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SubscriptionsSites I Read
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| http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20091015/tts-britain-canada-arctic-climate-enviro-cac1e9b.html
Read the article and was greatly saddened by the effects civilization has on the natural world. Probably only a few years ago, the forecast was that the ice cap will disappear in 50 years, and that was scary enough. We have managed to accelerate this to 20-30 years. I wonder if somewhere in the next 10 years, we will get a surprise one summer and find no more ice in the North Pole. Polar bears drowning is something I can't come to grips with, and this news of disappearing ice caps will put me in a more sombre mood the next few days... | | |
| Life begins at 40? Not for my friend, who passed away last Saturday at the same number. A great guy, a gentle soul, a person who gives generously, always smiling and cheerful. It's hard to use the past tense to describe him, because it's hard to accept that he is really not with us. Is life unfair? Afterall, here is an all-around nice guy, who has probably everything he wants and needs. A person who has contributed greatly to the lives around him, yet taken away somewhere becasue of a heart blockage. His indulgence was probably good food, but what's wrong with that? A die-hard soccer fan who breathed football and supported Manchester United, it may have comforted him that his team won on Saturday night away at Everton. Maybe he was there watching the game, who knows? But I thought of him on Tuesday soccer session before he passed away, and I wore the Barcelona jersey he gave me. Next soccer session, I will wear the same jersey, only this time, in rememberance and tribute to him. I would like to think that he had lived a life fulfilled. At 40, he has lived more and done more than many who lived to twice his age. He would have been a blessing to those around him, but maybe he has done enough and it was time to be called home. Dear friend, you will be remembered and missed greatly. It was a pleasure knowing you... | | |
| I just got the answer to my singlehood today: People can't connect with me.
Had this interesting episode with this girl I like. She wasn't feeling well and was resting at home. In the evening, I sent a rather bland message asking if she was feeling sick or was she angry with me. I have been messaging her the whole day without replies. She finally replied and asked if it was a good time to talk, so I called. She was having a problem, and was troubled by the problem, which was why I didn't hear from her the whole day.
I tried probing a little bit, like asking her what was wrong, and if she wanted to talk about it. She didn't want to share anything, so I told her to rest well, and things will be better when she gets up tomorrow.
Here comes the part I am confused about. She said she felt that she could not share the problem with me, and I was not able to ask her the right questions to get her to open up. I was only able to give generic text book answers without addressing the problem.
I know I am pretty bad at such things, especially emotional issues. You can say I am emotionally handicapped and not good at the caring and sharing part. But I am not sure how much to probe, and what are the kind of questions to ask. Usually with friends, they will just share the problem, and expect me to be there for company as they go through the pain. I am not familiar with the pschological part of helping people open up and getting them to share their problems with me....
I am not sure if this is a lost cause. I can only do so much with self help books. Would that mean I might never get her to open up to me? Actually, I wonder if this is the problem holding me back from a healthy relationship?
I have it easy.... I share without being prompted... I blog :p
HELP!
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| The highlight of my India business trip was a weekend tour to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. It's a 5 hour ride from New Delhi, but I think it's a must see. The photo I've taken does not do the place justice.
The Taj Mahal is the memorial and tomb of Arjumand Bano Begum, the wife of Shah Jajan. When the empress was about to die, she asked the emperor to build her an uncomparable monument as a symbol of their inseperable love. This work started in 1631 and took 22 years to complete.
Beholding it brings an overwhelming sense of awe and sadness. Awed because of the amazing handiwork, the beautiful architecture and backdrop, and the great worldly love the couple shared. Saddened because I have yet to experience a love that can move me as such. Saddened also because a nation that can build such a rich monument has people living in unbelievable poverty right outside its gates.
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| I just moved my chinchillia (xiao3 yun2) up to my room... think she doesn't have much time left.
Born on 15th May 98, about 8+ years old now.
Let her out to run just now and that might be her final run. She can't walk anymore now, and seems to be breathing badly in her cage. Has not been eating, and my mom is chanting buddhist chants so xiao-yun can achieve nirvana. She was lying outside, but she limped back to her cage and didn't want me to carry her.
A bit sad that it's time, and I only can hope she goes peacefully.
I think that when somebody dies, the transition is really really lonely. We can spend our entire lives knowing that we will die, and yet be not ready when the time comes....
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