Saturday, February 28, 2025
Lonely reader
So hubby and I were back at the library again to return the books we borrowed. Well at least I returned mine. Hubby needed to renew the loan of his two gardening books. I checked out two new books having finished the previous two I borrowed.
Okay, this is probably the boring part for many of you. But for the few who might be interested, here's a peek at these books I'm now reading...
The description behind the book tells that this is the story of a young carpenter named 'Jeshua' from Galilee. I think this book is meant to portray a different perspective of the Parables of Jesus - telling these stories through the eyes of 'Jeshua' himself. (Looking forward to reading this one!)
As you can see from the title - this book is about the story and science of the reading brain. Just started reading this one, and it's quite interesting (not at all boring and intellectual - I'm not that kind of reader), learning about the history and background of mankind's development of written language, the differences between the alphabet system, versus the Chinese pictoral characters system, and the Japanese/Korean 'syllabic' system... hmmm I know it sounds boring but I assure you it isn't!
I didn't tell you about the other book I borrowed last time, did I? It was seriously way cool!
It was sooooo interesting to learn about why some of us seem more inclined to certain types of music than others; looking at examples of some of the top chart music and what makes a song so popular with the masses; being amazed at the complexity to even a simple tune and how our brains can attune itself to weave the different components of sound together into a thing of beauty and pleasure.
I feel kinda lonely thinking that I have to feel excited for my new reads by myself. Because to be honest, there is hardly anyone I know nowadays who reads books for pleasure and enjoyment. But perhaps books are meant to belong to the reader's private world and can't really be talked about with other people. Or can they? If so, I can't say I've ever really been part of such an experience (except in secondary school during English literature class when we had to discuss our readings with our classmates - but I don't really count that as it was obligatory reading and sharing). But thinking about it a bit more... the range and genre of books is so wide, I suppose it's not always easy to find common ground even with other readers. I have to admit that I myself tend to shy away from certain types of books such as maybe books on cars, engines and sports? Nevertheless I think 'readers' seem to be becoming a dying breed.
Okay, this is probably the boring part for many of you. But for the few who might be interested, here's a peek at these books I'm now reading...
The description behind the book tells that this is the story of a young carpenter named 'Jeshua' from Galilee. I think this book is meant to portray a different perspective of the Parables of Jesus - telling these stories through the eyes of 'Jeshua' himself. (Looking forward to reading this one!)
As you can see from the title - this book is about the story and science of the reading brain. Just started reading this one, and it's quite interesting (not at all boring and intellectual - I'm not that kind of reader), learning about the history and background of mankind's development of written language, the differences between the alphabet system, versus the Chinese pictoral characters system, and the Japanese/Korean 'syllabic' system... hmmm I know it sounds boring but I assure you it isn't!
I didn't tell you about the other book I borrowed last time, did I? It was seriously way cool!
It was sooooo interesting to learn about why some of us seem more inclined to certain types of music than others; looking at examples of some of the top chart music and what makes a song so popular with the masses; being amazed at the complexity to even a simple tune and how our brains can attune itself to weave the different components of sound together into a thing of beauty and pleasure.I feel kinda lonely thinking that I have to feel excited for my new reads by myself. Because to be honest, there is hardly anyone I know nowadays who reads books for pleasure and enjoyment. But perhaps books are meant to belong to the reader's private world and can't really be talked about with other people. Or can they? If so, I can't say I've ever really been part of such an experience (except in secondary school during English literature class when we had to discuss our readings with our classmates - but I don't really count that as it was obligatory reading and sharing). But thinking about it a bit more... the range and genre of books is so wide, I suppose it's not always easy to find common ground even with other readers. I have to admit that I myself tend to shy away from certain types of books such as maybe books on cars, engines and sports? Nevertheless I think 'readers' seem to be becoming a dying breed.
Barbie memories
This morning on Saturday morning TV, this ad came on screen...
It was so reminiscent of my own childhood. Despite all the feminist protests against Barbie's unrealistic body image, I never perceived my Barbie doll that way. To me it was just a fun girlie toy to play 'house' with.
During my Barbie doll phase, I sectioned off a few levels of my bookshelves for my doll's house, which consisted of three levels (shelves) and furnished it as a complete home. Most of my Barbie's clothes were homemade ones which my mum helped to sew. I suspect she cunningly also used the opportunity to teach me how to sew myself!
My Barbie's home had frequent visitors from the tenants in the room next door - i.e. Ken doll, robots, action hero figurines and the hunky 'Ken' who sometimes came over for tea. Plus there were also weekly or bi-monthly visits from various girl playmates bringing their own Barbie dolls over to stay over at my Barbie's little home.
I hear of some mums today who have decided to 'ban' Barbie dolls from their daughters' play worlds. So I have to say this new Barbie ad is a very clever marketing ploy targeting the mums rather than the little girls.
I haven't decided yet what kind of mum I will be. In the meantime since I'm too old to play with Barbie dolls, all I can do is reminisce over those fun playtime afternoons, sitting cross legged on the floor, dressing up my Barbie for a party with all her other Barbie, robot, action hero friends.
It was so reminiscent of my own childhood. Despite all the feminist protests against Barbie's unrealistic body image, I never perceived my Barbie doll that way. To me it was just a fun girlie toy to play 'house' with.
During my Barbie doll phase, I sectioned off a few levels of my bookshelves for my doll's house, which consisted of three levels (shelves) and furnished it as a complete home. Most of my Barbie's clothes were homemade ones which my mum helped to sew. I suspect she cunningly also used the opportunity to teach me how to sew myself!
My Barbie's home had frequent visitors from the tenants in the room next door - i.e. Ken doll, robots, action hero figurines and the hunky 'Ken' who sometimes came over for tea. Plus there were also weekly or bi-monthly visits from various girl playmates bringing their own Barbie dolls over to stay over at my Barbie's little home.
I hear of some mums today who have decided to 'ban' Barbie dolls from their daughters' play worlds. So I have to say this new Barbie ad is a very clever marketing ploy targeting the mums rather than the little girls.
I haven't decided yet what kind of mum I will be. In the meantime since I'm too old to play with Barbie dolls, all I can do is reminisce over those fun playtime afternoons, sitting cross legged on the floor, dressing up my Barbie for a party with all her other Barbie, robot, action hero friends.
Friday, February 27, 2025
Exhausted
Another long week gone by. I felt like it took a long time to get to Friday and the 'long weekend' which I won't get to enjoy anyway as I have to go back to work on Monday, while hubby gets to sleep in.
Saturday, February 21, 2025
Everybody hurts
12.55AM on a Saturday morning. I should be in bed sleeping off the loooong arduous week I've been through. But now my mind is filled with many many thoughts thinking of families. I am thinking of three families in particular who are currently going through a confusing and heart wrenching time.
Why.
How.
When.
...are the questions that are on repeat mode in my mind at present.
Hurt is a very complex and fiddly thing to deal with. Because hurt doesn't really want answers. Or resolutions. Or 'fix its'. It just hurts and doesn't know what to do. It hurts to be touched. But yet it feels so alone.
Why does the prodigal son not come home? Why does Israel not turn back? Why does the harlot wife not go back to Hosea? Why can I not say I'm sorry?
The same story repeats again. In history. In people we know. In situations today.
Anger burns. Hurt hurts.
Pride? Shame?
Maybe it's nothing. Maybe it's everything. Maybe I don't know anymore.
Everybody hurts. But don't stay in there too long.
Why.
How.
When.
...are the questions that are on repeat mode in my mind at present.
Hurt is a very complex and fiddly thing to deal with. Because hurt doesn't really want answers. Or resolutions. Or 'fix its'. It just hurts and doesn't know what to do. It hurts to be touched. But yet it feels so alone.
Why does the prodigal son not come home? Why does Israel not turn back? Why does the harlot wife not go back to Hosea? Why can I not say I'm sorry?
The same story repeats again. In history. In people we know. In situations today.
Anger burns. Hurt hurts.
Pride? Shame?
Maybe it's nothing. Maybe it's everything. Maybe I don't know anymore.
Everybody hurts. But don't stay in there too long.
Sunday, February 08, 2025
Too good to be true?
Today I've learnt again that if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
It started with a phonecall from a cookware company. The lady said that were doing some research and wanted to get people's opinion about their product, no obligations, with an incentive offered.
I was probably being a too nice person. But every now and then, I consent to participate in some market research because I sympathise with people running research like this, since I work in a similar field.
So a guy shows up at our door. Makes small talk. Apparently he used to be an Olympics athlete representing Malta, but due to a sports injury he couldn't run professionally anymore. (Hmmm... I wonder how an ex-Olympian ended up in direct sales? Oh well *shrug* everyone has a story).
Finally we got round to the 'survey'. He pulled out the cookware and asked us to rate from 1 to 10 how we felt about the products appearance. I asked why he did not have a survey form to record our responses. He said he'll remember it in his head. This did not sound like a legit research survey after all.
I supppose I could have asked him to leave. But being a nice person, I thought I'd just let him get through his 'thing' and see how it goes. Everyone deserves a 'fair go' after all.
This was the ultimate miracle cookware. Non-stick, easy to clean, quick and perfect cooking results... can cook rice in 3 minutes, can cook a roast dinner over the stove in 20 minutes, can even bake a cake on the stove! (is it just me, or does this sound familiar?)
19 piece set... guess how much it costs? $5,000!!! But we are entitled to a special promotion of course... interest free payment plan... it will save us money in the long run... etc. etc. etc...
"Ermmm... we'll think about it and let you know"
"OK, but that means you will forgo the promotion, and you'll pay heaps more money tomorrow"
I hate pushy sales people.
Unfortunately I'm too nice to blatantly order him out of my house. I was unable to pin point why I didn't feel comfortable with the product or this guy. So I asked him to give us a few minutes in private so my husband and I can 'discuss' it first.
While he was waiting outside, I jumped on the internet and checked out the company name. After a few minutes, I came across one link indicating that this was a dodgy thing. I didn't have much time to search further, but it was enough.
I just told him that I think the product was overpriced. He tried to push a bit more, asking what I meant, explaining that we could cancel at any time, saying how disappointed he felt that I was worrying so much over nothing... basically trying to play with emotions.
I did not know yet the details of what this possible scam was about. But there was just a quiet, but persistent small voice that told me this did not feel right.
I did not say much... but simply held that we were not interested and thanked him very much for his time.
After he left, I did a bit more extensive research and found a few more article and forums that pointed at mispresentation and unethical sales tactics of this company.
I was just so thankful that we did not fall prey to any possible scams or ripoffs if that had really turned out to be one. I believe it was God's guidance that gave me that 'intuition'. Hubby and I said a prayer of thanksgiving and asked for God's protection over our house, our finances and our lives.
So remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The only thing that holds up to everything it promises is God's love and grace.
(I'm planning to submit some complaints and reports about this company to the authorities, can't let them continue preying on gullible people, can we?)
It started with a phonecall from a cookware company. The lady said that were doing some research and wanted to get people's opinion about their product, no obligations, with an incentive offered.
I was probably being a too nice person. But every now and then, I consent to participate in some market research because I sympathise with people running research like this, since I work in a similar field.
So a guy shows up at our door. Makes small talk. Apparently he used to be an Olympics athlete representing Malta, but due to a sports injury he couldn't run professionally anymore. (Hmmm... I wonder how an ex-Olympian ended up in direct sales? Oh well *shrug* everyone has a story).
Finally we got round to the 'survey'. He pulled out the cookware and asked us to rate from 1 to 10 how we felt about the products appearance. I asked why he did not have a survey form to record our responses. He said he'll remember it in his head. This did not sound like a legit research survey after all.
I supppose I could have asked him to leave. But being a nice person, I thought I'd just let him get through his 'thing' and see how it goes. Everyone deserves a 'fair go' after all.
This was the ultimate miracle cookware. Non-stick, easy to clean, quick and perfect cooking results... can cook rice in 3 minutes, can cook a roast dinner over the stove in 20 minutes, can even bake a cake on the stove! (is it just me, or does this sound familiar?)
19 piece set... guess how much it costs? $5,000!!! But we are entitled to a special promotion of course... interest free payment plan... it will save us money in the long run... etc. etc. etc...
"Ermmm... we'll think about it and let you know"
"OK, but that means you will forgo the promotion, and you'll pay heaps more money tomorrow"
I hate pushy sales people.
Unfortunately I'm too nice to blatantly order him out of my house. I was unable to pin point why I didn't feel comfortable with the product or this guy. So I asked him to give us a few minutes in private so my husband and I can 'discuss' it first.
While he was waiting outside, I jumped on the internet and checked out the company name. After a few minutes, I came across one link indicating that this was a dodgy thing. I didn't have much time to search further, but it was enough.
I just told him that I think the product was overpriced. He tried to push a bit more, asking what I meant, explaining that we could cancel at any time, saying how disappointed he felt that I was worrying so much over nothing... basically trying to play with emotions.
I did not know yet the details of what this possible scam was about. But there was just a quiet, but persistent small voice that told me this did not feel right.
I did not say much... but simply held that we were not interested and thanked him very much for his time.
After he left, I did a bit more extensive research and found a few more article and forums that pointed at mispresentation and unethical sales tactics of this company.
I was just so thankful that we did not fall prey to any possible scams or ripoffs if that had really turned out to be one. I believe it was God's guidance that gave me that 'intuition'. Hubby and I said a prayer of thanksgiving and asked for God's protection over our house, our finances and our lives.
So remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The only thing that holds up to everything it promises is God's love and grace.
(I'm planning to submit some complaints and reports about this company to the authorities, can't let them continue preying on gullible people, can we?)
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