Wealth attributes to certain consumer behaviour and the more wealth one holds, the higher the purchasing power.
Having this power gives one the ability to "command" and so purchasing power, to some extent, is a form of social power.
In general, for as long as one possesses this commanding power, the individual has the freedom to choose but of course, we must not forget about opportunity cost! Opportunity cost is not only assessed in monetary and/or material terms, but can be assessed in terms of anything that is of value.
Having mentioned about trial & error in an earlier post, and in my humble opinion there is an opportunity cost involved here; because what we chose might not be suitable. The next best thing that a person can engage in is referred to as the opportunity cost of doing the best thing and ignoring the next best thing to be done.
As Greg Mankiw, an economist, described, "To get one thing that we like, we usually have to give up another thing that we like".
Almost similar to what I always quote, "You got to give up one thing in order to gain another."
The power to choose really depends on what one is looking for, irregardless of the amount of wealth. One can enjoy the maximum wealth in the world but yet not being able to find what he/she is looking for, is equivalent to having zero wealth.
But even having the slightest idea of what you want, one might not commit to it right away due to the "china-doll-syndrome". Having insecurities that hinders or forces one to conceal their true selves from one another, it makes one consider the need to make the purchase and will it be just another impulsive buy.
How sad for the person that held that chance, and dropped it. For they too might have felt the same exact way, and regret that they shut that door, but might think that it was for the better.
Thus unable to touch or move in on the chance that leave that shelf; missing out on the perfect buy. What a waste.
However, on the other hand, there are the trigger-happy ones. Such individuals shoot on sight, sweeping what they like off the shelf.
Afterall, holding that power to purchase can be the key to happiness.
Just like what retail therapy does for me.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
I feel
... ... lazy; that I have not been putting in effort in my studies. Straying away from the New Year resolution.
I need to start.
... ... weak; I have not been working out and I feel so uncomfortable. Getting tired easily is the biggest sign.
I need to start.
... ... empty; friends are & can be the greatest company but they need their space too.
I miss someone.
... ... envious; seeing people happily attached makes my heart yearn for the all-so-sweet experience.
I miss someone.
... ... lost (in translation); submerged in one's contradiction.
I need to know.
... ... uncertain; short-run and/or long-run assurance.
I need to know.
... ... I need to start
... ... I miss someone
... ... I need to know
That is how I feel.
I need to start.
... ... weak; I have not been working out and I feel so uncomfortable. Getting tired easily is the biggest sign.
I need to start.
... ... empty; friends are & can be the greatest company but they need their space too.
I miss someone.
... ... envious; seeing people happily attached makes my heart yearn for the all-so-sweet experience.
I miss someone.
... ... lost (in translation); submerged in one's contradiction.
I need to know.
... ... uncertain; short-run and/or long-run assurance.
I need to know.
... ... I need to start
... ... I miss someone
... ... I need to know
That is how I feel.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Baggages
Yes, we all have lots of baggages collected over certain periods of time in our lives, just that you might not actually realise that you have been lugging them along for so long.
Being a Singaporean Chinese, the Lunar New Year is approaching and it is when we end the year and welcome the start of another year on a joyous festive note.
Everybody should be wrapping up what they call the "spring cleaning", before the LNY Eve approaches. During this period of time, while everybody is busy cleaning their houses spanking clean, some of us are still struggling with our baggages that are perhaps long due for the thrash can. And some of these baggages can actually be quite new!
These baggages are of different sizes; big & small. And they hold emotions, memories, experiences and occassionally, lessons that we can bring along in life.
These are what makes us carry the baggages along into different stages of life, and in some way or another, affecting the way we live our lives. One may deny that such actually affect his/her life, but the fact is that subconsciously, it is. Some of us may realise this, some of us may not; in fact at times people are still living in the shadows of their past. Certain things that people do, say, are skeptical of and/or hang on to, are due to what has happened to them before, perhaps for an example, in a relationship. A thousand things can happen in a relationship and certain fateful event leaves behind a scar. Unknowningly, this becomes part of the baggage. With this baggage, this traveller is constantly being reminded of the scar each time a trigger is pulled. Thus, casting a shadow over the area, turning it into a dark alley which we are always warned not to walk into, for there are dangers lurking around. As time goes, decisions are at times made to detour around that dark little alley.
But this is not the case for every individual, especially for those who are able to put the past behind them (of course, this is not an easy task). Not in the sense that they totally have forgotten about the past, as nobody can forget the past for we are no computers where we can just hit the "Delete" button and viola!, it is gone forever. I am sorry but none of that is going to happen, ever.
Simply to say, this can actually be the most simple action on this beautiful world which is to simply pack, lock up and leave the baggage behind without any worries. But hold on, that is something which we always thought of doing when dogged by troubles and hardships! What an irony.
("Moving on!")
Yes, clearing the old baggages in time for the new year for a new start. Too many people have been carrying old baggages around, at times tiring them out easily. How do you actually clear them off?
This, I must say, is very, very subjective to individuals.
Some may take a year or two, while some might just need a month or two! And some might need a bottle or two, maybe three.
In a bustling environment, where speed is essential, efficiency highly sought after and effectiveness is core, clearing away some space is something not to be pushed or hurried. It should be done when one is ready to do so, or in other words, when the time is ripe.
There might be a whole list for to do, or there might not a be need to lift a finger. Who knows. Perhaps someday when one relaxes on his/her favourite couch, thinks about the past and being able to smile from deep within, with a "Thank You" to a particular opposition, for in some way or another, a better person is carved. Or perhaps maybe even after a friendly chat over a cup of coffee, a helium balloon tied to an anchor, will be set free just like that.
However, to do so, one must have the courage to stand in the face of the dark alley.
So go on, pour away the water and let it go.
Let the water flow on its own, to a place where it will finally come to a rest.
That will exactly be when and where one's old baggage(s) will be left behind; starting a new chapter.
Being a Singaporean Chinese, the Lunar New Year is approaching and it is when we end the year and welcome the start of another year on a joyous festive note.
Everybody should be wrapping up what they call the "spring cleaning", before the LNY Eve approaches. During this period of time, while everybody is busy cleaning their houses spanking clean, some of us are still struggling with our baggages that are perhaps long due for the thrash can. And some of these baggages can actually be quite new!
These baggages are of different sizes; big & small. And they hold emotions, memories, experiences and occassionally, lessons that we can bring along in life.
These are what makes us carry the baggages along into different stages of life, and in some way or another, affecting the way we live our lives. One may deny that such actually affect his/her life, but the fact is that subconsciously, it is. Some of us may realise this, some of us may not; in fact at times people are still living in the shadows of their past. Certain things that people do, say, are skeptical of and/or hang on to, are due to what has happened to them before, perhaps for an example, in a relationship. A thousand things can happen in a relationship and certain fateful event leaves behind a scar. Unknowningly, this becomes part of the baggage. With this baggage, this traveller is constantly being reminded of the scar each time a trigger is pulled. Thus, casting a shadow over the area, turning it into a dark alley which we are always warned not to walk into, for there are dangers lurking around. As time goes, decisions are at times made to detour around that dark little alley.
But this is not the case for every individual, especially for those who are able to put the past behind them (of course, this is not an easy task). Not in the sense that they totally have forgotten about the past, as nobody can forget the past for we are no computers where we can just hit the "Delete" button and viola!, it is gone forever. I am sorry but none of that is going to happen, ever.
Simply to say, this can actually be the most simple action on this beautiful world which is to simply pack, lock up and leave the baggage behind without any worries. But hold on, that is something which we always thought of doing when dogged by troubles and hardships! What an irony.
("Moving on!")
Yes, clearing the old baggages in time for the new year for a new start. Too many people have been carrying old baggages around, at times tiring them out easily. How do you actually clear them off?
This, I must say, is very, very subjective to individuals.
Some may take a year or two, while some might just need a month or two! And some might need a bottle or two, maybe three.
In a bustling environment, where speed is essential, efficiency highly sought after and effectiveness is core, clearing away some space is something not to be pushed or hurried. It should be done when one is ready to do so, or in other words, when the time is ripe.
There might be a whole list for to do, or there might not a be need to lift a finger. Who knows. Perhaps someday when one relaxes on his/her favourite couch, thinks about the past and being able to smile from deep within, with a "Thank You" to a particular opposition, for in some way or another, a better person is carved. Or perhaps maybe even after a friendly chat over a cup of coffee, a helium balloon tied to an anchor, will be set free just like that.
However, to do so, one must have the courage to stand in the face of the dark alley.
So go on, pour away the water and let it go.
Let the water flow on its own, to a place where it will finally come to a rest.
That will exactly be when and where one's old baggage(s) will be left behind; starting a new chapter.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Best Fit
It is just like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, in which all pieces fit nicely with another.
In all things we do, we are subconsciously subjected to finding the best fit and without us realising it.
Could it be matching that pair of jeans with a tee shirt or a shirt?
Could it be choosing that dish to go along with the plain rice that you are having for lunch?
Could it be buying that birthday gift for your best buddy?
Could it be looking out for someone that catches your eye?
Be it any of the above or the thousand and one things that's happening in your life, yes, we are constantly looking to find the best fit for all events.
Easier said than done. So how do we find it?
I must simply say, perhaps one of my favourite quotes, "It's all about trial & error."
BUT I am not saying that we enter into anything, having a trial & error mentality.
We should be strong & confident, and most importantly, dare to be wrong and/or fail.
For if we do not, then never would we be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel; as the first step will never be taken.
If you do not try, you will never know what awaits you at the other end of the road.
And of course, certain characteristics have to be there. One has to have courage to take the daring initiative, followed by the patience and determination to persevere as well as the wits to take on the events of life.
Not forgetting the strength to stand back up upon failure.
Failure is a big word; sometimes too big for people to handle, they collapse.
As there's a saying "failure is the mother of success" (correct me if I'm wrong), I totally agree with it.
To me, failure is a learning process and what does not kills us, only makes us stronger.
BUT of course, we definitely must not plan to fail. One should always plan to succeed.
However, not all events carry the same backlash; some so insignificant that one might not even feel it.
Having being able to find the best fit, things will naturally flow smoothly. And it brings alot into life; joy & sorrow. Being best fit, these will be easily overcomed and the bond will be stronger, working towards the common goal and achieving it.
And when one looks back in time, we can only be grateful & thank God that we found the right one, completing the beautiful jigsaw puzzle.
And I'm still looking for that beautiful piece.
In all things we do, we are subconsciously subjected to finding the best fit and without us realising it.
Could it be matching that pair of jeans with a tee shirt or a shirt?
Could it be choosing that dish to go along with the plain rice that you are having for lunch?
Could it be buying that birthday gift for your best buddy?
Could it be looking out for someone that catches your eye?
Be it any of the above or the thousand and one things that's happening in your life, yes, we are constantly looking to find the best fit for all events.
Easier said than done. So how do we find it?
I must simply say, perhaps one of my favourite quotes, "It's all about trial & error."
BUT I am not saying that we enter into anything, having a trial & error mentality.
We should be strong & confident, and most importantly, dare to be wrong and/or fail.
For if we do not, then never would we be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel; as the first step will never be taken.
If you do not try, you will never know what awaits you at the other end of the road.
And of course, certain characteristics have to be there. One has to have courage to take the daring initiative, followed by the patience and determination to persevere as well as the wits to take on the events of life.
Not forgetting the strength to stand back up upon failure.
Failure is a big word; sometimes too big for people to handle, they collapse.
As there's a saying "failure is the mother of success" (correct me if I'm wrong), I totally agree with it.
To me, failure is a learning process and what does not kills us, only makes us stronger.
BUT of course, we definitely must not plan to fail. One should always plan to succeed.
However, not all events carry the same backlash; some so insignificant that one might not even feel it.
Having being able to find the best fit, things will naturally flow smoothly. And it brings alot into life; joy & sorrow. Being best fit, these will be easily overcomed and the bond will be stronger, working towards the common goal and achieving it.
And when one looks back in time, we can only be grateful & thank God that we found the right one, completing the beautiful jigsaw puzzle.
And I'm still looking for that beautiful piece.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tick-tock, tick-tock...
Looking back for the almost-one month since I last posted,
I thought to myself, "Wow, time really flies!"
Lately I have been saying that and I wonder why.
Am I running short of time,
am I maximising the time I have,
or do I just have too much to do?
It just seems that time is ticking faster & faster!
Each day just passes me like that and,
so many things happening in a day,
till such that everything just feels like yesterday!
And yet I feel that I have not done much to deserve the night's rest!
A part of me still lingers on, wanting the day to be longer.
Is this part of growing up, realising the importance of time?
Or is it just myself feeling this way?
There are still so many things that I want to do,
but how much can one juggle & handle?
I cannot juggle too many too long, I know.
But each day, I will give my best;
doing better than yesterday...
That is all that matters...
And it is definitely not me...
As this is known as growing up...
I hope I'm right!!!
So let us all make the best out of the time we have!
Cheers!
I thought to myself, "Wow, time really flies!"
Lately I have been saying that and I wonder why.
Am I running short of time,
am I maximising the time I have,
or do I just have too much to do?
It just seems that time is ticking faster & faster!
Each day just passes me like that and,
so many things happening in a day,
till such that everything just feels like yesterday!
And yet I feel that I have not done much to deserve the night's rest!
A part of me still lingers on, wanting the day to be longer.
Is this part of growing up, realising the importance of time?
Or is it just myself feeling this way?
There are still so many things that I want to do,
but how much can one juggle & handle?
I cannot juggle too many too long, I know.
But each day, I will give my best;
doing better than yesterday...
That is all that matters...
And it is definitely not me...
As this is known as growing up...
I hope I'm right!!!
So let us all make the best out of the time we have!
Cheers!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Another stone in life
Quadthlon. 500m coastal swim, 12km skate, 20km cycling & 6km run.
With my buddy, Banshiro or rather how I address him, Ah Long.
2 hours 33 minutes & 2 hours 37 minutes.
Was a good timing as I was looking to complete in the 2 hours 30 minutes mark.
Swim 500m was easy & water was calm. Nothing as what I thought it would be. Perhaps everybody was looking out for one another. But we lost each other during the swim.
Next up was the skating 12km. Nothing much to highlight except for a tightness in the right tibialis anterior muscle. It was quite distracting but I pressed on.
Nothing too difficult for me, given a mentality prep yesterday.
Then it was the cycle 20km leg. Took quite a bit of time on this discipline due to equipment failure. But slow & steady we completed it.
Final leg, 6km run. Now this is the torturing part.
Stitches, tight muscles on the lower leg, and starting off was quite a puffer.
Managed to control it with the mind over body method; telling myself that I must not stop and I'm gonna achieve this.
And I was very surprised that I was so close to the timing I had in mind!
Though along the way, I had a few frustrations but I just let it go. Also partly due to the fact that when you're sweating it out, you just feel lighter!
Nevertheless, it was a good experience and I enjoyed it!
Like I said, in the previous post. The feeling of it just makes me high.
What kind of feeling, ask me personally!
Now having completed the Quadthlon, I feel that I can go even further...
To place another stone in life...
A milestone...
What about you...?
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Tomorrow...
It's 11.18pm now, approximately H-Hour +6 to the Quadthlon.
I cannot believe that I have to sleep so early on a Saturday night! Though for the past 2 years, I did so for a Saturday in December. Heh!
As the event draws nearer, my heart pounds faster.
I must admit that I wasn't very enthusiastic in signing up when my bud initiated it. Yet I signed up as I felt that this is something different and this would be a kick-start to what I will want to achieve next year!
Though it's still early to next year, but I roughly have a list to achieve already! :D
Why does my heart pound faster; nervous or excited?
Perhaps a lil of both.
It's mind over body.
The mind is powerful and so are our bodies.
We should constantly push ourselves to the edge, testing out the limits.
For at least, we'd know ourselves better.
I have a belief in this.
Constantly reminding & telling myself the objective tomorrow, isolating myself from the happenings outside.
Focusing on tomorrow; how will it be, what will it be like, how to transit and how to overcome it.
Preparations for tomorrow...
Training wasn't adequate and not anywhere near to the 38.5km tomorrow.
Thus if I suffer tomorrow, only myself to blame.
And I paid $80 bucks for it!
I was asked why would anybody do such a thing.
And I told this person that I just like the feeling where I'm in no man's land. If that person still remember.
I set today to be a REST day and indeed, I rested.
Ate alot too.
I feel so fat now. Yucks.
Time is up now.
I will and definitely hit another milestone in my life,
Tomorrow.
I cannot believe that I have to sleep so early on a Saturday night! Though for the past 2 years, I did so for a Saturday in December. Heh!
As the event draws nearer, my heart pounds faster.
I must admit that I wasn't very enthusiastic in signing up when my bud initiated it. Yet I signed up as I felt that this is something different and this would be a kick-start to what I will want to achieve next year!
Though it's still early to next year, but I roughly have a list to achieve already! :D
Why does my heart pound faster; nervous or excited?
Perhaps a lil of both.
It's mind over body.
The mind is powerful and so are our bodies.
We should constantly push ourselves to the edge, testing out the limits.
For at least, we'd know ourselves better.
I have a belief in this.
Constantly reminding & telling myself the objective tomorrow, isolating myself from the happenings outside.
Focusing on tomorrow; how will it be, what will it be like, how to transit and how to overcome it.
Preparations for tomorrow...
Training wasn't adequate and not anywhere near to the 38.5km tomorrow.
Thus if I suffer tomorrow, only myself to blame.
And I paid $80 bucks for it!
I was asked why would anybody do such a thing.
And I told this person that I just like the feeling where I'm in no man's land. If that person still remember.
I set today to be a REST day and indeed, I rested.
Ate alot too.
I feel so fat now. Yucks.
Time is up now.
I will and definitely hit another milestone in my life,
Tomorrow.
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