The Sentimental Type

In all honesty, not many of us label ourselves as ‘the sentimental type’ at first, and maybe only figure out later on in life. The thing is though, that even those who adamantly refuse to be pigeon-holed as sentimental, can be the worst. We all have those things that we find it hard to let go of in life, that remind us of the past, and especially those who have left us behind.

For example, you’re…say…42, okay? You’re visiting your parents house, which may, or may not be, the house that you grew up in as a child, but only your mother is alive at the time, due to unfortunate circumstances. Whether you grew up in that house or not can have great effect, but even the objects and scenes that remind you of earlier days can trigger memories and emotions that you never even thought to bring up. In the scenario that it is indeed the house that you grew up in, it would probably be the hardest. Each room would hold significant memories, good or bad, and every object you saw would probably hold a great deal of sentimental value also. You would encounter objects reminding you of all the various stages of your life, and your father, which can bring an onslaught of emotions.

Now, it’s important to note that there are two types of sentimental people. The first look back on their pictures, objects, and memories with fondness, remembering the good times they’ve had, and even making them feel happy about their past, before moving on.

The second type are very much different, but not quite the exact opposite. They look back remembering the times, but want to bring them back, and can often spiral into depression when they dwell on the subject too long, because as we all know, time travel isn’t possible.

At this point, some may say ‘Well I’m not sentimental, so I don’t know what you’re going on about.’, and in their own mind, they may be right. Maybe they haven’t found anything that holds that much value to them yet, or maybe they’ve learned to move on and let go of the things that do.

Either way, we’re all the sentimental type. It’s just a matter of admitting it to ourselves.

Take Me To My Happy Place

We all have those places. You know, the places where we feel content, happy with life, or contemplative. Our happy places.

Mine, for example, is the train. It used to be my room (and for most it is), but lately I’ve forged a kind of connection with my inanimate mode of transport. I feel at home, in a tranquil state of mind, able to think clearly, and organize my thoughts on life. The train is where most of my creative ideas these days are born, and you’ve probably guessed that I’m typing this on the train right now. The London Midland 17:00 Wellington to Wolverhampton to be exact. Here is where I can think on my day, organize tomorrow, and just sit back and relax in general. The scenery helps too, with the rushing browns of towns amd the greens of fields lulling me into a state of trance almost. However, I always dread it when I arrive at Wolverhampton, and am thrust back into the hustle and bustle of society without warning, apart from the conductor’s voice. I honestly couldn’t spend enough time on the train even if I tried.

I challenge you. Go and find your ‘happy place’, as stupid as it may sound to some, and see how much better you feel and think after. See what your mind comes up with, and see how you could spend hours upon hours of time there.

This is Alex, in his happy place, signing off.

Song of the moment: Coldplay – Lost?

Fish – Domesticated?

Now, I don’t hate fish, I really don’t. Well, most of the time I don’t, anyway. The only time I do get mildly annoyed by them is when they’re in a domestic environment. AKA, my house.

That’s when it’s safe to say they really tip me off. Especially when having to constantly check them, clean the tank, and other things that, if they were out in the wild, would take care of themselves.

You see, it all begins with my Mum wanting to get a pet. That’s when I knew things were going to go downhill. See, back at my old house, we had fish. Thing is, though they were classed as ‘Family Pets’, it was always me and Dad who ended up cleaning them out every few weeks.

Believe me, it was a less than pleasant task.

So, when Mum decides that fish are the best option, and that they would be (and I quote) “Less stress”, I immediately knew that I was in for the long haul, no matter how much I protested.

Seems like the protestants back in the day got lucky.

Protesting doesn’t work anymore.

Well, at least not around here, son.

I was surprised at the speed that Mum managed to get the tank and fish in the house, thinking I had more time for my pity-party.

Guess not.

Damn.

If life was Skyrim, I think it would be safe to say that the Gods must see me as one of their many amusements.

Anyway, I decided to try and bring up the positives. You know, lighten the mood, make my mind think that there was actually a purpose in my labour.

There weren’t many, I assure you.

My biggest con was that, in my mind, fish weren’t meant to be domesticated. It’s common fact, if you ask me. I mean, fish shouldn’t be born in a tank, or raised in one either. They were meant to be free in their own natural habitat, or at least in a nature reserve pond…or somewhere similar. See, in my mind, I’m pretty sure that natural instincts stay in an animal, no matter how long they’ve been in a domestic environment, and even if the thoughts been pushed ‘to the back of their minds’ so to speak. Same thing applies to environment, for me. In the back of a fish’s mind, surely there’s a small nagging, telling them that they’re not meant to be where they are. Maybe I’m being over-sympathetic with fish, due to my severe lack of social skills. Maybe I just want them out of my house so fast, I’ve begun to make up excuses for them to go.

I’m not entirely sure, but what I do know, is that they shouldn’t be in my house.

亞歷克斯的！

Photo Of The Day – Eternal Hope

Eternal Hope a photo by memories of time on Flickr.

Morning guys! Yeah, so apparently today it’s back to the daily grind for me. I’m not sure wether to laugh or cry, to be honest. The positives are that I can get back into routine, and get up a lot earlier, and the negatives are a drastic cut back on laziness and gaming. Well, all good things must come to an end, as they say.

Today’s photo comes from another one of my Flickr contacts known as Kiyoshi Noguchi or, as many may know, Memories Of Time. The name that he gave to this fantastic photo perfectly fits it to a t. The warm sunrise look perfectly displays the message of ‘Eternal Hope’, and I hope that all our hopes can be eternal too.

亞歷克斯的！

Long Time! No Post?/Happy Birthday Timmy!

So, long time, no post, eh?

Yeah, I’ve been out of it for a while. What I didn’t tell you guys (or I don’t think I did) was that I went on holiday this month. Granted it was only for a week, but at least it gives me an excuse for no posts or new updates that week, right? Yeah, I thought so too. But, apart from that, I am the guilty one. That, and so is my friend Kym for keeping me away from updating you guys with her amazing womanly charm and beautiful face *cough*. Fortunately you didn’t miss out on much though. My social life has been quite stagnant as of late, and my sleeping patterns have been…less than adequate these past few weeks, which has also contributed to my lack of posts for you guys. I am back on track though, so tomorrow I can give you another one of my ‘Photo Of The Day’ posts. Trust me, there are so many I would like to put up it’s overwhelming.

If you’d like to view some of the photos from my holiday (some of which came out better than expected) then just go to my Flickr here. Oh, that’s another thing too! I now have a Flickr Pro account, and you all know what that means! That’s right! 100% more statistical goodness, amongst other goodies!

Ah, and last but not least! Today is Kym’s birthday! No, dear readers, I didn’t forget, I’m on Skype to her at this very moment! I just thought I’d bring attention to her, since she has been a little bit of a moaner today, so maybe this, (and your heartfelt birthday greetings), will cheer her up a bit.

Happy Birthday Timmy!

亞歷克斯的！