Ice Skating

Dear Diary,

Each time we go to Abah's restaurant in Sunway Pyramid, we would pass by Sunway Pyramid Ice skating rink. And each time too Imran and Zarra would request to try the sports. Somehow we never fulfill their requests thinking that they’re just not ready for it. Someday, we persuade them.

That someday finally arrived when my sister in law treated them to a few rounds of ice skating.  Imran chickened out. Only Zarra dared to accept the challenge.

Though she was scared and cried halfway through the rounds, I applaud her courage to try new things. That’s the spirit baby - dare to fail! Keep it and you’ll be just fine.

Aidilfitri 2012 in Kelantan (3rd Raya)

Dear Diary,

Our destination on third raya was Permai Resort & Rest House in Bachok. Mak Adik organized a family gathering (Haji Abdullah's Family Gathering Syawal 1433H). 9 siblings of Abah were there with each family. All in all, there were 62 of us. Imagine the havoc!

As soon as everybody was comfortably settled in their respective rooms, nasi lemak with its companion (sambal tumis ikan bilis, sliced cucumbers, friend anchovies and peanuts) were served. There were also ketupat kacang, ketupat daging (super nice!), bubur jagung, tapai, keropok and raya biscuits.

After a short rest, everybody was all geared up to participate in the evening’s tele-match. There were games for every age category from small children to married couples. It was adorable to watch kids fighting for chairs in musical chair but it was even funnier to watch uncles and aunts trying to burst other team’s balloons.

For teenagers and young adults, there were many fun games such as catching eggs without breaking them and beach volleyball.

Everybody was looking forward to enjoying night time because more exciting events were scheduled. First on the list was barbecue dinner. There were marinated chickens, lambs, sausages and fishes to be grilled and savored with kaw homemade sauce. Other menu included mi goreng, bihun goreng, puddings and fruits.

After the sumptuous dinner, karaoke session started. While sipping hot black coffee and listening to all “singers” belted their songs, we enjoyed each others’ company and talked till midnight. Obviously, there are a handful of hidden talents in the family. Even Hubby presented a tune that night! In between songs, there was lucky draw and prize giving ceremony.

What a memorable day!

Restoran Lagenda 17, Shah Alam, Feb 2012

Dear Diary,

Any soccer fans among you readers out there? Does the name Zainal Abidin Hassan sound familiar? Zainal Abidin Hassan is a famous football star in the 80s and 90s. Declared as one of the best footballer in Malaysia’s sports history, he started his career by playing for Selangor FA. A striker to be reckoned with in his golden days, he represented Malaysia in several tournaments. Retired from playing soccer professionally, he now focuses on coaching.

A few years back, Zainal Abidin ventured into business by opening a restaurant named Restoran Lagenda 17 in Shah Alam. There’s a story behind his restaurant’s name. Number 17 holds significant meaning in Zainal’s life. It is his jersey’s number hence his lucky number. One fine afternoon, after done with grocery and picked up Imran from school, we went and had lunch there.

When we were there, he was in. The legend himself welcomed customers, took orders and even cleared tables. Down to earth, isn’t he? He greeted my children. I wanted to snap picture with him but was too shy. Hubby was of no help either.

The restaurant is adorned with everything football. It’s something out of the ordinary, right? There are newspaper clippings, photos, coaching method and jerseys on display.

Roasted Hainanese Chicken Rice

Nasi Goreng Menangis

Nasi Goreng Lagenda (no veggie)

So, if you’re a die hard fan of Zainal Abidin, do drop by and check out his restaurant. If you’re lucky, he’d be around.

Address:  85, Jalan Snuker 13/28, Tadisma Business Park, Section 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor. Telephone number: 03 – 5523 7717.

SEA Games Indonesia 2011 Soccer Final

Dear Diary,

Harimau Muda roared triumphantly last Monday and silenced Garuda once and for all. Although we didn’t champion the SEA Games, the gold from soccer was precious and very dear to every Malaysian. We finished fourth overall with 59 gold, 50 silver and 82 bronze. Still, an outstanding effort from our athletes and it was our second best achievement outside Kuala Lumpur after SEA Games 2007 in Korat.

The win was the icing on the cake. It was our pride and ego booster. After been humiliated by the host teams with defeats in takraw and badminton, a win from soccer team was very much needed. I don’t want to review the intense final game or the rude treatment Malaysian athletes, officers and media had to endure because I believe these have been covered by many already. What I want to share here is my experience watching the final.

On the game night, I watched it at my parents in laws’ restaurant. When we arrived minutes before 8pm, the place was already packed with Harimau Muda supporters. Some of them even wore our national jersey. How patriotic!

As the game kicked off, all eyes were locked on the big screen. Everybody can feel the intensity in the air. There was dead silent after Indonesia shocked us with a 1-0 lead. Frustration sighs were obvious after each failed attempts at the net. Deafening jubilant shouts from everyone after Baddrol Bakhtiar, our captain, scored the winning goal. The whole restaurant was celebrating as is we’re the players at Stadium Utama Gelora Bung Karno.

It was very touching seeing every person there cheering for the national squad. No matter what background we come from, what faith we believe in or which party politic we vote for, we are one when national pride is at stake.

U Bowl, 1 Utama, July 2011

Dear Diary,

Hubby loves to bowl. He even has his own bowling ball. He actually is good at it. His average score is above 200. For me, that’s good compared to myself whose ball more often than not ended up in the longkang. If my score is to touch even 100 points mark, I’d be elated beyond words.

When his office organized a bowling match among staffs last July, Hubby was ecstatic and confident he could bag at least one of the prizes. So, all of us were in front of U-Bowl, 1 Utama one Saturday morning. We were among the earliest to arrive. The tournament kicked off at around 10am.

While Hubby played his heart off, me and the kids cheered for him. It’s not always I get to mingle with Hubby’s colleagues and their families. Applaud to the organizer’s department for coming up with a great idea for staff bonding and ukhuwah strengthening.

When the kids were hungry, I just walked a few steps to its café and ordered some fries and a pizza. It was very convenient indeed. The taste – not bad!

Sure enough, Hubby won second place for the highest score in male category. Congrats dear!

Imran's Sukaneka

Dear Diary,

Imran’s school had its sports day a couple of weeks ago on a Saturday. However, standard 1 and 2 pupils were given exemption from attending it. As a replacement, the school organized Temasya Sukaneka last Friday for them. The event took place at the school field from morning till noon.

Imran took part in Jigsaw Robot and Match & Clip events. He persuaded us to attend the telematch a few days earlier. He wouldn’t stop until we agreed to go.

It was delightful seeing all the pupils pumped up with sportsmanship spirit and the camaraderie among themselves. They competed with soaring hearts and were ambitious to win. So competitive yet so naïve!

Imran and his team won third place in the Jigsaw Robot event and took home the bronze. He was over the moon for getting a medal and was walking on cloud nine for a few days. "Mama & Abah are very proud of you, Abang."