i have a dog sleeping in my lap as i type this, and his sprawling weight is surprisingly enjoyable, even if i strongly suspect he is drooling into my jeans as he happily dozes away.
funny how absorbed one can be just observing another sleep, the tousled fur from exhausting play (thankfully, else the little devil will still be begging for attention), the little twitches, the sudden kicks, are you chasing something small and fleeting in some red savage dream from your past?
having a puppy is like having a kid. you have to give constant attention, you worry that he bites the wires, you put up with his over-enthusiastic licking, you try to teach him right from wrong.
good thing he is not mine. i am just the babysitter ^^.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Friday, 27 March 2009
thoughts and quirks
random post. as per the title. here goes.
if there are three parking lots, and only the middle is free, i would park the same way the others are, out of some obscure fear that if i park the opposite way, the other drivers would nick my car doors. this is cos if i park the same way, i can maneuver my car such that i leave a fair bit of space for the other driver to get in without nicking my door, even if that leaves only a tiny space for me to get out. advantages of being bamboo-fat.
i drive bare-footed. i can say that it gives me more grip on the pedals, better feedback from the engine, hence fine-tuned speed control and improved fuel economy, but frankly, it's just more relaxing.
most things are relative. height-wise, some say i am tall, but compared to the average aussie, i am at most, average. similarly, some ppl think i am a good person, but there are a bunch over in malaysia who probably hate my guts. similarly, this can be applied to more general things, such as wealth, success, happiness, which are relative; values and attributes are ascribed, not absolute.
amazing how time slows down in near-death, almost-disastrous experiences. surreal how similar it is to movies (is it art imitating life or life imitating art, as in because you have seen it before, your brain is pre-conditioned to react that way). what can i say? some have achieved satori, or enlightenment in such life-changing situations , as in what is important becomes crystal- clear, i can't say that i had the same but it does confirm what i always sorta guessed. i just know that i don't panic in most situations that would faze most ppl; i just become icily detached. it's not like i block it off so there is a delayed after-effect. i just don't feel. good in some situations, maybe not so great in others (again, refer to the relative value of things).
i sometimes wonder if i have ankylosing spondylitis, or how is the heart murmur coming along, idle speculations, not that i am morbid, lol, i am content with life now, why would i want to die, still have too many things to do, shooting fireballs for one, but it's just, harmless fun to speculate along those lines when you are in good health. does that make sense?
i am lax about the use of punctuation and speeling, but the wrong use of "a" and "the" drives me nuts.
i sleep like a cat.
why is it that it seems you get more succesful hunts in Mousehunt when others sound the horn or a trap-check occurs, as compared to when you sound the horn yourself? or is it just me?
if there are three parking lots, and only the middle is free, i would park the same way the others are, out of some obscure fear that if i park the opposite way, the other drivers would nick my car doors. this is cos if i park the same way, i can maneuver my car such that i leave a fair bit of space for the other driver to get in without nicking my door, even if that leaves only a tiny space for me to get out. advantages of being bamboo-fat.
i drive bare-footed. i can say that it gives me more grip on the pedals, better feedback from the engine, hence fine-tuned speed control and improved fuel economy, but frankly, it's just more relaxing.
most things are relative. height-wise, some say i am tall, but compared to the average aussie, i am at most, average. similarly, some ppl think i am a good person, but there are a bunch over in malaysia who probably hate my guts. similarly, this can be applied to more general things, such as wealth, success, happiness, which are relative; values and attributes are ascribed, not absolute.
amazing how time slows down in near-death, almost-disastrous experiences. surreal how similar it is to movies (is it art imitating life or life imitating art, as in because you have seen it before, your brain is pre-conditioned to react that way). what can i say? some have achieved satori, or enlightenment in such life-changing situations , as in what is important becomes crystal- clear, i can't say that i had the same but it does confirm what i always sorta guessed. i just know that i don't panic in most situations that would faze most ppl; i just become icily detached. it's not like i block it off so there is a delayed after-effect. i just don't feel. good in some situations, maybe not so great in others (again, refer to the relative value of things).
i sometimes wonder if i have ankylosing spondylitis, or how is the heart murmur coming along, idle speculations, not that i am morbid, lol, i am content with life now, why would i want to die, still have too many things to do, shooting fireballs for one, but it's just, harmless fun to speculate along those lines when you are in good health. does that make sense?
i am lax about the use of punctuation and speeling, but the wrong use of "a" and "the" drives me nuts.
i sleep like a cat.
why is it that it seems you get more succesful hunts in Mousehunt when others sound the horn or a trap-check occurs, as compared to when you sound the horn yourself? or is it just me?
Saturday, 21 March 2009
6 degrees
there was a social network website called 6degrees a few years ago, which goes on the concept that a person can be related to most anyone on this planet if you know the friend of a friend etc, kinda like a spiderweb.
so, if we go on that concept, i know miss korea 200x because my student dates her. ^^ sweet.
so, if we go on that concept, i know miss korea 200x because my student dates her. ^^ sweet.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
A pinch of salt
got this from a friend's website. it's always a bit fun doing those questions, but as always, take the answers with a pinch of salt.
edit: forgot to link the site to do the quiz. http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quizbox.com%2Fpersonality%2Ftest82.aspx&h=6151a6ef93f0c2677b4c715c73ea5e1f
Your view on yourself:
Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self. Your friends love you because you are a good listener. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.
Analysis: You are a lying, deceptive, two faced bastard who emotionally manipulates ppl to get what you want.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are not looking merely for a girl/boyfriend - you are looking for your life partner. Perhaps you should be more open-minded about who you spend time with. The person you are looking for might hide their charm under their exterior.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.
Analysis: Desperate, will grab anything that comes by.
The seriousness of your love:
You like to flirt and behave seductively. The opposite sex finds this very attractive, and that's why you'll always have admirers hanging off your arms. But how serious are you about choosing someone to be in a relationship with?
Analysis: As serious as a rabbit in heat.
Your views on education
Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.
Analysis: Bookworm, nerd, pretentious know-it-all.
The right job for you:
You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.
Analysis: Your career will be as exciting as dishwater.
How do you view success:
You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.
Analysis: Megalomaniac.
What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.
Analysis: Personaltiy of a three year old. When in doubt, throw a tantrum.
Who is your true self:
You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.
Analysis: Nosey busybody who secretly relishes being the centre of attention, you more often than not don't even know what you are saying.
edit: forgot to link the site to do the quiz. http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quizbox.com%2Fpersonality%2Ftest82.aspx&h=6151a6ef93f0c2677b4c715c73ea5e1f
Your view on yourself:
Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self. Your friends love you because you are a good listener. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.
Analysis: You are a lying, deceptive, two faced bastard who emotionally manipulates ppl to get what you want.
The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:
You are not looking merely for a girl/boyfriend - you are looking for your life partner. Perhaps you should be more open-minded about who you spend time with. The person you are looking for might hide their charm under their exterior.
Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You are ready to commit as soon as you meet the right person. And you believe you will pretty much know as soon as you might that person.
Analysis: Desperate, will grab anything that comes by.
The seriousness of your love:
You like to flirt and behave seductively. The opposite sex finds this very attractive, and that's why you'll always have admirers hanging off your arms. But how serious are you about choosing someone to be in a relationship with?
Analysis: As serious as a rabbit in heat.
Your views on education
Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.
Analysis: Bookworm, nerd, pretentious know-it-all.
The right job for you:
You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.
Analysis: Your career will be as exciting as dishwater.
How do you view success:
You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.
Analysis: Megalomaniac.
What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.
Analysis: Personaltiy of a three year old. When in doubt, throw a tantrum.
Who is your true self:
You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.
Analysis: Nosey busybody who secretly relishes being the centre of attention, you more often than not don't even know what you are saying.
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
A fable
There are things that people don't tell you.
For example, did you know that somewhere, far far away, in a place forgotten and so far away that it has lost its name, there is a building. Who built it, no one knows, just as the name of the building is lost to the knowledge of man. But there it stands still, and inside the building, there is a room.
And in the room, there is a cup. And the cup is different for every person, and there is one for every soul that lives.
And the cup is filled. It is filled with the spilled tears of those you have hurt, the ungratefulness you show to your parents and those who care about you, the cold indifference and callousness you treat your siblings and others with, the held-in howling loneliness that no one else knows of those you have forsaken, the petty angers and jealousies that you inflict, the uncaring selfishness that lie behind your actions, the choked-back, torn and stifled cries buried in pillows of those you have abandoned, the myriad evils of your life.
Oh, the cup brims.
But it can hold more, it can hold all the cruelty and pain you inflict.
And be certain, be very very certain, that one day you will have to drink from the cup. And it will be returned unto you tenfold.
And when it passes to you to do so, drink deep. Drink deep and do not whimper.
For example, did you know that somewhere, far far away, in a place forgotten and so far away that it has lost its name, there is a building. Who built it, no one knows, just as the name of the building is lost to the knowledge of man. But there it stands still, and inside the building, there is a room.
And in the room, there is a cup. And the cup is different for every person, and there is one for every soul that lives.
And the cup is filled. It is filled with the spilled tears of those you have hurt, the ungratefulness you show to your parents and those who care about you, the cold indifference and callousness you treat your siblings and others with, the held-in howling loneliness that no one else knows of those you have forsaken, the petty angers and jealousies that you inflict, the uncaring selfishness that lie behind your actions, the choked-back, torn and stifled cries buried in pillows of those you have abandoned, the myriad evils of your life.
Oh, the cup brims.
But it can hold more, it can hold all the cruelty and pain you inflict.
And be certain, be very very certain, that one day you will have to drink from the cup. And it will be returned unto you tenfold.
And when it passes to you to do so, drink deep. Drink deep and do not whimper.
Post 59. Horses and Bullfighting
In Hemingway's Death in the Afternoon, he describes the tragedy that is bullfighting. He describes it as not being a sport but rather "a tragedy; the death of the bull, which is played, more or less well, by the bull and the man involved and in which there is danger for the man but certain death for the animal." It's a rather interesting book, 358 pages solely on bull-fighting. Read it, and it may change the way you think of bullfighting.
There are 3 acts in bullfighting. The first act is known as the suerte de varas, the trial of lances, where the bull charges a man on a horse, the picardor, whose aim is to place the pic, a pike pole, into the bull's back to punish him and yet strengthen the bull's resolve at the same time by letting the bull charge successfully and clearing the ring. I will explain more further on.
The second act is the time of the banderillero, men who run the bull with capes to exhaust the bull, and place banderillas, pairs of sharpened sticks into the bull's withers to fatigue the neck muscles so that the matador can kill successfully without the bull being able to raise its head and horns to block the sword.
The final act is the death, where the matador, the only man allowed to kill the bull, dominates the bull with the muleta, a scarlet cape on a stick, and finally kills with the sword.
It takes a team of 5 to 6 men actually to prepare, exhaust the bull before the matador can do his work. But it is the matador alone who faces death.
But the point is not the talk about all that. It's to talk about the horses, the horses the picadors ride to punish the bull. And this is the way they do it.
They allow the bull to charge and impale the horse before sticking in the pic. This usually is fatal.
Sometimes, the bull doesn't kill the horse, and you will see the horse gallop off, trailing its intestines and viscera on the ground, blindly assured by the piacador's knees that all is well. Horses, as you may know, react based on how they are ridden. That is why novice riders and those lacking confidence are more likely to be thrown off, whereas a man who knows what he is doing may convince a gutted horse to continue galloping. And then, sometimes, you will see the same horse being used for the next bull (they kill 6 bulls per fight. 2 bulls per matador.)
How is this possible, you ask, when the horse has been gored before and verily, you saw its guts spill on the ground? Very simple. To reduce the cost of losing two horses where one will do, they stuff the inside of the horse with sawdust and bring it back again. And since each fight is allocated a time span of 15 mins, that is how long the horse can survive with missing organs.
So a horse can survive for a period of time, even though it's insides may be ripped out, gored, torn out and missing. And then it has to go out and perform again.
I think, I, am starting to know what the horses went through.
There are 3 acts in bullfighting. The first act is known as the suerte de varas, the trial of lances, where the bull charges a man on a horse, the picardor, whose aim is to place the pic, a pike pole, into the bull's back to punish him and yet strengthen the bull's resolve at the same time by letting the bull charge successfully and clearing the ring. I will explain more further on.
The second act is the time of the banderillero, men who run the bull with capes to exhaust the bull, and place banderillas, pairs of sharpened sticks into the bull's withers to fatigue the neck muscles so that the matador can kill successfully without the bull being able to raise its head and horns to block the sword.
The final act is the death, where the matador, the only man allowed to kill the bull, dominates the bull with the muleta, a scarlet cape on a stick, and finally kills with the sword.
It takes a team of 5 to 6 men actually to prepare, exhaust the bull before the matador can do his work. But it is the matador alone who faces death.
But the point is not the talk about all that. It's to talk about the horses, the horses the picadors ride to punish the bull. And this is the way they do it.
They allow the bull to charge and impale the horse before sticking in the pic. This usually is fatal.
Sometimes, the bull doesn't kill the horse, and you will see the horse gallop off, trailing its intestines and viscera on the ground, blindly assured by the piacador's knees that all is well. Horses, as you may know, react based on how they are ridden. That is why novice riders and those lacking confidence are more likely to be thrown off, whereas a man who knows what he is doing may convince a gutted horse to continue galloping. And then, sometimes, you will see the same horse being used for the next bull (they kill 6 bulls per fight. 2 bulls per matador.)
How is this possible, you ask, when the horse has been gored before and verily, you saw its guts spill on the ground? Very simple. To reduce the cost of losing two horses where one will do, they stuff the inside of the horse with sawdust and bring it back again. And since each fight is allocated a time span of 15 mins, that is how long the horse can survive with missing organs.
So a horse can survive for a period of time, even though it's insides may be ripped out, gored, torn out and missing. And then it has to go out and perform again.
I think, I, am starting to know what the horses went through.
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
And in conclusion...
The woman hit the owl over the head.
The woman hit the owl over the head.
The woman hit the owl over the head.
But if the bird wanted to be with you, it would come back to you.
The woman hit the owl over the head.
The woman hit the owl over the head.
But if the bird wanted to be with you, it would come back to you.
Sunday, 2 March 2008
post 58. calling Zhou lao shi
so, was feeling in the shits, which more discerning readers can pick up from the previous posts. and heck, i wanted to talk to him anyway cos i do kinda miss him.
it's kinda lonely practising on my own. we used to talk during our short breaks, and now all i have for company is my water bottle and mobile. not the most communicative of partners.
so i called him cos i missed him and cos i was feeling in the shits too. haha. intention was to talk a bit to him about my problem, but just hearing him talk to me prepped me up lots already, so in the end i didn't talk to him about it.
had a moment of shock though, when he actually called me by name. it was the first time he did so, and i always thought he doesn't remember my name cos he has so many students. when he called my name, had a brainfreeze and was frantically wondering what obscure chinese term he was using before i realised he was saying my name. maybe because i also don't allow many ppl to call me by my full name. (it's a thing with me: i only allow those people i really like to call me by my full name. or you have to be an elder. hah.)
for some obscure reason, i was quite touched.
but yeah, we yakked for almost an hour! thank god for phone cards. lol, he was quite chatty so i was wondering if he misses having someone to talk to. (hehe. my ego at work here). turns out things didn't work out as intended for him too.
but it's okay. we both can take it. (it being our respective problems. lol, in case that wasn't clear) ^^
it's kinda lonely practising on my own. we used to talk during our short breaks, and now all i have for company is my water bottle and mobile. not the most communicative of partners.
so i called him cos i missed him and cos i was feeling in the shits too. haha. intention was to talk a bit to him about my problem, but just hearing him talk to me prepped me up lots already, so in the end i didn't talk to him about it.
had a moment of shock though, when he actually called me by name. it was the first time he did so, and i always thought he doesn't remember my name cos he has so many students. when he called my name, had a brainfreeze and was frantically wondering what obscure chinese term he was using before i realised he was saying my name. maybe because i also don't allow many ppl to call me by my full name. (it's a thing with me: i only allow those people i really like to call me by my full name. or you have to be an elder. hah.)
for some obscure reason, i was quite touched.
but yeah, we yakked for almost an hour! thank god for phone cards. lol, he was quite chatty so i was wondering if he misses having someone to talk to. (hehe. my ego at work here). turns out things didn't work out as intended for him too.
but it's okay. we both can take it. (it being our respective problems. lol, in case that wasn't clear) ^^
Saturday, 23 February 2008
Once upon a time.
Once a upon a time, people used to say, "I'm hungry."
It was all you would hear.
Nowadays, all you hear people say are, "I'm bored."
Who do you think was happier?
It was all you would hear.
Nowadays, all you hear people say are, "I'm bored."
Who do you think was happier?
Thursday, 7 February 2008
post 57. Happy Chinese New Year
Lol, just got off the phone with Zhou lao shi. Prepped me up heaps. We didn't meet today cos it's a "rest day", but that wily old man went for a run! Cos he's scared of falling behind. Oh no! And I been slacking off. Need to get me act together or else will be his punching bag again!
Hahah. On another note, he asked me to eat durian cos it will make me miss home more (it's a word play: the Chinese word for durian has the same sounds for "leaving thoughts behind"). When I said he was cruel, he laughed so happily.
Anyway, here's to having a better year for everyone, including the both of us. Better wishes for the new year!
Hahah. On another note, he asked me to eat durian cos it will make me miss home more (it's a word play: the Chinese word for durian has the same sounds for "leaving thoughts behind"). When I said he was cruel, he laughed so happily.
Anyway, here's to having a better year for everyone, including the both of us. Better wishes for the new year!
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