Happiness

What is it?

I'm reading this book entitled 'Hector and the Search for Happiness' currently. It's the pseudo-literature sort, written in a child-like manner (much like the 'Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime') but featuring mature themes and issues, veiled by innuendos and symbolism. So far, what strikes me is what this psychiatrist, Hector, has found out about Happiness:

1) Making comparisons can spoil your happiness.
2) Happiness often comes when least expected.
3) Many people see happiness only in the future.
4) Many people think that happiness comes from having more power and more money.
5) Sometimes happiness is not knowing the whole story.
6) Happiness is a long walk in the mountains.

and so on. I shan't spoil the reading experience for you, in case you want to read it.

I really, really liked point 3. Which kinda links to point 4 as well. I think a lot of us tend to get caught in the rat race because we aim for power and money in the future so as to be happy. But truthfully, happiness is right here and right now, with each experience we go through, isn't it? If we only see happiness as something in the future, that means our 'now' must be pretty unhappy.

I quote Scrubs:

“Who the hell cares what anybody else thinks? Just look into your heart, do whatever the hell makes you happy.”— Dr Kelso.

Meme meme

When was the last time you did something in your life ENTIRELY and PURELY for the sake of someone else, some cause, anything other than yourself? When was the last time you did something so utterly unselfish in nature that would have earned a pat on the back from Mother Theresa herself?

Enter our generation, the consumer generation.

Consumerism is broadly defined as the order now based on the ever-increasing desire to purchase more goods and services in increasingly greater amounts. Now, the desire to purchase stuff is fine. Everyone needs stuff. Stuff is good. The keyword here is 'ever-increasing' - in short, more, more, more and more! We don't only need stuff - we need more, more, more and more stuff! We have a never ending list of things we need (or should I say want? The line between the two is thin in today's context).

Consume, and may all your dreams come true

This, in itself, isn't THAT bad. What's worse is the fact that what we need (want) is for me, me, me and me only! It's not like we want more food for the starving - 'Sure, we'll do community service, but what's in it for me?' 'Sure, I'll donate to charity, but will I make the newspaper headlines if I do make a huge donation?'

What happened to causes, for the sake of causes? What happened to romaticism? Even love is a transaction in these days - I love you because you make ME happy, I love you because you buy ME stuff. Meme, meme.

We need to start looking outside our narrow perspectives, outside our self-absorbed circle of thoughts.

What am I studying for?

Society says, I study for a degree so I can earn more money in the future.

Smart people say, I study because I can learn more about the job I want to do in the future.

Me?

...

I received some perspective while talking to Ken today. We were talking about how successful Christians were more likely to be able to influence more people and bring them to Christ. I made this comment: 'I guess if a person studies hard with that objective in mind, he won't miss the whole point - he won't get consumed by his own desire to get rich or simply be the best at his job - he has a greater calling'.

And it dawned upon me. That was my answer. Why was I studying all this stuff I probably won't touch in the future?

Because, it really is for His glory, to make His name known. For what value is there in worldly riches and fame, unless they serve a greater purpose? The pitfall, is getting consumed by the means and forgetting about the end in mind.

My aim - The Cross.

HAPPY SHOUTING

COS IT'S INTERNATIONAL CAPSLOCK DAY

ONLY TODAY, 22ND OCTOBER

Charity: Water

Guys, let me introduce you to Charity: Water.



We live a blessed life in Singapore - no worries about our three meals, transportation, let alone clean water (we can drink out of taps!). Yet a lot of us choose to complain about the non-essentials - politics, inconveniences, disturbances. Meanwhile, people in Third World countries don't even get clean water. The only liquid they can get to survive contains dirt, mud, feces, even leeches that crawl back out of their throats. Can you imagine having to feed your baby that water?

This movement is extremely inspiring to me. It just goes to show that a little thought, a little money and a little innovation can go a long way in helping not just one person's life, but entire communities. If you are interested to read more, click the banner I've put up on blog on the right side. I've always had a problem in deciding what kind of career path I want to undertake. The considerations are many, but as always, selfish: money, time, prestige, comfort. I take comfort in the fact that such endeavors are possible. I hope that I could work my way to do such programmes as my job in the future.

If anyone is interested to run a project to support this cause, email me at bluesyme@gmail.com. A little goes a long way.

Three Reasons why How I Met Your Mother is still Funny and Awesome

1. Barney Stinson is still a genius, sublime, witty, sex maniac.

“She’s so sad and defenseless. Anyone have a condom?” – Barney 

 

 

2. Ted is still as clueless as ever.

Owned.

3. Robin is still as hot as ever.

"I still got IT!" - Robin

15102010 SOTD

Tommy Emmanuel, again.



Beee-yoooo-teeeee-fuuuulllllll!

Celebrations

Yesterday was Ang Jiawei's 22nd birthday! We celebrated with lots of food and merrymaking in general. The itinerary started off with a superb lunch at Prego (treated by Jiawei, thanks a lot bro!), followed by Eat Pray Love, and ending off with dinner at 15 Minutes at Laselle College of the Arts.

Large Cream of Mushroom Soup @ Prego - delicious!

Eat Pray Love was a tad draggy - most of the part I felt the lead actress, played by Julia Roberts (those who grew up with her - yes, she is basically talking about mid-life crisis in this show, time flies!), should just grow up and stop whining about her life (then I remembered, hey, that's the whole point of this movie). But as the plot developed in the later parts of the show, the message became clearer and it was rather meaningful; love, inner peace, God. I was moved by a non-centric part of the movie - when the father and the son had a tearful farewell (sorry, spoilers!) and it reminded me of the lack my own relationship had, and how I should strive to attain this type of father-son bond in the future. But enough of me. As a whole, the message at the end redeemed this show, quite barely. For 2 and a half hours of whining, I'd say... obtain this show when it comes out in a... let's say, cheaper place.

11102010 SOTD

Sorry, I'm simply hooked on this song!

Dedication to my IPhone

Dear IPhone,

I think our relationship is definitely.. more than just friends now. Don't you think so? I mean, we spend the best part of our days together. And I enjoy interacting with you a lot. You always seem to surprise me with new things every time I meet you! For my part, I try my best to keep up with you. I couldn't imagine life without you.

However.

I must confess, I have noticed certain shortcomings in you. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to nitpick here - every living thing has it's flaws, even I! I just want you to be the best you are.

Now, I always enjoy our.. fun times together. But why oh why is your battery life so short? I mean, it seems like your energy level dwindles incredibly fast once we start to play. Am I that boring? Perhaps you need to sleep earlier at night. Stop trying to distract me.. I need my sleep too. That way we could have more fun during the day, yes?

And why does your signal suddenly just disappear for no particular reason, out of nowhere? I need to communicate! It's simply unacceptable that you throw these tantrums and give me the cold shoulder for no reason at all.

There are times, too, when I try to unlock you and the slider simply won't go all the way! I just wish you'd be a bit more sensitive to my needs sometimes.

Now. I might say all these. But it's all for your own good, okay? And for our future. But it's okay. Take your time. I love you just the way you are right now. I guess thats just what I am - a hopeless romantic.

10102010 SOTD

Jayesslee Cover of Bruno Mars 'Just The Way You Are'



Remember girls, you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

08102010 SOTD

Meanwhile..





Girl with a beautiful voice, upbeat rhythm, makes you wanna groove along with the song!

Apologies

for the change (again) everyone. Decided blogger gives more space for innovation and it was what I was looking for..

A link to my previous website.

No more switching, I promise!

SNSD Screensaver

I don't mean to sound like a fanboy, but...

SOOO CUUTEEEEEEEEEEEE



You can download it here.

You're welcome.