More than just a mom - The Star Online

More than just a mom

A WOMAN named Emily was renewing her driver’s licence at the transport office. When the clerk asked her to state her occupation, she hesitated, uncertain about how to classify herself.

“What I mean is,” the clerk explained, “do you have a job or are you just a ...?”

“Of course I have a job,” snapped Emily. “I’m a Mum.”

“We don’t list ‘Mum’ as an occupation.”

“‘Housewife’ covers it,” said the clerk emphatically.

I forgot all about Emily’s story until one day, I found myself in the same situation, this time at our local police station. The clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, with a high-sounding title like “Official Interrogator” or “Town Registrar”.

“What is your occupation?” she probed.

What made me say it, I do not know ... the words simply popped out. “I’m a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.”

The clerk paused, pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasising the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire!

“Might I ask,” said the clerk with new interest, “just what you do in your field?”

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply: “I have a continuing programme of research (what mother doesn’t), in the laboratory and on the field (normally, I would have said indoors and out). I’m working for my Masters (the whole family), and already have four credits (all daughters).

“Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.”

There was an increasing note of respect in the girl’s voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

When I got home, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants – ages 10, seven and three. Upstairs, I could hear our new experimental model (a six-month-old baby) in the child development programme, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had triumphed over bureaucracy. And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than “just another mum”.

Motherhood ....What a glorious career! Especially when there’s a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers “Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations”, and great grandmothers “Executive Senior Research Associates”?

I think so!


From the editor: I couldn't siphon out my thoughts for the Easter message. It was too condensed that I found myself unable to express those thoughts. At the mean time, I read this article online and would like to share with those who loves their mom. Those who don't, do wait for an article that speaks about hating moms. Stay tuned.

The article above was plucked from The Star Online.
For a direct link to the site please direct your browser to http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2005/3/27/features/10460588&sec=features

Together no more. (boohoohooo...)

My dearest housemate, YL(so as to protect her identity from the hairy voracious perverts out there.) has finally decided to move out and stay in with her pretentious juniors.



Took a pic with her and what more can I say...

I am really quite depressed now.

But I have some words for her...some final few words.


"Yen Ling, ..."


"Go la go la. Faster move your ass la."


Hope that you will treasure my final words. Our lives are so meaningless without you...boohoohooooo! Don't leave us la...(sob sob)

(Not to YL but to remaining hsemates: We should throw a party for this. Pizza tonight?)

We will miss her dearly. But her full-moon-shaped face will always haunt us in our dreams.

And for the final time,

"Move your ass la!"

You know how much we love you. Lol.

Monday.

Clarification is requested and will be given.

Clarification:
1. I agreed on everything you said for everything is true.
2. I did not say you judged me wrongly one single bit because you didn't.
3. This incident does matter to me.
4. You are not just a friend.
5. You will never be just a friend.

Circumstances you ought to know:
1. I never express love the way you dreamed.
2. I never express care the way you expected.
3. I never express gratitude the way you wanted.
4. I don't know what is going on in your life.
5. I speak to "just friends" online for less than 30 minutes.
6. I speak to "good friends" online for unlimited duration.

And that's being me. Not that I am arrogant. I tried to change. But that's just me. I'm partially autistic. I do not initiate a chat out of boredom, out of free time, out of care, out of love..(only CY does that.)

I am always alone. I do not indulge myself around with hooha figures. I am always invisible but that doesn't mean I am unavailable. A msg that pops out will be returned with a reply more often than not. I don't know what other things you expect of me because everything in my brain has been squeezed out. I am just not that kind of person you're seeking for. You need a person who is very quick to response, full with surprises, ideas, always on the line..etc.

You said I am strong, you're weak. You said I don't treasure friendships, but you do. You said I know that you can be counted on any moment of my life, but you can't count on me..and the list goes on. I will say 'YES' to all of them. I am strong for I've been through deeper shits. I treasure friendships, but I can never indulge deep into it. I can count on you for you made that sacrifice for me. And I know it. Thing is, I do not know how to say thanks than just 'thanks'.

Given the fact that you do face a problem with a non-responsive jerk, the ball is really on your side to choose whether you want to continue receiving non-impressive superficial feedbacks. I don't see the point of exerting a 180 swift change and revert back to the old self after a week. I don't do fakes.

It happened before and it happened again. You couldn't accept it before and now, again. I couldn't change it again and, again. And this cycle keeps repeating itself like the four seasons. So how do we expect to move on from here?

I couldn't help but just say how sorry I am for not knowing one single thing that happened over there. Pardon me for everything. I tried and it didn't work. Will keep trying but don't expect much from it.

A friendship application has been filled by me. But I added this "I really can't give much." It is for you to process the application. Do let me know the status of my application.

impeccable life *smirks*

The idea is way down stupid, naive and utopian.

Mantra for today's life:(compatible with the World today!)

It is pointless to be good,
it is pointless to be nice.
It is pointless to sacrifice,
and it is pointless to clarify.
It is pointless to love,
and so it is pointless to laugh.
It is pointless to give,
even more pointless to share.

To share is giving others a part of what you have - it's called stupidity.
To give others of what you have is worse - it's called double stupidity.
To love others is a waste of your life.
To laugh with others is a waste of energy.
To clarify issues is a waste of time.
To sacrifice is a waste of time and energy.
To be nice - why not to yourself?
To be good - again, why not to yourself?


I've learned to see it from a person's point of view. Sorry for taking your life, time, energy, and making you a total fool. Truly am. Enough of charities. It doesn't pay. It doesn't bring happiness. Then what does it bring? If it habours bitterness and resentment, then pull the plug. That's all I can say.

Bird's nest :-l

It was really a beautiful afternoon when I got up from bed at 130pm until someone came into my room...

Mom: Come. Time for groceries.

Me: (#%&^$) Har...I just got up leh..(very sien face)

Mom: But I got up long time ago. So quick.

Me: (WTF..can link like that one meh?)...

Mom: Give you 30 mins to prepare. I go da-bao lunch for you all now.

Me: Go la go la go la..


Went back to sleep while my mom was still staring at the door. She left shortly after that. Phew..

AND THEN,


Mom: FRANCISSSS!!!!! YOUR DOG RAN AWAYYYYY!!!

Me: SHIT!! (Got up and ran downstairs in boxer.)

Mom: (Grinning like a fox) Clean up. I will be back soon. Max is at home.

Me: (#&^$)...

Then went to Jaya Jusco, and at Jaya Jusco...

Mom: Where's my bird nest?

Me: Here don't have la. Here got Eu Yan Sang. Also got sell. You want?

Mom: Don't want. Eu Yan Sang sells fakes.

Me: How you know?

Mom: Mommy has ladies' instinct.

Me: ...whatever.

Mom: Where got Lo Hong Ka?

Me: Leisure Mall.

Mom: Go there after doing groceries.

Me: Har? Must today ah? I very tired la.

Mom: Don't procrastinate. Quai dian..quai dian(faster..faster)


After finished doing groceries, we went to Leisure Mall's Lo Hong Ka.


Me: This Wang Mu Liang Liang(Mother to Jade Emperor, I reckon.) wants to eat yin wo(bird nest).

Promoter: We have 2 sizes. One big and one small.

Me: You sell real or fake? Coz my mom knows one leh.

Mom: Don't duo zhui(crap). Hi xiao jie, can introduce your product to me?

Promoter: (To me)Sure real one la. (To mom)Can can. Pls come here and sit.

Me: (#-o) Ma, buy only la. What intro intro jek? You don't know how to eat meh?

Mom: Maybe she has special offer leh..sit down and listen first. Won't die one.

Promoter: We have the large size and medium size..lallalalalala Rm288...lalalala take one spoon everyday...lalalala

Me: EXCUSE ME, TAKE ONE SPOON EVERYDAY? How long can this thing (pointing at the bottle) last if taken everyday?

Promoter: Can last about a month lah.

Me: WHOA! (Fish ball eyes almost popped out.)

Mom: (grinned at me cheekily.) I eat 1/2 spoon a day la ok?

Me: That will lasts 2 months only la. I want it to last for 2 years.

Promoter: Cannot lah, boy. You need to eat it frequently so that you can see changes to your health and skin faster.

Me: (Duh. Your face not very smooth jek.)I know. But very expensive leh. No discount?

Promoter: We can give 10% discount if you buy 5 bottles in a single receipt.

I showed her a fuck-face. She smiled. Mom laughed.

And the rest is history. We bought a bottle. And she's happily chewing her bird's saliva downstairs.

It was such a waste of my hard-earned-sweat-bloodied money. But seeing her giggling all the way, I guess it was worth buying. I think the laughter made her younger and not that stupid bottle of dried saliva of some stupid sparrows that burned a hole in my wallet.

I wanna now grieve myself to sleep. Good nites.

The issues of God, the Church (and me.)

There is a God. There must be a God else everything in the universe just can't exist out of nothingness. Hence, there must be a Greater Power out there.

Fair enough.

It is very disturbing for me to find out the fact that people are starting to hate Christianity. Not that it didn't occur in the past, just that I am experiencing it NOW - around me. Thanks to die hard evangelists fanatics who couldn't help using their gifted brains to think at least twice more.

It is appalling. I have read a blog of a Singaporean blogger who scorned at how Christians propagate their Good News. I am a Christian myself and I know what the Bible has said about this making disciples dogma. But this is NOT the way!

1. You do not coerce others into your religion.(by force, by harrassment, by compulsive follow-ups.)

Christians are loving people and at times, they want to express/share their love so eagerly that they don't realise they are being a nuisance to others. Why on Earth do you insist to others on your doctrines if people have no idea or interest as to what you're propagating about? It is a waste of time, effort and it definitely spreads hatred instead of love. You might ask then - HOW? Simple. Put yourself into a non-believer's shoes. Will you BLINDLY believe in a doctrine because someone tells you to? If you say YES, any evangelists can approach you with different packagings and will you believe them? If you say NO, that is why non-believers say NO to you. Same simple reason.

2. You do not approach others directly. It doesn't work anymore in this age.

Do you like sales executives coming towards you and start blathering? If yes, you're a weirdo, an outcast. So, if you do not like it, DO NOT do it to others. It brews anger and resentment and that defeats the total purpose of your intentions. Live it from your life, mate. People today are wise enough to differentiate a Christian and a non-Christian. If people want to know, they will ask. You do not need to offer yourself like some cheap dirt and start yacking without an attentive audience.

3. You do not just talk solely on doctrines. You might not have a life. Others do.

Today, religion is just supplements to life. Heaven-oh-Hell stories, cherubs, stories of Jesus and other dramatic dogmas just don't stir interests anymore. If you have ever heard of Da Vinci Code(or have you been reading only the Bible?), why was it the bestseller for God-knows how many months? It was a blend of facts, myths and fiction. It has to be more intellectual banter instead of just "Thou shalt not this. Thou shalt not that and that and that and that." How do expect non-believers to enjoy your water-into-wine stories when story books for kids like Harry Potter are already laced with action packs and super powers?

4. You do not use cheap gimmicks, please. (more friends, drums, songs...WTF?? Lying now?)

Never, never and never think that others are intellectually incompetent. Never think with a puerile brain with invitation gimmicks like "you could make lotsa friends there." or "you could learn how to play drums." You might be able to con some naive kids who do not usually reject invitations but this trick does not work on all ages. It is glib and it shows how feeble and cheap we can try to get people to church. The moment people finds out the "truth", they will leave anyway. So? Outcome? Bad impression again right? If it is ineffective, then don't use la.

5. You do not argue that other gods are fakes.

Please. I implore of you. Never ever blurt out the sentence of "your God is a fake and mine is genuine." It brings you no where but just deeper into the shit you stepped into. Gods are sacred deities worshipped by people. A stupid sentence like that would mean ultimate disrespect and mockery. Would you like it if others do the same to our God? Mutual respects are crucial. If they claim that their Gods are powerful, fine, powerful they are. Stop refuting. To many, religion is wholly about good values, which I say YES, they are. Just some differences here and there like Christianity is about relationship with God and not wholly just good values. So is Islam, so is Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Bahaism...etc - except occultic practises.

6. Learn to shut up and co-exist with others.

Living in a world so diverse can only be so beautiful with all sort of people around. But stop being a splinter in people's asses. Shut up whenever you do not need to speak. Shut up if people do not enquire. Shut up if people ask you to stop. Shut up if you think you should. The world can only be a beautiful place to live in if only we learn how to co-exist with others. Put a stop to your futile efforts(most of the time) and learn to accept others, respect others, considerate about others and enjoy the differences. God gave us the brain and skills to live among the unsaved ones. Use it wisely to share what you have to share - it could be anything k...not just the Good News. Appreciating others could only bring happiness and understandings. The divide is then bridged. Is this not better?

The world is constantly changing at a rate, which we know will lead us to doomsday quite soon. So why remain that rigid old you? Why do you not conform in line with the needs of the world? I think I sould sleep now. Please do let me know if I said anything outrageous. These are just a few tokens of my thoughts - thoughts of a Christian who lives in a precarious(aka fucked up) world.

bah, how can it be so fragile?

I wanna thank all my friends for celebrating my birthday. Thank you thank you. Right, there are many pics but I chose this because all of us are in the pic. Thank you for inscribing our group name on the Tiramisu.

The pic -->



Joyous birthday party I had. Thank you. This was then 10pm of March, 2nd.

BUT TODAY IS MARCH, 3RD.

UGLY. HAHAHAHA.(Stupid.)

I can't believe university kids can be so puerile at the age when they can do anything with their lives. It shows how lousy our education system is when it comes to character building albeit it did produce many decent offspring.

It cannot be denied that interactions between earthly beings will often bring forth arguments, disputes and bitch-slappings...but I reckon that is the essence of being human - having a thought of our own and refuting doctrines, which we deem nonsensical.

But can these asymmetries so often be the crumbling factor for the collapse of friendships? Are relationships between people so fragile that even sand castles can hold themselves better?

Friends are people that we chose to befriend with at dawn; and they chose us. Thus the spawn of a beautiful friendship and now comes with birds chirping, flowers blossoming and kids laughing! But look now, with all sort of crumpled face and double-edged words rocketing around, the birds might have all died of the words, flowers withered because the ground is so sour, and kids are killing one another with Swiss knives.

I believe that human should be more tolerant. Since the fragile human relationships are so often compromised over seriously stupid dumb-fuck issues, which even an elementary kid could laugh her head off if only she understands. It is not so much about who is in the right/wrong, it is a matter of balancing the equation. If it weights more over a side, then that side should have more substance. So just accept this simple theory and get over with it. Why push it to the brink of ruination?

If both sides are so reluctant to give in - the best solution is prolly to split up. People who are arrogant are always lonely craps. For these people do not have the skills to balance the equation and thus they should be left alone on the other side of the equation. Let them die in loneliness for being so ignorant in improving their mathematical skills.

Btw, I am not having problems with my friends. Heard this from a very close friend of mine and just felt concern for her. So please, don't be a rigid bastard. Instead, be a flexible bastard. It is good for you and the rest of mankind.(even credit cards now offer flexi-payments. what more you, bastard?)

To hell with mathematics!

Hello ppl! I have just completed my engineering mathematics paper test! Wanna know what is my feeling?

Nothing. And why that answer?

Coz I pumped in almost 0% effort.

Yes. No effort.

I wasn't interested in math but hell, I paid for it and it does affect my results big time, so, study la. However, I focused mainly on the tutorials which I didn't find dull because I have to compute and write vigorously. (pretty exciting I would say)

But the notes...THE NOTES...reading it was worse than reading history texts. It was written with mathematical language - theorems, notations..etc - something my brain couldn't accept. Analogy: Data packets dropped - but resent - congestion collapse.(I know you guys don't see the link, shut up.) My brain just collapses when I read math notes.

Anyway, my next paper will be on the 8th - Fundamental of Optics. A subject I wish I could giggle all the way until post-finals. Haven't really studied it, can't say if it will be sweet or tough but I have interest in this subject. Bless me.