June 15, 2009

His against mine

Ironic as it sounds, days without money seem better than days with those precious pieces of rectangular sheets tagged with a value. Back then, I earned barely enough but I was living life, loving it. These days, I try to be sustainable but I am just catching up with. Some call it the rat race, some think of it as acquiring status and pride, while others simply coin it as capitalism. I thought about it, and what heck, it is but a matter of choice.

So I visited this kelong on a weekend, and observed their way of life (more so to play around with my bff). People live on stilt houses above waters, rear fishes, smoke and drink warm beer. And they seemed genuinely happy. Carefree. They accept life as it is, simple and easy.

Given the option of leading his way of life or mine, I still chose mine. I couldn't sit still for 4 hours on the kelong, couldn't focus on fishing, got restless and frustrated from the humidity. Went from chair to stool, stool to hammock, and back to chair. Called out to smelly Lucky (the most loyal of dogs) every now and then. Decided I can't eat fish that feeds on my crap. That I need refrigerated beer, won't do well with salty sea breeze slapping on my face 24/7, will itch for the internet... ... ...

In the end, there's noone to blame but myself. DAMN.

Having sprocket holes gave my photo a tinge of blue. Not sure what happened but apparently my photos were over-exposed. Wanted it rustic and raw but somehow I am not quite feelin' it. The blue makes it look abit forced and out of context. What I did like are the words and numbers running along the edges. '400 KODAK', how old school.

If anyone needs prints for flims/slide films, here's the place to go to:
Triple D Mini Lab Centre
175 Bencoolen Street
#01-07 Burlington Square
Singapore 189649
Tel 6224 4006

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

i think about it too, the rat race and about it being a choice. it's a bit of a lifestyle trap, you earn $ (or were brought up) with a certain lifestyle, so you get used to it and must then continue earning $ to sustain it. vicious cycle!

-yi

daniel said...

so you found the print shop afterall..

Anonymous said...

Very meaningful thoughts & pictures;) well lifestyle is a choice and being in SG rat race is part of the society there. This now u can slowly realize why I prefer Down Under's balanced lifestyle with beautiful nature;) c u soonnnn in less than 5 months now....take care & God bless

Love,
Cousin@Down Under xoxo

Lady J. said...

Yi>>> Anyway to break the cycle Yi? I need some suggestions.

Daniel>>> Yes. Found the shop!Yeay!The film slides are pretty ex. )=

Mrs Downunde>>> You win you win. Glad you're enjoying the lifestyle with lesser pollution/ noise/ humidity.No wonder you have insomnia back in sunny island.