someone else's shoes
English articles

The Allure of Red Bottom Heels

Red bottom heels have an undeniable allure that captivates my attention. They remind me of the iconic Louboutin heels. One day, on an ordinary housing estate where everyday people reside, a woman appeared before me, confidently wearing a striking pair of red bottom heels. I couldn’t help but wonder if they were real, as high heels over two inches are rarely seen in my neighborhood. Most people shy away from the challenge of walking in such daring footwear, yet the unmistakable style of Louboutin heels is easily recognized.

In JoJo Moyes’ novel Someone Else’s Shoes, the Loulontin heels gave women confidence to stand up tall and excel in her roles as a sales representative. The story also features another woman who feels incomplete without her Chanel, Gucci, and other designer outfits and shoes.

The novel revolves around these two women as they navigated difficult circumstances where their partners made them feel powerless and frustrated. How was it possible for a woman to lose everything after her husband left her, leaving her penniless and without even a decent outfit? Meanwhile, another woman endured a horrendous experience with the most inconsiderate boss imaginable. Their lives intertwined when their bags were accidentally swapped at the gym.

One cannot underestimate the resilience and solidarity of women. In times of hardship, they often support one another with remarkable empathy. I admire how the chef in the story provided a new home for the struggling woman. Despite losing her wealth, she stood tall, united with her son, and embraced life with dignity alongside her new friends.

There are countless stories of men who exploit marriage to advance their careers or women who marry wealthy individuals to climb the social ladder. When faced with financial difficulties, money can seem to change everything, yet it’s challenging to sacrifice one’s pride to live with someone lacking genuine connection.

Fewer people, especially in the younger generation, view marriage as the ultimate goal. They aspire to build families and establish solid foundations for their careers, but not at the expense of their personal ambitions. With confidence, they pursue their passions without the constraints of marriage.

I’m left wondering if I truly saw a real pair of Louboutin heels that day. Ultimately, I hope women find their confidence not solely through material possessions but through the unwavering support of their family and friends.

good fortune
Chinese articles

Good Fortune

假如沒有奇洛李維斯主演,大抵我不會看這套電影。

奇洛李維斯不擅長拍喜劇,我看《捍衛天使 Good Fortune》時,也沒有以喜劇心境對待,反而以常理對思考一些橋段,例如奇怪天使不是集體行動,竟然會想幹一番大事業 ; 天使有情有性,也鍾愛垃圾食物和跳舞等,這是我從來沒有想過的事情。

我是否太認真,又或我太著重電影的劇情呢?

低下階層苦幹、但又被剝削,以至生活上遇到許多無力感,對生活失望。若突然能夠過著富足的生活而毋須掙扎求存,確實是許多人的夢想。

天使落難,變成凡人,感到工資被受剝削,也抽起煙來,借酒消愁。天使問:整天工作就是洗碗? 我們的工作時不時都十分單調,難道他之前當天使的工作不是千篇一律嗎?

當然,電影只是虛構,現實中有錢人才不會有一份沒壓力的工作,人事和家庭真的沒碰到問題?

只是,我心目中的概念是,天使應該快快樂樂在天堂耍玩,為何要做工,他們得到神的眷顧,應可享福。

話說回來,奇洛李維斯加一對翼的造型真是很搞笑,完全談不上是一位天使;反而由Sandra Oh飾演另一位天使的造型就入型入格。

或許我是想得太多。喜劇就是喜劇,劇情毋須深思,也毋須無腦汁欣賞電影。

hope
Chinese articles

車禍的內心戰

昨天,我第一次目睹友人哭泣,原本以為她拿紙巾是對付鼻敏感,然而她是說著一位好友車禍後身體的掙扎、繼而決定放棄治療,在家人和友人的陪伴後,拔出喉管,解脫痛苦。我想像這情景時,也不禁流著眼淚。車禍是由駕駛者而起,但當揸車的是自己的另一半時,確實令人難以接受。要怪他嗎?他又如何對待事情呢?旁人又有什麼看法?家人又會否感到他責無旁貸?當中,相信駕駛者的內心是如此痛苦呢?

我好像曾在小說中讀到這樣的情景,但竟然在現實生活中遇到,真的難以相信。旁人對事情實在是難以作出批判。

流淚是感性的表現,人之常情,就算內心是如此強韌,遇到心愛和敬重的人離開,難免有不捨之情,我也不見得要把眼淚收起來。我想收起眼淚是不想別人認為自己懦弱,但找一個安全的地方讓淚光湧出,絕對是減壓的方法。

遇有不幸的事情發生,哭泣又如何!有人認為官員不應在大眾面前流眼淚,我只能一笑置之。

每個人做事方式不同,有人凡事會從心出發;也人就自我中心、不講情理。生活上與我無關的事,我又往往感到內心有點感覺,心底裡有如產生難以形容的身體感覺,潛意識上我有點不知所措,不懂如何接納不熟悉的感覺。

今天看了一套電影:Preparation for the next life,劇中女主角跟患有創傷後遺症的男主角說,你可否像行軍一樣,不要怕這些奇怪的感覺,跟感覺好好相處。是的,有時工作比起面對傷感和心痛容易,要面對一些特別的身體反應,我都希望如她說般,就讓這些感覺如工作般努力接納和克服。

女主角遇有錯敗,還是努力面對,最後返國過有尊嚴的生活,但男主角的命運卻不能逆轉。有些事、有此人多遠在我們心裡保留一些珍貴的片段,儘使離我們而起,偶爾還是令我們想起他們。

今天是冬至,讓我的心靈得到這些記憶的安撫,內心得到平靜。

cancellation
Chinese articles

災後活動安排之迷思

大埔大場大火,令人心傷,許多機構12月的聯誼活動取消,是意外中事。商場機構早已在11月把燈飾上畫,但也避免太過催谷聖誕氣氛和聖誕購物的狂熱。

剛過了頭七,是中國人十分重視的日子。不少人到大埔或靈堂致敬,表示心意。始終人命就是生命,有許多令人懷愐的地方。

今個星期,在我的社交媒體上出現舊公司按原定計劃舉行聖誕活動,有感政治不正確,想抒發一下。雖說是慈善活動,涉及不同國籍的人士參與,但於大災難發生後不到十天舉行這些活動,思緒有點混亂。毅行者和開放日的活動相應取消,全運殘運會的開幕式和閉幕典禮也已取消,大家的心情按壓住,還想在這時候慶祝聖誕嗎?

若然活動是於12月下旬舉行,則有不同的考慮,或可照常進行,畢竟,社會和香港人也要重新出發,不能永遠在暗黑中生活。

我較認同公司周年聖誕取消的做法較合適。當然,大家的聚會是必須的,情緒和感受要透過不同渠道抒發。

昨天,我重看英國倫敦Grenfell Tower大火的調查結果,結果訂論多方都有責任,包括政府、企業和物管等,碰巧我數個月前看到Netflix的Grenfell: Uncovered紀錄片,了解該大火的發生過程,真的難以想像悲劇在香港發生,規模更大,成為國際新聞。

Grenfell Tower大火於2017年中發生,打算在原址建築紀念大樓,今年11月底才選定建築公司,預計最後的設計圖會於2027年中方可面世,當中,要拆卸該大樓會用上兩年的時間。由此可見,大埔宏福苑的居民或需要等待數年的時間,待專業人士檢測樓宇結構和作多方面的討論,方可將這件事情畫上句號。

人的生活則不能跟大樓一樣地停頓,總要向前看。大家會與災民同行。我痛恨那些藉火災災民身分試圖騙財的人,實在是厚顏無恥,真的要強烈譴責他們,問問他們是否有良心和良知。

建築物定期維修本是好事,但隨著香港的樓齡越來越高,條例可否檢視? 不少家庭花盡積蓄,購入一個單位,在一夜之間,單位和單位財物都失去,可謂人心惶惶。

期望,12月的日子會陸續平靜,大家也會多一點喜樂。祝願各人平平安安! 心靈得到慰藉。

我也會假期借機與朋友聚一聚,我相信大家都會按照傳統在冬至和聖誕時走在一起,在冬夜中圍爐取暖。

大埔火災
Chinese articles

火災之痛

看到數楝樓宇閃著火紅的烈焰,心痛死了。眼光即時想回避一下。在太陽底下,這些閃紅要帶金黃的火燒毀了家裡的一切。數千人的家沒有了,辛苦多年供樓的努力一灰而盡,家裡的錢財、相片和值得回億的物品沒有了,身分也可能一時間變得模糊,身分證、護照、信用卡和提款卡也失掉,有否質疑自己的身分?

我想像,如果我變成他們,那刻的感覺必然十分傍偟和難過。

倖存者要有著無比的勇氣去面對未來; 受傷的,也要承受痛楚以及漫長的復康道路; 燒死的,會難以相信自己經歷過的恐懼,就算叫到聲嘶力竭亦未能逃離現場。這些都不是我們能夠想像的。

今次各方伸出援手,見證大家都是有著情感的人; 明白到能幫助人,也能幫助撫平自己的心靈。就算你多麼享受獨處和不理會社區和社會的事情,誰能夠置身於度外,而不動情呢?

大部分居屋居民不是有錢財的人,大家都是為了一個家,往後安居地住下去,因為他們再不能住公屋,亦不夠錢買私樓。

大眾集腋成裘,金額雖然絕不足夠重建樓宇,接近十億款項冀能解他們一時的撚眉之急。若居民日後可以選擇入住公屋、又或藉著這些款項與政府一同承擔重建計劃的費用是比較合理的方案,當然這需要經過一段時間的討論和考慮。不難想像,他們可能要在臨時居所住上多年,方可有定案。

期望他們能夠儘快入住中轉房屋,令他們生活稍為安頓下來,也讓心神有機會慢慢調節過來,給予他們私人空間,有瓦遮頭,這樣才能令腦海有空間去思考其他事情。

這一刻,我想牽著你們的手,說一聲:「不用怕。因為你們不是孤單,大家都在想著你們和記掛你們。上天會照顧你們。」

這個在心裡燒著的火頭會由大家一齊撲滅,繼而恢復平靜。

我想再講一聲,想哭就哭吧,但不要消磨自己的意志,努力活下去吧!

flowers for algernon
Chinese articles

獻給阿爾吉濃的花束

這是我參加讀書會才會讀的一本書,<獻給阿爾吉濃的花束> (Flowers for Algernon) 是1966年寫成的科幻小說。科幻的意思不是星球大戰或太空生物,而是虛構科學進步,試驗如何利用手術為智商障礙的人變聰明。

我看的是翻譯版本。在讀書會上先閱讀不同章節的節錄。然而再從頭閱讀這本書。閱讀時,有幾個挑戰自己的地方,第一是用字沒有現代政治正確的觀念,如直指主角入讀低能學校,在現代角度,我對此感到不舒服。另外,主角要寫日記,以便讓研究人員研究其心路歷程,部分日記用了許多錯別字,以凸顯其腦部發展不足之處,近年少看中文書藉的我,最初也感到難理解他要說什麼,什麼是近步(應是進步)日記?

書中的主角在一兩個月間變聰明後,明白了許多事情的來龍去脈,但心智和情緒智商方面卻沒有趕得上,出現不知所措和困擾的負面思想。他失去了以往的朋友,他們為這個突飛猛進的他而感到卻步。

他轉身成為超聰明的一個人,甚至超越大學教授和科學家,迅速學𢤦了不同語言和各種科目的知識,對身邊人的看法大不如前,失去興趣。他想擁抱自由,努力找尋救自己的方法。他想料不到跟心愛的人,不因為變聰明而走在一起; 相反,兩者智慧的差距,而令他們要分開。

原生的自己和舊記憶時不時浮現,這是什麼原故?是副作用?還是舊記憶的重現?還是他精神錯亂?由不知道和不聞不問、到好像對世界和人性知得太多,他變到無奈、掙扎、困惑而陷入難堪的狀態。原來對情感、思想的理解,以及與人的互動和社交的處理方法才是最困難,不是智商高就能學到。

現今社會,以身心靈健康掛帥,這些心理跌盪的情況,心理學家可能別有一番解釋。

主角亦提出每個人都藉得尊重的概念,可見作者思想前衛; 又或是五十年前,不少知識分子已經對待人待物方面有訴求,卻只是當時大眾還未意識到尊重的重要性。

若故事由2025年始落墨,則會遇到道德規範的問題,相信這樣政治不正確的情節不會出現,單是一研究就要經過道德委員會才行。

我得承認閱讀時,有點不安的感覺,因為明白主角對失去的無奈,但他最終能夠重見家人,自己選擇去路,亦感到安慰。他學會放下,展開他認為令自己安心的生活。他從一次探訪中,認識到這個新的家應該不太差,工作人員也跟他一樣善良。

這時,我要哭了。

Jojo Moyes
English articles

We all Live Here

I hadn’t really spent much time reading for months, but recently, I swapped my workout routine and hours spent on YouTube for some quality reading time. One of the two fiction books I devoured over the weekend was “We All Live Here” by Jojo Moyes.

Honestly, I can be pretty impatient, so diving into Jojo Moyes’ books is sometimes a bit of a challenge for me. She takes her time to build her characters, often starting off with some heavy themes that can feel pretty sad. There were moments when I struggled to process all the emotional turmoil the characters were going through, and I almost gave up. The “Me Before You” series, however, stands out as an exception to this.

If I can get through about a quarter of her books, I usually start to connect with the story and my interest kicks in. That’s when I really pick up the pace with my reading.

With “We All Live Here,” I found myself getting frustrated—just like the main character, Lila. Life can be so complicated and uncertain, and when I read, I want to find joy, humour, and some wisdom. I prefer not to immerse myself in the deep troubles faced by the characters.

Did some parts of the story feel familiar? For sure! Certain scenes reminded me of shows like Desperate Housewives, Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, or even Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. But this story of “We all Live Here”  is more grounded and focuses on everyday life rather than big drama.

In the end, while the story concludes on a positive note, I felt that Jojo Moyes could have invested more chapters in exploring the characters’ development of their affections for one another. The transition from a troubled beginning to a happy ending felt somewhat rushed and lacked the depth needed to truly resonate with readers. This shift didn’t quite capture the emotional journey that could have made the resolution more impactful and heartfelt.

55 steps movie
English articles

55 Steps 

It’s not difficult to find people sharing horror stories about receiving treatment in a psychiatric ward. People mainly complain that they lack privacy and freedom, and they feel a loss of respect in the ward, which makes their conditions even worse. Someone told me that she wanted to erase the painful experience and would never want to return to the ward. I could see that she functions normally and participates in community activities like everyone else, but she simply is not able to hold a job. When we went out fundraising for a non-profit organization on a Saturday morning, she worked harder than we did and raised a good amount of money from people on the street.

A few days ago, I came across the movie “55 Steps,” but the opening scene was so disturbing to me that I found it painful and hurtful to continue watching. Instead, I did some research online to learn about the true story behind it.

The movie touches on an important topic: “patient-informed consent.” Do we ask for information about the pros and cons of a treatment or medication before deciding whether to proceed? A cancer patient can choose whether or not to undergo chemotherapy. Should psychiatric patients, if admitted voluntarily, have the right to informed consent and the choice of which medications they receive?

Eleanor Riese was diagnosed with schizophrenia in her 20s and was admitted to the hospital as a voluntary patient for her mental health issues. The opening scene depicts her struggle with healthcare workers attempting to restrain her and administer medication via injection, which she refused. Her body trembled under the effects of the powerful psychiatric drugs. The treatment demonstrated that the facility did not respect patients’ preferences, and the approach appeared to be forceful.

This incident occurred merely 30+ years ago. Psychiatric patients are not devoid of feelings; they are highly sensitive and particularly vulnerable to the negative impacts of their surroundings. Eleanor could hardly bear the treatment and reached out to a human rights lawyer, Colette Hughes. She decided to challenge the healthcare protocol by filing a lawsuit.

Thanks to Eleanor, she made dedicated efforts to fight for the basic right to informed consent and the ability to refuse psychiatric medication in the absence of an emergency. She managed to push the system to evolve based on her own experiences. Sadly, it was too late to reverse the damage caused by the side effects of the psychiatric medication, and she died at the age of 47 in 1991.

loveyourlife
English articles

Love Your Life

Have I ever truly asked myself, “Do I love my life?” I think I have not. I often choose bread over love, as it provides me with a comforting sense of security. The feeling of love brings immense joy and happiness, yet it is accompanied by the potential for deep sadness when a relationship crumbles.

I was taken aback by a reality program featuring two strangers who marry without ever meeting or knowing anything about each other beforehand. They encounter one another for the first time while walking down the aisle. It seems absolutely absurd.

Sophie Kinsella’s book Love Your Life paints a captivating scenario where a man and a woman fall in love without knowing each other’s names or backgrounds, relying solely on their interaction and chemistry. In contrast to this romantic ideal, they soon realize that their lives exist on entirely “separate continents”, and they grapple with the challenge of making their relationship work.

What I find particularly enchanting is how Sophie depicts her characters as wonderfully eccentric individuals who bravely follow their hearts in their quest to build a connection. It’s reminiscent of trying to mix water and oil; how can such opposing elements ever blend harmoniously? Clearly, they are not perfect. They are not living the lives they aspire to have. To some extent, many of us find ourselves in similar predicaments for a multitude of reasons. We are all imperfect beings.

I am profoundly moved by their honesty with one another, and I admire how they take the time to reflect on their actions and strive for change. Such moments of introspection are often rare in many relationships.

Just as oil and water can create a beautiful dish when combined thoughtfully, so too can a perfect dough be crafted for baking exquisite bread.

It’s truly a stroke of genius to narrate this story without coming across as preachy. The tone is light-hearted and humorous, making for an enjoyable read that I savored last week.

On a more somber note, I was saddened to learn that the author, Sophie, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. I sincerely hope I still have the opportunity to relish her future works.

Wishing her good health and strength!

typhoon
Chinese articles

超前預報

樺加沙風暴迎面而來,政府以極超前的姿態部署,有帶頭的作用,機構和市民都於星期六日開始準備,網上的資訊是有點誇張,國內和澳門的部署方式,香港只能參考5成。畢竟香港是一個福地,基建設備都比較周全,結果是,一如以往,杏花邨、大澳和沿岸等地區影響較嚴重,美孚地點也不是太應風。

我十分感恩,烈風未如最初預計般令人驚慌,只是大風大雨,打亂了計劃中的大型活動,但感恩的是,講者更有心更改原有的會議,配合慶祝活動的新日期,令工作未至於太繁複。

話說起,近年來的氣候改變顯示於香港頻頻出現颱風身上。九月底,還有一個颱風向著南海進發。

小時候,我期待8號颱風的來臨,但今年真的來得太密,實在難以消化,令活動策劃起來多了許多不確定性。

天文台的超前預報可能是幫助企業和團體準備應變的一大工具,但早一日預報下一天一至三時掛十號波,是否太有自信?

poo poo
Chinese articles

糞便治療

我最初聽到躁鬱症(bi-polar)時,是遇到某人訴說他妻子患有此精神病,他好像心愛她,但又顯得無奈,記得他說過妻子曾以刀指向他,她不願意吃藥,他感到無能為力。

部分精神病人就算吃藥,其狀況也欠佳,不願起床做事,或情緒波動。

偶然看到一位躁鬱症患者敍述自己的康復經歷。她幸運地遇到心愛她的伴侶,不離不棄地照顧她,他閱讀相關文獻,發現發現糞便經移植後,會影響或改善另一個人的健康情況。大抵在無計可施的情況下,他決定不妨一試,把自己的糞便「消毒」後,以由下以上的方式移植到患者身上,經過一段時間後,他的伴侶居然有全新的感覺,康復起來,並一年來都沒有復發,終於可以彌補生活中的缺憾,兩人結婚,她讀書及建立事業。

當然,要醫生和社會接受糞便療法是不容易,藥廠也不會想投資,病人好起來,他們如何賣藥?

不過,這證明了腸道與腦部健康的關連性。

就正如不少人有腹易激的問題,其實這與腸內菌狀失平衡有關。

原來,壓力積聚,會令腸子有如打結般!

以糞便製成的藥丸可能令人難以接受,但這可能給予一些病人一點希望,我希望大學和政府會支持這方面的研究,畢竟,自然治療可能會讓人體較容易接受和吸收。

Justice
Chinese articles

公義與公平

談起舊事,有時對一些事情是否太執著,還是真的令人看不過眼?應從何說起?

還記得一位優秀的同事給人針對,我對於她無法發圍而感到可惜,不過她離開後,也能幹一番事業,有個開心家庭。另一位我敬佩她的同事不計較工作,在人手短缺的情況下,努力落手落腳辦事,心感佩服,但在一些事情中,我感到機構對少數族裔的看法有點偏差,可幸的是,她回國工作,並已退休了。

為何有人可以私相授受,就有如美國總裁,公私不分明,就算為人詬病,也當作耳邊風,有民眾支持。近日,又有購水事件,令人質疑採購用品的公正性。我也知道有機構以巨額聘請自己親屬當厚職,甚至退休後請回當顧問,難道這不會令大家起疑心?不過,機構內也有部門同樣請了親信一起做事,這就構成管治的問題了。

其實,許多大公司也會有員工推薦朋友和親屬入職,但在人力資源政策上就要訂下守則,在遴選過程中要有板有眼,不能掉以輕心;聘用條件也要訂下準則,這才能令人心服。

現實上國家與國家的談判也不是對等,美國對其他國家以強加關稅作威嚇,就足以令人嗤之以鼻;南美國家的管治差勁,以至嚇怕民眾,迫使他們作大遷徙,我也有種感到心痛的感覺。

未知道許多年前大家推崇的烏托邦在哪裡呢?

hill fire
Chinese articles

當局者的聲音

廿多年前發生的事,以今天的準則去判斷,是否公平?究竟我們認識歷史要做什麼?是要學習和希望矯枉過正? 網上不少評論對當天事情的不實猜測,實在令人失望。

當然,歷史事實,莫過於當事人最清楚,當然執筆者的視角也會影響其他人對事情的看法。

若所有牽涉其中的受傷者和救傷者不發聲,就只得靠著一些報道和訪問去了解事件。社交媒體的出現,就好像要把沉默的一群推一把,因為網上的打手可能會推弱者推到牆角,令強者越強,弱者透不過氣。

八仙嶺山火一事再次被討論,有民安隊隊員周先生勇敢發言,我認為他清晰地表達了起火原因是同學玩火所致,當中的內容突顯出事件的嚴重程度,令到見慣風雨的民安隊隊員也經歷了短暫的心理創傷。

譚加發身為一個平民百姓,背著嚴重燒傷而十分驚慌的女同學,其心理陰影可能更大,況且他只是一個行山友,事後並沒有得到任何心理支援。大家為何要攻擊這個弱者?

周先生的整個訪問真誠,也留有餘地,最深刻的是他提及到 : 最難過的事,有些人可能做錯了事,可能社會、可能這個世界、可能神、上帝已經寬恕了你一次,現在再翻炒的時候,是不是再一次給你機會去救贖自己的靈魂,讓這個世界再寬恕一次呢。心靈的救贖可能要由勇於承認開始,再求天與地寬恕。

fire hazards
Chinese articles

對英雄的敬意

還記得許多年前,我對八仙嶺山火慘劇的最深印象是張潤衡,他是一名學生,皮膚被嚴重燒傷,手指也被燒壞了。我為這名學生的經歷難過,也為一眾師生遇上山火而死去和受傷感到驚訝。

事過境遷,有節目討論當天的調查,發現當天有學生吸煙,可能是山火的源頭,張潤衡也在當天有吸煙。

多年來,張潤衡得到我對他的憐憫,也學有所成,獲得傑青和其他獎項,成家立業,似乎他得到上天的眷顧。

2025年的今日,我對事情加深認識,反而為捨身救人的譚加發感到婉惜,他毫不畏懼上山救人,但卻因自責和當天的創傷而自殺。

原來,外表的好好先生,背後可能有不為人知的故事,有些人能成功克服過去的傷痛和烙印,華麗轉身後再向自己的目標出發;一些人卻對過去有種執著,揮之不去的情感變成了自己的敵人。

究竟好人如何學習心安理得?

graduation
Chinese articles

六月的悶氣

與日本朋友的通信是斷斷續續的,或許她事忙,近日,我想把拖延近2個月的旅行計劃再次跟她傾談,原來她家裡發現大事,這又證明許多時,社交平台上的消息只顯示單方面的訊息,更是報喜不報憂。

有時,人與人之間的友誼不知為何會無疾而終,有時會為此感到可惜。不過,人與人的相處是講求感覺和緣分,未必是理性的,也沒有公式可尋。

上半年,身邊已有3位朋友、同學和朋友家人離世。我只是壯年,但卻忽然在短短數年間,越來越多我認識深刻的人離開,只有歎幾聲、無奈人生無常!

有人說人生不公平,其實我們又對其他人的背後故事和真實生活知道多少。

想找一個不太累的晚上哭一遍,舒發內心的不安和悲傷。

伴隨這些傷感的消息是喜悅,買了畢業公仔,認識這個叫「阿呆」的畢業生; 友人將有家居的小天地,以及香港足球隊首次在啟德登場,在眾志成城的氣氛而告捷,擊敗印度。

期望下半年會有更多開心事。

control
Chinese articles

如何操控日子?

近日傳來大學同學的死訊,感到有點難以相信,消息已慣常地由手機訊息傳來,這種突如其來的感覺,少了一點慢慢消化的過程,欠缺面對面傾訴的渠道。

這次的主角是一位高材生,温文爾雅,鵝蛋臉、直短髮,是一個書生,許多年來都做著同一份工作,讀書時,我以為她會做政府工,但她卻幹著節目製作的工作。 

離開大學後,與她沒有聯絡,但她的樣子仍然刻在我的腦海中,朋友不時提起她。

半年內,一個朋友、一個舊同學離去,感到現實太多人和是事是我們控制不了的。

過去的執著,到現在了解自己更多,當中經歷了許多心路歷程。剛去玩的葡萄牙旅程,又重新認識朋友的狀況,原來短短數年,大家的身體狀況已經不一樣。

記得中學時候,我由家跨區上學,由山腰,再經過工厰區、上數十級樓梯上山,20分鐘順利完成。現在我反個來20分鐘慢步由山腰步到地鐡站,多留意周邊綠色樹木和清新空氣,是不一樣的心態。

2025的今天,我會對從前的自己說,不要擔憂明天的日子,因為沒有人會知道社會會如何發展,自己會如何改變,做好要幹的事便可。

uncertainty
English articles

Uncertainty

In my journey to Portugal and Spain, I did not miss out on an exciting adventure. I felt I was blessed somehow. 

A few days after returning home, Istanbul experienced a 6.0 magnitude earthquake which did not cause a lot of damage but could give one a shock. I took a connecting flight in Istanbul to Lisbon and back to Hong Kong.

I then found out that the airport in Istanbul was designed to be earthquake-proof against 8.0 magnitude. Maybe that’s the reason shops at the airport charge massive amounts for a piece of bread or burgers.  

Last evening, everyone shared with me the news about the massive power outage in Portugal and Spain. That’s scary! I once thought about leaving Hong Kong before the Easter holiday and coming back in early May. 

We had a power cut at the Porto’s apartment we were staying; however, it was an easy fix. If I had still stayed there with my friends at the end of April, where would I be? Porto? Galicia? That could leave us in a panic and a catastrophic kind of adventure. 

People’s minds feel unrest in this century full of uncertainty.  I feared nothing when I travelled at a young age. I saw peace. I smelt simplicity. I adored friendship. Now I sense hidden risks at the corner of the streets or a sense of insecure feeling when a few young people stare at us on an unfamiliar land. 

That might be the reason I want to travel with someone at my age now.  More people seek a spiritual home where they can trust and feel safe.

Away with the penguins
Chinese articles

Away with the penguins

企鵝是我心愛的動物,每次我到動物園和水族館,都必然要尋找他們的踪跡。他們一身白與黑矮小的打扮實在太可愛,而小企鵝毛茸茸的樣子,可愛得我想尖叫,恨不得立即梳理他們的毛毛,和緊抱他們入懷。

多年前,法國有一部企鵝紀錄片March of the Penguins上映,我乖乖地靜靜在電影院觀看,對企鵝郡的能耐和團結性,簡直肅然起敬。他們的生命力可能比人類強?

踏入春天的悶日,我到圖書館找本閒書看,就被書名Away with the penguins吸引,儘使第一、二個章節的故事起始比較平實和沉悶,80多歲的老太婆、加一個不太聰明的家務助理,實在無法勾起我的閱讀引子。尋回孫兒後,發現他是一個癈青,又真的有什麼令人歡喜之處。

幸好,經過兩星期完成三分一本書後,她終於踏上了去南極的旅程。

故事當然是虛構,然而老太婆對企鵝的迷戀,真的令人會心微笑,加上研究基地的三個科學家又好像比一般科學家更加人性化,之後故事的發展又遇上不幸中的高潮。人與企鵝的非凡交流,就如人將要死去,在充滿光的隧道中選擇去路。

最後,各個故事的主人翁似乎也得到愛和温暖。

雖然這本書沒有給我太大驚喜,但也有其感動之處。

不過,這本書的續集,我應該會放棄閱讀了。

English articles

Think outside of marriage

Sex scandals are often the twin sisters of powerful people, including CEOs, lawmakers, and presidents. The movie Babygirl shows this through Nicole Kitman, a CEO who finds herself irresistibly drawn to Samuel, an intern who sees her true self. The film looks at their complicated relationship, showing the vulnerabilities and temptations that accompany positions of power. 

To be honest, I fail to see Nicole Kitman as a CEO in the movie. It’s hard to believe that she would personally involve herself in the company’s internship programme. How can a CEO be so naive as to form an emotional connection with an intern? This situation reminds me of Bill Clinton, who famously engaged in an extramarital relationship with an intern, which dominated the headlines. While the intern may not have been conventionally attractive, she was perhaps more accessible to his needs.

I’ve observed married men attempting to flirt with women in the workplace, and another man seeking out “fun” cautiously. The label of “married” can create a mental barrier, yet it doesn’t always prevent individuals from betrayal.

The movie Nova and Alice also explores the theme of affairs developing during a tour. Chemistry ignites between two people, even if one is in a stable relationship. Such relationships can sometimes feel mundane, lacking excitement and spontaneity. It’s difficult to determine if stepping outside a stable relationship is inherently wrong.

Ultimately, a true partner is someone who supports you when you’re unwell, and that support is the most important aspect of any relationship.

Chinese articles

聽說

韓版《聽說》Hear me: our summer 吸引之處在於幾位主角青春可人,畫面不時是他們用手語對話,打手語都算自然,是一部靜態而温情的電影。

雖然電影中展現了一些平常人對聾人的誤解,但在選角、劇情和對話上,都算打破了一些人的偏見,就算男主角的友人與家人,得知二人在談情,驚訝是有的,但都正面地尋求溝通的方法,希望外界對聾人加深認識和態度變得正面。

兩年前,我差點到一個聽障的機構任職。

面試時,我面對的是三位聾人,有懂得唇語和說話,也有隔空需要手語翻譯的,是一個全新體驗。我曾經看過一些聾人的紀錄片,明白其父母對兒女的教學安排,有家長想他們學唇語和講話,也有家長認為學手語可專注學習其他專業,可以是內心的爭扎。朋友的媽媽年老失去了聽覺,使用助聽器,談話時是有點大聲。我跟她在街上走,她會說我要放下助聽器,因為街道有許多車輛,很嘈吵,我慢慢學習如何跟她相處。或許這些經驗,加上我在公關工作和面對傳媒的履歷最後得到他們的信任。

聾人雖然也有他們的圈子,不過,我也希望聾人與我們能夠打破隔膜,彼此信任和容納我們的無知,畢竟我只知道皮毛的東西。