Trapped Souls...

Once upon a time, a young gamer graduated out of college and was searching for a job. Being jobless for a very long time, he was getting bored with his life very much. The job market was being harsh and his patience was decreasing along with his self-esteem. Barely anyone wants to hire him, regardless if he was a college graduate. It almost felt like the world did not want him. That his life was meaningless and losing his life will not stop the world from spinning.

One day, a dear friend of his introduced the young gamer to a new game. The dear friend claimed that it was no ordinary game and it will change his life forever. That he will never forget this special piece of artwork. So the gamer decided to try it out. Why not? He thought. There was nothing to lose and his boredom and unemployment were digging into his ego. He might as well detach from reality just for a short moment to relieve some stress. So he downloaded the game and started his small adventure.

On his little adventure, he met a woman by the name Felicia. Although the gamer never met her personally, he felt connected to her due to their roles in the game. However, while playing the game, the gamer realized a terrible truth. Felicia, a mere NPC, was suffering in the game. She was forced to experience her death countless times when many other players play the game. No matter if she loves or dislikes her role, she was forced to follow the game's plan to die countless times in front of the players and forget any memory of her previous deaths.  The young gamer could not accept her fate. He could not accept knowing an innocent soul had to go through such tragedies just because she was "designed" that way. He wanted to set her soul free, giving her free will and allowing her to live with no pain. So, the gamer set on a quest to figure out how to set her free. He tried many options and at some point, even talked to Felicia herself. Felicia was very pleased to know the gamer cares for her and tries to save her life. However, after many tries, the gamer confessed to Felicia that he was failing quite miserably for he could not figure a solution. Felicia appreciated his effort. She told the gamer it was okay and she understood her fate. She was happy enough that the gamer acknowledged her existence. With no other choice, the gamer bid farewell to the damsel in distress and saw her died once more. The gamer left the game alone after that. Although she remained trapped in the game, at least she was pain free.

The gamer returned to his regular life again, searching for employment while finding other things to rid his boredom, but he would never forget Felicia and hope one day another player can set her free.

http://paperdino.com/games/save-the-date/

MIND BLOWN! PEEEUUWWWW!!!!! 

When the hour glass finishes...

At some point in one's life, another person's life finishes. It is an unavoidable event and usually unexpected. For a person as old as I am, I have to say I am very fortunate not to have any one close to me pass away. However, that doesn't mean I am blessed to not have to suffer the loss. As stated, it is unavoidable and so my time of loss will come soon. Still the topic got me thinking. It isn't the first time I thought of this topic (and I don't expect it to be my last). 

The first time I thought of this was when a friend of my sibling suffered cardiac arrest. It was really unexpected for the friend was very healthy not too long before the incident. Many teachers and friends were very shocked. The next few deaths I heard were of suicides of acquaintances. These deaths will always remain a mystery and coming to closure were hard. During those times, I didn't understand. I didn't know how to respond to those news for the people weren't involved in my life.

Recently I had a few distant relatives passed away. I didn't really feel upset but that is caused by my lack of bonding time with those relatives. Besides these relatives, the father of a friend of mine also just recently passed away. So I couldn't help but think: how would I react if someone close to me passes away? Will I cry loudly? Or would I remain quiet? How long will it take for me to recover? These questions can't be answered until I experience the event... On the other hand, do I want these questions answered? It's hard to say. However, in my opinion, it's never too late to be prepared. Now, I'm not saying to go buy a gravestone and coffin right now. That is very depressing. No, I'm talking about having a mind set to help oneself move on when the time comes. So here's what I think will help me for that future.

First, it's necessary to remind oneself that the world continues to spin. Time might feel like it stopped but sadly that is not true. There's no pause button so everyone has to pick him/herself up as soon as possible. A vacation from work might be a good idea but at some point, one needs to return to work. How can we get used to living without the deceased if we are not continuing living our normal life?

Second, it will help a lot to be prepared for paying the burial cost. It is understandable that deaths are unexpected and to think of such topic is almost taboo. However, I would feel totally ashamed if I can't afford to give my loved one a proper burial. So that means I need to leave a small share of savings for such event. Knowing that my loved one can have a decent burial comforts at least maybe 1% of the heart. Sometimes having faith in a religion helps.

Third, never forget the happy moments. Is it weird that we usually think of happy moments when the person is gone and not when he or she is present? There's always a regret. From wishing to say "thank you" to "I'm sorry," there are many things we wish we could do before the person left. Sadly, we don't know the state of our loved ones' hour glasses. Sometimes we think we have all the time in the world and procrastinate in showing our love. This advice might also help in regular life. Always think positively about everyone. It is hard but possible. Once we think of the person in a positive manner, we will compliment and thank them more often automatically. Also each moment with them is another beautiful memory. So when the time comes, there's less regrets and more wishes for a happy afterlife.

I know. They all sound cheesy and how would a girl who barely experienced such loss give such an advice?! Well, I don't know what to say. This is my thoughts, my view when someone I know lost someone. I don't know if these advice will help pick someone back on their feet. However, I think this is just a good reminder. Maybe it doesn't work on others and this will end up being a note to myself to help me get back on my own feet. Either way, may the Lord (or the diety of your religion) bless the deceased and bring them to the afterlife in peace.

Finding Your Past in Your Present

It is redundant. I said it before and I will say it again. Always remember where you came from. It makes us who we are. Well, instead of remembering, I decided to revisit where I came from.

So cloudy!

This is the city where I was raised. Honestly, I didn't go back because I want to relive my memories. I went back [against my will] to visit my relatives. Being a college graduate, my parents thought it would be nice to visit them in case I get a job that doesn't allow much vacation days. Plus I'm growing old and my grandparents are growing old. Better to visit them before it's too late (knock on wood).

The trip was quite interesting. Almost everyday, I was visiting a relative or a family friend. If I'm free, my parents would be forcing me to go shopping, thinking I need to renew my wardrobe. It was really busy. Besides having lots of family reunions, I got to revisit many places from my childhood, from shopping malls to restaurants. However, there is something I didn't expect from my trip. I experienced culture shock... from the city where I grew up! It was very stressful when I experienced culture shock from moving to the United States. Now experiencing it again but from where I came from, I realized how much I grew and adapted to the western culture. Everything is new again. I found out my tiny primary school has moved to a bigger building. My old apartment has finished renovation. There's now a Disneyland there too!... but I didn't get to go there. Taxi drivers are aggressive and MTRs can get seriously packed. I'm learning many new things again.

Many relatives and family friends asked me the same question: "If necessary, will you be able to live here again?" I automatically answered yes. I believe I can adapt to living there again. Sadly, I don't know if I want to. If I live there, I have to give up my coffee and milk tea addiction since coffee and milk tea taste a lot stronger. I also have to give up driving due to horrific traffic. Although I know I can deal with the hustle of a busy city life, I don't think I want to return there for a living... Maybe for vacations only.