Last night I had such a funny dream. I dreamt my old scientific calculator, which has a broken screen, was fixed! And I was using it happily to do my sums.
Why is this funny? Because for the past week, I have been emo-ing over this calculator. If not for the screen, it would be working perfectly. There’s probably no way to fix the screen, though, but I can’t bring myself to throw it out.
Other people might say I’m crazy. Just buy a new one and get over it! But it’s not that simple. You see, I have a very close bond with this calculator. It accompanied me all the way through JC and university. It calculated numbers for me in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. It followed me into the A-level exam hall. How can I reward such loyal service by thoughtlessly throwing it out?
If I can show such gratitude to a calculator, a non-living thing made of plastic, wires and circuit board, don’t you think I owe more to actual, living people such as my friends and family? I do, you know. Just as I wouldn’t throw out my calculator, I’m not going to throw out my parents either. Well, they won’t fit in the trash chute, but that’s not the point…
The point is, people make such a big deal over taking care of their cars, houses, computers… but they don’t think about taking care of the most irreplacable things of all – the people they love. If they gave some thought about how those people have given them so much, for so long – I’m sure they’d feel as grateful to them, as I am to my poor broken Casio calculator.
22/02/2009 at 8:07 am Permalink
Pretty true! I do agree! Another interesting idea to ponder next time when u are deciding what you want to throw away… “If you don’t let go, how can new things come along the way?” I am someone a bit similar to u as I hate to throw things I have used for some time… especially during the CNY!
Anyway, enjoyed your blog… keep them coming…
22/02/2009 at 9:17 pm Permalink
Interesting! Same sentiments! The calculator that accompanied through O Levels and A Levels and University is still with me! My power pen, which I have been using since A levels is still in working condition!