How big is One?

As a man walked a desolate beach one cold, gray morning he began to see another figure, far in the distance. Slowly the two approached each other, and he could make out a little boy who kept leaning down, picking something up and throwing it out into the water. Time and again he hurled things into the ocean. As the distance between them continued to narrow, the man could see that the boy was picking up starfish that had been washed upon the beach and, one at a time, was throwing them back into the water. Puzzled, the man approached the little boy and asked what he was doing. “I’m throwing these starfish back into the ocean. You see, it’s low tide right now and all of these starfish have been washed up onto the shore. If I don’t throw them back into the sea, they’ll die up here from lack of oxygen.” “But there must be thousands of starfish on this beach,” the man replied. “You can’t possibly get to all of them. There are just too many. And this same thing is probably happening on hundreds of beaches all up and down this coast. Can’t you see that you can’t possibly make a difference?” The little boy smiled, bent down and picked up another starfish, and as he threw it back into the sea he replied, “Made a difference to that one!” Each of us is but one person: limited, burdened with our own cares and responsibilities. We may feel there is so much to be done, and we have so little to give. We’re usually short of everything, especially time and money. When we leave this shore, there will still be millions of starfish stranded on the beach. Maybe we can’t change the whole world, but there isn’t one of us who can’t help change one person’s whole world. One at a time. We can make a difference.

Mindset

Why We Shout In Anger...

A Hindu saint who was visiting river Ganges to take bath found a group of family members on the banks, shouting in anger at each other. He turned to his disciples smiled'n asked.

'Why do people shout in anger shout at each other?'

Disciples thought for a while, one of them said,'Because we lose our calm, we shout.'

'But, why should you shout when the other person is just next to you? You can as well tell him what you have to say in a soft manner.'asked the saint

Disciples gave some other answers but none satisfied the other disciples.
Finally the saint explained, .

'When two people are angry at each other, their hearts distance a lot. To cover that distance they must shout to be able to hear each other. The angrier they are, the stronger they will have to shout to hear each other to cover that great distance.

What happens when two people fall in love? They don't shout at each other but talk softly, Because their hearts are very close. The distance between them is either nonexistent or very small...'

The saint continued,'When they love each other even more, what happens? They do not speak, only whisper'n they get even closer to each other in their love. Finally they even need not whisper, they only look at each other'n that's all. That is how close two people are when they love each other.'

He looked at his disciples and said.

'So when you argue do not let your hearts get distant, Do not say words that distance each other more, Or else there will come a day when the distance is so great that you will not find the path to return.'

Always ask God what you want and wait for the Lord to give you more!!

Once a baby Girl went to a shop with her mother. The shop keeper looked at the small cute child and showed her a bottle with sweets... 
And said, "Dear Child, you can take the sweets". 
But the child didn't take. The shopkeeper was surprised Such a small child she is and why is she not taking the sweets from the bottle. 
Again he said take the sweets. Now the mother also heard that and said, "Take the sweets dear". 
Yet she didn't take it. The shopkeeper seeing the child not taking the sweets. He himself took the sweets and gave to the child. The child was happy to get two handsfull of sweets. While returning home the Mother asked the child Why didn't you take the sweets, when the shop keeper told you to take..? 
Can you guess the response:
.
.
.
Child replies Mom! My hands are very small and if I take the sweets I can only take few.. But now you see when uncle gave with his big hands, How many more sweets I got!

MORAL LESSON:
When we take we may get little but when Our Father in Heaven gives He gives us more beyond our expectations more than what we can think of Because His blessings are more better than we can even imagine:)
Always ask God what you want and wait for the Lord to give you more!!

LETS PRAY:
Heavenly father, please bless the person reading this, grant his/her desires this year, wipe away every sorrow, shame, failure, untimely death, poverty, sickness from his/her life and that of every member of his/her family in Jesus Name.

Press LIKE & SHARE & write,"AMEN" IF you believe in JESUS CHRIST,

Totally Unpredictable.....love story

** Moralful story** ( it changed my thinking ) must read

My husband is an Engineer by profession, I love him for his steady nature, and I love the warm feeling when I lean against his broad shoulders.

Two years into marriage, I would have
to admit, that I am getting tired of it. The reasons of me loving him before, has now transformed into the cause of all my restlessness.

I am a sentimental woman and extremely sensitive when it comes to a relationship and my feelings, I yearn for the romantic moments, like a little girl yearning for candy. My husband, is my complete opposite, his lack of sensitivity, and the inability of bringing romantic moments into our marriage has disheartened me about love.

One day, I finally decided to tell him my decision, that I wanted a divorce.

“Why?” he asked, shocked. “I am tired, there are no reasons for everything in the world!” I answered. He kept silent the whole night, seems to be in deep thought with a lighted cigarette at all times. My feeling of disappointment only increased, here was a man who can’t even express his predicament, what else can I hope from him? And finally he asked me:” What can I do to change your mind?”

Somebody said it right, it’s hard to change a person’s personality, and I guess, I have started losing faith in him. Looking deep into his eyes I slowly answered : “Here is the question, if you can answer and convince my heart, I will change my mind, Let’s say, I want a flower located on the face of a mountain cliff, and we both are sure that picking the flower will cause your death, will you do it for me?” He said :” I will give you your answer tomorrow….” My hopes just sank by listening to his response.

I woke up the next morning to find him gone, and saw a piece of paper with his scratchy handwriting, underneath a milk glass, on the dining table near the front door, that goes…. My dear, “I would not pick that flower for you, but please allow me to explain the reasons further..” This first line was already breaking my heart. I continued reading.

“When you use the computer you always mess up the Software programs, and you cry in front of the screen, I have to save my fingers so that I can help to restore the programs. You always leave the house keys behind, thus I have to save my legs to rush home to open the door for you. You love traveling but always lose your way in a new city, I have to save my eyes to show you the way. You always have the cramps whenever your “good friend” approaches every month, I have to save my palms so that I can calm the cramps in your tummy.

You like to stay indoors, and I worry that you will be infected by infantile autism. I have to save my mouth to tell you jokes and stories to cure your boredom. You always stare at the computer, and that will do nothing good for your eyes, I have to save my eyes so that when we grow old, I can help to clip your nails, and help to remove those annoying white hairs. So I can also hold your hand while strolling down the beach, as you enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful sand… and tell you the color of flowers, just like the color of the glow on your young face… Thus, my dear, unless I am sure that there is someone who loves you more than I do… I could not pick that flower yet, and die.. ”

My tears fell on the letter, and blurred the ink of his handwriting… and as I continue on reading… “Now, that you have finished reading my answer, if you are satisfied, please open the front door for I am standing outside bringing your favorite bread and fresh milk… I rush to pull open the door, and saw his anxious face, clutching tightly with his hands, the milk bottle and loaf of bread….

Now I am very sure that no one will ever love me as much as he does, and I have decided to leave the flower alone…

That’s life, and love. When one is surrounded by love, the feeling of excitement fades away, and one tends to ignore the true love that lies in between the peace and dullness.

Love shows up in all forms, even very small and cheeky forms, it has never been a model, it could be the most dull and boring form... flowers, and romantic moments are only used and appear on the surface of the relationship. Under all this, the pillar of true love stands… and that’s our life… Love, not words win arguments…

Stochastic Probability Theory - Pregnant Deer Scenario

Stochastic Probability Theory - Pregnant Deer Scenario

Consider this scenario: In a remote forest, a pregnant deer is about to give birth to a baby. It finds a remote grass field near by a river and slowly goes there thinking it would be safe. As she moves slowly, she gets labor pain…. at the same moment, dark clouds gather around that area and lightning starts a forest fire. Turning left she se

es a hunter who is aiming an arrow from a distance. As she tries to move towards right, she spots a hungry lion approaching towards her.

Stochastic Probability Theory - Pregnant Deer Scenario

What can the pregnant deer do ….as she is already under labor pain ?

What do you think will happen ? 
Will the deer survive ? 
Will it give birth to a fawn ? 
Will the fawn survive ? or 
Will everything be burnt by the forest fire ?
…
…
…
…

That particular moment ?
…
…
…

Can the deer go left ? – Hunter’s arrow is pointing

Can she go right ? – Hungry male lion approaching

Can she move up ? – Forest fire

Can she move down ? – Fierce river


Answer: She does nothing. She just focuses on giving birth to a new LIFE.
The sequence of events that happens at that fraction of a second (moment) are as follows:
In a spur of MOMENT …a lightning strikes (already it is cloudy ) and blinds the eyes of the Hunter. At that MOMENT, he releases the arrow missing and zipping past the deer. At that MOMENT the arrow hits and injures the lion badly. At that MOMENT, it starts to rain heavily and puts out the forest fire. At that next MOMENT, the deer gives birth to a healthy fawn.
In our life, it’s our MOMENT of CHOICE and we all have to deal with such negative thoughts from all sides always. Some thoughts are so powerful they overpower us and makes us clueless. Let us not decide anything in a hurry. Let’s think of ourselves as the pregnant deer with the ultimate happy ending. Anything can happen in a MOMENT in this life. If you are religious, superstitious, atheist, agnostic… or whatever… you can attribute this MOMENT as divine intervention, faith, sudden luck, chance (serendipity), coincidence… or a simple ‘don’t know’. We all feel the same. But, whatever one may call it, I would see the priority of the deer in that given moment was to giving birth to a baby…. because LIFE IS PRECIOUS.
Hence, whether you are deer or a human, keep that faith and hope within you always.

Touching life story.... Bible Gift

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

     As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

     Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.

     Many years passed and the young man was very successful in
business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had   not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed   to come home immediately and take-care things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart.

    He began to search his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. As he read those   words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

Change Your Thinking

It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking..




Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.






One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.



His bed was next to the room's only window.








The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.








The men talked for hours on end.



They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..








Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.








The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.









The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.



Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.









As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.


One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.








Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.








Days, weeks and months passed.







One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.


She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.








As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.





0A


Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.








It faced a blank wall.








The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.









The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.







She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'











Epilogue:








There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.








Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.









'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present .'








The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.








Do not keep this letter.






I pray you will forward it to all your friends to whom you wish God's blessings.

Response Vs Reaction

At a restaurant, a cockroach suddenly flew from somewhere and sat on a lady. She started screaming out of fear. With a panic stricken face and trembling voice, she started jumping, with both her hands desperately trying to get rid of the cockroach. Her reaction was contagious, as everyone in her group also got panicky.
The lady finally managed to push the cockroach away but ...it landed on another lady in the group. Now, it was the turn of the other lady in the group to continue the drama.
The waiter rushed forward to their rescue. In the relay of throwing, the cockroach next fell upon the waiter. 

The waiter stood firm, composed himself and observed the behavior of the cockroach on his shirt. When he was confident enough, he grabbed it with his fingers and threw it out of the restaurant.
Sipping my coffee and watching the amusement, the antenna of my mind picked up a few thoughts and started wondering, was the cockroach responsible for their histrionic behavior? If so, then why was the waiter not disturbed? He handled it near to perfection, without any chaos.
It is not the cockroach, but the inability of the ladies to handle the disturbance caused by the cockroach that disturbed the ladies. 

I realized that, it is not the shouting of my father or my boss or my wife that disturbs me, but its my inability to handle the disturbances caused by their shouting that disturbs me. 
Its not the traffic jams on the road that disturbs me, but my inability to handle the disturbance caused by the traffic jam that disturbs me. 

More than the problem, it’s my reaction to the problem that creates chaos in my life.

Lessons learnt from the story:
I understood, I should not react in life.
I should always respond. The women reacted, whereas the waiter responded.
Reactions are always instinctive whereas responses are always well thought of, just and right to save a situation from going out of hands, to avoid cracks in relationship, to avoid taking decisions in anger, anxiety, stress or hurry.

A Story about Onsite... Every Software Engineer should read this

Every Software Engineer should read this.

 A Story about Onsite...!

One fine day, Vivek's PL Bhatia asks him whether he has any time for a small meeting. Vivek obviously has time and so the two go to a conference

room. Bhatia then clears his throat and says "Vivek, there is an on-site

requirement. It is in Covina , Los Angeles . It is for six months. I can

suggest your name. Do you have any problems?"

Vivek cannot believe his ears. Of course why should any one have problems

going to the Sam land. "Of course no Bhatia.. I have no

problems." he says.

Bhatia looks at him very kindly and says "You better draw up your personal

plans with your wife and let me know in a day or two" That's when Vivek

remembers that he has a wife. Then it strikes him that there is a himalayan

problem in front of him. Shobana is working in Wipro. She is in

the middle of a project in which she is a moduleleader. She cannot leave it

all and come to Covina with Vivek. On the otherhand it will be cruel on

Vivek's part to leave her here and go to Covina for more than half a year. Moreover,

they have just been married. Vivek can stay back. But one day he has to go..

He cannot stay back in India indefinitely. Project requirements are too

demanding. Shobana can resign Wipro and accompany Vivek. But what is the

guarantee that she would find such a nice job in such a nice company after they come

back from Covina ? So Shobana and Vivek discuss this issue. They reluctantly agree to get separated for six months.

Vivek hugs Shobana in the airport and says "I will be BACK" in a typical

Arnold Scharzegger tone and then boards Delta Airways leaving Shobana in

tears. In Covina Vivek gets lots of work and his stay gets extended by  two

more months. The days and months move very slowly. Vivek starts counting

even minutes.

During this period, Shobana's PL Ashish Mehta calls her one day and asks

her whether she has any time for a small meeting. Shobana wonders what

that meeting is.. They go to the conference room and Mehta tells her

about a great on-site requirement in Berlin , Germany for their customer.

"It is for six months and you are most suited person for this. I am

going to suggest your name. Do you have any problems?" Mehta asks her.

Shobana gets excited.. Berlin ! She has never been out of India . So she

instantly nods her head. Mehta then smiles and says "Okay discuss with

your hubby and let me know in a day or two"

That's when Shobana gets the gravity of the situation. It will be two

months before Vivek can come home..... By the time Shobana will have left to

Berlinfor six months. Shobana cannot decline this as this is an

important assignment. That night Vivek spends hundred dollars on

telephone to discuss this matter with Shobana. Finally they decide to go

ahead. Shobana breaks down in the phone and Vivek breaks down thinking

about his phone bill. And then Shobana leaves to Berlin .

One month after that,Vivek comes back to India . Then Shobana calls him

almost everyday and they discuss about all petty things on the phone.

Shobana applies for a loan to clear her telephone bills. Vivek gets into

a new project which is not yet started. His PL Prateek Ray calls him one

day and says that he has to go to Toledo Ohio for the requirement analysis

of that project. Vivek frantically says no. Shobana is arriving next month. He doesn't want to miss her. But Ray assures him that the work is only for one month and

that he would be back before Shobana comes to India . Thus Vivek flies to

Toledo Ohio and gets into the requirement analysis of the new project.

That's when he comes to know how difficult it is to retrieve information

from the users. You can design a system the user wants only when the

user knows what he wants. Vivek gets baffled by the questions his users

put..

"Do you think I need those fields "GMG_TYPE_HJHJ_TW" and

"Auto_level_ind"?What are they by the way?" The requirements analysis

stage continues for three full months at this pace. Shobana comes to India one

month after that. And she tells her PL that she doesn't want anymore

on-site assignments. "I understand" says Mehta and she desperately waits for Vivek to come back to India . It has already been two months over a year

since they last met. Vivek then gets the role of an on-site co-ordinator

for this customer. He calls Shobana that night and they really don't

know what to do. Shobana offers to resign her job and join him in Toledo . But

she is getting 21 grand per month in Indiaand Vivek doesn't want to lose

that. "Two more months Shobana and I promise I will be back" Shobana

retorts back, "There is no solution for this problem." Vivek gets

surprised. "What are you talking about?" he asks her. Shobana fights back her tears. "As long as I am in Wipro I will be getting a lot of on-site opportunities. Even if I

decline all of them, what about you? You also work for a software

company and there you need to go abroad almost once every quarter.

I cannot accompany you as you don't want me to resign my job here. Does

that mean we have to stay like this forever? Vivek! I love you and I

don't know how I spent fifteen months without even seeing you once. I

may not recognize you also if you come in front of me now... Tell me Vivek,

is there a solution for this problem?" Vivek doesn't speak anything for a

moment. He then realizes the truth in her sentences. It is a neverending

problem.

But what about the 20 grand she is getting per month?

"Vivek, is money everything? Can't we comfortably live with what you are

getting? Please Vivek, try to understand the situation" Shobana breaks

down. Vivek is still undecided. He married a software engineer with a

hope that with two incomes he would have a good deal of money to plan their

future."Let us face the reality, Vivek" Shobana says, "How much are you

paying for the phone calls now? More than 20 grand per month.

If I am with you there will your phone bill be so astronomical? Just

tell me one thing. Won't you be happy having me there with you?" Shobana

slowly turns hysterical. Vivek gets into the crux of the situation. It is true.

He has been spending around 600 to 700 dollars per month on India calls...

that is far more than what Shobana is getting then. He thinks and

thinks..for two days he does nothing else but thinking. Finally he decides that

he should have Shobana with him all the time from then onwards at any cost.

Shobana gladly prepares the resignation letter and submits it. Her PL

smiles and says "You've made the right decision Shobana..

 congratulations  for the bold step. I understand your problems. Anyway! you have a three

months notice period here, right? We have a one month assignment in

Singapore ....."

MORAL : No software professional should marry another software professional.... unless one of them is ready to resign.

ONE BEDROOM FLAT...

ONE BEDROOM FLAT...
WRITTEN BY AN INDIAN SOFTWARE ENGINEER..
A
Bitter Reality

... As the dream of most parents I had acquired a degree in
Software Engineering and joined a company based in USA, the
land of braves and opportunity. When I arrived in the USA, it
was as if a dream had come true.

Here at last I was in the place where I want to be. I decided I
would be staying in this country for about Five years in which
time I would have earned enough money to settle down in India.

My father was a government employee and after his retirement,
the only asset he could acquire was a decent one bedroom flat.

I wanted to do some thing more than him. I started feeling
homesick and lonely as the time passed. I used to call home and
speak to my parents every week using cheap international phone
cards. Two years passed, two years of Burgers at McDonald's and
pizzas and discos and 2 years watching the foreign exchange
rate getting happy whenever the Rupee value went down.

Finally I decided to get married. Told my parents that I have
only 10 days of holidays and everything must be done within
these 10 days. I got my ticket booked in the cheapest flight.
Was jubilant and was actually enjoying hopping for gifts for
all my friends back home. If I miss anyone then there will be
talks. After reaching home I spent home one week going through
all the photographs of girls and as the time was getting
shorter I was forced to select one candidate.

In-laws told me, to my surprise, that I would have to get
married in 2-3 days, as I will not get anymore holidays. After
the marriage, it was time to return to USA, after giving some
money to my parents and telling the neighbors to look after
them, we returned to USA.

My wife enjoyed this country for about two months and then she
started feeling lonely. The frequency of calling India
increased to twice in a week sometimes 3 times a week. Our
savings started diminishing.

After two more years we started to
have kids. Two lovely kids, a boy and a girl, were gifted to us
by the almighty. Every time I spoke to my parents, they asked
me to come to India so that they can see their grand-children.

Every year I decide to go to India... But part work part
monetary conditions prevented it. Years went by and visiting
India was a distant dream. Then suddenly one day I got a
message that my parents were seriously sick. I tried but I
couldn't get any holidays and thus could not go to India ... The
next message I got was my parents had passed away and as there
was no one to do the last rights the society members had done
whatever they could. I was depressed. My parents had passed
away without seeing their grand children.

After couple more years passed away, much to my children's
dislike and my wife's joy we returned to India to settle down.
I started to look for a suitable property, but to my dismay my
savings were short and the property prices had gone up during
all these years. I had to return to the USA...

My wife refused to come back with me and my children refused to
stay in India... My 2 children and I returned to USA after
promising my wife I would be back for good after two years.

Time passed by, my daughter decided to get married to an
American and my son was happy living in USA... I decided that
had enough and wound-up every thing and returned to India... I
had just enough money to buy a decent 02 bedroom flat in a
well-developed locality.

Now I am 60 years old and the only time I go out of the flat is
for the routine visit to the nearby temple. My faithful wife
has also left me and gone to the holy abode.

Sometimes

I wondered was it worth all this?

My father, even after staying in India,

Had a house to his name and I too have
the same nothing more.

I lost my parents and children for just ONE EXTRA BEDROOM.

Looking out from the window I see a lot of children dancing.
This damned cable TV has spoiled our new generation and these
children are losing their values and culture because of it. I
get occasional cards from my children asking I am alright. Well
at least they remember me.

Now perhaps after I die it will be the neighbors again who will
be performing my last rights, God Bless them.

But the question
still
remains 'was all this worth it?'

I am still searching for an answer.................!!!

START THINKING

IS IT JUST FOR ONE EXTRA BEDROOM???

LIFE IS BEYOND THIS .....DON'T JUST LEAVE YOUR LIFE & PARENTS ........
START LIVING IT .......
LIVE IT AS YOU WANT IT TO BE ....... BCZ LIFE IS PRECIOUS!!!!

A story worth sharing

4 years ago, an accident took my beloved away and very often I wonder,

how does my wife, who is now in the heavenly realm, feel right now? She

must be feeling extremely sad for leaving a husband who is incapable to

taking care of the house and the kid. 'cos that is the exact feeling that

I have, as I feel that I have failed to provide for the physical and emotional

needs of my child, and failed to be the dad and mum for my child.





There was one particular day, when I had an emergency at work. Hence, I

had to leave home whilst my child was still sleeping. So thinking that

there was still rice leftovers, I hastily cooked an egg and left after

informing my sleepy child.





With the double roles, I am often exhausted at work as well as when I am

home. So after a long day, I came home, totally drained of all energy.

So with just a brief hug and kiss for my child, I went straight into the

room, skipping dinner. However, when I jumped into my bed with intention

of just having a well-deserved sleep, all i heard and felt was broken porcelain

and warm liquid! I flipped open my blanket, and there lies the source of

the 'problem'... a broken bowl with instant noodles and a mess on the bedsheet

and blanket!





Boy, was I mad! I was so furious that I took a clothes hanger, charged

straight at my child who was happily playing with his toy, and give him

a good spanking! He merely cried but not asking for mercy, except a short

explanation:





"Dad, I was hungry and there wasn't anymore leftover rice. But you

were not back yet, hence I wanted to cook some instant noodles. But I remembered

you reminding me not to touch or use the gas stove without any adults around,

hence I turned on the shower and used the hot water from the bathroom to

cook the noodles.. One is for you and the other is for me. However, I was

afraid that the noodles will turn cold, so I hid it under the blanket to

keep it warm till you return. But I forgot to remind you 'cos I was playing

with my toys...I am sorry Dad..."





At that moment, tears were starting to run down my cheeks...but I didn't

want my son to see his dad crying so I dashed into the bathroom and cried

with the shower head on to mask my cries. After that episode, I went towards

my son to give him a tight hug and applied medication on him, while coaxing

him to sleep. Then, it was time to clear up the mess on the bed. When everything

was done and well past midnight, I passed my son's room, and saw that he

was still crying, not from the pain on his little buttock, but from looking

at the photograph of his beloved mummy.





A year has passed since the episode, I have tried, in this period, to focus

on giving him both the love of his dad and mum, and to attend to most of

his needs. And soon, he is turning seven, and will be graduating from kindergarten..

Fortunately, the incident did not leave a lasting impression on his childhood

memories and he is still happily growing up.





However, not so long ago, I hit my boy again, with much regret. This time,

his kindergarten teacher called, informing me of my son's absence from

school. I took off early from work and went home, expecting him to explain.

But he wasn't to be found, so I went around our house, calling out his

name and eventually found him outside a stationery shop, happily playing

computer games. I was fuming, brought him home and whack the hell out of

him. He did not retaliate, except to say, 'I am sorry, Dad'. But after

much probing, I realized that it was a 'Talent Show' organized by his school

and the invite is for every student's mummy. And that was the reason for

his absence as he has no mummy.....





Few days after the caning, my son came home to tell me, the kindergarten

has recently taught him how to read and write. Since then, he has kept

to himself and stayed in his room to practise his writing, which I am sure,

would make my wife proud, if she was still around. 'cos he makes me proud

too!





Time passes by very quickly, and soon another year has passed. It's winter,

and its Christmas time. Everywhere the christmas spirit is in every passer-by...Christmas

carols and frantic shoppers....but alas, my son got into another trouble.

When I was about to knock off from the day's work, the post office called.

Due to the peak season, the post master was also on an edgy mood. He called

to tell me that my son has attempted to post several letters with no addressee.

Although I did make a promise never to hit my son again, I couldn't help

but to hit him as I feel that this child of mine is really beyond control.

Once again, as before, he apologized, ' I'm sorry, Dad' and no additional

reason to explain. I pushed him towards a corner, went to the post office

to collect the letters with no addressee and came home, and angrily questioned

my son on his prank, during this time of the year.





His answer, amidst his sobbing, was : The letters were for Mummy.





My eyes grew teary, but I tried to control my emotions and continued to

ask him: " But why did u post so many letters, at one time?"

My son's reply was: " I have been writing to mummy for a long time,

but each time I reach out for the post box, it was too high for me, hence

I was not able to post the letters. But recently, when I went back to the

postbox, I could reach it and I sent it all at once..."





After hearing this, I was lost. Lost at not knowing what to do, what to

say.....





I told my son, " Son, mummy is in the heavenly kingdom, so in future,

if you have anything to tell her, just burn the letter and it will reach

mummy. My son, on hearing this, was much pacified and calm, and soon after,

he was sleeping soundly. On promising that I will burn the letters on his

behalf, I brought the letters outside, but couldnt help opening the letter

before they turn to ash.





And one of the letters broke my heart....





Dear Mummy,





I miss you so much! Today, there was a 'Talent Show' in school, and

the school invited all mothers for the show. But you are not around, so

I did not want to participate as well. I did not tell Dad about it as I

was afraid that Dad would start to cry and miss you all over again. Dad

went around looking for me, but in order to hide my sadness, I sat in front

of the computer and started playing games at one of the shops. Dad was

furious, and he couldnt help it but scolded and hit me, but I did not tell

him the real reason. Mummy, everyday I see Dad missing you and whenever

he think of you, he is so sad and often hide and cry in his room.. I

think we both miss you very very much. Too much for our own good I think..

But Mummy, I am starting to forget your face. Can you please appear in

my dreams so that I can see your face and remember you? I heard that if

you fall asleep with the photograph of the person whom you miss, you will

see the person in your dreams. But mummy, why havent you appeared?








After reading the letter, I cant stop sobbing. 'cos I can never replace

the irreplaceable gap left behind by my wife....

A Girls Sad Love Story...

I once heard a story straight from the heart
About a girl and how her world began to fall apart


It all started when she met the boy that made her life complete
Just thinking of him made her heart skip a beat


They were the couple everyone wanted to be
There were no imperfections as either one could see


As the weeks passed they fell more in love and were less aware
Of how often life turns out to be unfair


Until one day she finally gave in
She realized there was no way she could win
She said I'm sorry but i have to let you go


As he reached for her hand she pulled away whispering no
When she turned around a tear slid down her cheek


He just stood there speechless, forgetting how to speak
The next few days were the hardest at home


She truly felt she was all alone
Her mom pushed in her face how she had won
Her dad said "i knew he was just another one"


Her sister said "come on you'll be ok"
And her brother just tried to stay away


At school it was like her friends weren't even there
None of them seemed to really care


Her life had no more color, just black and white
Even getting out of bed turned into a fight


Despite their tries things just weren't like before
Then he decided "i don't wanna try anymore"


At that she tried to cut him out
But the more she ignored him the more her feelings began to shout


When she saw him that day she could no longer just walk by
And before she knew it her mouth opened up and out came "hi"


He looked up and said "so now we're talking?"
She just smiled and join his walking


Everyday they talked a little more
And everyday she began to like him a little less then before


As the months passed by she became more and more aware
About how its ok life's unfair
Because eventually everything becomes your past


But your memories will always last
And with that i hope you see
Not all love is meant to be
But hold on and don't give in

""Stand tall, hold up your chin
And believe me when i say
The right one will come one day
He'll open your eyes to things you couldn't ever see""

Love, Wealth and Success...

A woman came out of her house and saw 3 old men with long white beards sitting in her front yard. She did not recognize them. She said "I don't think I know you, but you must be hungry. Please come in and have something to eat."

"Is the man of the house home?", they asked.

"No", she replied. "He's out."

"Then we cannot come in", they replied.

In the evening when her husband came home, she told him what had happened.

"Go tell them I am home and invite them in!"

The woman went out and invited the men in"

"We do not go into a House together," they replied.

"Why is that?" she asked.

One of the old men explained: "His name is Wealth," he said pointing to one of his friends, and said pointing to another one, "He is Success, and I am Love." Then he added, "Now go in and discuss with your husband which one of us you want in your home."

The woman went in and told her husband what was said. Her husband was overjoyed. "How nice!!", he said. "Since that is the case, let us invite Wealth. Let him come and fill our home with wealth!"

His wife disagreed. "My dear, why don't we invite Success?"

Their daughter was listening from the other corner of the house. She jumped in with her own suggestion: "Would it not be better to invite Love? Our home will then be filled with love!"

"Let us heed our daughter's advice," said the husband to his wife.

"Go out and invite Love to be our guest."

The woman went out and asked the 3 old men, "Which one of you is Love? Please come in and be our guest."

Love got up and started walking toward the house. The other 2 also got up and followed him. Surprised, the lady asked Wealth and Success: "I only invited Love, Why are you coming in?"

The old men replied together: "If you had invited Wealth or Success, the other two of us would've stayed out, but since you invited Love, wherever He goes, we go with him. Wherever there is Love, there is also Wealth and Success!!!!!!"

Management Lesson...

Management Story !

Story 1:

It’s a fine sunny day in the forest and a lion is sitting outside his cave, lying lazily in the sun. Along comes a fox, out on a walk.

Fox: “Do you know the time, because my watch is broken”

Lion: “Oh, I can easily fix the watch for you”

Fox: “Hmm… But it’s a very complicated mechanism, and your big claws will only destroy it even more”

Lion: “Oh no, give it to me, and it will be fixed”

Fox: “That’s ridiculous! Any fool knows that lazy lions with great claws cannot fix complicated watches”

Lion: “Sure they do, give it to me and it will be fixed”

The lion disappears into his cave, and after a while he comes back with the watch which is running perfectly. The fox is impressed, and the lion continues to lie lazily in the sun, looking very pleased with himself.

Soon a wolf comes along and stops to watch the lazy lion in the sun.

Wolf: “Can I come and watch TV tonight with you, because mine is broken”

Lion: “Oh, I can easily fix your TV for you”

Wolf: “You don’t expect me to believe such rubbish, do you? There is no way that a lazy lion with big claws can fix a complicated TV”

Lion: “No problem. Do you want to try it?”

The lion goes into his cave, and after a while comes back with a perfectly fixed TV. The wolf goes away happily and amazed.

Scene: Inside the lion’s cave. In one corner are half a dozen small and intelligent looking rabbits who are busily doing very complicated work with very detailed instruments. In the other corner lies a huge lion looking very pleased with himself.

Moral:

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY A MANAGER IS FAMOUS; LOOK AT THE WORK OF HIS SUBORDINATES.

Management Lesson

In the context of the working world:

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY SOMEONE UNDESERVED IS PROMOTED; LOOK AT THE WORK OF HIS SUBORDINATES.

Story 2:

It’s a fine sunny day in the forest and a rabbit is sitting outside his burrow, tippy-tapping on his typewriter. Along comes a fox, out for a walk.

Fox: “What are you working on?”
Rabbit: “My thesis.”

Fox: “Hmm… What is it about?”
Rabbit: “Oh, I’m writing about how rabbits eat foxes.”

Fox: “That’s ridiculous ! Any fool knows that rabbits don’t eat foxes!”
Rabbit: “Come with me and I’ll show you!”

They both disappear into the rabbit’s burrow. After few minutes, gnawing on a fox bone, the rabbit returns to his typewriter and resumes typing.

Soon a wolf comes along and stops to watch the hardworking rabbit.

Wolf: “What’s that you are writing?”
Rabbit: “I’m doing a thesis on how rabbits eat wolves.”

Wolf: “you don’t expect to get such rubbish published, do you?”

Rabbit: “No problem. Do you want to see why?”

The rabbit and the wolf go into the burrow and again the rabbit returns by himself, after a few minutes, and goes back to typing.

Finally a bear comes along and asks, “What are you doing?

Rabbit: “I’m doing a thesis on how rabbits eat bears.”

Bear: “Well that’s absurd ! ”

Rabbit: “Come into my home and I’ll show you”

Scene: As they enter the burrow, the rabbit introduces the bear to the lion.

Moral:

IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW SILLY YOUR THESIS TOPIC IS; WHAT MATTERS IS WHOM YOU HAVE AS A SUPERVISOR.

Management Lesson

In the context of the working world:

IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW BAD YOUR PERFORMANCE IS; WHAT MATTERS IS WHETHER YOUR BOSS LIKES YOU OR NOT.

Chicken Story Joke...

A farmer rears twenty-five young hens and one old cock. As he feels that the old cock could no longer handle his job efficiently, the farmer bought one young cock from the market.

Old cock to Young cock : "Welcome to join me, we will work together towards productivity.

Young cock : What you mean? As far as I know, you are old and should be retired.

Old cock : Young boy, there are twenty-five hens here, can't I help you with some?

Young cock : No! Not even one, all of them will be mine.

Old cock : In this case, I shall challenge you to a competition and if I win you shall allow me to have one hen and if I lose you will have all. Young cock : O.K. What kind of competition?

Old cock: 50 meter run. From here to that tree. But due to my age, I hope you allow me to start off the first 10 meters.

Young cock : No problem ! We will compete tomorrow morning.

Confidently, the following morning, the Young cock allows the Old cock to start off and when the Old cock crosses the 10 meters mark the Young cock chases him with all his might.

Soon enough, he was behind the Old cock back in a matter of seconds.

Suddenly, Bang! ...... before he could overtake the old cock, he was shot dead by the farmer, who cursed, "Hell ! This is the fifth GAY chicken I've bought this week !"

Negative Messaging...

You want to be successful. Close your eyes and envision your dream life! Now ask yourself, can you make it come true? You already know what it is going to take to achieve your goals; the only thing you now need is to cultivate the ability to take consistent action.

You must have noticed that, in your head, you are continually talking to yourself. There is a lot of power in positive thinking, but equally powerful is the vice-like grip of negative messaging that you may be giving yourself.

Every personality is a manifestation of nature, nurture and experiences. Your natural instincts are often overshadowed by negative messaging that is set-off by this conditioning, as also by the fear of non-conformance. Over a period of time, you get accustomed to inaction.

Here’s a short story

“Eight monkeys are put in a cage. In the middle of the room is a stool, leading to a bunch of bananas hanging from a hook on the ceiling. Outside the cage, an observer has a hose filled with ice water. Within a few minutes, one monkey climbs on the stool to get the bananas. This effort is rewarded immediately with an ice cold shower for all of the monkeys. Several minutes later, another monkey tries, with the same result. Each time a monkey tries to climb the stool all the monkeys are sprayed with ice water, which makes them miserable. Soon enough, whenever a monkey attempts to climb the stool, all of the other monkeys, not wanting to be sprayed, set upon him and beat him up.

The monkeys quickly learn the relationship between 'get on the stool' and 'an ice cold shower', and choose a way to protect themselves.

One of the original monkeys is then removed, and a new monkey is put in the room. Seeing the bananas and the stool, he wonders why none of the other monkeys are doing the obvious. But undaunted, he immediately begins to climb the stool. All the other monkeys fall upon him and beat him. He has no idea why. However, he no longer attempts to climb the stool. A second original monkey is removed and replaced. The newcomer again attempts to climb the stool, but all the other monkeys beat him up. This includes the previous new monkey, who, grateful that he's not on the receiving end this time, participates in the beating because all the other monkeys are doing it. However, he has no idea why he's attacking the new monkey.

One by one, all the original monkeys are replaced. Eight new monkeys are now in the cage. None of them have ever been sprayed by ice water. None of them attempt to climb the stool. All of them will beat up any new monkey who tries, without having any idea why.”

This is how negative messaging breeds inaction...

Avoid negative messaging. You can change your negative self-talk simply by being conscious of it. Whenever you notice a negative message, consciously change it for a positive message. Your strengths are your assets, appreciate them and use them. Work towards overcoming your weaknesses; get help if needed. Learn to separate real threats from perceived threats. Move on!