Take the Blue Pill or the Red?

I went out for lunch with my mom today, and I don't recall what triggered the subject but, absent-mindedly, I mentioned that I had donated blood again, before coming home. What proceeded can be described as a whirlwind of lecturing. Supposedly, 1. If I keep donating blood, it will become an addiction 2. I'm not healthy enough to keep doing this 3. Donating blood leads to weight gain. In defense, I refuted 1. I'm not addicted to donating blood; I just want to save lives 2. Not only did I not faint, unlike 2 of my other friends who came with me, I had strenuous exercises immediately afterwards each time, e.g. rowing practice, running 5 miles, etc. 3. You only gain weight if you gorge yourself with food in order to compensate for the pint of blood you've lost.

She subsequently stated that I can't save lives if I end up dying, that it's best I kept myself perfectly healthy now, get a well-paying job, and, then, become a philanthropist with my money. Why yes, mother, money can surely magically metamorphose into blood for cancer victims, severely injured patients, hemophiliacs, etc. I understand and respect her argument; however, the way I see it -- I don't have the adequate resources in terms of money currently to help anyone, hence, the best I can do is give others something of which I have a stockpile. People are suffering now; waiting until I am financially stable could take years.

As we were walking to the grocery store, I mentioned how wonderful the weather in Houston has been since I've been here and jokingly stated that God must love me (since Houston's known to have 104+ Fahrenheit temperatures during the summer). Mom muttered back, "Everyone loves you. If you keep doing things to hurt me, though (in reference to blood donations), I won't like you anymore."

I laughed because I found the situation to be quite ironic. My parents have considerably different personalities and perspectives.

I love both my parents dearly, mind you; however, observations of their actions and personalities throughout these past 20 years of my life made me realize how much I would loathe myself if my character became a silhouette of that of my dad. He's a loving father, but he's rather inept at keeping his temperament at a stable level -- Many a time, my mother and I would find him having verbal fights with strangers due to a minor disagreement. At other times, we would lose our appetite at a restaurant because he can't stop complaining about how poor the service is or the lack of sufficient shrimp in his platter. I honestly don't know how my mom has managed to deal with my dad's detestable disposition, but I unequivocally commend her for it.

That being said, I thought my mother would understand why I regularly donate blood. Perhaps her motherly instincts surpass her normally altruistic nature. I have yet to decide whether I should disobey her and proceed to continue my donations and not inform her of the matter, or actually listen. Afterall, Mothers don't always know best.

Psychoanalyzation

* Random acknowledgement: It seems so much easier to write about my life than on observations and psychoanalyzations of the environment around me, which was what my previous blog site used to be based on. Memory of that superannuated website, though, warrants today's entry.

People -- Rather broad subject you might think, what could she possibly be thinking? Well, recently, I've noticed that people can be placed into a variety of categories pertaining to their social/public behavior. Other than your ordinary, stereotypical categorization (e.g. blondes, nerds, goths, jocks, etc.); there's a greater scheme.

Recently, one of my older friends finally opened up her grocery store, located in some random corner in town that I doubt I'll ever be able to find again. Everyone gathered in this newly furbished, crowded store to take advantage of the "Opening Day: Half Price on everything along with free Gifts if you exceed $50 in purchases." Unfortunately, there were only 2 cash registers; and what made it worse, only one of the registers was attached to a scale, making it impossible to accept credit cards on the other. And might I add, people need to learn to read prior to going shopping... When the sign says "Cash only" it means CASH ONLY.

Being as hectic as it was, I volunteered to help at one of the booths. Throughout the course of the day, not only was I yelled at by the customers for the cash register's inability to accept credit cards, but I was also reprimanded for people cutting in line. I'm sorry I don't have a cattle prod to herd all these inconsiderate whiners around? But, there were people there who understood and were considerate of how chaotic the situation was (with only 4 people working and a non-ending line of customers); not to mention some of the items were accidentally not price-tagged, and hence, a third line of people waiting to inquire on the amount of their items formulated.

The store opened at 10am and the lines still hadn't died down by 1pm, the four of us all working without having had breakfast nor lunch, except these other 3 people were getting paid for taking crap from these insensitive shoppers, in which case I will say: THE CUSTOMER IS *NOT* ALWAYS RIGHT.

Come 1:30pm everyone was exhausted; the customers, irriated. So, inevitably, a fight took place. Here is where I state how I have come to characterize people given these types of situations.

• The belligerent type
• The complainers
• The type of people who mutter under their breath
• The shy ones
• Those who are courteous and learn to suck it up
  

Belligerents:

Whilst in the middle of placing a shopper's items into grocery bags, I hear screaming and look up. Initially, I thought it was just a typical argument between 2 people, but then I saw fists flying in the air. The raison d'etre behind this brawl? Person #2 cut infront of person #1 in the check-out line. Surprisingly, I actually felt sorry for the guy who let his anger and frustration get the better of him to lead him to physically abuse the other person for having jumped in line. Not only did this man embarrass himself AND his wife infront of a crowd of spectators, but he also has to drive home with his wife bickering from the passenger seat, criticizing him for having handled the situation in such a barbaric manner.

People characteristic of person #1 have serotonin and dopamine inbalances, making it hard for them to control their emotions... but that doesn't mean they can't!

Complainers:

Moving up the ladder, we have the people who whine to 1) attract attention and/or 2) make others see how much they're suffering- looking for sympathy, empathy, or whatever the hell they can get. Unable to understand that *everyone* had been waiting in line for eternity and that we were trying our best to speed the process up so the shoppers are able to return home quickly, these select few still consistantly inundate the staff with a plethora of insults and complaints even after every one of us apologized for the inconvenience.

It sounded something like this:
"Why is this so f-ing slow! I need to hurry home, can't you people speed up the process?! You want me to die of old age from waiting or what?!"
'I'm sorry sir, we're trying our best; but as you can tell, it's opening day and everything is extremely hectic.'
"I know it's opening day, I understand that.. BUT I NEED TO GET HOME!"

It seems as if these people see themselves as the sole ruler of the universe. Everything has to go their way, else, it's time to pile a barrage of criticisms until their every need is met.

Muttering Fools:

Now, when I say fool, I don't mean to ridicule this type of people. They are only foolish in that they *think* you can't hear them muttering under their breath when, in reality, the counterparty can hear every word, usually whilst laughing on the inside.

As the next group of customers approached the check-out booth, I was ready to receive some more verbal bashings. Two sisters stepped up to my register and with beaming smiles said, "You guys must be tired as hell! Definitely deserve a break, very busy day today." At this point, I was extremely relieved that there are still people out there who aren't so self-absorbed and constantly looking for self-satisfaction and self-justification. After some silence, they started talking again, except this time it wasn't directed at me; oh yes, they were muttering... "Can't believe they're so slow, taking forever."
"They need to hire better workers, see how slow she's putting my food in? And why do I need 2 bags for one bottle of sauce? She's just trying to waste our time."
"I shouldn't be required to pay for this kind of service."

Why must people put on a façade? Backstabbing isn't any better than blatantly telling the harsh truth or spitting out insults. And just for the record, I chose to *slowly* put her *glass* bottle of sauce in *2* bags so she wouldn't have the hassle of having to clean everything up in case she dropped the sauce and the bottle shatters.

Timid Individuals:

This category is pretty much self-explanatory. Although they are not entirely satisfied with how a situation is handled or degree to which it is handled (i.e. effectiveness, efficiency, competence), they are unable to take any action. Not only that, I had also noticed that those who are shy don't have the ability to defend themselves. Unlike the belligerent fellow, timid individuals don't stand up for themselves when someone cuts infront of them in line. I am not saying that fighting someone else for your rightful place is the humanitarian thing to do in situations such as these, I am merely stating that although it is obvious some people who are extremely timid feel adamantly about something, they refuse to make their ideas/beliefs heard.

Courteous and Considerate Personages:

This group of people is extremely hard to find... but when you do, make sure you befriend them and keep in touch because in all likelihood, you won't find another. In a world where 99% of the popluation believe that the "good guys always finish last," very few actually stop to consider someone else's feelings and walk a mile in someone else's shoes.

From 10am till 3pm I worked in this little store; and repeatedly, I was put down by these self-centered and ungrateful shoppers. But, every once in awhile, I'd receive an appreciative thank-you from a customer. No, not a "thank-you for getting paid to do this," not an automated "thanks for putting my stuff in a bag," and definitely not a "thanks a lot, now I'm going to be late for my doctor's appointment," instead... a thank-you for being there. Who would have the dignity, patience, and motivation to resume working if all he or she gets are insults anyway? Do you derive satisfaction through others misery? I certainly hope not.

These people made my day -- Learn from them.

A Little Bit of This & a Little Bit of That

And yes... another late night studying for an upcoming exam (tomorrow night), however, this time, the exam's not as simple as merely memorizing terms; instead, I actually have to understand the material for Organic Chemistry II. Speaking of which, though -- I was up until 4:30am finishing up my homework Tuesday and completely overslept the following morning. Much to my dismay, my professor decided to have a pop quiz that morning... out of all the possible days, it had to be that morning. After some quick calculations, I realized that that one quiz is keeping me from getting an A in the class -- Bummer. Feeling indignant and rather moronic at the same time, I fabricated some lame excuse and e-mailed my TA asking if I can somehow compensate for my absence, even if it meant 'standing on one leg whilst singing my ABC's.' She gave me no forthright answer and directed me to the professor instead, who won't be in his office until next Monday. Argh. Albeit, I am positive he won't let me make up the quiz anyway.

Other aspects of my life are mundane as usual, although, I am having a tennis tournament against my friend Braden and am planning a surprise birthday party for Runjini. Her obsession with Final Fantasy XII has burgeoned to immeasurable proportions, so what better gift to buy her than that? My critique should only be taken half-heartedly, though, since I have yet to play the game, but it seems rather humdrum. The graphics are amazing, as I've seen on YouTube, but other aspects of the game hardly seem entertaining. Perhaps I've outgrown my childhood adulation for games.... Nah.

Although I've already sold my soul to academia this summer, I think I have better plans for the next. If everything performs according to plan as far as registration for classes goes, I should be able to take next summer off away from school and relish in the more pleasurable aspects of life. I'm not sure if anyone has heard of the Texas 4000 (T4k) but I'm currently looking into undertaking just that for Summer 2008. The organization consists of approximately forty individuals (mainly college students) who are chosen by a board of directors every year. Their goal is to raise $350,000.00 to aid in the fight against cancer per annum, spread hope within the cancer community, and raise cancer awareness as they bike across the country (4,690 miles or 7,548 km) from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska. Each cyclist is required to raise at least $4,000 in donations from November till April, plan routes, find camping spots or hosts prior to departure, etc., and each day consists of 8 to 13 hours of biking (80 to 125 miles per day).

It's definitely something you have to allot an enormous amount of energy, time, sweat, compassion, etc. into but it's also something I really want to do. My neighbor, who's the most kind-hearted individual I have ever met on so many different levels, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. My mother's friend, who has become a close acquaintance of our family, passed away a year ago from a malignant brain tumor. My father's colleague whom I've known since the age of 5 died from lung cancer 3 years ago. Alas, the list goes on. Cancer is such a pernicious disease that everyone should be aware of it and try to help those who have to endure such agony. T4k allows healthy individuals (college students, at that) to represent and bike for those who are unable to do so. It allows them to share the story of their personal experiences with cancer and chronicle their ride to show that through prevention, detection and treatment, one can achieve great things.

It's Raining Mansions

(Article originally from Associated Press)

HONOLULU - Dorie-Ann Kahale and her five daughters moved from a homeless shelter to a mansion Thursday, courtesy of a Japanese real estate mogul who is handing over eight of his multimillion-dollar homes to low-income Native Hawaiian families.
Tears spilled down Kahale's cheeks as she accepted from Genshiro Kawamoto the key to a white, columned house with a circular driveway, a stone staircase and a deep porcelain bathtub. Her family will live there rent-free, but must pay utility bills.

"What we need to do is appreciate," Kahale said. "As fast as we got it, it could disappear."

Kawamoto, whose own eyes started welling up as Kahale cried, handed over two other homes Thursday to homeless or low-income families.
Kawamoto, one of Japan's richest men, said he plans to open eight of his 22 Kahala homes to needy Hawaiian families. They will be able to stay in the homes for up to 10 years, he said.
Native Hawaiians are disproportionately represented among the state's homeless and working poor.
Giving away mansions shows more dedication to helping Hawaii's homeless than just handing out wads of cash, he said. Asked whether he was concerned about losing money on the effort, he laughed and said: "This is pocket money for me."
Kahale's new house is worth nearly $5 million, an average price for the mansion-like dwellings on Kahala Avenue. It is one of the more modest homes in the neighborhood, many of which feature ornate iron gates, meandering driveways and sculptured gardens.
Kahale became homeless two years ago when her landlord raised her rent from $800 to $1,200, putting the apartment beyond reach of her salary as customer service representative for Pacific LightNet, a telecommunications company. She first stayed with family, then moved to a shelter in September.