Birthday Surprises

This year my birthday came packed with surprises. Everyone paid so much attention to me and wrote such beautiful words about me that i wept like a baby. It was my eighteenth birthday and I never imagined that it would be so special.

Most of my friends were away answering entrance exams that will probably decide their future. That’s why I had decided i’d push my party to the next month. I had actually planned to lounge at home and watch the Breakfast Club (One of my favourite movies), on the actual day. Little did i know, my friends and family had other plans.

I had a lovely lazy morning and in the afternoon I went out to lunch with my best friend. We’re a pair of devils when we’re together. Always doing things we shouldn't be doing. She gave me a wonderful surprise. She had spent days creating a huge card for me. It wasn't any ordinary card; it had photos and memos of all my good friends in it. Some of the things my friends said (especially Mau5), made me tear up with emotion. I’m so lucky to have friends like them.

The next night I went to dinner with my family. That’s when I was hit with not one but TWO other surprises. My cousin “aDivineHumour” is a gifted artist and she took the time to draw a portrait of me. Can you believe it? There’s a framed portrait of ME! Every time I look at it, I feel so special. Thank you, sis.

The other surprise was a gift basket. In it was two games i’d been coveting and a few bath and body products. But the one item that really had me gaping was the God of War:Ascension, limited edition PS3 Controller!! AAAAAAAAAAH!

It really was an amazing birthday. I should have known it as soon as i cut the cake. The scene was just so quirky. My mum had playfully smeared some cake on my face and was giggling shamelessly, my dad was patiently wiping the cake out of my hair and my sister was sneaking bits of cake to Pumpkin (Our darling doggie). As i was standing there in the midst of my family, in peals of laughter, I realized how incredibly happy I am with life.

Beta Girl (tag)

She has effeminate super powers. She likes to take pleasure in simple, everyday things like cooking, gardening, decorating et al. Beauty entices her. She is usually the right hand of the strong and powerful Alpha female, usually offering felicitous advice. She looks for loyal, long term relationships with her friends. She’s communicative and a good listener. She is the epitome of all that is feminine. She is Beta-Girl!

A friend described me as a Beta female. Naturally, I did a little research on gender roles and Alpha, Beta, Omega men and women. I was so surprised to notice that I fit the role of a beta female so perfectly.

The description I've given describes me perfectly. I’ve always been a very feminine person (unless we’re talking about video games). I worry about etiquette and poise I love to meddle in the kitchen and the garden.  Literature, art, nature and fashion are the four elements that curl around my soul and show me the world’s beauty. I seek loyalty among my friends and I loathe betrayal. That is who I am and I’m not afraid to be me.

One of the articles I read also put up a list of movies that beta females would enjoy. One of them was Bridget Jones’ diary, which incidentally is a book and a movie that makes me squeal with laughter, every time. I’m very fond of that book and its sequel as I connect with Bridget on many levels. If she is a beta female then I’m glad to be one too.

Of course, there are a few dissimilarities between me and the stereotypical beta female. I am quite comfortable with the way i look. I’m certainly not a beauty queen but I’m sufficiently attractive and intelligent. I don’t feel inferior to alpha females. I know who I am and i like myself. Sure, I doubt myself every now and then but I’m only human. Essentially, I think I am a pretty incredible woman and I strive to be a true lady. That is enough for me.

P.S Tell me if you fit into a stereotype on your own blog, or leave a comment. I'd love if this became a popular blog- tag.

Zen Pencils

I've always felt a little bit out of place. But when I feel really sad about it, these words of Timothy Leary, illustrated by Zenpencils remind me not to worry.
 Follow this link:
You aren't like the others

Virtual Reality

"Video games are for lonely people"
I discuss a lot of things with a lot of people but this topic always gets me fired up. I disagree with the above statement to the nth degree.


A person that agrees with such a stereotypical and cynical statement is credulous and has clearly never played a video game or is blatantly envious of expert video gamers. No one ever says "Books are for lonely people". If you say you're an avid reader, people assume that you are cultured and intelligent. Video games also tell stories but they do it by interacting with the player.


Isn't that a wonderful way to tell a story? When I was a young child, I used to adore interactive books. One of my favourite children's books was one that had a latex dragon puppet that could be manipulated by the reader. Video games tell you a story by letting you BE the protagonist. You not only read about their experiences but you can hear and see it. You can virtually walk in their shoes.


There's also a large misconception that video games are unhealthy. This is the 21st century. How can this be believed? It has been proven scientifically that video games can improve:


1.  motor skills, particularly hand-to-eye co-ordination.
2.  vision. First person shooter games like Call of Duty can improve vision in cataract patients.
3.  decision making skills. Most games require quick reactions and decisions.
4. Your happiness. They provide an outlet to vent your frustration and hence reduce stress and depression.


Video games are a hobby or passion just like reading, writing, or sketching. It's escaping into a different reality which is what most artists do. Gaming should be considered another form of self expression? You can tell a beautiful story by creating a simple pixel RPG. People can live your story, virtually. 


Video games also host a large forum for people to meet and interact. I know couples who have met through virtual reality and are in happy relationships. Virtual chat instigates friendships and enemies just like the real world. Gamers arent always introverts (though I am one) but wouldn't you like to be friends with someone who shares your interests? Gamers find other gamers. We're a large community and we're not lonely.

Tomboys don't exist

I'm a big fan of video games. I was playing Assassin's creed revelations and yelling "DIE! DIE! DIE!" at the TV in a frenzy. I was sitting hunched up, My hair was tied up in a messy bun, I was in my PJs, I had my glasses on and my face was sweaty and scrunched up from concentrating on killing this horde of Janissaries. My older sister and her friend were deftly pinning up their hair while I was expertly escaping from the Janissary camp. Their faces were flawless, their outfits were trendy and accentuated their shapes, their hair was shiny and perfect. They both looked extremely beautiful as they were getting ready for a night on the town.  They both looked over to me and exclaimed that I was such a tomboy. I burst out laughing.

I don't think tomboys exist.

 Yes, the scene I depicted doesn't paint a very feminine picture of me but that's just one side of my multifaceted personality. I've always thought of myself as a stereotypical girly-girl. I'm careful about my hair, make-up and outfits. I'm a hopeless romantic and I believe that "Happily ever after" does exist. I watch beauty videos, cooking shows and hair tutorials. I read romance and fiction with an insatiable mania. I'm always worried about being a lady and conducting myself with poise, elegance and charm.

Do you still think I'm a tomboy?

I think every woman has a dominant feminine side but we all have our vices. Mine just happens to be video games. I know many other girls that love to talk about cars, electronics, sports and other "manly" things. But at their very core, they fuss over their outfits, hair or behavior. All women want to be noticed as women.  Hence, I say tomboys don't exist. It's just another stereotype designed to deteriorate a girl's self esteem.