Stupid is as stupid does

means that anyone who does a stupid thing is stupid regardless of intelligence/intellect. (Love it.)

Been thinking about the word “stupid” lately. How we keep it far away from children. And perhaps in some ways, it is right and good as even adults fail to use the word wisely. But on the other hand, I also wonder if we have watered-down so many things that humans have become weak and frigid.

Stupid: Defn 2. Tending to make poor decisions or careless mistakes.

Frigid: Defn 5. Unemotional or unimaginative; lacking passion, sympathy, or sensitivity: a correct, but frigid presentation.

(Definitions from Dictionary.com)

There are times I am stupid and do the stupidest things regardless of my IQ, the logic that presents itself or the wise advice of others. At that point, I do not need someone to belittle me by calling me “stupid”, but I may need someone (trustworthy) to tell me straight up that I have been stupid and made a stupid decision.

Are we such ninnies that we need so much protection? Have we become such weaklings that one negative comment can completely destroy our ego, instead of motivating us to excel (or become a better person)?

I fear so sometimes in my own life. But I have seen that I am stronger than that when tested. As we all are, who are of the same race: Human.

If we have no more words strong/capable enough to express our emotions/ideas/ideals, depression (this unknowable, inexplicable sadness) will set in.

So let’s just get back into the ring, be a Human and slug it out, shall we? ;)

Creative Cup

The mother thinks I don’t need 5 cups so she’s been nagging me to keep some away. I do need 5 cups (although… I really thought I only had 4.) So I stacked them up. “There, did you see, now I only have 1 cup.” (albeit a rather tall and precarious looking one.)

The brother has been traumatised since Kindergarten by his teacher. She had asked his class to memorise the nursery rhyme “One, two, buckle my shoe…” I’m not sure why he didn’t do it, but when called up to recite it, he had to come up with something, and so he did. Amazing feat for a little one to compose a complete rhyme impromptu. But his teacher didn’t think so and had it in for him after that.

It makes me wonder how difficult it is to raise, teach and live with creative people who think everything is a laugh (sometimes a weep) and the world is still pure, raw and beautiful no matter how much darkness you show them. Who are hyper-sensitive, hard to understand and terribly hard to live with sometimes. (me, not my brother who is an absolute gem :).

Tweet Thort

Was asked a question on Twitter today. Of what I would do if I knew I would succeed. One of those polite, welcome, good-to-know-something-about-you questions.

Should I answer it? Is it impolite not to? How honest should I be?

I set out to answer it anyway. As I thought about it, it struck me that this was a brilliant question coz it canceled out hindering-truth factors like fear of failure, pragmatism, what others want etc.

The 9 things I came up with (without the fear factor) were interesting and showed where my heart was. I will not share but they surprised me. It is a good question to ask ourselves.

Thanks Twitterer, whoever you are in the vast world out there. Thanks for the question.

Of the young, old and beautiful

Time for a post (feel like it or not.) Of children and older people.

Last Christmas J and her parents invited me to take some older folk to town to see the decorations and then for a meal out. It was only at the end that J told me that these people lived in one room rented apartments and were poor and quite alone. I’m glad I didn’t know at first. These things cloud how you see and interact with people and it should only come afterwards, after seeing the real person of great courage and spirit within.

Yesterday I was helping my aunt with her computer at work. As she’d asked on a few occasions, I thought it was time to make good on my word. I got to help a little with the children and am glad I only heard their stories afterwards. For it would have hindered me from interacting with them and seeing their beautiful souls — just as they are.

These past 2 years, it seems like I’ve been on a tour of my country, to see the things that go on here. I’m not sure why I never saw the needs before and the beauty that exists alongside, right where I belong.

Yet, I am no longer that change-the-world free spirit of my early to mid 20’s, and can only take in these experiences and ponder. And pray.

Finding my way

Lately I haven’t felt like blogging. Haven’t been able to find anything to write about while sorting through a myriad of feelings and thoughts. Trying to find balance and sort out who I am through all the new experiences. Trying to find my way and not to hurt at every turn with every experience.

No, it isn’t bad. Quite the opposite. The restoring of my heart to what is Life.

Picture Perfect

Compliments of Mrs Yeo (I think), I have a gorgeous picture with a ‘Taiwanese star’! Congrats BS and B on your 1 month wedding anniversary today :).

Over Work

Finally, one year and seven months at the O is over. I don’t remember much of the work I’ve done but I remember the individuals I’ve worked with.

I think we should do our best at everything and be cynical realistic in knowing: that few will remember how well we did, and more what we missed. But it’s quite hard to forget: conversations of the heart, shared laughter and secrets (at the staircase, on Twitter, Mac-outings and journeys home), “sweat” and camaraderie, and small acts of kindness.

And so I don’t feel that sad to close this chapter at the O, with love and blessings. I miss the scenery and chickens! And yes, the people (above all, the people.)

Starting Anew

Every once in a while, the hulk of change possesses me to demolish blogs (like toddlers do blocks) and start afresh. The old entries are backed-up but I’m not sure I will look back. Happy 2010, everyone!

Updated 6 Jan 2010: sigh. just couldn’t do it. thankfully all entries were backed-up!

Blessed Christmas

One day late coz I’m just getting into the Christmas spirit ;).

Dedicated to the old and not-so-old folk who blessed us by their presence with us to Orchard Rd yesterday. God bless you with His love this Christmas season. Deeply.

Happy Birthday Leslie!!

Happy Birthday, Chubby Peaks, wherever you are. Hope you are doing ok. Hugs, hugs and more hugs.

Missing you terribly!