Anxiety .. stress ...

All these years I thought I was managing my life well but never did I realise I would succumb to anxiety due to high stress levels.

Guess its a mixture of work as well as the wedding preparations which are long overdue.

Haven't been myself lately and I start to ponder how my other friends managed to cope with nagging wives. Phew, they sure can nag till the neck falls off.

Glad mine is still intact with the body. ; )

Am taking some time this weekend to relax a little and sort out some of the outstanding chores which are pending and outstanding. See, tending to the chores would likely bring me more stress, so how to relax?

Frankly, maybe its right to say that I like to and want to handle things on my own. Its not about not trusting others to do it but more like trying not to burden others with my responsibilities. That's me. I tend to be responsible for what I do and what I cannot do. This is why and how I end up stressed.

There are plenty of things to do but not enough time, not enough hands and all at the same time, not wanting others to be stressed up over our issue.

Enough said, I guess I am still looking forward to my big day despite the number of chores I am about to face. Afterall, its our day. Perhaps, am just lazy or is it something else ....?

7 June 2008 ...

Times flies really quickly. In just one month, Sandy and I will be married.

Its been a long walk together, going through many squabbles and arguments but we are still one. One heart, one big love.

Wedding invitations are on the way out to relatives and friends. Did you get yours? If not, be patient. Oh, unless you are the group coming from Hong Kong. ; )

Seriously, Sandy and I didn't do much planning for this big day. Its not going to be fanciful. Its just a party for us all, just like how friends get together at each other's homes. This is exactly the same, only that my 'living room' will be able to accommodate more than 200 guests.

Let's not expect too much from both of us. We'll mingle, we'll play and we'll cheer. That's the only reason why we are all coming together on 7 June 2008.

A little anxious over this big day but am certainly hoping 7 June 2008 will not pass me by quickly as I want to enjoy every minute, every hour and feel what's going on inside me. I am not going to rush. I'll just try to capture every moment I can with my bride Sandy and of course, everyone present.

Its a pity some friends cannot make it due to various reasons. Work, health etc. But all have sent me well wishes. Everyone of them have.

I tried visualizing myself in clothes I am to wear on that day. I see myself walking around, clowning around and taking pictures. I am who I am even on that day so forgive me for my jokes and funny acts.

Right now I am still thinking if I should perform on that day. If I should play the piano at all. See, few months back I performed and my best friend's wedding and I realised noone was listening, no one paid attention and I am really afraid of that as I didn't want to be any other lounge piano player. OK, excuses and more excuses.

I shall stop here and not say anything more. Let whatever is going to happen on that be a surprise for you and me so don't try to pry open this golden mouth of mine. It'll stay shut.

So in 30 days, I'll be the groom and Sandy my bride. In 30 days, I'll be a grandfather and she'll be a grandmother. Sweet and nice isn't it?

My Music's online ...

I have finally uploaded my first piece of music - Love Pain.

Am a little excited about it yet a little afraid the music isn't at all that wonderful. Hearing some comments from you will surely be useful and perhaps, help me make better music next time.

I do have some other compositions which I'll share with you next time and hopefully, they'll be nicer than this trial song I have decided to put up with Imeem.com.

Maybe, it'll also be useful if you know any other cool sites where I can upload my songs for easy download.

Anyway, am just so glad I managed to put this up as I know some friends are waiting to hear my music but I haven't had the time to polish and refine those melodies just yet. And yes, as I may not be the best person to write lyrics, perhaps if you know someone who is interested, you can drop me a line too.

Enjoy the music and if its too yucky, its fine. Just tell me so I can improve.

Thanks in advance. : )

Baby Cot ...

At work today, I was wondering at what age do children switch from a baby
cot to a bed. See, my job requires a little bit of paternal instincts and
maybe that particular instinct requires some time to train and nurture.

So what exactly is a baby cot? That I know for sure. It looks exactly like
a cage. Now, if you are a pet lover and have visited a pet shop at least
once in your life, you'll likely be able to visualise a puppy running
around in limited space because it's fenced up by a perimeter of plastic
and metallic fences. Now, imagine that you'll bend over to pick up the
puppy with your hands. Ta-da, that's exactly how a baby cot looks like if
you switched the puppy to a baby. Am I making sense here? Maybe not.

Forget the baby cot and the puppy fence. ; )

Another farewell ...

Pricoa has lost an effective manager and a good friend.

Vivian Lee served her last day at the office yesterday after giving a 2
month notice. Its been a short work stint with Vivian whom I report to but
she's one cool boss who works with a heart and brings lots of cheer and
laughter to the team here.

This morning as I stepped into the office, I peeped into the room only to
find an empty desk with a chair neatly parked. No more morning greetings,
no more poking fun at one another.

The atmostphere in the office has changed drastically after her departure.
Perhaps what she said is correct. Give it some time and everything else
will be normal. So what's normal at a work place? Just minding your own
business and not interacting with fellow colleagues. Frankly, the group
here I work with are a bunch of very happy people and we get along really
well.

Vivian, always approachable and nice to her subordinates makes us laugh all
the time with her own laughter. So its true that laughter is the best
medicine and its as contagious as yawning. I guess Vivian and I both have a
similar personality. We are very accommodating and always say 'yes' and
that's one very big reason why she has left. She took too much upon
herself. I guess she's a very good example to what I don't want to be.
Always giving in to others and taking more responsibility every day and
after a long period of time, you just burst and shouting out loud on how
miserable you are.

Oops. Am I sending the wrong signal to my colleagues who might be reading
this. No, I aren't complaining. Am just discussing about personality and
how heroes always die young. Heroes take the world's burden on them and
that's too much thus they fumble and die. I aren't no hero. And don't think
I'll be anyway. ; )

As for Vivian, she'll always be mother hen to the many children she has here.
We'll miss her heaps and who knows, our paths might cross again some time,
some day.

Food on bus ...

In Singapore, there is a certain fruit which is a no-no when boarding a bus. And that's the durian.

We all know it has a very strong smell and if you don't eat this fruit, chances are you won't like the smell of it too.

Seated on the bus now, I could smell something else. I smell food. Cooked food to be exact. Carrot cake or fried noodles but its stinking the bus and I know for sure this smell is going to linger in my nose for awhile.

It isn't exactly smelly. It just causes the bus to smell and that's exactly what happens when durian is brought on a public transport.

So my point is this. If cooked food smells and eventually leaves the same effects just as a durian does, so why can't durian be allowed?

Let truth be told. Its not the smell that the bus operators are afraid of, they are merely afraid of the thorny fruit which could be used as a deadly weapon especially after two months failing to re-capture JI terrorist Mas Selamat.

Right. Just kidding.

Song Writing ...

I happen to chance upon a blog / forum on song writing. Songcraft seems to be a platform for aspiring song writers to exchange and talk about their works and what's best is they'll have a get-together on Friday at Fort Canning Park.

I am trying to squeeze some time to join the group of people behind Songcraft and hopefully pick up some tips from the people there. I am not too sure if I will be able to make it as you know my wedding is round the corner and there are still lots of things not done yet.

Its inspiring to know there are people out there who share the same interest in wanting to write a musical and its comforting to know that they are doing what they can in placing some effort to make that dream come true. Perhaps I should start making contacts there and who knows, a collaboration might make things a little easier to make that dream a reality.

Its two months away ...

Our wedding is drawing closer and we are talking about 60 days away. As usual, nothing much done yet on our end. Well, afterall its going to be a casual get together with family and friends.

So what's outstandng?My.We have a long list of 'to-dos' to put in place. My clothes, my songs, the guest lists and the purchasing of wine as well as program for the day.

I have been telling friends to come dressed casually as I do not want to overdress myself. If I could, I would love to wear denim jeans on that so you know what to do.Come in your pyjamas. Sandy is unlikely to allow me to dress casual but let's see what I can do to convince her.

The day's program will kick off at 530am with a Chinese tradition of hair combing. An hour later, gate crash at Sandy's place will take place to escort the bride out of her home and to my parents' place. I have a feeling that there will be lots of funny games as we try to break in to snatch the bride and I will have to count on my section of six brothers to be present for the tortures.

Just for you to know, the following are my brothers - Weisheng, Junsheng, Hanwen, Jiaping, Edwin and Tsu Jungg. These guys will represent me in any games that is to be played. Afterall, I am the groom and I shouldn't be involved in being mocked at.

The line-up on the other side of the gate will be Clara, Louisa, Shio Cheng and Ellen. Four ladies versus six gentlemen. What do you think will be the result? :) No comments here.

So after all the home visits, we'll set off to Amara Sanctuary where the solemnization and lunch buffet will take place. There, its going to be fun, fun and more fun as that's where Sandy and I will greet the many guests attending the wedding lunch.

During lunch, we'll want to mingle around as much as possible. Afterall, the guests are here for us thus we'll take as much time to interact as possible. In the midst of lunch, we'll also do our tea ceremony which could take up an hour as we do have many relatives. :)

Once all is over, Sandy and I plan to just stay in the room and stay sober as we know we'll be tired after all the activities.Its also to escape a bunch of guests who carry thoughts of making us drunk. Looks like I have to send some hitmen to take them out first by making them drunk instead. So who can I count on I wonder as all of them seem likely to be defectors and will not pledge loyalty on that day.

Perhaps on that day,I shall declare alcohol free. :) Its a sacred day afterall. Yes, that's what am going to do. The best of all tactics is to retreat and retreat I shall.

Behind bars ...

Just met up with a friend recently who was thrown behind bars after getting caught for selling contraband cigarettes. I wasn't at all surprised this has happened to him as from young, he was exposed to many undesirable activities.

He wasn't someone who could study well and likely mixed with people from the secret societies. He visited back alley gambling dens which often resulted him to seeking illegals loans from syndicates to fire his bad habits - gambling.

This chap has got all the courage to do all the weird things which no normal person would do. He very often leaves Singapore to hide away from creditors seeking him and I would believe he would have had bad incidents which ended with blood and bruises.

Now that he has come out of jail, I hope he will be able to change his life and his ways. I am sure the period of 6 months behind bars would have allowed him to reflect on his wrong doings and bring him back on track to a clean world.

This will be a good time for me to see if the Yellow Ribbon project set up by the government would really help ex-convicts move on with life. Its sad to know that many ex-convicts out there find difficulty in settling down and finding a job. I am sure a handful of them do find the correct path but a bigger percentage of them might end up back there again as the society rejects them each time they try to lead a normal life.

To be continued ..... As my bus ride ends soon.Visit again should you want to read about life in prison all from the eyes of someone who's been there.

Leslie Cheung ... a fallen star on April Fool's

Five years ago on this very day, Leslie Cheung ended his life by plunging down The Oriental hotel in Hong Kong. As rumours started spreading, everyone thought of it as an April Fool's joke but not until the late night news confirmed the incident. Leslie indeed took his own life.

In Hong Kong, fans of Leslie are more likely to be mourning than pulling pranks today. Afterall, a hero of canto pop needs to be remembered on this very day.

I believe most part of the world with a Chinese community, some sort of tribute will be made in memory of the boyish looking star. Popular for both his love songs as well as movies, this chap will surely be remembered fondly for his contributions to the Hong Kong music and film industry.

Of all the songs he has, my favourite would still be 'Yau Shui Gong Ming'. What's yours? I wouldn't really say that I grew up hearing his songs. I didn't. It was only this particular song that had an impact on me. His other songs were indeed good but this seemed more meaningful and relates to my life somehow.

Never mind the song's relation to my life and how it impacted me but let's take time off today to at least listen to one of his songs. Perhaps by tuning in to your local Mandarin or Cantonese radio station, you will likely hear Leslie's songs again.

St James Powerhouse - Dragonfly

On Saturday evening, we visited Dragonfly for a drinking and dancing session. As usual, it was with Hanwen and Clara and obviously pregnant Monica and Lance weren't there.Afterall it wasn't a healthy activity.Loud music and alcohol just don't appeal to the two of them.

We were at Dragonfly for a mission - to finish the Hennesy bottle which I opened two months back but it seemed more to that single bottle as at the end of the night we had three bottles for just the four of us. Now you can guess who got intoxicated. Surely not me. :)

It was a fun filled night and we all agreed we should do this sort of outing once in awhile. It helped loosen some muscles and reduced stress. What's best was we made new friends and it was a rather heart warming encounter.Perhaps this is what people call fate.

We got to know two couples, Tan Bian and Jackson together with their wives. I guess they are in their late thirties. Didn't ask much as I didn't want to intrude into their personal details and looking like a busybody.

What's really cool was that Jackson's wife was expecting and the baby's to be due within two weeks. Interesting isn't it how a pregnant lady takes time to even enjoy an outing to a dance club with loud music.

Anyway, we got along well and have gotten each other's contact and I believe that night surely wouldn't be the last time I'll see them.Afterall, there was some sort of affection I felt for them or maybe, am just a person who treasures friendship and love making friends.

What's best was that they told me we reminded them of their younger days and that's likely what sparked it all.They were once like us - party animals. And now, they are proud parents.Ten years down the road, we'll likely experience the same thing as we see the next generation party and hopefully, people then would be as friendly.

warm regards,
Mark Chong

Singapore River's Boat Quay ...

Seated along the Singapore River,just beneath the towering buildings of Republic Plaza, I find myself surrounded by many local landmarks. Fullerton, Parliament, Asian Civilization Musuem, Supreme Court, Raffles City and many other buildings.

The Singapore River, a popular strip mainly used by early merchants to transport goods in and out of Singapore has changed tremendously over the years.What used to be the veins of the town that carried food has now become a river where tourists enjoy their sight seeing. Seated in sampans, these money spending tourists pay a decent amount to catch a glimpse of the city lights that line the shores as they ride across the tideless river.

You must wonder why am seated here alone. Looking around me, everyone else has got company except me. Well, its just a night that went wrong. I shouldn't be here alone at least. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't stood up nor did I make any plans to meet. Correction. I tried making plans to meet my best friend but once again, he turned cold. Menopause syndromes? :)

Am not complaining much here because am just enjoying the scenery made available. I never would have enjoyed the view here any other day because I would just take the sight for granted. Tonight, it looked different. Cause I am alone.

Its not always a bad thing to be alone sometimes because you take time to reflect about life,family, friends, work and importantly the future. I read some phrase that went ' Yesterday's a memory, today's a present whilst tomorrow is a mystery'. Its true. Today is indeed God's gift to us, thus its called the present and we should enjoy it as much as we can.

Am so tempted to walk to the pubs along Boat Quay to drown my thirst now but due to having taken some cold pills, I don't wish to manage an upset body system with alcohol.

Sometimes I think about life and count the things that I have and don't have. Practically I have everything except kids and my own house but that's only a matter of time. What am measuring is my quality of life that surrounds me. Do I have the best of friends? I don't know how to put it. To be blunt, do I have that many friends.

Seriously, I keep in touch with only a handfull of them and I think that's more than enough to last a life time. Along life's journey, am sure I would pick more friendships but am really contented with what am given now. Sometimes too many friends would mean lots of entertaining. Agree?

Once again, knowing that I cannot withstand being alone for so long, my menopause friend just called. Symptoms cleared I think. Haha. Can't blame him, work and study never mix well. They don't balance especially when exam is a few days away but heck, I can't finish this blog because he has called and asked me to walk over.

So long... And thank you for the company Singapore River.

Influenza hits Singapore ...

For the past week I have been fighting off a bug that hit my body system really hard and what's worst is that my anti-bodies are still engaged a war to ward off the evil invaders.

Phew. Sounds like some scene from some war movie starring virus and bugs. Can't imagine them going out in battalions with arms in hand, shooting at enemies and throwing hand grenades.

Just recently, I realised my immune system has weakened perhaps due to a polluted environment and a lack of exercise and alcohol. Yes, its been quite sometime since I kicked a soccer ball and I guess its time to hit back to the gym and soccer court too. Oh, and to the pubs for happy hour too.

Besides being able to keep my immunity alive by exercising, I am able to trim those fats and look slim on my wedding day. Count me out on steel abs or a six-pack as I don't think Sandy will want me to look like Rain (or Bi),the Korean star and not my pet Jack Russell who shares the same name before the Korean star became famous. To differentiate them, mine is a bitch and she's cute.

Its good news that as the wedding approaches, Sandy religiously visits the gym and cut downs on her intake of food but at the same time, its something that worries me a little cause we never know what's going to happen right after the wedding. Will she put on so much weight that I will have a hard time sweeping her off her feet? Or in a very bad scenario, I have problems recognising her. ; (

Looks like I had better add more load to my weights' training when I visit the gym. Another 5 pounds of heavy metal on each arm should do the job, anything more will cause me a permanent back injury. That I am very sure but before that happens, I better stay good and rest my body so that the flu bug will disappear soonest. The breathing isn't smooth and its causing me to be really frustrated with the darn nose.

A new toy ...

It has been a really long time since I bought something for myself and this time, it came with quite a big price tag.

I got myself a piano keyboard just recently and guess what? Its no ordinary keyboard found in the toys section of a departmental store nor is it even found in a music school. This set I bought is good stuff and its used mostly in recording studio.

People know I buy things on impulse but this time, it took me lots of research and shopping around before I decided that M-Audio is the brand I am after. Afterall, its been endorsed by big name musicians and best of all, I bought it from a musician who's been there, done that.

I was always fond of the piano and its weird how I fell in love with it but I sure remember how I was forced to learn the instrument that could never be carried around. Maybe forced is too negative a word. Maybe because I was still young then and never liked attending classes. What to do? My peers were enjoying their Saturdays while I had to go class. Not fair huh?

Seriously, when I look back now, I regretted stopping classical piano cause only in the later years did I find out that classical piano leads me to all other playing styles but never mind, I aren't looking back cause I have my new toy to play with now.

I always had a wish to own a home studio. A room dedicated to sound machines with the objective of entertainment for me and my family. I'll like to have that room insulated with sound proofing and what's best, I can make my own music there and then. That's the capability of M-Audio.

Anyway, I managed to burn my first music single on cd. Its not polished yet but at least the project I have been waiting for so many years has finally taken a small little step. I always wanted to do this since the age of 16 and I thought as I grew older, I'll just drift away. Well, I nearly did but thankfully I have lots of support from Sandy and some other close mates.Not forgetting Dick Lee too.

I don't know if someday I'll ever have the opportunity to see my works enjoyed by others but who cares, its more of a leisure thing for me now and let's see how long this toy can entertain me. : )

For now, I would like to present you the song but am not able to share it online here cause I haven't found any filehosting servers yet. If you do know of any reliable and private ones, please let me know and I can upload it for your comments. However, please note that I am no professional and that I am only a beginner in this thus there will be lots to learn along the way but your frank comments will be appreciated.

That's all for now as I turn off the lights to embark on a journey of sweet dreams.

X-Japan returns ...

Just last night, I read about the return of my favourite band,X-Japan, which broke up in 1997.Following which, the death of guitarist, Hide, in 1998 made it even more impossible to have the band back in action.

Only after 10 years after the death of Hide, Yoshiki and Toshi, the leading members of the well known J-rock group decided a return to the Japanese music scene. Its great news to know they will be back on stage this month for a two-day concert which I believe many fans will be looking forward to it.

Its a pity my honeymoon didn't coincide with the schedule of their concert if not, I will be the happiest man as I have always dreamt of watching the group live on stage.This is also the reason why I decided on Japan to be the place to go for our honeymoon -shopping for X-Japan merchandise. :p

Seriously I have heaps of these merchandise and I cannot wait to have them displayed once Sandy and I get our own place, hopefully in the later part of the year.

Anyway, to have X-Japan on stage again allows me to have something to look for at HMV as nowadays, nothing interests me there. A pity isn't it?

And yes, I found the music workstation I want to buy so badly and hopefully by buying that, I can continue the journey of song writing as well as skipping the need to rent a piano for my wedding day.For family and friends attending the party, please don't expect an Elton John performance that afternoon.

12 weeks to go ...

Time is ticking and the day is coming closer yet quite a bit of things has not been arranged. What am I talking about? My wedding of course. Oops. OUR wedding it should be.

Despite attempting to keep the wedding as simple as possible, I still find that there are still lots to do.Our priority for that day is to be able to spend as much time and taking every opportunity to chat with our guests. That's what we really hope to fulfill that day.

So what are the things which are still pending? Photo montages, my clothes as well as the brothers' clothes, purchasing of wine, the customary 'equipments' and most importantly the invitation cards which will act as an entry pass into the southern island of Sentosa.

Many relatives and friends alike come up to me and ask the rationale behind the venue. Seriously, its just 'love at first sight'. We visited the Amara Sanctuary and we both liked the place. Yes, we understand its a little far but rest assured that its still accessible by road.

As we know Sentosa is associated with the sun and heat, we hope our guests can turn up in their casual wear. Denim wear is fine especially jeans. For those who seek more vanity, bikinis and swim shorts are welcome too. Just wear whatever you feel comfortable but don't you outdress me - the groom, as I will try to be as casual as possible so don't be surprised if I appeared in my bermudas. :)

So with 12 weeks to go, have you thought about the games we can play that afternoon? As we want it to be a fun gathering of family, relatives and friends, all possible laugh effective games are welcome for the day but only one request by the bride and groom - no drinking for the wedding couple that day as it will be considered a sacred week for them. :)

IT Show Singapore 2008

This morning,Sandy and I took some time to visit the IT show. Seriously, Sandy and I hardly take time to walk at such conventions, reason being its way too crowded and we have no business there cause both of us aren't IT geeks.

I kind of felt that the name given to this event-IT show was wrongly used or perhaps, my perception of an IT show didn't really matched what I saw at the Suntec convention hall. It was more of an IT sale where hardware and softwares alike were slashed to crazy prices.

I was kind of expecting more booths that unveiled new ideas, new designs and new technology thus Sandy and I were disappointed. It felt like we were walking at local IT mall Sim Lim Square. No difference at all.

We surely would have been better off if we stayed longer having our buffet breakfast at the hotel. What to do? We also thought by going early to the show would have given us more free space to walk around but we were wrong but nevertheless, we enjoyed each other's company.

By the pool ...

Am seated by the pool side of Fairmont hotel, enjoying the sun and
breeze as well as the whistles of the trees surrounding me.To clarify,
am still in Singapore, right in the city.

Sandy, Beatrice and I will stay here for a night. Nothing spectacular
but all just for a relaxing weekend. I am someone who enjoys the
swimming pool and of course, the sun too. Am sure you can tell that
from my fading tan color which am trying hard to restore.

Many times I'll just lie by the side and fall asleep with the soothing
sound of overflowing water of the swim pool. And yes, I often leave
out the all important sun block which can shun me from bad, wrinkled
skin but seriously, I dislike the smell and feel of it. Yucks.

Now, let's talk about the little ritual or process before one plunges
into the pool. First, you will be expected to shower yourself clean
before you jump in. I don't think anyone would like foreign particles
in the pool especially dead cells from those stinking foot. Haha.

Anyway, I always find myself having difficulty in entering a pool of
cold water. It freezes me. It'll take some time before the body gets
used to the temperature and the sad thing is once it has accustomed to
the temperature, its time to leave and that's another hell of a
process. Imagine the blowing wind on the surface of your skin while
your body is still wet. Phew. Cold.

Right, I guess instead of crapping so much on this, I should perhaps
just lie back, relax and enjoy the serenity within.:)

--

http://hidekram.blogspot.com/

A Great Escape ...

For the past week, photos of Mas Selamat were splashed across the nation. At bus stops, shopping malls and even  through phones by MMS. Every effort was attempted to nab the terrorist who escaped security at a detention centre that was centrally located.

Many questions arise from this embarrassing episode.Just how did the region's most wanted terrorist get out of jail. Could it really be a one man act or did someone plan an 'inside' job that led to an apology from our Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng.

As a Singaporean, I never doubted the capability of our security force. Afterall, I live in a city of safe surroundings and never at any point did I feel that my security was compromised. I even told my overseas friends that our elite police force will likely catch the escapist within three days but I was wrong.

Its been a week since the massive manhunt of 2000 police officers combing the perimeter took place. Canine police and the army were also roped in to nail the wanted man but still, everything still seems a mystery.

I was joking to a friend that Mas could have flushed himself out of the detention centre by using the toilet bowl. Hilarious idea and I wonder if the police indeed searched our extended networks of sewage system. He could well be hiding in a pool of faecies but for how long can he last.

Security experts still insist that he has not left Singapore and will definitely get pinned especially after so many days without money or food. Again, this is only a speculation. He might be hiding somewhere comfortable and even landed himself in a neighboring country with plans to seek destruction.

 

Singaporeans surely feel embarrassed now as we know this surely did dent our pride especially when we are a nation that always strive for the best in whatever we do. I am sure we are now very popular for all the wrong reasons but looking on the bright side, its free advertisement without much effort from the Singapore Tourism Board. Let's just imagine the headlines on all the newspapers in the world - A Toilet Break in Singapore Led to the Escape of Asia's Most Dangerous Terrorist.

--
http://hidekram.blogspot.com/

Pick those coins ...

There was one evening while waiting for Sandy, I took a walk at Borders trying to find a book to read and purchase but instead, something round and shiny caught my eye.

Lying on the floor with shimmering light reflecting from it, I realised it was a 5-cent coin. Many people walked passed and caught a glimpse of the fallen hero but noone wanted to adopt it.

The reason was clear. It was 5-cents and not a dollar. Can you remember the last time you picked up a coin on the street? Were you smiling and showing it off to your friends or parents as if it were a prized trophy you had just won. The innocence coupled with ignorance provided a sense of joy. Well, at least for me.

Like I said, that happened only when I was younger.
So why the change? I guess it lies pretty much on the value. What was valuable then seems so much different now. What 5-cents could bring us previously isn't going to lead us to any thing now. That's what inflation is about.

Perhaps for the next many generations from now, a 2-dollar note would also follow the fate of the 5-cent coin which I didn't pick up the other day. Its sad isn't it but maybe, that's what we call progress.