Thursday, May 31, 2007

An Invisible Helping Hand Reaches Out...

During my first year at Gallaudet, I was living in a dorm with a roommate. I had a class in half-hour. At this point, my roommate was still asleep. I was only wearing my knee-length "t-shirt" nightie when I grabbed my small basket to go to the bathroom which was at the end of the hallway.

As I was opening the door to go out, I noticed a tall big black guy, whom I did not recognize, trying to "flick the lights" (akin to doorbell) next door. Feeling a bit uneasy and self-conscious with my wearing only a "t-shirt", I immediately stepped back inside but unfortunately he noticed me. I quickly closed the door and decided to grab my pajamas. Then upon returning to the door, I got a fright.

This black guy was suddenly standing at my door, ready to "flick" the lights.

He started talking. I realized apparently he was some hearing person who probably came in from outside. I, for a moment, assumed (or so I hoped) he might be looking for someone that he knew. I pointed to my ear and shook my head. He asked for paper and pen.

I closed the door, but left it a bit ajar though. I went to my desk which was at the far end of the room and fetched the paper and pen. When I turned around, I got another scare.

He was standing, right behind me. I couldn't believe he had the gall to come in my room! I was at a loss as I sensed something was amiss however tried to remain calm.

Grabbing the paper and pen from my hand, he quickly jotted down.

I quickly glanced at my roommate and to my dismay, she seemed fast asleep. The guy finished writing and waited for me to look at it. I picked it up and read it. My hands started shaking and panicking. I did not know what else to do as this guy was right beside me, towering over me, waiting.

I screamed, "NOOOO!!"

The note said, "I want to have sex with you."

The guy suddenly pushed me down to my bed.

At this moment, my roommate woke up and saw what was happening. She tried to grab the phone but he slammed it down.

We then both screamed as a last resort, hoping to scare him somewhat.

Maybe this guy was an idiot, as upon hearing our screams, he immediately fled. If he had "common sense" that most of the residents had already gone to classes and even some who were still around in the dorms, those could not possibly hear us, he might have ......

Later, I asked my roommate what made her get up just in time. Was it vibration, some sounds perhaps, or...? She said she had no idea. She had just simply opened her eyes at the right moment.

A divine intervention, maybe?

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Follow your Intuition

In 11th grade, there was this deaf girl named Candy who did not have exactly the best reputation. Our "friendship" was mostly limited to interactions during school periods and bus rides, nothing more or less.

One day, about two hours after arriving home from school, I was watching TV when my grandmother said there was someone to see me at the door.

Puzzled and curious who it was, I walked up and was surprised to see Candy.

She was excited and wanted to show me a car that was parked outside. Warily, I walked outside with her.

It was a red, shiny sports car. In the driver's seat sat a boy that I had not met yet. Candy introduced me to Kenneth.

He looked a bit young. Suspiciously, I asked how old he was.

"Sixteen", was the reply.

I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt because I knew his older brother at my school who was not a troublemaker, as far as I knew.

I then asked whose car it was.

Kenneth claimed it belonged to his father and insisted he was simply borrowing it for a short ride.

After some prodding and pleading to go for a ride with them, I reluctantly gave in. But on one condition that Candy drive, not Kenneth.

Grudgingly, Kenneth gave up the driver's seat and scooched over to the passenger side. I hopped in the back, with some trepidation.

After ten minutes of "joy riding", my uneasy feeling grew stronger and stronger. Finally, I decided to put my "foot down", no pun intended.

I immediately insisted that I be dropped home ASAP. They looked at me as if I was a sissy but I did not care at all. I felt this extreme urging to be home RIGHT NOW!

Finally, they reluctantly dropped me off. Never was I so relieved to be back home and be "safe".

Prior to backing out of my driveway, Kenneth took over the driver's seat.

Few days later, I found out that right after they dropped me off, the police caught them for speeding, apparently. It turned out that Kenneth was only 14. And to top that, as if it was not enough, the sportscar was stolen!

Whew! If I hadn't followed my intuition, my name would have been dragged in the mud!

Always follow your intuition. It may avert danger, bring you some luck, or meet some fate.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

It's never too early to propose....

Now, it is almost end of May and starting of summer time. Time for vacations, relaxation, sports, ..... and weddings!

I thought I wanted to tell you a funny incident that happened years ago.

My younger sister who was then maybe 3 or 4 years old, was in a good mood on that day. She ran to my dad and hugged his neck from behind.

"Daddy, I love you very much!"

My dad, squeezing her dimpled hands, said, "I love you too, sweetheart"

Then, she excitedly said, "I want to marry you!"

My dad laughed. "Daughters don't marry their dads. You will marry some young man later".

Hearing this, my sister ran out to the front of the flat, which was on the ground floor. There were two flats above us.

She shouted to the second floor balcony, "RAVI!!"

"RAVIIIII!!!"

A 7-year old boy, named Ravi, finally came out.

"I want to marry you!"

"NOOOO!!!!"

Monday, May 28, 2007

Was my embarrassment in vain?

During my third year in college, I had an appointment at the college's clinic for some check-up before my next class. Prior to leaving, a good friend of mine stopped by briefly. She had just gotten married and was a part-time student, living off campus.

During the conversation, I happened to tell her that I was on my way to the clinic. My friend suddenly begged me to grab a bunch of condoms for her which were free. (Part-time students are excepted from this college medical insurance). I hesistated but she pleaded, saying money was so tight and would appreciate my help. Reluctantly, I gave in.

After my check-up was completed, I went to the bathroom to collect the condoms from a bowl. But, to my dismay, I was not thinking when I only brought my multi-folders. No purse, no bag, and even no pockets on my outfit. After some scanning around, I noticed one of my folders was empty so I stuffed them in and then proceeded to my class.

I arrived about five minutes late. The students were busy taking notes. I hastened to take a paper out of my folder and started writing.

Five minutes later, to my horror, like in a slow motion, I lost my balance and the whole folder flipped over .... to the floor with all the condoms scattered. My ears turned hot and beet red! I wished I could disappear into a big black hole and did not dare to look up. For whole few seconds, I stared at the floor, unbelieving this was happening to me. I then quickly picked up everything and resumed taking notes, not daring to look up during the whole class period.

Few years later, I told my friend, who was in the class with me that time, about this incident which seemed funny now. Expecting her to recall it and laugh with me, I was surprised by her reaction. "What are you talking about? I didn't notice anything and neither did anyone." They were engrossed in the lecture!

So, I was embarrassed for nothing?