I've got to post this video up. It's hilarious. Try watching it with a straight face and see if you can contain your laughter. Japanese people comes up with the weirdest pranks man.
laughing my ass off,
TGND
Thursday, August 30, 2007
the title of this entry is untitled.
Just a poem for you guys. Not arrowed at anyone in particular. Hopefully people out there who are feeling the same can relate to it. (:
Don’t speak the words I long to hear,
For the words you speak I hold so dear.
Every minute spent together, wishing it would last forever.
Stay away from my fragile heart;
It won’t hurt for you if we were to part.
End it now before I fall too deep
Make this a dream from one of my sleeps;
For when that day comes I will not weep
But the memory of this dream I’ll forever keep.
forever yours to keep,
TGND
Don’t speak the words I long to hear,
For the words you speak I hold so dear.
Every minute spent together, wishing it would last forever.
Stay away from my fragile heart;
It won’t hurt for you if we were to part.
End it now before I fall too deep
Make this a dream from one of my sleeps;
For when that day comes I will not weep
But the memory of this dream I’ll forever keep.
forever yours to keep,
TGND
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Loneliness
the cold and stormy rain outside
you stay under the covers, you wanna hide
with a hot chocolate in one hand, you feel dreamy
the wind blows on your face and you start to tear
if only there’s someone who can take away your fear
maybe its just days like that, you wish someone to cuddle you had
just like the flowers trampled by the rain, loneliness makes you weak
you wished there was someone to warm your heart
but all you have is that hot hot chocolate
the rain gets heavier and you feel worse
whatever that feeling is, feels like a curse
the raindrops hitting hard towards the ground
the lonely days you start to count
you lay in bed, immobilized
taking time to realize
maybe its days like that you wish you had a better companion than just a pet
loneliness start to settle down in your heart
and you start to wonder when you and loneliness start to part
but for now you’ll just lay in bed
with that burning hot cup of chocolate
you stay under the covers, you wanna hide
with a hot chocolate in one hand, you feel dreamy
the wind blows on your face and you start to tear
if only there’s someone who can take away your fear
maybe its just days like that, you wish someone to cuddle you had
just like the flowers trampled by the rain, loneliness makes you weak
you wished there was someone to warm your heart
but all you have is that hot hot chocolate
the rain gets heavier and you feel worse
whatever that feeling is, feels like a curse
the raindrops hitting hard towards the ground
the lonely days you start to count
you lay in bed, immobilized
taking time to realize
maybe its days like that you wish you had a better companion than just a pet
loneliness start to settle down in your heart
and you start to wonder when you and loneliness start to part
but for now you’ll just lay in bed
with that burning hot cup of chocolate
blame it on the weatherman,
TGND
|
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Forbidden love: a short story
This story is fully fictionalized. Any character with resemblance to any living persons is coincidental and unintentional.
One day, two days far too many; it’s been a week since Alice rode the bus with Mark. Emotions were intense. Finally, for so long now, Mark asked Alice out. Alice kept quiet. She wanted to say yes. But what would they say? What was the outcome? Two minutes and Alice relented.
Almost a year they’ve known each other; Alice thought she knew Mark well. But at times she couldn’t help but doubt. Mark’s always exclaiming how special Alice was to him and Alice would always wonder if he was the same to all other female students. Was she really that special?
First date; it seemed normal. Movie, dinner and a romantic stroll down the beach. At that moment, everything seemed so perfect, so sweet. Alice wished the time would never end. She wished it would stay like that forever. They stood facing towards the open sea hand-in-hand. What was their future together? Was there even a future to begin with?
Suddenly, Mark held Alice by the shoulders and made her turn to face him. His eyes spoke every word. Alice’s mind was a blur. She was supposed to be happy but somehow something inside of her didn’t feel too good. Mark leaned forward and pressed his lips against that of Alice. She remained stiff. She wanted to push him away but it seemed like all her strength had left her body. She was weak; every part of her. Alice felt possessed. Her first kiss given away to someone she was deeply in like with; someone who was 12 years her senior; someone who was…her teacher.
The kiss seemed to take forever. One word- passionate. Lifting his lips away from hers, Mark smiled sweetly at Alice, he then hugged her tight. Alice searched her conscious but failed to find any. She hugged him back. Something deep inside of her knew this was not the beginning of something. It was probably the end.
Two weeks; a month; no sign of Mark. That night was the last time Alice say Mark. It seemed like he had also resigned from his position as a teacher. Alice felt numb. No one knew of the “special” relationship they had besides Alice’s best friend, Lynn.
“See, I told you already! Why do you even believe the things he says? He made use of you!” exclaimed Lynn as Alice dazed dreamily into the sky. Alice was in no mood to hear the nagging of Lynn. Alice evident feel cheated at all, surprisingly. Somewhere in her heart knew all along that the whole scandalous “affair” was heading no where. She laughed at herself.
4 months down the road, Alice was on the road of recovery. Recovery of that broken heart she hardly even had. As she was walking down the streets near her home one day, Alice thought she saw Mark. But then again, she thought it was her eyes playing tricks on her. Its not surprising since ¼ of Mark was left in her head waiting to be erased.
As she walked nearer, her uncertainty became certain. It was Mark. And in his arm was another lady’s arm; a pregnant lady to be exact. Mark eyes met that of Alice. He forced a smile on his face. Alice smiled back, turned around and continued on her journey.
Alice never felt happier. Well, at least she was loved by Mark even if it was for that 7 hours they were together.
- The End-
It’s been 6 months and 10 days. It sounded silly but Alice actually counted. She counted how long she has been missing him; how long he’s been crawling in and out of her heart.
She knew the both of them had a low chance of being together yet it was so difficult to let go.
He was Mark. He was 30 years old. And he was 12 years older then Alice. You know they say when it comes to love, age doesn’t matter. But that wasn’t it. Mark was Alice’s teacher. They have known each other for more than a year. But it was only until recently that Alice realized that she has grown to like Mark. 6 months and 10 days to be exact.
You can’t call it lust. Alice wasn’t really into Mark’s looks. It was only after she got to know him better and as they grew closer then did she find him to be attractive. In fact, each time she sees him, he seemed to be more and more attractive than before.
It began with something so simple- a bus ride. Then it turned out to be something Alice never expected. Mark knew so much. He told her so many stories, taught her many things. He was experienced. Alice knew she always had something for older man but this seemed to take a toll on her.
You see, Mark was a sweet talker. His words were like sugar in tea. But then, Alice always doubted them. She never knew if there were any traces of truth in Mark’s sweet-nothings. Before you ask, no, there was nothing serious going on between the both of them. Maybe that’s one thing that was bothering Alice.
Was Mark leading her on? Alice’s mind was never at rest. She was always thinking of the thousand and one “what-ifs”.
6 months and 11 days. Alice boarded the bus. There he was. Nothing could describe the feelings inside of Alice. Her heart was doing somersaults. You might think it sounds stupid but maybe you’ve never had that feeling. The feeling of liking someone and then being able to see and spend time alone with that person; jittery feelings all sprout out.
Alice walked towards him and sat down on the seat next to Mark. He smiled at her. The smile that was always flashing in her mind; the smile she knew she would never forget. They talked like always. They talked about everything under the sun. The chemistry they had was amazing and each time they met, Alice felt that she liked Mark more and more. The words he spoke pulled her closer to him each and every time. Alice couldn’t help but succumb to Mark’s flattery and charm.
She knew the both of them had a low chance of being together yet it was so difficult to let go.
He was Mark. He was 30 years old. And he was 12 years older then Alice. You know they say when it comes to love, age doesn’t matter. But that wasn’t it. Mark was Alice’s teacher. They have known each other for more than a year. But it was only until recently that Alice realized that she has grown to like Mark. 6 months and 10 days to be exact.
You can’t call it lust. Alice wasn’t really into Mark’s looks. It was only after she got to know him better and as they grew closer then did she find him to be attractive. In fact, each time she sees him, he seemed to be more and more attractive than before.
It began with something so simple- a bus ride. Then it turned out to be something Alice never expected. Mark knew so much. He told her so many stories, taught her many things. He was experienced. Alice knew she always had something for older man but this seemed to take a toll on her.
You see, Mark was a sweet talker. His words were like sugar in tea. But then, Alice always doubted them. She never knew if there were any traces of truth in Mark’s sweet-nothings. Before you ask, no, there was nothing serious going on between the both of them. Maybe that’s one thing that was bothering Alice.
Was Mark leading her on? Alice’s mind was never at rest. She was always thinking of the thousand and one “what-ifs”.
6 months and 11 days. Alice boarded the bus. There he was. Nothing could describe the feelings inside of Alice. Her heart was doing somersaults. You might think it sounds stupid but maybe you’ve never had that feeling. The feeling of liking someone and then being able to see and spend time alone with that person; jittery feelings all sprout out.
Alice walked towards him and sat down on the seat next to Mark. He smiled at her. The smile that was always flashing in her mind; the smile she knew she would never forget. They talked like always. They talked about everything under the sun. The chemistry they had was amazing and each time they met, Alice felt that she liked Mark more and more. The words he spoke pulled her closer to him each and every time. Alice couldn’t help but succumb to Mark’s flattery and charm.
One day, two days far too many; it’s been a week since Alice rode the bus with Mark. Emotions were intense. Finally, for so long now, Mark asked Alice out. Alice kept quiet. She wanted to say yes. But what would they say? What was the outcome? Two minutes and Alice relented.
Almost a year they’ve known each other; Alice thought she knew Mark well. But at times she couldn’t help but doubt. Mark’s always exclaiming how special Alice was to him and Alice would always wonder if he was the same to all other female students. Was she really that special?
First date; it seemed normal. Movie, dinner and a romantic stroll down the beach. At that moment, everything seemed so perfect, so sweet. Alice wished the time would never end. She wished it would stay like that forever. They stood facing towards the open sea hand-in-hand. What was their future together? Was there even a future to begin with?
Suddenly, Mark held Alice by the shoulders and made her turn to face him. His eyes spoke every word. Alice’s mind was a blur. She was supposed to be happy but somehow something inside of her didn’t feel too good. Mark leaned forward and pressed his lips against that of Alice. She remained stiff. She wanted to push him away but it seemed like all her strength had left her body. She was weak; every part of her. Alice felt possessed. Her first kiss given away to someone she was deeply in like with; someone who was 12 years her senior; someone who was…her teacher.
The kiss seemed to take forever. One word- passionate. Lifting his lips away from hers, Mark smiled sweetly at Alice, he then hugged her tight. Alice searched her conscious but failed to find any. She hugged him back. Something deep inside of her knew this was not the beginning of something. It was probably the end.
Two weeks; a month; no sign of Mark. That night was the last time Alice say Mark. It seemed like he had also resigned from his position as a teacher. Alice felt numb. No one knew of the “special” relationship they had besides Alice’s best friend, Lynn.
“See, I told you already! Why do you even believe the things he says? He made use of you!” exclaimed Lynn as Alice dazed dreamily into the sky. Alice was in no mood to hear the nagging of Lynn. Alice evident feel cheated at all, surprisingly. Somewhere in her heart knew all along that the whole scandalous “affair” was heading no where. She laughed at herself.
4 months down the road, Alice was on the road of recovery. Recovery of that broken heart she hardly even had. As she was walking down the streets near her home one day, Alice thought she saw Mark. But then again, she thought it was her eyes playing tricks on her. Its not surprising since ¼ of Mark was left in her head waiting to be erased.
As she walked nearer, her uncertainty became certain. It was Mark. And in his arm was another lady’s arm; a pregnant lady to be exact. Mark eyes met that of Alice. He forced a smile on his face. Alice smiled back, turned around and continued on her journey.
Alice never felt happier. Well, at least she was loved by Mark even if it was for that 7 hours they were together.
- The End-
If you have the time please watch this video. It might help you get a clearer picture of my story. (: and it was pure coincidence this video existed. Even better, its by my favourite singer, David Tao. (:
Monday, August 20, 2007
Maids
A luxury or burden?
Both.
Many of you might think that I should not be complaining since I get the luxury of having a maid while others have to wash their own clothes, scrub the floors yada-yada-yada. But let me tell you the truth, if I had a choice, I would like to wash my own clothes and clean my own floors. Having a maid currently does not really solve most problems
Okay, yes she does help look after the little one in my family. But I just don’t get it. We always try to treat them nice and like a part of the family but never ever once did any of them show an appreciation at all. In the news, there are always articles on how employers abuse their maids and so on so forth. Why hasn’t there been any article featuring maids that takes advantage of their employers.
Maybe because there’s a little one in their hands therefore my mom doesn’t dare to tell them off or whatsoever. But sadly, most of the maids that have worked for me think that they’re here on a holiday. I agree that they’re still human and etc. who said we even treated them inhumanely?
Let’s see the history of my maids and the great things they have done…
- bring boyfriend home while family’s on holiday (checked)
- mom goes to jail to bail MAID’S BF out (checked)
- maid runs out in the middle of the night w/o our acknowledgement (checked)
- maids talking on the phone for hours (checked)
- maid going out even on week-nights for parties (checked)
- maid locks dog in store room and goes partying while family overseas (checked)
- maid uses employer’s items w/o permission (checked)
- maid destroying employer’s clothes (checked)
- maid leaving laundry in basket for months (checked)
- maid sleeping before everyone else in the family (checked)
- maid’s cooking even dog don’t want to eat (checked)
- using the computer to upload and print their pictures w/o permission (checked)
and the list can go on and on and on…
Amazing how we still managed to survive with such “domestic helpers”. You may think that I am just being bossy or fussy or what not. But no one understands our condition. How ironic how maids are supposed to lighten our burdens but in return they add on to our worries and problems.
One advice for all people out there who have maids: never ever get emotionally attached to them. You never know the turmoil they bring you through. I’ve been through it and I learnt the hard way. DAMN HARD I tell you. So, don’t get too close…
Sometimes I wonder if they ever forget their priorities in coming here. It is not easy being a maid I must admit. But if you’re going to let your personal problems affect your job then you better wake up.
Who has ever had a maid sit in a corner and cry the whole damn day because she quarreled with her boyfriend? Gosh, is that even a valid excuse for not doing any housework at all. It infuriates me that even the employers don’t act that way.
Some even think that coming here to work is a vacation. Sigh, it angers me to even talk about it; the numeral amount of clothes that have been destroyed in their hands. The amount of saliva they have put in our food (I’m not too sure about this but that’s what they do in dramas right?), stealing people’s husbands etc. Gosh, how humane of them.
I once read a story in a magazine and thinking about it tickles me. There was this one guy who was a property agent. He slept with almost every maid in his block without his wife’s knowledge at all! I must say his wife is stupid or this guy is just TOO GOOD! The agony his wife has to go through if she were to ever find out. Well, what’s funny about the story was the illustration given by the writer. It showed the guy coming out of his car in the parking lot, and when he looks up to the block before him, every maid sticks their head out and waves at him totally ignorant of anything else. Funny as funny can get!
Maids like everything else in the world have two sides to them. Good and bad. Or rather, maids: like everyone else in the world, they’re either good or bad! Hah! No wonder the saying goes “to get a good maid is your luck, and to get a good employer is their fortune”. They both somehow run along the same lines though.
Makes me wonder… what’s the root of all maid abuse stories? Or cases where maids murder their employers… hmmmm…
Serving you faithfully,
The Girl Next Door.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Can you keep a secret?
Have you ever told someone your secrets? Or maybe have someone tell theirs to you? Or maybe even had your secret leaked out? Whatever it may be, what are secrets…really?
Before you assume or whatsoever, no I’m not inspired to write this entry because of the new Jay Chou movie “secret” which everyone have been raving about. I’ve yet to watch it.
A secret; something kept private or not revealed.
A friend once told me “Secrets brings friends together yet pulls them apart” and it really got me thinking. However oxymoronic it may sound, if you take time to think about it, it’s actually rather true. A secret shared between you and someone else may strengthen the bond because both of you know something about the other which no one else have any clue of. However, if your “secret holder aka as friend or whoever” turn their backs against you one day, are your secrets then risked being exposed?
I think the best person to tell a secret is you. Sounds damn dumb but I believe if it remains within you, you’re only left with yourself to betray. Tell only the ones you trust. But how do you even know if you trust a person? It’s so difficult to tell. Knowing a person for a super long period of time will not judge whether you can trust the person or not. People change and it’s a superficial world, anything is possible.
Well, I know some people out there can’t keep secrets because they would feel so bottled up, or they need others’ views or yada-yada. Excuses 101! But hey, look what I found!
“A new study finds that keeping some things to yourself could be better for your health than confessing them”
How interesting what people can discover! Personally, I do not like secrets. People’s secrets that is; I mean I do have my own secrets but I prefer to keep it to myself. Why risk the chance of having my secrets getting exposed? Also, I don’t like other people’s secrets; maybe because I feel like I’m somehow indebted to them. I feel like I have a responsibility to keep their secrets safe. But if it’s told to me and I’m not supposed to tell then I guess I wouldn’t.
But what for others who don’t trust their own mouths? Be it for their own secrets or for others. “If you are not committed to keeping your secrets then save yourself the trouble and embarrassment of having it found out and don't try to keep it secret in the first place.”
Keeping a secret or respecting others’ secrets is a virtue relating to that of sensitivity and self-discipline. And if someone were to tell you another person’s secret, what does that tell you of that person? He/she can’t be trusted and if you were to burden this person with your secrets as well, good luck and just hope that this person doesn’t go round telling your secrets to others.
Secrets: to tell or not to tell. You decide.
“Hearts are created as safes for keeping secrets. Intelligence is their lock; will-power is their key. No one can break into the safe and steal its valuables if the lock or key are not faulty.”
pink cupcakes and butterflies,
The Girl Next Door.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Relax
In this fast-paced, competitive cosmopolitan world, people are just too focused on their careers and the need to earn more money. Even students can’t help but feel the pressure on the need to study hard, in order to “have a better future”.
I think that at times, people just need to stop whatever they are doing and take a break. I find it so hard for people to relax nowadays. Their minds are so crammed up thus preventing them the ability to think clearly. Their tensed mood would not only affect their work but also their relationship with people. It is also difficult for them to take things lightly and every “molehill becomes a mountain”.
If I could, I would pause the time. And in this “freeze frame”, people’s minds are cleared; cleared of worries. And only when the body and mind has enough rest, the body would function normally again. Sounds stupid right?
Nobody sees the importance of relaxation. The mindset is that, only when one has achieved enough and earned enough then will one rest; permanently.
Scenario 1: A man works 25 hours a day and hardly relaxes. He neglects his social life and bonding with his family as he is always working. He then earns his first million at the age of 30 and decides that he can finally rest and pay back lost time. When he finally got his money, he meets with an accident and passes away. How is he then going to enjoy his millions? His loved ones got rich overnight with what he left them but never will they get over the regrets of not having spent enough time with him.
The truth is, we are never contented. When we attain something, we keep wanting more and more. And at times, this greed becomes the better of a person which is of course, very bad. People start to do immoral (however one may define immoral) things in order to obtain what they yearn for.
But I wonder if these people have ever stopped for a second to ask themselves if they are happy. Whether getting what they yearn for would keep them contented or even, happy.
Happiness is something we can’t purchase at the mall. Well, unless you are Donald Trump that is; there was a quote from him previously which goes somewhere in the lines of “who say money can’t but happiness? You just need to know where to shop”.
Can you imagine? Try picturing yourself walking into a mall and every shop is selling “happiness”. How does happiness look like anyway? I think it would look like drugs- maybe something like marijuana/weed. Won’t it be so cool? Then the world would not have anymore sad people. I must say that Donald Trump sure knows how to shop.
It’s so ironic how “money can buy happiness” yet it is the rich people out there who are mostly suffering. I’ve had heard so many stories about them before. A Tai Tai can have all the luxury items she could ever ask for but most of the time, most of them are not very happy with their lives. And I don’t think they quite like the fact that they have to share their husbands with other women. I’m not saying in most cases. These are just SOME stories I’ve heard, which happens to always run along the same line making it so stereotypical.
I’ve digressed so much only to realize that my objective of this entry is about relaxing. Okay…drawing back, over-working and lack of rest can lead to emotional torment too. I once knew of this lady who worked so much like 7 days a week from 9am- 2am. Worst thing is, she’s a mother of two. The result of her over-working is that her family left her. I think it is so devastating and it got so bad to the fact that even if she tried to make up for “loss time”, nothing could bring back the past and the way it used to be for the family. Everytime she talks to me about it, she can’t help but get so emotional. I try to help but in all honesty, there is only so much I can do.
The cause and effects of not relaxing can get rather sad huh. I guess that’s life. We can hardly ever enjoy the luxuries of both worlds; and if you do, good for you. So, the next time you feel like you’ve been so caught up with work or whatever and you feel really exhausted, stop whatever you’re doing(even if it was for a few minutes) and go do something which would help you relax whatever it may be. Maybe it’ll do you some good.
That sound of crashing waves and the sandy beach;
The place I want to be when life’s a bitch.
Shutting myself from this crazy world
The only solution when work’s a killer.
If only I could stop the time
If only at times life’s a pantomime
Maybe then life would be better
Maybe then I would feel happier
When living becomes tiring
And surviving becomes a chore
Maybe that’s a calling
For us to forget it all
Drop everything we’re doing
End all the stress we face
Take a break and do something,
That’s relaxing in our case
peaches & cream ,
The girl next door
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Laughter
Laughter is an expression or appearance of merriment or amusement. Ever heard of the saying “laughter is the best medicine”? Well, to a very large extent it’s true.Just a little bit more on laughter, it is a part of human behavior regulated by the brain. It helps us clarify our intentions in a social interaction and provides and emotional context in conversations. Laughter can also signify acceptance of one in a group and represent positive interactions. Laughter at times can be contagious and the laughter from one person itself can provoke laughter from another person. (Extremely true in my case!)
While surfing the net, I found out that laughter can trigger asthma attacks. Which reminded me of one time in school; I had a friend who was having an asthma attack. The teacher then instructed me and another student to help her to the sick bay. Even though the sick bay was like only 2-3 storey’s below our class, I think to my “helpless asthmatic” friend, it seemed like forever. Why? It was due to my presence. Whilst helping her down to the sick bay, I couldn’t help but get tickled by the sight of her gasping for air. Some might say that I’m evil but I couldn’t help it (explains why my mother thins I should go for laughter management courses). Already having not enough air, my helpless friend looked almost like she was having spasms as she tried to gasp for air and laugh at the same time. I was then told to shut it by the other classmate and that if I were to continue, my friend would die.
In the end, we made it to the sickbay. – for those for were curious as to whether my friend is still alive.
Laughter is beneficial in so many ways. So much so there are laughter therapeutic course out there for people who are feeling stressed or who have trouble laughing (which is quite sad). I remembered I made a friend laugh so much before that he made this comment “For as long as I’ve known you (which was about 6 months), I’ve laughed more than my entire secondary school life”, I didn’t know whether to feel complimented or to feel sad for him. People who don’t laugh are deprived. And you may give excuses like “what’s so funny?” or “life sucks” or whatever negativity you can get out so as to prevent you from releasing the laughter in you. But deep deep down inside the corner of your fist-sized heart, there’s some laughter that wants to come out. So, let it free!
Laughter can help us in so many ways. And the best time to use laughter is in times of tension. Let’s say someone is making fun of you and inside you feel so demoralized. The best thing is to laugh it off and agree with the person! You will so much better after that and you automatically disempower your “enemy”.
Having a sense of humor can help us accept the inevitable (things we can’t change), rise to any challenge, handle the unexpected with ease and come out of any difficulty smiling. If you haven’t before, are you already beginning to see why laughter is so essential?
Came across this saying which was rather interesting, “The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed”; which got me thinking and made me come to a realization that there is almost not one day which I have not laughed at all.
However, too much laughter may lead to people thinking that one is not a serious person at all. I’m not asking you to indulge in excessive laughter. Everything in life needs balance.
I’ll end of with a video probably one which most of you have seen. But I’ll still put it up anyhow. It never fails to make me laugh. Peace and blue cheese people!
P/S forget to add, sometims when one is laughing, they will fart. Recently, a friend told me that a friend of hers was watching The Simpsons in the cinema. Then there was this guy who was laughing so hard, he suddenly let out a loud fart. Can you imagine? HAHAHAHA *prroooooooot*
Monday, August 13, 2007
Bus Rides & Hygiene
Its ironic how I used to think blogging was a waste of time; now I feel like I’m a slave to it. All I can say is, people change, perceptions change, everything changes. Right…
So back to today’s topic, bus rides… something that most people can’t avoid and that includes me. Well, I’m not complaining but I think that when it comes to buses, I have 0% luck at all. Having to travel almost an hour plus on the public bus everyday is really an eye-opener. There are so many different kinds of people/characters that you can meet. And sadly, it’s never nice. All I ask for is a peaceful ride with no disturbance in terms of sound, movement and smell.
Let’s talk about sound. Most of the time, the ambience in the bus in the early morning is rather quiet. That’s because most people are either asleep or stoning. Then out of nowhere some joker’s phone rings. Okay, still acceptable. Following that, you hear someone talking at the top of his/her voice without a care in this world. How inconsiderate can people get? Wait, I haven’t got to the worst part yet. My usual routine is to stick my earphones into my ears the whole journey hoping music would be my source of relaxation. So, you know how between the transition of one song to the other, there would be at least a second of silence? In that one second of silence, I heard someone swearing in hokkien expletives. A series of images than flashed through my mind…
1) I walk towards the person who is speaking loudly
2) Snatches away his phone
3) Throws it out of the window
4) Give him my two cents worth
5) Inconsiderate commuter opens mouth but no sound comes out
6) I then flash him the most innocent and “considerate” smile ever
7) Every single commuter on the bus claps and cheers
8) I bow towards them and head back to my seat with a victorious beam across my face
Then I snapped back to reality. Right, if only I could. But I figured if he was a man of such words, I would probably get a black eye or some sort if I were to rebut his actions. And not forgetting him. Maybe Singapore should start some consideration campaign and give out awards to considerate people.
Now let’s talk about smell. Everytime I board the bus; I’m greeted with a smell I can hardly describe. And it is definitely not pleasant, but it’s still manageable for the nose. Then the people start coming up and the air in the bus gets more and more polluted. I realized one thing… people dislike taking showers in the morning. Well, I have nothing against that but at least have the initiative to change out of your foul-smelling clothes and have the decency to comb your hair. I can’t help but feel itchy all over my body as though the germs are flying everywhere all crawling up my body. Then comes a group of people whom Singaporeans hardly likes but can not live without. Without them, we wouldn’t have houses to live in. Yes, I think you get the idea already. As we all know, they have a natural “scent” and it can cause one to feel rather nauseous. To add on to their scent is their breakfast “aroma”. I seriously wonder what they have for breakfast because the smell gets really pungent at times. And there were many instances whereby I had to hold my puke in. Yes, it gets that bad- especially if they were seated next to you for an hour. Trying all ways to cover my nose, the smell somehow seems to find its way up my nostrils and down my lungs. I’m defeated.
As for movement, there are two sources. One is from human and the other is from creepy crawlers. Yes, let me ask you… have you ever sat on a bus and have 4 cockroaches greet you at the same time? Well, I did; must have been my lucky day. It really frustrates me when bus drivers do not take the initiative to ensure that their passengers are comfortable. Why can’t they take a little effort to check the cleanliness of the buses? As I slowly inched away from the cockroaches, I watched as they made their way to the passenger seated in front of me. She was in a deep sleep with her face pressed against the “clean” windows. The cockroaches crawled past her face and she didn’t move an inch at all. At that point in time, I was in a dilemma. Should I wake her up or should I just let her be? Everyone else in the bus seemed so peaceful like as though it was a normal thing. I felt foolish for a few seconds thinking I was the only one being such a wuss. Hesitating no more, I stood up and made my way to an empty seat at the front of the bus.
I thought I was safe. I thought wrong. Seated beside me was middle-aged man who seemed perfectly fine. Then he started biting his nails –okay, still normal-. Following that, he began to pick his nose- o..Kay, normal but damn unhygienic-. He then continued to bite his nails again. This time I was sure he was just sick sick and nothing else. He then started rubbing his face, scratching his head, picking his nose and doing every action in a cycle. I have never felt dirtier. I wished the bus driver would pick up his speed and send me to my destination as soon as possible. The guy then looked at me in the corner of his eyes as I started turning my back towards him. He then lifted his shirt and started scratching his body. Gosh! What’s wrong with these people? Don’t they ever shower? I don’t understand… I seriously don’t.
Everyday before I board the bus, I have a minute of prayer. I don’t ask for too much, maybe just having someone normal (and in my terms normal means someone with basic hygiene) sit beside me.
Okay think I’ll end of here. Another poem for you guys. Hope you’re not getting sick of it already.
An hour’s bus ride, way too long.
Playing on my iPod, about 20 songs.
What I thought would be a peaceful ride,
soon turned into an ugly sight.
Seated myself on the window seat,
4 cockroaches greeted me; to my defeat.
Plopped myself next to a guy who appeared fine,
only to realize he’s like a swine.
Picking his nose then biting his nails,
maybe he forgot to take his meals.
Scratching his head, scratching his face,
scratching his body as though it was a maze.
Frequent spasms, body jolts;
my worst bus ride for the record.
Then tomorrow comes; and as I enter the same bus, I tremble
how was I to survive till holidays in December?
I prayed silently that I’ll be safe
hoping the person next to me had bathe
seated on the outside, I felt so brave
all these random strangers, I was to face.
It was a school holiday, except for me
So the bus- neutral smelling and so empty!
What I hate most I’ve yet to say
Always wishing there wasn’t this day
These groups of workers scrambling for seats
Always in a hurry
Smelling like pots of c_rry.
If seated beside you were one of those
The best is to have a bad blocked nose
For an hour’s too long for c_rry smell
Wishing you could lock them in a cell
Bus rides have become such a pain
A car and license I wish to obtain
Gone will be the days- filth and germs
Buses no more, I’ll come to terms.
So back to today’s topic, bus rides… something that most people can’t avoid and that includes me. Well, I’m not complaining but I think that when it comes to buses, I have 0% luck at all. Having to travel almost an hour plus on the public bus everyday is really an eye-opener. There are so many different kinds of people/characters that you can meet. And sadly, it’s never nice. All I ask for is a peaceful ride with no disturbance in terms of sound, movement and smell.
Let’s talk about sound. Most of the time, the ambience in the bus in the early morning is rather quiet. That’s because most people are either asleep or stoning. Then out of nowhere some joker’s phone rings. Okay, still acceptable. Following that, you hear someone talking at the top of his/her voice without a care in this world. How inconsiderate can people get? Wait, I haven’t got to the worst part yet. My usual routine is to stick my earphones into my ears the whole journey hoping music would be my source of relaxation. So, you know how between the transition of one song to the other, there would be at least a second of silence? In that one second of silence, I heard someone swearing in hokkien expletives. A series of images than flashed through my mind…
1) I walk towards the person who is speaking loudly
2) Snatches away his phone
3) Throws it out of the window
4) Give him my two cents worth
5) Inconsiderate commuter opens mouth but no sound comes out
6) I then flash him the most innocent and “considerate” smile ever
7) Every single commuter on the bus claps and cheers
8) I bow towards them and head back to my seat with a victorious beam across my face
Then I snapped back to reality. Right, if only I could. But I figured if he was a man of such words, I would probably get a black eye or some sort if I were to rebut his actions. And not forgetting him. Maybe Singapore should start some consideration campaign and give out awards to considerate people.
Now let’s talk about smell. Everytime I board the bus; I’m greeted with a smell I can hardly describe. And it is definitely not pleasant, but it’s still manageable for the nose. Then the people start coming up and the air in the bus gets more and more polluted. I realized one thing… people dislike taking showers in the morning. Well, I have nothing against that but at least have the initiative to change out of your foul-smelling clothes and have the decency to comb your hair. I can’t help but feel itchy all over my body as though the germs are flying everywhere all crawling up my body. Then comes a group of people whom Singaporeans hardly likes but can not live without. Without them, we wouldn’t have houses to live in. Yes, I think you get the idea already. As we all know, they have a natural “scent” and it can cause one to feel rather nauseous. To add on to their scent is their breakfast “aroma”. I seriously wonder what they have for breakfast because the smell gets really pungent at times. And there were many instances whereby I had to hold my puke in. Yes, it gets that bad- especially if they were seated next to you for an hour. Trying all ways to cover my nose, the smell somehow seems to find its way up my nostrils and down my lungs. I’m defeated.
As for movement, there are two sources. One is from human and the other is from creepy crawlers. Yes, let me ask you… have you ever sat on a bus and have 4 cockroaches greet you at the same time? Well, I did; must have been my lucky day. It really frustrates me when bus drivers do not take the initiative to ensure that their passengers are comfortable. Why can’t they take a little effort to check the cleanliness of the buses? As I slowly inched away from the cockroaches, I watched as they made their way to the passenger seated in front of me. She was in a deep sleep with her face pressed against the “clean” windows. The cockroaches crawled past her face and she didn’t move an inch at all. At that point in time, I was in a dilemma. Should I wake her up or should I just let her be? Everyone else in the bus seemed so peaceful like as though it was a normal thing. I felt foolish for a few seconds thinking I was the only one being such a wuss. Hesitating no more, I stood up and made my way to an empty seat at the front of the bus.
I thought I was safe. I thought wrong. Seated beside me was middle-aged man who seemed perfectly fine. Then he started biting his nails –okay, still normal-. Following that, he began to pick his nose- o..Kay, normal but damn unhygienic-. He then continued to bite his nails again. This time I was sure he was just sick sick and nothing else. He then started rubbing his face, scratching his head, picking his nose and doing every action in a cycle. I have never felt dirtier. I wished the bus driver would pick up his speed and send me to my destination as soon as possible. The guy then looked at me in the corner of his eyes as I started turning my back towards him. He then lifted his shirt and started scratching his body. Gosh! What’s wrong with these people? Don’t they ever shower? I don’t understand… I seriously don’t.
Everyday before I board the bus, I have a minute of prayer. I don’t ask for too much, maybe just having someone normal (and in my terms normal means someone with basic hygiene) sit beside me.
Okay think I’ll end of here. Another poem for you guys. Hope you’re not getting sick of it already.
An hour’s bus ride, way too long.
Playing on my iPod, about 20 songs.
What I thought would be a peaceful ride,
soon turned into an ugly sight.
Seated myself on the window seat,
4 cockroaches greeted me; to my defeat.
Plopped myself next to a guy who appeared fine,
only to realize he’s like a swine.
Picking his nose then biting his nails,
maybe he forgot to take his meals.
Scratching his head, scratching his face,
scratching his body as though it was a maze.
Frequent spasms, body jolts;
my worst bus ride for the record.
Then tomorrow comes; and as I enter the same bus, I tremble
how was I to survive till holidays in December?
I prayed silently that I’ll be safe
hoping the person next to me had bathe
seated on the outside, I felt so brave
all these random strangers, I was to face.
It was a school holiday, except for me
So the bus- neutral smelling and so empty!
What I hate most I’ve yet to say
Always wishing there wasn’t this day
These groups of workers scrambling for seats
Always in a hurry
Smelling like pots of c_rry.
If seated beside you were one of those
The best is to have a bad blocked nose
For an hour’s too long for c_rry smell
Wishing you could lock them in a cell
Bus rides have become such a pain
A car and license I wish to obtain
Gone will be the days- filth and germs
Buses no more, I’ll come to terms.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Beauty & Reflections
What defines beauty? Well, if you were to search the dictionary, it would come up with meanings that mostly revolve around “especially pleasing to look at, physical attractiveness etc.” If you realized, it just has to do with outward appearances and nothing else. If that is true, who can then explain the phrase “beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”?
A person can look so beautiful and perfect but on the inside, her/his heart is as black as coal. Would that person be a beauty then? Yes, no, maybe. I really don’t know. What if a persons’ beauty is fake? Meaning they just have to credit the plastic surgeon for their good looks. Is that beauty then?
People who judges others based on their looks are way too superficial for my liking. Okay, I have to admit I’m a tee-wee bit guilty of ever doing that but for that, I learnt a painful lesson.
If a person was so miserable on the inside, whereby there is so much grieve and hate inside his/her heart, I believe that it would reflect on their faces. They would not look happy at all. I used to have a friend who was rather pretty and we used to claim how she looked like a famous actress. Her high cheek bones, slender figure, long legs etc etc. everything a girl would want. Then once, we got into a quarrel over some petty matters and it got quite serious to the extent whereby we had a confrontation. During the confrontation, the “devil” in my pretty friend came out and I realized that her beauty totally disappeared. She didn’t appear pretty to me at that point in time. She just had this evil and grievance-filled look on her face. Now, where did the beauty that I once to admire and see disappear to? You tell me…
Now, I’m not saying that all pretty girls are like that. That was just an example. Personally, and however ironic it sounds, I am overly conscious on the way I look and the way people look at me. Due to that, I make sure that I look presentable everytime I walk out of the house. This led to a story which was told to me by a very close friend. Here goes…
There was once a girl, let’s name her X. X was from a prestigious girls school in Singapore. In school, she was part of the popular group and was rather well-known. To keep up with their so-called “high status”, she and her friends made sure that everytime they went out, they were decked in the latest fashion be it in clothes, bags or accessories. Besides that, they would also “cover” their faces with layers of make-up and what not. Maybe it was to cover up their “flaws” if they had any. Halfway through this point, I thought to myself “are they happy? Do they ever get tired of always wanting to look perfect (if they even did…)?” So that was like years ago. Recently, my friend bumped into this has-been queen bee in church and was shocked to see X decked in a casual t-shirt, jeans and can you believe it, NO MAKE UP! My friend even commented that X looked even better than her previous “perfect” look. X just had this glow in her whom my friend had never ever seen before and so to speak, X felt happier than ever.
Before you all get it wrong, no I’m not saying that in order to look good, you MUST attend church and become a Christian or catholic or blah blah blah. My point is beauty comes from WITHIN. All the external factors might help you do a little touching up but that’s about it. One has to love herself/himself from within and have the belief that you are beautiful inside out in order to look good and even feel good about the way you look.
Let’s see now, what defines beauty then? Hmmmm, I think it lies in our heart and soul. When we are able to forgive and forget, we feel happier. When we have the patience and not snap at people so easily, we’ll feel good about ourselves and our surroundings. When we speak only the good things of others and in return have good things spoken unto us, what else can we ask for? Every single thing is inter-dependent. And when we have achieved a happy body, mind and soul, we will feel beautiful inside and outside.
The issue on girls wanting to be Nicole Richie skinny; do I even have to talk about it already?
The next time you look into the mirror, what do you want to see? No one can choose or decide for you because it lies in your own hands.
Let me end with a poem…
If a girl was fat, does it mean she’s bad?
If she was thin, will other girls be green?
If a boy’s not cool, will he be labeled a fool?
If he is a nerd, must he be hurt?
If the sky’s not blue, humans won’t have a clue;
And if the sea’s not green, we won’t have shark’s fin.
When people are poor, must they suffer?
When people are rich, they think life’s a bitch.
If all sicknesses could cure, would it be a world more pure?
If there was no pain, what would we gain?
If everyone was happy, what would this world be?
If life was perfect, what would be the effect?
Imperfected world, aren’t you glad you’re here?
|
donuts & life and everything within.......
First there was donut factory then there’s e-donuts, donuts this & donuts that. Okay, not really but still. This donut frenzy is way overrated. Like bubble tea, I believe soon it will all be over and all these donut shops would be pulling their shutters down and losing lots of money. It is crazy to queue up for hours just to get 4278493058 calories into our bodies. What’s so great about it anyway? Donuts have always been around but no one really took notice of it. Then just one newspaper review and *poof poof poof poof* donuts are selling like hot cakes. Every time I think of popping a donut into my mouth, the image of how a donut is cooked- in gallons of oil that is, comes to my mind. And I can’t help but get a nauseating feeling in me. Maybe once in a blue blue moon, it’s okay. But to chomp down a dozen of donuts at a go is rather sick. Ah wells, to each it’s own.
Enough about donuts already, the calories seem to haunt. Let’s talk about life. Life is good, unfair, amazing, stupid, meaningless, and meaningful and the list goes on and on. Well, to me life itself is an oxymoron- if I could even put it that way. There are always two sides to everything and life is no exception. For every one rich & happy man out there, there’s bound to be another suffering from poor health and wealth. Nothing is ever perfect. And I hate to admit the fact that people are never satisfied. Never.
Why do people like to complain so much when they already have everything? “Oh, my job sucks!” “Oh, life is so unfair, she gets to drive a Mercedes while I have to take public transport” “I’m 14 years old and my boyfriend just broke up with me” yada yada yada. Gosh, I wonder when people would actually stop thinking me this, me that, I this and I that and actually look at others and the world around them. Their matters are nothing compared to the millions who are suffering from poverty &diseases and what not. People are too self-centered I find. Maybe when they stop looking at themselves and start caring for others will be when they will feel contented and needless to say, happy. I came across this quote which was rather meaningful. It goes like this “when one door closes, another opens. But we often look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us”. It is so true. Why is it so difficult for people to let go of the past, of things that is bothering them, of all the unhappy thoughts? Aren’t they aware that only when they let go and learn how to forgive and forget then will they actually be happy and feel that life is actually quite good. Bearing grudges and holding to bad pasts/ thoughts is not healthy at all. And when a person is so occupied with all these negative energy in them, it actually reflects on their faces and in their actions; those grumpy ugly faces and demanding & domineering attitudes. I pity them, really.
Live life to the fullest! Appreciate everything and everyone. Life is so unpredictable and you never ever know what’s going to happen tomorrow. Live only for today and be burdened by only today’s’ problems. Let go of yesterdays and wait until tomorrow to hold its burdens. For every obstacle you face think about the people who have encountered worst tragedies than you; maybe that obstacle won’t seem so bad after all.
Everything happens for a reason. So don’t ever question it. You might not get immediate answers and it doesn’t really matter because the answer will come to you when time is up. You don’t have to know your purpose in life. Just live it that way you want. Life is too short, take it easy. There’s a saying that everytime a person is on his/her deathbed, before they die their whole life would flash through their mind. Won’t it be sad that along the way in that flashback, the number of regrets you encounter is uncountable? Never ever regret your actions. If you have done something there must be a reason for it. If it was a rash decision, then learn from it. Don’t complain, don’t regret and what not because there is no way to ever turn back the hands of time.
Guess I’ve said enough. Hope this entry got you all thinking. It definitely got me thinking. And made me appreciate whatever I’ve got even more.
“Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul.” – Democritus-
Enough about donuts already, the calories seem to haunt. Let’s talk about life. Life is good, unfair, amazing, stupid, meaningless, and meaningful and the list goes on and on. Well, to me life itself is an oxymoron- if I could even put it that way. There are always two sides to everything and life is no exception. For every one rich & happy man out there, there’s bound to be another suffering from poor health and wealth. Nothing is ever perfect. And I hate to admit the fact that people are never satisfied. Never.
Why do people like to complain so much when they already have everything? “Oh, my job sucks!” “Oh, life is so unfair, she gets to drive a Mercedes while I have to take public transport” “I’m 14 years old and my boyfriend just broke up with me” yada yada yada. Gosh, I wonder when people would actually stop thinking me this, me that, I this and I that and actually look at others and the world around them. Their matters are nothing compared to the millions who are suffering from poverty &diseases and what not. People are too self-centered I find. Maybe when they stop looking at themselves and start caring for others will be when they will feel contented and needless to say, happy. I came across this quote which was rather meaningful. It goes like this “when one door closes, another opens. But we often look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us”. It is so true. Why is it so difficult for people to let go of the past, of things that is bothering them, of all the unhappy thoughts? Aren’t they aware that only when they let go and learn how to forgive and forget then will they actually be happy and feel that life is actually quite good. Bearing grudges and holding to bad pasts/ thoughts is not healthy at all. And when a person is so occupied with all these negative energy in them, it actually reflects on their faces and in their actions; those grumpy ugly faces and demanding & domineering attitudes. I pity them, really.
Live life to the fullest! Appreciate everything and everyone. Life is so unpredictable and you never ever know what’s going to happen tomorrow. Live only for today and be burdened by only today’s’ problems. Let go of yesterdays and wait until tomorrow to hold its burdens. For every obstacle you face think about the people who have encountered worst tragedies than you; maybe that obstacle won’t seem so bad after all.
Everything happens for a reason. So don’t ever question it. You might not get immediate answers and it doesn’t really matter because the answer will come to you when time is up. You don’t have to know your purpose in life. Just live it that way you want. Life is too short, take it easy. There’s a saying that everytime a person is on his/her deathbed, before they die their whole life would flash through their mind. Won’t it be sad that along the way in that flashback, the number of regrets you encounter is uncountable? Never ever regret your actions. If you have done something there must be a reason for it. If it was a rash decision, then learn from it. Don’t complain, don’t regret and what not because there is no way to ever turn back the hands of time.
Guess I’ve said enough. Hope this entry got you all thinking. It definitely got me thinking. And made me appreciate whatever I’ve got even more.
“Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold; the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul.” – Democritus-
peace and more cheese,
The Girl Next Door.
Friday, August 10, 2007
hello to all
This is my very first post. I feel rather excited on starting this blog but before I even begin, I start to doubt my committment towards it. I will try my best to update as frequently as possible just for your reading pleasure. (:
Well, almost recently I've been getting this bitter-sweet feeling inside of me. Okay, I know I know ..." who cares about what I feel?" But I promise it's something most of you can relate to! Forbidden love; so many kinds. Ever felt that you really liked a person but that person is way out of your league? Be it in looks, age etc etc. Well, who cares what people think anyway right? But what if the person you fancied was in the same company/ organisation/ school and is of higher authority? Is it wrong? I don't know really. You decide.
Ever had the feeling of being led on. Someone telling you all the sweet-nothings but didn't mean a single word at all. Or maybe we were foolish enough to believe them. I guess infatuation/ lust/ crushes and all feelings related to love always makes one foolish/ silly/ stupid. And we can't help but succumb to the insanity it brings us.
Imagine if you had someone by your side almost everyday and then suddenly *poof*, that person vanishes, without a word. And you happen to like this person without his/her acknowledgement. Won't you feel a little sad or disappointed? But then again, the person has no business to tell you what they're up to. It's not like they've got a resposibility with you or whatsoever. Gosh, matters of the heart just makes one feel so lost and and..there's just no perfect word to describe it. Guess I'll just leave you guys with this poem written by me...
the image of you lingering in my mind.
I try so hard but I can't deny.
Tell me how I can erase;
tell me how I can rest my case.
Why am I still holding on?
Were all your words just out to con?
Hoping this heartache I'll have no more.
Wondering why it's only you I adore.
No one else would understand.
This broken heart I have to mend;
all because of an older man.
Well, almost recently I've been getting this bitter-sweet feeling inside of me. Okay, I know I know ..." who cares about what I feel?" But I promise it's something most of you can relate to! Forbidden love; so many kinds. Ever felt that you really liked a person but that person is way out of your league? Be it in looks, age etc etc. Well, who cares what people think anyway right? But what if the person you fancied was in the same company/ organisation/ school and is of higher authority? Is it wrong? I don't know really. You decide.
Ever had the feeling of being led on. Someone telling you all the sweet-nothings but didn't mean a single word at all. Or maybe we were foolish enough to believe them. I guess infatuation/ lust/ crushes and all feelings related to love always makes one foolish/ silly/ stupid. And we can't help but succumb to the insanity it brings us.
Imagine if you had someone by your side almost everyday and then suddenly *poof*, that person vanishes, without a word. And you happen to like this person without his/her acknowledgement. Won't you feel a little sad or disappointed? But then again, the person has no business to tell you what they're up to. It's not like they've got a resposibility with you or whatsoever. Gosh, matters of the heart just makes one feel so lost and and..there's just no perfect word to describe it. Guess I'll just leave you guys with this poem written by me...
How to mend a broken heart?
This bitter feeling that lingers in me.
the image of you lingering in my mind.
I try so hard but I can't deny.
See you so often than it suddenly stopped.
Tell me how I can erase;
tell me how I can rest my case.
How can I get rid of this glimpse of hope in me?
Why am I still holding on?
Were all your words just out to con?
My eyes feel heavy, my heart feels sore.
Hoping this heartache I'll have no more.
Wondering why it's only you I adore.
Hopefully time would heal my wounds;
No one else would understand.
This broken heart I have to mend;
all because of an older man.
Well, hope you guys enjoyed that. Now I'm off. See you guys soon!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)