No Chilly Ah?

The phrase “no chilly ah?” seems so harmless, yet it was this particularly phrase that stirred up many unpleasant feelings within an individual.

Customer K ordered fried rice from Stall Holder A. Stall Holder A got it ready on a plate neatly and that was when Customer K asked the fried rice to be packed instead. Alright, Stall Holder A did the transfer expressionlessly, but Customer K apologized anyway. When Stall Holder A packed everything nicely and passed it to Customer K and asked for payment, Customer K added, “No chilly ah?” Stall Holder A became a little (only mildly) agitated and said, “Of course have. You never say mah?” Nevertheless, Stall Holder A unpacked the food just to add a spoonful of chilly within. The payment was done and Customer K left.

I thought that’s the end of the “boring” story.
I was quite wrong.

All the while Stall Holder B (an assistant to Stall Holder A) was observing. I mean Stall Holder B wasn’t the one doing that sales or that transaction, but she was there beside Stall Holder A. Her eyes did not leave Customer K after she said, “No chilly ah?” It was pretty much like staring. And just when Customer K had left, she had an out-pour of comments in a rather unpleasant tone. Yes, even when there were a few more customers on the queue in front of the stall.

“What no chilly?” (Erm.. What’s the big deal in the first place?)
“Never say, how would we know?” (True. But Customer K said it. Perhaps her timing of doing so was inappropriate?)
“Say things, also must be reasonable mah?” (True. But is Customer K unreasonable?)
“I am not scared. Don’t like go other stall to buy lah.” (She lowered her voice a little, when she came to this part.)
“I also don’t want to do such business.” (Wa.. I don’t think the business there was considered good in the first place, and she wasn’t the boss.)
And she went on for a little while …

Outcomes :
(1) Customer K would not have known the mini-uproar and continue to enjoy her dinner at home.
(2) The event reflects badly on the service quality of that stall.
(3) People witnessing the event may complain to others about the poor service quality and eventually the sales might drop.
(4) Stall Holder B might even complain (to anyone.. ) about her unreasonable customer of the day.

Giving Stall Holder B the benefit of the doubt, she must be too tired after working long hours and could be already quite frustrated at work. Her pent up stress must be "up to the brim" and only needs a slight "poke" to cause a free-flow of emotions. “No excused”, you may yelled. Mm... Okay...

Wait a minute.
Have we worked for long hours before, and yet towards the end of the day we received some weird instructions / orders from our boss or customers? Will we be at least quite agitated?
Perhaps, if Customer K were to say the same thing early in the morning when Stall Holder B was fresh and ready for work, the reaction may be quite different.

If we think about it, there are just too many people complaining about poor service quality, and too many people in the service line complaining about difficult customers. Always complaining... mm..

I just tell myself :
(1) 我是否真正懂得“设身处地”的为别人想。
(2) 我是否讲话或发表的时候，会顾虑到别人的感受。
(3) 在服务业的人，一定过的不容易。再累，别人还是要求你们『强颜欢笑』。真是精神可嘉。

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Medical Screening.

There is a medical-related screening today (using a high-techno-gadget). And.. Ha.. I’m considered “un-healthy”.

The gadget reads that my kidneys are weak. Actually I know it long ago. Many Chinese physicians had told me so, since very long ago. Wa.. So accurate.

The gadget shows that my blood pressure is considered a little lower than normal. Okay, I know it long ago too. But I have never suffered from the symptoms of low blood pressure and I continue to donate blood for so many years. My dad has high blood pressure. It is interesting to know I have something in reverse.

The gadget reveals that I should be classified as very stressed. This is not the first time I am told by some similar screenings or tests how stressed I am supposed to be. However, this is something I beg to differ. I hardly feel stressed. I think I am very much enjoying what I’m doing most of the time. Perhaps, it’s because I don’t sleep as much and this translates to such unfavourable reading.

Some people constitute the “un-healthiness” to my vegetarian diet. Must thank them for their concern, anyway. But.. I know my conditions long ago, long before I switched my dietary habit. It’s already amazing that things didn’t actually get worsened. Haha.. Actually I’m feeling better in many senses after the switch of diet.

Okay, I must admit, quite many (not all, please) vegetarian stalls have their food prepared in such a way that is (extremely) oily and salty. I must learn how to moderate also.

~ Healthy Choices ~
I understand the importance of having a balanced diet.
The reasons for becoming a vegetarian is not just plainly to be healthy. It is because... Heh.. Maybe we don't need a reason at all. Listen to your heart. You must know exactly how the pieces of meat on your plate come about. Mm.. More water, more vegetables, more fruits and more exercises are always the way of a healthier life.

I know very well, I will be in deep-shit if I hadn’t switched my diet since 1995. :P

(Anyway, the gadget costs about $690. It not only reads our sources of problems and it is supposed to strengthen the sources so as to eradicate our problems. In the field of Chinese medical practices, everyone single one of us has “problems”, be it tilting towards the milder side or the more severe side. I do believe in the curing principles of the gadget, but I am not getting one.)

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有一位作者这么说：

家中观世音菩萨佛像旁的对联写着
『若不回头，谁替你救苦救难；如能转念，何须我大慈大悲。』

Her Case is “Re-Surfaced”

She had withdrawn from college last year due to medical reason. She came back this year to jonin the JC1 during the second intake with the “approval” of her parents and doctor(s). The fact remains that she is still so thin (weight hovering around 35kg or lesser, I think), so pale (flushed out of “qi”, somewhat) and look so sickly (one look, you know she has some medical conditions that need immediately attention). All these reasons combined made her current CT worried sick and came running after me. Not that I can help much, just that I was her CT last year.

She is a one-digit-pointer in O Level and study has always been her passion and priority. It is not easy to see how she can cope this year, bearing in mind her health concerns. I think she knows that if her condition were to somehow worsen, she might have to stop studying again. And maybe because of this, she is also trying hard to hide her conditions, not wanting anyone to know her past. For quite many times, she had defied doctor’s suggestion for her to be warded just because she wanted to remain in the school to study.

A few times when she was warded, she will be placed in a special ward, where she cannot have access out of the hospital and she will be closely watched by doctors and nurses to make sure she eats and take her medication. She will be there being watched, waiting for the time (by days) to pass by, feeling (too) cold most of the time. The way she views it, the hospitalization experiences did not necessarily improve her conditions and the thought of them actually made her much more stressed up as she had to be away from college for such a long period of time. Mm.. Yes, she is regarded (in the medical field) as having a mild kind of psychological disorder.

~ Fighting Spirit ~
She is fighting on certainly. Indomitable!
Just a thought : For those who are able to study now, do they treasure such opportunity the way she does?

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I hope to have $1000000

I hope to have $1000000 (just an arbitrary large sum, I mean). Anyway, who don’t want?

I am not thinking of keeping it for myself. Right!

Okay, I got to admit, Jaguar, BMW and Merz appeal to me just too much. But… I am not thinking of that. Sure!

True. Some of friends are earning like 5 to 6 figures (monthly) easily. Majority managed to get by quite comfortably. But there are a few who really struggle to survive. They are not into vices. They are into heavy debts because of failed business. They have families and there are mouths (so many young ones) waiting to be fed.

Just imagine, one particular one has a monthly debt of about $2000 to clear (an arrangement between him and the credit-card-related-bank) and it will run for many years (the duration of which, he doesn’t even have the heart to think about). Mm.. It’s scary if you think about the interest rate charged by any credit card company.

Yes, we know money can’t solve all problems. A simple basic life can just be as blissful. I need not elaborate on that. With the hefty monthly bill to clear for don’t know how many years, it is just too heavy for anyone’s heart.

Only if money (or anything) can help and I have the means, I will not hesitate.

这是一双祈祷的手
祈愿万众合家安康

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有一位作者这么说：

别人脸上有了污点，你看到他有污点，是对的；哪天人家把脸上的污点去掉了，你看他还有污点，请问这污点在那里？不在他的脸上，想必在你的心上了。这就叫做成见、偏见，害死了很多人。人家变了，你没变，人家改了，你没改。

其实人是会变的，也是善变的，比孙悟空的七十二变还快，以前是千日一变，现在是一日千变。还不只呢！甚至是『瞬息万变』，变得可真快呢!

Not Because I Don't Care Anymore..

The results for the recent block test was made known to the *little pals this morning. Except one who did exceptionally well (95% leh), the rest certainly has room for improvement. It is already Term 2! Mm.. Yet, I thinking I was still all smiles when I returned the scripts to them.

Have I changed? I mean I no longer feel very angry when students have done badly. Not because I don’t care anymore. I think I am seeing the whole issue from some other perspectives.

(1) I know they want to do well also. Who don't want to?!
(2) They are not doing well because of some reasons. There is a cause to everything.
(3) They lack motivation. Will it help if I were to just scream at them? Not likely, I think.
(4) They are clearly not coping. Yes, some of these students are not even coping with 3 A Level subjects. They need more help rather than me just “pounding” on them.
(5) They are doing and doing, but simply not getting it. If we were to listen carefully, they are already “crying” within. They could approach me, telling me, "Sir, if I have done more than 100 questions, is that considered enough?" or "I have done the tutorials all over again. I have also revised all the revision exercises. Why I still fail?"
(6) , (7) , (8) , ...

Mm..

Of course, they are a few genuine “slackers”. But what is stopping them from being serious? Don't they see the need to.. erm.. get serious with their studies. True, there are many school drop-outs doing fantastically well. I asked (rhetorically, of course), "How many?"

I think I can only ask myself, "How can I (really) assist them?"

~ Seedling ~
At this stage, perhaps most importantly they need all the help and support that we could provide.

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小故事、大启示

http://www.keyweb.com.tw/11/01/

让我不禁泪流。不知你作何想？

Over a Cup of Tea-O

OG. The last time I had seen him was more than 5 years ago. Finally, recently he can make it for a brief meet-up. He is that busy. He is a businessman now and has to travel so frequently, for his business is still expanding over some countries (primarily China). He is now earning by millions per year. Wow! I "need" to mention lightly on his wealth to enhance this humbleness. He still stays at a HDB flat, we still drink at kopitiam and we still make silly small talks. Haha..

We have known each other for about 14 years and we were living together for a year. He was my room-mate during my first year in uni. Throughout his three years in uni, we were still staying in the same block, as we got single-room after our first year. So, I kind of know him pretty well. I remember how he got so drunk, how he aspired to assume high position in the hall, how he was struck by Cupid’s arrow, how he was so sick and practically lay on his bed like a log for about two days, etc. Rather memorable.

Unlike these days, we didn't know our room-mate until the first day we checked in. Our room-mate was more or less randomly allocated. How exciting to think of going to stay with someone, entirely a stranger, in a not-too-big room, for a year?! Nevertheless, we got along pretty well, despite that we were in different faculty and pursuit really different interests. Oh, I can easily help him in his mathematics modules in his faculty too. :P

I didn’t know we took so long to drink a cup of tea-o. Maybe our focus was never on the tea-o. We just sip it to keep our mouth not-too-dry, so that we can continue talking and talking. Haha..

I just marvelled at how easy, we from total strangers have become close pals.
从陌生到熟悉，那是一种很美妙的感觉。
若是从熟悉到陌生，那却是 ......

Oh, he was sharing with me something and so now I am also sharing with some of my readers.

(1) If we think S'pore is very competitive, wait till we see China. How many university graduates they are producing in a year?

(2) If we think the housing in Singapore is expensive.. *ahem.. the housing in China cities isn't too cheap either. He briefly calculated that a some-what 4-room flat-look-alike unit may cost SGD200000 ++. And that's very much like Singapore's. Yet a normal uni-grad may take a monthly salary of slightly above SGD1000 only. They are really working very hard for a roof over their heads (the basic of all necessities). Okay, the car pricing is half of ours.

(3) Because of reasons like (1) and (2), people really study very hard and work very hard. It's so competitive. Their working attitude is unmatchable. In fact, some of my friends / colleagues from China find it not easy to survive there too and that is one of the reasons why they are here with us.

People, if we are only thinking of "getting a life" now, take it so easy and enjoy yourself so much, what kind of "life" you want at a later part of your life?

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Some Chinese Names

Some one in the staff room commented, “Hey, I have a student by the name of Wang Zi. I feel so strange to call him.” Yes, you are right, the name is 王子, which translates literally to “prince”.

Another one quickly added, “I have one with the name Peng You. I feel a little strange to call him too.” The Chinese characters are 鹏友. But naturally we would think of 朋友 instead, wouldn’t we?

Anyway, this sets me thinking of some interesting (real) names I heard over the years.
(a) 艺丽. But why her surname must be 吴? 吴艺丽 ??!! Just read it fast.
(b) 银剑. What comes to your mind?
(c) 建仁. Does this sound familiar to you?
and so on..
What if the surname for examples (b) and (c) is 贞？

I am not criticising here. The names are very well-intended, I so believe. But...They leave too much to our (okay, maybe just mine alone) imagination.

There was once someone called me 南哥. Of course, I felt very very awkward. Nevertheless, I was in a playful mood and I played along anyway. I said, "oh please don't call me 南哥, call me Nan Di instead."
That someone : Cannot lah, you are more elderly what.
Me : Oh I don't mean 南弟, I mean 南帝.
Hahaha..

To end this entry, I shall conclude with one fictitious Chinese name (overhead from a Taiwan drama) which will definitely tickle your laughing muscles.

A 小姐对 B 小姐说 : 来来来，我介绍一位朋友给你认识。
B 姐说 : 是那一位啊？
A 小姐对 B 小姐说 : 就是你眼前的这一位帅哥啦。
A 小姐对 D 先生说 : 你还站在哪儿纳凉啊？自我介绍啊。来来来。
D 先生很害羞的说 : 小姐你好。我姓戴，名叫乃兆。
B 小姐几乎喊到 : 你戴乃兆？？！！　

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RP 的一句

I first met her (RP) about 8 years ago. I was in a foreign land and was indeed fortunate to be received so warmly by her. What kind of luck I had, she even prepared a great spread of sumptuous food for our dinner (with her husband and some of her friends). There must be some kind of “force” that brought us together for the first meeting. I call this “force”, fate or destiny-of-sort, which I shall lightly talk about it later.

Over a period of 8 years, I think I only met her only thrice, the third being just a few days ago. She is ever so inspiring, believe me. She is eloquent and will go on and on, sharing her experiences selflessly. It can be an enriching experience just listening to her.

What spurs me to write a little about her may be that I can sense that she is very clear of what she wants in life and she is certainly approaching it. Besides, she said something that set me thinking.

She said (and looking straight into my eyes),
『 不要辜负上天赐给你的秉赋。说不定你的前世便是个 AAA ... ，所以 ...。』
Oh well, you may be thinking of what is the 『秉赋』 she is referring to or what 『AAA』 is. But that is totally out of my focus. It was the phrase 『前世』 that caught my attention. Why?

It reminds me of the fact that whatever happened, did so for a reason (or for some reasons). Where is the link? Fate. 缘分。

有前世，就会有今生。还会有来世？前世今生的缘分就是那么的奥妙。
有没有想过，
(1) 我们想对每一个人好，可是就是偏偏对某些人特别好。
那或许是，这群“某些人”是过去、前世对我们很好的人。我们当来学习感恩。要合理的、合礼的。

(2) 我们也不算大奸大恶，可是就是偏偏有人看我们不顺。因为我们很有可能存好心，做错事。
那或许是，这群“某些人”是我们过去、前世伤害过的人。我们当来学习甘愿承受，心无需起埋怨。继续为对方祈祷。也望一日可化去彼此的不顺。如果今生，我们还是他『一言』，我们『九顶』的话，来世若再会面必然又是恶颜相向。何必呢？何苦呢？

过去对我好的人，我铁定想报答。
过去我无意伤害过的人，我唯有甘愿承受一切的后果，不生埋怨，也希望有足够的力量来化解不顺，让彼此在今生(来世)都能潇洒的过。

Thank You, RP.

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Telling Me..

These ants are telling me that the flower is going to be so so sweet. But I'm not going to wait till it blossom.
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This flower is telling me, "I am beautiful, but you have to look closer". This little beauty spans lesser than 3 cm. It could be easily missed. I particularly like the spiral / symmetrical structure. Okay, I admit, I learn how to appreciate flower from that kind of angle from J. His works are much much better, of course.
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This master is telling me concentration and determination are the keys to success. Aiya.. But I have no such talents. Or is it my concentration and determination are placed elsewhere?
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Anyway, these photos are taken by me on Sunday (19/03/06) @ Botanic Garden. Finally you are seeing some original photos published here. Haha..

Actually, the event for the evening was "Chinese Cultural Festival 2006 Finale". There were many programmes and Kelly Poon (the new local super star) was also there performing at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. I wasn't too impressed with most of the programmes, yet one particular programme caught my full attention. Hey, this time not about young female performers liao.

There was a group of elderly displaying Taiji Sword gracely with live Erhu music playing as background music. There was only one Erhu playing and it was played by someone I find so familiar. He is my 二胡启蒙老师. He has become so stylo. Wow! I tell you, this man is powerful. He was once the leading Erhu player in SCO. He is now with PA youth CO (as a conductor).

However, I quite like the open-air-concept-stage. We were all seated at the inclined grass field in front of the stage. If the performance is good, glue our eyes on the stage and clap lah. If the performance does not appeal to us that much, sit back, relax, feel the light evening breeze brushing across our faces, look at the birds flying across the sky (praying they don't drop bombs) and munch away lor. Yummy! Ha.. You are right, I was there having a picnic with a group of friends, with each of us bringing some *delights. :)

More (simple) photos on the trip here.
However, this is certainly not a comprehensive coverage. Please don't expect anything professional. I was there at least an hour before the appointed time. The photos were taken before my friends arrived. Once they arrived, conversation & food took over my concentration. This explains the lack of human (particularly my friends) subjects in the series. Haha..

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有一位作者这么说：

天下事难易如何断？有些事看似易，行之却难；有些事看似难，行之却易，何以故？

端视此人是否深具信心，以及是否能找到下手处、着力点。
有些人你要他反掌折枝，他也办不到；
有些人要他移山填海，他却也能照办，如期达成。
这就是信心的问题。

有了信心，再难也易；失去信心，再易也难。

Quite a Different Wedding Dinner..

We have all attending wedding dinner at hotel, I think. No worries, I am not going to bore you with that. I am going to relate a slightly different experience. It was a personal experience. Okay, to the specific, I'd just attended it yesterday.

It was conducted at a function hall in a neighbourhood CC (Community Club). The dinner was not a buffet spread. A tent was erected on an open field outside the function hall. That tent became the (field) kitchen. I am not complaining about such set up or arrangement. I find it quite warmly, in fact.

The most “amazing” part was that the entire evening was entertained by a standard professional 歌台. I use the word “professional” because those people are living off by running 歌台. *Ahem… The bill for the stage and crew worked out neatly to be $3K. I use the word “standard” not because it is necessarily of high standard, but it is the standard kind of thing we usually see everywhere during the seventh lunar month. Get it? Haha..

Everyone in Singapore would know the middle-aged lady compere (许琼芳). She has a way of creating the atmosphere and is especially appealing to the males in their 40s and 50s (which formed a large group last night). Frankly, I am quite impressed by her eloquence and glibness.

The singers.. erm.. okay they sang familiar tunes. Not that bad actually, but they kind of made me appreciate the original singers better. Haha.. They only stand out by how they wear and what they wear. People, there were only four tables on the first row nearest to the stage and I was sitting at one of those four and I’m facing the stage. I think I was only about 5 to 10 metres away from the performers. In other words, I not only can see their facial expression (they can see mine), I can see their complexion very well (they can see mine too). Yes, that near! What am I getting at? *Ahem.. There were more female performers than male performers ; there were many more younger female performers too. And those young ladies practically dressed to kill. I'm glad I'd survived to tell.

I shall just mention one most memorable case.
(Warning : This paragraph is rated NC16.)
This particular lady is pearly fair in complexion (erm.. pearly means having the qualities of pearl and not that of pear hor). She has long black hair and wore purely black. Perhaps the blackness of her attire further enhanced her fair complexion. The cutting of her top piece seemed a little unusual to me at first. On closer look, the top piece is only a black 肚兜! She flouted her fairness by turning around baring her entire back and showing off her curves, reflecting a silky sheen so many times. Besides, her bottom piece is a body hugging black pants, only flaring out slightly at the lower end. To top it up, she has a good figure, she moved/danced well and sang decently. How to concentrate on the feast? Erm.. Maybe I was already feasting on another kind. Naughty. Naughty. Oh, I recalled that in some cartoon scenes, the guys will be nose-bleeding under similar situation. I never hor :P

It really turned out to become just like a “standard” 歌台, with many uncles approaching the singers, requesting them to sing their favourite numbers. Luckily, the singers were professional enough to turn down songs not appropriate for the occasion. Can you imagine, we have uncles requesting the singers to sing those weird weird sad sad songs?? Heh..

There was even a drunken guest. Haiz.. I know him. It’s a sad case and he often buries his sorrow in alcohol. In such occasion when alcohol is literally free flow, such outcome is only predictable. I can’t bear to describe further. Can’t I do more to help? Haiz..

Okay, back to the main characters (bride and groom). There was some awkward hesitation when the compere asked the groom how long he has known the bride. Not that his memory is failing. In fact, they only know each other for less than 3 months, I think. It is an arranged marriage between Singapore and China. Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against the bride’s origin. I am just a little puzzled about the idea of an arranged marriage at this century. They first met, said ok, and the preparation of the marriage began immediately.

~ ~ He Says I Do & She Says I Do ~ ~
Just how much they know each other?
Maybe knowing each other is not the key factor for a successful union?
When your better half asked why-do-you-love-me kind of question, what’s your answer?
You may not have an immediate reply, but you may like to search for one.
Anyway, it is my sincere wish that they will lead a happy married life.

A Chat with a Pilot

Glad to meet him (SX). He is now finally a full-pledged pilot, after 3 years of training stages (during which he only drew a monthly nominal allowances to get by). He now has a starting monthly basic pay of about $5K, excluding allowances. His monthly allowances can easily work out to be about $3K. Mm.. So of course, the lunch is on him. Throughout his trainee's days, I was always the one footing the bills lor. I certainly welcome the change of tide. :P

I remember when I was young, I did dream of becoming a pilot myself. The idea dissipated fast enough when my myopic problems surfaced as early as during my P6 days.

I've just learnt that SIA does accept people who had undergone Lasik procedure as pilots. Anyone below the age of 35 can apply. If the degree of our short-sightedness is not too high, we can also try to apply. Haha.. What am I thinking? :P

~ ~ SIA Plane ~ ~
He could be the one commanding its flying course.
I could be one of his passengers.

Okay, let's get back to "reality" :

(1) SX is getting married. Yahoo..

(2) Although SX is drawing that kind of pay as a beginner pilot, he still feels that it would be better if he could have more. Oh well.. Maybe because of point (1)? Wa.. He projected an expenditure of about $80K in hard cash for his wedding, new flats and all.

(3) Pilots are too used to moving fast, I think. One of his colleagues (also a pilot) at my age, while driving his motor bike, got himself involved in a crash recently. The crash left him with severed nerves and he lost the mobility of both his hands. Now, he needs assistance in almost everything he does. From a high-flyer to ... mm... It must be such a painful experience for himself and his family members. It hit me hard (again) on the unpredictability / impermanence nature of life.

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有一位圣者这么说：

大家其实可以再仔细观察圣人的行教轨迹。

例如，释迦牟尼佛，其实他的教义当中有许多是来自印度教，以及当时印度的谚语和他人的体悟，再加上他自己博学广闻中，深加研究、古行、参悟，到最后觉悟而明白了天地间所有的道理。

而耶稣他当时的教义也有许多是来自犹太教的教义当中，以及当时西方的背景，再加上他求法过程所学习的一切，融会贯通以后，再传示给当时的门徒与现在的人们。

一位圣人他的经典是来自于他活生生的体悟与运用。

With KJ

We arranged to meet up. When he turned up, I felt rather under-dressed (although I am already in a neat polo-tee and jeans). Ha.. How he has grown and matured.

He has just ORD-ed and is now working in sales line. Looking at the "gears" he had brought along, I would have guessed his intention. At the back of my mind, I imagined that in the midst of the meeting / dining, when the conversation started to get a little thin, he would proceed and say, "Sir, actually another reason why I ask you out is to share with you... blah blah blah… ". My imagination was so right. Haha.. Because he is certainly not the first and this is such a common "strategy".

Don't get me wrong. I don't mind such approach at all. I enjoyed the meeting up anyway and the dinner was good. The inevitable sales-talk was just an extra to me. I wouldn't let it spoilt our mood, albeit that may be his sole reason at that moment. Oh well.

Frankly, even before KJ began his sales talk. I had already concluded that I would want to support him in one way or another. It wasn't that I have that much spare cash or because he was once my *little pal or he is so convincing about his products or any super salesman's charisma he has possessed. The facts remain that his products are so expensive, I don't really need the products, I don't feel obliged to buy them and my presence made him a little nervous while he was presenting to me, actually.

In our sharing before his sales-talk, I learnt that..

(1) This young man most likely may not be entering the university this year, although a place had already been reserved for him two years ago.

(2) He is the eldest son and he has a younger sister going to poly this year. His father passed away quite many years ago and his mother has all the while been the sole breadwinner of the family. But his mother was down with mental illness last year and the main income source for the family had since "stopped". With the medical expenses coming in, the family saving is only getting worrisomely low each day.

(3) While he was in the army, at least the few hundreds allowance can let him get by. Now that he has ORD-ed, it also means the allowance has stopped totally. How about the school fees for his younger sister's poly education?

(4) His intention is to work first, save up and constantly keeping the goal of an university education in mind.

(5) This young man is taking all these pretty bravely. He viewed it as "not too bad" and would like to see it as "environment forcing him to grow". He can still project a rather cheerful self. By just looking at him, we wouldn’t have known he is shouldering such heavy responsibility.

What are most of the 21-year-old people thinking/doing/planning at this stage in life? For almost all (if not all) the 21-year-olds (me included, once upon a time), I think their life are still very much protected and well provided for. But this young man is already shouldering the responsibility as the "head" of the family.

I am only thinking how much more can I do?
He has many uncles and aunts that he is rather closed to. I dearly hope that would provide some form of support to him.

或许...
会懂得感恩的人，在什么环境低下，都会存着一颗感恩的心来面对一切。
时常会埋怨的人，无论到了什么地方，都会看到他想埋怨的人、事、物。

总之...
他的振作，给了我一种震撼。
他的不弃，也叫人十分鼓舞。

~ ~ Light House ~ ~
I see light. I see hope.
May You be Blessed.

与他的接触便是今日一悟。

Medical Report..

I had just noted a (standard) medical practice in hospitals, which I find.. erm.. a little unfavourable.

All of us, at certain point in time (especially at a more advanced age), would require medical attention of some kind. These may include some form of scan, test, surgery, etc.

I just learnt that

(i) we are sure to get the receipt(s) telling us how much exactly we need to pay.

(ii) the results of such scan, test or surgery may not be given to the patient. You can however request for it at the “clinical level”. That is, directly through your doctor during the consultation. If you need to get it later, a price will be named. However, we must understand that such scan/test results may not be so useful for medically untrained person. I mean they are pure raw forms of data which are yet to be translated to common language for simple-minded person (me) to understand. In other words, such data needs to be further interpreted. The interpreted data is called the medical report.

(iii) the medical report which is most important for most of us is never given. Our doctor would tell us only verbally our conditions and the necessary follow-ups. If we are interested to have a medical report (for whatever reasons), we will be referred to a different section / department (e.g. Health Information Services) to formally put up such a request (through the form "consent for release of medical information"). We will be charged for that (at $75 per request, currently). The request will then be processed in about 2 weeks’ time.

Medical report may not be “important” most of the time. However at certain point in time, certain organization may request for it. I was asked by X to submit one "historical" medical report. I thought I had lost it, but later only to learn I was not given one in the first place. Maybe I forgot to request at that point in time. Maybe…

Haiz.. The charges for all such medical procedures are already so high. Why such medical report will only be given upon request and only with a fee? Mm..

~ ~ Pink Flower ~ ~
May you Always be in the Pink of Health.

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有一位圣者这么说：
真正的涵养与成长，在你最好的那一面，你要学着激发，不敢做的事也要学着做；而自己不会的那些，也要学着去努力，并不是忸怩造作，而是更扩展自己的型、让它广阔。

A Spin in my Car..

I was in M'sia (JB) last night. Oh that's not the focus. I could have come back home much earlier, instead I took another route (on my way back) which is at least four times longer than the usual one. Yes, I used the second link. I may have come back home much later, but actually feeling better.

I quite enjoy driving at night, especially when the traffic is so thin. Driving at M'sia high way can be more “exciting” too. We can legally and leisurely cruise at a speed between 100 km/h to 110km/h. At times, big trucks and buses passed by at comparable (high) speed. Try to imagine and calculate their momentum. I think they are "unstoppable". Just don't come (too) near me.

At the middle of the night, the only strong light source is from the head-lights of your car and a few more other cars along the road. The entire big span of land would also be lit by the dim moon light and star light during colourless nights. The plantations and ranges along the roads would appear like dark shadows or silhouette. If I remember correctly, some time ago, I would have also mentioned lightly on the awesome neat trails of reflectors along the highway.

I saw some signages along the way, leading driver towards Kuala Lumpur and Malacca. A silly idea of making a detour there (instead of returning to S'pore) crossed my mind. I mean just to drive there.. touch and go.. then return to Singapore. Ha.. I would have done it. But.. erm.. that would also mean I will have to drive the entire night. I wouldn't want to appear too tired for today's morning appointments. So, that "silly" plan was KIV-ed. Again, that only reminds me I like driving quite a bit.

Driving at such a quiet night for long distance is enjoyable in another expect. It's the solitude I enjoy, perhaps. I can have the entire long journey to think about many things. Of course we can think about things anywhere. But.. In a car, feeling a little cold, accompanied by moon, star or rain, and the occasional passing cars (just to let you know you are not that alone), a simple music at the background .. and all this happen when you are on the move with scenery constantly changing. Wa.. I think that's lovely.

Mm..
Driving in M'sia : petrol cheap, toll charges very expensive, more "exciting" experiences...
Driving in S'pore : petrol very expensive, no toll charge (but we have ERP), safer driving experiences..

~ ~ Another Kind of Highway Threat? ~ ~
Life may be such : We don't know what's coming our way.

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有一位圣者这么说：

你们可能内向的人也很羡慕外向的人，外向的人也可能很羡慕内向的人，所以大家都想转到不属于自己的那一型。有没有这种情况呢？到最后转型变做怪胎。

其实转型的方向很简单，就是找出你自己所属的那一型，再淬炼、涵养出它其中的精华。

高山不需要羡慕深谷，它只要学着培养自己高而明的道行为重点；
而深谷不需要羡慕高山，它只要学着涵养自己，能够承受、接纳、谦卑的德性就可以了。
松柏也不需要羡慕花朵一时的娇艳，它只要学着让自己正直的往上成长、往下扎根就可以了；
而花朵也不需要羡松柏能耐寒，它只要在开过自己最灿烂的一面以后，学着回归泥土，再来一次，明年春天又是一朵鲜花。

每一种属于它自己的型，都有它最好的一面，只是你如何转到让它能够发挥得淋漓尽致，这才是转型。

"Fondling" Decision..

Everything was prepared (dug out the expired warranty card, called up to confirm address of HF, print locality map of HF to assist navigation, beginning to look around for a replacement in the worst scenario, etc.) and I was about to set off to HF. At the eleventh hour, the plan was aborted. What am I talking about?

Just yesterday, I realized my camera is not functioning, or rather not functioning the way I want it to be. Haiz.. Of course I don’t feel particularly good. The camera is only nearly 2 year-old but it is no longer in the warranty period, and we know at times getting a new set may be preferred over servicing it (especially when the servicing charge is too high).

What exactly went wrong with my camera? The LCD panel isn’t working in shooting mode. I mean I can use it to view pictures (in the playback mode) taken and were stored in the memory card, but when I switched it to shooting mood, it went pitch dark. All this while, I must be so dependable on the LCD panel, I guess. I think I don’t know how to take picture using the standard view-finder anymore. Mm..

Alright, I got to at least get a quotation for the servicing. And then, the ultimate decision shall be made (as in whether to go ahead with the servicing or to get a new set). A little heavy hearted I was, I picked up the phone to check whether the service centre is still there. It is! I also printed out the locality map to help me at getting there, knowing exactly the low level of my road-smartness.

I was mentally working out the journey time and I was about to set off.

I know I may have to part with my camera for some time (or even permanently). Getting a little sentimental, I thought of “fondling” it for the last time. I am glad I made that “fondling” decision. A button I pressed brought back the camera LCD panel back to life in both playback and shooting modes.

Silly me, the “DISP” button is supposed to toggle between Standard (no information), Detailed (information view) and Off in the shooting mode. How careless I am?!

~ ~ DISP Button ~ ~
While I celebrate the outcome that saves me some money and time, I must also remember that my carelessness has nearly caused me to dash down to HarbourFront for nothing. Aiyah, I would have detoured to Mount Faber Park instead, if I were to be there. Haha..

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有一位圣者这么说：

世界中有世界，天地间有蓝天白云、有绿草原野、有崇山峻岭、有深渊河谷。
当你更深的去领悟宇宙的排序，你会发现银河系中有星群，星群中有星体，一层包一层。
万物的平等，并非建立在它都是一模一样的，而是建立在它们都是同样重要的。

"Next Time You Will Know .."

My brother just passed me two parking offence notices and requested me to settle for him through the internet. I usually don’t question such a small request. I would just do it.

But this time, there are certainly many “suspicious” spots. Firstly, the vehicle number registered is foreign to me. Secondly, the two parking offence notices were issued barely 29 minutes apart, to the same car. Mm..

~ ~ Coupon No Enough ~ ~
The young man chose an open car-park that uses the old coupon system for parking charges. But he wanted to save a bit and so instead of using the parking coupon(s), he decided to keep a vigilant look-out for the car-park attendant. He was surprised to see the first parking offence notice placed at the windscreen of his car. The car-park attendant must be Ninja trained, he thought. How could she escape his watchful eyes? Anyway, he picked up the notice from the car, walked away in disbelief, to attend to something. When he returned again, ahem.. , another fresh parking offence notice was placed at the exact spot he had retrieved his first notice about 10 minutes ago.

So, my brother is clearing the parking offence notices for a friend. Mm.. I thought his friend might have run into some sort of financial problems and my brother is just kind enough to pay for him. I was wrong. His friend just wants to have no such financial record on his side. Because… his wife will nag and nag if she were to find out.

She will question him for every detail as to
- why he was there,
- why he was there at that time,
- why he was so careless not to have put insufficient parking coupons,
- how come this, . . .
- how come that, . . .

Me : Huh?.. Is it possible that a wife will “control” till such an extent?
My Brother : Aiya.. Next time you will know lah.
(My brother sounded too "confident". He just ROM-ed. Erm.. Don't tell me he is already having such similar experiences? Aiyo.. I better don't imagine too much.)

小生怕怕。

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有一位圣者这么说：

比如说有一条旋转式的轨道，导向一个目标点，这过程当中安排得非常好，这时轨道的开端，无论你放下的是铁球、铅球还是塑胶球，它一样会循着轨道到达目标。

假如这一个场的作用力，在原先的安排与大家用心地计划当中，就能很正确的引导所有的人步上轨道。那无论是上材、中材还是下材，也一样能够得到教育，并且得到方向。

这其中的互动是很微妙，但是不容忽视的。

LSA ?

LSA = Local Scholarship Award?
Nope.
It means Long Service Award for my case.

Ha.. I didn’t really feel I am in this profession for that long. Every two years I got to see a new batch (that is, if I am not asked to retain at the same level), and the feel for every batch can be rather distinct. In other words, I do have a brand new fresh start almost every two years.

Time flies indeed. Ha.. I still feel "new". Or rather the “environment” makes me feel so.

And when awards are concerned in the working world, it is often in the form of monetary award. Okay, it is meant to be a token of some sort. Appreciated, anyway. But . . (I’m not complaining) . . I am only hoping for sound policies and conducive working environment.

LSA only reminds me of ... ... ... the time I have in this world is getting lesser. :)

Some Vivid Dreamy Scenes..

I was at this place walking with some friends. It was (very) crowded and it what it takes to be a tourist attraction. Wonderful!

At a point in time, we got a little tired and we were about to leave, but we saw something that recharged our energy level to level 10.

Right in front of us, we saw soft white flakes falling from high above and they were so glossy that they actually glittered playfully due to the surrounding lightings. I couldn’t believe it. It was actually snowing right in front of us. How charming? I know where I was. How could that happen in the equatorial region? We simply stood there entranced, despite the disbelief.

Nevertheless, I stretched out our hands allowing the soft white snow flakes to fall onto our palms, experiencing the temporary possessions. Ha.. I didn’t even have chance to see them melt. More, more snow flakes were falling. Right in front of us was just a pure sheet of glittering white. We stood there mesmerized. What an (first) experience (for me)?!

It was just a dream lah. I woke up smiling today, anyway. ;)

In the same night, I dreamt of other scenes, equally interesting (to me).
(1) I was sparring with D in martial-art style. We were well-matched and were also laughing throughout the match. + +
(2) Some of us were watching a swan-themed play put up by a group of adorable children. Erm.. It got really messy when one of them vomited on stage. + +
(3) , (4) + +

All these scenes remain vividly in my mind, but oh dear, I am a little lazy of writing now. Let me leave them just like that – leaving the details out, so that you may exercise your imaginative power to fill in the gaps (the way you like it). It was just a dream after all. Haha..

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有一位圣者这么说：
就因为众生不明理，你才有了愿了业的机会。

"Let Me Cheer You Up!"

Y and Je were talking. Je appeared a little tired and she seemed to be emotionally affected by something. They were having kind of girls’ talk and so I didn’t go near them. What amazed me was what Y said / done to Je.

Y : Hey, let me cheer you up!
Without any delay, Y used both of her hands to hold Je’s upper arms to position her in a more upright position. Once done, Y let go of her hands from Je’s upper arms.. and… what’s next?

Y started waving her hands slowly in front of Je and her body swaying slightly. The body motion was pretty in sync with the waving of her hands. This was not enough. She sang a tune (softly) at the same time.

Haha.. Of course, Je began to smile. I actually felt like laughing lah, but I was controlling hard not to. I decided to just walk past them. Only then, they noticed I was nearby. I gave them a blur, puzzled look, scratching my head at the same time, pretending I didn’t understand why Y was singing and swaying. Both girls ended up laughing hard(er).

Just the two of them.
Quite different in spirit, yet coexisting pleasantly.
I would think Je is rather fortunate to have Y as a friend.
What would we do when our friends are not feeling right?

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有一位圣者这么说：
任何环境你都能安定，你的工夫才是实在的。
任何情况你都能自在，你的内涵才是扎实的。

A Little Thought on Housing Loan

The subsidized interest rate for housing loan for HDB property (or more specifically for HDB flats) is currently 2.6% p.a. (or 3.5% p.a. if not-subsidized). Such rates are not fixed and may fluctuate accordingly to market situations. I was trying to play around with some calculations (based on their guidelines) and came to a rude shock of the kind of interest we may be actually paying.

A typical numerical illustration :

Supposed a flat cost $300000, and A takes a loan of $200000 from HDB.
(You have to imagine yourself how A can come out with the initial $100000 in the first place.)

We further supposed that the mortgage is to be settled in exactly 30 years (with the above mentioned interest rate).

The monthly installment easily works out to be
[ $200000 + (0.026 x 200000 x 30) ] / [ 30 x 12 ] = $989 (approximately)
[ $200000 + (0.035 x 200000 x 30) ] / [ 30 x 12 ] = $1139 (approximately)

Out of this amount paid, $433 ($583) goes to pay for the interest incurred! In other words, only $556 goes to clear the actual "debt" each month! How's that??!! I have yet to take into considering the cost of renovation. No wonder Singaporeans have to be so hard-working. Heh.

If we have the means, I think we don't mind becoming such "official" money lender. Again, the rich only becoming richer. Mm...

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有一位圣者这么说：
因缘不善，是我们造化的责任，不是你换个环境的说词；
环境困顿，是我们转心的妙化，不是你逃避责任的借口。

Talking about Insurances

Recently, some of my *little pals expressed some concerns about their tuition fees in the university. One of the possible solutions may be the Education plans ( random references (1) , (2) and (3) ) that could be bought by parents for their children, practically at day 1 of their new lives.

This somewhat sets me thinking about insurances.

I buy in the concept of insurance. I mean I believe we need it.

Many times, it seems it is more for our living loved ones when we are "gone". Perhaps. But when we look at the coverage for illnesses plans, hospitalization plans and accidental plans, saving plans, it could also mean the concept is for our loved ones and ourselves when we are still "around". I'll just give an example. One fellow colleague was telling me that his wife got a plan some years back. His wife has to commit herself to deposit $2000 into an account annually and by retirement age, she could easily withdraw more than $300000 (guaranteed), if she is still "around". Ha.. Such rate became impossible after 9/11.

However, it's a little uneasy to learn that the higher income group is usually very well covered, while the lower income group (who really needs it badly at difficult times) may not have the means to be sufficiently covered. Hence the lower income group (with no or insufficient insurance coverage) may be living by fine now, but when "misfortune" strikes, I just find it difficult to imagine how they can ever "recover". Unless...

The Insurance Companies say
Come Hell or High Water, We've Got You Covered
- - - - -
Start early please, as the premium for all such plans escalate exponentially when we get older.

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有一位圣者这么说：

驯服训练一头野象的最好办法，就是将它和另外一头已经温顺，化去野性的良好的象，用轭连在一起，使两头象在一同生活中，野象会看到它即将要过的生活，有规范，但也不会离开它的期望太远，因为有同伴的关系，使它能很快的适应。

这种种进步的力量来源，就是出自于自发的与他缘的助益。
一个力量的转变，使得生命的进程获得。

其实真理的体悟，并非由别人的关系，也不是透过他人口中的真理，而是需要你自己真正的体会。力量的获得有好几种方式，其中至诚的感恩，与相信上天的安排是最直接的。

Not Just Lunch

It was a long lunch break for me today. I am not complaining. In fact it was a pleasant experience. Many of my *little pals were having their lunch break too. Some decided to seat with me. When one group left, another group joined in. I was there entertaining them and was at the same time being entertained in return.

(a) One was sharing with me how he is currently juggling with his studies and relationship. There are some struggles on his part and I am only glad he is managing quite fine.

(b) One was recalling how horrible her attitude was during her first-3-month while in JC1. She is now aspiring to do very well. I can sense it.

(c) Once was lamenting how his parent stopped him from going to a trekking trip in the March holiday because he is the only son. But a lady teacher is going and he would very much like to be there getting to know her better. Haha.. He respected his mother’s decision anyway.

(d) One was sharing with me that she may want to become a teacher. She likes to teach difficult students in secondary schools. She was from a normal stream and she remembers very well how one of her teachers motivated the whole class (previously deemed to be rather hopeless) to perform exceedingly well. She says it is a matter of winning the hearts first and teaching comes later. Mm.. Like it.

(e) One was interested in which classes I am tutoring because he is on a look-out of a particular pretty lady. He went on to tell me which are the college’s beauties.

(f) One was trying to find out from me the differences between the former Science Practical Examination with the current Science Practical Assessment (SPA). She was obviously a little anxious / nervous as their class is scheduled for the SPA today. Hope they will do well.

(g) One was trying hard to know my A Level grades so that he could compare my results with his dear elder brother. He is very proud of his brother when he learnt that I can only manage a B4 while his brother scored a decent A2 for General Paper.

(h) One was so curious why I only patronized the same canteen stall over and over again as if the food is so delicious. Haha..

These are what I can recall now. There are certainly many more things we talked about.
Ha.. See! Conversation over lunch is always more interesting.
Perhaps, it was not just lunch. ;-)

~ ~ Life Lesson Over Lunch ~ ~
Yes, I have learnt over this simple lunch.

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有一位圣者这么说：

该做什么、不该做什么，这些疑问或许从你襁褓起，直到童年、直到长大成人，还在困惑着这些问题。奇怪的是，人的行为标准说是请、说是理，哪一个对，都只是人的借口。

事实是，人的行为模式中只有两种：
一者是我是不是想做这件事？
另一者则是别人是不是都在做这件事？

譬如：一位与许多位异性发生错误关系时，他说：『我是真心的爱他们，爱有错误吗？』
的确，爱没有错误，但是你错误的滥用了爱。你认为情是错误的吗？其实情没有错误，只是你可以把对方看作父母，看作兄弟姐妹，亦是真情至爱。为什么你的眼中只有爱欲呢？

又譬如：在过去某一个时期，父母在孩子哭的时候，不敢抱孩子。
当时的说法是：『这样会宠溺了孩子。』为了让他独立，所以尽早训练。
然而在这种压抑与不敢接触孩子的教育中，却过渡的促成无情叛逆的情况。这样是重理吗？

其实真正的举措决定当中，情理从来不可偏废。从这些案例中可看见，众生在取决事情，自圆其说的说是合情不合理，或合理不合情。

其实他从来没离开自己想做的，和别人都这样做的模式当中，唯有君子懂得合情合理，不相违背。要做到如此，永远是修办道者最大的考验。

ZX, He Has Grown So Much..

He was from China. He has to go through the NS stint to become a Singaporean. Guess what? He will be collecting his pink I/C next week. He is an officer in the army now, but ord-ing in a week’s time.

I remembered him as a very determined guy. He could be a little slow at grasping concepts, but the beautiful thing was he never gave up. He was particular close to his class and he felt very comfortable asking all sorts of questions during tutorial sessions. He often stayed back late in the evening (with some of his peers) trying to get his work done. A few times, I approached him to see if he needed assistance. He usually declined politely as he preferred to figure out things by himself, most of the time. Towards the last leg of the battle, he improved rather significantly. I am proud of him.

Oh, hope I am not painting a nerdy picture of him! He was involved in many sports as well. Just yesterday, he was showing me one of his many old trophies. It was a dark injury mark on his left shin. No joke, a javelin brushed pass that particular patch during one of his JC1 days, leaving his sock bloody red.

Anyway, it was over a simple meal yesterday that I had a chance to catch up with him and witnessed how he has grown. There were quite a few people around and he happened to sit in front of me and generally we talked more.

He related how he won the hearts of his company of drivers, mostly hokkien soldiers with tattoos all over them. With a very contented smile, he related how he had played a part in helping them to quit smoking and attended to their more personal problems. In other words, these hokkien soldiers trust him enough to open their hearts to him. At other instances, these hokkien soldiers also stood up for him. Don't undermine the power of these hokkien soldiers. Haha..

Sometimes, his drivers need to be on duty well past midnight. They would be driving on expressways for long distances but must be at a speed capped at 50 km/h. Any driver will tell you that it is quite a feat as the driver could easily feel tired and fall asleep. Ha.. Many superiors may be quite harsh on their drivers and may use threats to ensure things were done by all means. This ZX .. erm.. bought sweets for his drivers to help them stay awake. A simple gesture and sweet indeed. Haha..

He is one of the few guys that says to me “my arm days are indeed very fulfilling”. He did not say it is a breeze. In fact, as an officer, he has quite many difficult people to deal with. He remembers well the many difficult times he had went through and how he survived many storms along his path. On the contrary, there are too many true blue Singaporeans only telling me or complaining to me about their "army daze".

Now, he is only looking ahead, planning how he could get a loan for his uni education and how to find a job to supplement his daily expenses in the long run (from now and throughout his future uni days). This young man is so full of hope and chooses to see many things in a positive light. His fighting spirit is indeed unquestionable.

Aiya, I should have taken a picture of/with him.
Ha.. But I don’t think it’s necessary. His image is kind of imprint in my memory.
Wishing him all the best.

Army is indeed MAN in the making, if we believe in it.
However (bad) the situation is, we can choose to learn from it.
We can complain all about it. But what have we become?

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有一位圣者这么说：

天地无私，故能成其大；
日月无私，故能成其明；
圣人无私，故能成其我。
圣人事业，
不是一种“为我”的事业，而是一种“为人”的事业。
不是一种救己的事业，而是一种救人的事业。
我一为己，则我只能成就一个有限的小我；
我为人人，则我便能存在于人人的心中；
我为天下苍生，则我便能存在于天下苍生的心中。
我与天地万物为一体，则我便与万物而永生不灭。
还我与天地，则天地永在，而我亦永在。

“You Don’t Know What You Have Missed”

It is quite common for students to return to their school / college to look for their teachers. The reasons are obvious for those who have such practice. Such reasons are not easily comprehended by those who don’t practice it. Haha.. Oh, that’s not my point, I digressed.

Recently, two graduated female students ( X & Y ) returned to their college. They met up with a young male teacher in the college compound, and they talked. I find a part of their conversation rather .. erm .. disturbing? Let’s hear about it.

X & Y (one after another) : Hello Mr. A, good morning.
(Erm.. Actually Mr A, never tutored them before. But Mr A is quite a popular lecturer and that explains how X & Y know Mr A and Mr A certainly also know them as ex-students. Never mind, let’s take that as a friendly approach.)

Mr A (in his usual warmly tone) : Hello! Good morning.

X : Mr A. You know something? Actually both of us are interested in you since very long ago.

Y : Yah! We are in love with you.

Mr A was stunned beyond anything. But being cheeky and trying to brush it away as a kind of joke, he made the following statements.
Mr A (still in his warmly tone, but now stammering a little) : Both of you? You mean you all are interested in the kind of group thing? So sorry, I’m getting married soon. I shall take that as a compliment.

Y : Oh, you don’t know what you have missed.

X : Yah lor…

Mr A was left more stunned.
The conversation didn’t last too long as Mr A politely requested to retire from the scene to attend to some other things.

I am not against any form of relationship as long as the relationship is mutually reciprocated. Just like Mr A, I am a little stunned by the kind of reply "you don’t know what you have missed". While one may want to look at it as a good demonstration of high self-esteem and courage, I am afraid many more beg to differ. I mean many may conveniently choose to look at X and Y with tinted glass (and this is through my observation of the reactions of many while they listened to the same tale).

Call that freedom of expression, if you want. Or whatever..

~ ~ How You Perceive ~ ~
Many people draw different conclusions/lessons from the same situation.
It may be the way they perceive it being different.
It may be the base of their beliefs being different.
Maybe we shouldn't be that judgemental afterall (for simple issue like this).

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Life is drawing without an eraser
Plan for tomorrow, but LIVE for today
What happens, happens for a reason
We seldom think of what we have, but always think of what we miss