Krismon

The price increase that affects the Gulf countries right now has also a tremendous affect on my whole family. All I can say is that, at the very same time that the price of goods increases, my family faces some financial difficulties. Being a businessman means that my dad has to take a lot of risks, and that includes losing so much money. Sadly, this year’s Hajj seemed to be so unfortunate for him. I am pretty sure it was not the first time that my dad encountered this similar problem, but this year is more obvious knowing so many expenses have been spent for the past few months, including moving to a new house and traveling to & from Australia. So we are currently trying to save as much money as we can and to live “modestly”. No more eating outside and we barely go out on the weekends (which is fine since I love staying at home anyway). We also try to reduce the number of snacks or beverages that we consume; stuffs like yoghurts, different kinds of juice, cheese (cream cheese, labneh, etc), and chocolates. Thankfully my brother, who I presumed to be very hard to convince, amazingly understands the whole situation. During his birthday (22 Feb), he didn’t ask a single thing; he would usually ask my dad to go out to eat. We try to be so blunt with him, at one point we even use the words krismon or kere just to make fun of the situation.

Last week I had a conversation with my mom about whether or not I should continue my masters degree this year. This was the second time that I reconsidered about my decision, but my mom still assured me that I should continue my study this year; despite of the difficulties that we currently are facing. Indonesian pilgrims will be coming to this country for Umrah very soon, so there should be nothing to worry about, my mom said. I am just quite worried, coz I want to prioritise my sister first; she’s due to study in Malaysia by this year. And the cost for sending the applications had caused me headache; it’s soooooo freakin expensive. I was thinking that perhaps I could work for a year to save my money for the university tuition fee. But my mom prefers me to go to uni straight away. Whatever the decision will finally be, I have sent all my applications to five different universities. Though I am too optimistic that I am not going to be accepted to any one of them (due to lack of recommendation letters), I am relying on my Dean’s Commendation — hopefully they will count it as a replacement for a recommedation letter. If I’m not accepted, I would work for a year or so; enough for me to save my money to pay for 2 semesters’s tuition fee. Whatever will happen, there’ll be advantages and disadvantages. I just hope that I will be given the best option , insya Allah.

No, I don’t want to make it sounds really bad, coz it’s actually not. Everything is alright, we are happy! This is just part of the test that God gives us. I thank Allah SWT that it happens after I graduated and left Australia. I also get a new job, which is awesome. This is a great lesson for my dad and us, as a family. I tell you one thing, being too generous is not always good!

Before I wrap up this post, I am dying to tell you guys this: a pack of eggs that used to cost 10 Riyals (= Rp. 20 thousands) and sometimes as low as 8 Riyals, now gone up to 15 Riyals… which drives us insane!!! This is the first time ever the eggs cost that much!! There are some ongoing rumours that the government killed all chickens in Riyadh because of the bird flu. People told me that the government is trying to cover this story up… away from the media, but I don’t know if it’s true or not. Well, censorship is still going on in this country.

Have a great weekend, everyone!