This and that...

Perceptions...whose?

As I sat at the cafeteria grounds at the Black den today, I listened to people talking and I realized something. I tuned out of conversations and sounds that surrounded me to think outside myself. To see outside myself.

And I saw...I saw people who see what they want to see. People who hear what they want to hear. They seem to reject the notion of being in another person's shoe. They are all in a world of their own...in their perception of reality. They fail to perceive that sometimes people don't always think the same way as they do. Different individuals think differently but not necessarily in a bad sense!

Just because they don't share your opinions, does not mean that they are stupid or a lesser intellectual. You have to accept people for who they are, faults and all. Do not let pride overwhelm your senses. Most people miss out on important things by letting pride get in the way.

It's not just pride. It might also be the animosity that you might feel towards a certain individual or individuals. Just because you are angry or having a hostile relationship with someone...it's not an excuse to overlook their ability or talents or ideas.

Most people don't see the whole picture. And that's the problem. Even if they do, they see it through their own eyes and not objectively. They bring along their bias and colour the situation as they see fit. And, the hell-of-it is that they don't seem to realize it! Or maybe...they don't want to!

And, as I sat at the cafeteria, listening to all the sounds around me...I thought...Are all people like this. Do they really see outside the box or is that just a context applied within a small sphere? No matter how open-minded they are or seem to be, they are yet still confined by their own, self-revolving, narrow perceptions... hidden beneath a thin layer of superficial conversation topics and world views.

And, I ask myself...Am I like that? Will I be one of them? Am I already one of them? I dont' want to be...No, I don't!


***

Not all taxi drivers are bad after all!

There are good people out there. More accurately, good cab drivers! Yesterday was a good example. I was stranded at the Black den as I came out at about 8pm to look for the public bus. There were none and according to the security guards, they haven't seen one in over two hours!

I was doomed. There was no other way for me to get my express bus station. Fortunately for me, there was one taxi. But having had the kind of experience with 'cut-throat' taxi fares, I was reluctant. As I waited at the security room, there was this old uncle who was talking about the sorry state of bus services here. (I couldn't agree more!). Anyways, he offered to drop me off at the station at a reasonable amount of "RM 2 or 3", he said. Needless to say, I was so happy. (That's how desperate I was...and I know real well about the transportation system here!)

I agreed and got on the taxi. The drive was about 5 - 10 minutes. But throughout the journey, he was busy talking about the kinds of jobs that is best for girls. And then, he was talking about his daughters and what jobs they have. Well, there I was tuning in an out of his conversation, nodding and saying "hmmm" at appropriate pauses and after every sentence. When we reached the bus station, I got out and handed the money to him. But he didn't accept it!!!

I was like (*eye-balls out*)"Really!". But of course, i didn't say that out loud. I just smiled and thanked him "very much". And he drove off. Hmmm...maybe, i should have been more attentive to what he was talking, instead of acting like an electronic-operated puppet. He was a nice guy...Well, I guess not all cab driver are money-minded, annoying homo sapiens...after all!!!.

Money, money, money!

I want money! I need money! I certainly don't love money but it sure does make life a darn bit more convenient! Wouldn't you say?

Why do I want and need money? Well, so that I could take a year's sabbatical, from everything and everyone around me. Just so that I could travel around the world with my camera. Just me, myself and I! (Oh, what a heavenly thought!*dreamy*)

Well, I'll give half to my parents so that they can do whatever they want with it. And...so that they won't bother me during my sabbatical.


I'm really not asking much...just a bag full. A 20" x 30" bag with stacks of US1000 currencies in it. That's really not too much when there are people around the world, who spend $10,000 per day, just on shopping!

At times like these, I really, really blame Eve for her stupidity! She could have had everything for free! Now, all the human successors have to pay for her folly! Imagine having everything you want, just handed down to you...no need for money at all! Urgghhh, Eve! Next time, THINK before you act!*long, frustrated sigh* I forget...there's no next time, is there!

You know, I wouldn't mind if money grows on trees! I don't think anyone else would mind either. So, God, if you're listening...do take heed. All you have to say is: "Hundreds of money trees coming up!". Oh, yeah! That would be ideal. (Excuse me, while I make a visit to my dreamland).

Fascination with Scotland

For the past two days, I've been in and out of fantasy land. (In my mind, of course) It's not that I'm so free to be doing that. (Well, not free but sort of free, if that makes any sense!)...For some reason, this time I had the Scottish highlands as my backdrop.

The more I think about it, the more I feel like taking the next plane straight to Scotland. Alas, if only that was possible! It's not like I have a lot of money to be travelling wherever I want, anyways! But just to share this fascination of mine, here's a glimpse of Scotland's landscape:





















Yes, all my fantasies are set near the water. Be it near the lakes, seaside, beaches, and waterfalls. I just gravitate to the place where there is a vast expanse of water. I don't know why but I just do love the sea best. Oh...and castles...Yup, I'm into fairy tales stuff. Castles...mysterious, romantic...especially the ones with secret tunnels and tall towers...near the sea.

My dream house is set on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Evening strolls on the beach...Enjoying the sea breeze...Watching the sunrise and sunset...ALL part of my fantasy. Maybe one day...just maybe...

What's wrong with me?

What's wrong with me, pray tell, what's wrong with me?

I'm feeling useless and unproductive, even when I am given an assignment to do. Everyday, I seem to be retreating into a state of a vacant mind. I am unconcerned about learning basic things like the current affairs in the country, road directions, names of common vegetables and dishes. I seem to have no interest, no interest at all in anything.

I've somehow lost my aim here at the black den. What am I doing here?

Tagged!

Okay, actually I've been tagged before by some of my friends but I'm ashamed to say that I had no idea what to do about it. (I feel so stupid now)...Anyways, I kinda assumed that there would be a link if I'm supposed to do something, ya know!

Anyways, I just found that all I had to do was "cut and paste" and fill it with my own answers. Duh...I'm so, so, so...ulu...urgghh!!! Just recently I got tagged by dieselfire, so here goes...

4 Jobs I've had in my life
1. Doing laundry (at home)
2. Writing nonsense that's sometimes makes sense in a nonsensical way
3. Reading not so intelligent work that's supposed to be intelligent
4. Being a slave for arrogant, egocentric, think-they're-always-right, slave-driving maniacs (yes, more than one in my short work experience!)

4 Movies I can watch over and over again
1. A Hazard of Hearts
2. Robin Hood and the Men in Tights
3. Shah Rukh Khan films
4. Princess Bride

4 Places I've been on Vacation (sigh, i've never been out of m'sia)
1. Awana Kijal, Terengganu
2. Pulay Perhentian - Redang (My trip included both islands)
3. Pulau Tioman
4. Near Thai border (so sad, that's the further's I've been from M'sia)

4 Of my Favorite Dishes
1. Spicy Thai Tom Yam!
2. Chicken(mostly all chicken dishes, preferably peppered and spicy)
3. Puri (North Indian dish)
4. Does dessert count? (Creamy, nutty, chocolaty, with vanilla ice cream etc, etc)Yum!

4 Places I would like to Visit
1. Ireland/ Scottish Highlands
2. Italy
3. Seychelles
4. Atlantis (yup, the one that's supposed to have been buried under the sea)

4 Most overused Words
1. You monkey!
2. My Gosh/ God
3. Oh!Hmmm...
4. I don't know. (Seriously! *grin*)

4 TV Shows I love to Watch
1. CSI (LV, Miami, NY)
2. My Family (BBC)- (I just love their sarcastic humour)
3. Supernatural (of course)
4. House (Sarcastic humour at its best)

4 Bloggers I am Tagging
1. Cat
2. Emily
3. Kimmik
4. Ernie

Global Indian Shopping Fest 2007

Last saturday after work, I dropped by Mid Valley for the Global Indian Shopping Fest. Last year, it received a good reviews on the goods that were sold. So i decided to check it out this year. I was to meet my mom and sister there. Anyways, i was there at about 4pm. It was at the third flr...the exhibition centre.

It was so terribly crowded. I HATE crowd (or crowded places etc). I feel as if I'm gonna drown or swallowed, or more likely stepped on, stomped on, pushed about etc etc etc.We started going from booth to booth, looking at the clothings, costume jewelry and various items that were on sale. But sad to say, it was a rather dissappointing visit. The items were not that great and more expensive than that of the previous years. It was not worth it! Anyways, i just bought some bangles (and that was after my mom nagging to buy it for a wedding that's coming up on Sunday).

The only two consolation was probably (for me...the glorious Indian sweets), and the entertainment sequence that they had on for the day. The singers were not bad and the comedy acts were actually funny.

By the time we were done browsing all the booths and buying a couple of things, it was already 7.30pm. So we decided to have dinner before going home. We really liked the Book Cafe in MPH (when we went there previously). For bookies like me, that is the ideal place. So we decided to have our dinner there again. But the plus point about the Book Cafe is that the food is REALLY good. It is MOST definitely better than what we get here at the Black den. In fact, i think it could be as good as Starbucks, only without the branding. I would like to think of it as the unspoiled or unexploited (yet) cafe.

We got home about 9.30pm. I was tired (or rather my heels) because i did quite a bit of walking...not just in Mid Valley but also on the way there and during the way back home.

Humour: Double entendre

One of the best types of humour is the double entendre. So enjoy!

Two cows are standing next to each other in a field.
Daisy says to Dolly, "I was artificially inseminated this morning."
"I don't believe you," says Dolly.
"It's true! No bull!" exclaims Daisy.

A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, "I'll serve you, but don't start anything".

What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.

An invisible man marries an invisible women. Their children were nothing to look at either.

A dyslexic walks into a bra...

Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says, "Dam!"

And finally...

Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.

Tarot, ESP and all things ARCANE!

I've always had an unusual interest in things related to the mystic or the supernatural. Unusual in that I dwell on it more enthusiastically compared to others. Most people are only temporarily fascinated by this topic. But for me, I've been into it since young when I first learned about it, since...i can't even remember when!

There have been times when i've had sudden intuition or strong instinct on certain things, it has proven to be true. Uncannily so, that sometimes it gives me goosebumps. But somehow it is beyond my control. Most of the times, though, i tend to ignore the less distinctive intuitions, writing them off as inconsequential thoughts that often crowd my mind. Only to realise them later. (Don't we all sometimes?!)

Anyways, I came across a website the other day, where you can get free online Tarot Reading, find out how strong is your ESP by taking the Extrasensory Perception Test and discover more about your love life through the Love Tarot Reading. You can also check out your Ascendant (Rising sign), Moon sign, Biological rhythm, and Numerology at the Realms of the Arcane website.

Enjoy checking these links out. Even if you don't believe, do it for the FUN of it!

Feeling lost?

Lost

Lost in a world, that scares me to death,
Lost in a crowd, I'm losing my breath.
Lost as a boy, lost as a man,
I need to grow up, don't think I can.

Lost as a person, can't find my way.
Lost in life, every day.
Lost in worry, who am I?
All my life, I've lived a lie.

Lost to kindness, lost to love,
Lost in a sky, like a new-born dove.
Lost in thought, which I shouldn't do,
It winds me up, I can’t get through.

Lost to comfort, all kind words,
Lost to advice, it isn't heard.
Lost to those who really care,
All these people, always there.

Lost in me, I need a break,
Lost in wonder, which road to take?
Lost in a place I don't know well,
Where are you now? There's no one to tell.

Lost here, all alone,
Lost apart from the mobile phone.
Lost still, there are no calls.
I'm struggling alone, to break these walls.

Lost in mind, lost in soul,
Lost memories, they're just a hole.
Lost family, lost mate,
Gone now, yet I'm full of hate.

Lost in a straight world, and I am gay,
Lost now, for what to say,
Lost in boredom, think I'll leave.
There's a lot in life I need to achieve.

~ Dan Brown ~

Sometimes I feel the way the poet feels...Okay, maybe not all of it, especially not the being gay part. But suffice to say most of it.

It is so elegant yet so sad. And you can feel the melancholic depression, portrayed in the poem.