Disclaimer: I did not come up with this summary. Chanced upon it on FB. Credits to whoever came up with this.

Well, don't some of the above mentioned happen to you sometimes?

Sometimes I like quarreling with people. Yes, I am absolutely sober and sane. That rush of adrenaline is thrilling. You see the other party retorting with logic and bombastic vocabulary, gratifying. Best of all, you gain enlightenment at the end of the day, be it a "defeated" or victorious" dispute. If you were defeated, you realise your mistakes, learn new methods to argue your way, and how to handle heavy bombardments. If you were victorious, you could have infused some sense into the other party, and immerse in that self-imagined glory.
However, there are often exceptions. I term these failed arguments. A failed argument is meeting with someone who hurls vulgarities non-stop, or someone who turns a deaf ear, rendering it futile to speak further. There is a similarity between the two cases. In both, the other party makes little or no direct criticism at your points, and repeat the same irrelevant stuff over and over. For the first case, the person gets heated up, targeting you first. The usual B word, F word, S word spill out. These are the appetizers. Then the main course, the usual scolding words made into a sentence. Sometimes, names of sexual organs come into play. For the final dessert, parents get dragged in, and the family gets insulted. You can continue arguing, but the other party is can be so dense, he or she might not understand what you mean, even if what you rebutted is harsh and straight on target. They might catch some points, like "What a kid", then they will use that against you, saying you are a kid instead, even though at the end of the day, it is apparent who is the real kid. Second case, same few words repeating. Like "don't sohai", "diam la". This group of people heck what you spurt. After repeating several times without variations, they will disappear, not hardcore relentless type.
They think they are the matured party in the quarrel, yet their words heavily lack content and logic. They can continue till you give up, or disappear, thinking they have won, but actually no. Some happen to have friends to boost their ego and imposing manner. They all fire one after another, and what may have been so apt and white can be turned black by them. Majority wins, but not literally. You have failed to wake the other party up to his or her senses, or, if you were wrong, you failed to realize what is it. In the end, leave with frustration and burning anger.
Engaging in quality quarrels can be good. If the opponent is a worthy one, why not accept the challenge. The experience is awesome and legend...wait for it...ary, legendary! If the opponent is a bird-brained one, then forget it, because all you get in return is only more fury. Last note, I think that no matter what, I will not and should not drag the other party's family into it. Even if he may go overboard and speak of death and etcetera, if I target his family as well, I am lowering myself to his uncivilised class, unless, the parents are also worth criticizing, but you don't know.

Interesting day with Annabel and Billy. Ahahaha...I saw Super Junior's Donghae and Siwon just now at Plaza Singapura, and also Chen Yihan, a Taiwanese actress. There were there for Skip Beat's fan meeting. First time at a fan meeting and I witnessed how ecstatic those (mostly girls) people were. Every level of the mall was crammed with people, with spots providing a decent view of the stage all taken. Could only clearly hear 5% of what the emcee said. I wonder if those fans have special hearing, because they were screaming after the emcee ends her sentences. Like, understanding what she said and giving a reaction. Or perhaps, the way the sentences trailed off sounded like questions, so they gave screaming responses. Or maybe, they heard keywords at the end of the sentences, like "Donghae".
We had dinner at Secret Recipe. The tables at the sides provided good views, but then they only allowed groups of diners with 4 or more people to sit there. So what we did was to ask a group of 3 strangers and we shared a table. Alas, 2 more of their friends suddenly appeared, and the 8 of us were dining shoulder to shoulder. It was a bit crammed but then it still beats onlooking over the enclosures of each level.
I scanned the surroundings and could hardly see guys. And among the guys, some are security guards and majority of the rest were, who I believe, there to accompany their female friends. When the stars arrived, the whole mall seem to be on the verge of collapsing. Their small gestures and what they speak can spark an exhilarating cheer. It's like, if they were Gods, they could cause a thunderstorm with a wave of their hands or something.
Super Show 4 in Singapore this coming Saturday and Sunday. I believe many who were at Plaza Sing just now were ready to see Donghae and Siwon again 2 days later. Suju concert is not my cup of tea, due to too many female fans plus I don't really have interest in going for concerts.

Perhaps we may not be as matured or rational as we think. We tend to commit silly mistakes or make some...slightly wrong decisions at some point in time. It will be good to figure out whether you will feel comfortable being in a particular group. A verdant newbie stepping into a long established clique is a definite no-no. A mutual friend joining a group of bosom friends...maybe, but hopefully you'll be accepted and be open enough to communicate. Those who are immersed in joy and laughter and the company of their close friends are most likely to neglect or be oblivious to those who are left out. Sometimes, isolation is not chosen. You know, it can be hard to find a slit in the conversation to enter. Anyway, how about when the "loner" and the "active one" are alone? There are times when the loner wants to initiate a talk, but the active one is so engaged with the mobile phone, like a technology slave. The active one does not start a topic either. Can't be bothered? Perhaps. Or, don't know what to say. This brings me to think, then why are we together? It could be a sense of obligation, you know. Like, since a point in time, we happen to be together, thereafter, it sort of seems weird/impolite if we don't hang out in a group, that's why we are together. Or, no other suitable candidates to look for to be involved in a certain activity.
Well, should the friendship ties be broken then? Not to that extreme extent. Because you have experienced times when ya'll can talk together, in a group. Actually with third parties as facilitators, things are fine. Just have to take note of certain things. If that friend is meeting up with someone close and have not interacted for long, kindly reject any invitations. See if you will have someone to talk to, if not you feel the loneliness and others may feel the guilt, but at the same time, can't think of what to say. Best, if possible, get to know him or her better. People may think they know some people, but actually they don't. And some people they seem to have a load of positive qualities, but they might not display them to all.

The CNY period is drawing to an end soon. I still vividly remember the times I returned to Johor and KL during CNY when I was younger. I would be abounded with excitement and anticipation to spend time with relatives of similar ages as me. Playing Poker, watching Crayon Shinchan, savouring roasted pig, going to the market place to have chendol...and most exhilarating of all: lighting fire crackers. I stayed at my grandparents' house when I returned to KL. It was dilapidated, and there's even a cemetery behind it. However, I've never heard or experienced any paranormal activity there. Relatives pay visits, and the whole house would be full of warmth and laughter on this joyous occasion. I was very close with this cousin of mine. Her mum, who is my aunt, resides in HK. She studied in MY and live with my grandparents though. Every year when I went back, I could see how jubilant she was. When we arrived KL in the wee hours of the morning, we would first catch some sleep at my grandparents' house. Then, I would be awakened, when it was still early, by her noise and footsteps on the wooden flooring. In my groggy state and half shut eyes, I could see her peeking into the room, can't wait for me to wake and play with her. My sister and brother mingled with cousins of older ages, similarly for me and that cousin. My sister's "gang" were like in the late teens or early twenties. Slight generation and age gaps, and they would always go light fire crackers without my gang. As children, we wouldn't want to miss out on the fun, so we would always go to the back to of house to find them. When they heard us coming, they would quickly go into hiding, or change location. And then, the stalking and avoiding processes continued. When their party was tired, they went back into the house and we followed. As if they genuinely need a break. They took advantage of the oblivion of my gang and sneaked out once again...
Now, all the above mentioned events were no longer standard. One reason is because we have all grown up. Fire crackers do not seem to excite us as much as before. That cousin who I was close to, used to be boisterous and naive. Now, she...how to say. From her dressing, make-up and actions, you know her personality has sort of changed. Like this year, she was so adhesive to her boyfriend all day, and we no longer spend quality time like in the past. On another note, the practice of lighting fire crackers or fireworks has not seemed to have diminished. When I went back to Johor this year, after the clock struck twelve, indicating the first day of CNY, the sky was full of fireworks (not that there weren't any before that, but even more). It's like, the whole night sky was free for you to select any field of view, and the firework displays were so brilliant and spectacular. The whole torrent of fireworks last about one hour plus, without an interval of disruption of more than a minute. The exploding lights in the sky temporarily lighted up the clouds and the thundering sounds seemed to be tearing the sky apart. No kidding. Sometimes, the thought of pollution came into my mind. Yeah I think it's really heavy pollution, but, it's not like people put fireworks like this everyday or every month. At the end of the day, I didn't really delve into the detrimental consequences of putting firecrackers/works...

Another thing. Last night I saw on the news that there are heavy snow in many parts of Japan. Like in a particular place, an avalanche killed a trio that were bathing in an outdoor pool at a hot springs inn. The heavy blizzards are not that long since the Fukushima incident. I mean, time is needed to clear the wreckage and for reconstruction of an devastated place, and now, another disaster strikes. Who know what more would happen in the near future. Yesterday night my father was saying that it is Japan's retribution for triggering the second world war. This cannot be confirmed, but if that is really the case, then why now? The new generations of Japanese are innocent, and similarly new people are replacing the old ones in other parts of the world. Like what my teacher discussed during one GP lesson, the old hatred, discords, and strifes can be erased and forgotten over time. Now we talk about international travel, about people heading to Hokkaido to savour crabs, to Hirosaki to view Cherry Blossoms... Japanese technology has helped to improve lives of people and the Japanese are also notable for the politeness, no? It's like, there is mostly peacetime now, and the brutal, ruthless image of Japan has probably been replaced with a more positive one. It's a pity if Japan receives her harsh comeuppance because of what past people do, and even after it is no longer a warring country.

Ever wondered why most oil deposits are found in the Middle East and other less developed countries? I think it's a gift from God. The oil is meant to help them earn revenue and to develop. Unfortunately, people often cannot see eye to eye and engage in heated disputes, culminating to wars and destruction, trapping the people in a poverty cycle and wasting precious resources. Or, countries are constantly haunted by corrupt, inefficient and incapable leaders. Hence, even with a plentiful reserve of oil, a country still cannot achieve proper economic growth. Going into wars make people poorer, and when they are poor, it builds their greed and hunger for money and profits. That's when they want to own more oilfields and oil becomes a firestarter of yet another dispute. People should learn to share, be thoughtful and wise. Some things are indeed lamenting. I think that imperfections need to be present in order for us to strive for betterment. However, some imperfections will only land people in an endless suffering and they just have to wake up. Like, from what I saw from yesterday's news as well, supporters of an Egyptian football team sparked a havoc and raided the pitch because they could not accept the defeat. I mean, no matter how much the team means to you, it's a football game. Having said, there is a possibility of losing. One cannot infuse other matters into a football game and aggravate the anger within. When it's a football game, talk about sportsmanship. It's not like supporters of the opposing team jeered? Stay wise and don't let insanity get the better of you, that's the first step to creating peace, and isn't that what people are coveting for?

Watched "Secret Garden" finale yesterday. Seriously beautiful drama. Elements of laughter, sorrow and bliss perfectly infused into it. One way how it stands out from common dramas is how they give recognition to stunt doubles and firemen. Both are praiseworthy and respectable occupations, but more often than not, people neglect how much toil those people undergo, how much courage they need, and how much they sacrifice. Like, viewers focus on the main leads of an action movie, and forget that the stunt doubles play an imperative role in contributing to the success and excitement of the movie. "Secret Graden" utilises the soul switching plot. Though it is not new, it is cleverly used in such a way that it indeed makes the love between the couple grow and became the ultimate tool which the male lead used to sacrifice himself for the female.
The drama is a little bit of angels and fairytales, but that does not make it too unnatural and unrealistic. Because, there are also things that people can relate to, such as strong opposition from parents towards a relationship and also people knowing to cherish others only when they have lost them. These are real life experiences and some should be able to put themselves in the shoes of the characters completely. "Secret Garden" has a drama within a drama. Can see that it is filmed with heart and soul. With the sincerity and efforts, it a not a shabby drama and is definitely worth watching.
Side note, Happy Chinese New Year! Back in Malaysia. It is not as fun as it used to be, but nevertheless still celebrating and respecting the occasion as usual. May everyone discover some wonders in life and create your own secret garden, a place where you find solace and comfort when the going gets tough and when the odds are against you.

Dear Watson,

Apologies for not updating you earlier about my current status. You may be reticent and stoical, but I know you would worry for me. Here at the base camp, war has started. The enemy can strike any minute, and remaining vigilant is the key. I'm in a dangerous position, but I blame nobody, because I was the one who chose to be at the front-line. One week has passed, and there are 21 long and grueling days to go.

This dangerous state has not reached its climax. I had a solid shield to ward off some the menacing and deadly attacks. However, fate has decided that I need to step out and fight gallantly instead of playing defense. I lost the shield during a pandemonium on the battlefield. Given the heavy fire and destruction, I reckon it has been destroyed. Next week on, I need will face even immense perils. However, this cannot be done overnight. I need to learn the ropes from experienced soldiers and generals, and fast. Only then, I can be independent. Every warrior has his enemies to fight, they cannot be there for me around the clock.

The enemy is merciless. You see some puppet-like humans who seem to have lost their conscience heartlessly and constantly bombarding your base. They sneak on you whilst you are trapped in a turmoil and chaos and present a surprise, be it pilfering of your belongings or raging at you. My life is at its hardest for these 18 years. However my friend, I promise to return after this critical period. Being on the frontline is both a mental and physical torture. There is little time for proper breaks, let alone fully meeting the nutritional needs from daily meals. I am undernourished, and I may be even lankier than before, but I believe you can still recognize me, apart from my dreary and weary state.

Each hour is a rush hour, as in we are mad busy, but the actual speed of time passing is a complete opposite, like continental drift slow. I am closer to liberation with each passing hour though. I am looking forward to the day where, with outstretched hands, I pass my uniform back with relief. During times like this, it is especially spirit uplifting, encouraging and heartwarming to have emotional and psychological support from people close to you. Heartfelt thanks and utmost gratitude to you. I know you are having a hard time now as well. During wartime, we are all affected, more or less. Yes, let's all pull through this together.

Your friend,
Holmes

(Haha, in letter form, cool huh? I use the name Watson because I like it alot. Since I started with Watson and the whole post is in substitute, I might as well sign off with Holmes. The base is actually my workplace, the enemy refers to the customers, and the shield is actually an experienced staff. Lastly, I believe my friends will know that I am grateful to them for offering words of encouragement.)