Why I do what I do.

My children are lucky. They have a mother who adores them and have all of their interest planned, so to say. Why is it planned? Well personally I want to develop their skills and expose hidden talents within. Sometimes it may not be within their scope of interest but as a parent, I know what I am doing. Bukan senang nak jadi parent. Bukan setakat beranak and menyusu. How you mold them is who they will become. Insya Allah.

Ini bukan tips untuk menjadi a perfect parent but how I tackle the issue of parenting my way. I am providing them the best of both world so to say, dunia dan akhirat. How I was raised and grew up were 100% totally the opposite.

Here, I am sitting by the pool watching my children and nephews learning to swim. I did not get the opportunity of that luxury. Forking out RM130 for 10 hours of lesson each child (RM260) is reasonable considering there are other places which charged RM180. I assume when I was growing up, this extra curricular activity were not a priority and might have been expensive.

The kids schedule are so packed at times and I find it a problem rescheduling their activities when a sudden disruption.

Both Shakira and Shakiel attends:

1)Mengaji is a must - 4 times a week.
2)KUMON - twice a week. They do Maths and English there. This is to enhance their English and Mathematical skills.

3)Piano – once a week. I want them to be musically incline so they have something they can fall back on, in case they don't do well academically. Learning piano also will help develop individual discipline.
4)Soccer – once a week for Shakiel only. I want him to have fun, mixed among other boys outside of his school boundary and be a better soccer player. Here he can learn some soccer skills. Not expecting him to become the next Christiano Ronaldo, but if it became a reality, it's a bonus. Hahaha dream on. Every Saturday waking him up for soccer practice memang buat I hilang my patience. Torturess adventure, may I add. Menangis tak nak pergi, baju tak selesa la but bila dah abis practice, suka bercerita how he performed.

5)Swimming – To learn the skill of survival, confidence and the best form of physical exercise. Frankly, if setakat swimming under water and floating tu boleh la. So I do not want the kids to become another me, I want the kids to be a good swimmer because you are able to enjoy so many things about the under water world. Swimming pun create self discipline.

Shakira has always been afraid of water and prior to this she would only play at the shallow side of the pool. Now I can see that she has the confidence to go explore beyond 5 feet deep. As a warm up, Faizal, the UITM student instructor would make them swim (soft board under the chest) 20 laps across the pool and yelled, “BEND, OPEN, CLOSE” on and on.

Shakira studied ballet when she was 3 year old but after one and a half years we withdrew her from Federal Academy of Ballet. Firstly, because she would always cry if she doesn't get the instructor's, Ms Tong, attention. And secondly, we were in the midst of shifting to Puchong. It would be a drag to commute every Saturday to Sec. 14, PJ for a 45 minutes ballet lesson. I still keep her ballet slippers as momento,...those tiny feet....hmmm so cute.

I would have continued with her ballet should she were really interested in it but she lost concentration and likes to do things her way in class. So there was no point in continuing.

I am not bullying my children. I always discussed with them if they are interested in such activity. Their opinion counts, too. But final decision rests in the parents, muahahhahhaaa. Semuanya untuk kebaikan bersama.

When I was growing up, I wanted to try so many things. But things were short lived. I lost my mom. My dad was busy with his work. I lived with my grandparents in kampung....so, I wonder what would I have been IF,...my mom were still alive?

Alhamdulillah rezeki sekarang membolehkan I give the ALL extrasss to my children. I hope one day they will understand why I do what I do..............I love you all babies.

Camping anyone?

10 Dec 2011 Al kisah ceritanya....

Mode : Romantic.
Location : Teluk Kemang. Camping Site. In a tent. By the Beach.
View : Surrounded by tall swaying coconut trees. Under the twinkling stars. Lunar eclipse. Camp fire.
Background Music : Waves hitting the beach. Soft wind playing magical tune.

It sounds like a romantic escapade as such we read in a novel.

I confess: I had never gone camping and I don't know whether I am going to enjoy myself. In fact, given the option of camping versus working 365 days a year, I’d happily choose the relative safety of my desk every day.

I was a bit skeptical with the camping trip in Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson. Why? Well, first of all camping never crossed my mind. I don't come from an outdoor adventure seeker family. Is that a crime?

So, I am not an outdoor person. My interpretation of outdoor vacation consist of shopping, shopping and more shopping. Hey, that's outdoor right? It was very difficult for me to accept the idea of a weekend in a tent. It is not my usual kind of a holiday, ya know.

My Bungalow.

Please don't get me wrong. I do like nature. I just like it from a distance. For example, from the inside of an air-conditioned car. Or in small doses, like on a short hike that ends with a hot shower in a proper bathroom.

Several weeks ago the initial campfire trip to Ulu Yam was canceled due to poor response. If the plan would have materialized, we were seriously considering to ship the kids only on the trip! Ha Ha Ha! Me and jungle a NO, NO. First thing that came to my mind was where will I poo poo and pee pee? How am I going to sleep with mosquitoes buzzing in my ears? But later they changed the location to a camping site in Teluk Kemang.

Well, I guess it turn out find. It wasn't that bad. There is always a first time for everything, as the say. So this mini family reunion was organized by my sister-in-laws. Normally once every four years, more or less, they will organized a huge reunion. Their family reunions, it turns out, are a big deal. This time round they rented out a small area of the campground and assembled our own tents. About 30 of us attended a one night tent-based reunion experience.

Setting up our own tents.

Shakira.

When I have nothing to do I felt miserable and how I longed for Internet access. The kids surely had a blast. They were on the beach the whole evening as well as the next morning.

I would like to share my likes and dislikes based on what I experienced recently on my camping trip.

1) Sand - It gets ON everything, and in the tent. After we got home, and anything worn or used while camping that can be washed in the washing machine MUST be washed separately from anything that was NOT used while camping.

2) Public Bath/Toilet - I’d just rather have my own bathroom at the end of the day too.

3)Sound Pollution - Rude campsite neighbors who loudly scrammed their bikes not matter what time of the day.

4)Now sleeping in a tent under the sky and next to the beach is no longer a tale like in romance novel. After effect ouch! Your back will ache the next few days.

LIKES.

1) Cooking was fun. But washing and cleaning up wasn't.

2) The scenery was lovely - the wind, and we saw the moon eclipse that night, light house, sound of the waves next morning when I woke up and I surprised myself by finding our surroundings actually quite lovely.

3) Watching the sunset. You closed your eyes every five minute and you can notice the change. The sun goes down and down and down, and ….gone.

4) The tide rises little by little it gets closer to the edge of our beach front.

5) Cheap entertainment : fun to watch the BBQ session, cards games.

Well, what can I say....when you get older you tend to complain a lot (more like yapping...hehehe). But instead of out bursting it, I rather let my fingers do the work here.

Would I consider doing this again? Lets just say, I will decide when the next time comes....Happy camping, campers!

6 Nov - 10 Nov 2011 Bandung Again!

Yup, I was in Bandung again. It was my third trip in less than 16 months. This round is a family affair.

My initial holiday trip to Universal Studios in Singapore was put on hold. Negative feedback from my sister and bro-in-law. And mom said she won't join if we were going to Singapore. After much discussion, Jakarta and Bandung came up. So on Hari Raya Haji all 9 of us, boarded Air Asia. Destination, Bandung.

Considering I can shop and spend more in Bandung, (RM362 = RUPIAH 1 million), what the heck. Ticket FOC and I only need to fork out for accommodation and ground transportation. Fair enough.

We arrived Bandung almost 8pm local time. After immigration and customs checks, we were swift off to a Sundanese Restaurant. I couldn't remember the name of the restaurant. It was raining, wet and my stomach was playing the tambourine. After dinner (main menu was Ikan Gureme bakar with saus manis) we were on our way to Hotel Nalendra.

Can't complaint much about the hotel so I kept my mouth shut. Which I did most during this trip. I wasn't myself. I guess my heart was somewhere else.

Next morning after breakfast, we headed up to Tangkuban Perahu which is about 30km north of Bandung. It is huge volcanic crater. The last time it erupted was in 1983 and now a popular tourist attraction. Tourist can hike or ride to the edge of the crater to view the boiling mud up close. However it still produces sulfur where you can see smoke like coming out from the crater. The smell of sulfur, yucks, macam orang lepas kentut. What I couldn't stand was being harassed by vendors selling souvenirs. Got to admire their patience and persistence though, since they will follow you every where you go. Unfortunately, nothing interesting to buy.

We headed to the Sari Ater Hot Springs. Upon reaching the first pool of hot spring, every one had their legs in. I didn't. Locals enjoyed themselves dipping and swimming in a larger hot spring pool. Tikar dibentang merata-rata for picnics or untuk melepak. Ada yg tidur and ada yang makan.

After the Hot Spring we stopped for lunch at Sindang Reret. Its another Sundanese Restaurant. Food was good.

Rumah Mode is a must when you are in Bandung. It has good selection of clothes for all generations. The guys and kids left early so that they can go swimming at the hotel pool. I purchased 2 bags full of kids t-shirts and jeans. Dah penat shopping we headed to one of the many cafes located in the premise. I headed directly to the Batagor stall and ordered one for dine in and another to take away.

That night we went to Paris Van Java Mall in search for dinner. We found Domino's Pizza and ended the night with window shopping. I like this mall but the rest looked like they didn't enjoyed it. Perhaps everyone was tired.

Next morning, we split in to two groups. Sheri and mom will head over to Pasar Baru for more shopping and the guys and kids plus myself will explore Trans Studio.

TranStudio is an indoor theme park which quite similar to Berjaya Times Square. Entrance cost RUP160000 per person. You can pay an additional RUP40000 to get the VIP Pass. Once you are in the theme park you need to top up the entrance card to purchase food and souvenirs. No cash can be used. The kids had a hell of a time, in fact they went several times on Jelajah, Dragon Riders and Transcar.

Lower ground entrance.

Vertigo ride.

Giant Swing ride.

Shakira found fairies fluttering around at Magic Corner.

Jelajah ride.

Dragon Riders.

I think we're lost!

(Sorryla the quality of pictures tak bagus, only took them using our mobile phone.)

My mom and Sheri caught up with us after their day at Pasar Baru. I know my sister and mom surely wondered why I didn't join them to Pasar Baru. Well, I've been there twice before and I know what it's like. Sheri should know. She's been there too. It's busy, crowded, hot, stuffy and your back hurt from all the walking. I know. I've done it. Not to mention the bags in both hands. I was adventurous the both times at Pasar Baru. Surveyed each shops and floors. Hoping to get good deals on telekung, ready made clothes and kain ela. It is tiring, really tiring. But now, I am smart...hehehe...the next morning hubby and myself headed to Pasar Baru. I know what I want to buy, targeted one or two outlet and shopped. I attacked D'Fashion outlet and purchase all of my kain ela there. It is easy to recognized their outlet,...they have TV screen on the floor! The most I spent was 2 hours and then we left. That was it.

Anyway, getting back to the food court, right outside the park and all of us had a late lunch. By then I was not feeling well and had a temperature. I dozed off for a short nap while the rest were eating. Woke up and swallowed 2 aspirin. They all decided to walk around the mall adjescent to the Theme Park. So I decided to catch up with them a bit later. Felt slight better and walked in Metro. I found several pants for Shakiel. At that point, I notice I was sweating and feel like myself again. Agaknya sebab I tak shopping kot ari tu sebab tu demam. Kah Kah Kah.

That night we went to Kartika Sari for dinner. Kartika Sari is a famous bakery in Bandung. The first trip to Bandung I was informed that many Malaysians will buy brownies and cakes from here to bring back home. Hmmm, so none of the cakes actually caught my interest. But I bought one as a gift to my neighbor. Mana tahu, hope they will enjoy it. Dinner was good, in fact Sheri acknowledged it was a brilliant idea to dine there. By the way, it was my idea, you know....

The fourth day we again split into 2 groups. Hubby and myself went to Pasar Baru and the rest explored the factory outlets like Heritage, Cascade, Rumah Tas etc...After we succeed locating a shop which sells songkok, all of us meet up again at Kartika Sari for lunch. Then we headed back to the hotel. Again I did not want to joined my mom and Sheri to the Spa for a massage. No, I just wanna lay in bed and watch the TV.

That night we went to Cihampelas Mall and had Wendy's for dinner. A little window shopping and soon it was time to go back to the hotel.

The final day, we manage to do a little more shopping along Dago Street. We headed again to Kartika Sari to purchase cookies to bring back home. By noon we checked out of the hotel and headed to a Nasi Padang restaurant.

We arrived at the airport and waited to board the plane. By 8pm we were already home.

An Interview with the Disciplinary Teacher.

Shakiel was called for a short interview by the school's (afternoon session)disciplinary teacher. He was selected to become a prefect next year. Ha ha ha! I am the happiest mother in the world. This means I no longer worry about brushing/washing his school shoes. Because all prefects wears black colored shoes. Phew!

And the following was our conversation.

Shakira : "Mummy, tadi Cikgu Azian bagi surat pada saya for Shakiel. Shakiel dapat jadi pengawas."

Me : "Wow! Good adik! (High 5) So dah pergi interview ye?"

Shakiel : "Dah tadi Puan Yani (Diciplinary teacher) interview saya. Saya dapat jawab semua soalan...senang je. Dia tanya nama guru besar, penolong kanan sesi petang, guru disiplin...semua saya boleh jawab. Lepas tu dia tanya soalan kenapa saya nak jadi pengawas...so, saya jawab 2. Satu sebab saya tak payah basuh kasut sekolah dan kedua saya nak tulis nama budak2 yg bising masa perhimpunan dan beri pada cikgu!"

Me : "Eh, betul ke adik jawab macam tu? Malu la cikgu tahu awak malas basuh kasut. Selama ni pun mummy yg basuh apa?"

Shakiel : "Betul, saya jawab macam tu!"

Mummy : (fainted)

Now you see how genuine kids response to questions.

16 Nov 2011 - SKTPP Academic Achievement Ceremony

The waiting.

Receiving his award.

Credentials.

When we reached home, I told him that we are happy for him but you have a long way to go. Now you have to work even harder to prove that you deserve to be the best among the best. He nodded then responded, " Dah? Itu aje?" and continued to play with his matchbox cars..............hhhmmmmmm. Every parents has high hopes to see their children succeed. As for me, I want him to tell me, I have tried and this is the very best I can do! Insya Allah. Whatever happens after that is, kun fayakun.

Segala pengorbanan dan keikhlasan, I know Allah will grant my wishes. Amin.

Report Card Day - 11.11.11

Such as unusual date.

Well, yesterday was report card day for both Shakira and Shakiel. My heart was beating as hard as Shiela E's drum beats in 'Glamorous Life'. Sometimes you cannot expect too much from the kids so I played cooled as a cucumber. I will accept whatever placement they achieve during the recent final term exam. After all they still have a longgggggg way to go. This year their father came along to give some moral support.

Upon our arrival, we headed directly to meet with Shakiel's class teacher. While we waited, Puan Anis asked Shakiel to collect his exam results. I took the thick sheets of paper and first thing I scanned through was his placement in class....YES! he done us proud. He came out 2nd in class! Obviously my husband and I were thrilled with his results which was really unexpected. His overall placing (from all year 1 classes-about 9 classes), is 11th. Which is not so bad. He will be placed in the best class in year 2 next year. Alhamdulillah.

First thing he said was, "Haaa...mummy janji nak belikan saya basikal kalau saya dapat no. 1 atau 2 atau 3 kan?". I smiled and told him yes, in due course, in due course.

Then we proceeded to Shakira's class and met with her class teacher, En. Shahrizal. Shakira collected her results and happy that she was placed 7th the class of 32 students. I listen to En. Sharizal's comment when he explained Shakira's weaknesses in Bahasa Malaysia. Bahasa Malaysia is such an important subject and it carries 2 Aces in the Year 6 UPSR exam. In the recent final exam Shakira scored a 100% for BM Paper 2 whereas 63% for Paper 2. Though not in top 3, I am glad she was able to maintain her performance at every final exams. 2009 and 2010 she scored 6th. Wayyyyy much better than what I had ever achieved when I was in school.

All of this made me think, frankly speaking, I wasn't a bright student. Neither dumb. But after my mom passed away, no one actually was there to guide me with my studies, no one put pressure on me and I took it all too cool...its all on my own initiative. Not that I blamed anyone for the unfortunate event, I realized I am on my own. However, I learned well, and I learned hard. I try to be there for the kids as much as I can when it comes to how important a parent contributions and support towards their children educational growth. So when I see my kids do well in school it is nothing comparable swallowing an ecstasy(pill). Well at least, that's how I imagine it feels.

Wednesday will be 'the' day when I witness the very first time my own child receiving an award for his educational achievement. My parents never had that opportunity before so this is a proud moment for me. Just an advise to Shakiel, don't think that just because you got 2nd in your final exam, you feel satisfied. You now need to work even harder because there are 36 other students who are as smart, or even smarter than you, joining you in Year 2 next year.

My babies, Mummy will always pray for your success.

And on Wednesday, I will be smiling all the way and I know, I will be all teary eyes....

Shakira's Drawings.

This is what my daughter have been up to with my notebook lately. All were free hand.

Beryl

Brayer

Berserk and Beryl

Not too bad, girl!

Independence Day

This is the famous picture where Tunku Abdul Rahman raised his right hand and shouted, Merdeka!, 7 times. It marked our independence from British occupation on 31 August 1957.

This picture too, will be embedded in our family forever, how much my grandfather was a part of our independence. My grandfather, Lt Col. Taib bin Jais, stood behind Tuanku Abdul Rahman, who was the Yam Tuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, then, appointed as Malaysian First King. Datuk Taib was Tuanku's ADC, the first military aide-de-camp for the first King of Malaysia.

So I spent endless hours since 31-Aug-2011 to find out who my grandfather was and boy, was I in for a surprised! I found a few articles on my grandfather but had problems transferring the existing format into jpeg. They are rights protected and secure documents. However, I was successful in several other attempts.

Surprise #1.
SENARAI ANAK MELAYU PENGASAS KOMPENI PERCUBAAN ASKAR MELAYU

Front Row from Left:
Usman bin Engguk, Jantan bin Abdul Rahman, Ismail bin Tahar, Ibrahim bin Sidek, Buyong bin Md Yasin, Ahmad bin Abdullah, Ngah bin Abdullah dan Ahmad bin Nordin.
Middle Row:
Abdul Ghaffar bin Abdullah, Ismail bin Ahmad, Abdul Manap bin Abdullah, Hj Kadir bin Hj Hassan, Raja Lope Nor Rashid bin Raja Abdul Rahman, Ariffin bin Hj Sulaiman, Ahmad bin Dodo, Mohd Taib bin Jais dan Buyong bin Md Yassin
Back Row:
Abdul Rahman bin Md. Yatim, Muhammad bin Kenit, Awang bin Abdullah, Musa bin Ismail, Usman bin Yunus, Abdul Samad bin Abdullah, Mohd Taib bin Jais dan Ismail bin Mahmud. (Naim dan Buyong adalah merupakan tukang masak).

Surprise #2
MBE for King's ADC (Credit to Singapore Straits Times-29 May 1958)

Lt. Col Mohd Taib bin Jais, first Military ADC to the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, who was awarded the MBE by The Queen.

Suprise #3.

A portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Taib bin Jais; 1.12.1960.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Taib bin Jais, who was appointed the first Military ADC to His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong since August, 1957, will be leaving the Federation Army in retirement on December 5, 1960. Major A.J. Silva of No.1 Federation Reconnaissance Regiment, Sungai Udang Camp, and Malacca@Melaka will succeed him. Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Taib bin Jais, who's Regimental Number is 19, was a member of the Royal Malay Regiment Experimental Company, which was formed in March 1933. G.2895
2001/0028557
ARMY P.R. PHOTO

He received his AMN medal award in 1959 from the Federal Government.

I am so proud of him and I want my children too be proud of their great grandfather, whom they never get the chance to know. We have our own history to tell them.

Diarrhea

When it comes to Hari Raya, the most feared thing is getting diarrhea. This year it hit me and my hubby. We had body aches and all our muscles are strained. Shakiel had a slight fever and he is fast asleep after crunching 2 tables of kids panadol. I hope he will be okay by tomorrow.

Since 6:30 am this morning, I have been to the toilet 4 times due to diarrhea. May tomorrow bring a better and brighter day.

I found a surprising information in Wiki. I quote,

"Diarrhoea, is the condition of having three or more loose or liquid bowel movements per day. It is a common cause of death in developing countries and the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. In 2009 diarrhea was estimated to have caused 1.1 million deaths in people aged 5 and over and 1.5 million deaths in children under the age of 5. Oral rehydration salts and zinc tablets are the treatment of choice and have been estimated to have saved 50 million children in the past 25 years."

Spirit of Eid Fitri

I have never spoken or written about how I feel of Hari Raya so there is always a first time for everything.

In 1990 I left Malaysia for the States to continue with my studies. That year was the last Hari Raya with my family. No baju kurung. No new raya shoes. No rendang and nasi impit. No more raya packets. No fire crackers. Except classes as usual, walk to classes in heavy winter clothing. Exam as usual...hmmmm....From then on Hari Raya was just another day....so far away and I think it was about the time I lost the spirit of Hari Raya. I missed 4 Raya celebration consecutively with my family and I think it is too much, for me at least. How I feel is not the same how other may felt. Do I sound berlagak?

I know there are others who have been away from home longer than I did and missed raya with loved ones, too. They cry together (with their friends)to the songs of Raya played on their old tapes. A call back home and the opportunity to speak with their family members were a treat. Yet they still embrace the raya spirit when they are back, enthusiastically.

You may say that it is ridiculous or something unheard off. But it is a true fact. May be I lack the understanding of what Hari Raya means. The feeling is neutral on Hari Raya from then onwards.

Am I over reacting?

Until today, I am still not able to get 'that' Hari Raya feeling back. 'THAT' feel is indescribable. The excitement of raya preparation was out of the ordinary back then. Going out shopping for new clothes was a routine for our family and we arrived home exhausted. Sheri and myself would try on and pranced around in our new raya clothes while Dad smiled and scratched his bald head.

2 days before Hari Raya, we would already be back in Parit. Dad brought along a sack full of fire crackers. Those days they weren't illegal. Laughter came from each corner of the house. Everyone was back. Joy was on each of our faces. We would sit around the table and talked and then laughed. Yes, it was a special occasion. My grandmother supervised the 'lemang' over the fire while cooking chicken and beef rendang at the same time. Gasoline lights flicker in to the night. Still my aunts busy baking raya cookies and chocolate cakes in the stuffy kitchen. We were excited and I think we did not sleep the whole night. Can't wait till dawn fighting for the bathroom. Parading in our new clothes. Then off to the mosque for raya prayers. When we return from prayers, seek forgiveness, collect raya packets, we gather, eat and rejoice Raya. One time my cousin Rohaya, cheated and stood in the same line to receive raya packet from my grandfather, twice. Soon relatives will start rolling on our doorstep, munching to our 15 types of cookies, spread across vertically on the rectangle table in a crystal jar...Amusing indeed I am. It was all short lived.

I am not actually bothered with my own raya clothes. In fact,once, I wore the same raya clothes 2 years in a row. Reason being, "I wore it only once since last raya." Hah! Sure, lie to them! Do you think they would understand how you feel? How you feel is not important and stop thinking about yourself only.

Hence, once a year I make a point to prepare a set of baju kurung just for the sake of wearing them on 1st raya. By noon, I would have it taken off and chucked it somewhere in my luggage. Could not even be bothered with raya shoes...Just wear my daily sandals. I would carry along a pair of heels for the,...'in case I need them' condition.

In search for the spirit again, this is the second year I try to color coordinate our raya clothing, after watching other people do that. I hope to show a strong and united front. I hope to achieve what I was looking for. But is it all just in the clothes when you don't have 'it' in you?

Yes, I make sure all raya necessities are in order. Raya clothes for the kids and hubby. Raya cookies is a must have. Slave myself preparing special dish in the eve of raya. Travel through 4 states in 3 days to celebrate raya with loved ones. We forgive and forgave. Raya packets for mom, kids and relatives. But why inside, I do not feel it's raya? Or subconsciously, I am celebrating raya!

Have I been lying to myself? I want to feel and embrace Raya again just like other people. Just like before. May be I should start my own family tradition! Help me find the spirit of Hari Raya. I do not want to lose it forever.....

RAMADHAN

Ramadhan is the month of fasting for Muslims all around the world. It refrain us from eating, drinking from dusk to dawn. It teaches Muslims about patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God. Muslims fast for the sake of Allah and to offer more payer than usual. It is the 3rd pillar in Islam.

Both Shakira and Shakiel started fasting at the age of 5 and at the time we felt it will be a good practice for them to start at a young age. Though, they did not manage to always complete a whole day fasting but over the years they had improved tremendously.

Today is the 20th day of Ramadhan and they have not missed a single day. Alhamdulillah.

Liverpool in Malaysia.

Friendly match between Liverpool and Malaysian Tigers. All tickets were sold out!!! But it is an opportunity of a life time not to miss them. After much thought,I decided to surprise my hubby (Liverpool's #1 Fan), two tickets as a Father Day's gift.

Shakiel's excitement fell short after his intention of wearing Malaysian jersey was not to the liking of his dad. I would understand....I mean hubby has been supporting Liverpool all this life and he also expect his son to do the same, too. To watch Liverpool playing Malaysia is a rare opportunity (you never know when they'll come again!)and the time you show your dying support. On the other hand, Shakiel decided to wear his Malaysian jersey. Come on Shakiel, where's that team spirit? Hubby said, "If you wanna go to the game, you better sit far away from me!". Shakiel said it is okay if he is not allowed to go at all to the game without wearing his Malaysian jersey.

I helped to talked him into wearing his Liverpool jersey. But he asked me, "Mummy, why ayah (dad) insist on supporting Liverpool and not Malaysia?" he continued, "We live in Malaysia so we should support Malaysia!". Well, I find it difficult to explain to him how much Liverpool has been in his dad's so call blood. And coming from a seven year old boy, we should be embarrassed. Shakiel you are right, we should support Malaysia.

Finally they day arrived. Liverpool 6, Malaysia 3. But to me, it was Shakiel who came out as the true winner,...proud in his Malaysian jersey!

So off they went to the game.

Shakiel met Nizaruddin Yusuf

Mohd Nizaruddin Yusof (born on November 10, 1979) is a Malaysian footballer who operates as a striker. He is a member of the Malaysian national team and also has played for the Malaysian Pre-Olympic squad. He is well known for his finishing ability.

He became an instant hit with the local fans (Selangor FA & MPPJ FC) and also the envy of other clubs in the M-League. In November 2007, he signed for Perlis FA. He do not play when Perlis FA won the Malaysia Charity Shield. He then move to PDRM FA on 2008 on season long deal. After the contract finish, he return to Perlis FA.

Nizaruddin start representing Malaysia during 1999 Dubai Tour under Abdul Rahman Ibrahim. Since then he was selected to be part of Malaysia squad making him one of the experience player for Malaysia national team. Although he did not produce many goal with the national team, he is very good with producing assist to other player for creating goals. - credit to Wikipedia with thanks.

I was made to understand that Nizaruddin is currently playing for FELDA UNITED FC. By the way Shakiel's soccer coach, Coach Ridzuan is FELDA UNITED FC's assistant coach.

Nizaruddin and Shakiel.

Nizaruddin signing Shakiel's T-shirt.

Nizaruddin and the First Kick Team of Tmn Putra Perdana.

Autographs

Something to add to my sport craze are a few autographs of local athlete back in my school days. I must thank to a good friend from Anderson School Ipoh, who himself an athlete, made an effort to get those signatures as mementos for me. We lost contact ever since I shifted to Petaling Jaya.

Istiaq Mubarak - 110m hurdler.

Jeffri Mohd Nor - Uprising sprinter.

If I had forgotten to thank you then, thank you very much. I cannot imagine what he went through in getting those signatures, especially of Rabuan Pit.

Rabuan Pit was the IT guy in Malaysian Athletics at the time. He was honored as Asia's Fastest Man after winning gold in the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi.

The Postcard.

During my school days, I was a great sports fan. I enjoyed watching all types of sport and subscribed to a malay magazine called Sukan (Sports). I looked forward the center spread and the colorful pictures of my favorite athletes of those days. I was proud of their achievements such as Rabuan Pit, Zulkifli Hamzah, Sidek Brothers, John McEnroe, Marina Chin, Imran Khan, Carl Lewis, Calvin Smith...I could go on and on and on and on and....on...

But sometime in the early 80's everyone went crazy with badminton.

The Sidek brothers, consist of Misbun, Razif and Jailani were the nation pride. They achieved local as well as international recognition. My girlfriends had their pick who were the cutest of the Sidek brothers. In my opinion, Razif was the cutest of the three. Instantly I became a fan of badminton....hehehe....well hell yeah, Razif was cute, alright!

As a fan I brave myself to send my first ever fan mail to the Sidek Brothers. It was in my step mom's office that I used her electric type writer to compose a simple and short message. I think I wrote the first mail to Misbun, to wish him all the best for the up coming Thomas Cup Tournament in England. The second fan mail was to Razif and Jailani who were then, won the All England doubles. I was not expecting any reply since they may be busy with camp and practices. But deep down in my heart I was dying for Razif to reply my fan mail.....

One day to my surprise, I received a post card. It was from Misbun Sidek! I was so excited. When the card arrived he was already in Gloucester, UK competing in 1981 Thomas Cup Championship. I treasured his post card ever since.

Can I bragged about it? Why not? It is not that everyday a Malaysian #1 badminton player reply to your mail. And to top it off it was written and mailed from the UK, hah? How often does it happened to you? It was such an honor to received the postcard reply. That showed how much Misbun appreciated his fans support.

But I wonder, did he bring along my mail with him while he was in England? Hmmmm....

That was the first and last time I ever wrote a fan mail...

Don't quiet know her species.

My second orchid plant. I am not yet an orchid expert.