pinggan

Kemas meja

8:15 malam

Aktiviti bebas

8:50 malam

Tengok langit

9:00 malam

Minum susu

Gosok gigi

Baca buku cerita

Tidur

Tarif Trump

Perhatian dunia kini tertumpu kepada tindakan Amerika Syarikat yang diketuai oleh Donald Trump dalam menaikkan tarif terhadap pelbagai negara. Langkah ini dilihat sebagai permulaan kepada satu era baharu dalam perang perdagangan global. Ekonomi dunia dijangka akan mengalami kejutan yang hebat, dengan kemungkinan berlakunya kegawatan ekonomi yang tidak dapat di elakkan. Keadaan ini pastinya akan memberi kesan besar kepada golongan pekerja, sama ada yang berkemahiran tinggi mahupun yang bekerja di peringkat bawahan. Sebagai tindak balas, China telah mengenakan tarif balas sebanyak 34 peratus terhadap Amerika Syarikat. Dalam satu kenyataan rasmi, China turut mengumumkan sekatan eksport terhadap unsur nadir bumi, iaitu sekumpulan 17 unsur kimia dalam jadual berkala — termasuk lantanida, skandium, dan yttrium — yang amat penting dalam penghasilan teknologi moden seperti bateri kereta elektrik, telefon pintar, skrin LED, sistem pertahanan, dan peluru berpandu.

Tindakan China mengawal bekalan unsur nadir bumi dilihat sebagai strategi yang sangat berpengaruh dalam konteks geopolitik kerana Amerika Syarikat sangat bergantung kepada China, yang merangkumi hampir 80 peratus daripada keseluruhan importnya. Unsur ini penting dalam pelbagai sektor, termasuk teknologi maju, pertahanan, dan pengeluaran produk elektronik. Sekatan yang dikenakan oleh China berpotensi menjejaskan rantaian bekalan global secara besar-besaran. Langkah agresif dalam menaikkan tarif perdagangan terhadap China telah mencetuskan ketegangan ekonomi yang meluas. Perang dagangan antara dua kuasa ekonomi terbesar dunia ini akan menyebabkan kesan yang meruncing kepada ekonomi dunia tidak hanya terhad kepada Amerika Syarikat, malah  seluruh dunia. Perubahan besar pasti berlaku bukan sahaja kepada pasaran ekonomi dunia malah mempengaruhi hubungan antarabangsa dan kestabilan politik di seluruh negara akibat keangkuhan Presiden AS itu. 

Mbak Ponti

"Perempuan…biasa la. Mood okey, dia layan. Mood tak okey, dia buat jadi tunggul kayu. Salah cakap kena marah. Tak tanya, nampak tak prihatin. Serba tak kena"

"Emang pun. Kita perasan jugak. Setengah tu perangai cam mbak ponti"

"Hahahahahaha"

23/3

Tak terjawab

"Dari mula kawin tak pernahlah dia raya kampung suami. Tak kisah raya apa"

"Tak balik langsung?"

"Tak"

"Betul sujud dekat bini"

"Queen control"

"Tu memang jenis sayang bini. Dia yang rela. Takut jenis tak laku je dulu. Dapat bini kena la tunduk sujud. Dah bini tu je nak dekat dia"

"Tak terjawab kita"

Dayus

"Tak nak aaa tengok gambar raya orang. Tudung pendek, stokin tak pakai"

"Dalam rumah"

"Dalam rumah ke luar rumah ke, dah tahu tangkap gambar letak Facebook tutup la aurat tu betul-betul. Jangan nampak kita persendakan agama. Tak kira tua muda sama je. Kaki perempuan tu aurat. Tak nak pakai stokin, labuhkan kain. Bukannya susah pun"

"Bakpo ngepek ko kito? Kito pakai stokin doh"

"Anti laki dayus. Ada bini tak reti tegur. Habis rosak pahala orang tengok"

"Tok soh tengok"

"Ara yang tunjuk"

"Sosial media, bang"

"Apa punya laki. Tak kisah bukan muhrim tengok aurat bini. Tegur la"

"Dia pulak sakit kepala"

"Ye la masalah ummah"

"Susah nau kawin laki serius"

"Serius bab aurat tu penting. Tegas dalam beragama"

_

"Facebook punnnn naik terus eh pasal dayus. Nampak nau menelinga"

"Bagus la tu. Peringatan"

31/3

Petang raya

Daddy: Raysha, Ibu tanya dah mandi belum?

Raysha: Dok gi

Ibu: Bakpo tok mandi? Petey doh ni

Raysha: Malah

Daddy: Habis la Ibu jadi singa. Daddy tak tahu

Pili air

"Tak ada orang ke jaga punai dia? Lapar berketurunan tu"

"Drama Melayu biasa la"

"Gersang sangat macam pili air"

"Pili apa, bang?"

"Ye la. Meleleh je. Kawin lain la dah banyak duit. Tu pun nak ajar. Bangang"

"Acam tu aje dia bangangkan orang"

"Dah memang bangang"

Padamnya Pelita Syawal

"Laa tua ke? Astu la tulis surat Jawi. Acam laki kita"

"Dari tadi tengok baru tahu tua?"

"Kita tengok separuh aje"

"Lepas tu kaitkan dengan laki"

"Jawi dan lelaki tua sama hihi"

"Ahhh"

"Nak baca diari abang, eh tiba"

"Ada diari, ending mesti mati"

"Ha'a. Dah mati pun"

"Haih drama Melayu ni"

Happy Eid Mubarak

Happy Eid Mubarak

It's 2:43 AM in Bangkok, and I'm working late into the night. The earthquake's aftermath has been severe, leaving many in shock and some traumatized. I spoke with the project head, who seems reluctant to continue. Facing potential losses, he asked me to put the project on hold while he seeks external funding, and I agreed. Although some work still needs to be done, heavy machinery and vehicles cannot access the site due to earthquake-induced fissures.

Yang pergi jangan di nanti

Lama saya ambil masa untuk jelaskan kepada anak-anak. Bukan mudah untuk menyakinkan mereka. Mereka meminta saya menunggu, kalau-kalau ada khabar baik. Kalau-kalau yang pergi akan kembali. Saya tahu yang pergi tidak akan kembali, walau hati masih menanti. Saya berpegang pada prinsip 去る者は追わず. Saya beritahu anak-anak, apabila seseorang meninggalkan kita, itu bukan bererti dia membenci atau mementingkan diri. Kadang-kadang, jalan menuju bahagia adalah meninggalkan.

Waktu itu, separuh hati saya masih menginginkan dia, separuh lagi mahu melangkah pergi. Saya sudah cuba menerima dia kembali, namun saya tahu — hati saya terlalu hancur untuk memulakan semula. Satu petikan dalam filem Mann yang saya masih ingat — "Amat mudah untuk meruntuhkan sebuah kepercayaan daripada membinanya semula." Cinta? Mungkin yang tinggal hanya rindu yang bersandarkan kenangan. Saya tak mampu menyintai seorang wanita yang mencintai lelaki lain.

Saya bertahan sehingga saya tidak lagi diperlukan. Tiada apa yang perlu dipertahankan, lalu saya memilih untuk mundur. Hati saya hancur. Setiap hari ditemani air mata. Setiap hari mengingat dia. Saya ikhlaskan dia pergi kerana cinta yang mendalam. Sukar, tetapi saya relakan. Mencintainya mengajar saya banyak perkara. Barangkali, itulah hakikat cinta — kita belajar tentang kehidupan. Saya tak pernah berdendam, malah sentiasa mendoakan agar hidupnya dilimpahi kegembiraan.

Malam itu, saya duduk sendirian di dapur. Umar turun dari bilik untuk mengisi botol air. Setiap malam sebelum tidur, dia akan ke dapur mengambil air — tabiat yang tidak pernah berubah sejak kecil. Dia mewarisi kebiasaan itu daripada seseorang. Dia tidak lagi bertanya. Mungkin sudah lupa. Lebih baik dia lupa daripada mengingat kisah silam. Kali terakhir dia bertanya, "Daddy, Mama dah kahwin? Mesti Mama lupa adik." Sejak itu, dia belajar melupakan. La vida va avanti.

Saya mohon agar Ara rahsiakan komunikasi saya dengan orang lama daripada pengetahuan mereka, agar nostalgia kekal sebagai nostalgia. Kebahagiaan yang ada sudah cukup. Saya tidak mahu ia hilang hanya kerana mengejar bayangan masa silam yang telah lama berlalu. Saya juga tidak mahu menjadi contoh yang buruk kepada anak-anak dengan terus berhubung dengan seseorang yang sepatutnya saya lepaskan. Biarlah ia kekal di luar pengetahuan mereka. Itu lebih baik.

Entah sudah berapa lama kita berpisah;

ratusan hari, ribuan hari,

aku tidak tahu pasti.

Yang aku tahu adalah:

tidak pernah ada waktu yang tepat untuk melupakanmu.

(patahan.ranting)

Mac 26, 2025

Kapur

"Ara, kapur abang dah habis"

"Sekotak kita beli ri tu"

"Kontot-kontot macam misai Hitler je ada"

"Kita suruh beli white board tak nak. Old school sangat"

"Feel tak sama. Kira guna kapur rasa excited macam hmm heee"

"Acam apa?"

"Acam ngilu-ngilu tu hahahahaha"

"Suko"

"Aummmmmm"

"Lupa terus pasal kapur"

"Ha tu la kapur habis"

*peluk*

_

Every husband wants a feminine wife, but I’ve come to realize that femininity isn’t just something women are born with—it’s something nurtured over time. She speaks in such a soft, soothing tone, and I love that about her. Her spontaneous jokes always catch me off guard and make me laugh. She never raises her voice like other women, never fierce or harsh. Every time I’m with her, I feel this warmth, this sense of comfort and being truly welcomed. She makes me feel honored just by being by her side. 

She’s such a lovely wife.

Mimpi

"Mimpi Kajang ek"

"Dah tahu nangis kejut la"

"Ase acam tak sampai hati nak kejut… dalam mimpi aje abang boleh jumpa dia…"

"Abang nak mandi"

"Is your heart tryna reach hers?"

"Tak"

"Jawab la iye, kita nak jealous"

"Tak payah buang masa benda tak ada faedah"

"Bekeng"

24/3

Kambing

Daddy: Hasha tak nak tidur? Lambat lagi sampai

Hasha: Tak nak

Daddy: Kita kira kambing nak?

Hasha: Daddy asyik suruh Asha kira kambing. Asha tak suka kambing

Daddy: Bukan daddy ke patut bebel dekat Hasha? Ni terbalik

Hasha: Asha tak suka kambing

Daddy: Apa masalah dengan kambing tu?

Hasha: Kambing tak mandi