Phew!
But you gotta work hard to stay Bro.
We did predict we’ll see Jasmine & Jorge go home tonight.
Archive for the ‘Musings’ Category
And It’s a Save for Anoop!
Thursday, March 12th, 2009Ahh yes..
Thursday, March 12th, 2009The American Idol Top 13. Here they come!
Lil - Agree with Randy on how she made that song her own. Way to go Mama!
Scott - Ahh. Now we see him at his zone. Good job Scott. Will America keep him far ahead? I hope so.
Danny - Y’all know he’s my favorite right? U da Man Danny! With ya all the way Bro!
Michael - Oooh, the sensitive side of Michael. Love it. I have a feeling a certain Cousin Tara loved it too. *wink*
Jasmine - Sweet Litle Girl with a big voice. Perhaps though, not a big enough voice next to some of the others.
Kris - Oooh. Man! You know I can’t resist a good singing Guitarist. The Hubby quipped “hey…” at this point. You’re still the world’s best singing Guitarist Darling. Did Simon just insult Kris or his wife?! Kurang a…
Allison - Phenomenal. This girl is in a league of her own. Like Paula said, mind boggling that she’s only sixteen!
Anoop - Uh oh. Hubby said he shouldn’t have chosen that song. And turns out the Judges agree with Hubby on that.
Jorge - He’s good, but I’m not feeling a vibe about this performance.
Megan - I didn’t know the song was a Michael Jackson song?! “It sure is” says the Hubby. Hmm. Ok. If she does it like that for every performance, I’m finding it hard to see her closer to the top.
Adam - HE TOOK IT AWAY TONIGHT. Love his take on MJ’s classic.
Matt - Wow. Good stuff on the piano. I hope he gets through to next week too. I want to see more of this guy.
Alexis - Hubby didn’t like Kara’s comment on her performance. “Eeh!” was his exact word. She’ll make it in to next week this girl. Her baby is so adorable!
So I guess we’ll pick the possible eliminations then huh?
It could be Jasmine and Anoop. Maybe Jorge.
Watchu think?
The Weekend That Was Us
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
What a rare opportunity to be away for the entire weekend with just the two of us!
There was a call to the Leadership Team of the Church to take a weekend away from the family while they called in Facilitators to conduct a Marriage Course especially for the married Couples in the leadership team. Our Senior Pastor had gone through the Course last year and felt so blessed by it, she wanted her Leaders to also benefit from it. “With all of you giving of your time and energy to the Church, I just wanted to do something special for you and decided to conduct this Course so your Marriages will be blessed.” said She.
Beautiful thought by our Senior Pastor, and blessed we were by it.
Getting to the Course was actually quite rocky, not the least was the fact that we had to arrange overnight childcare for our Precious Bundle. On Friday prior to the weekend, the Children had Sports Day at school, where Big Sis did a ‘cheer dance’ as it was called, so with the exception of Littlest Sis who was at preschool, we were all there to catch her in action. On Saturday evening, we had a Young Adults Group activity to go to BUT I fell ill on the way there. Another fainting spell after going to the loo. Again, I was told it was due to dehydration.
By the time Sunday came, I was weak and stayed home from Church. All of this going on and I hadn’t had a chance to pack our overnighters, which included School-going essentials. We had planned to send the Children off to school from my Mom’s place, who watched over them while we were away.
As it were, we almost decided that we couldn’t make it to the Marriage getaway. Still, with the little ounce of energy I had left, I worked my plan backwards from school day Tuesday and managed to throw in the essentials into our overnighters. After big hugs and lots of slobbery kisses with the Girls, we were off, with Big Sis asking me to promise I’ll be ok and not faint at the Getaway.
When we got to the Retreat Centre, we arrived to a hall where there were round tables covered with orange tablecloth and two cloth covered ivory-colored seats per table. There was a scented candle in a bowl of water at every table that had little flowers surrounding it. There was two glasses of water, some chocolates and a piece of paper with quotes on Marriage. In our room, as we would find out later, there was a plate of fruits, a chocolate bar and a single rose in a vase ready to welcome us into our weekend abode.
How lovely.
Hubby and I looked at each other, smiled and knew it was going to be a nice weekend for us after all.
The Course was done by video and the Speakers were Nicky & Sila Lee. We each had a manual that contained notes corresponding to the principles taught by this Couple. After a time of teaching, we would answer questionnaires, list our answers and then exchange our manuals with our Spouses. Then came the discussion, which often caused some couples to burst into laughter and playful banter. Other times, there were quiet tears.
Throughout the sessions, we were served coffee and tea, (at the table too!) free flow of water and the chocolates and candies were replenished.
One of the things we learned at this Course was the Art of Listening. We were taught how not to interrupt when our partner is speaking and then reflect back to our partner what we think we heard our partner speaking. When we put that principle into practice, The Hubby and I had a wonderful opportunity to share deeply with each other about matters dear to our hearts. And, to be really heard.
It’s amazing to think that we can be such good listeners to friends and acquaintances, and to the people at Church, but tend not to hear what our own spouse is saying sometimes! I tend to intellectualize and / or spiritualise our conversations when The Hubby is talking, and He tends to advise and give solutions when I do the talking. Sometimes, all we need is for our Partner to listen.
I think we’ll remember this lesson for quite a long time more.
This course will eventually be opened to all the Married Couples in Church. If you get a chance, do sign up. We recommend it highly. 
p.s While we were away, my Mom gave the Children ear piercings!!
Adeh….
Haiyah… American Idol
Wednesday, March 4th, 2009Feels lonng this American Idol…
Anyhoo. Tonight’s dinner is Chicken Curry made especially for Dear Hubby cos he’s rushing out to Church again as soon as he comes home. Duty calls. So must eat something nice at home ya?
Oh! Here they are. That Scott Mcintyre is so inspirational! So ready to bring it!
Von – Buleh tahan oh! I was on the same track as Randy in that I had expected a ‘rough’ start to the show like we had with the past two groups. His demeanor remind me of Vince Chong of Akademi Fantasia fame. Hehehe… Yea. You go Dude!
Taylor – Oooh, Simon. Agree with him though.
Alex – Ok. Is it me or is it getting a little less attention-grabbing right about here? Next please.
Ariana – Aiya. I’m not liking her version of this song lah. True, she should sing a song her age.
Ju’not – Ok. Not feeling the same vibe as everybody else there though.
Kristen – Love her vocals. And looks like I’m on the same page with the Judges about her being too safe with it. Hmm… Don’t know how America will vote for her. “I’ll vote for her Mommy” Big Sis suddenly quipped. Awww….
Nathaniel – Why are all these young people singing ‘old’ songs tonight? Ya Boy, lose the headband Boy.
Felicia - Oooh. Now, it’s getting good. Love that its now contemporary! Pardon my ignorance. I didn’t know she was cut and then called back. Well then, Good Job Girl!
Scott - Omg! That first note was spot on I got goose bumps! Come on America, vote for him!
Kendall - She is such a cutie. Ok. Getting kinda hard to bring it down to three right about here…
Jorge – Such a cutie too.
Lil – Aww… she’s thinking of her Kids singing this song. Classy Mommy this one. Vocally, I think she topped it, ya?
Lil, Felicia and Scott for me tonight. I liked Von, Kristen and Jorge too.
You?
American Idol from the dining table.. My take.
Thursday, February 26th, 2009Ok, this time, I have got my, ahem, signature Beef Lasagna on the table ready for digging in as we watch American Idol. The Girls, bless their little hearts, have agreed to switch over from Disney Channel and are huddled in front of the TV gulping mouthfuls of pasta to watch the show with Mama. The Hubby’s getting ready to go out to Church for Music practice but he’ll be able to catch some performances before he goes.
I’m really keen to see how Norman Gentle or Nick Mitchell (whatever his name) does it tonite. 
Ok. Here it comes!
Jasmine – Umm. Dia nervous ka ni? I’m kinda expecting better. As Randy often said it, “Nothin’ to shout about dawg..” Ok, so I see the judges are with me.
Matt - *Note to Uncle Bob. Kalamazoo guy. Uh oh. Guess his forte is still the piano. I’m with Kara on this one.
*sigh* It’s tough to have to be the first few…
Jeanine - Ya la, ya la, she got nice legs. Not sure how America will vote for her though…
Ah, here he is. Si Gentle. Tonite he’s Nick Mitchell pula – LoL. Aduuh. He’s good vocally. But somehow it’s funny watching him. 
Allison - Betul ka dia ni sixteen years old?? She rocked it yo! Yup, she’s one to watch.
Kris - I think Michael Jackson songs is a risky route to take. I love how this guy made it his own though!
Megan Joy - I was kinda rooting for her a little bit being the recently divorced (or divorcing) single mom that she is, but I hope America will not vote her out based on tonight’s performance. She needs another chance to find her voice.
Matt - My Hubby thought he was a bit ’safe’. Interesting that Randy said almost to the same effect. I think he’s got that rocker in him that he should put out so it would fit his song, but he’s holding it in for some reason. Macam sentimental rocker bah dia ni. Hehe…
Jesse - She does look better than she did during her audition and her time at Hollywood. And she sang much better than she did the last time too I thought. Not sure what America thinks la.
Kai - Good karaoke no?
Mishovanna - I think the judges had a much higher expectation from a former contestant and that’s fair enough. Vocally she’s got it. Performance wise I think she’ll be a 50-50, given again that she had gone through the process once before.
Adam - You go Boy! I think he got it right when he said that he needed to internalize rather than heighten his stage persona. Get that on pat and we’ll see him into the finals!
My cards? Adam and Allison. Can’t decide on a third lah.
We’ll know tomorrow. (If there are no changes.)
What’s yours?
Any time is a good time for Skin Resolutions
Thursday, February 26th, 2009My daughter said this to me the other day. “Mommy, you’re so beautiful and I love you so much. I love you with your makeup, and I love you with no make-up.” I’m sure she said it with all sincerity. But it made me make a mental note to look presentable even in front of my kids. Maybe even ESPECIALLY presentable when they’re in sight.
So, if you’re a Mom like me who stopped wearing make-up when the kids came along, the least we could do is take good care of our skin. I have started wearing make-up again but only to Sunday Service and to special occasions like weddings or a dinner date. Good skin however is a beauty that lasts.
Found a great article by Jo-Lynne of Musings of a Housewife that I thought was good to follow or at least consider following. Here’s one I never knew!
10. Avoid drinking out of straws. We know that the reason for lines and wrinkles is from sun damage, but it’s also caused from facial expressions. (Think smiling as the cause of crow’s feet around the eyes.) So when drinking out of a straw, you have to purse your lips which causes unnecessary wrinkles and lines around the mouth. If you’re concerned about lines and wrinkles, then drinking directly from the glass is a much better option. Save that expression for kissing!
Did y’all know that about drinking out of straws??
I’ll give you the link to the article in a moment. But before we get there, just thought I’d share with you that -
I’m good with #9 (I knew about using the ring finger too..), #8 and #7.
I haven’t done #6 for a while now. Erk. I’m doing it after this!
#5 is Reminder, Reminder, Reminder. Sometimes kan, gatal bah the fingers. It just gets to me when the bump comes on. Tsk!
Er, for #4, who has time to go round collecting those ingredients when we’re busy Moms?? But then, we blog. So…
I have a #3. I just wish they didn’t come in such a small bottle for such a hefty price! Maybe that’s why we need to go round…
And finally, I’m good with #2 and #1 too.
Oh, and you will notice from the article that the writer recommends the Renée Rouleau range, which I don’t think we have here in KK. I’m guessing we could find similar products from the ranges that are available in town.
Now head on over to Skin Resolutions to read what I’m talking about, and when you have, come back here and tell me what you think!
So, what do you think?
American Idol from the kitchen…
Thursday, February 19th, 2009Am typing this with a spatula in one hand (it’s dinner time…) and the tv turned on to American Idol.
*gasp* The eliminations round is different this year huh?
Yes! Alexis is IN!
Yay for Michael!
And Yayyy… DANNY IS IN!
Good choice America!
By the way, my cards are on Alexis and Danny this group. Maybe a little bias going there for Danny coz he’s a Church Music Director. Anyhoo…
And the point is…?
Wednesday, February 18th, 2009On our ride to school early this morning Hubby asked whether I’d been updating my Scrapbooks for the Children.
“You know, a little something for them to look back on and read about when they finally move away and have a family of their own..”
HA! For the longest time I wondered whether he really knew the value of all that time I put into scrapbooking. And today I know. After like I said, the LONGEST time. You really should express your opinion to me about my pursuits more often Darling. Especially those close to my heart. It makes my day, don’t you know..?
But that’s not my point for today’s posting.
The only theme I caught from the live debate on national TV last night about the use of the word Allah by non-muslims is that it leaves believers insecure.
Why in the first place would one be confused with the use of the word by other faiths begs questioning.
Over here in KK, my friends and I have no issue over a person of another faith using a term for God that sounds like the term we use for God. It’s how one understands God to be. It’s accepted.
And we sit at the same table in the same coffee shop.
All Christians, Buddhists and Muslims of us.
It IS Monday…
Monday, February 16th, 2009I sent Middle Sis to her classroom today as I normally would everyday. Upon reaching her classroom door, I gave her a kiss as I normally would and gently nudged her in. The first lesson of the day was English.
She quietly greeted her Teacher the Good Morning. And then, she was reprimanded on her feet.
I too was taken by surprise but I stayed to see what would transpire.
Before my very eyes, Teacher raised her voice loudly to Middle Sis asking Middle Sis what had Middle Sis forgotten to do. The mere raising of her voice caused my Middle Child to break down right in front of the class and the tears came. It seems that Middle Sis hadn’t knocked before coming in to class. “I am already in the class.” said Teacher to inform Middle Sis that it was a requirement before entering class.
Middle Sis looked at me and I nodded for her to come out of the classroom and do as told. I noticed that while the Children was quietly looking at what was going on, other Children looked to see what I would do.
When Middle Sis was finally allowed to sit I turned to go away, but I decided I would give Middle Sis a reassuring smile so I went and looked in through the window. Middle Sis did not look at me. And so I left.
There’s this part of Chinese culture that honors their Elders and gives them due respect that I look up to and teach my Children accordingly. But when a Teacher takes this to mean that she can oppress a Year One child to submit to her demands the first thing in the morning, it pisses me.
I hate to say this but I think it is Chinese arrogance.
On the roads…
Friday, June 27th, 2008At 6:30am, there are less people driving cars where there are no school-going young people riding in them.
At 7:00am, there is no Police Officer directing traffic at the roundabout that is usually congested at that time.
And… less people filling up at petrol kiosks.
Hmmm…
I'm Didi. Housewife and Mom of 3. Desperate sometimes. Most times blessed. 
