Pokemon Go - FOR GOODNESS SAKE

POKEMON GO.

The highly-raved game has been the talk of the town for the longest time ever, with everyone anticipating the release.

Everywhere I went, it was Pokemon here, Pokemon there.

When I first installed the game, I was hit by a wave of nostalgia as the interface reminded me of my Gameboy which I used to play when I was a young kid. For a moment, my brainwaves time-traveled.

Pokemon was a hit back then, with many different version releases and I have to admit I was hooked.

In the new century, the game has now evolved cleverly.

It has made use of GPS technology which requires the gamer to catch pokemons in real life by PHYSICALLY going to places instead of a virtual walk-through.

(So you can imagine the sight of people holding their phones and walking around like wandering souls trying to search for virtual pokemons)

Talk about taking the game to another level huh.

And now comes the part that I would like to complain.

As much as I think this game is an enjoyable one for the young and old, THIS IS SUCH A ROAD HAZARD.

I don't think it is of any use that gamers were urged to be careful when playing it because I am pretty there will still be reckless people who WILL NOT LOOK OUT FOR THEIR SURROUNDINGS.

Yes, I have met a guy who was so engrossed on the phone that he did NOT lift his head for even a second and literally WALKED right into me.

And guess what?

He stared at me as though I had killed his family and had the cheek to let out a loud "TSK", clearly indicating that I was the one at fault.

Tsk what Tsk? 我没有 TSK 你，你就应该偷笑了!

*Fuming*

Hello, do you expect people to give way to you because you are busy catching pokemons on your phone?

How about doing that on the road, make sure you don't lift your head and focus on your phone so your pokemon won't run away?

And when you collide with a car, blame it on the driver because he should have known better. 

(I don't think you are even alive by that time to blame the driver anyway)

Honestly, I won't be surprised if accident rates are higher after the release of Pokemon Go.

Not that I am trying to curse people out there, but it is the truth.

Even without Pokemon Go, youngsters were already engrossed in their phones while texting, etc.

So please, PLEASE... Lift your head and look out for what is in front of you. Lifting your head only takes a mere 1 second or less (unless your head is so heavy that you can't lift it).

And to small kids out there, please do not wander around at night with the reason to catch Pokemons.

There are weird uncles aka 怪伯伯 out there waiting to pounce on you.

Your intention is to catch Pokemons, but their intention is to catch you.

No, I am not trying to scare you... But this is a likely scenario that will happen.

And when it does, it will be too late.

I don't know why I am beginning to sound like a typical naggy mother here, but I just hope that you guys will not compromise on your personal safety while playing the game. 

I know how it feels to be engrossed, and it can get pretty scary when safety is neglected.

Do not wait until something bad to happen then regret it. 

OK??????!!

Far from the Truth

People have often told me that my personality and looks are contradictory.

In other words, the impression others have of me is a far cry from the real me.

Here are some of them: -

What people think of me: You seem like an outgoing person! I'm sure you love clubbing!

The real me: The truth is, I have NEVER been to clubbing - except for once when I attended an exclusive event that was held at a pub. *no choice* (I left before 12am afterwards, just in time to catch the last train back home) In fact, I dislike clubbing and alcohol. No offence to anyone, but clubbing is considered an unhealthy activity to me.

What people think of me: You sing well! Go and perform onstage!

The real me: This is probably not my first time saying this, but the truth is... I have SERIOUS stage fright issues. More than anyone can possibly have. It gets so serious that I could not even look at anyone from a stage view, become breathless, develop a shaky voice and I had to attend lessons just to get over my stage fright. 

What people think of me: You Jiak-gantang! (Translation: A Chinese who speaks English as 1st language)

The real me: I'm FAR from someone who speaks English in real life. Chinese language is my first language, and I am not really comfortable communicating in English as I am unable to express myself fully. I am not someone who digs ang moh or the Western culture, but rather someone who is into Chinese tradition and culture. (I love all things oriental!) Now, that's a surprising fact if you are someone who doesn't know me personally.

What people think of me: Since you are a Hokkien, I suppose you understand Hokkien.

The real me: Is it a necessity to understand the Hokkien dialect if I am a Hokkien? I'm more into the Cantonese dialect. 

What people think of me: From your photographs, I assume that you are quite a high maintenance woman.

The real me: I eat food from the hawker centers. food courts, pasar malams. I love Daiso. I can never appreciate branded stuff. (The only branded product I own is a COACH pouch given by my sister as a gift) The most expensive dress I ever bought for myself was less than $30.

 I would prefer a cheap 3 for $10 soft toy to a branded bag anytime.  I'm not afraid to say that Bong Qiu Qiu of Budget Barbie can't even be compared to me! HAHAHA.

What people think of me: You look like a Malay. Are you a Malaysian?

The real me: It's the make-up that makes me look... non-Chinese. I'm just your typical asian-looking neighbor across your street.

So Yeah... Before you know me, do not judge me.

When Virtual meets Reality

As ironic as it may sound, I do have my dislikes for social media at times.

The impact of social media can be huge. 

Every single word that you post after pressing that "Enter" key on your seemingly harmless keyboard can be seen by the kazillions of people online (and that includes your family members, spouse, relatives, etc).

You'll have no idea who are the ones reading it, just like how I am clueless who is reading my current blog entry, too.

As much as I love social media (which explains why I became a blogger to begin with), I have had my fair share of negative experiences that changed my perspective towards the impact it can cause in real life.

I was someone who did not give second thoughts about ranting online, and did it one day when I was upset with a classmate. 

Everything happened a long way back.

While I did not name names, she happened to read what I wrote (which I had no idea she read my blog as I was not really high profile back then). Things somehow got out of control and we engaged in a "keyboard" war. 

Our friendship took a bad turn as we eventually brought it to real life by giving each other the cold shoulder since then.

Things were never, ever the same again after the incident.

And it all started only with just a blog post.

See how powerful social media can be?

It may be a spur of the moment, but there is no turning back once the damage is done.

That is one of the reasons why too much Facebook-ing can be bad as well. With Facebook, one is able to post his/her thoughts online instantly within seconds, and it is not helping that many are using it as a platform to express their emotions and thoughts. albeit the negative way.

(Yes, I am not afraid to admit that I am guilty of being one of these people)

Don't get me wrong -I love Facebook. I use it as a social platform to interact with my friends (and it has helped me to re-connect with long-lost ex-classmates too, which I am thankful for), share my blog posts to a larger group of audience, promote my blog, etc. Not to mention that I enjoy reading the random posts shared by friends on there as well.

It's just that most people have underestimated the power of Facebook and its influences.

There were times when I was aware certain people were posting about me (without naming my name) as those posts were simply too obvious.

Of course, feigning ignorance is my forte.

多一事不如少一事.

Always remember, think twice before you post. 

Unless you are mentally prepared to sacrifice the relationship or friendship, that is.

Gesture of Goodwill = Obligation?

Seriously, I am pissed. 

Very, very pissed.

Yes - with SOME elderly/senior citizens/old people, or whatever you call them.

Before you start pointing your finger and making accusations that I am one ignorant youngster, please do read on what I have to say.

I never thought I would be blogging about this, but I guess it's the final straw when I experienced for myself how SOME senior citizens are taking KINDNESS for granted.

It all began when I was taking my usual train to work this morning; but I was quite desperate for a seat this time as I was feeling sick (I believe my pale face could definitely tell).

All I had hoped for was to take a short nap during my 20 minutes train journey - but it was not until I got signaled out by an auntie (she isn't reeealllly that old).

Showing me her senior citizen ez-link card as though it was some emperor card (*rolls eyes*), she went (in mandarin) "Young girl, can I have the seat because elderly like me will experience leg pain?" ( NOTE: SHE SOUNDED MUCH MORE RUDE THAN THIS IN REALITY)

Yes, I appreciate that she has at least the courtesy to ask. But seriously, she sounded like I was OBLIGATED to give up my seat to her.

Well, I did - despite the fact that I was not feeling well. I immediately stood up and she shamelessly took the seat - BUT THAT WAS NOT THE END.

When it was her stop to alight, she suddenly tapped me on my shoulder and told me to have the seat back with a REALLY black face. I smiled in return and said it was alright since I was alighting as well.  

**IT WAS THEN THAT I OVERHEARD HER TELLING ANOTHER PASSENGER TO SIT BECAUSE THEY ARE SENIOR CITIZENS, etc etc.** (It was like she was hinting to everyone that the Priority seats are MEANT for senior citizens like her. Apparently, she said it loud enough for surrounding passengers to hear and was indirectly targeting me)

Hello - let's make this clear. Being a senior citizen does not mean that you are DESERVING of the Priority seat. 

A Priority seat, basically, is a seat that is offered out of goodwill or for people whom one may think need it more. 

Gone were the days when people are giving up their seats out of PURE goodwill and sincerity.

Truth to be told, ALL of us are paying for the same amount of transport fares. It doesn't mean that I HAVE, I MUST, I SHOULD give up my seat to you just because I think that you are a "senior citizen".

So what if you are older than me? Do you bother to earn your respect? Does being a senior citizen mean that you are some special mortal that has higher powers above all?

I would say that many senior citizens/elderly/old people are pretty much SPOILT.

Probably they were given in so much that they now think that they are of "higher authority" - and have the rights to throw a tantrum should they not be offered what they THINK they deserve.

Please. Don't TAKE the kindness of others for granted.

If you are being offered something out of goodwill, be APPRECIATIVE of the privilege - and not to think that you DESERVE it. 

Of course, I always respect the elderly. I would still give up my seat if I THINK you are worthy of it.

BUT NOT ALL.

Earn your respect FIRST. Period.