Tuesday, October 31, 2006
The Yellow Ribbon Project...Everyone might have heard of this project before. If one would recall, a couple of years back, advertisements detailing how ex-convicts should be given a second chance in life, be it in print or running on our telly/radios. Ah, that's the yellow ribbon project.
And if anyone has a copy of yesterday's TNP, refer to page 4. It runs an article on Mr Prem (my 'mentor' back in the centre during my pri 4-6 days), who is the director of the Singapore After-Care Association and his thoughts on how our society is slowly opening up to giving ex-cons another chance.
Kinda ironic, considering that the night before, I was chatting with Sai about this family friend of mine, whose story really grips my heartstrings, and all that I can do, is pray that things will be ok for him.
Many often complain about how naggy their folks are, some realise it tad too late. How about those, who have never experienced the love of a parent, who is left on his own at home during his formative years, whilst his parents are fighting a divorce case?
Often, we are seen writing about this in our secondary school essays, the usual lack of love stuff, but only when you see it happening around you, you just stop to appreciate everything you have.
So when you lack that parental love, you end up exploring, seeking it out in other avenues. Then, its bad company and stuff. This boy, I've seen him grow up, and in a way, I feel guilty. For not having pushed my folks enough, when he was in Pri 5 and having tuition under my dad, to have him stay with us, at least till he grows older.
Now, I see him, 16 years young, with numerous police records shadowing him, tattoos that stretch almost every inch of his skin, and even, some designs on his face. Yet, I can't blame him. Divorces really sap the confidence of a kid, especially when my dad once told me, that he saw him being very down-trodden and slouching, one rainy afternoon after school, whilst picking him up.
Counselling sessions won't help, I told my dad. End of the day, you have to treat him like a 16 year old, the age where everybody do not give a hoot about what the world thinks of them, that time when the testosterones hit an all-time high. So the only way out, is self-realisation. But the longer the ordeal, the deeper you sink. Lest he realises, and seeks help. Which is why, I am considering putting a word to Uncle Prem soon.
I last heard from him, on Deepavali Night, when his dad passed the phone to him, and we wished him. He sounded exactly how I had last spoken to him, 4 years ago - a soft spoken boy, filled with loads of innocence, as he proceeded to give me tips on the betting market. Just like how he kept inviting me over then, to play PS with him.
Haiz, what to do, I just have this big brother thing about me, when I deal with younger people. Heh. Probably foresee myself being a social worker la.
Disclaimer: The word mentor was best used, as compared to guru. Now, don't form wrong ideas here, he was just a tutor in the centre, who took care of the Primary 4-6 boys back then, and now is tutoring another group in the centre. By tutoring, I refer to inculcating values in us, not teaching us lessons. But he tutored me for history in Sec 1, hmm...
So tutor or mentor, you decide.
For me, Uncle Prem. Simple.. =)
PS: Right, will be going on a hiatus now. Will be back soon.. Ciao!
11:41 AM
supernova lit up.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Do you know, that Ajinomoto (gd ol' MSG) makes you feel thirsty almost every 30 mins??
Now, you know.. =)
2:40 PM
supernova lit up.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Happy Birthday October 18 kuttis!!!This is slowly turning, into a birthday-dedication blog la. Haiz, not much material to blog about. Besides, October's like the month of birthdays, and tests. And Deepa-Raya. For now, birthdays.
Right, first up, a common trait between October 18 babies. I've deduced, just like in my previous entry, something rather strangely prominent in our two featured personalities. Which would be, their
SENSE OF DIRECTION!!! Tsk tsk.. ;)
This aunty below, tell you, ask her for directions to her place, she gives me the vaguest signages. LIKE A GREEN POSTER, which turned out to be A4 sized on the bus-stop panels. And there she was, nicely standing there, hands crossed, like I had held up on her. Tsk tsk.
But even so, she's a dear la. My pillar of support, the butt of my jokes, and yet, the listening ear to all my whinings, despite me having to pay the price at times, for her exorbitant shopping escapades. 4 hours, for 3 tops. End of the day, you still know I love you, right??? =)
On to personality nombor dua. This girl, we all know her, by one name. But to me, she comes with a whole set of names. They include, Jalsa, Jalaja, Jar-Jar, Jhaldra etc etc. You get the pic la eh? Not only that, this girl here gives a rather unique look, everytime you jack her. Something a wee-bit like this la..
But despite all these, she's my darling la. One helluva sweet one. Few around me might know, that I might have gone through some stuff, just to be where we are right now, even though they might be early days. Some even forewarned me, about how trouble will eventually start finding me.
Maybe it did, but I always knew, that at the end of the day, it would have all be well worth it. I have seen girls roll over and switch sides during such tumultous moments, but even then, she never buldged.
I always follow my heart with such decisions, and I'm just glad, to have given you that peace of mind you've always been craving for.
I just love you, Sai. You truly are amazing... =)
And maybe, some might have heard of my actions, and think it was a tad too extreme or even cowardly. To me, you've just seeing the tip of the iceberg. Many fail to realise this, but I too have my own connections (not for gossip and such. I have minimal interest with that). And they run very deep, and long.
Lets just say, I worked an old connection out then la, and everything worked out according to plan. Just like old times. =)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESH AND SAILAJAAAAA!!!!!
3:42 PM
supernova lit up.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Sch's a bitch..
Argh!!!
4:29 AM
supernova lit up.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Happy Birthday October 13 Babies!!!!Right, to continue the birthday series on this blog, I'd like to share with you the birthdays of two wonderful people.
Firstly, to my cousin, Murali. I tell you, the word "funny" and Murali really go hand in hand, especially after you get to know this guy. Also one of the crazy gang (the Rajoos) where we do the craziest antics and somehow, get away with them.
Plus, this is his 21st birthday too. Still not too sure if they're having a celebration for it (probably at Bhajans later la).
Next up, Ms Anuradhaaaa. Again, probably a trait amongst Oct 13 babies, that the word "funny" and Anu too, go hand-in-hand. Ah, but that's where the similarities end. See, Anu's funny, because we always end up poking jabs and jokes at her.
Like rolling her up in a carpet and leaving her for 5 mins, tricking her into placing her IC at the security post outside Ngee Ann, the list goes on, But one has to understand, that we do this purely because of one reason.
Anu looks down on all of us. She is a socialite. She finds us, according to her, the best seats at Sangae 05, only to realise that we'd been chucked right at the back, ON THE SECOND TIER OF KALLANG THEATRE.
Tsk tsk, add to that, we never get invites to her glamourous TLS dinners, where they allow you to bring your outside friends. Instead, we hear about it whilst dining at Al-Ameen. Why? Because that's what she thinks of us, coffee-shop boys. That we'd probably end up bringing her social status down.
Which is why, we do many stuff to her. Like spend the night out with us, just by watching us play pool or footy.
But at the end of the day, she's a darling la. Despite her terribly numerous flaws. Heh.
Love you dear, and yes, she also doubles up with me as my financial cum love advisor.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANURADHAAAA AND MURALI!!!! =)
1:25 AM
supernova lit up.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Playing two 90 minute games in a row, is definitely, no joke. Especially when you lack that fitness to last you through these two games.
Am really shagged. So shall keep this sweet, as I try to coax Niva into massaging her dear bro's legs. Like I told the guys during dinner, if she ever did that, expect tommorrow's PSI to hit 300. =p
Was really pleased with yesterday though. Bhajans was really serene and peacefully, something that's been a little absent these last few months. Days of me running around the Ruthra Kaliamman temple as a sugar-high kid, at Her sanctum. She definitely has watched me grow. And so too, the centre.
Its my second home, my second family. And maybe, the return might be for real. At least, to keep in touch with them, by attending weekly bhajans frequently.
Add to that, two other things happened, that I'd probably call, an act of His Grace. First, managed to arrange with one of the centre members to coach me for Computing come next sem. Yes, I'm a kan-chiong spider la. This fella's been a great friend of mine, add to that, a former student of NTU, a computer engineer, and an Indian Scholar. Power la!!
What's even more POWER, would have to be my former tutor from the centre, to offer me an interning opportunity with his company, come 2008. His projects have included the likes of the Circle Line and the Kranji Racecourse. Add to that, you get to fly around during IA. WOOO.. Watch this space.
So yeah, just one day back to the centre, and lotsa surprises. He really does, take care of me.
So shall end the entry with a quote by Sai Baba.
Follow the Master
Face the Devil
Fight till the End
Finish the Game.
-Baba
Late Entry: There are those around, who live in a warped world. Thinking the actions they carry out, are always right, and never wrong. Oh well, I can never muster any respect for such beings. Coz, as much as my close cliq of friends may seem self-righteous to the outside world, at least they do not go around sensationalising my problems to the outside world. Or for the matter, me doing like-wise with theirs. I have, excellent friends. God Bless them.
2:11 PM
supernova lit up.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
"
Oktoberfest is a two-week festival held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany during late September and early October. It is one of the most famous events in the city and the world's largest fair, with some six million people attending every year. Other cities across the world also hold fairs, modeled after the Munich event, also called Oktoberfest."
Sounds fun eh?
When Rajiv mentioned the NTU Alumni Club was celebrating this occasion, only one thing struck any General Knowledge-filled brain. Abundance of BOOZE!!!
Haha, but guess what? Ain't going. Have a temple visit up later on.
But what we concluded earlier, was something that was definitely blog-worthy.
That almost every Tamilan we know is going for this event. That Tamilans will be first in queue, when there's free booze. That Germans too love their booze. That it probably is confirmed, that we Tamilans have some German heritage in us (ah yes, the whole Aryan thingy). That probably one early Aryan went south, met a Dravidian chic, and lo behold, we love booze.
Food for thought. =)
8:28 AM
supernova lit up.
Friday, October 06, 2006
When Diplomacy Fails...When Diplomacy fails
You often are pushed to take up Deterence.
From the very beginning,
I've tried Diplomacy.
People who know me well,
Realise that rarely do I do the latter
Without the former.
But there are times,
When the peace of you and your loved ones
Get threatened,
You take up the latter.
Many have told me a lot,
About him.
His track-record, his character.
It even amazed me,
That there even were people
Who were intimidated by him.
But when the dust settled a couple of hours ago,
All that I heard,
Was just the emotions and tears of a desperate small boy,
Who couldn't come to terms
With his loss.
Because only I probably can lay claims,
As to understand why he acts this way.
Because I have been in his shoes once,
And it really did hurt me then.
But that is how Life is,
I realised.
That if everything was fair,
We wouldn't be complaining now,
Would we? =)
Sometimes, Life doesn't always give us
What we expected.
But that doesn't mean,
We give up just like that.
Because I always believe
That the Almighty has a bigger plan
For each and everyone of us.
And most of the times,
These tribulations only make us stronger.
I'm glad,
I've gotten my peace back.
But more importantly,
I'm elated to have given her back
Her peace of mind.
She's been through enough,
And I will stop at nothing
To make her smile.
To those who have stood by me,
Offering useful solutions (inclusive of the odd CCTv idea - tsk tsk),
Thank You.
To those who probably will gawk,
After hearing about what had happened.
You wouldn't have dealt with it any much better,
Than WE did.
I pray,
That you take care.
Despite having an animosity towards me,
Which is justifiable.
Remember,
Whatever that doesn't break you,
Only makes you stronger.
And to those who would like disturb our peace,
Its very simple
How we roll...
DON'T HUNT WHAT YOU CAN'T KILL... (had to add this in la)
Good Day!
9:56 AM
supernova lit up.
