Why do people use words to hurt one another?
Very often, we speak our minds off without taking into consideration how others would feel. Even simple remarks can have disastrous implications. Forexample, a simple phrase such as "You are so stupid" used on children can cause them to have low self esteem which will manifest in the forms of poor results, lack of self-confidence etc.
Adults are like children in a way. When others use hurtful words against us, we feel upset too. So why do we get the cycle moving over and over again?
Hurful words cause more pain then physical injuries.
Friday, June 17, 2005
With the angels as our daily companions, nature takes on a new meaning.
Flowers, trees, birds, and the clouds become our direct connection to the angels.
The angels remind us to stop and "smell the roses" and to drink in the peace of the natural world each day.
- Terry Lynn Taylor,"Angel Days"
When you get lost and don’t know where you are or what to do next, trust your angels to help you get back on track through their teachings.
- Barbara Mark and Trudy Griswold,“The Angelspeake Storybook”
Flowers, trees, birds, and the clouds become our direct connection to the angels.
The angels remind us to stop and "smell the roses" and to drink in the peace of the natural world each day.
- Terry Lynn Taylor,"Angel Days"
When you get lost and don’t know where you are or what to do next, trust your angels to help you get back on track through their teachings.
- Barbara Mark and Trudy Griswold,“The Angelspeake Storybook”
Thursday, June 16, 2005
I am so afraid...
Dear Lord
I am so afraid that I want to run to a corner and just hide there forever. I am afraid. I do not want to make false declaration. But he just would not accept my position and accuses me of being selfish. Legally, we would be considered married. I know that no matter how hard I try to delay the process, it would just come to me one day. Our parents would have to meet. There is no denial. What should I do? I really do not want to make false declarations. That is not right. It is wrong. Why can't we just be honest with our parents? Why? I want him to be happy. But I want us to lead an honest life together too. Is it wrong?
Oh Lord! Please tell me what I should do. Please help me!
Amen.
I am so afraid that I want to run to a corner and just hide there forever. I am afraid. I do not want to make false declaration. But he just would not accept my position and accuses me of being selfish. Legally, we would be considered married. I know that no matter how hard I try to delay the process, it would just come to me one day. Our parents would have to meet. There is no denial. What should I do? I really do not want to make false declarations. That is not right. It is wrong. Why can't we just be honest with our parents? Why? I want him to be happy. But I want us to lead an honest life together too. Is it wrong?
Oh Lord! Please tell me what I should do. Please help me!
Amen.
I pray to thee...
Dear Lord
I pray to thee. I pray that you give me the strength to carry on. I pray that you help me find the path to righteousness and honesty. I pray that you help to enlighten me and him on the decisions that have been made.
Lord, I do not wish to make false declarations. I do not wish to hide such happy occassions. I want to be honest. I do understand that honesty may bring about some consequences which may not be nice. But I do not mind the consequences. What matters most is a clear conscience. I want them to know. They may be angry for the short notice. But if we tell them the real reason? Why should one be angry with being in love and wanting to be with the person they love?
Lord, I pray that you help us find the right path through this situation.
Amen.
I pray to thee. I pray that you give me the strength to carry on. I pray that you help me find the path to righteousness and honesty. I pray that you help to enlighten me and him on the decisions that have been made.
Lord, I do not wish to make false declarations. I do not wish to hide such happy occassions. I want to be honest. I do understand that honesty may bring about some consequences which may not be nice. But I do not mind the consequences. What matters most is a clear conscience. I want them to know. They may be angry for the short notice. But if we tell them the real reason? Why should one be angry with being in love and wanting to be with the person they love?
Lord, I pray that you help us find the right path through this situation.
Amen.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
This is beginning to irritate me....
"This is beginning to irritate me...."
This was the sentence he made when I informed him that I am against doing anything dishonest.
The whole situation occured when I decided that the only option is to do a renewal of vows in Singapore instead of going through the registration process again. The whole reason is very simple. As we would already be married, we cannot be married twice without being divorced. Before one can be solemnized in Singapore, one has to go through the process of declaring that one is single at the point of registration. I do not want to commit the act of false declaration. Hence, in order to accommodate his situation, what we can do is to have the renewal of vows ceremony on top of the customary.
However, his response to the whole situation was simply this, "Who will find out if we register again?" "This is beginning to irritate me."
I wonder what is the story behind that he is so insistent on registering again. He says that he does not want to anger his parents, especially his mother. Well, if you really want to show respect to your parent, you take the responsibility for your actions. One has to be honest rather than go through the whole process of creating a smokescreen.
Is that fear that I sense? Or is it something else? Something is missing and he is not telling.
Haven't I been accommodating enough? All I ask for is honesty. Marriage is a joyous occassion. What is happening?
This was the sentence he made when I informed him that I am against doing anything dishonest.
The whole situation occured when I decided that the only option is to do a renewal of vows in Singapore instead of going through the registration process again. The whole reason is very simple. As we would already be married, we cannot be married twice without being divorced. Before one can be solemnized in Singapore, one has to go through the process of declaring that one is single at the point of registration. I do not want to commit the act of false declaration. Hence, in order to accommodate his situation, what we can do is to have the renewal of vows ceremony on top of the customary.
However, his response to the whole situation was simply this, "Who will find out if we register again?" "This is beginning to irritate me."
I wonder what is the story behind that he is so insistent on registering again. He says that he does not want to anger his parents, especially his mother. Well, if you really want to show respect to your parent, you take the responsibility for your actions. One has to be honest rather than go through the whole process of creating a smokescreen.
Is that fear that I sense? Or is it something else? Something is missing and he is not telling.
Haven't I been accommodating enough? All I ask for is honesty. Marriage is a joyous occassion. What is happening?
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
That moment...
I went jogging today. Finally, the weather cleared up and the sun was shinning brightly. It is good to work your body once in a while so that it will not get used to being sedentary. Step by step, I moved ahead along the lake. As I jogged, I admired and took in the sights. The sun is shinning, the birds are chirping, the swans are swimming and paddling on the lake without a worry in the world. People sitting on the benches by the water, reading their books, chatting away, enjoying a sandwich or just doing nothing.
I came upon an old lady and a little girl. The little girl is probably aged between four and five. She was attempting to feed the duckies and the swans by the lake with her bagful of bread. As much as she was enthusiastic about the activity, she was very much afraid too. The old lady then held her hand, took some bread from the bag and guided the little girl. Together, they tossed a few small pieces of bread into the water.
Very quickly, the duckies and swans started to swim to the source. They seem hungry. The old lady and the little girl continued to throw the pieces of bread into the water. From the looks on their faces, you could see that they were enjoying every moment of it. The little girl tried to mimick the way the duckies ate the bread. Mum, mum, mum. She mouthed the words, as if trying to coax the duckies into eating. Well, we know she does not need to do that because the duckies will eat the bread. The old lady has this smile on her face which reflects signs of content and joy. Perhaps the understanding and acceptance of being able to live up to this age to see her grandchild have some fun are what she has been looking forward too. Being able to spend some time and be part of the little girl's memory brings much happiness and joy to her because she see herself.
The whole scene was imprinted in my mind and I felt privileged to be able to share those moments with them. Perhaps it was destined that I witnessed that. Things happen for a reason. That scene gave me hope and further reinforced my direction in life. I know that I can make a difference in somone's life. I know I can help them and I will.
After the jog, I sat by the lake and spent some time just relaxing and cooling down. It was great. I found peace. I felt at ease.
The sun will shine after all.
I came upon an old lady and a little girl. The little girl is probably aged between four and five. She was attempting to feed the duckies and the swans by the lake with her bagful of bread. As much as she was enthusiastic about the activity, she was very much afraid too. The old lady then held her hand, took some bread from the bag and guided the little girl. Together, they tossed a few small pieces of bread into the water.
Very quickly, the duckies and swans started to swim to the source. They seem hungry. The old lady and the little girl continued to throw the pieces of bread into the water. From the looks on their faces, you could see that they were enjoying every moment of it. The little girl tried to mimick the way the duckies ate the bread. Mum, mum, mum. She mouthed the words, as if trying to coax the duckies into eating. Well, we know she does not need to do that because the duckies will eat the bread. The old lady has this smile on her face which reflects signs of content and joy. Perhaps the understanding and acceptance of being able to live up to this age to see her grandchild have some fun are what she has been looking forward too. Being able to spend some time and be part of the little girl's memory brings much happiness and joy to her because she see herself.
The whole scene was imprinted in my mind and I felt privileged to be able to share those moments with them. Perhaps it was destined that I witnessed that. Things happen for a reason. That scene gave me hope and further reinforced my direction in life. I know that I can make a difference in somone's life. I know I can help them and I will.
After the jog, I sat by the lake and spent some time just relaxing and cooling down. It was great. I found peace. I felt at ease.
The sun will shine after all.
Weddings - What are they all about?
What are weddings all about?
A possible answer - Weddings are about the union of two people, who have come together on the basis of love, to legally bind themselves to a contract. The contract requires them to agree mutually to love and care for each other till death do them apart.
So weddings are about two people coming together with blessings from their friends and family. Imagine the couple being the seed of a fruit. Friends and family form the juice and flesh of the fruit.
I believe that. But why is it so scary and stressful now? Why do I feel as if it is not my special day anymore? Why do I feel so afraid to make suggestions or offer my opinions? Why do I feel so afraid of mentioning the topic?
I am so afraid whenever I think of his mother. So far, he has painted a picture of her. Someone petty and authoritative. Someone who will jump at any chance to put you down.
We are now registering our marriage here in Denmark. What would sound logical is that the customary rituals shall be carried out back home. But he insists on keeping our registration a secret. To pretend as if nothing has happened. And to go back to Singapore and register the marriage again. Checks with the relevant authorities confirmed that we cannot register again in Singapore as there is already a valid and binding contract between us.
I have a feeling that he is upset and he is bent on doing things his way without listening to others, including me. The only thing that will change his decision is black and white. How he is going to handle it, I am not sure.
I feel afraid sometimes, knowing that my words do not carry a single weight at all to him during these times. He is too confident of himself to the extent that he is a little proud and arrogant. But at the same time, I know that all this is a result of his passion, his belief.
Like always, there are two sides to a coin. While one is passionate, one is also stubborn and vehement.
A possible answer - Weddings are about the union of two people, who have come together on the basis of love, to legally bind themselves to a contract. The contract requires them to agree mutually to love and care for each other till death do them apart.
So weddings are about two people coming together with blessings from their friends and family. Imagine the couple being the seed of a fruit. Friends and family form the juice and flesh of the fruit.
I believe that. But why is it so scary and stressful now? Why do I feel as if it is not my special day anymore? Why do I feel so afraid to make suggestions or offer my opinions? Why do I feel so afraid of mentioning the topic?
I am so afraid whenever I think of his mother. So far, he has painted a picture of her. Someone petty and authoritative. Someone who will jump at any chance to put you down.
We are now registering our marriage here in Denmark. What would sound logical is that the customary rituals shall be carried out back home. But he insists on keeping our registration a secret. To pretend as if nothing has happened. And to go back to Singapore and register the marriage again. Checks with the relevant authorities confirmed that we cannot register again in Singapore as there is already a valid and binding contract between us.
I have a feeling that he is upset and he is bent on doing things his way without listening to others, including me. The only thing that will change his decision is black and white. How he is going to handle it, I am not sure.
I feel afraid sometimes, knowing that my words do not carry a single weight at all to him during these times. He is too confident of himself to the extent that he is a little proud and arrogant. But at the same time, I know that all this is a result of his passion, his belief.
Like always, there are two sides to a coin. While one is passionate, one is also stubborn and vehement.
A Talk with God.
A Talk with God!
God: Hello. Did you call me?
BB: Called you? No. Who is this?
God: This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought I will chat.
BB: I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now. I am in the midst of something.
God: What are you busy at? Ants are busy too!
BB: Don't know. But I can't find free time. Lifehas become hectic. It's rush hour all the time!
God: Sure. Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you free time. Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.
BB: I understand. But I still can't figure out. Bythe way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.
God: Well, I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some clarity. In this net era,I wanted to reach you through the medium you are comfortable with.
BB: Tell me, why has life become complicated now?
God: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.
BB: Why are we then constantly unhappy?
God: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.
BB: But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?
God: Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.
BB: But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty...
God: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
BB: If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?
God: Diamond cannot be polished without friction.Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life becomes better, not bitter.
BB: You mean to say such experience is useful?
God: Yes, always. Experience is a hard teacher.She gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.
BB: But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free from problems?
God: Problems are: Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons to Enhance Mental Strength. Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance,not when you are free from problems.
BB: Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading...
God: If you look outside you will not know whereyou are heading. Look inside. Looking outside, youdream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight.
BB: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction. What should I do?
God: Success is a measure as decided by others.Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you. Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you rode ahead. You work with the compass.Let others work with the clock.
BB: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
God: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.
BB: What surprises you about people?
God: When they suffer they ask, "why me?" When they prosper, they never ask "Why me?" Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on the side of the truth.
BB: How can I get the best out of life?
God: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.
BB: One last question. Sometimes I feel myprayers are not answered.
God: There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.
BB: Thank you for this wonderful chat. I am so happy to start the New Day with a new sense of inspiration.
God: Well. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don'tbelieve your doubts and doubt your beliefs. Lifeis a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve.Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live.
God: Hello. Did you call me?
BB: Called you? No. Who is this?
God: This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought I will chat.
BB: I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now. I am in the midst of something.
God: What are you busy at? Ants are busy too!
BB: Don't know. But I can't find free time. Lifehas become hectic. It's rush hour all the time!
God: Sure. Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you free time. Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.
BB: I understand. But I still can't figure out. Bythe way, I was not expecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.
God: Well, I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some clarity. In this net era,I wanted to reach you through the medium you are comfortable with.
BB: Tell me, why has life become complicated now?
God: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it complicated.
BB: Why are we then constantly unhappy?
God: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.
BB: But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?
God: Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.
BB: But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty...
God: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
BB: If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?
God: Diamond cannot be polished without friction.Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life becomes better, not bitter.
BB: You mean to say such experience is useful?
God: Yes, always. Experience is a hard teacher.She gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.
BB: But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free from problems?
God: Problems are: Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons to Enhance Mental Strength. Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance,not when you are free from problems.
BB: Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading...
God: If you look outside you will not know whereyou are heading. Look inside. Looking outside, youdream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight.
BB: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the right direction. What should I do?
God: Success is a measure as decided by others.Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you. Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you rode ahead. You work with the compass.Let others work with the clock.
BB: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
God: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.
BB: What surprises you about people?
God: When they suffer they ask, "why me?" When they prosper, they never ask "Why me?" Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on the side of the truth.
BB: How can I get the best out of life?
God: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear.
BB: One last question. Sometimes I feel myprayers are not answered.
God: There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.
BB: Thank you for this wonderful chat. I am so happy to start the New Day with a new sense of inspiration.
God: Well. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don'tbelieve your doubts and doubt your beliefs. Lifeis a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve.Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Some jokes to enjoy....
TEACHER: George, go to the map and find North America.
GEORGE: Here it is!
TEACHER: Correct. Now, class, who discovered America?
CLASS: George!
=============================================================
TEACHER: Alfred, how can one person make so many stupid mistakes in one day?
ALFRED: I get up early.
=============================================================
TEACHER: Didn't you promise to behave?
STUDENT: Yes, Sir.
TEACHER: And didn't I promise to punish you if you didn't?
STUDENT: Yes, Sir, but since I broke my promise, I don't expect you to keep yours.
=============================================================
TEACHER: Tommy, why do you always get so dirty?
TOMMY: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
=============================================================
HAROLD: Teacher, would you punish me for something I didn't do?
TEACHER: Of course not.
HAROLD: Good, because I didn't do my homework.
=============================================================
TEACHER: Why are you late?
WEBSTER: Because of the sign.
TEACHER: What sign?
WEBSTER: The one that says, "School Ahead, Go Slow."
=============================================================
TEACHER: Well, at least there's one thing I can say about your son.
FATHER: What's that?
TEACHER: With grades like these, he couldn't be cheating.
=============================================================
GEORGE: Here it is!
TEACHER: Correct. Now, class, who discovered America?
CLASS: George!
=============================================================
TEACHER: Alfred, how can one person make so many stupid mistakes in one day?
ALFRED: I get up early.
=============================================================
TEACHER: Didn't you promise to behave?
STUDENT: Yes, Sir.
TEACHER: And didn't I promise to punish you if you didn't?
STUDENT: Yes, Sir, but since I broke my promise, I don't expect you to keep yours.
=============================================================
TEACHER: Tommy, why do you always get so dirty?
TOMMY: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
=============================================================
HAROLD: Teacher, would you punish me for something I didn't do?
TEACHER: Of course not.
HAROLD: Good, because I didn't do my homework.
=============================================================
TEACHER: Why are you late?
WEBSTER: Because of the sign.
TEACHER: What sign?
WEBSTER: The one that says, "School Ahead, Go Slow."
=============================================================
TEACHER: Well, at least there's one thing I can say about your son.
FATHER: What's that?
TEACHER: With grades like these, he couldn't be cheating.
=============================================================
'It's All About Perspective'
A story which I came across. Meaningful and beautiful...Come and join me in discovering the beauty of what we often term as "Perspective"
===========================================================================
'It's All About Perspective'
A man explains to his young grandson why people view time differently.
Bob Perks
"I'm bored!" the young child said.
"Bored? Why are you bored?" Grandpa asked.
"The day is dragging by," the child replied. "I can't believe how slow the time is moving. I want to go on vacation to the shore and that's not until August."
"Time for me is moving too fast. It seems like just yesterday your daddy was your age. Now he's grown with his own child," the old man said.
"Grandpa, how can time move slow for me and fast for you?" The old man sat up in his chair, reached into his pocket, and pulled out his pocket watch. It was a classic engraved timepiece, a gold one that would catch the fancy of any young child. "Grandpa, that's awesome!" the young boy said.
"Awesome, indeed!" he said. Then leaning toward the child he whispered, "And it's magical."
"Magical? What can it do?" the child asked. Grandpa smiled and said, "Put things into perspective!"
"What? What’s per..spek...tuv?"
"Perspective." he said correcting him. "Look." The old man leaned closer to the child. "Watch the hands. In particular watch the second hand." The two of them sat nearly head to head watching the hand clicking off the seconds.
"What's it doing?" the child asked.
"One, two, three, four, five, six...." the old man counted.
"Now, you hold it." The old man carefully placed the watch in his hand.
To a child his age, it was like holding a golden toy, one of those forbidden "things he should never touch." "Tell me what you see," Grandpa said. The child, trying as hard as he could to see the magic, the "per...spek...tuv," stopped looking in frustration.
"Grandpa, I don’t see anything," he said. "Look again, count the clicks," he urged the child.
"One, two, three, four, five...." "Keep going," Grandpa said. "Six, seven, eight, nine, ten..." "Don't stop!"
"This is boring!" the young child said.
"It's moving too fast," Grandpa said.
"It's not," the child told him. "It's the same as when you counted it."
The old man sat up and smiled. "Exactly."
The young boy looked at him for a few seconds, then back down at the watch. "I don't get it," he said.
"Because I am older, I see the hand on the watch sweeping past the numbers. Because you are young, you see them clicking slowly by. Time is how you see it, how much you value it, how long you've lived it. You see all the time in the world. I want to see all the world in the time I have left."
"But it's the same time," said the boy.
"Perpective," the grandfather said as he reached over to hug the child.
It would be a few years later, long after that moment was forgotten by the young child, that the old man passed away. Sitting at home with his parents after the funeral that day, the boy, now in his early teens, sat quietly at the dinner table.
His father walked in and placed a small box in front of him.
"What's this?" he asked.
"Grandpa told me to give this to you."
A chill washed over the young man as he sat up and held the small box.
"He said you would appreciate it. He said it was magical," his mother added.
Now fumbling nervously to open the box, he unwrapped the faded white tissue paper.
"Oh, Pop," he whispered.
"Open it up," Dad urged.
It all came rushing back to him. There on the inside cover he discovered an engraving that hadn’t been there before.
"Do you understand what it means, because I don't," said his dad.
"Per...spek...tuv," he read.
Tears that little boys shed and young men won't acknowledge slipped slowly down his cheeks.
"Come here, Dad. Sit next to me and I'll show you the magic."
Time passes, but love never dies.
===========================================================================
'It's All About Perspective'
A man explains to his young grandson why people view time differently.
Bob Perks
"I'm bored!" the young child said.
"Bored? Why are you bored?" Grandpa asked.
"The day is dragging by," the child replied. "I can't believe how slow the time is moving. I want to go on vacation to the shore and that's not until August."
"Time for me is moving too fast. It seems like just yesterday your daddy was your age. Now he's grown with his own child," the old man said.
"Grandpa, how can time move slow for me and fast for you?" The old man sat up in his chair, reached into his pocket, and pulled out his pocket watch. It was a classic engraved timepiece, a gold one that would catch the fancy of any young child. "Grandpa, that's awesome!" the young boy said.
"Awesome, indeed!" he said. Then leaning toward the child he whispered, "And it's magical."
"Magical? What can it do?" the child asked. Grandpa smiled and said, "Put things into perspective!"
"What? What’s per..spek...tuv?"
"Perspective." he said correcting him. "Look." The old man leaned closer to the child. "Watch the hands. In particular watch the second hand." The two of them sat nearly head to head watching the hand clicking off the seconds.
"What's it doing?" the child asked.
"One, two, three, four, five, six...." the old man counted.
"Now, you hold it." The old man carefully placed the watch in his hand.
To a child his age, it was like holding a golden toy, one of those forbidden "things he should never touch." "Tell me what you see," Grandpa said. The child, trying as hard as he could to see the magic, the "per...spek...tuv," stopped looking in frustration.
"Grandpa, I don’t see anything," he said. "Look again, count the clicks," he urged the child.
"One, two, three, four, five...." "Keep going," Grandpa said. "Six, seven, eight, nine, ten..." "Don't stop!"
"This is boring!" the young child said.
"It's moving too fast," Grandpa said.
"It's not," the child told him. "It's the same as when you counted it."
The old man sat up and smiled. "Exactly."
The young boy looked at him for a few seconds, then back down at the watch. "I don't get it," he said.
"Because I am older, I see the hand on the watch sweeping past the numbers. Because you are young, you see them clicking slowly by. Time is how you see it, how much you value it, how long you've lived it. You see all the time in the world. I want to see all the world in the time I have left."
"But it's the same time," said the boy.
"Perpective," the grandfather said as he reached over to hug the child.
It would be a few years later, long after that moment was forgotten by the young child, that the old man passed away. Sitting at home with his parents after the funeral that day, the boy, now in his early teens, sat quietly at the dinner table.
His father walked in and placed a small box in front of him.
"What's this?" he asked.
"Grandpa told me to give this to you."
A chill washed over the young man as he sat up and held the small box.
"He said you would appreciate it. He said it was magical," his mother added.
Now fumbling nervously to open the box, he unwrapped the faded white tissue paper.
"Oh, Pop," he whispered.
"Open it up," Dad urged.
It all came rushing back to him. There on the inside cover he discovered an engraving that hadn’t been there before.
"Do you understand what it means, because I don't," said his dad.
"Per...spek...tuv," he read.
Tears that little boys shed and young men won't acknowledge slipped slowly down his cheeks.
"Come here, Dad. Sit next to me and I'll show you the magic."
Time passes, but love never dies.
Edinburgh
After the weekend in Edinburgh (pronounced as Edinburra), I am back in Copenhagen again. It was a tiring weekend as our activities were very much compressed. Nevertheless, it was definitely an experience.
We reached there on Thursday evening. It was cold. But the moment we stepped into the apartment which we rented, warmth started to fill the atmosphere. The apartment is probably typical in design and construction in Scotland. The ceiling is high, the floor is carpeted, the furniture is full of antiques, there are so many ornamaments and porcelain on display everywhere in the room. To me, it was like a little palace for common people like me, who have no access to riches.
The evening was spent settling down and walking around town looking for food. We finally settled for takeaway fish and chips that night. Not very tasty as it looks. We then retired early because the next day was expected to be a challenging one.
On Friday, we woke up very early to get ready and reached the bus station by eight o'clock. We boarded the coach which was supposed to take us to Loch Ness in seach of Nessie. It took us more than half a day to reach Loch Ness, with stops for lunch and breaks in between. The coach ride was a pretty one. We drove past beautiful mountains and architecture, and stopped at picturesqe towns for our breaks. Along the way, our Scottish guide told us stories that are linked to the monuments and towns we passed by. It was interesting to listen to the stories as they spoke about the history of Scotland. One thing that really struck me was the numerous clans that dotted the Scottish history. There are many clans in Scotland and each clan has its own traditions, music and beliefs. Most important of all, the way I see it, each clan has its own distinctive colours. This is amazing!
Well, as usual, something must happen during the journey. Little Zuoning was not feeling too good on the long coach ride and threw up a couple of times. To make matters worse, he ate quite a lot in the morning! So one can imagine the amount of substance that came out of his mouth. I was initially not very much affected other than the "aroma". So I tried my very best to keep out of his way and get some fresh air whenever possible.
Soon, we reached Loch Ness. I tried to sport Nessie, but guess she is playing hide-and-seek with me and did not wanna come out. Nevertheless, we did visit the ruins of the Urquhart Castle, where Nessie often appears. Check out the brief history at this link! http://www.aboutscotland.com/ness/urquhart.html
It was a brief visit but the views were spectacular. And the weather was good that day with lots of sunshine.
After a day on the coach to Loch Ness, we returned to Edinburgh at about nine in the evening and treated ourselves to a sumptous Chinese dinner along Leith Walk. It is a newly opened chinese restaurant specializing in Cantonese and Peking cuisine. The total bill was GBP$44. This is equivalent to SDG$132. But it was worth it because the food tasted delicious.
And off we went back to our little palace to finally get some rest.
On Sat, we woke up a little later and got ready for the ciy tour. We visited the Old Town and the New Town of Edinburgh. It was a Saturday and the streets were filled with people. One could sense the vibrance and the high energy levels in Edinburgh. We went up to Carlton hill and visited the monuments in the city. But we did not have time to do the Scotch Whisky Tour and the Tour of Edinburgh Castle. I felt very sad. I wanted to do both, or at least one. But not everyone wanted to spend the money on the entrance fees. That is why, I must go back to Edinburgh again. I love castles, despite my shallow knowledge of the architecture and history. I love their majestic disposition, their aura of mystic, the spookiness sometimes. I want to learn more about the stories and the happenings which took place within those walls. I want to know how the people lived and what they were thinking.
Very soon, the day came to a close and we went back to our little palace. But before we left Edinburgh, we went back to the chinese restaurant again. This time, we bought takeaways so that we could enjoy some final moments in our little palace.
A night's rest and off we went on our way back to Copenhagen.
We reached there on Thursday evening. It was cold. But the moment we stepped into the apartment which we rented, warmth started to fill the atmosphere. The apartment is probably typical in design and construction in Scotland. The ceiling is high, the floor is carpeted, the furniture is full of antiques, there are so many ornamaments and porcelain on display everywhere in the room. To me, it was like a little palace for common people like me, who have no access to riches.
The evening was spent settling down and walking around town looking for food. We finally settled for takeaway fish and chips that night. Not very tasty as it looks. We then retired early because the next day was expected to be a challenging one.
On Friday, we woke up very early to get ready and reached the bus station by eight o'clock. We boarded the coach which was supposed to take us to Loch Ness in seach of Nessie. It took us more than half a day to reach Loch Ness, with stops for lunch and breaks in between. The coach ride was a pretty one. We drove past beautiful mountains and architecture, and stopped at picturesqe towns for our breaks. Along the way, our Scottish guide told us stories that are linked to the monuments and towns we passed by. It was interesting to listen to the stories as they spoke about the history of Scotland. One thing that really struck me was the numerous clans that dotted the Scottish history. There are many clans in Scotland and each clan has its own traditions, music and beliefs. Most important of all, the way I see it, each clan has its own distinctive colours. This is amazing!
Well, as usual, something must happen during the journey. Little Zuoning was not feeling too good on the long coach ride and threw up a couple of times. To make matters worse, he ate quite a lot in the morning! So one can imagine the amount of substance that came out of his mouth. I was initially not very much affected other than the "aroma". So I tried my very best to keep out of his way and get some fresh air whenever possible.
Soon, we reached Loch Ness. I tried to sport Nessie, but guess she is playing hide-and-seek with me and did not wanna come out. Nevertheless, we did visit the ruins of the Urquhart Castle, where Nessie often appears. Check out the brief history at this link! http://www.aboutscotland.com/ness/urquhart.html
It was a brief visit but the views were spectacular. And the weather was good that day with lots of sunshine.
After a day on the coach to Loch Ness, we returned to Edinburgh at about nine in the evening and treated ourselves to a sumptous Chinese dinner along Leith Walk. It is a newly opened chinese restaurant specializing in Cantonese and Peking cuisine. The total bill was GBP$44. This is equivalent to SDG$132. But it was worth it because the food tasted delicious.
And off we went back to our little palace to finally get some rest.
On Sat, we woke up a little later and got ready for the ciy tour. We visited the Old Town and the New Town of Edinburgh. It was a Saturday and the streets were filled with people. One could sense the vibrance and the high energy levels in Edinburgh. We went up to Carlton hill and visited the monuments in the city. But we did not have time to do the Scotch Whisky Tour and the Tour of Edinburgh Castle. I felt very sad. I wanted to do both, or at least one. But not everyone wanted to spend the money on the entrance fees. That is why, I must go back to Edinburgh again. I love castles, despite my shallow knowledge of the architecture and history. I love their majestic disposition, their aura of mystic, the spookiness sometimes. I want to learn more about the stories and the happenings which took place within those walls. I want to know how the people lived and what they were thinking.
Very soon, the day came to a close and we went back to our little palace. But before we left Edinburgh, we went back to the chinese restaurant again. This time, we bought takeaways so that we could enjoy some final moments in our little palace.
A night's rest and off we went on our way back to Copenhagen.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Perceptions
We went shopping for wedding rings yesterday near our place. There is this boutique that our friend recommended us. When we reached the place, there was a couple ahead of us. The boutique owner was discussing with the couple on the design of their wedding rings too. It took quite a while before they were done. It was our turn. We asked if he spoke English and he was shocked. He asked how long we have been in Denmark. My fiance replied, "For about a year for me."
"Oh! You should have learnt how to speak Danish. It is easy. You can learn it within two weeks!" replied the boutique owner.
I was skeptical. As a foreign language learner, I know it takes more than that to really learn a foreign language up to a level which can be used to converse in informal settings. Nevertheless, I give him the kudos for being such a patriotic and nationalistic Danish.
Back to the whole episode of the wedding rings. We told the boutique owner that our ROM date is on 22 June, and we would hence need the rings latest on 21 June. He was perplexed!
"Isn't it a little late now?" he asked with his eyes wide open. His jaws were almost falling off. Imagine that! A middle-aged man with a cute little beard and moustache with his mouth and eye wide open.
"Yah. It is." We replied and smiled as sweetly as we could.
"Well, let's see what we can do. Are there any designs that you have in mind?" he asked.
We picked out three designs which we liked and asked how the entire process worked. The boutique owner informed us that we can tell him what kind of customizations we want and he can do it for us. We checked out the price and the minimum that he was willing to go was 6500 DKK. Initially, he quoted us 8000DKK. That is equivalent to SGD 2300. It is way out of our budget. So we said that we would consider and get back to him.
It dawned onto me how different it is between the Danish and Singaporeans. They placed huge and elaborate importance on the wedding. I believe most couples would want their weddings to be the perfect one. The most lavish that they can afford, the most elaborate, the most glamouraous, the prettiest and the most handsome. For that one day...
Well, logically, wedding day is one of the milestones of a person's life. One is about to embark on the journey of setting up a new family. It also marks the day one's parents can treat one like an adult and not like a child.
For Singaporeans, the focus is more on the procedures and ceremony, and I think the money, that matters more. I have come across many who treat the wedding banquet as a form of monetary transaction. I have also come across many who treat the wedding banquet as a sign or signal that seems to proclaim the wealth and fame they have accumulated. I do not like that. In fact, i abhor that. I feel disgusted. Weddings are meant to be joyful occassions. Pure joy. How did we tarnish this beautiful part of our lives?
Other than a few, whom I know do not see weddings this way, the rest, sadly fall into this category.
Or maybe have I perceived it wrongly or inappropriately? Maybe things are not the way I see them to be....
Anyway, gotta go.... Edinburgh... here I come!
"Oh! You should have learnt how to speak Danish. It is easy. You can learn it within two weeks!" replied the boutique owner.
I was skeptical. As a foreign language learner, I know it takes more than that to really learn a foreign language up to a level which can be used to converse in informal settings. Nevertheless, I give him the kudos for being such a patriotic and nationalistic Danish.
Back to the whole episode of the wedding rings. We told the boutique owner that our ROM date is on 22 June, and we would hence need the rings latest on 21 June. He was perplexed!
"Isn't it a little late now?" he asked with his eyes wide open. His jaws were almost falling off. Imagine that! A middle-aged man with a cute little beard and moustache with his mouth and eye wide open.
"Yah. It is." We replied and smiled as sweetly as we could.
"Well, let's see what we can do. Are there any designs that you have in mind?" he asked.
We picked out three designs which we liked and asked how the entire process worked. The boutique owner informed us that we can tell him what kind of customizations we want and he can do it for us. We checked out the price and the minimum that he was willing to go was 6500 DKK. Initially, he quoted us 8000DKK. That is equivalent to SGD 2300. It is way out of our budget. So we said that we would consider and get back to him.
It dawned onto me how different it is between the Danish and Singaporeans. They placed huge and elaborate importance on the wedding. I believe most couples would want their weddings to be the perfect one. The most lavish that they can afford, the most elaborate, the most glamouraous, the prettiest and the most handsome. For that one day...
Well, logically, wedding day is one of the milestones of a person's life. One is about to embark on the journey of setting up a new family. It also marks the day one's parents can treat one like an adult and not like a child.
For Singaporeans, the focus is more on the procedures and ceremony, and I think the money, that matters more. I have come across many who treat the wedding banquet as a form of monetary transaction. I have also come across many who treat the wedding banquet as a sign or signal that seems to proclaim the wealth and fame they have accumulated. I do not like that. In fact, i abhor that. I feel disgusted. Weddings are meant to be joyful occassions. Pure joy. How did we tarnish this beautiful part of our lives?
Other than a few, whom I know do not see weddings this way, the rest, sadly fall into this category.
Or maybe have I perceived it wrongly or inappropriately? Maybe things are not the way I see them to be....
Anyway, gotta go.... Edinburgh... here I come!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Role of a teacher
What is the role of a teacher?
I have asked myself this question so many times, but have yet to come to a conclusion. I came upon this statement as I worked through my notes this afternoon.
I have asked myself this question so many times, but have yet to come to a conclusion. I came upon this statement as I worked through my notes this afternoon.
"Your role as a teacher is to provide the preparation and appropriate material; in other words the correct environment for students to display their competence."
This is one whole of a mouthful. But it is meaningful if we see it from the point that a teacher should play the role of developing students. So teachers should create opportunities to allow their students to display their abilities.
Energy Levels
There must have been times when you wonder, where do some people find the humongous amount of energy to get through their daily activities. God sent me the message today.
I have been feeling listless and tired since last weekend because of the dreadful flu virus. (I think). My body temperature remained rather constant but I was feeling cold on and off. That is not a nice kind of feeling. Today, I woke up late as usual. Feeling a little tired. But as I progressed through the hours making lunch and so on, I began to feel better. It dawned onto me that when one has found the purpose of living can one draw on an endless source of energy from within to create miracles.
So what is my purpose in life? Teaching and guiding the next generation is what I can think of at the moment. I know it will not be easy to achieve what I want. It is going to take up a lot of my time and energy. But I know, I can make a difference in the lives of the young ones so that they can develop to their fullest potential and be happy.
Caring for them and giving them the guidance that they need. All children should have that. No one should be neglected. Children need to have all the love there is in the world. That is their entitlement. But sad to say, it is diminishing.
I have been feeling listless and tired since last weekend because of the dreadful flu virus. (I think). My body temperature remained rather constant but I was feeling cold on and off. That is not a nice kind of feeling. Today, I woke up late as usual. Feeling a little tired. But as I progressed through the hours making lunch and so on, I began to feel better. It dawned onto me that when one has found the purpose of living can one draw on an endless source of energy from within to create miracles.
So what is my purpose in life? Teaching and guiding the next generation is what I can think of at the moment. I know it will not be easy to achieve what I want. It is going to take up a lot of my time and energy. But I know, I can make a difference in the lives of the young ones so that they can develop to their fullest potential and be happy.
Caring for them and giving them the guidance that they need. All children should have that. No one should be neglected. Children need to have all the love there is in the world. That is their entitlement. But sad to say, it is diminishing.
Monday, June 06, 2005
An Insight into Life
The following is a piece of writing sent to me by a friend. Though we may not have had the most exhilerating or exciting kind of relationship together, both of us can connect somehow.
=================================================================
To the People in my life
People come into your life for a reason, a season or alifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what todo for that person.When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through adifficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then,without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled,their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.Some people come into your life for a SEASON, becauseyour turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done.They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.Believe it, it is real. But only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant (Having the supposed power to see objects or events that cannot be perceived by the senses.). Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
=================================================================
To the People in my life
People come into your life for a reason, a season or alifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what todo for that person.When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through adifficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then,without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled,their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.Some people come into your life for a SEASON, becauseyour turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done.They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.Believe it, it is real. But only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant (Having the supposed power to see objects or events that cannot be perceived by the senses.). Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Native English Speakers
How would one define the term " Native English Speakers"? Must they be true blue British or Americans? Born and bred in only those countries? Or can we include those who are not of Western/English descent who grew up speaking English?
Is it true that only people of English descent are the only ones who can speak perfect English ? Are they the only ones who are qualified to teach English?
Then , how do we place people like me? People who grew up learning English as their first language and their mother tongue as their second language?
As our society moves ahead, why is there still an element of discrimination? Most people would still prefer whites to teach them English. Just like people would prefer Chinese to teach them Mandarin. But how can we be so sure that the person teaching us is truly qualified to teach? We most probably would not know till we have experienced lessons by our teachers.
So, why not give others a chance to see if they can really help us learn something even though they may not fall into the standard protocol? Life is a journey of experiences, trials and errors. Isn't it so?
The Oxford Companion to the English
Language defines a native speaker as “a person who has spoken a certain language since
early childhood” (Christophersen & McArthur, 1992, p. 682). However, many linguists
say that a “true” NS of a language becomes increasingly difficult to find. Indeed, very
few people are “born” in a language, learn it, speak it at home and at school, and later at
work, and hear only one variety of this language during their entire life.
The above is the definition of what makes a Native Speaker of English. If only more people understand this concept and look at the competency of teachers than whether they are native speakers or not.
Check out this site if you have the time....touches my heart somehow....
http://www.moussu.net/courses/portfolio/540.pdf
Is it true that only people of English descent are the only ones who can speak perfect English ? Are they the only ones who are qualified to teach English?
Then , how do we place people like me? People who grew up learning English as their first language and their mother tongue as their second language?
As our society moves ahead, why is there still an element of discrimination? Most people would still prefer whites to teach them English. Just like people would prefer Chinese to teach them Mandarin. But how can we be so sure that the person teaching us is truly qualified to teach? We most probably would not know till we have experienced lessons by our teachers.
So, why not give others a chance to see if they can really help us learn something even though they may not fall into the standard protocol? Life is a journey of experiences, trials and errors. Isn't it so?
The Oxford Companion to the English
Language defines a native speaker as “a person who has spoken a certain language since
early childhood” (Christophersen & McArthur, 1992, p. 682). However, many linguists
say that a “true” NS of a language becomes increasingly difficult to find. Indeed, very
few people are “born” in a language, learn it, speak it at home and at school, and later at
work, and hear only one variety of this language during their entire life.
The above is the definition of what makes a Native Speaker of English. If only more people understand this concept and look at the competency of teachers than whether they are native speakers or not.
Check out this site if you have the time....touches my heart somehow....
http://www.moussu.net/courses/portfolio/540.pdf
Friday, June 03, 2005
Becoming a teacher
I was talking to Daphne a few days ago on MSN Messenger. WE discussed about our future and career options. Daphne loves the culture at her current workplace, but the pay is not that good. She has another option to change her job and earn more by working in the accounting field. But she knows that she will not enjoy the type of work that she will be doing, and she definitely does not like putting in the hours and give up her personal time with her loved ones.
Then we moved on to talk about becoming teachers. Teaching is a noble profession. An inspiring one. A neverending one. I told her of my decision to be a teacher after I get back to Singapore. Would it not be wonderful if both of us could go into the teaching profession together and work through the training institut together? Then, we could share experiences as we move along to inspire the next generation and ensure that whatever knowledge we have is shared and passed on?
I wonder...I pray.....and I hope, that miracles could happen and all of us would end up doing something that we enjoy and love.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Evolution of Language
"hide, we must." This is the type of language used by Master Yoda in Star Wars. It is interesting, and I must say, amusing. Instead of creating a sentence using the Subject-Verb-Object agreement, Master Yoda inverts the sentence. It struck me as something like a revelation. Our society, our world is constantly changing. So is our use of language.
In Singapore, the young are chatting on internet and using sms more and more. The type of language and words that they use are becoming shorter. Symbols are used more often. Not in isolation but in combination with alphabets to create icons and expressions.
This issue of the erosion of language use has been tackled by the Singapore government before. The government was concerned with the ability of the young to communicate in at least grammatically correct sentences. I am too, very much! Perhaps it is my knowledge and interest in linguistics developed over the past two years that cause me to be more sensitive. It irritates me when people do not use the proper grammar structures on purpose, although the messages still get across sometimes. But I really hope that we can all speak in the proper way as much as we can and not be lazy or slipshod about it.
Evolution of English language. This could be a plausible topic to work on when I get the chance to start on my PHD.
Keep it up Jo! Keep learning and working on it! Teach and be taught!!!
:)
In Singapore, the young are chatting on internet and using sms more and more. The type of language and words that they use are becoming shorter. Symbols are used more often. Not in isolation but in combination with alphabets to create icons and expressions.
This issue of the erosion of language use has been tackled by the Singapore government before. The government was concerned with the ability of the young to communicate in at least grammatically correct sentences. I am too, very much! Perhaps it is my knowledge and interest in linguistics developed over the past two years that cause me to be more sensitive. It irritates me when people do not use the proper grammar structures on purpose, although the messages still get across sometimes. But I really hope that we can all speak in the proper way as much as we can and not be lazy or slipshod about it.
Evolution of English language. This could be a plausible topic to work on when I get the chance to start on my PHD.
Keep it up Jo! Keep learning and working on it! Teach and be taught!!!
:)
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