Two cents worth

Talent vs Looks

Anugerah Skrin / Idol Mania
I know what I want to comment on is very dunia but I really can't help it. Takde benda nak tengok on Monday evenings, I used to watch Anugerah Skrin but I did miss some episodes. Anugerah Skrin started with a bang but kesian, the ending was rather anti-climax. I think.

I was expecting better quality talents in the finals actually. But really, mana pergi good talents in Singapore ni. To cut the story short, I must say I agree with Tiara Jacqualina. Ada talent, kurang package. Ada rupa, kurang talent. Kesian! Kesian! In the end, the winners are not really THE ones who have the total package. Kesian! In the end, the show which, I bet, used up a considerable budget, had to content with such an ending. Kesian.

Pentas showbiz is like that. People want to see nice -looking people and good talents too. And not just anyone. In Asian showbiz, people tend to value looks more than anything else. TAPI nasib baik pentas dunia, THE JUDGE is fair. Rupa tak penting. Amalan dan perngai penting.

Still on that, America does accept people with exceptional talent who may not have THE looks. America chose Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks for their American Idols. And even Fantasia. If they compete in Singapore, I bet the judges, especially the last judge would say that they may sound like Idols but they don’t look like Idols. Remember what the last judge said to Mathilda D’Silva or sthg? You see she sang relatively well lah – when you are compared with people who cannot sing, you are anytime better. But he (the last judge) said she doesn’t look like an Idol. What? He thinks Singaporeans are so shallow ah? If America can choose Ruben and Taylor, why can’t Singaporeans have talents who don’t look so good but sound good. Okaylah, our talents are nothing compared to Ruben and Taylor but you see my point is, today, we want people who can sing and it does not really matter how they look. When it comes to a singing competition, ultimately, if you can melt hearts by your singing, you don’t really have to look very good. What matters most is the talent.

Two firsts! First independent shower and first Milo drink!

My elder son bathed all by himself on 21 June 2006, at 3 yrs 4 mths. Some other children would have done so earlier. But to me, it's definitely a milestone I must record somewhere and something that makes me happy.

Actually, it came as a surprise because he went into the toilet himself! Now that's definitely dangerous! But I tried not to show my fury and anxiety but just cautioned him to be careful. Of course, I clapped and praised him for his attempt to be independent.

Next, he prepared his own Milo! However, instead of using hot water, he used tap water. Ever since a baby, he has been seeing me prepare Milo drink for his dad. I never imagined he would try out himself one day! The good thing is he's doing things. The not-so-good part is the spilling of things while preparing the drink...but never mind lah. I'm slowly teaching him to clean up too. Nevertheless, this makes me happy too.

And at the moment he loves playing with my very own home-made play dough.

His presence makes a difference

For the past two nights, MDH (My Dear Husband - note new ref ehem...)had an NPCC camp at Ubin. I felt that the house was just different and I was especially moody. I think I was rather unfair to the kids. Should have spent more time with them rather than just be with them. That was partly because MDH was not around to hear my grouses etc.

I didn't cook except for rice when he was away. I just heated kheema that MIL gave two days earlier and ate with the kids. The fishes that I attempted to thaw went in and out of the freezer a few times. Little motivation.

But things took a turn when he was coming home this morning. Suddenly I had drive to be a little more useful. I cooked Fish Curry and Spinach with soup. The Fish Curry was a bit watery but never mind, more importantly, it's edible. Got the kids to help clean up the house a bit. When I announced to the elder one that Abah's coming home, he immediately opened the door, though, MDH was perhaps, still at the jetty. He clearly missed his dad very much.

When he was finally home, he kissed and hugged everybody. You know what... actually that was the first time he was away for three whole days and two nights. His camps used to be in school and he would come home to pick up things or say hello or whatever. We never really part for that long before.

He then put aside his things, smelling something not right from the elder son's nappies, cleaned and changed him. He got ready to send the elder one to his Enrichment Class.

He didn't show signs that he was tired even though he was the OC of the camp, except almost dozing off while waiting for the elder son to finish his class.

I missed him and now that he's back, I seem to have a little more drive to start again. I should be a little more self-driven but you see there's always a gap between what you are and what you should be. I'm trying and I should be. Insya Allah.

May Allah Bless You, Ayu!

Yesterday, a special and important person was born 34 years ago. She is none other than my best friend, Rahayu. She is one person who never fails to offer a listening ear whenever you need her. She is a great buddy. She is a great friend. She is passionate about things she loves and about things she loves doing.

I am blessed to know someone like her and very happy and grateful to have her around till today. Actually no words can sufficiently express how wonderful a person she is.