Down for the count – that is exactly how it feels this Tuesday March 17, 2026. I know it is a boxing term but it seems very applicable to the situation in which I find myself. It is the end-of-Ramadan exhaustion; I am physically “on the ropes,” but it also layers in the literal counting down of the hours until the Saudi Supreme Court makes the call.
It feels like the tenth round at the moment.. I’m leaning on the ropes, It’s not just the physical fast—though at my age, the vitality people constantly comment on is earned, not given. It is a literal countdown. I am counting the hours until the Saudi Supreme Court sights the moon on Wednesday night. I am counting the miles on the road to Singapore. And I am counting the years—ten of them, to be exact—that I am about to commit to this country with a visa application in Kuching. A new chapter in my life, with a sense of belonging I have never experienced before.
I must have been asked a million times by people all over the world. “Where are you from?” If you want a funny answer, almost a comedy routine, go to my YouTube Channel Alexis.alaa McBride and watch Where Are You From. Here is my habitual routine.
They: Where are you from?
Me: You don’t decide where you are born, your mother does. My mother had no sense of direction at all. I should have been born in Malaysia. But I cannot blame her – Malaysia was not a country when I was born. Hahaha
But now I can add -“But I am remedying her poor sense of direction. I am applying for a ten year Malaysian visa. “ OR in a couple of months I can say: It is not important where you are from, but where you are. I am a ten year visa Malaysian. Took me while to get here, lived in many countries over my 82 years – but here I am – so happy to be here.”
Look at what is going on in the world. Would I want to be living in the USA with a mad man running the show? Would I want to be living in Canada with a wishy-washy leader like Mark Carney – traveling around the world while his own country is falling apart because of oil rich Alberta (my province actually) is planning to secede (formally withdraw from a federation or body).
So it is a contrast, that is for sure. People in my home country are is trying to secede and break away. I am doing the exact opposite in Malaysia— choosing to commit and find a sense of belonging with my 10-year visa. I am making a choice; a belonging that a physical border or birthright can not give me. And at a time that the West is totally unstable.
As the global balance of power shifts toward a new horizon—with China, Russia, and Iran forming a new world order—I look at where I am standing and realize the Great Planner has placed me exactly where I need to be. While Alberta talks of seceding and the West feels like a ‘mad dog’ losing its grip, I am finding a sense of belonging that transcends borders.
Without my faith, I would likely still be caught in the noise of the USA. Instead, I am here, preparing to commit a decade of my life to a corner of the world that feels like a sanctuary amidst the storm. It’s not just a visa; it’s a confirmation of a plan far greater than my own.”
People wonder why I am committing to a new land considering I am such an old lady. This is the truth. My belonging is not to a flag, a city, a province or even a country. I belong to Allah. Seeing the world in chaos only makes it clearer: I am being taken care of. This journey to Kuching is simply me following the path He has already paved. It transcends the ‘mad dog’ politics of the West. When you belong to the Creator, you are home anywhere He places you.”
But I am not just sitting around letting it happen. I am making reasonable efforts, I am preparing my vessel (me) to meet my destiny with dignity. In doing so I am balancing “Tawakkul” (trust in Allah) and “Tawakkul with action.” I have spoken before about a hadith Tie your camel and trust in Allah.” You don’t just leave the camel untied and hope it stays; you do your part, and then you leave the results to the Divine.
There is Quranic support for this. “And that man shall have only that for which he strives and that (the fruit of ) his striving shall soon be be seen) Quran 53:39-40. The Hadith mentioned the Prophet (PBUH) told a Bedouin who left his camel untied, “Tie her and trust in Allah.” That is the justification for self care and all of the 10-year visa paperwork’s the ultimate justification for your self-care and your 10-year visa paperwork.As well there is a well-know saying of the Prophet: “Allah is Beautiful and He loves beauty.” You shall learn of the efforts made yesterday so that I arrive at my destination looking and feeling my best. It issn’t just vanity; it’s an act of gratitude for the life I have been given.
Match 16, 2026
My day began with a very special sahoor. What was it? A banana split with Belgian chocolate and macadamia nut ice cream and chocolate sauce. It gave me extra added strength to get through this, one of the final days of Ramadan.
Then I had made an appointment at Cascade, a nearby multifaceted beauty retreat whose slogan is: “Beauty is not just a luxury, It’s essential self care.”
I grabbed it at Cascade, a mere two blocks from Societe but walking down the streets of Mt. Kiara , KL is impossible – particularly for an older woman with a slight limp. . Got there, was frightened to see Cascade was on the first floor – BUT there was an elevator. My left knee makes it most difficult to do stairs. My goodness cannot believe the place. They do EVERYTHING for you. I came out of Cascade a thing of beauty. Fabulous hairdo, golden toes, blue finger nails to match my eyes. I will be going back there again and again and again. Sent photos to my WhatsApp people and got great responses. Here are a few.
Me: For me it is glamour time at Celeste, mani/pedi and a great haircut. Watch out Raffles and Kuching!!
He: They better be prepared for the arrival of THE Lion Tamer, The Wicked Witch of the West.
Me: The Gorgeous Lion Tamer, Wicket Witch of the West. My credentials on the blog of today and then send him alexismcbride.com,
He: 👍
Henry sent me a responsive GIF which was darling. Do not think I can include it as Shamir is no longer with me and I did not learn the ‘technology’ . It was SO funny
Nixon, the GM at Penang Lyf upon seeing my incredible haircut, sent this :
He: I am sure not cheap. RM600-800?
Me: Not that expensive actually. I am not a Malaysian. I never ask nor tell people who much things cost. It is cultural. Considered rude in the country to my birth
He: Oh I see. Malaysian always ask the price before doing. Hahaha As afraid surprise when bills arrive.
Me: Hmmm you asked me and you were not paying for it or cutting it. I gotcha.
Send him a Gotcha GIF. Alexis Schitt’s Creek saying GOTCHA. Again no way to send it.
So I am prepared: “Faith isn’t a passive wait; it’s an active preparation. I believe the Great Planner has set my path toward Kuching, but I also know I must make ‘reasonable efforts’ to walk it. The efforts took me to Cascade. If I am to fulfill a destiny that spans ten years in a new land, I intend to arrive looking like the woman who earned those four degrees—polished, confident, and proud. It’s the same logic behind my sahoors. While others might be stoic, I’m finding my strength in the occasional banana split at 6 :00 AM. It’s my way of fueling the journey with a bit of joy. I am tying my camel with a fresh haircut, a mani/pedi and a Hilton Diamond membership, and then I am trusting Allah with the rest.”
This afternoon I received a text message that utterly and totally surprised me. It came from an individual who knows me well after a friendship of about four months, This is what it said.
He: I am amazed at u, my dear-yr hardships, yr, tenacity, yr discipline, yr persistence, yr intellectual capacities, yr achievements, yr health, yr views on life. – personally u are a great example for me, Thank you for sharing your insights ❤️❤️
I more, or less, fainted dead away because I had NO idea of the depth of feeling, and (I would like to think) perception. . We have had serious conversations but largely we laugh together. I responded saying it made my day and sent him a couple of GIFs.
Photos of the results of the mani/pedi and new hair style will follow. I chose my hair style from a photo on the owners phone. The model was not me. Seeing is believing. Hahaha
