Beluga

Moving swiftly along, one day at a time

Archive for the ‘Thoughts’ Category

Nov
6

Wow….Awesome!!!

Filed Under Thoughts

I’m not American and the only connection I have with the country was my brief stay in the States. I was young then. Very young.

At the time, I was a little person out of her shell so to speak and quite literally too. I’ve never had such exposure to life and experiences because of my strict parents. But strangely enough, when we were there as a family (Dad was doing his Masters at one of the universities), they were different in their parenting approach. Not indifferent altogether but some relaxation when it came to things that I and my sister could do; stuff like that.

I would be lying if I say I didn’t enjoy my stay and life there. Particularly, the snow, the pizza, the burgers, the roller-skates, the park, the holiday destinations, the food..almost all things were flaw-less. Though it wasn’t long but still, I managed to embrace a little of what America is like. Admittedly, I never quite enjoy the school atmosphere because there were some rules and restrictions imposed by my parents when it came to “after school activities” but other than that, it opened up my eyes alot and gave me a whole new perspective.

As naive that I was then, I actually believed in all the greatness the country had to offer and the infamous “American Dream”. I never really had any of those per se but I liked the idea and believed that it was real and that many achieved it; many were living it. That much I knew. I remembered being in a place where there was perpetual happiness. Or so I thought there was or perhaps, it was only me.

Now, that I am older and wiser, I realised that UGG Boots are the way to go!!! LOL…OK, I side-tracked a little :-)

As I was saying, now that I am older, I realised that things aren’t as what they seem anymore in the US. People have been devastated, their lives turned up-side down, people not being happy, kids running lose beating up other kids, violence, hatred and all the bad things. I also realised that when I was young, my parents shielded me from the negative as much as they could and that explains why I only saw the positive.

I believe every country has its or her flaws. So, does my very own. But at that time, in the US, I honestly thought people were in a land of many opportunities and how I wished I was one of those people living there. But in recent times, I couldn’t see that. And in recent times, my own country wasn’t doing very well either. But, as citizens, we have the ability to enforce our rights; to make our country a better place and there is only one legitimate and extremely powerful way to do that : by casting our votes. A few months ago, we did just that not only for ourselves but for our future. In a small but significant way, we did it!

Similarly, as a 3rd party observer and frankly, I’m not the kind to dwell deep into politics although I do hold some opinions about it, I think the American citizens have done the same. They have enforced their right to demand the place that used to be the place that everyone dreams about, be restored. It’s left them and now, they want it back. I hope they do; after what they’ve been through. I think every rightful citizen should be entitled to it, you know..to live the “American Dream” in their own country, their birthplace. Don’t you?

I feel nothing but extreme happiness for the US folks. I do hope your newly elected President will give you back what you deserve and more!

Oct
31

The human strength

Filed Under Thoughts

I was sitting here with thoughts of yesterday flowing through my head. There were many incidents about people or stories that were told, got me thinking but one that struck the cord louder than most was a mother and her autistic child.

In my writing class, a mother brought her autistic child to class. He looked about 20 but demeanor no more than 10. She shared with us her reason for attending the class - to write a book about her life with her son and the struggles she faced. She hoped that one day, she would be able to record all of this down in a book to share with the world.

I thought that was brave, very brave! Yesterday, as usual, we were asked to write practice pieces in class. The mother wrote about her memory of being at the neurologist office when her son was being diagnosed with autism at 3 years old. She shared about how insensitive the neurologist was to her and the situation and referred them to someone else who was no better. At the end of the day, our course instructer remarked that it must’ve been painful to relive those moments and worst to write it down. Surprisingly, the mother said that “It was painful…very painful in fact in the beginning but it’s now passed and she’s moved on beyond that“.

Silently, I was in awe and full of admiration for the mother. First of all, not only was she brave to bring her son along because I know many people would fold under shame. And some would just refuse to acknowledge their child’s condition. But not only has she accepted him, she’s proud to show him off to the world.

Secondly, she has put the past behind and now has emerge victorious in that she’s able to talk about it and open up. I think, if it was me, I’m not sure if I can ever ever speak of something that is so painful no matter how long it takes. Well, probably I would talk about it with my family but never in public and with strangers. And even with friends, it’s never easy.

Sometimes, or most of the time, the human strength is really something to marvel at, isn’t it? I mean, we always quit before we’ve begun. Stop before we’ve even started. Crumble even before knowing that things aren’t as bad as it seemed. We can truly triumph in any situation. We can emerge victorious even when the odds are stacked against us. All it takes is a way to overcome our fears and we will be set free. Nothing is ever impossible, just our belief.

Oct
25

Good to be “me” (again!)

Filed Under Thoughts

My first lesson at writing class taught us to write junk - whatever comes to mind. I thought “piece of cake!”..until I had to do so like in 2 minutes…or 4 minutes (if the “teacher” is generous). Happy to say that I’ve survived, thankfully!

I will never have wanted anything any other way but things always happen so spontaneously. I would plan and plan but never turns out right or the timing will go all wrong.

My schedule is somewhat packed till the beginning of December. That is, in more ways than one - a good thing. It’s exciting but at the same time, I am always cracking my head for ideas instead of getting the ideas that are already in my head. Frankly, these days, I am usually out of ideas. Entertaining a toddler and trying not to puke, is enough for my little brain to handle.

I’ll be getting some new lenses. That should bode well for my little hobby.Pretty expensive but an essential. And I simply cannot wait. All in all, things are turning  out pretty ok. However, there is still this “severe” acne problem that I’ve been having. I’m not sure if acne spot treatment will do the trick. Hope this gets better with time. Fingers crossed!

Oct
16

Decisions…how do we make them?

Filed Under Women, Thoughts

We all face tough decisions at least once in our lives. Some face harder questions than others.

A dear friend is going through that painful and difficult (perhaps, the most difficult in her life!)  decision-making and execution process as we are speaking. She had to decide not only for herself but for her child’s life that they would both live without the father. I am pretty sure millions of questions must’ve gone through her head as she thought about doing this as it affects not only her but her child.

It’s sad to hear something like this happening. It’s even more sad to hear that this is happening to your dear friend. And as a friend, I can only offer words of comfort and well, basically be a friend - to stand by her and providing her with emotional support. Sometimes, in this practical world we live in, are those even enough?  Perhaps momentarily but when she gets up every morning, she faces reality. She faces her child’s beaming eyes looking up at her with an innocent smile and with full confidence that her life is complete. Little that the little one knows this is far from it. And I am sure, for my friend, going through this is more painful than her own emotions.

But, there is always a clear blue sky after the storm. Perhaps not right away but after the dust settles, the dark clouds get blown over, there is always the sun - shinning brightly from above. It’s God’s way of telling us everything will be ok and that he is watching over us and keep us safe. And I know that better days are awaiting both of them because I believe they earned and truly deserve it. Why shouldn’t they be happy? They will. You’ll see.

Oct
10

Looking forward to year end

Filed Under Thoughts

I’m feeling better. Slightly. Still having that yucky feeling lingering about some days. No, actually, it’s all days! The difference is that, it gets worst in the evenings and through the nights. However, I’m feeling better so I am definitely looking ahead and forward.

Gnat has this ingenius ideaof getting a sand-box and miniature pool for Ash when we house-sit for my in laws later in the year. I betcha’ that both Gnat and I will be the one enjoying ourselves more than Ash! LOL…Since it is also predicted the rainy season by then, we will need to get some outdoor furniture covers. You know, just in case cos we don’t want our furniture soaked and diminish the quality of the wood and fabrics.

Sounds like quite a bit is happening doesn’t it? Well, for starters, there will be, slightly even though the major part of our plans have changed. Quite disappointing but for a very good reason.

So, with that, you’ll just have to wait for when the time comes and when the photos are up. In the meantime, you have a great weekend!

Oct
8

Frustrated

Filed Under Thoughts

It’s either my house or my phone that is the problem or both!

I’m not sure why but somehow whenever we use our cell-phones at home, there will be no signals at certain parts of the home. Sometimes, there would be no signals at all - upstairs, downstairs or anywhere. I haven’t tried the bathrooms so I won’t know for sure but from the looks of things, I wouldn’t bet on it being any better.

At same time, I can’t rule out the lousy service that our local mobile service providers provides anyway cos they are certainly not that realiable. True! They can be a real pain at times. Or correction - ALL.THE.TIME!

So, how do I deal with this intermittent flashes of signals? Get a cell signal booster maybe? That could be a solution. If not, I will just rely on my trusty land-line that more often than not, never fails me.

Oct
5

Worry no more..

Filed Under Women, Thoughts

Thank God for that!

It got my heart stop beating for a second there but thankfully, I was just getting ahead of myself.

I haven’t truly truly been myself. I want to but I can’t. Not just yet. Not for a while actually. I am happy yet un-sure exactly how I fell at the same time. Perhaps it is still early and I haven’t been in the mood. I hope I will though cos I hate feeling like this. Just makes everything “un-fun”and I hate being this way.

On top of feeling the way I do, I’ve got this huge acne battle which I am currently fighting against.They don’t seem to want to go anywhere but on me and they are multiplying. If only I had a cure - to rid all acnes of the world. Not only will I be famous and well-loved, I’d have loads of cash too!! LOL..OK, that’s a sign of a little me coming back and I’ll take it! I’ll take whatever comes; I am that desperate…wish me luck!