Category Archives: Numbers

Flashbacks, Jibber Jabber, Numbers

Kaput

2023 has been a freaky year where quite a number of things went kaput (kapot)…

It started out with me fainting in a restaurant in March. Now, that was a health scare I do not wish on anyone.

Then the TV went kapot in early April – yep, the same TV that we brought to the recycling park a couple of days ago. In May, the washing machine stopped working. Fortunately, it was resurrected by D with parts we bought online. In June, I had a puncture in my front bike tire, while cycling to a dental appointment. Damn?!

In August, both D and I became victims of banking algorithms and have to end our relationship with a certain financial institution. Since there was not a single thread of wrong doing on our part, I took my time and closed my accounts ever so gradually. In September, I was able to sell off my mutual funds with a nice profit. Yeah for me.

When I renewed my library membership at the end of September, things got really messy. But with the help of a translation program, I was able to get the matter fixed via email. My love-hate relationship with AI… *sigh*

October, the condensation in our living room panel windows got worse and it was decided that we will have them replaced. Fortunately, insurance is going to help pay off a big part of that cost.

November, the freezer went berserk and had to be turned off completely. A few days later and by some sort of sorcery, I fixed it. What?

D an I are handy people. And if you care to look and do your research, you will most likely come across some good options and solutions. I discovered the Epley Maneuver and managed to fix the lingering vertigo six weeks after my fall. Not all is doom and gloom. 🙂

Oh yeah, my 16-year old Sony sound cancellation head phones also entered the ‘list of kaput things’ this month.

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Belgium, Numbers, Simplify, Wealth & Creativity

In Search Of Money

I have been watching a new Flemish TV program called Geld Gezocht. The following are my takeaways from each episode so far:

  • Rethink and optimise one’s job. Cut out bad and unhealthy habits. Rethink conveniences that cost. Cook at home.
  • Be aware of what you still have in the pantry. Make a food budget. Do grocery with a shopping list. Plan your meals. Do not spoil your children too much.
  • Recognise and re-organise your large spendings. Reaccess your relationships with ‘trusted’ brands. Always read the fine lines!
  • Compare price and quality of items you need. White goods are usually worth it. Be timely and organised with paperwork. There are usually ‘cheaper’ options with regards to holiday trips and expensive hobbies.
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Flashbacks, Numbers, Travels

Two Oceans

When grandma passed away in October 2015, I crossed two oceans to be at her funeral.

The first ocean I crossed was the Atlantic. I flew from Europe to the US to pick up my parents, so that we may travel together back to Malaysia.

The second ocean was the Pacific…

I did what I did. I am who I am because I have observed and learned from the people I met in life.

Be there. Be kind to others, especially your elders. When time comes, you will want others to have consideration and kindness towards you.

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Belgium, Malaysia, Numbers, Wealth & Creativity

Partitioned

Yesterday, I emailed the city hall with enquiries. I will probably not hear back from them anytime soon and need to follow up on the matter next week. Administration stuck in quicksand. *sigh*

This morning, I received a forwarded email from my mother regarding one of the properties in Malaysia. *sigh*

But first thing first. I need to live the here and now…

At noon, D and I got on our bicycles and cycled to a restaurant nearby to celebrate his father’s belated birthday lunch. The four of us enjoyed our food and then continued the get-together at our home with coffee. That was my afternoon in short.

In the evening, I contacted my mother and we discussed what to do with the paperwork concerning the Malaysian property.

My brain is (and has been for decades) partitioned into different time-zones, continents, and administrative styles.

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Food & Drinks, Numbers, Simplify

September Moon

Yesterday I took a short walk to the weekly market. But first, I dropped by the grocery store to buy a birthday card for my sister. At the market, I bought two eierkoeken and four mattentaarten. Before heading home, I did a simple currency exchange by ATM cash withdrawal.

At home, I finished my one helping of home-made seafood bisque and my leftover fish curry.

This morning, I wished my sister a happy 50th birthday, and told her that I will send her birthday card by post. 🙂

Before lunch, D and I went to a drinks centre to buy beers for self consumption and a gift basket of wines for tomorrow’s gathering with our next door neighbours.

Throughout the day, we used up and consumed leftovers of bacon strips, Greek yoghurt, and three crepes. No food waste!

In the evening, D and I stepped out to the terrace briefly to behold the last Super Harvest Moon of 2023.

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Being Human, Flashbacks, Numbers

Four Kilometres

Yesterday morning, I walked to the post office to acquire and send off a prepaid self-addressed envelope. I assumed that there will be a postal system or procedure for my request. Nope, they do not, I have assumed wrongly. Not wanting to buy the €4 package of 25 envelopes, I decided to walk home. But first, I withdrew money from the ATM.

At home, I took a few envelopes (to be sure) and walked back to the post office. This time I got an older post office worker attending to my request. I ended up buying five priority stamps, used two of that, and stuffed one envelop in another. Ha!

Today, I have walked 4km before lunch time. I am in the process of putting administrative things in order, moving on with the next phase of my life, step by step.

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Numbers, Wealth & Creativity

Selling

A month ago, I placed ‘limit sell orders’ on a few stocks I have in my portfolio. Yesterday, my Nexgen shares were sold. I did not make a profit with these. It is the stock market – you win some, you lose some.

Today, I sold off a mutual fund which I bought years ago. This was part of the process of ending a business relationship with a particular bank. I have done no wrong. What else can I say? So, I am just going close up shop with this business and move my funds somewhere else. This mutual fund, which I jokingly called my invisible car, has earned me quite a nice profit.

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Events, Food & Drinks, Numbers, Travels

International Beers & Family Barbecue

Yesterday after dinner, D and I cycled six kilometres to the International Beer Festival in Zwevegem. The weather was great, there were a lot of people and the beer selection was interesting and tasty. Highlight of the evening was cycling back home in the dark after midnight! Say what you want… but twelve kilometres of cycling is an accomplishment for me. 😉

Today, we got invited by the parents to have a barbecued lunch. In such, we decided to spend time with family, took it easy and not go to the second day of the international beer festival.

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