02.03.2014: Larian Keluarga SMK KGV 2014

before and after 3km

The family run is a fundraising event organized by PIBG (or PTA) of SMK King George V Seremban (Marsya's new school).

We were automatically eligible to participate (in a group of 3 family members) as Marsya managed to raise more than RM100 through the jogathon donation round (remember those yellow cards?).

It has been more than a month since my last run, which was a boring 4km around the track at Kompleks Belia dan Sukan Paroi. However, I did some 30km of cycling a week before than in JB; so I guess my fitness is quite okay for a short recreational run. Well, I don't know about the level of fitness or readiness for Marsya and Adam...

The day before the event, we had a small feast at home entertaining my cousins from KL. Adam sort of hurt his back while attempting to bring down the stairs our big table. So he kind of making that a viable excuse not to take part in the run. Anyway, he didn't make a big case out of it, so I was fine with it.

waiting for the flag off

Before the actual running, (as usual, for this sort of event) we warmed up with aerobics exercise perhaps for about half an hour. I guess Adam's back is okay, as I observed that he moved and followed the steps without much problem.

at the starting area

We were flagged off at about 8.50am, starting from the school's main gate. We were somehow left at the back of the herd early on, as the three of us took it slow and walking to lose free from the crowd.

Marsya sped off to the front while Adam started running and having a small complaint about his back. I shrugged it off and told him to take it slow and not to pay attention to his back. So I used my little mind trick on him, and eventually for Marsya too.

I played with him the aiming game. Along the run, I set several aims for him to reach.
  "see that lightpost up ahead?"
  "the third flag pole"
  "that big tree"
  "the big green signboard"
Anything that is visible to him along the course, reachable and not too far; perhaps about 50m each (yes, there we a lot of aims).
The goal was to keep on running, slowly but surely. When he resorted to walking, I asked him to walk briskly. Just as Adam is about to reach the current aim, I'd give out the next aim that he ought to reach. And it went in perpetuity.

Marsya was doing fine during the first half of the run. Then she started to slow down her pace and resorted to walk more. So the trick I had on Adam was shared with her too, and we ran as a group with me constantly giving out the small aiming distances.

We were supposed to collect 3 tokens at 3 checkpoints along the 3km distance. I guess it would be 1 token per km. However, I estimated it was more than 1km out but no CP in sight. Finally we came to the (only) CP, and my Sports Tracker showed it was already a little bit past 2km. So we cleared two-third of the run without much suffering. Good sign. And good job to both of them.

Soon after that, perhaps because of being a little bit excited, I temporarily lost my control and sprained my right ankle. It was not serious, so I kept on trotting ignoring the pain. Not long after that, we reached the starting point and completed the 3km loop. All in about 30 minutes. Not bad at all.

I for one, was really proud of Marsya and Adam for their perseverance. Well done, you both!

I'd say 3km is quite a long distance for beginners. Plus the course around Seremban is hilly. That's some achievement to build on. Perhaps regular runs after this? InsyaAllah.
;)

the 3km course

at the entrance

It has been a long time since I last entered Singapore. More than 5 years, surely. My children haven't at all. In March this year we made our passports, but only in October we made the trip to Singapore. So near yet if feels like it's so far.

In conjunction with Marsya's birthday, I decided to bring everyone to the Singapore Zoo. It was a busy weekend with not much sleep for me personally. On Saturday I went to Melaka for Burung Hantu 2011 offroad night ride, and back home right after the event ended. Took a nap at Machap R&R for an hour before Fajr and reached home at 7-ish Sunday morning. When I reached home I cleared out the dirty clothes form the night's ride, put things back to their places and did a bit of gardening. I woke everyone up at 8.30 so that we could go early because there are a few things need to be done before we could enter Singapore and head out to the zoo. Eventually, everyone got ready and at 11.00 the car started to roll out to Stulang CIQ.

While queuing at the Woodlands checkpoint, I noticed that somebody in an mpv on my right waving to me wildly. Haha... it was my cousin from Woodlands, Abang Man. He called me up and invited me to come over his place later on after the zoo visit and I said no promises. As soon as I entered the immigration checkpoint, my phone was without network reception. I had forgotten to activate roaming access. Was unable to call him to ask for address and directions to his place. Too bad, maybe next time insyaAllah.

It was the first time I bought an autopass for the car to enter Singapore; with tips from friends and the swiftness of Singapore immigration and LTA, it was not that hard. Just fill in a few standard details in the form, queue up and pay $10. The process took less than 10 minutes. My thanks to Reza for giving me the embarkation card, too.

The Singapore Zoo is not far from Woodlands checkpoint, and there are ample signs to get us there. We reached the zoo at around 12.00, parked the car at a nice covered parking building.

The zoo entrance fee for the five of us amounted to $66. $20 for adults, and $13 for children (3 - 12y). Free for Umar. Not too bad, as the park is big and the animals in there looks healthy. The areas are clean, too.

We spent a bit more that 3 hours in the park. While deprived of sleep and my legs are still tired from the ride the night before, it was surprising that the walk in the zoo did not make me exhausted. Sleepy at times when stopped, yes, but no complains of tiredness from me. Of course the children are.

We had our lunch late, at 3.30pm in KFC. Umar needed a nappy change and so we went off. The toilets at the zoo lobby are nice, but no faucet provided except for tissue rolls.

:P

However, the nappy change room has everything. Washbasin, nappy change counter, faucet (without hose), shower and toilet bowl.

I asked the muslim lady at KFC if there are any musolla available, but there is none except for staff only. She mentioned that people would use cardboards. As it was reaching 4pm (end of Zuhr), we decided to solat at the parking lot. Went up to the uncovered topmost floor, and found a shaded area. Parked the car to cordon us, and we perform our solat. Soon after, we went out of the parking lot.

There's a mini drama happened to me while exiting the parking lot. Apparently, foreigners have to get a 'complimentary ticket' valued at $4 from the zoo counter. So, long story short, I went back to the counter (some 500m walk), bought the ticket and went out. Thanks to Diana the parking assistant over there for guiding me.

The journey back to JB was uneventful. Smooth ride all the way, alhamdulillah. InsyaAllah, there'll be more trips after this. Perhaps a weekend over my cousins' places, and mountain biking at Bukit Timah too.

:)

 

More photos here.

Blowing Raspberries

Umar's favourite thing to do nowadays, since last week: blowing raspberries.

He does it very intently, complete with wrinkly forehead.

Fun to watch.

Nasi Ayam

Marsya: Adam, awak dah belikan untuk saya lead 0.5 tu dekat bookshop?

Adam  : tak, saya tak beli...

Marsya: kenapa? kan saya dah bagi duit dekat awak.

Adam  : dah tak ada... saya dah beli nasi ayam...

Tickling Without Hands

It's genuinely uplifting when Umar giggles squeakily when I made funny faces.

Especially because he laughed without me having to tickle his ribs.
:D

My FOUR Birthday Cakes

the 4 yummy birthday cakes, from Naza and kids.
clockwise from 12 o'clock: custard pudding wrapped with sponge layer, earl grey with walnut, walnut choc and blueberry-vanilla.
yes, it's earl grey!

My mailbox was overwhelmed with notifications from Facebook on my virtual wall yesterday. It started on Monday with a birthday wish from Smé (thanks heaps, bro). Until today, the birthday wishes kept coming in. Thank you, everyone.

I didn't really celebrate my birthday, to be honest. It was a normal day as usual. Albeit, I was elated with the birthday messages that I received from friends through Facebook, Google Buzz, Geni and SMS. Hmm... all digital.

At home Naza prepared for a nice celebration with the kids. She went to Jusco Permas Jaya with earlier in the evening. Adam relayed this as soon as I entered the door to bring my bicycle in after the ride from office.

"Ayah, we went to the Body Shop just now, mak was looking for massage oil", he excitedly quipped. I managed to maintain a straight face while smiling inside.

After Maghrib, I set the nice looking cakes on the plate and we ate them together (after I shot the photos). It was simple and nice celebration.

True enough, Naza gave me a nice box from Body Shop. There's a massage oil (no surprise there), a tub of Kistna hair and body wash, and a bottle of Kistna EDT. Marsya gave me a key chain, wrapped, with a small card that she made herself . Adam bought me a cheese loaf which I brought to the office this morning. Umar gave me a sweet smile when he saw me, awoke from his sleep.

Couldn't ask for more. Thank you, y'all. I appreciate it very much.

Now, if you do want to give me a birthday present... hmm...

Cow

Adam : Aunty, you're like a cow.

Aunty: Cow? Why, why do you say I'm like a cow?

Adam : Ya lah... you give Byron milk...

selamat hari raya aidil adha 1430H

A few of the guys in the office left for their kampungs already, although my Kelantanese colleague seating next to me is still in his seat staring at the computer.

I guess since last evening, my mind too, have left for Senawang. Aidil Adha had never been a big celebratory occasion for me, subconsciously regarding it as the lesser hari raya, second to Aidil Fitri. Perhaps I need to experience it in Kelantan and Terengganu, where they say the celebratory mode is the other way around.

It has been quite some time since we went back to Senawang. That's why i'm eager to go back this weekend (tonight, insyaAllah). Aidil Adha being the occasion, Ibu's house is expected to be full, with Hafiz my younger brother and his family making the trip from Ipoh and Akak with Azeem and Byron from KL celebrating the day. Oh, and this will be Umar's first trip to Senawang.

For Naza and I, we'll be celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary on Saturday. That's another big occasion, too. Should I get her the Casio digital piano or a solitaire diamond ring or a pair of diamond earstuds? The keyboard is not prone to being lost, although it is very much less sparkling than diamonds. Still scratching my head for the fund, though...

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha to you.

sore arm

We went for Umar's first immunisation on Saturday evening in Pasir Gudang. The doctor didn't chart his growth, but we did a check on his weight.

He weighs 4.3kg, on his 60th day. No wonder my arm is sore this morning. I guess from carrying him around the house, for his time being awake is a bit longer now.

Other obvious signs: puffy cheeks, double chin (hiding his neck), rounder butt cheeks (used to be flat as a chopping board), and his head is filling the beanie hat now.

We are happy for this. Alhamdulillah.

Aidilfitri 1430H 2009

(L to R): Adam, Nazahiya, Umar (on lap), Akmal Hizam, Marsya

Selamat Hari Raya from all of us.
Mohon maaf, zahir dan batin.

Norzah the writer

He's an old hand when it comes to writing. Only this morning I discovered that he's been blogging since 2007.

He's my uncle, by way that his wife is Ibu's cousin. A retired government servant, I have high respect upon him. I still remember that morning while at the neighbourhood mamak shop buying things that Ibu asked me to buy. I caught a glimpse of his face on the front page of a newspaper (memory not so fantastic, can't recall which newspaper). I was only 9 at that time, and buying a newspaper was never in my shopping list. I bought that paper (instead of the usual Kiki chewing gums), for Uncle's face was on the front page giving his thoughts on something, as a somebody from MAMPU.

I guess he's one of my role models (also his wife, Aunty Bong) when I was growing up. You know, a kampung boy (and girl) who went to further their studies in universities overseas, hold high ranks in government, successful, makes folks at home proud. Drives a Volvo. That sort of thing.
Only very much later I found out that he's an avid writer. He gave me a thick novel as a gift when I visited him after I graduated. A Malay novel that he wrote - Saga.

As a tribute, I put his blog link in my blogroll. Love to read your thoughts, Uncle.

Eid Mubarak 1430H

Here’s wishing all of you:

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

Mohon maaf, lahir dan batin

Have a blessed Eid Mubarak.

Enjoy your festive holiday wherever you are, and come back safely.

greeting graphics taken from Institut Memandu Bunga Raya pamphlet

Ikea raya ad

Fuhh... makin bertambah lawa rumah kampung kat Juasseh.
Mak Lang pun sekarang ni nampak makin berseri-seri.

Err... agak2 Ikea nak amik aku buat commercial utk hias rumah Ibu kat Senawang pulak tak?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n95qbcMaQIM

ehh... tapi macam bukan rumah arwah atuk je tu. rumah sapa eh? Uwan Acik ko?

kemaskini 14.09.2009:
Setolah berburak dongan Ibu, rumah yang dalam iklan tu sebona'eh rumah dokek Gombak yo... sobab eh, rumah kek Joseh tu tongah di renovate buat tompek mandi ngan tandeh.

Umar is a week old today

I guess I'm like any other young parents with their new babies.

What I observe is that when you ask these young parents (usually for their first and second child) 'How old is your baby now?', they would almost invariably give you the answer in term of days (some with hours).
2 weeks and 3 days.
4 months and 15 days.
9 days and 4 hours.

Perhaps I am still a young parent...

Anyway, I am recollecting my skills in handling Umar. I'm glad that I found myself able to handle his fragile body - change nappies, his (now) baggy clothings, and bottle feed him.

One thing I'm still struggling to keep up with: sleep deprivation.

Above all, we are truly grateful for he is a no-fuss baby. Alhamdulillah for this blessing, and numerous others, so far within this 6 days and 22 hours.

Announcing the Arrival of Umar Bin Akmal Hizam

Alhamdulillah, praise and gratitude to Allah swt for His unending blessings bestowed upon us.

About 12 hours ago, at 11:26 am our latest addition to the family has arrived.
Our dear Umar was born via cesarean section, weighing 2.1 kg at Puteri Specialist Hospital, Johor Bahru.

He appeared to be in a surprisingly healthy and normal state, despite being brought in earlier than scheduled. Well, we plan but Allah's plan is greater. Naza is now recovering and resting in the hospital.

I'm a bit tired now, but my heart is filled with happiness. And so I found myself typing out these words for the world to know.

We had pictures of Umar taken by the hospital personnel (thanks very much!), right from his entry to this world, out from the comfort of his mommy's womb. Will be uploaded soon, insyaAllah.

Please welcome, Umar Bin Akmal Hizam.
Let us pray that he grows to be a good Muslim. Ameen.

begitulah acuannya

Seronok sekarang ni perhatikan perangai anak-anak.
Banyak yang sama macam mak dan ayah diorang.
Tapi bila tang perangai yang tak berapa bagus tu, jadi risau jugak :P
Masa tu kena lah muhasabah diri.

Agaknya itulah satu lagi rahmat Allah bagi kat ibubapa melalui anak-anak.

Semoga kita semua terus berusaha untuk menjadi manusia terbaik, insyaAllah.

Ferrari

Adam: "Kenapa awak tak beli Ferrari, Mak?"

Naza: :p

Adam: "Saya suka..." *dengan nada hampa*

I'm not quite sure whether he's referring to Shell's miniature Ferraris or the real deal.

Note: he refers Naza's maroon Avanza as Lightning McQueen

photo from here

Adam

A budding photographer.

Naza always find lots of photos taken by Adam whenever she 'lost' her camera for a few hours left lying around in the house. Sometimes with no more space for other photos. Most of the time, with exhausted batteries.



self-portrait, 2009




It is good to support his keen interest. Perhaps it's a good idea to buy him a Nikon D90 now.


While he learns to compose good photos, I could use the DSLR for other stuff.


Yeah, a good idea indeed.

Have I mentioned before that's he's a bit of a joker, too?

You would've guessed, anyway.

cousins

I received these photos from my cousin Liza 2 days ago. The exact date of the photo taken is July 19th last year. It's from her elder sister Lin's (Kak Long) camera, who is technologically challenged :)

The occasion: Nubhan's fan club inaugural meeting cum get together.

I was around KL at that time attending meeting; and so were Ibu, Ayah, and my elder brother Amri's family. Amri fetched me from Crown Princess hotel upon checking out and we went to Low Yat to buy a laptop for Ibu.

Ibu were at UTM Jalan Semarak attending IT related course. We fetch her and had lunch together. Little did I know that they came to KL also to attend NFC's function. I followed them anyway, to Bora Ombak near Ampang Sports Planet.

Although there was a long table reserved for 'family', I still felt uncomfortable to be there. I didn't pay anything, while members have to fork out a certain amount. Another reason being: I was the other person besides Auntie Bong wearing green in that occasion. Really felt so out of place :).

The way out: took Kak Long's camera and went to shooting frenzy mode. Hahaa... Win-win for her and I. Problem is, it took this long for me to get the photo of myself with Nubhan from her. Perhaps Kak Liza could teach Kak Long the simplest way ever to download photos from her uber sophisticated camera someday? Using a card reader is a simple way to do it.

Ayah, Ibu, me, Kak Lang, Kak Long

Of Nubhan, I didn't quite notice how lanky he is. Upon seeing the photo, well, he's a lot taller than I am, and a lot slimmer than I remember when he's younger. And little did I know of his hidden talent, for he's a quiet guy all the while.

summer meadow update

Last Sunday Naza requested for me not to go offroad, and have a recreational activity with the family instead. I obliged, and as usual they enjoyed the extension of last night's sleep. Meanwhile, after Subuh I picked up my XS project and continued on.

This morning I took a photo of the project so far, and it is showing very much progress since my last entry about this. The white daisies are starting to show up between the spots of green & khakis.

It would finish very much soon, if I'm willing to trade it with my offroad rides. Well... the project can always wait.

:)

And yes, we went to Hutan Bandar for the family activity - after the brunch.