When Grandma Came To Visit

It's not often that I get to see my grandma.


She lives in Taiping and I am here in Kuala Terengganu.




But, recently Bah came to visit. Auntie Achik came too.


Diana, Dini and I tagged along when Bah and Achik went to the museum, Taman Tamaddun Islam and Pasar Payang.




We also took Bah and Achik to Pulau Duyong.

We had hi-tea at Ri-Yaz Heritage Resort and Spa there.




Bah didn't stay long though.

I was a little sad when she left a few days later.

But, we are due for another school break soon and I hope, we get to go back to Taiping to see Bah again.

Graduating Cousins

I recently received a text message from Kak Erin.


She said she couldn't find a single photograph of her here.


Well, she can't say that anymore.


I looked all over for something with us together in a shot but to no avail.




Found photos of her graduation day though.


Thought it would be appropriate to show a few here.


She couldn't have looked any happier with Kak Yani by her side.





Kak Lin was there too.


The graduation hat looked a perfect fit.


But I think she still has another year to go before her she can wear her own.

I can't blame her though.

I too am looking forward to attend mine even if it's still years down the road.

Fund For Gaza From Shams

Earlier this year, our school donated money to the Gaza fund. The story was published in a few newspapers.

But in addition to the donation news, the New Straits Times highlighted our Ustaz Rosli too.

According to the publication, our Senior Assistant Principal looked a little like the President of the United States, Mr Barack Obama.

I was still new at the school at that time and had only a few times caught a glance of Ustaz Rosli.

But I was presence during the donation presentation with my other classmates.

Most of my friends said Ustaz Rosli did not look like Mr Obama.


But a few others including Uncle Imran who took our photos that day, thought there was a resemblance.

The most important thing was, the teachers and students at the school did a good thing by donating money for a worthy cause.

Taiping Here We Come

I'm always looking forward to going back to Taiping.


The place where I was born.






I enjoy the road trip too, especially when we arrive at the rest-stop at the highest peak of Titiwangsa Range.

The air is cool and crisp there.

The view, simply breathtaking.




The trip home takes six to seven hours via the east-west highway.

But it's definitely worth it as I get to spend time with grandma.






And my cousins Idan, Illa and Ashraf.














When we are together, things are rarely quiet.


We play cards, carom, and sometimes, we just chase each other around the house.








Or we just hang out at Taiping Central.

First Day At Shams

It has been more than six months since I first stepped on the ground of SMKA Sheikh Abdul Malek.

But I still remember how nervous I was on the first day.










I remember thinking I would be lost here.



I also remember wanting to go back to SK Padang Hiliran.





But that didn't stop me from going through the whole registration process.


Deep down I knew I would survive.


I always have, I told myself.






That day seems like ages ago.


Now, I do feel like I belong here.






This is where I want to be.


Where I hope everybody knows my name.

When In Bukit Keluang

One of my favorite places in the world is Bukit Keluang Beach Resort.







The beautiful resort in Bukit Keluang, Besut, Terengganu is where my family and I usually spend a day or two during school holidays.



The place is rather quiet except when Diana, Dini and I are in the swimming pool.


We like very much the convenience of having our snacks right by the poolside. I just love their french fries and chicken chops.

When we are tired of splashing in the pool, we have a choice of playing indoor games or going for a bike ride.




Diana and Dini are more adventurous.

They usually like to check out the rest of the beach area on their bikes.

I can't blame them either because there are quite a number of ice-cream stalls by the beach.


.

Lunch and dinner for the three of us are pretty much predictable


Chicken chops and milkshakes for Dini and I, while Diana may go for fish and chips.


Sleep at the resort doesn't come easy as we often try our best to stay awake as long as possible.




We play cards, watch TV, tell jokes and stories.


But by midnight, sleep wins.

Checkmate at Pulau Duyong

I was a little nervous on Saturday morning, last week, when I sat down facing my first opponent in the Terengganu Special Education Chess Tournament at Ri-Yaz Heritage Resort and Spa in Pulau Duyong.

To be honest, I had not been practicing except for a quick game against my sister Diana the night before.

After a few moves, I knew Tuan Mohd Sholihin Tuan Zahrin could play chess and the 14-year-old student of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Ketengah Jaya, Dungun, was making all the right moves.

Soon after I found myself struggling after losing my queen but I kept going, this time very carefully, to avoid from making another mistake.

Somehow, I managed to get the better of him and eventually, I won the game.

We faced each other again in the semi-final round and again, I was in trouble.

But, for the second time that day, I ended up winning.

My old friend from SK Padang Hiliran Muhammad Nur Firdaus Nor Azli stood between me and the title.




I was quite familiar with his game plan and knew I should be able to beat Firdaus.

True enough. I was champion again.

UPSR Still On My Mind

My five 'A's must have been quite a big deal. I was on TV. My photos and stories were in a number of newspapers.

I guess I did have my 15 minutes of fame.

Relatives from far-a-way places also dropped by or at least called.



There were gifts too. Some were from people I was not familiar with. They were all very kind. They made me very happy.




There was this one luncheon at Permai Inn where I had to give a speech. My parents said I did well enough. I hope I did.

I received a notebook computer from the State Education Department that day.




Mr Misesh and Ms Gan were there too and they gave me RM500 cash and similar amount in shopping vouchers.

UPSR On My Mind

Chances are, I will never forget the the day the UPSR result came out.

I remember seeing tears streaming down mama's face. Papa was beaming with pride.


My sister Nurul Diana was jumping with joy, probably because she scored five As too. My younger brother Dini was his usual aloof self but we all knew, deep down he was happy for Diana and I.

I remember headmaster Cikgu Sidek congratulating me, followed by my other teachers at Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Hiliran.

I remember Terengganu Education Department director En Ariffin Embong shaking my hand when he stopped by our school later in the day.


I remember Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said dropping by our house in the evening with a bunch of important looking people, just to meet my sister and I.

I also remember, that was one of the best days of my life.