Konsert 3 Diva

I heard about the concert a couple months ago but was not too interested simply because I have not heard of Titi DJ before and although I don’t mind Kris Dayanti, I much prefer Ruth whom I’ve watched live before. But a few days before the show I happened to catch them on Harith’s Thursday Nite Live and I was like, wow…not bad…not bad at all.

So at the last minute, I managed to get some tickets (haiyaa..comp lah..thanks to the ‘artist’ ha ha..) and off we went last nite. And boy, it was simply awesome…! Admittedly the sound system could use a lil tweaking but on the whole it was just great! The musical director, that Guttawa guy, man, he is something else. Musical arrangement was really fantastic.

The one thing I have to say is this – how come our artists need to dress the way they did? With the exception of Noryn Aziz (whom I’ve hardly heard of before), the other two could have dressed more tastefully. Indeed the Indonesian divas were a lot more sopan in their outfits throughout the nite. And with VIPs right up front, I thought Nurul especially should have not gelek-ed as hard, and in that dress pulak tu..! Why, after all that hip swaying she even got a comment from Kris, “cepat cepat kahwin lagi ye Nurul”.

Whatever it is, we had a blast! Among the highlights was when the 3 divas sang a medley of songs from Sheila (and Siti). Thoroughly enjoyed that – particularly the Sheila ones of course since they were songs I grew up with in my teenage years. Sheila was in the audience by the way, looking very pregnant. There was a string of VIPs in the audience too, and local celebs as well. Of course hubby said as good as the crowd was, nothing beats his experience attending a concert back when we were in the States. He and my brother went to a rock concert, and despite the significant loss of hearing they suffered from for days afterwards, claimed the concert was just out of this world.

Anyway, last nite was loads of fun. Great music, powerful vocals, wonderful song selection - in short, a great show, nothing less. I just wish our local singers can put up a show as exciting as that. And with modest sensible dressing, please..! Bikin malu daa..

Pursuit of Happyness

Hubby and I try to go on movie dates whenever we have some free time over the weekends. Naturally, most times, I get to pick the movies because he’s generally too caught up with work to really find out what these movies are all about. A couple weeks ago it was Music and Lyrics. Yes – it was a predictable romantic comedy but entertaining nonetheless. I picked that one because I like Hugh Grant, (eh, he may be old, but there’s a sexiness about him, ok ) – and I always enjoy Drew Barrymore’s goofy characters. Anyway, it was indeed a sweet and enjoyable flick and even hubby had to agree although he had his reservations in the beginning.

Then on Saturday we went to watch Pursuit of Happyness. And what can I say – I cried, or more like I sobbed. I was so totally overwhelmed with emotions, and if I was feeling all melancholy and ‘hiba’, then hubby felt it even more. That is because I can liken Chris Gardner’s relationship with his little 5yo to hubby’s special bond with our precious. It was easy for him to see himself in the character that Will Smith played.

I can so relate to the essence of the story – not because it’s one of those rags to riches film but more because of being able to ralte to the financial woes that drove you to the edge, tough luck that seemed perpetual and just days when you have no idea if you can go on. That instinct of wanting to protect you child, but not knowing what to do. The overpowering sense of loss and helplessness and that burning desire to make things work.

Initially, I wanted to watch because I wanted to see Will Smith and his son in their debut film together. And recently I bought a picture book called “Just the Two of Us” written by none other than Will Smith himself. It tells the story of the love, fears and hopes a father has for his son. Undoubtedly, the book was meant for his son Jaden, who plays his son in the movie. That kid though, I gotta tell ya, he is really good..steals the thunder from his dad in some of the scenes I must say.

Personally, things are definitely a lot better now for us but just a few years ago, life was tough. And my precious did not get to enjoy a lot of the things his two elder brothers once did. Unlike his brothers who were used to holding birthday parties each year, annual holidays local and abroad, and constantly swamped with toys and going for nice dinners. But if I care to look deeper than material happiness, what my precious gets is by far more meaningful than all those birthday parties and holidays put together. He gets so much love and undivided attention and is growing up as a very emotionally secure child. I see the difference right before my eyes.

Back to the movie, I feel it is a must watch for those who want to see great acting and powerful emotions. It speaks volumes of one man’s sheer grit and determination. Although I have seen many movies with similar storylines- a poor man making it in the big world, this is somehow different. Particularly because of the father-son relationship and certain issues hit close to home.

At the same time, it also shows a side of America that often escapes our eyes, the poverty that in some ways is a lot worse that what we see here on home ground. The movie portrays what things are really like on their streets, specifically San Francisco as was portrayed. All I could ever remember of my visit there was just the orange bridge and their awesome sourdough bread!! Here you see the homeless vagrants who are forced to look for daily shelter in community halls, get in the soup lines and live day to day, if they’re lucky that is. Otherwise, you may be forced to seek refuge in a subway toilets like Chris Gardner. Will Smith actually went round with Chris Gardner, to see the various places where the real Mr Gardner had to sleep at nites with his young son.

Incidentally, I was curious about the man who inspired the movie so I googled the real man himself. Check him out on Oprah’s show - http://www.oprah.com

All in all, it was worth all the tears I shed! Next movie will probably be during the upcoming

school break and if we're talking about a family one and if my boys have their way I know it will be Mr Bean's Holiday...! oh God, i hate that man..

Lovin' & Kissin'

It’s 12th of February today, 2 days away from Valentine’s day.. I am not a sucker for this so-called lover’s day for I feel the entire idea is tremendously overrated. Of course back when I was a teenager, it was a different story altogether. Cards and flowers were must-haves. As you grow older, and perhaps a tad wiser, you learn that Valentine’s Day is not exactly a celebration a good muslim should get all excited over…so all that youthful delight associated with the day kinda gets subdued over the years.

Yet, I feel a wish of ‘I love you’ to a loved one is not about to make me forget my faith so although I don’t go out for Valentine’s day anymore and have long stopped buying cards for my husband, it is still a day where you feel the mood for love, just a lil bit more somehow. And with that, I cannot help but recall a particular Valentine’s Day evening, in 1986 to be exact, out first Valentine’s day together..and yes, that first (err..brief) kiss..he..he..

It’s been 21 years since that first time our lips met..wow, imagine that. And today, millions of kisses later, we’re still together and I must say a whole lot more in love with one another now. Back then you don’t think, at least I never thought you can ever be more in love than you already were. And for the life of me, I never imagined love could ever be so complicated and demanded so much of you. Who would have thought love could be so sweet and yet painful, passionate but at times devoid of any emotion. And despite whatever heartaches and problems life brings you, at the end of the day, the love and support you get out of a relationship will help you make it through it all…God willing.

I am no expert on love but all I can say is this – falling in love is one thing, staying in love takes a lot of work, and with anything else that is associated with work, it takes effort. To me no marriage is ‘made’ in heaven, other than whomever you end up with is fated. But, the rest is up to you. Oh sure, there are bad days, no relationship would be real if there are no bumpy rides. But our love for one another still grows...now more than ever. And as things stand today I am still amazed at how I can still get goosebumps sometimes, and occasionally my heart still skips a beat when I hear his voice. And even after 2 decades and 3 kids later, (with our oldest turning 14 in a couple of months!), we still exchange cheeky jokes and flirt over the phone...

So, here’s to love..and many more years of hugs and kisses…!!

note - obviously the posting of this entry is a couple days late...

Ipoh Mali

Last week hubby, our precious and me traveled up north to Ipoh. Although the trip initially started on a rather sour note, as it turned out it was a very refreshing outing. A much needed break to life's complexities and issues. Due to some last minute change of plans, we ended up staying at Heritage with my aunt and uncle and that turned out really great! Being used to Syuen for our annual exodus back to Ipoh, Heritage was certainly a very nice change. (Although I was quite hesitant initially because somebody had said one hotel room kat situ berhantu..!)

We were there for some traditional treatment of kidney stones that my uncle had pre-arranged for himself, my dad and hubby. The treatment which were arranged for 3 consecutive days were only done at nights, leaving us with a free and easy itinerary during the day. Thus we began to explore Ipoh, and explore Ipoh we did, in ways we never had before..

You see, each year my family and I dutifully follow my parents back to their respective hometowns since they both still have an elder sibling in Perak. But each time our trips back are confined to the Raya visits and we never really had time to explore the town. Fact is hubby’s dad also came from there and as a young boy hubby himself stayed for 3 years in Ipoh with his aunt. So off we went to check out ACS, his old school, where he lived before and loads of other stuff. And after a short unofficial tour (husband insisted he took us around the building and the swimming pool whilst classes were in session.. only in Ipoh can you get away with something like that!) this lil conversation took place:

Haqim – oh, dad, so you want to show me your history? (I did not teach him the word, he said he learned in school)

Dad – yes.

Mom – So, Haqim, what is your history?

Haqim – My history is now (leaving mom feeling …duh..)

Then he continued, “and my old history is in the heavens, with Allah”

Phew..imagine that…my 5 yo talking.

Anyway, the rest of the trip was equally refreshing. We had good food and good company. It was nice bonding with my fav aunt and unc again. And since it was Thaipusam, it was also the closest we ever got to the annual affair, (yea, we would never dream of going anywhere remotely close to Batu Caves at that time now would we..). We were right smack in the middle of things since the worshippers had taken to the streets during rhe night, and the lighted chariots and kavadi carrying folks were all along the street, chanting, and dancing away. And there we were, all wide-eyed in Atok's van, moving very slowly because of the crowd. Haqim was certainly amazed at the sight and I can't say we weren't as well.

Frankly, I did not realize Ipoh has much to offer. Now - how many of you knew of this part of town called Buntong, where one can go buy all the kacang and muruku to last a lifetime?! No, seriously, we literally went nuts ourselves with the selection – bags and bags of nuts and muruku !! What do you fancy ? Kacang dhal, kacang parang, kacang hijau, kacang botak or the original kacang putih? You name it, they’ve got it !

And who knows a little eating place that not only serves delicious food ( yummy masak lemak cili padi ok..) but also sells pineapple tarts that are simply lovely!! Now I know where Mom gets her Raya supplies each year..! We finished half a jar overnight! We also checked out this hotel apartment which was to be our accomodation. It was certainly more than ok, so maybe some other time lah. And Rin, if you are reading, we can use the pool lah..!

All in all, Ipoh was really a pleasant surprise. Even our visits to the kind ole man who was treating the men were interesting each time. He had lots of stories to share, some more eerie than others so it was really fun listening to him.

The moral of the story is – never under estimate the reasons why everything happens and what He puts in front of you. Tu lah, Ustaz selalu kata Dia bagi kita apa yang kita perlu, not apa yang kita nak. What I had planned definitely did not materialize, but the turn of events was nothing less than memorable.

Which brings me back to Sr Enda's board along the Assunta corridor - her Food for Thought that changes each week, the one that said, - Man disposes, God disposes.

We're going again in 3 months by the way...so, muruku anyone..?