Life, as we come to like and get acquainted with...

“Our lives are shaped by opportunities, even the ones that we missed”

- a quote. Not my usual stuff. But I like it to bits.

A Contemplation

Look around you. And think for a second. Have you attained enough in your life? You probably think you haven't. But is that really the case? Sometimes we don't have to look further to see a world filled with miseries. It might exist right at your own backyard. Maybe it's a place you pass by everyday. Maybe it's around the corner where you get your favourite 'roti canai'. But in our frenzied chase for a loft facing KLCC or a slick Mini Cooper or a walk-in closet brimming with Armanis and Pradas, we don't stop to see that others are deprived of even the most basic needs. Will you slow down and drink in the scenes around you? Probably you would. Probably you would not. If you do, will you try to introduce a difference in their lives. Tricky business this is. You might think that they're condemned to suffer the cycle. You might think that there's nothing that can be done to cause the remarkable shift in their lives. You might forfeit any hopes for them to lead a different story.

You're wrong if you do. Life's arduous but that doesn't mean it's thorns and barbwire along the way. A simple deed might touch their lives forever, setting them on a completely different course. All you need to do is to open your eyes and open your arms. Embrace their faults and try to turn them around. Daunting it might sound but however little you do might mean a mountain in the hereafter.

You can't get too much on your plate!

Life has a funny way to sneak up on you. 

I have to be contented with the fact that nothing eventful had taken place in my life. But that doesn't mean that I'm not grateful. Last week saw me spending more time in the haze-chocked KL. I was in a considerable scare when I had a temperature on Sunday night. It was pretty bad what with badly parched throat and slight dizziness. Mercifully, after taking two tablets, the fever went away when I woke up the next morning. But it doesn't mean that I'm clear from that vile virus. I could be harboring them without me realizing it.

I also went to school to speak to the Form 4 students. Had it not been for Raiz's invitation, I would never come round to give a talk on scholarships and whatnot. My only regret was that we didn't talk to the Form Fivers who, in my view, are in a greater need for the information. When I was in Form 4, I didn't even think about the future let alone trying to get myself abroad. Sorry, I was not that ambitious and still am not!

The highlight of the two trips is the chance to catch up with old friends. I particularly take delight in meeting Lawi after a year of separation. It seems that time really do fly when you're having fun.

The new abode promises a properly working Internet connection. I'm majorly elated!

A-Levels results were also announced last Monday. As usual, surprises were abound. Not making the grades is now a staple news every year. For those who managed to get the desired grades, felicitations. For those who didn't, don't be sad. Plenty of opportunities are still available for you to pursue. When a door closes, another opens.

But what shocked me the most was  the news of a certain group of juniors who were involved in an automobile mishap. What threw me was the victim in the said accident. I must fess up that he's not exactly my most favourite character. Hence, some really backtalking, if you get my drift. Now, I'm ridden with guilt. It's difficult not to if the said person is knocking on the Death's door. I pray for his safety. 

To kill the time, I've read a number of novels. It's only recently that I discovered that I hadn't been reading too many of new things. My personal faves are Life of Pi, Spud (already bought the sequel on Amazon), Trainspotting, and The Reluctant Fundamentalist. I ought to get more books to be read. In the meantime, I'm working on my project. Am glad that it's really shaping up. 

Swine-y!!

So,what would result from a toxic combination of lack of rest and being in a massive crowd? Sore throat and a temperature. I'm chickening out now! How to impose a self quarantine when you're hundreds of miles away from home?