There used to be one column in The Star - Stories From My Mother, which I loved to read. Now sure if the columnist is still writing or not, as I rarely flip the papers nowadays, mostly scrolling around only.
But the story I want to tell today, is truely from my mother, my mother's dream.
She dreamt of the "niu tou ma mian" coming for her. They looked very real just like those that have described, and she realised that they have no legs as well. Both of them seem to get nearer and nearer, and Mum began shouting. "I'm very busy. I have two daughters getting married. Go away. Go away". She kept on repeating the same thing over and over again, but both of them just keep getting nearer, as if ignoring her words.
Then out of no where, another guy appeared. Mum tried to tell that good looking guy the same thing, but just like the other two, he ignored her shouting. He seemed to be talking to the other two, and Mum couldn't understand their language, but just keep on shouting. Then with a wave of hand, as if to tell Mum to continue to do her stuff, the three of them disappear.
After that, Mum immediately gathered us, and start passing down her last words, as if to get ready. But no matter how she waited, the two never came back. Then she awoken from her dream.
She did not recall her dream the moment she woke up, but only after preparing the breakfast, then only she remembered about the dream. Quickly, she dialled Aunt's number, hoping to ask her about what her dream means, but no one picked up the call. As it was time to work, she just carried her questions in her mind to work.
At work, she try to reach Aunt again, but not successful. Then there's a colleague sat down next to her, and she poured out her story. Sitting nearby, a Chinese girl, who had been listening to the story as well, chipped in, "It has been broken". Then she explained further that, the dream has been broken, and Mum will be "safe" for another 12 years. And apparently, the good looking guy in Mum's dream is the judge.
Mum said that, life and death is something out of our control. And since we have all grown up, it's alright even if she had to go away now. But, I'm thinking otherwise. From her dream, it is easily known that she would keep on fighting, until she saw all her daughters are in good hands and were married off happily. Until then, she would be standing firm in her place, no matter who will be coming by to take her away.
Mum sure do have a stubborn side of her.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
coincidence? fate?
I have been wanting to write about this, but keep on procrastinating. It's fairly amazing how things turned out to be just right, after all.
We have planned to visit a few bridal studios that day. One is fairly far away, while the other three are in the same area. However, unexpectedly, I was not feeling well after the late breakfast and needed some rest.
Time passed till about later afternoon and I started feeling slightly better but decided to stay put for another half an hour before departing, just to monitor my condition.
The heavy rain had also stopped and it was just drizzling by the time we got out.
Due to time constraint, we decided to just stick to one studio, which is the furthest one. Since that was the one I had my eyes on, and the main reason I came all the way down for.
After an hour's journey, we have finally reached the place. Much to our surprise, the studio seem to be only half opened (or maybe half closed).
Upon entering, it clearly stood out among the other studios which I have imagined or been to. It is a gallery, not studio. Everything looked simple and nice in the gallery. And we even talked to the photographer himself. A nice chap who told us everything that we need to know, before we could start asking our questions.
Much to our surprise, the gallery was supposed to close the whole day, as they have had an outdoor shooting scheduled that day. Coincidentally, the heavy rain made them cancelled their plan and they headed back just to clean up and was planning to close for the day, when we stepped in.
So, is it just a coincidence or is it fate?
This may be the so-called, right things happening at the right time.
We have planned to visit a few bridal studios that day. One is fairly far away, while the other three are in the same area. However, unexpectedly, I was not feeling well after the late breakfast and needed some rest.
Time passed till about later afternoon and I started feeling slightly better but decided to stay put for another half an hour before departing, just to monitor my condition.
The heavy rain had also stopped and it was just drizzling by the time we got out.
Due to time constraint, we decided to just stick to one studio, which is the furthest one. Since that was the one I had my eyes on, and the main reason I came all the way down for.
After an hour's journey, we have finally reached the place. Much to our surprise, the studio seem to be only half opened (or maybe half closed).
Upon entering, it clearly stood out among the other studios which I have imagined or been to. It is a gallery, not studio. Everything looked simple and nice in the gallery. And we even talked to the photographer himself. A nice chap who told us everything that we need to know, before we could start asking our questions.
Much to our surprise, the gallery was supposed to close the whole day, as they have had an outdoor shooting scheduled that day. Coincidentally, the heavy rain made them cancelled their plan and they headed back just to clean up and was planning to close for the day, when we stepped in.
So, is it just a coincidence or is it fate?
This may be the so-called, right things happening at the right time.
not all those who wander are lost
Read an interesting quote today - "Not all those who wander are lost". I thought I have been getting lost now and then, as I have been wandering in my life. Now, I wonder if this quote is right after all. I definately hope it is.
It is common to think, if you simply wander around, you will get lost easily. But that quote, makes me think again. Does it meant to say that, those who wander will not be lost, instead, found a better place?
I am not sure, as this statement could have mean differently for different people, as per their own interpretation.
For me, I guess, I will have to tilt up my pillow to think about its meaning tonight.
It is common to think, if you simply wander around, you will get lost easily. But that quote, makes me think again. Does it meant to say that, those who wander will not be lost, instead, found a better place?
I am not sure, as this statement could have mean differently for different people, as per their own interpretation.
For me, I guess, I will have to tilt up my pillow to think about its meaning tonight.
Monday, March 21, 2011
racing against the cloud
The clock showed six o'clock now. Good, I said to myself, thirty minutes to get ready. Quickly, I went to bath and get ready. Ahh, I'm done in just twenty. After pondering for a while, I decided to set out earlier than planned. Better to be early than late.
Shortly, I found a nice spot to park my car. Alright, time for a short walk. Looking at my watch, I am ten minutes ahead of time. Setting at a leisure pace, I looked up to the sky. Gosh, the sky looked dark over the side where I came from. How come I did not notice that earlier. Oh my, I need at least fifteen minutes to walk over to my destination. Will I be able to make it?
Walking at a faster pace now, I kept switching my sight between the road in front of me and the sky up there. The dark clouds seemed to be looming over my head, and at an even faster pace than me. Oh my god, the wind is picking up now. At the other end, dark clouds were covering the sky and there was even lightning striking at a distance. What will happen next?
Just a few more minutes, just give me a few more minutes. I was half brisk walking and half running crossing the streets. I can felt the wind getting stronger and dark clouds were almost covering the whole sky. My mind started wandering on what should I do, if I really cannot avoid the rain. Where should I get covered?
Just give me a few more minutes, I kept mumbling to myself, while trying to walk faster.
Finally, I have reached my destination. After getting a seat for myself, I can feel the sweat started dripping from my face. After wiping the sweat off, then gush, down fall the rain. Gosh, how lucky am I. If I were just few minutes late, I would be totally drenched out there, with such a heavy down pour.
Thank God, someone heard my prayer.
Shortly, I found a nice spot to park my car. Alright, time for a short walk. Looking at my watch, I am ten minutes ahead of time. Setting at a leisure pace, I looked up to the sky. Gosh, the sky looked dark over the side where I came from. How come I did not notice that earlier. Oh my, I need at least fifteen minutes to walk over to my destination. Will I be able to make it?
Walking at a faster pace now, I kept switching my sight between the road in front of me and the sky up there. The dark clouds seemed to be looming over my head, and at an even faster pace than me. Oh my god, the wind is picking up now. At the other end, dark clouds were covering the sky and there was even lightning striking at a distance. What will happen next?
Just a few more minutes, just give me a few more minutes. I was half brisk walking and half running crossing the streets. I can felt the wind getting stronger and dark clouds were almost covering the whole sky. My mind started wandering on what should I do, if I really cannot avoid the rain. Where should I get covered?
Just give me a few more minutes, I kept mumbling to myself, while trying to walk faster.
Finally, I have reached my destination. After getting a seat for myself, I can feel the sweat started dripping from my face. After wiping the sweat off, then gush, down fall the rain. Gosh, how lucky am I. If I were just few minutes late, I would be totally drenched out there, with such a heavy down pour.
Thank God, someone heard my prayer.
Monday, March 14, 2011
couple
Couple is a funny thing.
A couple is two different person, either from same background or different background, who might think alike or totally different mindset, yet, somehow decided to be together.
A couple is also two person after being together for sometime, have somehow decided to go on own's way, regardless of how lovey dovey they used to be, but now have either to be just as friends or maybe total strangers.
How things have started off being as a couple, and how things might have ended up being apart, seem to be natural and inevitable. But, how couple remain as couple, that seems to be the amazing thing.
It actually takes more than words and actions being a couple, where you still need to throw in bits and pieces of faith, consideration, tolerance, appreciation and loyalty.
I wondered, how many couples can indeed fall in love with each other every single day. That will definately be a feat to achieve that.
Of course, undeniable, there is always rough time now and then that a couple will need to go thru. I guess, that was the minor examination to test out the relationship between two. It's either build or break.
Then, of course, once in a blue moon, we'll be faced with major examination. This will be a more stringent test to go thru.
It's alright to fail the test once in a while, but with the failure, you'll need to go thru what you've done wrong. The same test question will only be repeated to you, until you've got it right. That's another amazing thing about the subject "couple", you'll not be passed a new test question until you get the initial one right.
Isn't it far more better than school examination, where the there are a numerous of different questions for just one single subject?
A couple is two different person, either from same background or different background, who might think alike or totally different mindset, yet, somehow decided to be together.
A couple is also two person after being together for sometime, have somehow decided to go on own's way, regardless of how lovey dovey they used to be, but now have either to be just as friends or maybe total strangers.
How things have started off being as a couple, and how things might have ended up being apart, seem to be natural and inevitable. But, how couple remain as couple, that seems to be the amazing thing.
It actually takes more than words and actions being a couple, where you still need to throw in bits and pieces of faith, consideration, tolerance, appreciation and loyalty.
I wondered, how many couples can indeed fall in love with each other every single day. That will definately be a feat to achieve that.
Of course, undeniable, there is always rough time now and then that a couple will need to go thru. I guess, that was the minor examination to test out the relationship between two. It's either build or break.
Then, of course, once in a blue moon, we'll be faced with major examination. This will be a more stringent test to go thru.
It's alright to fail the test once in a while, but with the failure, you'll need to go thru what you've done wrong. The same test question will only be repeated to you, until you've got it right. That's another amazing thing about the subject "couple", you'll not be passed a new test question until you get the initial one right.
Isn't it far more better than school examination, where the there are a numerous of different questions for just one single subject?
hurt
What do you do when you heard something hurtful from others? Do you act denial? Do you feign ignorance? Do you retaliate?
Well, hearing hurtful words from others seems to be a common thing in life now - when trying to iron out an issue, or when trying to come to a conclusion of a discussion. Things can get pretty ugly if they get out of hand.
I guess, we have heard about the all the morale values that we should have when dealing with others in our daily lives - to respect others, hear as well as to listen to others when they are speaking, do not jump into conclusions, think of solution instead of starting blaming game when issue arise, etc, etc.
But when a problem crops up, most of the time, all these values disappear at the same time, too.
Humans first instinct is to protect themselves when facing any danger. No doubt, you can't blame them for that, but on the other hand, it's really annoying, at times.
Sometimes it's really hard to juggle between your feelings, your sense of righteous and your logical thinking. These three seem to clash with each other, at times. If so, who should you listen, too?
Being the one who got hurt is really unbearable. But at the same time, the other party might be thinking he or her is being hurt as well. There it goes, now we have two victims being hurt, but are blaming each other.
Life is so suffocating with all these small issues, right? Why can't live be simpler and happier without all those crappy people?
Or is it that we have missed out something crucial from these?
Maybe we should all start thinking from the bright side of it. Without all these, how would we be able to appreciate simpler lives then? We would have thought simpler lives are just boring lives, instead.
The world sure have its own way to deal with us, humans.
Well, hearing hurtful words from others seems to be a common thing in life now - when trying to iron out an issue, or when trying to come to a conclusion of a discussion. Things can get pretty ugly if they get out of hand.
I guess, we have heard about the all the morale values that we should have when dealing with others in our daily lives - to respect others, hear as well as to listen to others when they are speaking, do not jump into conclusions, think of solution instead of starting blaming game when issue arise, etc, etc.
But when a problem crops up, most of the time, all these values disappear at the same time, too.
Humans first instinct is to protect themselves when facing any danger. No doubt, you can't blame them for that, but on the other hand, it's really annoying, at times.
Sometimes it's really hard to juggle between your feelings, your sense of righteous and your logical thinking. These three seem to clash with each other, at times. If so, who should you listen, too?
Being the one who got hurt is really unbearable. But at the same time, the other party might be thinking he or her is being hurt as well. There it goes, now we have two victims being hurt, but are blaming each other.
Life is so suffocating with all these small issues, right? Why can't live be simpler and happier without all those crappy people?
Or is it that we have missed out something crucial from these?
Maybe we should all start thinking from the bright side of it. Without all these, how would we be able to appreciate simpler lives then? We would have thought simpler lives are just boring lives, instead.
The world sure have its own way to deal with us, humans.
handwriting
With the advance technology today, sooner or later, pencil might be an extinct object.
In schools, we used to write with pencils or pens. As time goes by, and technology advanced, people started to type. First we have the typewriter, then we have the computer. And now, we even have touchscreen!
Don't you just missed the good, old days?
In schools, we used to write with pencils or pens. As time goes by, and technology advanced, people started to type. First we have the typewriter, then we have the computer. And now, we even have touchscreen!
Don't you just missed the good, old days?
yoga
I used to think what kind of sports is this. When I passed by any advertistment or board of yoga classes, I used to think that someday, I would join it, too. Maybe I was attracted by the pose, or maybe I was just attracted by the name.
Then, once, I was asked by my friends to join their yoga class. Boy, how happy am I. Though, I have really not much idea how a yoga class would be like, then.
Till now, I've been attending my yoga class for roughly three and half years. But, I would still say that I'm just at the beginner level, due to the lack of diligence in daily practice.
Along the way, there are times that I had the thought of giving up. There are also times which I felt burdened attending the class. However, there are also times which I just love the sweats, the aches, the laughter and the crowd.
I have learnt quite a lot of things in the class. Things that can, not only apply in the sports itself, but also can apply in life.
"Practice makes perfect", a reminder that teacher kept telling us. We should spend about 10 to 30 mins per day to do some simple yoga, whatever that we can remembered of. In life, too, not everyone is a genius. Therefore, we need to keep practicing till we perfected our skill.
"Never force yourself", another favourite quote of my teacher. It's alright if we are not able to do certain pose, as it's either we just don't have enough practice for now, or it's that we just can't do it due to our body structure. In life, there are things which we simply can't force them to happen the way we want it. So, we have to learn to accept it and face it.
"Be thankful", a practice that teacher never forgets, where she's always thankful by the end of the class. She said it's to be thankful of the students (us), be thankful for the healthy body, etc. If life, sometimes, we tend to take things granted that we forget to be thankful, to appreciate the small, little things that happened to us.
There are a lot of learnings in life, whereby we might not be able to finish learning even in our lifetime.
Then, once, I was asked by my friends to join their yoga class. Boy, how happy am I. Though, I have really not much idea how a yoga class would be like, then.
Till now, I've been attending my yoga class for roughly three and half years. But, I would still say that I'm just at the beginner level, due to the lack of diligence in daily practice.
Along the way, there are times that I had the thought of giving up. There are also times which I felt burdened attending the class. However, there are also times which I just love the sweats, the aches, the laughter and the crowd.
I have learnt quite a lot of things in the class. Things that can, not only apply in the sports itself, but also can apply in life.
"Practice makes perfect", a reminder that teacher kept telling us. We should spend about 10 to 30 mins per day to do some simple yoga, whatever that we can remembered of. In life, too, not everyone is a genius. Therefore, we need to keep practicing till we perfected our skill.
"Never force yourself", another favourite quote of my teacher. It's alright if we are not able to do certain pose, as it's either we just don't have enough practice for now, or it's that we just can't do it due to our body structure. In life, there are things which we simply can't force them to happen the way we want it. So, we have to learn to accept it and face it.
"Be thankful", a practice that teacher never forgets, where she's always thankful by the end of the class. She said it's to be thankful of the students (us), be thankful for the healthy body, etc. If life, sometimes, we tend to take things granted that we forget to be thankful, to appreciate the small, little things that happened to us.
There are a lot of learnings in life, whereby we might not be able to finish learning even in our lifetime.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
why can't you?
I was flabbergasted. By just a simple, straightforward remark.
We were chatting about finding new jobs and I made a comment that I'm worried I'm not able to find a new job.
An instant remark from my friend is, why am I not able to find one?
Thinking back, I just realised how negative minded have I become.
No doubt, one cannot force a company to employ you, but once you have this negative seed planted in your mind, it might just turn away every opportunity that you may have.
I've made a decision today, which I'm not sure whether this decision is right or wrong. The only comfort that I have is that this is what I feel I should be doing. Some may thought I will certainly regret, turning down such a good opportunity. But right now, I feel that I just wanted to take a bold step out. I may regret some day later, but definately not now.
It actually feel good, trying to thread on an unpredictable condition. Though it may feel scary, but at the same time, you are actually trying to gauge yourself, on how far and how long you can endure.
So, right now, I'm starting to embark on a new journey. An unknown destination, which I need to slowly sense my way out.
Wish me luck!
And for those who are still skeptical about their decision, I wish that you, too, would try to take a bold step ahead. One may not know what lies in the future but one certainly can try all means to get to where you want to be, so that you'll have no regret in not trying.
We were chatting about finding new jobs and I made a comment that I'm worried I'm not able to find a new job.
An instant remark from my friend is, why am I not able to find one?
Thinking back, I just realised how negative minded have I become.
No doubt, one cannot force a company to employ you, but once you have this negative seed planted in your mind, it might just turn away every opportunity that you may have.
I've made a decision today, which I'm not sure whether this decision is right or wrong. The only comfort that I have is that this is what I feel I should be doing. Some may thought I will certainly regret, turning down such a good opportunity. But right now, I feel that I just wanted to take a bold step out. I may regret some day later, but definately not now.
It actually feel good, trying to thread on an unpredictable condition. Though it may feel scary, but at the same time, you are actually trying to gauge yourself, on how far and how long you can endure.
So, right now, I'm starting to embark on a new journey. An unknown destination, which I need to slowly sense my way out.
Wish me luck!
And for those who are still skeptical about their decision, I wish that you, too, would try to take a bold step ahead. One may not know what lies in the future but one certainly can try all means to get to where you want to be, so that you'll have no regret in not trying.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
big stone, small stones ..
The radio conversation caught my interest while I'm about to turn my key to off the engine. I stop my hand and lean back to listen to the conversation.
It is about a girl who had dropped what she had to pursue her dream. It was 10 years later, when she bump into a friend of hers, and they started chatting about what happened to them for the past 10 years.
If you have the chance, would you do the same? To drop the current things that you have in your life, and pursue your dream, even though not knowing if you will fail to chase your dream Or soar high following your dream.
The deejay also mentioned about having big stone or small stones. In life, you may either focus your attention to a big stone, like a big dream, or you'll end up having your focus turn onto the small little stones in your life.
To have the meaning in your life is very important. To know what you are living for, to know your dream and to know where you want to be.
Take a step back today, and try to imagine where do you want to be in the next 10 years time.
It is about a girl who had dropped what she had to pursue her dream. It was 10 years later, when she bump into a friend of hers, and they started chatting about what happened to them for the past 10 years.
If you have the chance, would you do the same? To drop the current things that you have in your life, and pursue your dream, even though not knowing if you will fail to chase your dream Or soar high following your dream.
The deejay also mentioned about having big stone or small stones. In life, you may either focus your attention to a big stone, like a big dream, or you'll end up having your focus turn onto the small little stones in your life.
To have the meaning in your life is very important. To know what you are living for, to know your dream and to know where you want to be.
Take a step back today, and try to imagine where do you want to be in the next 10 years time.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
losing memory
Sometimes, when life is getting frustrating, how you wished that there's a bottle of magic potion for you to take in a gulp, and in an instance, miraculously, you will forget all your problems and unhappiness.
But, ain't this is only something that happens in drama?
However, if you think deeply enough, this might not be something that you would want to happen at all.
It's true that sometimes, life is tough. And it might have just get tougher and tougher.
But, memories are something you should hold on dearly, too.
Memory is something that you gained, little by little, over time. No matter how sad or bad, a memory is, it is still a part of our memories, our life, what we have gone through. Any missing parts, will only make our life seems incomplete.
When life get tough, just hang on there. No matter how heavy a storm is, there will still be a break of sunshine.
But, ain't this is only something that happens in drama?
However, if you think deeply enough, this might not be something that you would want to happen at all.
It's true that sometimes, life is tough. And it might have just get tougher and tougher.
But, memories are something you should hold on dearly, too.
Memory is something that you gained, little by little, over time. No matter how sad or bad, a memory is, it is still a part of our memories, our life, what we have gone through. Any missing parts, will only make our life seems incomplete.
When life get tough, just hang on there. No matter how heavy a storm is, there will still be a break of sunshine.
talent & experience
Been chasing after the Jap drama - Code Blue for a few episodes now. Jap dramas are really good in protraying daily lives situation and human traits.
Code Blue is about 4 doctors training to be Doctor Heli - doctors that are send on helicopter during emergency situations, where they need to react fast towards any reported or unexpected case on the spot of the accident.
To be landed in the career of your life, you need to have the talent in what you are doing and the experiences that can help you along the way. Nevertheless, you also need to have the preseverance to believe in what you want to achieve. This preseverance will, nonetheless, make up for the lack of talent or experience that you may have.
If you have the preseverance and believe in yourself, it's just the matter of time, to have others to give you the chance of realising your dream.
Code Blue is about 4 doctors training to be Doctor Heli - doctors that are send on helicopter during emergency situations, where they need to react fast towards any reported or unexpected case on the spot of the accident.
To be landed in the career of your life, you need to have the talent in what you are doing and the experiences that can help you along the way. Nevertheless, you also need to have the preseverance to believe in what you want to achieve. This preseverance will, nonetheless, make up for the lack of talent or experience that you may have.
If you have the preseverance and believe in yourself, it's just the matter of time, to have others to give you the chance of realising your dream.
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