SIMPLY READ, INDULGE AND HEARD WITH WORDS

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

De one with "Uncle"

What the... 

http://www.sandeepkejriwal.com/illusions.htm
Was waiting at the taxi stand when this little girl, 5-6 years of age, sat too near me and her mother said "Natasha, can you shift yourself towards Mummy. Your legs are kicking korkor ("elder brother" in baby language)."

"He's not korkor! He's uncle!" retorted the young and silly.

The mother was alittle paiseh ("embarrassed" in hokkien). Immediately, she pursue-ly corrected her daughter's casual remark, "He's korkor." The ignorant girl cut in before her mother could finish her sentence: "The man driving the taxi is korkor."

I couldn't help but be amused as I eavesdropped to the mother and daughter conversation. The enjoyment wasn't born of the contents of the conversation. Rather, it was the imagination of different scenarios on how I could have responded to what had unfold before my ears. I shall not be selfish. Let me bring you through these:

1) Dwell over the girl's comment, get paranoid eventually because my appearance is at stake

    Within 2 minutes, I'd be anxiously see myself in the reflection of my Nexus screen. Get worried and head home, literally computing all the reasons for my youth appearance deterioration. Debate and justify how to deter the worse from getting worst. And sulk for the next 30 days.

2) Firmed my lips and boil within

    Most probably I'd turn over to look at the girl. With menacing, bloodshot eyes with a murderous aura behind me. Perhaps a backdrop with a decay, melting surrounding might just be perfect to emphasize the situation. Someone stop me before my ferociousness unleashed! Most likely my Nexus' create a memorable souvenir-dent, twist her leg or stuff my Dolce's into her mouth. Omg.
 
3) Let it pass and don't bother at all. It's just a girl.

    Smile and maintain fine composure. The ultimate blend of the four seasons. Not too warm, too springy, too depressing nor cold.

*Drum-roll*

I strongly believe alot must have chosen (1) or (2). Seriously, I actually lived (3). I couldn't care less. continued to solve the game on Nexus. If there was anything to worry about, priority should land over the girl's delusion. Oh dear.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

De one with A Sigh, Relieve and Fine

Finally, something to smile about

Sometimes I find myself so caught up with fighting to think about, achieve and sort out. Before I know it, my feets are aching and barely on the ground anymore.

These are the times I need to take a moment to pat myself on my head and heavy shoulders, and lightly compliment myself: "Boy, you're doing fine. No "buts" or "maybe", you're doing just fine."

Doing that now... let go and gain some. Gone are the stress, tensions and dilemmas. Gain is the stable soul that feels safe and fine. =)

Thursday, October 21, 2010

De one with Contemplate and Reconsider

Fumes of sighs

It's nice to be caught in a sweet dream, be smitten and all. Like I said, we need to wake up to live those dreams. If live circumstances doesn't permit. I mean, why continue living a dream that's hard living it.

IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP! Wasted my time to contemplate and reconsider when there's nothing to start with in the first place. As the saying goes: "Chang tong bu ru duan tong (short term pain is easier to deal with as compared to terminal misery in Mandarin). Snip it and fend off all self-inflicted injuries before it gets worse.

De one with Hard Decisions

Resolution day

I always have the solutions to my troubles. The mind is my route-map. Alternatives, desperate measures, last resorts, witty tricks, innovative gimmicks. You name it, it has it. Refusal is not in my dictionary. If that word attempts to creep into the registry of words, fat chance it would succeed on its intrusion.

I felt so much better voicing out my thoughts, be it from my heart or brain. More than never, we tend to be clouded with doubts, dilemmas and fright because we are either afraid of accepting reality blatantly right under our noses, or we fear the consequences of regret that will haunt us years down the road.

I always have the decision made. Right decision of course even before I ask what's next. Yet, my wilded mind could only yearn so dramatically hard towards a hopeful thought that's radical from reality. Not that I refuse facing reality, I just don't wanna shortchange myself.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

De one with Commitment

Dedicated to those vulnerable

We were taught in schools questions are essential to acquire knowledge. Simple questions, in particular, are most frequently used, not mainly because they are easily comprehended and thus, direct answers could be given. For example, how are you today? I'm fine, thank you. How nice of you to ask.

The paradox sets in when we all grow up... eventually to learn that certain "simple" questions may require the majority to hesitate. Especially when we know the consequences these questions carry. For example, questions which give rise to "commitment".

Commitment issues are easy for some. Genuinely the young generations often find themselves with the strong hunger to accomplish a sense of belonging / self identity. It's a common perception but myth that the males have problems towards committing themselves as compared to the opposite sex and remaining sexuality preferenc-ees who surface more prominently with recent society progress.

I have friends who are females and have troubles committing. Well, let's not dwell into a battle of the sexes to justify who's most fallible to commitment-resistors. Rather *snaps my finger*, focus on the reasons why people have troubles committing themselves.

I asked my long-ruler which had been around even before the year I was born. It seemed the poor ruler had chipped off a few inches, it's broken part now scotched-taped with ridge-edges due to it's history. It responded: "I've been through too many relationships. I feel being used after countless times of being hurt. This one time someone hurt me so hard, snapped and well, the scar just wouldn't heal completed after the wound was mend. Overtime you grow skeptic 'cause you just can't see putting yourself through all the pain again. Once, twice are okay. But after that, you lose faith."

The mingling ester lured my sense of smell. It seemed the Channel wishes to say its view. "Louve iz only but pe-lor-dic(h). You ca'nt get enoug(f) of(h) it when itz s(z)weet and most import-tantly, when you feel needed. But af(h)-ter a couple of months, things turn blend or my inte-rezt wi(n)ll dry up.. deplete (if you want it put crudely). Considering I'm highly desirable, don(ch) you think itz only fair for me to be apprec(oo)iate by thoze who "needz" me b(u)d-ly for a change?" *Squints* "Szee, louve iz like va-po(u)rization. Wee... itk tinklez at the start and after awhile, it va-linishez and be go(o)ne wit de wind. Pardon my french." That moment, I couldn't help but think how something in the closet might reply somewhat similar.

Indeed, it did.

"What commitment? No commitment!, exclaims the "Extra-safe" Durex condom arrogantly. "Read here, it says "for pleasure only". Oh come on, everyone's into the mutual fun. We meet, we heat and you strip me off. That's life, enjoy to the fullest while you still can! Cause we can can can! Yes we can can can! WooT! If you don't mind, I need to get washed before I get repackaged for my next adventure with Whisper. Together we feel "light and free" again!"



I swallowed, sat back to review the possible reasons gather. While some fear commitment because of the damage they have been through, others simply wouldn't give up their chance with freedom and the need to live a self-fulfilling lifestyle. Selfish but it's true.

"Well darling, don't think of it as an act of selfishness. You'll commit. Just don't settle for anything less. I'm the best example. Love can't sustain you to live. Should any mishap happen. To me, the best policy is", the Gucci belt demanded, who was obviously eavesdropping on my thoughts.

"Is to be honest?" I struggled to grin as I replied.

"Incorrect darling... it's to have cash. That's why I'm often found beside the piggy bank. Though he's such a pig, but as long as I get maintained, commitment is just a certificate which your name on it, after a price is paid."

I looked at the shiny parts from where the answer came from, pretty sure such commitment cost alot for something so expensive in taste.

"Don't listen! To Gucci! People disflavor. Commit-ment. Primarily. We. Need. Space. to breathe. Without. Air. We'll be suffocate. Like. Me!" panted, the deflating balloon. "See.. 'm tied down. All. the. time. Hey! Having. said. so much. Would you. blow. me. Please?"

Ok, I need to go to the toilet. I thought.

The toothbrush holder greeted me when he saw me rushed in and closing the door. "Are you alright kid?" I gestured him in response that I'm fine.

When asked if it's true people fear commitment because they need personal space? "You know kid, I might have to agree to a certain extent. Look at me, I only have so much space and time to accommodate family, friends, work, even guests when they are invited over for overnighters. You've gotta assure yourself of having the extra capacity. I guess alot ain't that efficient/sorted out in their life and time management. We get tarnished overtime, busily occupied with what we hold. But family and friends gets priority. Perhaps that's the reason people ponder before committing to one more."

For a moment, I stared blankly at the marbled titled floor. It wasn't for long something sparkled when the sunray shone in through the tilted windows. It was a tarnished key chain. "Oh, don't bother. If you were to ask me mate, I wouldn't even dare considering being involved with commitment. Look at me! The blatant fact that I'm in such a state, no one would even reconsider been anywhere attached to me."

Rub the spots with a polishing cloth and the chain turned out shiny as the tag read "Tiffany & Co. 1978". It seemed low self-esteem might be another barrier to commitment. Alot of times we just need to re-prioritise, or groom ourselves. "Just remember in the winter, far beneath the bitter snow. Lies the seed that, with the sun's love in the spring, becomes a rose" - Bette Midler.

Commitment is easy for the young and passionate. For some it's a concealer to derive momentary pleasure. Others, a hope yet to come through. Although it is entangled in our daily lives, alot of us overlook and fail to realise how our presence mattered.

But still, I'd say the best reasons a two pin plug and a power point. "We could be fitted by force but either one is gonna get damaged or the entire circuit blows. Which obviously prove why commitment is impossible."

"But with the right connection, the right plug, we might just hit it well."

Yes I couldn't agree more. Commitment problems can be resolved. The key is to have something that would connect, especially one which both parties could fit comfortably into.

(Pictures are in courtesy of google.com)

Saturday, October 09, 2010

De one with Clatters

Pardon my mandarin. Had I not remember wrongly, there's a proverb which says when a dog barks, a hundred hounds will follow. It meant to say when one makes comment, the remaining population would do autonomously. 

Owe it to "zhi ye bing "(Chinese: a habit of letting your profession traits guide/influence/affect your normal behavior"), my skepticism inevitably prompt me to reconsider whether those people really meant what they speak of or were they being patronising?

"Loss is something not to be found, but to be felt". Talk publicly about your remorse, posting on FB, are we saying all that we "felt" because it would make us appear more humane?

"I walked a mile with pleasure, she chatted all the way. It left me none the wiser, for all she had to say. I walked a mile with sorrow and ne're a word said she, but oh the things I learned from her, when sorrow walked with me." - adapted from Mitch Albom. 

De one with Tissued Week

What a hot sweaty day

I literally did nothing but stayed home and became a crouch potato, indulged myself with ice-wine and episodes of desperate housewives. Although there's a certain urge to head out and enjoy this one day when I didn't have to deal with tiredness of work and colleagues, my guilt throbbed in protest not to forget giving my wallet a rest.

Luckily, there was Professor Langton with his stories about the Lost Symbol to accompany me through Saturday, besides the ladies of Wisteria Lane! Yippee! Carrie Bradshaw? Oh, Carrie! She's current on storage-vacation. Not like Singapore's already not "hot" yet.

Though an uneventful weekend, past week had been tough. Took a deep breath before plunging into the open files I had been working on since before I went on study-leave. Turns out, everything didn't seemed as worse as expected. Guessed weariness had been clouding my perspectives. It turned on my moodiness mode. Yucks.

Lemme share a top secret. Alot couldn't agree more after 8 to sometimes 12 hours of  dealing with conversations with outsiders, tolerating gossips, docking arrows, managing anger, dilemmas and nerve-gripping piles of assignments, problems with attitude-giving subordinates, you just wanna complain to sweep off that awful load off your "grudge cache". It's a chore yet necessary, like clearing your auto-leave message machine. Well, that particular night, I was about to commit the same "sin" until my crystal babies caught my sight and... magically, innocence restored, I didn't have to complain like a young adult at all.

Sure I like things which are stunning and sweet. And for that, I'm glad I did.

Sunday, October 03, 2010

De one with Life Goes On...

Don't care if it's rain or shine

Execution with decisiveness is one of the few which derives satisfaction, self-assurance and in turn, happiness. Am really glad the formality veil was lifted deliberately to allow me to speak with straightforwardness.

I connect myself back with my love for music. Although it's been released for quite awhile, the tune of the song appealed to me only recently. You should listen to it to, "All the Lovers" by Kylie Minogue.

Bought a watch yesterday. Alittle hesitation in the beginning but overcome. Surprisingly, I didn't whine over my indecisiveness. Instead, I felt my guts to convince myself that the purchase was what I really want. The feeling of "love at first sight" revived between me and capability for fine selection.

As for friendship, I felt it's time to let loose. I came to equilibrium with the fact that people don't stay within same proximity for long. Like a flower, without proper maintenance, weeds would grow and condition deteriorates. I'd say I've lived 25 thoughtful years to know a fair bit about people around me. Some break down from time to time, wanting assurance of long friendships without knowing their actions and behaviors leads to self-fulfilling prophecy; Some, although least thought of, who hardly whisper a word, turns out to be the ones who truly understand you; Some plead for certainty of their existence through emotional, physical touch; Some ignore; A few surfaces from time to time yet bothers you alot. Some became too materialistic (for the love of God, you can't blame them), it seemed they have lost the will to mount their cruel environment and end up being compelled to change by externalities.

Losing faith in relationships needn't be told, shared or get overly vexed about. Just let nature takes its course, prepare yourself to be able to deal with what may come. Most importantly, be nice and graceful, without any pinch of selfishness or resent. This.. was a "no, no" in the past. Pardon my naivety to associate such treads with the image of an insensitive and selfish "jerk". It seemed being overly accommodating and bending over backwards with people whom you  treasure doesn't benefit or fit the lion's pride. Contemptuous but true, it feels saint when people come to you than the other way round.

It hit me after countless time of meeting up and I just couldn't engage myself into the conversations that's circulating around the coffee table. It's pure deceit if I open my mouth and put myself into discussion superficially. It's not I'm incapable of doing so, but I just can't bring myself to pretend. It's not as if I'm role-playing in a mega-movie. The historic-self might reconsider "if I don't speak, will they think me weak?". At present, I supposed I'm firmed on when to speak and when not to.

When will I speak?
1) If the topic interest me, I feel I have the knowledge to input and desires to know more.

2) If you come running to me with a problem, I'd listen, look you in the eyes and assess what can be done.

3) When I truly need your valuable opinion (which would be fading for I wanna be a person who's sure and certain of what I want).

4) Things which build onto the foundation of our relationship. Quality conversations.

When my lips are sealed?
1) It's time-passing, senseless conversation which only scrap through the surfaces or discussions.

2) Thrashing out, contentious matters (please leave that at work), statement's that are hurtful

3) When I'm bored and tired.

4) Being in a group which disintegrated, you know, gossip amongst yourself. I mean mini-talk all you want. If you're not interested in my presence, k*ss my ass and I'd take off.
 
Perhaps we have aged, I feel conversations should be laughing about our history, of course, to remember the good old times when we were young. We debate about people at work, our displeasures about life, family and complain, share our dreams. I love meeting new people, it's like starting from a blank piece of paper. So much to discover, things ain't tacky. Novice excites me.

I have no idea how come my mental and physic became hectically exhausted. Just can't find the root of the deprivation of energy. Was at a vet centre when this bright and suave looking vet asked if I was alright. Pretty embarrassed but I looked up, forced a smile and said I'm alright. Damn, anybody who saw my facial expression would have known I was lying and faking. What a laughingstock I thought back then.

At the same time, I was touche by the concern. It has been awhile anyone would do so, without having me to ask.