Priorities: The Space Race – Checked?

24 May 2012 Leave a Comment

by jillinthebox90 in Home, No Expectations Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

I am fascinated by astronomy. At night if time and location permit I look up and try to identify the little constellations I know and make my own in secret. A much awaited visit to the Planetarium recently instilled in me once more my childhood liking for stars and jazz.

The Daily Mirror today – thank you for all the updates – brings us news of Sri Lanka joining the global space race. This was immediately after reading that the country would be ready to implement the LLRC recommendations.

At first I questioned at the necessity of appointing a Committee (headed by the Presidential Secretary himself) to implement the recommendations made by the Commission. While I do appreciate the division of labour and delegation of responsibilities, the caricature of a few politicos hovered over a desktop at a conference table fails to escape my mind.

Proceeded by this realisation, I read on Sri Lanka’s venture into the stars. The numbers are big. I think they are even bigger than the tsunami relief that we received. We all know which seas they were washed into.

Despite being a space enthusiast I am not for Sri Lanka launching its first space satellite. It would have been more apt if it happened a few years ago as an initiative taken with Arthur C. Clarke involved – yes fan girl talking.

Yet now, I see this as an ill-planned, ill-timed course of plan, like most other things we see happening today.

P.S. – Jillinthebox90 apologises for the (many?) glitches in this article in terms of content, language and accuracy. More content could be obtained from the front page story of the Daily Financial Times.

Developed Country Much?

23 May 2012 Leave a Comment

by jillinthebox90 in Home, No Expectations Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Some people sure do act fast. So now SF is to have a new political party lu: “Democratic Party”, Daily Mirror tells me. I thought I read somewhere that upon being released from court that he won’t be allowed to partake in politics or something to that effect. Pardon the lack of information but politics is just not my cup of tea. I understand it and am interested in it, in bits. Like business and law. In my defence, I am still learning.

When we were in school, I remember Social Studies very well. After leaving school I realised that not only did they not teach us “how to socialise” but they also did not teach history that escaped the shores for Sri Lanka – not the syllabus I was taught at least. Such a fail. My knowledge of the World Wars and Revolutions has been extracted from the internet and literatures.

One of the things I learnt for Social Studies – yes bits have retained in my memory – was the difference between developed and developing countries, the first world and the third world. I remember – I hope I have remembered right – that having two major political parties, the Government and the Opposition.

Clearly, our country is not heading in that direction. Especially not with the new political party joining the x-number of unheard and unseen opposing political forces. Not that I’m against Fonseka – it may seem like it is so – but no I am not against him or his actions. I am apathetic towards the state of politics, I haven’t voted to date – I had legitimate issues being a December born – and I don’t live in the country.

Would it be too idealistic and juvenile to ask for a joint Opposition with well “opposing” points of view?

I think yes.

P.S. – Jillinthebox90 apologises for the (many?) glitches in this article in terms of content, language and accuracy.

Priorities: SF’s Release – Checked?

22 May 2012 Leave a Comment

by jillinthebox90 in Home, No Expectations Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

So Sarath Fonseka was released. I leave out “General” because firstly, it genuinely slipped my mind with him constantly being referred to as “SF” online and secondly, as I saw on Twitter yesterday, he was stripped of his title as “General” so I am correct in that sense – I would like to believe.

This is not meant to be a “political” post – pray if there was anything as such – but merely a perspective of an apathetic – the apathy which is driven by ignorance, and nonchalance – individual who has been diligently observing the reactions of the general public and media to SF’s release.

Driving back from work yesterday I see the Pelawatte-Talawatugoda stretch littered with bits of paper. Uncle tells me that crackers were lit in celebration of SF’s release. Having been in the edit room the entire day and mobile net being down, I did not have time for my regular news updates. I feel nothing at his statement and I look away.

The problem of my not caring for SF’s release came up a few times at home. I simply told my Mother that at least people knew where he was. I mean the whole world did right? But what about Prageeth Eknaligoda? I don’t know much of his case either – yes I am aware that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing – but what about him? He’s been MIA for a while now. What about Lasantha Wickrematunge’s murder? Have the assassins being brought to justice yet?

My concern for the mentioned names is not a result of my brief experience in media. SF was and still is from the looks of it an individual, people would not miss out on, for his war victories, Presidential candidacy or court case. However, those abducted by white vans – someone tells me that they’ll ban white vans soon, such a fail course of action in my opinion if it were to be implemented – are soon forgotten. Or it gets better: they are remembered and prayed for on human rights day, press freedom day or are brought in when an opportunity arises for them to voice their opinions. I’m not one for petitions or rallies as I fail to see the point of it, but at times I suppose it is the last resort for some.

In the midst of the country’s kickass development strategy and the probable marina plan, one thing’s for sure: Sri Lanka needs to get its priorities straight whether it be by implementing the LLRC recommendations, the Thirteenth Amendment or searching for those missing individuals.

P.S. – Jillinthebox90 apologises for the (many?) glitches in this article in terms of content, language and accuracy.

Closing Chapter

18 May 2012 Leave a Comment

by jillinthebox90 in Home, No Expectations Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The phrase “closing shop” is more familiar but I felt that would indicate hope, of the shop reopening the next day and that was not entirely what I wanted to convey. Chapter seemed more like it. One would always reopen a chapter only as means of reference – at least that is what I do.

The influx of posts – yes three days in a row is an influx indeed with my average of two a month – is not a result of frustration or anger. Maybe slightly but not entirely. Sadness has also overtaken me. Sadness and realisation. My sister flew back to Dubai today, that didn’t really feel that great – still in the process of accepting. I’d be flying back soon to the land of masala and no spice. I have an extra paper to take now thanks to my nonchalant behaviour and external influences.

In the pudding – a word influenced by my last tweet – I also try to thrown in a little hope, a little strength to move on and close chapter.

I’ve written only one-hundred-seventy-now-two words. It’s too short a post I feel. But then again, it’s not as though I really want to write more. My little stream of consciousness ran out of steam post-lunch.

Next chapter: Do not stop for lunch while writing.

Emerging Adulthood Woes

17 May 2012 Leave a Comment

by jillinthebox90 in Home, No Expectations Tags: , , , , , , , ,

In my process of maturing I have come in to terms with a few things in life. Or maybe a lot, but not that all of it matters to this post any way.

I would like to blame it on education and living away, since we all like playing the blame game and not taking responsibility for our actions – for a few changes in me seen within the last two-three years.

I am quieter. Not entirely quiet, I do still talk a fair amount, yet I don’t get yelled at  to shut it, as I did some years into my teenage life. I think it’s a good thing. Besides being now looked at as a “lady” – total Win – Being quiet has its advantages and so far, that is all I see. This has resulted in me being more observant and thus guiding me in my formation of opinions of people, situations, conflicts – yes I could be judgemental but it should be kept in mind that I also have the ability to see both sides of the story.

I also apply my little knowledge of psychology to things around me. While they do say that  a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, so as far as I’m concerned, my diagnosis of myself, is fine and to some extent stands true! Besides the usual traces of Schizophrenia I do also see the applicability of the development characteristics seen in respective age categories that I or someone else belong to.

Now comes the idea of displacement. (Hang me for having thought of it before as projection. I seem to have gotten my Freud all over the place.) Now I think and I believe that I do practice displacement. I do channel my anger, frustration and those unexpressed feelings and etcetera in my subconscious to more socially accepted methods, in my case: cooking, writing, cleaning / house keeping – to an extent oft labelled compulsive. I may not be necessarily kickass at any of these but that’s not really the point. This displacement has also made me enjoy these tasks. At times I write for fun or cook when I’m bored.

I predict a very happy life ahead. Hopefully one with money, lots of shoes and a sustained sense of social responsibility.

I found love, in page 186

16 May 2012 2 Comments

by jillinthebox90 in Home, No Expectations Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A recent tweet by @Laugh it got me thinking and of course, laughing.

For those who know me, I am the last person who should be blogging on “love” as we know it. For what it’s worth, I feel that my opinion of two cents is in fact required. That’s what most bloggers try to do anyway yes?

I was never a romantic person. Still am not. I find Valentine’s Day silly, holding hands and ladida and whatever else that follows. As opposites do attract and the formation of the binary equation is required, I’ve dated guys who are well, comparatively more romantic than I am. Which I think is a good thing, after all, someone needs to have that romantic bone.

For me, being in a relationship used to come down to one thing: compatibility. It’s a lesson I learnt from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” while analysing the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy. I firmly believe that love is to some extent momentary – the definition and time period of this word could vary for all of us – and therefore, as you have the potential to fall “in” love, there is also a chance of you falling “out” of love. If compatibility between the two is there however, the relationship should, and will work.

Based on experience, I found another factor that contributes towards the sustenance of a relationship: communication. It’s something I definitely to work on. I have a “list” of people – I’m not kidding – who matter to me. I also am a workaholic – to some extent when I am not on vacation! I also believe that relationships needn’t be prioritised over work #FailSeni Thus despite studying and being involved in a communication related industry, personal communication for me is a huge fail.

Like my choice of career and many other things in life, I don’t know what to do now. Not with regard to relationships or any darn thing that seems to revolve around me. One thing I do know for certain is that my presence online is increasing, which I guess is a good thing. At least I have a virtual life that I could speak highly of #Win

When Media Fails

20 Apr 2012 9 Comments

by jillinthebox90 in Home, No Expectations Tags: , , , , , , ,

This post is ironic as I too am presently in a media organisation,  but then, I could justify my statement by stating that I do not work for a “news” organisation and therefore the post does not necessarily apply to me. However, the post is being written from the perspective of a citizen and not a media personnel.

Just today I was Googling – since most inspiration is drawn from this domain – for news happening in the country as I needed a story having lost one of my leads. The only story which seemed newsworthy to pop up on Google was that egg-less chicken. All I could hope for is that this being a one-off case and not something that would happen more frequently. I like my eggs and chicken as two separate entities.

A few hours later, something newsworthy did come up. The Dambulla mosque attacks or protests or something to that extent – I am not too sure. Why? Because there was no information on the internet – again, since that is our first source of information. Tweeps from Sri Lanka waited patiently online to hear any piece of information with regard to what was happening in Dambulla. A foreign correspondent from BBC was supposed to be responsible for the “breaking” of this news. Pray, on behalf of all citizens I ask, where were our local news organisations during this time? Print and electronic media have their local or regional correspondents and where were they during this vital hour? Hats off to Ceylon Today for being the first official media for providing a few lines with regard to the situation but what about the rest of the media?

People turn to the fourth estate for information. When this information is not provided when something “new” or “news” takes place, pray then, what is the purpose of media after all?

Being Away, Being Here

19 Apr 2012 2 Comments

by jillinthebox90 in Home, No Expectations Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

First thing I noticed was that WordPress seems to have changed. At least a tad bit. Second thing I remembered was that I don’t quite remember as to why I even wanted write a post. Besides the obvious pangs of frustration, occasional dents of depression, I think there were more urgent matters that seemed to find itself in need of a post but pray, they seem to have been forgotten. Like most other things in life.

Home has been good to me so far. Lots have happened within these few days. Some good. Mostly – I won’t say bad but rather that of which that left me confused. The remaining well, that of which should find itself to my unconscious.

Much has changed down here. The city looks beautiful. The Government should be commended, undoubtedly. However, one could not help but think if the pretty painted picture is not a façade meant to drape the reality of things. Personally, I feel that CoL is atrocious. Yet I sense that people are happy. Or that might just be my bubble speaking. Or it might only be in my house. That Southern Expressway they all speak of is pretty darn good, drove down to Unawatuna a little too soon maybe.

I suppose one thing most people find difficult to accept, especially after coming back home after a lapse of an year or more – for others – is the fact that the country and everyone around them have changed without them. It’s not as though we expect development, life and all activity to cease while we are not around but the fact that people get used to you not being around is a bit of a bummer I feel. Most people might not agree, but be away for a long time and come back and whoa, you’d be amazed. I could only imagine the plight of the diaspora. I can merely sympathise with them as the picture painted in front of them passing Katunayake is not different, but new.

Work is going good. I realised after having worked in Sri Lanka for a little while. that living in the island makes me lazy. I take things as it comes and I don’t seem to have that compulsion to plan. I neither am motivated to work. Which is a bad thing. Maybe I might even be diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. I suppose unless I live alone, I wouldn’t understand the burden of responsibility and independence. I also enjoy having my compulsive tendencies and my need to govern and take life by the horns. Yes, I like being control-freak.

Okay so WordPress hasn’t changed. I just used something new.

With The Dark Hour Approaching

30 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment

by jillinthebox90 in Home, No Expectations Tags: , , , , , , ,

So Earth Hour is to take place this Saturday, same time, all the places. I still recall the madness and frenzy when it took place last year. Running around the hostel trying to switch off all lights with the irony of having to see the warden watching the idiot box in darkness.

This year, Earth Hour is coming and the weather will “supposedly” not permit anyone to turn off their fans and boredom will keep them from shutting down their laptops. I read up on controversies that led to this campaign and they speak of the fumes of candle and how it is hazardous to the environment.

Furthermore, the theme for 2012 speaks on the lines of “If you will, I will”. I don’t know how many people will, or comprehend the necessity of this not-yet-commercialised-save-the-earth-campaign let alone “will” for it, thus it’d just leave me and well, myself. Oh and, I, too.

The problem I see with the world today is the fact that they take everything for granted. The fact that there is an unlimited supply of whatever required available with dealers, both legal and illegal. Despite the horrendous economic calamity that is taking place, I sincerely doubt that the economy has not thrived as much it is now since the time of the barter system. People are in debt, yet they continue to buy. Fuel prices increases, yet the sale in the number of vehicles do not decrease. CoL is atrocious and the dollar back home is gaining like there is no tomorrow, yet people continue to populate and buy luxury items that could feed hundreds, if not thousands.

In this light, why should people practice Earth Hour? Production has to run in order to avert colossal losses. People have to continue to buy, buy and hoard more than their wardrobes or storage places could hold.

We are all turning out to be capitalist slash consumerist bitches. I too am one. Environmentalism seems to have conveniently found itself outside the window.

When Google Becomes Inadequate

17 Mar 2012 Leave a Comment

by jillinthebox90 in Home, No Expectations Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

As most young adults of my age, I too am at a standstill with regard to the question of finding my purpose in life, its meaning, what I am destined to do and so on.  I know that I should pray, ask God for the answers and He will give them to me. But in the mean time, I am to seek for them as well, aren’t I?

When looking at the Scriptures as an option, I wonder, should I interpret it and apply it to my life thus or should I take it as a given and not take the road of our “Jihad-ians”? Besides the Holy Books, we also open our Homepage. But what happens when Google limits itself to being merely an SEO? I would like to believe that my queries for the search bar have a tad bit more depth than, ‘Why do White people dislike Black people?’

I keep telling my peers that it’s the age. I also support it with my studies from  Developmental Psychology. But what happens when I am put in a position to apply it to my own self? Do I comfort myself by blaming it on my hormones and the developing psyche? We keep learning and relearning about discovering our sense of self and the other and oh, literary theory does bring out the worse in you, at times at least. But then, like all other disciplines, despite it belonging to humanities, why can’t I see my learnings being applied to my own life? Why isn’t it helping me make the decisions I am supposed to make?

I wish things were like the way before. Like my Mother’s time. Or even Grandmama’s. Times when there were five career options to choose from. Times when you get married when you turn twenty-one. Times when you have your first Grandchild when you are forty.

Like my friend said, ‘It’s not like we are not getting any younger.’ To older adults out there, please do not indulge in laughter. Times have changed. If you thought that the technological revolution made things easier, believe me it hasn’t. It has made us, the apparent “future” of the world, too critical of ourselves and of everyone else around us. Not knowing what you want to do in life could be suicidal, let alone frustrating.

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