Post-Natal Day Reflections

Before you read further, let me start by offering my deepest gratitude for all your gracious birthday greetings. To my dear family, friends, Regal Hill, THANK YOU ALL: without all your support, things would have been very different. Most of all, To The One Up There, Thank You for this Life.

The day after my birthday gave me a lot of time to think about what is truly important to me at this time of my life. I’ve really lived such an incredible life. I have done lots of mistakes and learned from them.

I am _ _ years old. I am the age of my heart. The thought of being in this age didn’t bring with it uninhibited joy, but a feeling of trepidation. Basically, I haven’t treated this natal day the way I treated any other birthday.

Even supposing that I had already accomplished a lot- university, career (even laid low career), school after school, etc.- I still can’t help but ask myself “What road would I take next?” Wherever I am at this point, I can honestly say I am happy. There are times however, those worry wart-evil thoughts keep shaking me and poking my guts. “Are you lost? Are you doing what you wanted to do? Are you truly where you wanted to be?”  Suddenly, I feel the urge to take a deep breath. Sigh. Deep, cleansing breaths. On occasion, tiny fluids secreted by the lacrimal glands of my eyes instinctively drop, how salty they are. And yet, when whimpering’s done I feel better again and when my tear ducts shut, I feel my own renewal of hope, and my own sense of purpose. Everyone feels the same way once in a while. Human nature.

The past few years I have been piloted in an unexpected personal wave of uncertainty and anxiety. I have embraced my sadness and darkness in order to see the light and experience true bliss. Despite setbacks, I have kept and still keep on going. With that said, I have built my inner strength  through learning the hard way.  I have journeyed down many different roads; have pushed huge stones aside for me to let through. I have mapped a different route in life. The fact is, sometimes the things we’re most passionate about- the things we would most like to accomplish in life- are the very blueprints we tend to put off. Time flies, and that half-decorated wall is still waiting in vain, or that half-started postgraduate degree is balanced out, or the course that we so want to take is neglected,  merely because we can’t seem to find a way to start or pursue it. Making those big dreams come true is not as easy as eating cakes on your birthday.

Nonetheless, I have had my heart set on living my dreams (perhaps aimless dreams). On living those dreams, I have stared various proverbial forks in the road. Life has been constantly teaching me. It has taught me how to focus on the choices I have to make every time I find myself standing pensively at one of those forks in the road. I may not have all the answers to my stupid questions; I may not reach all my goals, but the important thing is to keep striving toward one. No matter how overwhelmed I feel, how impossible the odds seem I always take time to step back and envision the life I want to have. I have been the seedling in a cultural desert, wanting ever so much to be grown, to be something more than what I am.

How old am I again? Bugger! Age is not a particularly interesting subject especially for a person like me. Anyone can get old. But we should turn not older with years, but newer everyday.

So you are not where you thought you would be at 25, 30, 35, 40, 50 or 70? Everyone’s life plan swerves off course at some point. It’s the journey that matters the most. It is the journey that makes the person. It is the journey that transforms a person from being average to enjoy stratospheric success. It is the journey that changes lives.

Now that I’ve turned _ _, I’m no longer afraid of what’s in store, albeit feeling a bit angst-ridden. I’m stepping into the next greatest evolution of myself. This time I should know what I really want. Unlike a birthday present, life is not always neatly packaged and tied with a bow. I know how to grow old but still stay young ;-). I haven’t really mastered any single wisdom yet, but I believe wisdom has its own way of sinking itself deep into my core.

In all instances,  I would wish to open my heart and mind a little wider. To walk to the edge. To scan well the horizons. To live well- to laugh often- to love much. To choose with no regret. To do what I love. Above all, I wish to be a stronger and better person today than I was yesterday.

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LIBRA I am

Forwarded by a Co-LIBRAN

LIBRA: The sign of beauty and justice

Ruled by Venus, the planet of love, Libra and partnership go hand-in-hand. Libra is a sociable Air sign, so sharing and relating with others is a priority.

The key phrase for a Libra is “I balance.” The scales of justice provide the symbol for this fair-minded sign, so Libra strives for a balanced perspective that incorporates equality and cooperation. They’re the peacemakers of the zodiac who endeavor to find harmony in everything they do.

But let’s not forget about beauty, the other domain of Venus. Whether it’s through art or eloquent words, part of Libra’s destiny is to make the world a more beautiful place. And it goes without saying that Libra appreciates the finer things in life.

Here’s a closer look into the heart and mind of this artsy, ardent Air sign.

Libra personality
Libra is the epitome of graciousness. A Libra can charm even the most boorish of adversaries. Conversely, they can be powerful opponents to those who violate their keen sense of justice.

One of the most sociable signs of the zodiac, Libra thrives on one-on-one exchanges with a wide circle of friends and colleagues. They desire to be liked, and have an accommodating nature – often to a fault. As an Air sign, they are intellectually oriented, and they love to learn. Because they weigh and balance every idea that comes their way, they can have trouble making decisions – and they may even talk themselves out of a decision, once it’s reached. On the positive side, they endeavor to understand all points of view.

Libra has an artistic eye and a unique sense of style that others strive to emulate (think of Libra bombshell Bridget Bardot, who popularized the bikini). They love fine things, including clothing, and even their weekend slouchery has a touch of chic. Mainly, Libra is about sharing, so they are usually generous with their feelings, ideas and possessions.

Libra in love
Libra loves to be in love. They are most content when in a relationship. If you’re involved with a Libra, they’ll be the most thoughtful of lovers. They’re always thinking of you. On the downside, they can be so accommodating that their needs aren’t met, which can lead to resentment. And they’ll try to hide their annoyance because negative feelings, especially anger, make them acutely uncomfortable. They are the peacemakers, after all, so they’ll often give in just to keep the peace. Knowing when your Libra is irritated requires a keen eye and some intuition. Oh, they’ll let you know in subtle ways – can we say passive aggressive? On the positive side, they have a talent for analysis and fair-play that can help resolve differences quickly and reasonably.

Most important, your Libra will let you know you’re loved through words and deeds – in and out of the bedroom. Yes, they are passionate, but they are seldom over-the-top lusty (unless there’s a Scorpio planet in their chart). It’s that balance thing again – lust and balance don’t intermingle very well. Plus, being an Air sign means they’re most comfortable in their head. But if your Libra can get out of their intellect and into their body, you’ll have a sizzling sexual connection that’s based on love.

Libra at work
With their love of beauty, Libras can excel in artistic professions as interior decorators, architects, graphic artists or website designers, fine artists, musicians, entertainers, actors or set designers. Because of their talent for relating, they also make excellent therapists, marriage counselors, mediators, public relations specialists, wedding planners and media consultants. Their sense of justice can prompt them to enter the field of law or community advocacy. With such a strong intellect, Libra endeavors to learn new things throughout life.

Hmmm… Do I have to agree with all of these? I nod.

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Suck in Air

Recap of the Last Week

Monday:

At work. Had a simple talk with the boss. Appreciated it.

Tuesday:

When I checked my emails early today, I got a comment message from RV. (Hey big bro, how’s Saudi? I so missed your company.) I didn’t have any clue what the message might be about. So I logged in to that site and saw his birthday greetings. He said he wanted to be the very first one to greet me a “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”. I was touched, but I hahaha-ed. Is it my birthday yet? Thanks for reminding, bro. But right now, I have to come to grips with my research papers. Piles of books on the table. Finished work to be submitted on my natal day.

At noon, I went to the spa. Before I left home I did some swift plucking on my eyebrows. If the facialist would notice those unwanted hair on my face, she might probably tell me to have them honeycombed.  That won’t be necessary though, and I will not allow her  to talk me into doing it. No thanks. Thus, I tried to pluck out every misplaced hair growing below my eyebrows. Looking at my eye crowns with  naked eyes, I thought my face looked polished. But when I rolled the curtains to make the flat brighter, scratch that! Cute little mustaches have grown on my upper lip. Straightaway, I grabbed a shaver and mowed my face. Afterwards, I headed down to the spa clinic.

I felt so invigorated after getting my facial. The facialist was great.

Wednesday:

At work. Toiled big time

After the 8-4 grind, dragged my trolley to the train station to meet up with study- group mates in the city.  Thoroughly, we discussed about the individual research paper. Until now, the task we ought to do is still blurry.

Thursday:

Library. Borrowed books that are needed for the papers.

Meet up with group mates, again.

Wanted to start my article but I needed a “nerve tonic” to do so.

Friday:

Knuckled myself down to work, assiduously.

BIRTHDAY. That’s in few days. Plotted to throw a big blasty party but resolved to make it a solemn one. Planned to go for a trip to Iceland or Greenland but can’t do a faraway flight. Planned other activities in lieu of party but little did I know that we’ll have a horrid exam on my red- letter day, which means I have to do loads of swotting. Can’t I just get exempted? Bang, NO. I am not considering a party after the exam either, but I will definitely kick back, relax and CARPE DIEM.

BIRTHDAY WISHES: My folks asked me, “What do you want  on your birthday?” As I always say, “Don’t make a fuss about gifts.” Each time I’m asked “any birthday wishes? Do you want this and that?”. I come back with my platitude “Nothing.” An iPhone? (got one already ;-)). Besides, I have already gotten a grand birthday gift last summer- one of the greatest gifts that a celebrant could ever receive. Thanks to Regal Hill.

Wish list: I just want something substantial this year. Practically, gifts are fine, but I’d rather wish the things I haven’t done or accomplish yet in my life. Receiving messages from friends and families would immensely make my day. A card in the mail is always nice, but I never expect anything. For me, giving gifts has become overrated to some extent. However, I love giving gifts to my close friends and family on their birthdays.

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I’ve got to plug away at my paper work.

Wish me a super fabulous, full of laughter birthday!

Signing off.

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