To need or to want ? That Is really the question

This time around, its about me and my buggy, yeah thats right , man and machine.(.plus the bank accounts and trying to keep a straight head about financing stuff , )

Once upon a time , there was this bloke who went to UK to get his further specialist training and prestigious membership.He left home , leaving behind a wife , daughter , family and an almost empty bank account inspite of selling his car , his KWSP , his life savings ( whatever little he had ). Only thing that he had was his ambition of trying to make a better man of himself and to better provide for his family in future. Jobless for 3 months before finaly getting a job as junior inspite of 6 years working experience , and skills that would put most junior consultants to shame.Never telling the whole truth to his loved ones , He managed to survive on bread , the occasional cheap rice , last minute sales of almost expired foodstuffs at Tesco's and lost 10 kgs before getting his first salary. It doesnt end there , as downgrading oneself and trying to fit in the system and the people was extmely testing his will.

Some how , Allah willing , things got better and better . Managed to get his degree after strong hardship and perseverance , got a better salary post and was in the good books of everyone eventually.

Thats when he decided to reward himself by getting a reasonably good buggy , ( tak kira laa 2nd hand pun ) , and brought back home for everyone to enjoy too. 

tenby, beautiful place 2005

local market 2005

london 2005

london 2005

my crammy hostel room 2004

its worth all the suffering to get this far, 2005

Its no brainer that the poor bugger up there is me , but what I wanted to  point out is that , this car means more than just a car to me. It reminds me of my life journey , how everyone was affected , good or bad.Yes , there have been times when my ride troubles me with the repair and maintenance , ( baru last week merengek lagi , radiaotor leaking with needed crankshaft oil seal ) but its still my car , up and running.

I dont have car mortgage anymore , only spent 1/3 of what people pay per year for their shiny new car , and can save up for other important things in life. And hey , I dont have any gross price depreciation unlike others, and not paying 2.9-3.1% interest on the loan itself. In fact , I think I'm in better financial position to prepare myself for my old age , insyallah .

So why cant people understand , even those closest to me , this car is not running on its last gas yet .It gets me places , send the kids to school ,  takes me to the local market , protects me from the sun and rain.I can save for other things , and perfectly happy with what I have now . No worries black beauty , tomorrow you're getting some new cushions and carpets for Hari Raya :) , I'll take good care of you.And thats that.

Peace everyone.