'The Ugly Version Of'

Work has been great to say the least. I never knew that I could learn so much from children, and learn to love children so much. And I am very thankful for the gracious working environment that God has placed me in, though I must really gripe about the quality of food produced by the canteen. Surely, being in a tertiary institution has exposed me to higher standards of food and beverage, but surely the despairity cannot be that big! I was actually rather appalled by the scalding mound of dumpling noodles presented to me today, and I sincerely hope for better morsels for these children.

Anyway, I am currently in the midst of writing articles, managing this new piece of work, working through a novel, and trying my best to keep up with a good fitness routine. I have to admit that one of these assignments is exhausting me out now, and hence I've decided to work on it tomorrow and do some blogging before I indulge in the art of reading what people write instead of writing myself.

So, may the blog begin to roll.

My inability to accept with grace, the phrase 'the ugly version of', has oftened resulted in me suffering contagiously moody days. On certain occasions, I have been labeled rather unfairly at my reaction - a consequence of feeling upset that I have been called 'the ugly version of' someone. Eeks!

You, I am still curious as to why you called me 'superficial' at being upset when you and Her told Him that he 'won't believe how hot her (referring to me) sister is cause Tessa is so ugly'. Yes You, you who would probably embrace Christianity if it were packaged with a cunt and what you deem 'hot' feature. Throw it into an oversized shirt and short denim shorts at that and you'd probably become an evangelical.

Hence, I tend to find myself disgusted at that phrase, regardless of usage.

However, a recent journey with my Mizuno shoes has given this phrase an interesting spin. After a year and more of running with my New Balance Shoes, I almost completely forgot the existence of my Mizuno Wave.

I have to admit that I never gave much thought to the latter, considering how it made its rather abrupt entry into my life. I had just purchased the New Balance one Monday morning only for Mum to hand me brochures raving on the new technology behind the Mizuno Wave Creation. I did not take too kindly to the design though. My New Balance were nothing to boast about, but I simply was not drawn to a shoe constructed from a block of white with streaks of colours that looked rather garish at certain angles.

Mum bought it anyway. And I avoided it at all costs, leaving it in its thin wrapping and blue box.

Until recently, when the New Balance had to be washed and the only other way to pound the treadmill was to don the Mizuno. I was skeptical as I stepped on board but moved my feet according to the usual rhythm anyway. Nothing different. As I picked up the pace, the difference became more pronounced. I could actually feel the road beneath me. It was as if my feet and shoe were in some form of synchrony. And I ran, and ran and ran, further than before.

Now I know I could have turned the above post into something more descriptive and emotional. But I know, even as an amateur runner, I have many more steps to run with this pair, more colourful journeys worth documenting even in pictures.

And yes, some day the Mizuno would have to go, and who knows what might replace it.

But for now I'm just happy that my 'uglier version of' shoes actually ran a further distance with me.