Inspired blogging Vs Forceful bloggingA number of people blog for the sake of blogging, writing down their daily happenings and also as a mean to communicate ideas with others. Blogging started out to be a personal diary sort of online journal whereby folks write down their feelings for their own sake. Then, people began to judge a good blog from a so-called lousy blog.
What happens usually is that the bloggers would begin writing to please others. They began to blog even when they don’t feel like it. They are trying to force out their thoughts and the passion fades... They start to treat blogging as a task whereby they must blog at least once per day so that others would know that they are alive and kicking. The words used would become unimaginative and soon, the crowd would thin as they went in search of better blogs.
I started out blogging because I’ve ideas to share. I do not want to force myself cuz I’m not a slave. I’m not paid. I blog because I feel like it. I write down stuffs because I feel like it. It becomes a chore when others begin to expect too much from me. Ideas would become stale and the constant pressure would only make me write rubbish. Likewise, a joke is not funny anymore when it becomes forceful. That applies to drawings as well. What started out as an excellent parody becomes tasteless...
Normally, I do not blog when I’ve no inspiration as the words would come out flat. Since I can’t write something worth reading, I would rather do something worth writing. Or at least do something worthwhile like reading a good book or something. Once the ideas flash, I would capture it and develop the negative onto the blog. (I’m using a metaphor btw)
Anyway, it’s rather easy to spot an inspired blogging and a forced entry. The words are not as colorful, the entry feels silly and most probably the blogger is using third party material and copying and pasting it on the blog. You just have to feel it for yourself and you will know the difference between an inspired and unnatural post.
So... Is this entry forced or inspired?
I saw this quotation in a shop.
“Some people dream of success while others wake up & work hard at it.”Interesting. I would take it as it is even though it may not be exactly accurate.
What is my level?
Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs
I studied this in my management module in year 1 semester 1 of my polytechnic course. In simple terms, there's this genius named Abraham Maslow's who put forward the idea that human’s needs can be divided into five levels as shown above.
As I explored further, I found out that Maslow writes the following of self-actualizing people:
They embrace the facts and realities of the world (including themselves) rather than denying or avoiding them.
They are spontaneous in their ideas and actions.
They are creative.They are interested in solving problems; this often includes the problems of others. Solving these problems is often a key focus in their lives.
They feel a closeness to other people, and generally appreciate life.
They have a system of morality that is fully internalized and independent of external authority.
They judge others without prejudice, in a way that can be termed objective.
Hold on... I think I skipped a few levels like sex, relationships, achievements, reputation and so on... Hmm.. How could that be? SEX!? Dotdotdot... -_-'
Anyway, Maslow also admits that there were exceptions to this rule. For example, the great Indian leader, frequently forgo his physiological and safety needs when he was protesting. He was running on the self-actualization ‘fuel’ while he went on hunger strikes. (I guess that it's pretty obvious who I'm referring to)
Similarly, I had also forgone some of the physiological needs and wants. I do not need luxury items which are often costly and unnecessary. Ok... I take back my words, I bought a pair of shoes yesterday.. However, I treat it as a need (essential) not a want (desire). I can differentiate between the 2. A ‘need’ is like the hunger for food and you simply need to eat. While a ‘want’ is something that you desire like a Mc Donalds meal, ice cream and chocolate et cetera. You are selecting the ‘best’ item to eat while I’m left with no choice but to faithfully eat my mum’s cooking... =(` Just joking. Hah~ Mc D’s may be ‘tasty’ yet in all honest truth, I love my mum’s cooking. Hah!
I believe that my needs are somewhat special and perhaps I’m special. Who knows? In due course, I would find out if I’m special...
Theories, rules, policies, laws, regulations, terms and conditions?Desprorado’s number 1 rule:
“All the above rules are subject to changes”Effectively speaking, this last rule is always the most powerful rule in the history of mankind.
I respect the laws and order but it doesn’t mean that I’m going to adhere to it. Since young, I had learnt that books are dead and humans are alive. Am I talking craps? Nil...
The education system in my country had taught me that we should always raise our left hand when crossing the pedestrian (zebra) crossing, only crossing the road when the green lights are on and not to cross when the ‘green man’ is blinking. These are all politically correct moves as it will inculcate ‘good’ habits and safety movements. They taught you what is considered right and what is wrong. It’s called education. We are taught not to smoke, gamble, drink and other vice activities. Yet, most teens nowadays are getting more foolhardy. They are revolting and breaking the exact same ‘laws’. What the heck?
During my teens, I learned that it’s in a sense quite silly to always wait for the ‘green man’ before crossing the road. I began to understand that life’s not always that clear cut. What happens if there are neither traffic lights nor anything to guide you in crossing the roads? Do you blindly wait for ‘others’ to build traffic lights just for you? That is way out of the question because of the scarcity of land space and it would be pointless to build a traffic light in every corner just to accommodate one person. A trip outside would have cost you more time/money as you would need to wait for that little green man to light up. Besides, no cars would want to venture out when it’s uneconomically and downright expensive to own a car that takes hours to travel from one location to another destination. What the heck?
Hence, I exercised caution when crossing the streets. I learned to take care of my own safety. Most importantly, I learned not to get caught in the act when committing the heinous crime. Hah... I use logic and reasons to question myself. I think. I read the rules. I comprehend it if possible. Finally, I either follow it or make my own rules. On one hand, I’m not intentionally breaking rules and living my life on the edge. On the other hand, I’m living near the edge... What the heck?
I guess... At some point in time, we need to
re-educate ourselves. Instead of blindly following everything that is taught to you by your teachers, parents and friends. What makes you so sure that they are correct? They may be people whom you respected but you need not take in everything that they said. They may be right to say that coffee is bad for you. Yet, they may be wrong as well because researches frequently came up with both good and bad points of coffee. One day it may be bad for health, the other day it may be good for health. That is why it’s all up to you in determining if coffee is good or bad for you. What the heck?
Life’s not just purely black and white; there are different shades of grey.PS – I used the words “What the heck?” to question people and hopefully to spark up their thoughts. May seems crude but if it can get people to think, it would serve its purpose. Though I still feel that this entry is slightly deep for some people. It's also sort of 'disorganised'. What the.... Who cares?
3 Blind Men & An Elephant
I trust that most people have read this story before. Nevertheless, it’s my topic of the day. The following story is extracted from http://www.kheper.net/topics/blind_men_and_elephant/Sufi.html. I could have created my adaptation but it’s pointless to waste my time. By the way, there are other websites that offers explanation of the morale of the story like http://www.aish.com/shmooze/4_blind_men_and_an_elephant.asp & http://www.unsolvedmysteries.com/usm413342.html
So here it goes...
“A community of blind men once heard that an extraordinary beast called an elephant had been brought into the country. Since they did not know what it looked like and had never heard its name, they resolved to obtain a picture, and the knowledge they desired, by feeling the beast - the only possibility that was open to them! They went in search of the elephant, and when they had found it, they felt its body. One touched its leg, the other a tusk, the third an ear, and in the belief that they now knew the elephant, they returned home. But when they were questioned by the other blind men, their answers differed. The one who had felt the leg maintained that the elephant was nothing other than a pillar, extremely rough to the touch, and yet strangely soft. The one who had caught hold of the tusk denied this and described the elephant as, hard and smooth, with nothing soft or rough about it, more over the beast was by no means as stout as a pillar, but rather had the shape of a post ['amud]. The third, who had held the ear in his hands, spoke: "By my faith, it is both soft and rough." Thus he agreed with one of the others, but went on to say: Nevertheless, it is neither like a post nor a pillar, but like a broad, thick piece of leather." Each was right in a certain sense, since each of them communicated that part of the elephant he had comprehended, but none was able describe the elephant as it really was; for all three of them were unable to comprehend the entire form of the elephant.”
This simple story may have been around for ages. Yet, subconsciously most people are just like the blind men. Although they were all partly right, they failed to perceive the whole picture. What’s worse? Some may really turn a ‘blind’ eye to what is really happening and have too strong a belief that they are always right. This is what people called stubborn.
Likewise, I may be one of those blind men but I’ve gradually ‘open’ up my mind a few months back. I found that I’m able to learn and understand more when I take in the views of others. Effectively, I’m trying to do a jigsaw puzzle and forming a complete picture of what is really happening. I’m trying to determine what works best for me. To sidetrack, I remembered learning two contrasting theory by quality gurus Joseph Juran and Deming.
One said “Fear brings out the best in people”
The other said “Fear inhibits growth and potential”
By all means, both theories are correct. Some people do need pressure in order to deliver the goods. While others may need breathing space to deliver the goods. The term ‘deliver the goods’ does not refer to the physically delivering of goods ok?
To conclude... The truth is out there waiting for us to piece it together. It may hurt a little but it sure is much better than constantly living the lie. Are you happy? I’ve no idea...
The cab.Normally when people talk about taxi drivers, they are often associated with the negative side of the story. Today I shall share a positive story about taxi drivers.
It was pitch dark at East Coast Park, a trio was making their way out of the chalet and trying in vain to hire a cab. Cabs were dashing by with either the ‘Hired’ or ‘On call’ sign. The time was 11 and we’re stuck in an ulu (secluded/remote) part of Singapore. I’ve no idea why taxis are thronging in hot spots like Changi Airport whereby the queues are in the hundreds while other areas are left for the dead.
I know that it make perfect sense to hold on for bigger fish to be hooked. In a sense, they are trying to bait us into calling a cab thus making another few bucks. Even if we did not call up a cab, the midnight surcharge would burn a hole in our pockets sooner or later. Hence, time is on their side, they have absolute advantage. Meanwhile, it is also rational to try and pick up passengers who happen to live in areas that are not so isolated so that there’s a good chance to get another business. I presumed that must be the way that taxi drivers think... Yet, most of them often failed to consider the risks involved if they refused to pick up passengers. People may make complaints, take the night-riders bus or the first bus in the morning or so on. They may also give in and accede to the demands of the cab driver. It’s a two way process, they are not really wrong to try and hook up a bigger fish. Every man for himself...
After a few ‘good’ minutes, I suggested to go up ahead to the Mc Donalds area as the possibility of getting a cab is higher due to human traffic. Bingo! I was right but after we had decided to move on, other people who had fixed to their spots appeared to have gotten on to the cabs. Hah~ It was like we should have stayed in our position longer and perhaps we would have gotten the cab. I seemed to be the sinner yet I did not reproach myself. I lived by my decision and joked that we might have saved a dollar if we got a cab at the Mc Donalds area. Although the truth is, time was ticking by and the cruel reality of midnight charge may be much more than a dollar...
We decided to stop when we are left with only a third or a quarter of the journey to reach Mc Donalds. Or rather, they decided to stop as a few cabs had past us by and often they carried passengers who had stood their ground and waited. I guess they must have felt slightly upset that if we had persevered, we might have been sleeping in the cab by then. After a ‘good’ 10 minutes or so, we continue our journey to the west. Hah~ We are indeed walking towards the west side.
Finally, we reached Mc Donalds and it was another setback once again as there was no taxi stands or taxis waiting for us like I had envisioned. Yet, I had not failed completely as human traffic was high and it means taxis are dropping passengers at this ‘hotspot’. So, we managed to ‘get’ a cab in 5 minutes upon reaching. Too bad, the cab driver rejected us after hearing the words “Woodlands”, the northern part and often regarded as the ghostly area.
I was rather pissed obviously after the long and arduous journey. Yet, I respect the fact that the truth is real and I guess they have the right to reject us. Can you imagine earning $20+ a night for some hours put in? Hmm... Never mind, I spotted another cab dropping passengers hence I raced across the street after traffic on both sides are safer. This cab driver did not reject us and we were on our way.
During the journey, the cab driver did not talk much. That is really unusual because cab drivers would tend to be a little talkative in order to stay sane. Anyway, the driver did not talk much and neither did the trio of us as we were too exhausted to mutter another word. Yet, I kept awake through out the journey in the hope of recognizing the road somehow. It was a wasted effort as I lost sight of the road names etc and the expressways seems never-ending.
Finally, we reached the northern area. My friends alighted first and I was the last to alight. As we were approaching a junction, the traffic lights were turning to red but the taxi driver still turn left. It wasn’t dangerous or anything but I liked that. Hah~ That corresponds to one of my attitude. Then, he finally reached the bus stop near my house. The total cab fare was $22+ and he said that he’s not charging me for those few cents. That scored him another brownie point and I gave him a $2 tips. Yup, I know it’s only $2 but I wasn’t exactly rich either. It’s just a tiny token of appreciation for getting me from point A to point B. God knows, he thanked me profusely. I used my heart to think and I tipped him, he was glad and I was happy too.
I guess the following quotation best summarize the experience.
“The heart has its reasons which reason knows not of” – Blaise Pascal
The After Chalet SyndromeIt seems like I’m weak after a 3D/2N chalet trip. I’m convinced that people are just more susceptible to the ACS that I’ve mentioned. I defined the After Chalet Syndrome as a combination of too much barbecue food, lack or a diet of nutritious and wholesome food (Fresh fruits and vegetables), soft drinks or flavoured drinks and the most vital point, rest.
But I would take it, though I’m feeling the ‘heatiness’ now. It’s worth it to get down with the potential fever or flu. Like all the BBQs I’ve been to, there are always the usual games like mahjong and cards. Likewise, conversations also arise as people talk about the past and the future. The common questions of “Are you engaged? Have you gotten your licenses? What are you doing now?” As people aged, their thoughts also evolved and some of them grown up mentally while the others are still able to remain at sweet 16.
Maybe it’s the rare occasion that most people can finally get around, meet up and chilled out together. The 3 days escape from reality, being with people in their natural behaviour without having to consider how others scrutinizing their every moves. Though there may be a few who did not want to meet up and so on. I wished them all the best anyway...
Frankly speaking, I was not close to any ‘groups’ formed when I was in secondary school. I’m not really considered anti-social or anything like I used to believe. LOL! I was just a neutral party as I did not stick to just 1 group or whatsoever. Groups are formed because of common interests, protection or certain physical aspects. Once you join groups, things may often become a little complicated and political as you may miss the chance to communicate with people from other groups. In the end, the ‘groupless’ me may feel left out and felt anti-social. Anyway, it doesn’t bothers me anymore as I’ve the unexplainable ‘strength’ and the “Who cares?” attitude.
All in all, I would rate this chalet as 7.5 out of 10. I would based my assessment on 3 main factors: Food, fun and feel.
The food was moderately above average if not for the ‘Not Spicy’ otah. Hah.. It was fish paste in banana leaves that taste like fish balls? I do not want to argue with the manufacturer... It’s like chicken rice without the meat. That is the feeling that the gentle otah had on me. Luckily or unluckily, there was equal amount of otahs as the organizer ordered both the normal and abnormal otahs. Then, the chicken wings were simply marvelous while the BBQ stingray tastes like rubber. Following night, we had catering and it was up to standard.
Hmm... Due to the irregular rain conditions, we did not play much outdoor activities. Apart from that, we did learn a new poker game called ‘Bridge’ which is I believe is not considered popular in Singapore. It was a ‘new’ game to us and there’s much interest obviously. Then, some of the others went for KTV during the afternoon since the weather looks gloomy. The self-professed pros like me and a few others stayed back. Hah~ We are just too pro for KTVs. Or rather, I lame around that my favourite song cannot be found in the KTVs. Lol~ I used the word pro because my so-called favourite song is ‘Da Bei Zhou’ and the KTVs just do not have my song. Hah.. A friend joked that my lyrics are moving at too fast a pace that it is a piece of cake for me if I went to sing with them. Lol! Hence, the stayers chatted and played mahjong. I was the only crazy fellow who went out to explore. I cycled from one end of the East Coast Park to the other end including a 5 minutes timeout as I went back to the chalet and drank a can of red bull.... I did not check my timing but I was in high gear nonetheless...
Feel is also what I called the effort factor in the whole planning of the chalet. Kudos to the organizer who puts in much effort in ensuring that the entire process went smoothly. It was not a mistake on her part that no one touched the prawns during the catering. She had done her part in planning that there’s something for everyone. There’s fish, chicken, prawns, vegetables and 2-3 fried stuffs on top of the noodles and rice. In fact, I had heard that she had even considered organizing some ‘group’ games to be played out. Since no one touches the prawns (With shells), it’s highly possible that no one would be sporty enough to play those ‘group’ games. Some people are just way too cool for that while I’m okay with it.
So... For her efforts, I gave her a 10/10. I had also genuinely thanks her for her efforts and left some words. Hah.. Often, people claimed that my words left an impression on them. I think it’s because I did not talk much hence my words seems to have much more meaning and authority from that of a chatty person. In the olden days, it’s really miraculous for a guy like me to say thanks and showing appreciation. People often joked that they stand a good chance of striking lottery. I guessed that I’ve changed... Anyway, her smile in that instant was the brightest I’ve seen over the past few days. In fact, if no one is around, I’m afraid that she would hug me or what. Lol~ Ok... My imagination was a little too fertile. Hah..
I’ve been through that before and I knew how pressurize it can get when the weather is against you, people are criticizing you and the worse part is having no one to show some appreciation towards your effort. That feeling... is... really like....
PS – I’ve got another ‘taxi’ story coming up soon... A good cab driver story.
Pictures taken with a 1.3Megapixel camera cellphone
(I really liked this picture)
AWOL (Away on Leave)Goin to chalet with secondary school friends for 3 days starting Friday - Sunday. Hanging out with a small group on my bday night. Cool~ Desprorado's going to have some fun. On the other hand hoping that there's no birthday bash in advance or I'll be left there hanging... Hanging like a sandbag awaiting impending destruction..
Birthday Wish.Hah~ My birthday’s is coming in around a week’s time. Care to know what’s my wish?
Nothing. I’ve no wish list or anything. In fact, my mindset is the same as a good friend in polytechnic. QQ (not his real name) mentioned that “It’s just another day. No big deal. There’s no need for expensive presents or anything.” Now, I realized that QQ was right. It’s just another day. The world still spins, it’s no big deal.
Or rather, it’s a big deal in that my mum carried me in her wombs for 9 months and finally ‘ending’ the battle as she releases me out to this world. Only to experience further heartache of her son’s ignorance in the early years. Hah~ Now, I dare to say that I’m able to take care of myself. Oops... If not for the 'occasional' dishes that I abhor to wash up, I’m nearly perfect. Lol..
Alas, having been through so many birthdays (including siblings and friends), I merely wishes that people would be happy. I do not want to burden people and demand gifts unlike people with thick skins who post their unfair demands on their blogs. I would be contented if friends could be a little more thoughtful and perhaps show me some respect. Hah~ I don’t mean the respect of kneeling and bowing to me for 3 times sort of respect (Respecting the dead), I mean the act of acknowledging my presence. Hah.. Guess I was thinking too much as usual. Dot dot
I do not need unnecessary gifts or anything. I believed that a simple greeting of “Happy Birthday” is enough for me. I mean there’s no need to make me feel like a king on my birthday to treat me like a fool any other day. That is one of the reasons why I dislike anniversaries. You do not have to treat me so good just on ‘my’ day. It would be good to treat me fine every other day. Ok... I guess that is not possible too...
Then, I’ve also experienced the headache of buying presents for friends on their birthdays. I’ve been through enough of it to know that it is not pretty to have people sharing gifts and ended up arguing over money matters. Then, there’s also the question of what to buy when the person seems to have it ‘all’. People whom I’m closed to should have known by now that I’m not really a money-oriented person. Sure, having money is good but I’m way beyond that. My belief’s that “Worldly possessions are nothing; certain things in life are much priceless”. I’m looking for that something else. I do not need the fanciest gadgets or anything. I cherish relationships way ahead of money.
Next up, I would begin my usual criticism of someone or rather people in general. I condemn people who practically ‘whore’ themselves by publishing their wish lists on their blogs. It’s like asking your friends to get presents for you in an indirect way. I would be ashamed to commit such a ‘sin’. Maybe my skin’s just not thick enough to ask people for presents. Maybe I would jokingly say that I want something that is way beyond the capability of people. But I would never ask or should I say beg for presents like branded clothing or branded stuffs etc. I believed that people should not solicit (beg) for presents as it would reduce their value greatly. Posting up a wish list is as good as telling people that you need presents in order to feel happy. Friends are optional, the presents are more important. Is that what you need? The best clothes, best car, best handphone and best whatever to make you happy? So be it... If you’re really happy, I will be happy for you too. Though I may not like the idea but who cares?
Last words...
“You may be nothing to the world, but you may also be the world to somebody” Think about it.
PS – I do have a sudden wish. A wish to have a peek at the chio bu from a friend’s birthday chalet party. It would be better if ya know... Well... Hmm.... OMG! I would really die a happy man. HOO~!! (What are you all thinking? I’m innocent as always. Lol~)
A beautiful morningThis morning is beautiful. The morning dews on the grasses are beautiful. The chirping of the birds is a joy to hear. The sky’s beautiful as well. I love the natural world! The sun brightens up the world. If just feels so good to be out there enjoying a walk in the morning. I simply loved it... I guess I’m a nature lover as well as a ‘morning’ person. I felt happy to be just out there in the warm sun and walking for like 40 minutes? It heals my soul, mind and body. Walking at my own pace, basking in the tender sunlight while the rest of the world are either sleeping or zooming by at a frantic pace. I felt refresh, recharged and ready to go. Ahhhh... Song~~
Mother’s day?Have you ever wondered how it feels like to carry a heavy burden for years? Not including the 9 months that we were in our mothers’ wombs, a few years of being carried like a prince and the after years of ensuring that the child turns out alright?
Seriously speaking, the ‘debt’ and immense love from our mothers are immeasurable. I used the word debt because from the moment we were born till now, only one person has been showering us with care and concern without asking for much in return. True, our moms may want us to score good grades, eat our vegetables and be a useful person. Is it wrong for them to do so? Which mother would like to see their children working as manual (blue-collar) workers? Which mother likes to see their children always sickly and weak? It’s a fact that eating vegetables help to deter certain sickness and improving the overall body immune system. I’ve no answers for that... I eat my veggies.
Though my mum may nag at me at times, I know deep down that she really cared for me. Why do you think she bothers to nag at you? Do you think that she’s so happy to be constantly nagging at you? With the exceptions of some mums who really like to nag over trivial (unimportant) matters, I’ve always believed that our mums brought us up in this world and they certainly have the right to asked questions about who we are hanging around with and whathavesyou.
As I think back of my early years, I realized that I’ve really made my mum upset at times. I was mischievous and at times rebellious because I just can’t seem to take in my mother’s words of wisdom. I lacked the immaturity to understand that certain things should be left the way they are. Hah... Especially the spotless walls and other things that I could get my hands on. Oops... I’ve also hurt her for some regrettable and nonsensical words when I can’t seem to get her point during my hormonal and angst filled teenage years. The proper term for that us puberty. Hah.
Whatever the case is, I know that I would treasure her. I do not need a so-called mother’s day to celebrate with her. I’m aware of the little intangibles that I did which is much valuable than the expensive dinners or luxurious items. It may not be pretty, but it’s the little things that really matters. It may not be much yet it may mean a lot. I do not need a mother’s day to be appreciative of my mum. I’m treasuring her everyday till the end of my time in this place called earth.
I ain’t going to be some fools whose actions never fail to amaze me. Often, they would realize their mistakes when everything is too late. They would take things for granted and expects their parents to be always there for them. Their parents would often live to a ‘ripe old age’ and would never fail to support them when they need help. I’m so amazed by their apparent ‘innocence’. Why must some people learn their mistakes when it’s all over? Maybe this is human nature but I’m not going make the same mistakes that so many people have made.
I love my mum and I’m proud to be called a mama’s boy. Hah... I made a promise to myself that I’m going to make her proud of me. Her love and passion would always remain in my mind. A mother’s love is just so noble. If people are still in denial and fails to appreciate their own moms, it’s NOMB. As long as I know that no matter what happens, I would continue my ways as long as my conscience is clear
PS – I would attach a story of the apple tree which I believe some people have read before. Yet fails to take any actions or their actions were short-termed. I would like to remind everyone that it's virtually impossible for a tree to grow in 1 day. You need to shower it with love and care in order for it to bear fruits. Likewise with mother's day, you do not need a special day just to 'show' that you care for her. What about the 364 days?
Apple Tree StoryA long time ago, there was a huge apple tree. A little boy loved to come and play around it everyday. He climbed to the tree top, ate the apples, took a nap under the shadow...He loved the tree and the tree loved to play with him.Time went by... the little boy had grown up and he no longer played around the tree everyday.
One day, the boy came back to the tree and he was sad."Come and play with me," the tree asked the boy. "I am no longer a kid,I don't play around trees anymore." The boy replied, "I want toys. I need money to buy them." "Sorry, but I don't have money... but you can pick all my apples and sell them. So, you will have money." The boywas so excited. He grabbed all the apples on the tree and left happily. The boy never came back after he picked the apples. The tree was sad.
One day, the boy returned and the tree was so excited."Come and play with me" the tree said. "I don't have time to play. I have to work for my family. We need a house for shelter. Can you help me?""Sorry, but I don't have a house. But you can chop off my branches to build your house." So the boy cut all the branches of the tree and left happily.The tree was glad to see him happy but the boy never came back since then.The tree was again lonely and sad.
One hot summer day, the boy returned and the tree was delighted. "Come and play with me!" the tree said."I am sad and getting old. I want to go sailing to relax myself. Can you give me a boat?" "Use my trunk to build your boat. You can sail far away and be happy." So the boy cut the tree trunk to make a boat. He went sailing and never showed up for a long time.
Finally, the boy returned after he left for so many years."Sorry, my boy.But I don't have anything for you anymore. No more apples for you..."the tree said. "I don't have teeth to bite" the boy replied."No more trunk for you to climb on" "I am too old for that now" the boy said. "I really can't give you anything ... the only thing left is my dying roots" the tree said with tears. "I don't need much now, just a place to rest.I am tired after all years." The boy replied. "Good! Old tree roots is the best place to lean on and rest. Come, Come sit down with me and rest."The boy sat down and the tree was glad and smiled with tears.......
This is a story for everyone. The tree is our parents. When we were young, we loved to play with Mom and Dad... When we grown up, we left them...only came to them when we need something or when we are in trouble. No matter what, parents will always be there and give everything they could to make you happy. You may think the boy is cruel to the tree but that's how most people are treating their parents. Taking them for granted.
What is wrong with me?Note: Coarse Language. Irrational sentences. Pent-up Rage. Misunderstood.
Tonight, I’ve messaged a few friends to the basketball court. I’ve left out some of them as I knew that they are busy working or something. As for others, I knew that they are waiting for people to ask them to play basketball. So I did not bother asking them also as I believed that if they have the ‘heart’ to play basketball, they would come down. Instead of me 'begging' them to come down, they should have taken the initiative.
After awhile, the soccer players come down again. No fights or argument this time round, they asked if they can play full court. My reply was that they can play as long as they don’t anyhow ram the ball at us. They behave as reasonable young adults this time and did not quarrel or anything. Though, they threw their soccer ball from high floors again. Heck... Let’s wait till it strikes somebody before they learn a lesson. I do not want to wage another war again. I’m drained out... Maybe I would join them to play soccer next time. Lol~ I’ve got crazy ideas. I mean... I’ve in a sense ‘fought’ hard for the right to play basketball on the court. Yet... When we had the basketball court to ourselves, no one went down to play basketball. In that case, I might as well join them to play soccer instead. Anyway, I’m entering the army soon. The ‘court’ would be theirs sooner or later. Unless others would ‘defend’ their rights to play on the basketball court, there’s no point going to war with them.
Next, a long-time enemy (NB@) appears... He’s my enemy because he was my friend before. A friend who does not have the balls (gut) to tell me that he had misplaced (lost) my basketball. People may think that I’m petty (narrow-minded) to remember an incident that took place years ago. Well... I’m indeed petty over such things because he was a good friend of mine at that time. Yet, he did not apologise nor do anything to show that he is sorry for losing my basketball. I was really upset by that. It is like he had done nothing wrong when he had lost my first leather basketball which is fully sponsored by yours sincerely (me). Since he did not appear apologetic and treated me as invisible, I decided that he and I are no longer friends there and then... If he had apologised, we might still be friends now. It is good that it turns out this way as I can view his true colours.
Anyway, ‘NB@’ really pull my hidden ‘anger’ out. Seeing his face automatically made me played to my potential. I played hard bball. I’ve managed to won two rounds against him. Probably, he was not in his best condition after jogging but who cares? There was a few questionable fouls then might not be appear to be fouls if there is a proper referee. Yet, no one argues with me... No one in his right mind would argue with an ‘uncontrolled’ beast on the loose. No one argues with Desprorado when he’s wild... E'nuff said.
At this point in time, I’m really at a lost as to the ‘mistakes’ that I’ve made. I sincerely do not want to force other people to do things that they disliked to do. They are free to roam the world. I’m only giving advices and guiding them. If I’ve ever imposed my will upon you, I’m sorry and I do not mean it. I would just take a step back and leave you untouched. BUT... I would still 'point out' peoples’ shortcomings so that they would be able to know where they have gone wrong. I’m entitled to my own opinions and thoughts. Even if I’ve few friends left... I would persevere in what I feel is ‘right’... When no one supports me, I would defend myself. I would take care of myself... I’m motivated to become a stronger person. Hah~ That’s why I’m going to the gym tomorrow. A strong mind coupled with a strong body, my National Service would be a breeze~
No More Late Night Or Early Morning OutingsI’m in a real comatose state right now. In other words, I’m hanging grape juice/banana juice at this moment of blogging. Hah~ I’m just too weak to compete with ‘them’ now. My usual waking hours varies from 5+ - 8+. Mostly 7+ in the morning I would be up while sleeping at 12+. That works out to a comfortable 7 hours of slumber time which is enough for me.
Due to a late night out with the dudes, I’m convinced that my ‘stamina’ is not up to their standard. It’s beyond comparison. It’s like comparing 2 different kind of matter altogether. Instead of comparing apples with apples, I’m like a banana versus lemons. They are able to amuse themselves late at night whereas I’m already thinking of my bed.
Give me just one good reason why I should risk my health to go out with them at the dead of dawn to some lousy pub and breathing in fresh ‘aroma’ of second hand cigarettes’ smoke? I do not smoke by the way (another story told another time). Why? For the sake of ‘friendship’ or loyalty? Or was it the backlash they would gave to you when you do not join them for a ‘wild’ night out? Peer pressure? I’ve no idea but they can condemn me for all they want. I’m not going to succumb to their pressure tactics. No way! Unless I stand to benefit from it, I would take no part in it.
I went with them anyway and I regretted not to have an outburst when they are taunting another poor fellow. I should have just left with him while we were still on the train. C’mon... The poor fellow was already out working in the sun for one whole day. It’s a lot more tiring than sleeping at home during the day or working for a few hours in an air-conditioned room. Too bad... ‘They’ lacked the intelligence to figure that out. ‘They’ are out to have ‘fun’ while he was psyched into the late night outing. Obviously, his face was on the long side.
To make matter worse, ‘they’ began to criticize him for showing a sullen face. Telling him to go home and all. As a sane person can see, he is going to be criticized no matter what.
Scenario 1
He didn’t go. à Guilty. Reasons being not ‘steady’, ‘everyone’ is going and you are being such a spoilsport (wet blanket). Then, he would get condemned by so-called ‘friends’ who as I’ve mentioned lacked some logical thinking skills.Scenario 2
He did go but was like a rape victim. à Guilty. Reasons being ‘unwilling’ to go in the first place. Yet he was ‘forced’ or ‘peer pressured’ into late night activities. If that is not raping then may I know what is considered raping? [Rape - The act of seizing and carrying off by force. Abusive or improper treatment. The crime of forcing another person to submit to sex acts, especially sexual intercourse.] I’m beginning to wonder how a person can be happy in the first place when they are literally forced against their own will. Maybe some of my ‘friends’ can enlighten me. Then, after successfully ‘raping’ him, they taunt him to go home.Scenario 3
He went and went off ‘early’. I mean 2 AM is really considered early? Yea right, it’s already early morning. à Guilty. Reasons being going home early. He was condemned for being a mother’s boy who needs to go home early? Needless to say, my ‘friends’ have excellent stamina while the poor dude was really ‘lousy’ after one whole day under the sun. It’s only a day under the sun, small matter only. Only ‘weak’ people cannot survive after a whole day out in the ‘comfortable’ sun. The rest of ‘them’ are all iron man, superman and inhuman. (Notice that it rhymes. Lol.)Honestly speaking, with ‘friends’ like these.
Who needs enemies?
PS – When I say ‘friends’ ‘they’ ‘them’, I’m only referring to some people who shoot their mouth off without first consulting their brains. There are still ripe and good fruits among them for the harvesting.
Needless to say, I find myself drifting away from ‘them’. I will walk my own path while they walk theirs. Our paths crossed because we
had a common interest. I used the word ‘had’ to signify the past. People change; their interests change and their priority changes as well.
What was once considered fun was not as enjoyable anymore. What was considered ‘fun’ by ‘them’ was not amusing to me.
