I am fifty-one today. We, at least I, never thought that we would grow old when we were young. Time ticked by and I am not far away from the next rebirth. Ajahn Brahm would use, recycle instead of rebirth.
Unlike my siblings, they love to be surrounded with many people on their birthday, while I usually had meal with a friend or two. Mel bought me two small cakes last night. I ate half and kept the other half.
More than a week ago, I bought myself a Celestron Nexstar 4SE telescope as a present to myself and was anticipating to look into the galaxies. Spirit and Oppy are still in Mars. They should have turned rusty by now I guess. However, things didn’t work out the way I wanted. One leg fell out from the tripod and no matter what I did, I just couldn’t view anything from the scope. I ended packing everything back and asked for a refund. The earliest time to pick up is today. Therefore, I had to spend the whole day today just to wait for ninja van to pick up. If they do come today, it’s a bonus! Usually they don’t and I always have to contact Amazon to get the confirmation from them.
Neatly packed up, just in case they reject it.
Everyday is as good as today. Birthday or not, there’s no difference. Yes, I have a contented life!:) Contentment begins with gratitude.
I had to get up a little early today because I need to prepare for ninja van to come if they are here at 9am. Well, it’s 10mins to 1pm now. No sight of them and hopefully later. Good thing is Starbucks is charging a $1.99 delivery fee. So I ordered my favourite iced mocha, without whipped cream with soya milk and a “fresh” juice. The delivery man came and I was busy preparing food for the cats at the kitchen. The man shouted at the corridor, “grab food, grab food” and I heard “cat food, cat food”. I replied, “ leave it at the door, leave it at the door” and he heard “leave it at the floor, leave it at the floor”. I just can’t stop laughing!
I should say, today’s mocha doesn’t taste the way I love it. The taste of mocha is not heavy. At times, they really tasted good! I still enjoy, knowing that soy milk is a healthy ingredient.
I am at the void deck with Toofy now. He is my companion for now.
Oh… Since I gave up the telescope, I bought an Apple watch strap. It’s time and my current strap is turning black.
I’ll soak and wash the strap and will use it again when the new one turns grey. Love it!
Toofy had a good time too.
Having community cats is healthy to the people and environment.
I have some guests as well.
The white bird was like “ hey, are you looking at me?”
NParks is still killing these little pigeons who only want to live like everybody else. I have met the MP, write to TC, NParks and even Mr Lawrence Wong but…
To the lovely pigeons, you were once a human’s companion, helping to send messages and even during war time. With the messages sent, you saved many lives. Today, humans see you as pests and finding all ways to get rid of you. Along with the animal activists and pigeons lover, we fought for you and are still fighting. We care! We need people who not only care for animals but also willing to be their voice. May there be growing populations of animal activists from now.
At 51, my legs seem heavy and weaker. I couldn’t leap up onto the bus like I once did. It’s so much heavier and requires more strength. I get tired easily and I love afternoon naps!:) I abandoned everything that is repeating and almost everything is a cycle. I’m more mindful in what I’m doing, understanding my limitations and better to live within my means. Renouncing the cycles of negative feelings and even the happy ones. Bringing all feelings to equanimity, so there’ll be less sufferings. Appreciation, contentment and living at the present bring so much inner joy and peace.
Ayya Khema said that suffering will continue but we will disappear. At first, I understood it as suffering continues and we will reach Nibbana, no longer having to suffer. The second time, I’ve understood that the suffering will continue and we’ll all be dead. Lastly, the suffering continues, a never-ending cycle, and we are impermanent. As a buddhist, I would take the first and third understanding as Ayya Khema’s interpretation.
For so many years and with more than 500 blogs that I’ve written, I’ve given thanks to almost everyone but not Mel. Today, I would like to thank Melanie for giving me so much support in the past and in whatever I do. Everything wouldn’t have happened without her.
Future? It’s empty there and I can only fill up what’s at the present.
May all sentient be safe and healthy. May they be able to take care of themselves. May loving-kindness fill the hearts of all beings and live harmoniously regardless of species!
Still sleeping…
Cats who teach me to fly... 