Baskin Robbins

January 31st, the last day of the month which feels like a year or so. Also, the day where we get discounts at Baskin. Pint of ice-cream, with two different flavors. One was bitter sweet and the other was rather sweet. The latter one somehow tasted funny after a while, but not the bitter sweet. Certain people prefer their life to go smoothly, always getting the best, on the other hand, some may think that the ups and downs are what make the life interesting. With the life often goes lucky, not facing any obstacles, the so called happiness no longer known as one, but something ordinary and may not be appreciated longer. In contrary, the obstacles in life teach us what we couldn’t learn from texts, and also, the meaningful life.

Poem: Simba

Kitten found, brownish fur with chubbiness.

Was named according to the scene from Lion King.

Where the cub was hold high up, above all animals.

Similar ceremony repeated once again in class.

Simba the cat, the mascot of 6A.

He meowed, for the very first time.

And there, he sank into the applauses from the crowd.

Time spent with the kitten, touches all hearts.

Even the ones who were once afraid of cats too had fun.

Nevertheless, the mascot left, to his new home.

Leaving the memories behind, where he was named, Simba.

Kimarie

“To the saloon,” he said and drove her to the shop painted black. There she let someone else washes her hair, for the very first time. During the ‘process’, the hairstylist in charged started several conversations, as if preventing her from boredom. As we all can imagine, sitting there doing nothing but watch someone else cutting our hair would be pretty boring, that is if, we seriously do nothing at all. At the time being, different ideas and thoughts came across the mind, sinking deep in nowhere else, but our very own mind. When we finally step out from the ‘green house’, we would meet different people from different backgrounds, though it might already happen back then. Looking into the mirror, something tells that being a hairstylist may bring us through different stages, for we are able to see a person in different appearances, before and after the haircut, also, when the hair is soaking wet, with the bubbles and foam. Through the communication, we may even learn something we wouldn’t know, since none of us are able to go through all obstacles in life. Nevertheless, how many of us actually look into the matters, from different point of view and also, from different fields?

CNY

“I’m surprised you are still sending Chinese New Year cards, since the technology nowadays are so advanced,” said a person sarcastically. With all the cell phones, laptops and internet services, people do not have to step outside the house to know the world better. Even the social circles could be maintained by sending what we called, SMS or simply, a phone call. Things are changing now, but not totally. Some of us may still stick to the old-fashioned ways in handling stuff. For example, writing letters and sending cards. Funny thing that is, the feelings somehow can be well expressed by writing it down, instead of typing it out, though it might take a longer time to get it done with. Anyway, the latest trend changes from time to time, and don’t see the reason why it wouldn’t come to the time where the ‘old-fashion’ is once shine again.

The Bridge

One mentioned, life consist different paths, which include happiness and meaningful life. However, out of these two, we may choose one, and only one. To be truly happy, we must live in present, and not looking back to the past or future. In contrary, a meaningful life leads us back to the previous chapters in life, and at times, skips to a new one before we finish the current page. However, a bridge can be build in between, similar to how we link two different lands together. And the bridge would be? Optimism. Indeed, to ignore what happened in the past and focus only on the present is a shortcut to happiness. Nevertheless, without optimism, one may be living in one’s shadow, sinking in the present dark. Being optimistic shall let us have both at once, to always look at the brighter side, living the life to the fullest and also, learning the meaning of life.

Confliction

According to one, we wouldn’t lose anything when we own nothing at all. Let’s look at it from the other side. Doesn’t that mean we lose the ‘nothing’ when we own something? Another said, “No comment is a comment.” And here, Chinese says, never give out the things we do not want. On the other hand, people saying we should donate the unwanted items to those who are in need. Each statement is conflictive with one and another. There are no certain definitions on everything we do, since it varies from a person to another. We are the ones who set the boundaries and, we are the ones who break it. Such ironic.

Magnifying Glass

In class, we often heard, “It feels like ages to recess.” Time flies when we are day dreaming, or even when we are doing nothing at all. However, it too might give us the feelings of hours though it’s barely been 15 minutes. We might be able to multitask, but there is no guarantee that we can concentrate evenly on them. Therefore, as we put the time spending as priority, it ‘goes’ slower than we expected. In contrary, time flies when we less focusing on it, but working on the others instead. Similarly, it applies in our daily life. As we focus, it turns into a magnifying glass, enlarging everything possible. This resulting one’s strengths are unnoticeable when we only focus on the weaknesses.

Common Idea

“He’s trying to court you,” one said. During a conversation, two were laughing all the way and usually, that would be the most common idea popping out in one’s head. It is an undeniable fact that one would take actions in order to win one’s heart. However, actions include all sorts of ‘activities’ we do. Sharing stories, telling jokes and so on. Communicating is the usual act in daily life, for it links us to one and another. So, why do we simply jump to a conclusion, without knowing one’s intention? Whether to communicate? Or to grab one’s heart?

Random

One commented, “Why they are all random posts?” Random, sometimes shows what a person has in mind. Does not matter how organized one is, some points in one’s life are nothing but random. However, there must be some kind of connection between one and another, even if they don’t seem to be. It may be the purpose, it may be the words. Maybe, maybe. Reflecting one’s life, using hundreds alphabets, in a randomly manner.

Helpless

Some may have been taught on not to entrust people easily, for most of us are masked. Come to think of it, who doesn’t? We may be cheerful in front of the crowd, but deep down, our heart might be tearing apart with nobody knew. In a conversation, a father warned the children not to believe what the others told, including the family. However, the daughter couldn’t help it but actually fell for her brother’s trick when he said he imitated the mice to lure them out. Frankly, we are helpless when it comes to such incidents, for we are human beings and not a person who does not possess any feelings at all. Even one who had been hurt and betrayed countless times too would open up one self’s heart when the right person appears. So, what else do we do? Other than believing each other? Including the false?

Horny Pads

Learned something new today. Male frog has this ‘horny pads’ to grip on the female during external fertilization. Thus, the female will get stimulated and produces eggs. Very fast indeed, don’t you agree? By one single touch, stimulation occurs and hence produces the new generation. That is if we assume all the eggs managed to survive through out the obstacles and become adults. In the Kingdom, touch has been used in all sorts of circles and relationships, not to mention courtship. For example, the male snake rubs against the female’s head in order to 'win' her heart. We even shake hands while socializing, some kind of manners when we greet someone else. Also, an article mentioned that by hugging each other frequently, the bond between one couples may grow stronger, including those who are married. Therefore, it is fine to start touching each other, with manners. *wink*

The Flow

In class, we were told that we should get hold of our life instead of depending on fate or destiny. However, most people are prone to happy-go-lucky, for it may be the easiest way out of making decisions. “Just go with the flow,” a pretty common reply when questions based on one’s life asked. The simplest and the easiest of all. A flexible answer indeed, wherever the flow may leads us to. Therefore, a round applause for those who know what they want and where they heading.

Confidence

People say being confident makes one looks good. Also, it may motivate one in whatever one does. Remembering one said, “Being confident is good, but not over-confident because you are using your confidence from the future.” There is a question. How do we define the “over-confident”? Everyone has its very own measurement based on different point of view. Incase we didn’t notice, when a person failed, most of us either commented that they lack of confidence, or over-confident.

Short Term Memory

One said, “It is unbelievable that you forget everything you memorized right after the exam. It should somehow stay inside your head if you ask me.” Yes, indeed. Something which being embedded in our head is supposed to stay remembered, and not being tossed aside. Over the years in our life, there are things that can hardly be erased from the memories. They certainly include the happy moments in life, not to mention the opposite too. However, it is good to have short term memory, for we are able to let go of the past and move on. Although it might be sad to barely remember the happiness in life, note that life goes on, and that wouldn’t be the only happy moments down the journey.

Dreams

Dream is something private which occurs only when we are asleep. We refer it as private because whether to share it or not, the decision is in our hand. It may be something horrifying, romantic, fictional and many more. At times, people say that dream reflects the desire in us. And of course, it too might just be simply, a dream. Putting the nightmares aside, dream can be the best thing ever happen to us, for we are able to lay back and relax. Not to mention we might be inspired of something new, especially with all the funny scenes and people popping here and there. Once a friend said, “I wonder why you had so many dreams.” Frankly, it isn’t that bad after all, though it might be a little exhausting.

Poem: Hunt

It was dark outside, with the houses in sight.

Checking from drain to drain, looking for him,

Who equipped with antenna, along with six legs,

Which helped him escape, from everything ahead.

With torch light in the hand, the man searched over and over again.

Till a few blocks away, there he sat with his friends.

Drinking water from the drain, they didn’t realize the man was there.

When the shadow was over their heads, then they ran away.

Using the plastic bag, the man swung his hand.

And finally, he was caught in the bag.

The man took him in the hand, brought him home in a container instead.

Leaving him on the table, to surprise the daughter upstairs.

As expected, she thanked the man for the hard work and happily went to bed.

When the sun rises once again, it would be his day, to say goodbye to the rest.

Accompanied by the other cockroaches, together they died and being displayed.

Dilemma

Whenever we come to a level where we are suppose to choose the path for our future career, we often find ourselves in dilemma. There are usually three common options, which happen to be money, interest and success rate. Some aim for the courses which may bring them fortune in no time, another aim the one with shortest time needed with better outcome whereas certain people may choose what they like best. And yes, people say we would do best when it comes to something we are interested in. However, it is too said that, if we are good in whatever we do, we would do our very best. In the end, we would like our job too, does not matter how we hated it before that. Let’s take mathematic as an example. From kindergarten to primary and secondary, we came across different types of solutions, different ways of solving questions. Not to mention that it is getting more complicated day by day, to a higher level every year. Some may understand and keep their head clear, some may not. Those who do, they seem to be enjoying the calculations more compared to those who don’t. So, are we supposed to choose what we like, with no guarantee in the future? Or shall we go with the flow, and try our very best to understand it, to like it and enjoy it?

Magic

In Mathematic class, we may use different ways to solve a question. Not to mention they are linked to one and another. Every time teacher shows us the variety of ways solving questions, my friend would go like, “Magic!” Yes, magic indeed. Something we need in life. Whenever it comes to magic, spells and charms would probably the first which come across our mind. From the tricks of guessing a card to making an object disappear, people too may known them as ‘magic’, or may be not. Yet, there’s something else, other than those commonly known ‘magic’. By solving problems in life, we come across magic, in many ways. From this option to another, we use our magic, to choose, to decide, and to work on. We, are the magic of life.

Compatibility Tests

Thanks to our immune system, we are able to get rid most antigens, the non-self. Even in transplantation, our body tends to reject the foreign tissues and thus destroying them. Unless, all the Major Histo-compatibility Complex (MHC) antigens are matched, then the success rate may go up to 95%. By nature, we, our body keep the non-self away. And us? About the same. Instead of ‘tissue compatibility tests’, we automatically go through the ‘friend compatibility tests’ when we met someone new, or, in precise, getting to know someone new. Let’s say one bumped into this particular person and started their chapter of life. One may feel comfortable and tends to talk more with this person, if, most of their ‘MHC antigens’ are matched. In contrary, one gets annoyed, even by answering questions of that particular person, if their ‘MHC antigens’ are not matched. That’s not it. This so called ‘compatibility tests’ will be done over and over again along the journey. For the ‘MHC’ in us might fail to recognize self or non-self, right from the beginning or middle of nowhere.

Short Story: The Container

"I hate my life! Why must it be me? Why can't it be my brothers and sisters instead? I just hate it!"

`

Dear diary,

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It has been two days ever since she took me home. I know I should be grateful that she willing to keep me, away from dust and the stupid old man who seems to be ignoring me. Everything is fine, or at least i think it is. I just don't like the food she's providing me.

`

Yes, I know. Don't be picky over the food. But, I've been dreaming of tasting something different, like bread and sweets, instead of plain dust or insects! Again, yes, she's feeding me with insects, the dead ones. Yuck! That's not it. She brought me to this room, which smells and dark. I'm afraid of dark! Thank God there are the others too, my relatives, but, they don't seem to be as cheerful as they used to be. Also, I noticed we have something else in common too, being fed with insects.

`

I tried to come up with some ways to get rid of the insects within me and I did. I got the rat nearby to clear them for me. What a brilliant idea, don't you think? Well, there's another thing about this plan though, the rat stepped on me too, which dirtied my outfit.

`

Anyway, back to the plan I was talking about. I thought I would have teach them a lesson, the girl and her friends I mean. Unfortunately, I failed. They somehow managed to get more weird looking insects and stuff them in me! Oh dear. Longhorn, Orange Tip, Leaf Hopper and so on. Gross! To make it worse, they added in naphthalene and wrapped me up! And now, I'm here with all my relatives, spending the rest of our life in this dark little rooms, with the preserved insects in us.

`

Till then I shall write again.

`

The Container

Papillon

Papillon, place where certain insects can be found. Butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers, even scorpions and spiders too. After choosing the butterflies we wanted, the lady stick the antennae on them. Looking at our puzzled face, she explained that they are pretty fragile and thus certain steps need to be taken, keeping them in good shape. Aren't all of us fragile too? Just that our size is way bigger than theirs. We too take actions in order to prevent ourselves from being totally ruined. However, one said a heart with the most broken pieces is the prettiest of all. For the owner been through dozens obstacles, met different people and leave a trail in the heart.

短篇：标本

一切由那一刻开始。那，是个闷热的夜晚。一如往常，我出门溜达，与空气中那甜美的娘儿们闲聊，趁机一夺芬芳。走着、走着，我来到素未谋面的环境，脚下踩着清如镜的地面。望着其反射出的熟悉倒影，黝黑的身体，强而有力的腿，我仰慕着自己。瞬间，四周的空气冻结，不再流动。我发觉自己已离开地面，半挂空中，仍是迷惑。

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原应有的焦虑被乐天所压制，学习欣赏难得的风景。冷不防，我被翻了个肚，四脚朝天。再次掌握身体重心及平衡点，我探索周围，发现自己受困于眼睛无法透视的建筑物里头。此时此刻，一切忧虑已晚。在那堵墙外，巨大的眼睛直视着我，其强大力量将我连同整座建筑物举起，后带至另一灰暗世界。身处何处我不得而知，只觉得时间完全静止，对昼夜之分亦无法辨别。密封于一室，我渐渐失去知觉，动弹不得。

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有一天，我终于脱离那生不如死的地方，被带往某处。这里聚集了与那巨大武士同族的一群。同时，我也看见各类生物围绕着自己的遗体，待揭发生前被困的谜底。他们用支与我腿一般粗的铁棒穿入我体内。强硬外壳被攻破的清脆声，让我感到无法感受的痛。后我和其余的生物被摆入另一建筑物里。除了四壁，仍是四壁。我借此机会认识他类生命体，大开眼界。这里存有各种生物，外形特征也大不相同。有一族头冠细致的通话器，拥有彩色般的翅膀，像极传说中的天使。亦有数名家伙身穿战衣及强而有力的飞行器，配上水汪汪的大眼睛，让他们能四处游荡，逮捕非法之徒。

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曾几何时，我只是个迷恋于自己的无名小卒，忽视了世界之大，扑朔迷离的各式生态。如今，我得以见识另类生命体，可说是庆幸，亦黯然。四壁摇动，我们再次被迁动，来到黑暗。这里弥漫着死亡气息。僵硬的空气中，渗有不同的组群所放出的信息，告诉我们不得前进。我深信他们与我们落得相同的命运，只是他们灵体已不再。其中的奥秘，我不得而知。巨大武士们离去后，我们再次陷入静寂。刹那间，我听见吱吱叫及轻盈脚步所带来的沙沙声。好奇之际，一四脚生物出现在我不远方。

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他那尖尖的鼻子，拖地的细长尾巴，身穿粗硬的毛发，让我想起‘鼠头鼠脑’四字。这异客忽视我们的存在，踩尽我们的身躯。美丽的天使被他所摧毁，彩色翅膀亦是毁坏，飞行正义之士也落得相同下场。他，像是与我们有仇，临走前不忘吞噬天使的身躯，留下尸布片野的情景及脚印，以证实自己的到来。我心不甘，却无能为力，只因这一切、一切，都已成为过去，无法挽回。平静的心，不再出现涟漪。灵体也渐成为空气中的一份子，留下往日的身躯，成为过去。离去之际，只听见那巨大生物的叹息，为昆虫标本所遭受的机遇而感到惋惜。

Will-Power

Imagine yourself being trapped in one place, where you see nothing but the darkness. Half wearing out your strength, there you see several tiny fire balls coming your way. What do you think that would be? And what would be your first reaction? People coming to rescue? Or spirit? For those who thought of the rescue team, they probably have strong will-power and optimistic whereas the latter one would be the opposite. In many ways, will-power is pretty important in holding onto our stand. Without strong will-power, we might be easily affected by the people around. And of course, it varies with the situation occured.

Poem: Chains

There he sits for hours, listening to stories.

With all thoughts to be shared, he finds no where to slip in.

Perhaps, this is what meant to be.

For his role in this conversation is to listen, not to speak.

There are food chains in ecosystem, so are the social circles.

Being a listener, to those who need it most.

Taking over their place, he looks for a person who would listen to his instead.

There he starts his journey down the road, stories of the obstacles and so.

The rotation continues.

Chains exist between him and another, linking them to each other.

Not all snakes be the predators, but also being hunted.

He ain't just a listener, for he needs someone to listen in return.

Hypnotization

"So many people like her and there are two of them in my class," one said. Sometimes, we heard rumours about the others based on who they like and so on. Sooner or later, that particular person might be telling us he likes the 'somebody' from what we heard. Chinese says, one may not know who they really like, but the others do. However, there is a question. Doesn't that affect our mindset, by listening from the others frequently? Let's put it this way. We may never really take notice on this particular someone, till the day people start telling us how obvious it is we are fond of that person. Later, we couldn't help it but to look for his shadow in the crowds, feeling awkward when we see him and so on. As the time goes, we 'fall in love'. Well, this may not be it, but, it is possible. Note, hypnotizability is born in us.

Complication ↔ Simplification

"Mother, how did i come to this world?" a child asked. "Your dad gave me a seed, I swallowed it and I have you," the mother replied. Such simple answer, with no futher questions. However, it has an expiry date. Sooner or later, the child will start schooling, where he widens up his knowledge and learns the lie his mother once told. Inevitable circumstances, really. In order to have a better life, complication is needed. We study everything around us in details to learn more, which holds the key to a better life for man kind. On the other hand, simplification is favoured for an easy life. A total different element from the 'better' one. Some people try to simplify the things they do, and so they may have a smooth and easy life. Like the former example given, the mother did not tell the child how he came to this world. She probaby didn't want to complicate things for the little boy, as he is still young to understand life. However, we may have both better and easy life, as long as we know when to use complication, when to simplify.

Acknowledgement

Received a message from a friend. "All you have to do to be happy is to keep on smiling, for your smiles lifted up mine and it makes me happy too. Thanks a lot." A simple message, yet meaningful. Also, an acknowledgement after spending one day infront of computer edit folio. Nothing particular, really. However, it somehow able to brighten up one's day. In another silly conversation, another friend said, "That's why you're my 'sister', dummy." After months teasing and making fun of each other, those words embed in the heart. A sentence which reassures one's status in a friend's heart. Some people tend to find out who they really are by being acknowledged, reassuring themselves they are who they think they were. So, no harm doing so. Acknowledge someone else. The outcome is way beyond imagination.

Greed

When we were Standard 3, RM10 was alot. During Form 1, RM50 was quite an amount. We came to University, minimum RM100 must be in the pocket. Are changes made according to our needs? Or simply, some may say, greedy? As we grow, we are exposed to a wider society, with more options. In return, we may learn not to spend like water, we may not. Henry Fawcett said, "Many . . . attach to competition the stigma of selfish greed." The moment we landed on Earth, there was this greed hidden in us, down to the journey of our life. Since baby, we wanted food, love and care. We cried when we were not comfortable, we cried when we were cold. Even fight for the former position of power, when there was a change of position order among siblings. Greed lives in us, does not matter what we do. The only difference is, it can be active, or passive.

The Leads

Whatever we do, it will eventually lead us to somewhere, somehow. Even if we are doing nothing too. When we are in anger or depression, it leads us to the place where we go round and round, and never ends. In contrary, when we are cool and calm, our mind wanders. Thus, we learn something new. Lessons in life, thousands of wonders. It leads us to different perspectives, different views. And also, the maturity.

Evolution = Devolution ?

Chicken and egg, which one come first? Some says chicken, some says egg. Without chicken, there would be no eggs. Without the egg, there would be no chicken. But what if the microorganisms first transformed into chickens and thus laid eggs? We, man kind study the past, present and future, expose to more discoveries of life, which includes the evolution. From the past, certain living creatures evolved to bigger size. Not to mention, some had their body size shrunk. These changes occured due to natural selection based on the surroundings and needs in order to fit in. Us human beings too evolved, and still do. Equip with all sorts of knowledge and more. Yet, crimes in more 'creative' ways are happening on Earth. So, is it really evolution? Or devolution?

Moment of Silence

Hanging around with friends need no laughters and activities at all times, but moments of silent too. As there are times where we share a certain connection between one another, remaining quiet but not feeling bored nor lonely. Some people say, this will only occur when that particular person is someone closely related, does not matter he is a partner, friend or family of yours. This, indirectly links to what we called, understanding. Words are not needed to send out messages. By reassuring someone that nothing has to be worried about, a smile lifted up on the face.