What a rainy day today is!
If given the choice, I'd choose walking over driving, even if it takes me 1 hour to reach my destination.
Everytime I told people my decision of walking instead of driving, people stared at me in disbelief. Immediately people would ask me whether this decision is burdensome (aka tiring)?
A "yes" would be my answer. But this can be solved over time. You see, the reasons for my decision are not environmental or budgeting reasons, although they do matter. It's the simple joy of making discovery after discovery, however insignificant they are to others, that excites me.
Let me give you an example. About 2 days ago, I was walking to uni with my table fan (as in, electrical appliance fan, not someone who's obsessed with me fan). Then a middle-aged lady passed by while giving me some weird look. I was puzzled by the way she looked at me. I thought she must have never seen a fan before. Then I looked at my fan and, lo and behold, the propeller rotated by itself. Even I was amazed before I found out it was the wind that rotates the propeller. But it did make people curious, though.
Oh, ya. Another reason I choose walking over driving is because I can literally move though traffic. Even if the road is not easily cross-able, I can still remain in movement, cos I had difficulty remaining still. Beside, if the traffic gets congested, I can still move through the traffic, musical-ling (singing + dancing) my way to my destination. Besides, unlike humans, cars deteriorate with usage whereas we improve with usage.
Everyone has their reasons for their choices. Well, I gave you mine. Until then............
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Disappointment: An encouraging road to the greater good?
Today was the Swinburne Carnival, held in conjunction with Swinburne's 10th anniversary. It was one tiring day (being the club's official tourist is tiring), but things went well. I do have bits of disappointments regarding the carnival. For starters, we had a bad start regarding one of our activities (it didn't sell very well), forcing us to close it down. Next, the long-awaited project (a.k.a. the flash-mob) didn't work. Finally, I lost both my bags (later recovered).
Yet, despite these setbacks, I was not as panicked as I usually was. Deep in my heart, I somehow knew that there's a reason for all these setbacks. Instead of trying to look at the negatives, decided to see the good side of it all. Even though that one particular activity did not go well, we were together at the beginning, planning all of these activities. Somehow, it brought us closer, closer than any other blood-bonding.
For the failed project, at least I've got new friends. It actually gave me the opportunity to meet people of different colours (I'm not talking about only skin-tones) and interacting with them. This 'failure' actually helped me to open up to people. No longer was I as reserved as I was before.
Finally, about the missing bags. I'm thankful that there's still kind-hearted people in this world. The fact that the guards who were patrolling placed my bags (plus another friend's bag) in a safe place, concerned about theft confirms my beliefs. I knew that those bags were safe, somehow. I just didn't know where and who has my bags.
Normally, if only one of these events occurs, I would have panicked like a madman. But, thank God, there's blessings behind every uncertainties. Imagine if I hadn't listened to my heart. I believed that what happened today was rewarding, because God is one mysterious Father. We just couldn't fathom what He has in mind for us.
Had to go home now. I need to feed my cats (possibly a dog, as well).
Until next time.......
Yet, despite these setbacks, I was not as panicked as I usually was. Deep in my heart, I somehow knew that there's a reason for all these setbacks. Instead of trying to look at the negatives, decided to see the good side of it all. Even though that one particular activity did not go well, we were together at the beginning, planning all of these activities. Somehow, it brought us closer, closer than any other blood-bonding.
For the failed project, at least I've got new friends. It actually gave me the opportunity to meet people of different colours (I'm not talking about only skin-tones) and interacting with them. This 'failure' actually helped me to open up to people. No longer was I as reserved as I was before.
Finally, about the missing bags. I'm thankful that there's still kind-hearted people in this world. The fact that the guards who were patrolling placed my bags (plus another friend's bag) in a safe place, concerned about theft confirms my beliefs. I knew that those bags were safe, somehow. I just didn't know where and who has my bags.
Normally, if only one of these events occurs, I would have panicked like a madman. But, thank God, there's blessings behind every uncertainties. Imagine if I hadn't listened to my heart. I believed that what happened today was rewarding, because God is one mysterious Father. We just couldn't fathom what He has in mind for us.
Had to go home now. I need to feed my cats (possibly a dog, as well).
Until next time.......
Friday, September 10, 2010
Being a lefty: In my perspective.....
Be it in a simple act of writing, using tools or even eating, these seemingly familiar activities most would take for granted has somewhat, become an issue for at least 10 % of the population.
I'm talking (or typing) about HANDEDNESS..... particularly lefties (including me).
See, while growing up, I knew that I was different. My whole family are right-handed except my big brother no.2 (I have 2 big bros). I've always felt like I was in the minority in the classroom, simply because most of the other kids are righties (in terms of which hand is used for writing). I've also had some issues with 'the dreaded piece of tool'....... a.k.a 'the scissors'. My thumb and index finger would blister every time I use the scissors. Let's face it, using certain equipments in an 'improper' way can not only harm us physically, but also mentally. I was so clumsy with the scissors, I'd rather rip the papers off with my bare hands than to 'cut them off properly' with a pair of scissors. I really felt stupid using them.
In addition, writing has become somewhat, a problem for us. Usually, we lefties would usually leave ink smudges on the page. That is why I prefer to use pencil when writing. But at least, I did not suffer severe discrimination here in Malaysia. I have the freedom to be a lefty here.
But what makes me want to write about this topic is that there were actually prejudice against lefties in the past (still does, but very minute). I believe that we lefties are a misunderstood lot. There are possible reasons for this. One of them has something to do with ancient sun worship. Seeing the movement of the sun from left to right creates the perception that anything associated with the right is always good. Thus, viewing lefties as the villains, the followers of Satan, who is said to be left-handed!
In fact, left-handed people have always carried negative vibes in the eyes of the word. The English word 'sinister', for example; originates from the Latin word 'sinistra', meaning 'left'. Not only that, many cultures around the world discourage the use of one's left hand, particularly at school, where writing with the left hand were seen as a defect that needs correcting. Usually the teacher would hit the student with a ruler if s/he was caught using his/her left hand.
As if trying to be 'corrected' isn't bad enough. they even give lefties names. Besides the usual 'lefties', there's also 'sinistrals' and also 'southpaws', which IMHO, actually sounds cool. Sounds so special forces commando-ish.
Regardless of all these, I still find this ridiculous. C'mon. Leave us alone. It's not like we'll eat you up. We're humans too, you know. Besides, we may be different, but we are always 'on the right mind'.
I'm talking (or typing) about HANDEDNESS..... particularly lefties (including me).
See, while growing up, I knew that I was different. My whole family are right-handed except my big brother no.2 (I have 2 big bros). I've always felt like I was in the minority in the classroom, simply because most of the other kids are righties (in terms of which hand is used for writing). I've also had some issues with 'the dreaded piece of tool'....... a.k.a 'the scissors'. My thumb and index finger would blister every time I use the scissors. Let's face it, using certain equipments in an 'improper' way can not only harm us physically, but also mentally. I was so clumsy with the scissors, I'd rather rip the papers off with my bare hands than to 'cut them off properly' with a pair of scissors. I really felt stupid using them.
In addition, writing has become somewhat, a problem for us. Usually, we lefties would usually leave ink smudges on the page. That is why I prefer to use pencil when writing. But at least, I did not suffer severe discrimination here in Malaysia. I have the freedom to be a lefty here.
But what makes me want to write about this topic is that there were actually prejudice against lefties in the past (still does, but very minute). I believe that we lefties are a misunderstood lot. There are possible reasons for this. One of them has something to do with ancient sun worship. Seeing the movement of the sun from left to right creates the perception that anything associated with the right is always good. Thus, viewing lefties as the villains, the followers of Satan, who is said to be left-handed!
In fact, left-handed people have always carried negative vibes in the eyes of the word. The English word 'sinister', for example; originates from the Latin word 'sinistra', meaning 'left'. Not only that, many cultures around the world discourage the use of one's left hand, particularly at school, where writing with the left hand were seen as a defect that needs correcting. Usually the teacher would hit the student with a ruler if s/he was caught using his/her left hand.
As if trying to be 'corrected' isn't bad enough. they even give lefties names. Besides the usual 'lefties', there's also 'sinistrals' and also 'southpaws', which IMHO, actually sounds cool. Sounds so special forces commando-ish.
Regardless of all these, I still find this ridiculous. C'mon. Leave us alone. It's not like we'll eat you up. We're humans too, you know. Besides, we may be different, but we are always 'on the right mind'.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
The uncertainty of life.
This is my 1st post in a year. Been quite busy with uni stuff, no time to blog. But anyway, this is the poem I wrote concerning life and Its' uncertain nature. Not really an impressive piece of writing, though...
"Uncertainty, life's best friend..."
"Uncertainty, the fuel of evolution,
Change, the only constant in the equation,
No man can mold Destiny,
It is not malleable,
Rather, it is always in motion,
As if it wants to run away,
Away from what?
The answer isn't simple,
Never was, never will be,
I bet no one could solve this mystery,
Even if he holds a PhD!"
~Gerard Galvestini, Copyright © 2010
Just looking around, I'd realized how uncertain life really is. You can be a nobody at one point in life, the next thing, you've succeeded in whatever project you're undertaking. It is not something that you can deduce to some mathematical equations or some intelligent philosophy with a snap of a finger.
It doesn't even matter if you plan well for your future cos', anything can happen along the line. To be honest, I don't buy into the whole "Well-planned life ensures a happy future" sentiment. But, that doesn't mean I don't plan at all. I'm more of a "go with the flow" kind of guy.
I'm a day-dreamer. The urge to 'sail away' is so strong, I literally need to spend some efforts to contain it. If I'm all alone or at least with a handful of friends, that's where I let go and quite a lot of time, literally re-enact whatever I dream about. Be it a mercenary befriending a princess, a child soldier/rebel commander taking care of the welfare of the less-fortunate in my community, some tokay selling Char Kueh Tiaw, etc. But enough about me and my day-dreaming antics.
Like I said, there's no way that we can configure life to the way we wanted to. The only thing that is certain is... Life itself is uncertain. The only thing that we can do is to look up and leave it to the Creator Himself. Don't know about you, this is my RM.0.02.
Until then, have fun in life!!!!!!
"Uncertainty, life's best friend..."
"Uncertainty, the fuel of evolution,
Change, the only constant in the equation,
No man can mold Destiny,
It is not malleable,
Rather, it is always in motion,
As if it wants to run away,
Away from what?
The answer isn't simple,
Never was, never will be,
I bet no one could solve this mystery,
Even if he holds a PhD!"
~Gerard Galvestini, Copyright © 2010
Just looking around, I'd realized how uncertain life really is. You can be a nobody at one point in life, the next thing, you've succeeded in whatever project you're undertaking. It is not something that you can deduce to some mathematical equations or some intelligent philosophy with a snap of a finger.
It doesn't even matter if you plan well for your future cos', anything can happen along the line. To be honest, I don't buy into the whole "Well-planned life ensures a happy future" sentiment. But, that doesn't mean I don't plan at all. I'm more of a "go with the flow" kind of guy.
I'm a day-dreamer. The urge to 'sail away' is so strong, I literally need to spend some efforts to contain it. If I'm all alone or at least with a handful of friends, that's where I let go and quite a lot of time, literally re-enact whatever I dream about. Be it a mercenary befriending a princess, a child soldier/rebel commander taking care of the welfare of the less-fortunate in my community, some tokay selling Char Kueh Tiaw, etc. But enough about me and my day-dreaming antics.
Like I said, there's no way that we can configure life to the way we wanted to. The only thing that is certain is... Life itself is uncertain. The only thing that we can do is to look up and leave it to the Creator Himself. Don't know about you, this is my RM.0.02.
Until then, have fun in life!!!!!!
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