Newton's Third Law of Motion

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

People are as entitled to their opinions as we are. Allow them to express how they feel and let it be. Remember that it’s all relative and a matter of perspective. What we consider positive can be perceived by another as negative. When we react, it becomes me-versus-you, who is right? Some people may have a less than eloquent way of expressing themselves - it may even be offensive, but they are still entitled to do so. They have the right to express their own opinions and we have the right and will power to choose our responses. We can choose peace or we can choose conflict.

When we respond impulsively, it is a natural and honest response. However, is it the smart thing to do? What can be resolved by doing so? The answer: Nothing. It does however feed our ego’s need for conflict. Have we noticed that when we fight back, it feels really satisfying in our heads? But it doesn’t feel very good in our soul? Our stomach becomes tight, and we start having violent thoughts? When we do respond irrationally, it turns the conversation from a one-sided negative expression into a battle of two egos. It becomes an unnecessary and unproductive battle for Who is Right?

Nothing is really fair. I’ve found that once I allow negativity in one area of my life, it starts to subtly bleed into other areas as well. When we are in a negative state or holding a grudge against someone, we don’t feel very good. We carry that energy with us as we go about our day. When we don’t feel very good, we lose sight of clarity and may react unconsciously to matters in other areas of our lives, unnecessarily.

The truth is.......

Back in 1988, Elton John sang the words, "You can't argue with the image. The camera never lies." The camera still doesn't lie, but you can argue with what it says if the truth hurts. Here is a shot along my driveway with the sunrise hiding behind the tamarind tree. The bricks in the foreground has been piling there for a very long time waiting for the never arrived weekend project. Ouchhhh......

Like it or not, friends are going to hear the truth from us (?). Many know that the truth hurts, but living a life of lies is much worse. So while you're definitely kind and supportive, you don't pull any punches with your friends. Everyone should know where they stand with you and what you like and dislike about them. While some may be initially offended by your honesty, your friends have come to consider it as a virtue. We are living in the world of white lies and deceptive politeness and I guess somewhere along the line, you can be counted on for honesty and integrity.

Made it!

Sunset in Sungai Berembang, Perlis

Yesterday was my first day at work after a long Raya break. I made it through without much hassle although with some rejection from my system. It’s over now, the first day. I’m sure there were things that went great and things that did not go so great.

One of the not-so-great was some down time with one of the server at the office. Maybe technology has gotten a bit more complicated, which makes it more likely that you will need to call for help or search Google for the answer, but it’s certainly more stable in many areas. I hardly lost any files or system crashed in a long time. Most of my terminals are well protected and I am comfortable with what we are getting today. Small updates to most software happens almost weekly if not daily. New web applications come out every day. People browse the web on iPhones and iPods. Wifi is almost everywhere. I guess little things like that don't bother me so much now. It felt good to experience some new things and I'll try to use that as a positive mindset to move forward.

Tell me why I don't like Sunday!

This shot was taken on my way to work. The dew was still heavy on the ground and mist crawling at the bottom of the hill.

A long break during the Raya season making me rather unexcited about going to work. It's not about work that sucks but these sleep-ins are actually putting my body out of whack enough to change my Saturday night bedtime - Sunday is my first day at work. This is the main set-up for the coming Sunday blues. These days, we’re pushing ourselves a lot, particularly during the week and the weekend or a long break like we are having now is our only refuge. I might not be sleepy on Saturday night as I might during my first day at work. I guess, if you take a bight chunk of hire purchase of an expensive car, you'll have a lot to pay off later on. Enjoy the break while we can.