Back in January, I scoffed at the idea of a Fixed Deposit (FD) rate lower than 3%. I usually scour the business pages and online promotions to compare the best FD rates offered by financial institutions. Homework is a must for a safe home for my hard earned money. Especially when the journey was long, and the funds saved is only just comfortable. Naturally, I want returns that are reasonably higher than the inflation rate.

In February, my husband and I drove up to Fraser’s Hill to celebrate our anniversary. The weather was kind to us. Cool and breezy with intermittent sunshine. Perfect for walks in the mornings and evenings. Our accommodation was cheaper and quieter as it was during the week. The hill station was, as usual, picturesque. With pretty flowering plants that I cannot identify except for Poinsettia, which I associate with Christmas. We saw and heard birds, butterflies, dragonflies, macaques and gibbons. And, appreciated some of the good looking bungalows that dotted the undulating roads. A memorable local holiday.

In March, I went where I wanted. When I wanted. Without too much thinking or concern. I had the freedom of choice and peace of mind to visit family and friends, malls, restaurants and parks. Mid-March that changed. My freedom of movement was limited to a 10km radius and shopping for groceries and necessities. In May, it was a little less restrictive. In June – July, things were almost back to normal. With caveats – Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for businesses and individuals. In August, situations and requirements keep changing.

Based on reports, the domestic and global economy will very likely take a big hit before it picks up, and makes a recovery. When though? Hopefully, quicker than anticipated. Unemployment is inching higher. Trade and technology wars continue to be fought.  Leadership positions in many countries are being challenged and contested. There is almost a certainty in the uncertainty of things to come. 

My expectations have also changed and are changing. I too am unsure about the future. What I have is the present. And, the present … may take a while to become ‘the normal’ as I remember it pre-Covid-19. Or it might evolve into something different or better. Until then – what to do? Keep it as ‘normal’ as possible and appreciate the present. Particularly, as we, at least to me, are in a better place now than we were about five months ago, especially in terms of mobility.

In fact, my husband and I embarked on weekend day trips to get out of the not so happy ‘no-prospect of a holiday anytime soon’ situation. The trips we took, of course, were dependent on what was allowed at particular phases of the Movement Control Order (MCO), Conditional MCO and Recovery MCO. We did our first drive together to Putrajaya on Hari Raya day. It was a happy surprise to see many families celebrate the auspicious day in their colour-coordinated finest. They gathered in blue, brown, green and purple outfits for photo opportunities near the world’s largest roundabout, measuring 3.5km or 2.7 miles in diameter. This is true, at least according to Venkat Hari’s book – ‘501 Amazing facts about Malaysia.’ Just being able to venture into Putrajaya was liberating. To be able to walk in the gardens was refreshing. It was Merdeka. Freedom. Pure and Simple.

The following Saturday, our jaunt led us to Kelanang Beach. A fortuitous find on the way to Morib Beach. Quiet and peaceful, Kelanang Beach had a few visitors, who also probably needed to get out.  To breathe in some sea air sans masks while remembering to physically distance. Zoo Negara, was another adventure within state boundaries. We both enjoyed the animals and the wide open space to walk and wonder about. Later when interstate travel was allowed, we visited Port Dickson. Being able to walk on the beach was a treat. It also reminded us of when we brought my mum, and then, very young nephew and niece, to the same stretch of beach. Armed with torchlights, pails and shovels, we used to have dinner and hunt for crabs, which we never caught. They were all too quick for us. Nice.

Apart from day trips, we managed our first two-night holiday in Putrajaya. Yes, Putrajaya. It turned out to be a surprisingly interesting getaway, just 40 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur. Comfortable with the SOPs implemented during our stay in Putrajaya, we are now planning holidays to Cherating, Gem Island, Melaka and Penang.

For now, the present allows us to go to work, eat out, shop, visit family, do interstate travel and enjoy domestic holidays. Plus a promotional FD offer of 2.45% from a local bank.  Sounds pretty good to me. As I said, my expectations have changed and keep changing.