"Yes, we can change"

Writers and Their Madness
We take a look at two historical writers and their relevance in today's life.

He sat erect on his office chair, listening to the ridiculous lub-dub of his pulse. Oh wait, he's laughing. No wonder.

Little did we know that this seemingly nondescript young man had, in fact, written what was featured as a "Sample Argumentative Essay".

One of Mr Lam's works on uniforms pushed against allowing students to "dress in any way they like", as he described in a revolutionary concept he calls Unnecessary Freedom.

The central dogma of Unnecessary Freedom states that "If we grant them the unnecessary freedom to students, it may cause future requests and demands for even needless freedom".

Enough said.

While currently holding a temporary assignment at a well-known insurance firm, Mr Lam still draws parallels of Unnecessary Freedom, even in the working environment!

For example, he is allowed an hour-long lunch break around noon, with the flexibility to choose how and when he would like to have it. Referring to Unnecessary Freedom, he says "Who needs an hour? It's a waste of time!" "Lunchtime should be regulated by the second," he proposes.

Indeed, it seems like Mr Lam is already experiencing this "needless freedom".

On the more scientific side of this story, his esteemed colleague Miss Teo had, around the same time, introduced the Best Years Hypothesis. In her essay on the topic, she set forth that "the period from age 13 to 19" are the "best years of one's life".

Bravo, Miss Teo. We at Saluton! certainly hope she's not referring to that crazy time of the month; it certainly wouldn't be a girl's best time of her life.

But, somehow, we do agree. Having reached the ripe age of 20, Miss Teo is definitely done with the Best Years Hypothesis thing she had going on. We are almost sure that she is now experiencing the wondrous "needless freedom" much to the chagrin of the then 15/16-year-old Mr Lam.

We just can't wait for her "future requests and demands for even needless freedom"!

And, for the record, the disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Neither the writer nor the publisher intended, in one way or another, to criticise or attack the writers mentioned in this article or to be this lame. Mr Lam has discarded his sole manuscript of Unnecessary Freedom, whereas Miss Teo has been clearing out her English file.

This was inspired by this.

We went through the horrors of chemistry together.

2241 becomes 2247. Confirmed.
2250 Landed.
2310 Belt starts.
2340 waves.

Waiting and seeing Trina's surprise was a timely reminder of what's important in life.

What actually got me through these nearly 2 years.

ORD lo.

Now when is Erick's flight? (Gauri, you're not forgotten.)

Review

Painting my grandma's room last week was really tiring, but the room was seriously transformed after that.

During the week, Josh reminded me of money, or rather, the lack of it. I may not agree with his ideas, but it just struck me -- my studies will cost a substantial amount of money.

Time to be frugal, like for example, "do I really want the more expensive tablet PC that Sonia warned me against?". Haha.

Words from Einstein

Sometimes in our relentless effort to find the person we love, we fail to recognise and appreciate the people who love us. We miss out on so many beautiful things simply because we allow ourselves to be enslaved by our own selfish concerns.

Go for the man/woman of deeds and not for the man/woman of words, for you will find rewarding happiness, not with the man/woman you love but with the man/woman who loves you more.

The best lovers are those capable of loving from a distance far enough to allow the person to grow but never too far to feel the love within your being.

To let go of someone doesn't mean you have to stop loving; it only means that you allow that person to find his/her own happiness without expecting him/her to come back. Letting go is not just setting the other person free, but is also setting yourself free from all the bitterness, hatred, and anger that you keep in your heart. Do not let the bitterness take away your strength and weaken your faith, and never allow pain to dishearten you; but rather let yourself grow with wisdom in bearing it.

You may find peace in loving someone from a distance not expecting something in return. But be careful, for this can sustain life but can never give enough room for us to grow. We can all survive with just beautiful memories of the past,but real peace and happiness come only with open acceptance of what reality is today.

There comes a time in our lives when we chance upon someone so nice and beautiful and we just find ourselves so intensely attracted to that person. This feeling soon becomes a part of our everyday lives and eventually consumes our thoughts and actions. The sad part of it is when we begin to realise that this person feels nothing more for us than just a friendship. We start our desperate attempt to get noticed and be closer, but in the end our efforts are still unrewarded and we end up being sorry for ourselves. You don't have to forget someone you love. What you need to learn is how to accept the verdict of reality without being bitter or sorry for yourself. Believe me, you would be better off giving that dedication and love to someone more deserving.

Don't let your heart run your life, be sensible and let your mind speak for itself. Listen not only to your feelings but to reason as well.

Always remember that if you lose someone today, it means that someone better is coming tomorrow. If you lose love, that doesn't mean you failed in love.

Cry if you have to, but make sure that tears wash away the hurt and the bitterness that the past has left with you. Let go of yesterday and love will find its way back to you. And when it does, pray that it may be the love that will stay and last a lifetime.

There are two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.

There is no mistake so painful that love cannot forgive, no past so bitter that love cannot accept, and no love so little that we cannot start all over with.

Source: Love and Life, Albert Einstein (source unverified), via Carrie.

So not easy.

BE STRONG.

After talking to Gauri about it on MSN, it was late at night, so I succumbed to Google Reader.

My gawd. When I got to Aug 27, 2009, I suddenly felt hot.

Pak Nian, be strong. Keep the switch flipped the correct way.

It just makes me so sad. But it must be alright, because it's ok.

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[EDIT]
F---. Apparently today's swim wasn't cooling enough. Gotta sweat it out tomorrow. Or with lacrimation, tonight.

Train

Happiness on the train is seeing someone give up their seat to the elderly.

It's alright, it's okay

I know I shouldn't let things get to me.

But it's so easy to fall into the cycle of negativity in this organisation. There, I just did it again.

Perhaps I need to tell myself that it's alright and it's okay. Positive song.

PS: I wonder why my Blogger isn't working properly.

Finisher of 21km!

I managed 21km with Brandon.

Haha. It was really good. :)

Anyways, I am thankful to all who have supported me, including friends who keep me in check when I get to negative.

Thank you.

And Gauri's back! Ha! Gonna have a few fun weeks while she's here.

Great stuff with Kenneth too! Haha. Keep it up with the NDP stuff, I guess. :)