Old Man Morgan

Sorry about the absence of a blog yesterday …. got home at 230am, then off to work in the morning.

Thanks God it is Friday ! What a week – and on Monday I go back to Aceh (returning to Jakarta on Thursday – which just happens to be a holiday [Chinese New Year]). Quite frankly, I am having a hard time remembering what I have accomplished this week. Its pretty much a blur. Monday was ok. Tuesday I was a basket case because of some issues I had to work ASAP that had HQ involvement (and I worked on that again last night – 9 pm phone call). Wednesday & Thursday ??? Well not really sure about work – again a dizzying blur of no details.

BUT, most importantly we made it thru Chely’s modelling finals. This has been a strange event from the start and I’ve kept my eye open for anything “untoward” going on. Decy and I have talked very candidly to Chely about this type of business and that often there is “monkey business” going on behind the scenes. Throughout the process; though, things went pretty well – Chely advanced each time when other girls were eliminated … she made it into the finals. All the competitions were held at a very fancy combined mall/apartment complex – sometimes in the mall area (where everybody could see) and everytime late at night in a club. FYI – the club was the primary sponsorer of the modelling competition.

Just a bit of background on the club. This place is no “el sleazo”. Its upscale. Has a good clientele. And its pricey. It does NOT cater to the typical beer drinking, oil patch red neck. However, it is a club – and in places like Jakarta …. clubs have girls.

Anyway, I recall a conversation that Decy and I had with one of the managers of the club and they said they were certain Chely would make it to the finals … but they did not know about her winning (or placing). It was strange to hear such talk when it is supposed to be a competition. BUT, this is Jakarta. Anyway …. we got through the evening (Wednesday night). Chely did very well overall and her outfits and make up were well done (by professionals). Chely, however, did not place in the top three – nor did she win any of the special awards. At first I was a bit dissappointed that she didn’t win any of the awards. But …. as the evening wore on I learned more.

As it turns out, Tuesday night when the girls were at their final practice before the big event, each girl was given a contract to sign. Its in bahasa so I don’t know what it says for sure. But, according to Chely and Decy it basically said that …. if Chely wins the competition (and I’m not sure what “win” means … top 3 ??) then she agrees to comply with all of the club’s rules. And, if she breaks the rules, then she will pay a 200% penalty.

Here’s the catch – they didn’t explain the rules … and they didn’t say 200% of “what”. Basically, this was a blind contract where (had Chely signed the contract) then she had committed to do anything they ask … and at a club such as this … it could be anything from participating in public events …. to entertaining clients —> quite the “slippery slope”. Further, the 200% penalty was so ornerous it basically set up these girls (most who don’t have money – just hope and a dream) in a position where they couldn’t refuse a request. For example, consider this scenario: dear winner, one of your duties tonight is to spend time with gentlemen x – for doing that, we will give you $50. If you refuse, then you owe us $100. BOTTOMLINE: Chely refused to sign the contract, which has the same effect of disqualifying her … as only girls who signed the contract would / could win.

I am so VERY PROUD of Chely. She did the right thing. She wanted to compete – she did. She learned a lot along the way – and she learned a lot about life. Most importantly, she recognized who she was (as a person) and recognized that in this case – winning wasn’t the right answer. Chely felt good about her decision and she hasn’t expressed any regrets. I haven’t had a chance to talk to her much about it (I will this weekend) but she said that the models that did win were pretty upset …. prizes weren’t what they were advertised to be, etc. As we were leaving the mall (approx 2am) that night we found a trophy on the ground from one of the “winners”. At first, I thought somebody forgot it – but when I read the title / award, Chely knew who the girl was – the plastic trophy had been thrown away. Three cheers for the REAL WINNER. HIP HIP HOORAY ! HIP HIP HOORAY ! HIP HIP HOORAY !

Now, about daughter #2, Thasya – over the last few months she has been on a volleyball team. With her continuing to grow (quickly) she is now about 5′ 5″ (and taller than Decy) – so she can easily compete. Anyway, Thasya has never been athletic and has stayed away from sports. But, she seems to have really enjoyed volleyball. Her serves, although not powerful, are very well aimed and quite precise for hitting holes – she is clearly paying attention and knows where she wants to place the ball. Anyway, Thasya has done a good job sticking with the program. Final competition was last week – her team placed 3rd (out of 5). Last night the team had an “end of season” party at our house. I made it home before it was over …. nothing like walking into a house with 10 screaming 14 year olds. Oh well ….

One last note on Thasya – she has a swimming “test” today. She really doesn’t like to swim … she likes to play in the water … but true swimming ??? uh uh …. any way, keep her in your thoughts.

Ok folks … I need to close … ciao ciao