I speak to my mum every day. And recently, we’ve been emailing almost every day as well.
You’d think we’d run out of thinks to tell each other, but you would be wrong.
There’s always something to talk about with my mum. She is a fountain of knowledge.
Recently she reminded me of a Greek myth which I had learnt about many years ago. When I was in primary school, to be exact.
Anyway, I just thought I would share it…
Pandora’s Box.
Pandora was the first woman in Greek mythology.
Zeus ordered Hephaestus to make her as part of a punishment to mankind for Prometheus’s theft of the secret of fire.
Zeus was enraged by this theft and swore vengeance for man trying to obtain the secrets of the gods.
Hephaestus worked hard and created a clay masterpiece for Zeus.
Athena, goddess of wisdom, breathed life into her, taught her to weave and clothed her.
Aphrodite, goddess of love, made her beautiful.
Hermes taught her to charm and deceive.
Zeus was pleased with the creation, but had made her as a trap for Prometheus’s brother, Epimetheus.
Zeus named the woman ‘Pandora’ and sent her as a gift to Epimetheus, who had ignored Prometheus’s warnings not to trust Zeus.
Epimetheus fell in love with Pandora and married her.
Zeus, pleased that his manipulative plan was working, gave Pandora a beautiful box as a wedding gift. However, she was never allowed to open the box.
Pandora often wondered what was in the box but she was never left alone to be able to open it.
She began to wonder more and more what was in the box - she didn’t know why someone would send her a gift that she could not see!
It became very important to find out what was in there.
She could stand it no longer.
One day when everyone was out she crept up to the box, took the huge key, put it in the lock and turned. She lifted the lid.
But before she had a chance to look, the room had been filled with dreadful things.
Disease, despair, malice, greed, old age, death, hatred, violence, cruelty and war.
She slammed the lid down, keeping only the spirit of hope inside.
Mrs. H’s Moral to the Story:
To this day sometimes when things are really bad the only thing we have left is hope.
Hope was the last thing out of Pandora's Box following all the evils and tragedies of life - no matter what happens to you the hope of better things will sustain you.
It is the last gift in that, no matter how bleak things appear, hope is there in that you know it will pass.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Saturday, March 17, 2007
People!
I’m not a misanthropist, but I do not like people sometimes.
People get in my way and this makes me angry. Can’t people see me coming?!
They should.
And then they should get out of my way!
Especially when I have a boiling hot cup of tea in my hand!
Said boiling hot cup of tea was in my hand when I was strolling to a lecture down ‘The Street’ at Harrow Campus yesterday.
It was like a jungle trying to manoeuvre my way through the throngs of students and lecturers. Also randomly, policemen and a multitude of people with cameras.
Every single one of them getting in my way.
I left the refectory after buying my tea and suddenly, there was a wall of people crowded at the top of the stairs.
My anxiety exploded and I could literally see myself covered in tea.
Climbing the stairs tentatively, I attempted to guard my tea and squirm through the jungle.
Alas, the animals in the jungle got in my way. Not because they were walking, but rather, standing and talking.
Not moving. Getting in my way.
I finally made it through alive, without a burn in sight.
Then came ‘The Street’.
For some reason unbeknownst to me and my intrepid companion, there were a few people with video cameras and digital cameras.
I ponder why, but mainly worry about people getting in my way.
They bang into me. Don’t they have any consideration for people with hot drinks?!
“They wouldn’t like it if I split my tea on them!” I exclaim.
For a while I consider throwing it at someone as my rage continues to boil as hot as my drink.
Thankfully for them though, I made it to my lecture alive.
Moral of the story? Other people ruin everything.
And in case you haven’t noticed by now, I do not like it when people get in my way.
People get in my way and this makes me angry. Can’t people see me coming?!
They should.
And then they should get out of my way!
Especially when I have a boiling hot cup of tea in my hand!
Said boiling hot cup of tea was in my hand when I was strolling to a lecture down ‘The Street’ at Harrow Campus yesterday.
It was like a jungle trying to manoeuvre my way through the throngs of students and lecturers. Also randomly, policemen and a multitude of people with cameras.
Every single one of them getting in my way.
I left the refectory after buying my tea and suddenly, there was a wall of people crowded at the top of the stairs.
My anxiety exploded and I could literally see myself covered in tea.
Climbing the stairs tentatively, I attempted to guard my tea and squirm through the jungle.
Alas, the animals in the jungle got in my way. Not because they were walking, but rather, standing and talking.
Not moving. Getting in my way.
I finally made it through alive, without a burn in sight.
Then came ‘The Street’.
For some reason unbeknownst to me and my intrepid companion, there were a few people with video cameras and digital cameras.
I ponder why, but mainly worry about people getting in my way.
They bang into me. Don’t they have any consideration for people with hot drinks?!
“They wouldn’t like it if I split my tea on them!” I exclaim.
For a while I consider throwing it at someone as my rage continues to boil as hot as my drink.
Thankfully for them though, I made it to my lecture alive.
Moral of the story? Other people ruin everything.
And in case you haven’t noticed by now, I do not like it when people get in my way.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Tea-rrific!
It wasn’t even midday before I was sitting in Caffe Nero, labouring over a nice cup of tea.
The day had already got off to a bad start.
I had woken at 5.30am after a night of restless ‘sleep’, tossing and turning.
I eventually dragged myself to shower at nine, only to be greeted by the screeeeeeeching halls fire alarm when I got out.
There was no way I was going downstairs! I was stark naked!
“I’ll just have to fry!” I thought.
Then, the wankers who run and work in my halls (yes, ‘wanker’ is appropriate) denied me the only pleasure I have in my life, and certainly one I look forward to upon waking…
A Nice Cup of Tea.
Admittedly, I’ve become a little obsessed (addicted?) with tea of late.
I’m not allowed to drink, and I’ve supposedly ‘given up’ chocolate and sweets for Lent.
Supposedly.
Henceforth, the NCOT (Nice Cup of Tea) has become a firm staple in my diet recently.
I truly believe that it is the drink of heaven.
But seriously, it does hold the solution to all of life’s problems, great and small.
“I’ve broken a nail!” – have an NCOT.
“I’ve failed my exams!” – NCOT.
“My brother is an idiot!” – NCOT.
Like I said; all of life’s problems!
But where does this wondrous drink come from?!
And why is it that to be a fan of tea is considered quintessentially English?!
Well, I decided to investigate and turned to the fountain of knowledge that is wikipedia…
The Science Bit.
Tea is made by steeping leaves, buds or twigs from the tea bush in hot water for a few minutes.
Obviously.
There are four basic types of true tea: black tea, oolong tea, green tea, and white tea.
The term ‘herbal tea’ usually refers to infusions of fruit or of herbs that do not contain any of the tea plant.
The tea plant itself generally grows in tropical climates, and apparently prefers acidic soils. Not being a scientist or geologist, I have no idea what this means. Sounds good though…
Tea is great. It is a natural source of caffeine and has almost no carbohydrates, fat or protein!
It also contains a type of antioxidant called catechins.
The Chinese.
The origins of human use of tea are described in several myths, but it is unknown as to where tea was first created as a drink.
One popular legend from China tells how the Emperor Shennong, known for his wisdom and scientific knowledge, believed that the safest way to drink water was by boiling it first.
One day he noticed some leaves had fallen into his boiling water.
Shennong took a sip of the brew and was surprised by its flavour and restorative properties.
Whether or not this and other legends are based on fact, it is true that tea has played a significant role in Asian culture for centuries as a staple beverage, a curative, and a symbol of status.
The Chinese have enjoyed tea for centuries, with the earliest records of tea drinking dating back to the first millennium BC.
Tea Spreads To Europe.
It is believed that tea spread to Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries, quickly becoming popular with the rich in France and the Netherlands.
English use of tea dates from about 1650.
The high demand for tea in Britain caused a huge trade deficit with China.
Using seeds smuggled from China, Britain managed to set up tea plantations in parts of India.
This created the modern tea industries of Assam tea and Darjeeling tea.
Britain also tried to balance the trade deficit by selling opium to the Chinese, which later led to the First Opium War in 1838–1842.
As a result, Great Britain established Hong Kong as a colony, largely to facilitate the trade of tea.
World War II and Beyond.
During World War II, tea was rationed.
I feel that this would have been horrific.
After the war however, Tetley launched the tea bag and it was an immediate success.
The convenience of the tea bag revolutionized how we drink our tea and now the traditional tea pot has given way to making tea in a cup using a tea bag.
And that, my friends, is the marvel of tea.
I’ve certainly learnt a lot and feel that it is about time for yet another NCOT…
The day had already got off to a bad start.
I had woken at 5.30am after a night of restless ‘sleep’, tossing and turning.
I eventually dragged myself to shower at nine, only to be greeted by the screeeeeeeching halls fire alarm when I got out.
There was no way I was going downstairs! I was stark naked!
“I’ll just have to fry!” I thought.
Then, the wankers who run and work in my halls (yes, ‘wanker’ is appropriate) denied me the only pleasure I have in my life, and certainly one I look forward to upon waking…
A Nice Cup of Tea.
Admittedly, I’ve become a little obsessed (addicted?) with tea of late.
I’m not allowed to drink, and I’ve supposedly ‘given up’ chocolate and sweets for Lent.
Supposedly.
Henceforth, the NCOT (Nice Cup of Tea) has become a firm staple in my diet recently.
I truly believe that it is the drink of heaven.
But seriously, it does hold the solution to all of life’s problems, great and small.
“I’ve broken a nail!” – have an NCOT.
“I’ve failed my exams!” – NCOT.
“My brother is an idiot!” – NCOT.
Like I said; all of life’s problems!
But where does this wondrous drink come from?!
And why is it that to be a fan of tea is considered quintessentially English?!
Well, I decided to investigate and turned to the fountain of knowledge that is wikipedia…
The Science Bit.
Tea is made by steeping leaves, buds or twigs from the tea bush in hot water for a few minutes.
Obviously.
There are four basic types of true tea: black tea, oolong tea, green tea, and white tea.
The term ‘herbal tea’ usually refers to infusions of fruit or of herbs that do not contain any of the tea plant.
The tea plant itself generally grows in tropical climates, and apparently prefers acidic soils. Not being a scientist or geologist, I have no idea what this means. Sounds good though…
Tea is great. It is a natural source of caffeine and has almost no carbohydrates, fat or protein!
It also contains a type of antioxidant called catechins.
The Chinese.
The origins of human use of tea are described in several myths, but it is unknown as to where tea was first created as a drink.
One popular legend from China tells how the Emperor Shennong, known for his wisdom and scientific knowledge, believed that the safest way to drink water was by boiling it first.
One day he noticed some leaves had fallen into his boiling water.
Shennong took a sip of the brew and was surprised by its flavour and restorative properties.
Whether or not this and other legends are based on fact, it is true that tea has played a significant role in Asian culture for centuries as a staple beverage, a curative, and a symbol of status.
The Chinese have enjoyed tea for centuries, with the earliest records of tea drinking dating back to the first millennium BC.
Tea Spreads To Europe.
It is believed that tea spread to Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries, quickly becoming popular with the rich in France and the Netherlands.
English use of tea dates from about 1650.
The high demand for tea in Britain caused a huge trade deficit with China.
Using seeds smuggled from China, Britain managed to set up tea plantations in parts of India.
This created the modern tea industries of Assam tea and Darjeeling tea.
Britain also tried to balance the trade deficit by selling opium to the Chinese, which later led to the First Opium War in 1838–1842.
As a result, Great Britain established Hong Kong as a colony, largely to facilitate the trade of tea.
World War II and Beyond.
During World War II, tea was rationed.
I feel that this would have been horrific.
After the war however, Tetley launched the tea bag and it was an immediate success.
The convenience of the tea bag revolutionized how we drink our tea and now the traditional tea pot has given way to making tea in a cup using a tea bag.
And that, my friends, is the marvel of tea.
I’ve certainly learnt a lot and feel that it is about time for yet another NCOT…
Saturday, March 10, 2007
I Am The Resurrection
I’m worn out. Exhausted. Drained.
The last few months and the last week in particular have eventually caught up with me. I’m not really sad anymore though. I’m not stupidly crying for no reason.
Instead, I think I’m in a state of shock. Stunned at recent and past events, and a little scared for the future.
My brain still doesn’t work though. Some days people talk to me and it just goes straight through me.
‘What?’ I ask in a daze.
I don’t know whats going on half the time. Don’t understand. Its all so confusing.
Its all so hard and just need a return to normality.
Slowly and surely though, I can see it coming.
This morning even, something clicked.
I read my horoscope courtesy of the magazine at Westminster News Online and Mystic Ed Hammond (I think he is actually psychic):
“Having narrowly escaped death last week it is time to embrace living. Don't do something amazing, the world is full of idiots doing amazing things, just do something that makes you smile.”
And then this song came onto my I-Tunes, as if heralding the whole need for ‘normal’ that I so desperately want…
Down down, you bring me down
I hear you knocking down my door and I can't sleep at night
Your face, it has no place
No room for you inside my house I need to be alone
Don't waste your words I don't need anything from you
I don't care where you've been or what you plan to do
Turn turn, I wish you'd learn
There's a time and place for everything I've got to get it through
Cut loose, cause you're no use
I couldn't stand another second in your company
Don't waste your words I don't need anything from you
I don't care where you've been or what you plan to do
Stone me, why can't you see
You're a no-one nowhere washed up baby who'd look better dead
Your tongue is far too long
I don't like the way it sucks and slurps upon my every word
Don't waste your words I don't need anything from you
I don't care where you've been or what you plan to do
I am the resurrection and I am the light
I couldn't ever bring myself to hate you as I'd like
I am the resurrection and I am the light
I couldn't ever bring myself to hate you as I'd like
‘I Am the Resurrection’ By The Stone Roses.
The last few months and the last week in particular have eventually caught up with me. I’m not really sad anymore though. I’m not stupidly crying for no reason.
Instead, I think I’m in a state of shock. Stunned at recent and past events, and a little scared for the future.
My brain still doesn’t work though. Some days people talk to me and it just goes straight through me.
‘What?’ I ask in a daze.
I don’t know whats going on half the time. Don’t understand. Its all so confusing.
Its all so hard and just need a return to normality.
Slowly and surely though, I can see it coming.
This morning even, something clicked.
I read my horoscope courtesy of the magazine at Westminster News Online and Mystic Ed Hammond (I think he is actually psychic):
“Having narrowly escaped death last week it is time to embrace living. Don't do something amazing, the world is full of idiots doing amazing things, just do something that makes you smile.”
And then this song came onto my I-Tunes, as if heralding the whole need for ‘normal’ that I so desperately want…
Down down, you bring me down
I hear you knocking down my door and I can't sleep at night
Your face, it has no place
No room for you inside my house I need to be alone
Don't waste your words I don't need anything from you
I don't care where you've been or what you plan to do
Turn turn, I wish you'd learn
There's a time and place for everything I've got to get it through
Cut loose, cause you're no use
I couldn't stand another second in your company
Don't waste your words I don't need anything from you
I don't care where you've been or what you plan to do
Stone me, why can't you see
You're a no-one nowhere washed up baby who'd look better dead
Your tongue is far too long
I don't like the way it sucks and slurps upon my every word
Don't waste your words I don't need anything from you
I don't care where you've been or what you plan to do
I am the resurrection and I am the light
I couldn't ever bring myself to hate you as I'd like
I am the resurrection and I am the light
I couldn't ever bring myself to hate you as I'd like
‘I Am the Resurrection’ By The Stone Roses.
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