Nice, Akash.
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Nice, Akash.
Akash, thanks ...i've always admired Swami Vivekanantha... :thumbsup:
Me too, NM :D
"Our Thoughts Make things Beautiful,
Our Thoughts Make things Ugly,
The Whole World is in our OWN mind"
- Swami Vivekananda
Not sure if this is authentic, but still, interesting read!!
Believe it or not ... Of all tales of the supernatural, this one is
perhaps the best documented, the most disturbing and the most difficult to explain.
The Princess of Amen-Ra lived some 1,500 years before Christ. When she died, she was laid in an ornate wooden coffin and buried deep in a vault at Luxor, on the banks of the Nile.In the late 1890s, four rich young Englishmen visiting the excavations at
Luxor were invited to buy an exquisitely fashioned mummy case containing the remains of Princess of Amen-Ra. They drew lots. The man who won paid several thousand pounds and had the coffin taken to his hotel. A few hours later, he was seen walking out towards the desert. He never returned.
The next day, one of the remaining three men was shot by an Egyptian servant accidentally. His arm was so severely wounded and had to be amputated. The third man in the foursome found on his return home that the bank holding his entire savings had failed. The fourth guy suffered a severe illness, lost his job and was
reduced to selling matches in the street.
Nevertheless, the coffin reached England (causing other misfortunes along the way); here it was bought by a London businessman. After three of his family members had been injured in a road accident and his house damaged by fire, the businessman donated it to the British Museum.
As the coffin was being unloaded from a truck in the museum courtyard, the truck suddenly went into reverse and trapped a passerby. Then, as the casket was being lifted up the stairs by two workmen, one fell and broke his leg. The other, apparently in perfect health, died unaccountably two days later.
Once the Princess was installed in the Egyptian Room, trouble really
started. Museum's night watchmen requently heard frantic hammering and sobbing from the coffin. Other exhibits in the room were also often hurled about at night. One watchman died on duty causing the other watchmen to quit. Cleaners refused to go near the Princess too.
When a visitor derisively flicked a dust cloth at the face painted on the coffin, his child died of measles soon afterwards. Finally, the authorities had the mummy carried down to the x-udment. Figuring it could not do any harm down there. Within a week, one of the helpers was seriously ill, and the supervisor of the move was found dead at his desk.
By now, the papers had heard of it. A journalist photographer took a picture of the mummy case and when he developed it, the painting on the coffin was of a horrifying, human face. The photographer was said to have gone home then, locked his bedroom door and shot himself.
Soon afterwards, the museum sold the mummy to a private collector. After continual misfortune (and deaths), the owner banished it to the attic. A well known authority on the occult, Madame Helena Blavatsky, visited the premises. Upon entry, she was seized with a shivering fit and searched the house for the source of "an evil influence of incredible intensity." She finally came to the attic and found the mummy case. "Can you exorcise
this evil spirit?" asked the owner. "There is no such thing as exorcism," she said. "Evil remains evil forever. Nothing can be done about it. I implore you to get rid of this evil as soon as possible."
But no British museum would take the mummy; the fact that almost twenty people had met with misfortune, disaster or death from handling the casket, in barely ten years, was now well known.
Eventually, a hardheaded American archaeologist (who dismissed the happenings as quirks of circumstance), paid a handsome price for the mummy and arranged for its removal to New York. In April 1912, the new owner escorted his treasure aboard a sparkling, new White Star liner about to make its maiden voyage to New York.
On the night of April 14, amid scenes of unprecedented horror, the Princess of Amen-Ra accompanied 1,500 passengers to their deaths at the bottom of the Atlantic.
The name of the ship was the Titanic.
The 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is fully
dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with her hair fashionably coiffed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today.
Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready.
As she manoeuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual
description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window.
"I love it," she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.
"Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room ..just wait."
"That doesn't have anything to do with it, "she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged... it's how I arrange my mind.
"I already decided to love it. It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
"Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away just for this time in my life.
"Old age is like a bank account: you withdraw from what you've put in.
"So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories.
"Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still
depositing."
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less
1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK:
If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind... I will not respond in a like manner.
2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY "ENEMY":
If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand the "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker, or a stranger.
3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY:
I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip.
4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE:
I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.
5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE:
I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.
6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL NOT DO IT SECRETLY:
I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.
7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED:
I will practice the golden rule - "Do unto others as I would have them do unto me" - with everyone I encounter.
8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE I DISCOURAGED:
My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling life.
9. TODAY I WILL NUTURE MY BODY:
I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body.
10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY:
I will spend a little more time in prayer today: I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during the day) and listen to God's voice!
A stranger was walking thru' a construction site where hundreds of men were busy at work. The sun was hot and not a cloud was there in the sky. The workers were complaining about everything- the heat, the lousy tools, the other workers, the design of the building. Everything.
Each time the stranger walked past a sweating worker, he'd ask, "What are you doing?" And each worker would scowl and angrily reply, " What does it look like? I'm laying bricks. Get out of here and leave me alone!"
But one man stood out from the rest. Though he was soaked in dust and filth from brick and mortar, he was humming a tune and the stranger could swear that he was smiling.
" All of these men are miserable except you," commented the stranger. " You 're all slaving away under the same hot sun, doing the same hard work over and over. Yet you're smiling while laying bricks while others are swearing.Why?"
The smiling worker turned to him, mopped his brow and replied in a strong, proud voice- " I'm smiling beacuse I'm just not laying bricks. I'm building a Cathedral."
So, WHAT ARE YOU BUILDING?
Albert Einstein was once introduced to the eighteen-month-old son of a young friend. The infant looked into the old physicist's wizened face and promptly began to bawl.
"You're the first person for years," Einstein declared, patting the child on the head, "who has told me what you really think of me."
***********************
During the Cannes Film Festival one year, Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, were invited to attend a party aboard a luxury yacht. As they approached the party in a smaller boat, Maria began to feel terribly seasick. "Darling, for God's sake be a grown-up," Schwarzenegger snapped. "What's a little rough sea?"
Once they were safely aboard the yacht, Maria found her sea legs and soon felt fine. And Arnold?
He promptly turned green (in front of about eighty guests) and had to be helped off the ship and hurried to shore.
*************************
One day during rush hour, George Shearing (who had been blind since birth) found himself at a busy Manhattan intersection, waiting for someone to help him across the street.
After waiting for some time, he was finally tapped on the shoulder. Unfortunately, it was another blind man, seeking similar assistance. What did Shearing do?
"What could I do?" Shearing later laughed. "I took him across - and it was the biggest thrill of my life!"
**************************
Charlie Chaplin once entered a Charlie Chaplin Look-Alike Contest in Monte Carlo, Monaco. He was placed third.
A SOULFUL RELATIONSHIP
An African proverb states, "Before you get married, keep both eyes
open, and after you marry, close one eye."
Before you get involved and make a commitment to someone, don't let lust, desperation, immaturity, ignorance, pressure from others or a low self-esteem, make you blind to warning signs.
Keep your eyes open, and don't fool yourself that you can change
someone or that what you see as faults aren't really important.
Once you decide to commit to someone, over time his or her flaws,
vulnerabilities, pet peeves, and differences will become more
obvious.
If you love your mate and want the relationship to grow and evolve, you've got to learn to close one eye and not let every little thing bother you.
You and your mate have many different expectations, emotional
needs, values, dreams, weaknesses, and strengths. Neither of you are perfect, but are you perfect for each other? Do you bring out the best in each other?
Do you compliment and compromise with each other, or do you
compete, compare, and control?
What do you bring to the relationship?
Do you bring past relationships, past hurt, past mistrust, past
pain?
You can't take someone to the altar to alter him or her. You can't make someone love you or make someone stay. If you develop self-esteem, spiritual discernment, and "a life", you won't find yourself making someone else responsible for your happiness or responsible for your pain.
Manipulation, control, jealousy, neediness, and selfishness are not
the ingredients of a thriving, healthy, loving and lasting
relationship!
Seeking status, sex, wealth, and security are the wrong reasons to
be in a relationship.
What keeps a relationship strong?
1.Communication, intimacy, trust, a sense of humor, sharing
household tasks, some getaway time without business or children and daily exchanges (a meal, shared activity, a hug, a call, a touch, a note).
2.Leave a nice message on the voicemail or send a nice email.
3.Sharing common goals and interests.
4.Growth is important. Grow together, not away from each
other, giving each other pace to grow without feeling insecure.
5. Allow your mate to have outside interest. You can't always
be together. Give each other a sense of belonging and assurances of commitment.
6. Don't try to control one another.
7.Learn each other's family situation. Respect his or her
parents regardless.
8.Don't put pressure on each other for material goods.
Remember for richer or for poorer.
9.If these qualities are missing, the relationship will erode
as resentment, withdrawal, abuse, neglect, dishonesty, and pain
replace the passion.
10.The difference between 'United' and 'Untied' is where you
put the i.
wow.... this thread is absolutely great... i must say this is the first thread that i read through from the very beginning to the very end.... i just wish i had something to add of my own.... but nothing on hand at present.... but i give u my word, i will be back in abt two days with some jewels..... i have some things at home....
anyway before i sign off i just want to say again that this thread is awesome.....
I read something somewhere about a tip on how to do a HARD task....mould your attitude into one that fits the task.
Not exactly beautiful wordings but....hope you'll get the message. Basically, instead of getting angrier and ANGRIER at something that is hard to do, try singing or think cheerful thoughts. :wave:
Ratchasi......great!! Will remember these if & when I do get married!! :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by a.ratchasi
Around two weeks ago I was called to judge a talent contest at one of the city colleges. I noticed all the participants were given slips of paper with a topic written on it and told to come up and speak for three minutes.
Lots were drawn as to who would be the first speaker and the next and the next. The first contestant I noticed looked a little disgruntled as he got onto the podium to address the others.
"My fellow students and respected judges," he said loudly, "this is an unfair contest!"
I, along with my fellow judges looked up surprised. "I have been given this paper," he continued, "to speak on a subject with just a few minutes preparation whereas those after me have more time to work on their speech. This is unfair!" He then proceeded to leave the stage and stormed out of the hall.
Nobody missed him and the contest went on smoothly.
I met him on the landing as I was being escorted out later.
"Who said life is fair?" I asked him with a smile. He looked at me startled and I asked him to walk with me to my car. "Life," I
told him, "is fighting the unfair and still winning! Do you read automobile magazines?"
"Yes," he said eagerly, "I do."
"Have you seen statistics shown when a new car is being introduced into the market? They talk about speed and torque and
transmission and horse power."
"Yes," he nodded.
"But there is a line they put after all these figures. They say all this
data is when there are ideal road conditions!"
"Yes," he said again.
"Show me ideal road conditions?" I asked him and he smiled. "The car that sells well," I continued is the car that will deliver power and speed and durability in the worst of roads, in potholes and mud and slush. That car is a winner!"
We had reached my car and he stood by my side as I heaved myself in. "Don't look for ideal playing conditions," I said. "Fight the
unfair and come out a winner!" I looked back in my rear view mirror as I drove away and saw him smile and wave and knew he would fight the unfair from now on.
The fight never stops. Ask all the successful people in our own country. They fight regardless whether the battle is fair or
unfair. Stop telling the world about the unfair deal you've got out of life; start battling the unfair, come out victorious..!
Same here, NM, same, here! :D
A story is told about a soldier who was finally coming home after having fought in Vietnam. He called his parents from San Francisco.
"Mom and Dad, I'm coming home, but I've a favor to ask. I have a friend I'd like to bring home with me.
"Sure," they replied, "we'd love to meet him."
"There's something you should know," the son continued, "he was hurt pretty badly in the fighting. He stepped on a land mind and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us."
"I'm sorry to hear that, son. Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live."
"No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live with us."
"Son," said the father, "you don't know what you're asking. Someone with such a handicap would be a terrible burden on us. We have our own lives to live, and we can't let something like this interfere with our lives. I think you should just come home and forget about this guy. He'll find a way to live on his own."
At that point, the son hung up the phone. The parents heard nothing more from him. A few days later, however, they received a call from the San Francisco police. Their son had died after falling from a building, they were told. The police believed it was suicide.
The grief-stricken parents flew to San Francisco and were taken to the city morgue to identify the body of their son. They recognized him, but to their horror they also discovered something they didn't know, their son had only one arm and one leg.
Love . . .
Brittney loved basketball, Friends and parties too, And when it came to painting, That's all she wanted to do. She painted everything she saw, Birds, flowers, and the sky, Some
days she sat at her window, And painted everything that passed her by. But lately she'd been feeling woozy, Her muscles ached a lot, And her parents got kind of worried, So they took her to the doctor, The doctor took a couple of tests, To see if everything was okay, Then the nurse came out with a look of sadness, And this is what she had to say..
"I'm sorry, but you've got leukemia, " You've got about 3 months more." Then Brittney got up and ran out of the room, And slammed the office door. She ran down the street screaming, And cried her eyes out dry, And stayed up all night, Wondering what it's
like to die.
Her parents held her tightly, And said, "We love you," We'll make your last few months the greatest, "We'll do anything for you." So Brittney and her parents moved to Florida, to live by the sea, Because Brittney loved the ocean, And when she died,
that's where she wanted to be.
She spent her days painting, And horseback riding in by the bay, But one day she met this guy, And his name was Jay. They collected seashells together, And talked about all kinds of things, And then one day while walking, He handed her a ring.
It said, "I love you," Which brought tears to Brittney's eyes, And when he put it on her finger, She began to cry. He asked her what was wrong, and she then replied, "I've got leukemia, and about a month more. " He said," No matter what, I love you And no matter what, you are the one I adore." So they spent everyday together, And swam in the Atlantic all day, But Brittney was getting weaker, And it was hard for her stay awake.
So one day Brittney painted her picture, And gave it to Jay, She said, "I want you to remember me," "Even when I leave this place.."
And one day while they were walking, And searching for seashells in the sand, Brittney collapsed and started to lose her breath, And said to Jay, "Please hold my hand." I love you more than anyone," You are my only true love," But now my time is up," And I'll watch over you from above," Then Brittney's body was lifeless, As she lay in Jay's arms, And he sat there all day, And kept her safe from harm..
I hope this teaches us a lesson. To tell someone you love them whenever you can. Because maybe they'll be gone tomorrow. And you won't be there to hold their hand. Because love is everything to everybody. Without it, the world would be dead. So always tell someone you love them. A parent, boyfriend/girlfriend, or friend.
A man approached Mother Teresa and said, Mother, I want to do something great for God, but I don't know what. Should I start a school, be a missionary in a foreign land, build up a charitable agency? He had great visions. Mother Teresa looked at him closely, with kindness, and responded: What you need to do is make sure that no one in your family goes unloved.
What the Modern Woman Wants
By Amanda Chong Wei-Zhen
The old woman sat in the backseat of the magenta convertible as it careened down the highway, clutching tightly to the plastic bag on her lap, afraid it may be kidnapped by the wind. She was not used to such speed, with trembling hands she pulled the seatbelt tighter but was careful not to touch the patent leather seats with her callused fingers, her daughter had warned her not to dirty it, 'Fingerprints show very clearly on white, Ma.'
Her daughter, Bee Choo, was driving and talking on her sleek silver mobile phone using big words the old woman could barely understand.
'Finance' 'Liquidation' 'Assets' 'Investments'... Her voice was crisp and important and had an unfamiliar lilt to it. Her Bee Choo sounded like one of those foreign girls on television. She was speaking in an American accent.
The old lady clucked her tongue in disapproval.
'I absolutely cannot have this. We have to sell!' Her daughter exclaimed agitatedly as she stepped on the accelerator; her perfectly manicured fingernails gripping onto the steering wheel in irritation.
'I can't DEAL with this anymore!' she yelled as she clicked the phone shut and hurled it angrily toward the backseat.
The mobile phone hit the old woman on the forehead and nestled soundlessly into her lap. She calmly picked it up and handed it to her daughter.
'Sorry, Ma,' she said, losing the American pretence and switching to Mandarin. 'I have a big client in America. There have been a lot of problems.'
The old lady nodded knowingly. Her daughter was big and important. Bee Choo stared at her mother from the rear view window, wondering what she was thinking. Her mother's wrinkled countenance always carried the same cryptic look.
The phone began to ring again, an artificially cheerful digital tune, which broke the awkward silence.
'Hello, Beatrice! Yes, this is Elaine.' Elaine. The old woman cringed. I didn't name her Elaine. She remembered her daughter telling her, how an English name was very important for 'networking', Chinese ones being easily forgotten.
'Oh no, I can't see you for lunch today. I have to take the ancient relic to the temple for her weird daily prayer ritual.'
Ancient Relic. The old woman understood perfectly it was referring to her. Her daughter always assumed that her mother's silence meant she did not comprehend.
'Yes, I know! My car seats will be reeking of joss sticks!'
The old woman pursed her lips tightly, her hands gripping her plastic bag in defence.
The car curv ed smoothly into the temple courtyard. It looked almost garish next to the dull sheen of the ageing temple's roof. The old woman got out of the back seat, and made her unhurried way to the main hall.
Her daughter stepped out of the car in her business suit and stilettos and reapplied her lipstick as she made her brisk way to her mother's side.
'Ma, I'll wait outside. I have an important phone call to make,' she said, not bothering to hide her disgust at the pungent fumes of incense.
The old lady hobbled into the temple hall and lit a joss stick, she knelt down solemnly and whispered her now familiar daily prayer to the Gods.
Thank you God of the Sky, you have given my daughter luck all these years. Everything I prayed for, you have given her. She has everything a young woman in this world could possibly want. She has a big house with a swimming pool, a maid to help her, as she is too clumsy to sew or cook.
Her love life has been blessed; she is engaged to a rich and handsome angmoh man. Her company is now the top financial firm and even men listen to what she says. She lives the perfect life. You have given her everything except happiness. I ask that the gods be merciful to her even if she has lost her roots while reaping the harvest of success.
What you see is not true, she is a filial daughter to me. She gives me a room in her big house and provides well for me. She is rude to me only because I affect her happiness. A young woman does not want to be hindered by her old mother. It is my fault.
The old lady prayed so hard that tears welled up in her eyes. Finally, with her head bowed in reverence she planted the half-burnt joss stick into an urn of smouldering ashes.
She bowed once more.
The old woman had been praying for her d aughter for thirty-two years. When her stomach was round like a melon, she came to the temple and prayed that it was a son.
Then the time was ripe a nd the baby slipped out of her womb, bawling and adorable with fat thighs and pink cheeks, but unmistakably, a girl. Her husband had kicked and punched her for producing a useless baby who could not work or carry the family name.
Still, the woman returned to the temple with her new-born girl tied to her waist in a sarong and prayed that her daughter would grow up and have everything she ever wanted. Her husband left her and she prayed that her daughter would never have to depend on a man.
She prayed every day that her daughter would be a great woman, the woman that she, meek and uneducated, could never become. A woman with nengkan; the ability to do anything she set her mind to. A woman who commanded respect in the hearts of men. When she opened her mouth to speak, precious pearls would fall out and men would listen.
She will not be like me, the woman prayed as she watched her daughter grow up and drift away from her, speaking a language she scarcely un derstood. She watched her daughter transform from a quiet girl, to one who openly defied her, calling her laotu; old-fashioned. She wanted her mother to be 'modern', a word so new there was no Chinese word for it.
Now her daughter was too clever for her and the old woman wondered why she had prayed like that. The gods had been faithful to her persistent prayer, but the weal th and success that poured forth so richly had buried the girl's roots and now she stood, faceless, with no identity, bound to the soil of her ancestors by only a string of origami banknotes.
Her daughter had forgotten her mother's values. Her wants were so ephemeral; that of a modern woman. Power, Wealth, access to the best fashion boutiques, and yet her daughter had not found true happiness. The old woman knew that you could find happiness with much less. When her daughter left the earth everything she had would count for nothing. People would look to her legacy and say that she was a great woman, but she would be forgotten once the wind blows over, like the ashes of burnt paper convertibles and mansions.
The old woman wished she could go back and erase all her big hopes and prayers for her daughter; now she had only one want: That her daughter be happy. She looked out of the temple gate. She saw her daughter speaking on the phone, her brow furrowed with anger and worry. Being at the top is not good, the woman thought, there is only one way to go from there - down.
The old woman carefully unfolded the plastic bag and spread out a packet of beehoon in front of the altar.
Her daughter often mocked her for worshipping porcelain Gods. How could she pray to them so faithfully and expect pieces of ceramic to fly to her aid?
But her daughter had her own gods too, idols of wealth, success and power that she was enslaved to and worshipped every day of her life.
Every day was a quest for the idols, and the idols she worshipped counted for nothing in eternity. All the wants her daughter had would slowly suck the life out of her and leave her, an empty soulless shell at the altar.
The old lady watched her joss tick. The dull heat had left a teetering grey stem that was on the danger of collapsing.
Modern woman nowadays, the old lady sighed in resignation, as she bowed to the east one final time to end her ritual. Modern woman nowadays want so much that they lose their souls and wonder why they cannot find it.
Her joss stick disintegrated into a soft grey powder.
She met her daughter outside the temple, the same look of worry and frustration was etched on her daughter's face. An empty expression, as if she was ploughing through the soil of her wants looking for the one thing that would sow the seeds of happiness.
They climbed into the convertible in silence and her daughter drove along the highway, this time not as fast as she had done before.
'Ma,' Bee Choo finally said. 'I don't know how to put this. Mark and I have been talking about it and we plan to move out of the big house. The property market is good now, and we managed to get a buyer willing to pay seven million for it. We decided we'd prefer a cosier penthouse apartment instead. We found a perfect one in Orchard Road. Once we move in to our apartment we plan to get rid of the maid, so we can have more space to ourselves...'
The old woman nodded knowingly.
Bee Choo swallowed hard. 'We'd get someone to come in to do the housework and we can eat out-but once the maid is gone, there won't be anyone to look after you. You will be awfully lonely at home and, besides that, the apartment is rather small. There won't be space. We thought about it for a lon g time, and we decided the best thing for you is if you moved to a Home.
There's one near Hougang-it's a Christian home, a very nice one.'
The old woman did not raise an eyebrow. 'I've been there, the matron is willing to take you in. It's beautiful with gardens and lots of old people to keep you company! I hardly have time for you, you'd be happier there.'
'You'd be happier there, really.' Her daughter repeated as if to affirm herself.
This time the old woman had no plastic bag of food offerings to cling tightly to; she bit her lip and fastened her seat belt, as if it would protect her from a daughter who did not want her anymore. She sunk deep into the leather seat, letting her shoulders sag, and her fingers trace the white seat.
'Ma?' her daughter asked, searching the rear view window for her mother. 'Is everything okay?'
What had to be done, had to be done. 'Yes,' she said firmly, louder than she intended, 'if it will make you happy, ' she added more quietly.
'It's for you, Ma! You'll be happier there. You can move there tomorrow, I already got the maid to pack your things.' Elaine said triumphantly, mentally ticking yet another item off her agenda.
'I knew everything would be fine.'
Elaine smiled widely; she felt liberated. Perhaps getting rid of her mother would make her happier. She had thought about it. It seemed the only hindrance in her pursuit of happiness. She was happy now. She had everything a modern woman ever wanted; Money, Status, Career, Love,Power and now, Freedom, without her mother and her old-fashioned ways to weigh her down...
Yes, she was free. Her phone buzzed urgently, she picked it up and read the message, still beaming from ear to ear. 'Stocks 10% increase!'
Yes, things were definitely beginning to look up for her...
And while searching for the meaning of life in the luminance of her hand phone screen, the old woman in the backseat became invisible, and she did not see the tears.
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A 15-YEAR-OLD Singaporean, competing against 16- to 18-year-olds, has won the top prize in a writing contest that drew 5,300 entries from 52 countries.
In the annual Commonwealth Essay Competition, Amanda Chong of Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) chose to compete in the older category and won with a piece on the restlessness of modern life.
Her short story, titled What The Modern Woman Wants, focused on the conflict in values between an old lady and her independent-minded daughter.
'Through my story, I attempted to convey the unique East-versus-West struggles and generation gaps that I felt were characteristic of young people in my country,' said Amanda, who likes drama, history and literature and wants to become a lawyer and a politician.
Chief examiner Charles Kemp called her piece a 'powerfully moving and ironical critique of modern restlessness and its potentially cruel consequences'. The writing is fluent and assured, with excellent use of dialogue.
Amanda gets (S$1,590). A Singaporean last won the top prize in 2000, said Britain's Royal Commonwealth Society, which has been organising t he competition since 1883. Singaporeans also came in second in the 14- to 15-year-old category, and fourth in the under-12s. Other winners included students from Australia, Canada and South Africa.
Verified:http://www.thecommonwealth.org/Templ...p?NodeID=38805
ratchasi,
Very touching story indeed. Couldn't believe it is by a 15 year old. Just some time before, I posted a quote in 'Quotes' thread- Be nice to yr kids, they decide your nursing home. I think we need to change it to 'Old age' home! :shock:
Yes, scorpio. It is touching indeed.
Sadly, more and more parents are seen as liability. Thus the need for such 'homes'.
a.ratchasi,
The story was moving. It brought tears to my eyes. The news about the author came as a total surprise to me. Something really great by a 15 year old. Thanks ratchasi for sharing it here. :)
Chief examiner Charles Kemp called her piece a 'powerfully moving and ironical critique of modern restlessness and its potentially cruel consequences'. The writing is fluent and assured, with excellent use of dialogue.
Very true !!!
1. WILL THE REAL DUMMY PLEASE STAND UP?
AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked intellectual leadership. He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence.
2. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS:
Police in Oakland, California spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them in the police line, shouting, "Please come out and give yourself up."
3. WHAT WAS PLAN B???
An Illinois man, pretending to have a gun, kidnapped a motorist and forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines, wherein the kidnapper proceeded to withdraw money from own his bank accounts.
4. THE GETAWAY!
A man walked into a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Stop, and asked for all the money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked at the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.
5. DID I SAY THAT???
Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just couldn't control himself during a line-up. When detectives asked each man in the line-up to repeat the words: "Give me all your money or I'll shoot," the man shouted, "That's not what I said!"
6. ARE WE COMMUNICATING??
A man spoke frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!" "Is this her first child?" the doctor asked. "No!" the man shouted, "This is her husband!"
7. NOT THE SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED!!
In Modesto, California, Steven Richard King was arrested for trying to hold up a Bank of America branch without a weapon. King used a thumb and a finger to simulate a gun, but unfortunately, he failed to keep his hand in his pocket.
8. THE GRAND FINALE
Last summer, down on Lake Isabella, located in the high desert, an hour east of Bakersfield, California, some folks, new to boating, were having a problem. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get their brand new 22 ft. boat going. It was very sluggish in almost every manoeuvre, no matter how much power was applied. After about an hour of trying to make it go, they putted to a nearby marina, thinking someone there could tell them what was wrong. A thorough topside check revealed everything in perfect working condition. The engine ran fine, the out drive went up and down, and the prop was the correct size and pitch. So, one of the marina guys jumped in the water to check underneath. He came up hoking on water, he was laughing so hard. NOW REMEMBER...THIS IS TRUE ... Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roshan
Yes, Roshan. It did surprise me too that a 15 year old girl wrote the story. So much so I had to check the source to confirm!!
And, yes, the chief examiner has summed it all too well. :)
:lol:Quote:
6. ARE WE COMMUNICATING??
A man spoke frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!" "Is this her first child?" the doctor asked. "No!" the man shouted, "This is her husband!"
23 Things to Always Remember And One Thing Never to Forget)
1. Your presence is a present to the world.
2. You're unique and one of a kind.
3. Your life can be what you want it to be.
4. Take the days just one at a time.
5. Count your blessings, not your troubles.
6. You'll make it through whatever comes along.
7. Within you are so many answers.
8. Understand, have courage, be strong.
9. Don't put limits on yourself.
10. So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
11. Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
12. Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.
13. Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
14. The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.
15. Don't take things too seriously.
16. Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.
17. Remember that a little love goes a long way.
18. Remember that a lot ... goes forever.
19. Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
20. Life's treasures are people ... together.
21. Realize that it's never to late.
22. Do ordinary things in extraordinary ways.
23. Have health and hope and happiness.
23. Take the time to wish upon a star.
And don't ever forget ... For even a day ... How very special you are.
~ Author Unknown ~
Beginning today, I will no longer worry about yesterday.
It is in the past and the past will never change.
Only I can change by choosing to do so.
Beginning today, I will no longer worry about tomorrow.
Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most
of it.
But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today.
Beginning today, I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy of my respect and admiration.
This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time with and someone I would like to get to know better.
Beginning today, I will cherish each moment of my life.
I value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly share this gift with others.
I will use this gift to enhance the lives of others.
Beginning today, I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysteries I encounter.
I will face challenges with courage and determination.
I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my quest for growth and self-improvement.
Beginning today, I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.
Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image, my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.
Beginning today, I walk with renewed faith in human kindness.
Regardless of what has gone before, I believe there is hope for a brighter and better future.
Beginning today, I will open my mind and my heart.
I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people.
I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world.
But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.
Beginning today, I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do things that make me happy . . .
admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my favorite music, pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath . . .
Pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.
Beginning today, I will learn something new; I will try something different; I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer.
I will change what I can and the rest I will let go.
I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.
Beginning today. And every day.
~ Source Unknown ~
" Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most
of it.
But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today. "
Querida, How true!! Thanks for the good write-up. You made my day!
Scorpio Akka: Your day is just beginning. If it is already made, what are you going to do? Start with making the most of tomorrow?Quote:
" Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most
of it.
But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first making the most of today. "
Querida, How true!! Thanks for the good write-up. You made my day!
:lol:
Yeah Badri.. I'll right away start preparing for tomorrow's meetings, jot down my deliverables, see what can be delegated to whom, draw action plan and deadlines and ensure I use today to make my tomorrows better! :lol:
Delegate panniye kalathha ottaraanga pa sila peru!!
Amaam, what's with JG? No news! Did Cinefan meet him at their usual rendezvous?
Delegate seithal Manager-kku azhagu
Delegate sethathai appappo reviw seithal nalla-manager-kku azhagu. - Don't u know that??
That's what I do. :P
I think JG would've got married by now and is now on cloud nine too busy to even see what has happened to his roasting. Cinefan only can clarify! Oru oru Weekend-um kooda cricket-aadara friendukku oru invitation kudava prairie kudukkalai??
If we digress this thread further, Hub polees Roshan will shoo us away! :lol:
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I felt you kiss me good night. I felt loved and safe.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know from you--how to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking,
I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."
Hey querida,Quote:
Originally Posted by Querida
where did u pick this from?? Isnt that "Naadham en jeevane"?? :D
Hey Hehehewalrus where you been? :DQuote:
Originally Posted by hehehewalrus
correct song from my very fav movie (Kadhal Oviyam) but i love music too much to let it be that title :D
take care
A.Ratchasi that was very moving thanx :thumbsup:
Querida
anything new happening to u or ur pets?
:)
well i really don't have a cat i was kidding...i only have two koi fish..and they really are chicken :PQuote:
Originally Posted by hehehewalrus
anyways before i get admonished for going off topic :wink: :
Don't Look Back
As you travel through life there are always those times
when decisions just have to be made,
when the choices are hard and solutions seem scarce
and the rain seems to soak your parade!
There are some situations where all you can do
is to simply let go and move on,
gather courage together and choose a direction
that carries you toward a new dawn.
So pack up your troubles and take a step forward.
The process of change can be tough.
But think about all the excitement ahead,
if you can be stalwart enough!
There could be adventures you never imagined
just waiting around the next bend
and wishes and dreams just about to come true
in ways you can't yet comprehend!
Perhaps you'll find friendships that spring from new interests,
as you challenge your status quo
and learn there are so many options in life,
and so many ways you can grow!
Perhaps you'll go places you never expected
and see things that you've never seen,
or travel to fabulous, faraway worlds
and wonderful spots in between!
Perhaps you'll find warmth, affection and caring,
a "somebody special" who's there
to help you stay centered and listen with interest
to stories and feelings you share.
Perhaps you'll find comfort in knowing your friends
are supportive of all that you do
and believe that whatever decisions you make,
they'll be the right choices for you!
So keep putting one foot in front of the other
and taking your life day by day.
There's a brighter tomorrow that's just down the road.
Don't look back, you're not going that way!
When you are tense, let me teach you to relax.
When you are short tempered, let me teach you to be patient.
When you are short sighted, let me teach you to see.
When you are quick to react, let me teach you to be thoughtful.
When you are angry, let me teach you to be serene.
When you feel superior, let me teach you to be respectful.
When you are self absorbed, let me teach you to think of greater things.
When you are arrogant, let me teach you humility.
When you are lonely, let me be your companion.
When you are tired, let me carry the load.
When you need to learn, let me teach you.
After all, I am your FRIEND.
Hmmm...lets see....I am short tempered, short sighted, lonely, tired, and I need to learn, A LOT :cry: :cry: :cry:...Quote:
Originally Posted by scorpio
That was very lovely, Scorpio. Thanks for sharing it with us. :thumbsup:
THE MAYONNAISE JAR AND COFFEE
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the coffee....
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things - God, family, your children,
your health, your friends, and your favorite passions-things that
if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would
still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else-the small stuff."
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no
room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. "
"Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play
with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your
partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal."
"Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set
your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee
represented The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
That was last bit was really really good!Quote:
"I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
You appear to be more of a teacher than a friend! :twisted: :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by scorpio