Monday, June 28, 2010

Kuala Lumpur International Marathon 2010

























The KL marathon was the 2nd marathon that I participated this year. It was held on Sunday June 27, a day before my birthday. I took part in the 10km race. On Saturday June 26, I stayed the night at Maytower with three of my children, Siti Ayeshah, Siti Sofiyah and Wahiduzzaman. The reason for staying at Maytower was because I could easily walked to the venue of the event, which was at Dataran Merdeka.

I woke up at 5am Sunday morning, showered and had my dawn prayers. I then left Maytower at 6am and walked to Dataran Merdeka, alone. I told my children to wait for me at the finishing line after 8am. I anticipated to finish my run in one and half hours.

When I reached Dataran Merdeka, there were so many runners at the starting line. They were all much much younger than me... I looked around and saw a group of runners around my age, and approached them to say 'hi'. There was this lady who looked older than me, and she has been running in marathons all over Malaysia. Wow.....

Anyway, before the race began, there was a warm up session. Aerobics. I was stuck in the middle at the starting line, and there were no room to move around to do the aerobics. Luckily I did warm-up before joining the other runners in the starting line.

Sharp at 7 am, the VIP flag us off.... So, I ran and spot a marker, and tried to follow him. He was so fast... so, I followed another marker. Then he vanished. So, I followed another marker and another and another... till I lost count!! Whatever...!

Everyone was running, there was no one walking at all.... Wow..... Some were running fast, some were slow. I was the latter. Hahaaha...

Anyway, there was plenty of uphill every 2 km. That was tough. The worst part was climbing the road uphill next to the State mosque. It was really challenging!! I almost gave up. My toes were hurting me... and my leg muscles were getting stiff!! OMG!! At my age, if I jog slowly up the hill, its ok. BUT if those runners who were years younger than I was, were slowly walking up the hill..... then there was nothing for me to be ashamed of!! When I saw them walking up the hill, it motivated me to give all my best to finish the run.

When it was time to run downhill towards Padang Merbok, my feet were really killing me.... Ouch! ouch! and OUCH!!!! Yet, I refused to give up. Then there was the pit stop. I slowed down and took a cup of plain water and drank it... I threw the empty cup onto the road!!! A privileged to litter, this once!! I hate to do it, but then, there was no waste bin in sight!! Waddaaaaa..

Then, when I reached the traffic lights in front of Bank Rakyat, I thought the run would be over, because Dataran Merdeka was just after the next traffic lights. Boy!!! how wrong was I...

The runners were turning into the road in front of DBKL. Waddaaaaa!!!!! Oh Dear God... please give me more strength to complete this race. While running, well, actually I was more jogging than running, I noticed an ambulance by the roadside in front of DBKL. The paramedics were carrying a runner into the ambulance. He was young. (I read in the newspaper this morning, that he had died. He was only 25 years old) . That was tragic.

Anyway, after passing the road between the Mara Building and Pertama Complex, the runners and I ran down Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. At the junction of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, I saw my children waiting for me. Wahiduzzaman took a picture of me running and I heard them cheering me on....

Finally I crossed the finished line at approximately 8.40am!! To know the exact time, log on to www. kl-marathon.com and look for my bib no. 24241 (F10km race). I felt quite dizzy and very very very thirsty as I walked to the 10km tent to claim my finisher medal.

Alhamdullilah, I completed the race, and InshaAllah I hope to run again next year. I must train more and not be lazy like this time... BECAUSE.... my body and legs were aching all over.... But then..

Friday, June 25, 2010

Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur International Marathon 2010


Another two more days to go.... and I will be running in the Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur International Marathon 2010. I have yet to collect the runners kit by Saturday 26 June. I have to collect it at Stadium Titiwangsa. In fact, I could only go after the function at Pantai Hospital, Bangsar.

Sofiyah will be attending the Pantai Junior Club event on Saturday 26 June at Pantai Hospital. This will be her second participation at that event. During the last event, there was a colouring contest. This time there will be a treasure hunt and also story telling. This time too, I will make sure that I do not wear heels..... They have a warm up session where everyone have to exercise.. During the last time, luckily the exercise was low impact and not much moving around... Imagine me wearing my jubah (long robe) with high heels....

Well, back to the marathon. Actually, I have not been training hard enough. I only did my tai chi on Wednesday nights and the occasional brisk walking around the house. I admit, I was lazy... Anyway, I definitely will run tomorrow morning after sending Sofiyah to school. I will go train in the gym or run at the park near Bangi.

I am really looking forward Sunday. The Orangeman said he will be there, wearing orange!! Well, I sure hope to bump into him.

I am participating in the 10km run. There is no veterans category, so I have to run with those above 18 years old. Imagine that!! Me running with all the young ones. Winning is definitely OUT!! But I hope to at least get a finisher medal and a certificate. I hope to end the run within an hour and a half. During the last marathon, which was the Putrajaya Night Marathon, I managed to run 10km in one and a half hours.

Well, time to sleep now.... its almost 1.30am, but then...

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Pink Coach - KTMB

After the court case, my brother sent me to Seremban Railway Station, where I bought a commuter ticket to Kajang. It cost me RM4.60. I was already broke after withdrawing all my money from my current account to pay for my brother's lawyer fees.

Anyway, when the commuter train arrived, I found myself boarding into the pink coach. This coach was for women only. So, it was really annoying when some men started to get into the coach. I went up to them and told them to go to the other coaches. Either they are too gundu, or just did not care!! The moron!!

By the time the coach got to Nilai, the pink coach became co-ed!! Most of them who came on board were foreign workers. They just could not be bothered. Damn!!

The Court Room

I have never been into a court room before. I only saw what it was like on television. The most memorable one was the movie Kramer Vs Kramer. Anyway, I was in Seremban on Tuesday 22 June, to attend a court hearing between my kid brother and his wife. His wife was seeking divorce.

I had to be there because I have to pay the lawyer who will attend to my brother's case. Of course, my brother will have to pay me back in installment. I hope his boss will deduct it from his salary. Otherwise I will never get back my money, knowing my brother.

Anyway, my brother does not want to divorce his wife. He still wants to keep the family together, because he has his only daughter to think of. His three sons are all grown up and working. His only daughter will be sitting for her PMR this year, and he was worried that this divorce case will affect his daughter psychologically.

Even after I spoke to his wife to withdraw the divorce case, she refused. She was adamant to continue seeking divorce. I pity my brother.

Anyway, besides my brother's case, there were other cases being trialed in the court room. Most are similar. Divorce, divorce, divorce. Young couples, old couples.... The main reason was, no happiness in marriage, cannot get along, finances, sex!!

I only knew today, that a husband can grant divorce to the wife without her attendance. And that the court can grant the wife divorce even without the husband's attendance.

Ethics in the court room:- cannot sit cross-legged. No talking, whispering. One may have to wait more than an hour to get one's case being heard. So how did I spent my time in the court room??? Luckily got Wifi.... So... i log on to FB...

Roasted Baby Potatoes

600g small baby potatoes, cleaned
Olive oil cooking spray
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp coarse ground black pepper
10-12 satay skewers

Soak the satay skewers in cold water for at least an hour before use.

Put potatoes into a saucepan of cold water then bring to a simmering boil for about 5-6 minutes or until just tender when tested with a skewer. Drain and rinse under running tap water. Cut the potatoes in half and thread them onto the skewers.

Spray the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Arrange the skewers on a barbecue grill. Barbecue for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.

To ensure that the potatoes do not get burnt, turn them over every 10 minutes.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Smoked Salmon Salad


100g smoked salmon slices, cubed
2-3 cherry tomatoes, halved
100g mesclun
1 Lebanese cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced
6-7 thin slices baguette bread
1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper

Dressing
3 tbsp canola oil
1/2 tsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp grated ginger
2tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp sugar or to taste

Preheat oven to 200 degrees Centigrade. Arrange baguette slices on a baking tray. Spray with olive oil and bake for 7-8 minutes or until bread is slightly golden and crisp.

To prepare dressing: Heat canola oil and sesame oil in a nonstick saucepan. Add ginger and garlic and fry for 20-30 seconds. Add apple cider vinegar and sugar. Stir to heat up for a minute. Dish out to cool.

Place salmon, tomatoes, cucumber and mesclun in a large bowl. Add the prepared dressing and toss gently to combine.

Break baguette slices in half and add as garnishing to the salad.

Chicken Wine Soup with Vermicelli


(A)
10 Chinese dried red dates, rinsed, seeded and split to release flavour
2 pieces pak kei
10g tong sum
1 tbsp kei chi
1,3 litres fresh chicken stock

(B)
100g matured ginger, smashed
2 tbsp sesame oil
50g red rice wine dregs (residue from fermented red rice wine), store bought
4 pcs chicken drumsticks, chopped into bite-sized pieces
250ml glutinous rice wine
200g flour vermicelli (meen seen)

Seasoning
1 tbsp light soy sauce
3/4-1 tsp salt or to taste
15g rock sugar or to taste

Bring chicken stock, pak-kei, tong sum, red dates and kei chi to a boil in a pot. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. Discard the herbs.

Heat sesame oil in a large saucepan. Add ginger, red grain wine residue, glutinous rice wine and chicken. Fry until fragrant. Pour the herbal stock into pan with the chicken.

Bring to a boil and adjust with seasoning. Reduce the heat and cook for 10-15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Scald flour vermicelli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain and place in individual soup bowls. Pour in hot soup over the vermicelli and serve immediately.

Fried Flour Vermicelli (Chow Meen Seen)


200 gm flour vermicelli (mee seen)
70g prawns, shelled
25g carrots, shredded
3 dried mushrooms
soaked and shredded
30g beansprouts, tailed
50g cabbage, shredded
1 tsp chopped garlic
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp sesame oil

Seasoning
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp light soy sauce
Dash of monosodium glutamate
1/2 tsp sugar or to taste
1/2 cup fresh chicken stock

Heat enough oil in a wok until hot and deep-fry vermicelli (fry a bundle at a time) until golden. (Vermicelli will turn golden in seconds.)

Remove and drain on absorbent paper towels. Plunge deep-fried vermicelli into a basin of boiling water. Dish out and drain well in a colander. (This is to remove the oil from the vermicelli.)

Heat oil and sesame oil in a wok. Fry garlic until lightly browned. Add prawns and all the vegetables. Stir-fry well. Stir in vermicelli and add combined seasoning. Fry well to combine. Dish out and serve immediately.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Bukit Jalil Golf n Country Club




I took Sofiyah and four of my neighbour's children to BJGCC after zohor prayers today. I have not been to the club for more than a year, so there were quite a few changes within the club itself.

I collected my new membership card at the office. Then off to the pool. The children had a great time, bathing and playing water polo. Also the slide at the kiddies pool. Since there was free wifi around the pool area, I of course, surf the internet. Also, what else then, to log on to FB. Having free wifi is new here. When we first came to the club years ago, there was no wifi.

Anyway, when it was time for asar prayers, I was surprised to find that the ladies prayer room was moved to the area around the workers' wing. But then, it was vast, compared to the previous prayer room where the ladies had to share with the men.

After I had my prayers, I returned to the pool, and found the children still enjoying themselves. So I told them I would give them another hour and then shower and have their asar prayers before returning home.

While waiting for them, I surf the net. Then read the Quran. I could see the children were really having fun. Wished I could join them too. But I was afraid to tire myself, since I have tai chi practice later tonight.

The children left the pool and ate fried mee hun which Faizin's mum cooked. They cleaned out the bowl in a jiffy. Must be pretty hungry, those kids. Anyway, they then had their shower and also their asar prayers. We then head for home. In the car, all the girls were dozing except for Man. He was still energetic. Boys being boys.... Well, at least I had company during the long drive home.

When I reached home, after sending the children to their respective homes, my darling husband was already at home. He was raking the lawn of dried fallen leaves.... But then,

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Farmers' Market

I went with Sofiyah to the farmers' market (pasar tani) at Prima Saujana around 5.30pm today. It was such a hot day, that we waited in the car while waiting for the fishmonger to open his stall. In fact there were not many stalls today, unlike on Saturday mornings, where there was plenty of stalls selling all kinds of products.

When the fishmonger opened his stall, there were few varieties of fresh fishes to choose from. I bought 2 kg of large prawns and 2 kg of crabs. Then to the vegetables stall. Here I bought tomatoes, french beans, pucuk ubi, pucuk manis, pumpkin and red and green chillies. I brought my own shopping bags, so the farmers need not use their plastic bags to put what I have bought.

Sofiyah wanted to buy smoothies, so I bought for her a small cup of chocolate smoothies, whilst I bought a small cup of fresh kiwis smoothies. It was very soothing on such a hot afternoon. The stall selling the smoothies was very clean. It was manned by three ladies, two wearing the purdah.

I also bought stuffed fried tofu. Four pieces for RM2 plus chilli sauce. Quite dear. But then..... tofu is my weakness, so I bought it. When I ate it at home.... it was so tasteless!! Not nice at all!!!
I can cook it better... But then...

Baked Chicken Wings

10-12 chicken wings
1-2 tbsp French mustard
1 can olive oil spray

Seasoning (A)
1/2 cup self-raising flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder

Combine chicken wings with mustard and toss to marinate

Place ingredients (A) in a large plastic bag. Spray chicken wings with olive oil and put the wings into the plastic bag. Shake the plastic bag well to coat the chicken wings with the combined flour mixture.

Line a baking tray with foil and spray with olive oil. Arrange the wings on the foil-lined tray. Spray the wings with olive oil again and bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 25-30 minutes or until wings are crisp and cooked through. Serve them hot.

Sweet and Sour Crabs


3 large mud crabs (1.5kg)
Tapioca flour
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1 tbsp chopped ginger
1 tsp chopped bird's eye chillies
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 egg, lightly beaten

Sauce ingredients (combined)
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp light soy sauce
3 tbsp tomato sauce
2 tbsp chili sauce
2 tbsp sugar to taste
2 tbsp white rice vinegar
1/2 tsp salt or to taste
1/2 tsp anchovy stock granules
1/2 cup water

Thickening
1 tbsp cornflour mixes with
2 tbsp water

Clean crabs, remove and crack the pincers. Trim the legs and cut each into 4 pieces. Rinse and drain the crabs in a colander.

Toss crabs in tapioca flour and deep-fry in hot oil until just cooked. Remove and set aside.

Heat sesame oil in a clean wok and fry garlic, ginger and bird's eye chillies until fragrant.

Add combined sauce ingredients. Stir well then cover the wok and allow to simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove the lid and add the crabs. Toss to coat the crabs with the sauce. Add the beaten egg and drizzle in thickening. Dish out and serve immediately.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Fried Rice ala Chinese

Ingredients:
1 bowl cooked rice
2 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
1 tsp black pepper, pounded
2 eggs
10 pcs fresh prawn
100gm kailan, cleaned and cut
3 tbsp cooking oil
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Fry garlic until fragrant, add in prawns and black pepper
2) Add in salt and mix well.
3) Add in the eggs and mix well
4) Then add in cooked rice and kailan.
5) Mix well for a few minutes
6) Ready to serve

Fried Rice ala Kampung

Here are a few very simple recipes for that lazzzzy moments not to cook...

Ingredients:
1 bowl cooked rice
2 pcs small onion )
1 clove garlic ) Blended
5 pcs dried chillies )
2 tbsp dried prawn, blend/pound
100gm spinach
1 inch belacan (prawn paste)
3 tbsp cooking oil
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Fry all ingredients except the spinach, until fragrant
2) Add in salt and cooked rice
3) Mixed well
4) Then add in spinach which has been cut
5) Mixed thoroughly and ready to serve

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Wahid's 16th birthday


Tomorrow will be Wahid's 16th birthday. Actually he was suppose to share the same birthday as I, but he was born two weeks early.

He was born at Pantai Medical Centre in the wee hours 14th June 1994. Dr Maheswaran delivered him. When she put him on my tummy and was about to cut the umbilical cord, I noticed a balloon like thing on his tummy. I asked Dr Maheswaran about it and she told me not to worry. And after cutting the umbilical cord he was whisked away by the staff nurse. I did not get to hold him at all. Then i fell asleep...

When I woke up and asked about my baby, the staff nurse took me to SCBU (special care baby unit). There was my baby lying on a special cot. The 'thing' was still on his tummy. The paeditrician, Dr Iyngkaran, explained to me and my husband that our baby has umbilical hernia and he needs surgery to rectify it fast. I almost fainted when i heard that. I have yet to hold him close to my heart and breastfed him. It was frustrating not being able to do that. Wahid was operated on at 7pm the same day. Dr Karpal Singh did the surgery.

Umbilical hernia is when part of the small intestine protruded through the navel. So, the surgeon had to push the intestine back into its original position.

Wahid was born without a navel. But with Dr Karpal's expertise, he created a navel for Wahid. I only got to hold and breastfed my baby about a day after the operation...Alhamdullilah he grew up healthy and fine. But then...

Friday, June 11, 2010

Awesome Belly Dancers

Putrajaya Skatepark







Last Tuesday June 8, I took Sofiyah and Wahiduzzaman and his friend Aris, to the Putrajaya Skatepark. To reach the park, the venue is in Taman Cabaran, we had to drive through the Putrajaya avenue from the Putrajaya mosque right up to the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. From the traffic lights, turn left and follow the signage.

Along the way, just before reaching the skatepark, we had to pass through the Muslim cemetery. Then there was the Wall climbing venue which was next to the skatepark. I have yet to venture into this wall climbing sport. Must find time to do it, InshaAllah.

Entrance to the Skatepark is FOC. There were quite a number of skaters when we reached there. Wahid and Aris wasted no time in joining the skaters and do their stuff. As for Sofiyah, she put on her rollerblades and rolled around the skate park away from the seasoned skaters. As for me, I practiced my tai chi 37 steps, and tai chi kung fu san.

Then, Sofiyah and I took to the hill overlooking the skatepark. We jogged up the hill right up to its peak. The view was magnificent!! There was the skatepark and Putrajaya in the background. Actually it was a bit frightening jogging up the hill, because, there was only the two of us. The place was deserted. There were bicycle tracks into the jungle, must be for the 'Xtreme' mountain bikers. I had no wish to stay longer at the peak, and jogged down quickly back to the skatepark.

Since, it was time for Asar prayers, Sofiyah and I went to look for a surau and found it on the 1st level. The ablution area was filled with river stones, some thing unique. And the praying area had aircon installed. Then I called Wahid and Aris to do their prayers too. We then returned home. But then...

Monday, June 7, 2010

Updates...

Sigh.... my last post was almost 18 days ago..... what have I been doing all this while???? The best excuse would be... BZ, Bz bZ and bz..... Well, actually I was having more fun than being busy....

I foll0wed by husband, as usual to Sungei Besar. Stayed at the floating chalet at Dmuara marine park.... But this time around, we did not get the sea view, instead, the only chalet where free Wifi is available was facing the village. Although no sea view, I could still hear the pounding of the waves as high tide moves in.

Chalet No.3 had a faulty shower head. It was leaking. So I do not get to have a really really 'good' shower..... It took a longer time to 'mandi wajib'. Heheheee..... There were 2 single beds, so hubby and I had to connect the bed to get a 'queen' bed. No problemo... it can do!!

When hubby left for work the next day, I downloaded a few series of Belly Dancing for Beginners from Youtube for my FB profile. The rest of the morning was spent surfing the net and FB, but no updating my blog. Lazy me.....

Anyway, hunger strikes me, coz I did not have any breakfast. So I ate dates which I brought from home. But then, still hungry lor..... Finally hubby returned and brought packed lunch from the Nasi Padang stall. Of course lah, I ate like cra...zy.... Burrppppp!! Alhamdullilah (Praise to Allah).

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

World Environment Day was celebrated on 5 june 2010, but at Syabas, it was celebrated the following day on June 6.

Sofiyah and I were in the convoy to Rimba Ampang to help clear the rubbish along and in the river there. We were in the coach together with the other participants. We were escorted to the venue by the Polis Bantuan (Auxiliary Police).

I have never been to Rimba Ampang (formerly known as Bukit Belachan). So, I sure was excited. Anyway, the coach had to park at the bottom of the hill. From there, we boarded a mini van to get us to the venue within the park itself. The distance was about 1km from the main gate. No vehicles are allowed into the park itself. Visitors had to park their cars in the designated parking lot before the entrance.

At the top of the hill, there were two tents erected. One large tent for the participants, and a smaller one for members of the media. The VIP have not arrived yet, so we were invited to have our breakfast in the larger tent. Breakfast consists of Fried Rice, Fried Mee Hoon, Tuna sandwiches and fried chicken. There was only cold rose syrup water to drink.

There was this group of teenagers who performed the shuffle while we were having our breakfast. Actually, this was not on the agenda, but since, being teenagers, they were feeling bored already, so the emcee invited them to perform the shuffle. I think, during my school days, the shuffle was known as the funky chicken dance...

When the VIP finally arrived, he gave a short but meaningful speech about celebrating WED. After that, we did aerobics exercise for 20 mins. Then the younger participants were told to gather in the large tent and they were given a talk on WED. Then, all participants were divided into groups of 10 persons for each group. Sofiyah was in Group B, whilst I was in Group G.
There were 8 groups altogether.

Each group were given a kit to measure the condition of the river water. So, my group was divided into two. One group to analyse the river water, and the other to collect all rubbish found along and in the river itself!! I chose to be in the latter. We were given garbage bags and a leaf rake and we have 30 mins to collect rubbish. The team to collect the most rubbish wins (i.e. by the number of garbage bags collected!!).

So... I had to remove my shoes and socks. Then carrying a garbage bag and a leaf rake, I waded into the river. Mind you, it was cold.... Suddenly, I almost lost my balance and the leaf rake fell into the river... It was slowly floating away... Luckily there was this guy who saved the rake and together with me, we cleaned up the river. He would use the rake to sweep up the dead leaves and twigs and I would put it into the garbage bag. We managed to collect 3 garbage full of rubbish!! Sofiyah was busy with her team.

A young boy almost drowned when he walked into the deep end of the river. Perhaps he was being too enthusiastic and did not heed the advice of the organisers not to go alone when collecting rubbish. On the river banks itself, there were empty bottles, empty canned drinks, plastic bags etc etc...

So, after half an hour of collecting rubbish, the rubbish collected could fill up a small lorry!! My team came in 1st in the number of garbage bags full of rubbish. We got a goody bag each. Then came the group photo shoot. I will post it here once I received the photos.

Well, although Sofiyah and I were tired, we had great fun and enjoyed ourselves very much. We hope to do more of this volunteering activities in the future.
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...