Growing Old and Growing Wiser

These are among the events Clipperseep remembers that made me wiser:

• The fight with Lynn. Eventhough she started it, eventhough she was the one who came in and stormed right to my face, I always believe that if I didn't yell back, she will still be talking to me. I've learnt to control my anger, to remain calm and to just listen to the opinions offered. That was why when an old clerk, the then-Mizanoi came right to charging me stuffs, I remained calm.
• Along's death. I've learnt that chemo hurts, and it hurts the people around too. I've experienced of being helpless seeing someone who has done much to you suffering in pain. That was why when Ikram, Jiji's brother was sick, I couldn't bear to just go there and talk to her. She was in much pain, just like the brother's.
• Amat. I've learnt that friendship between two men can be broken over a girl. The girl was me. I sometimes wondering what'd happened if I chose Amat over Nizam. Would I end up with the Man, too, whom I met after I left Nizam?
• Ever-controlling Alang. I've learnt that I can't help my mom much if she choose not to do anything with the situation. That my role is just there to listen, not to improvise things. That's why when Yan came over me telling how she has fallen in love with someone else, I choose just to listen. And listening, I am, until now.
• Joe-whom-didn't-watch-his-back: I've learnt a lot. First, you can only knew the true friends once you are in deep shit. Second, the friends who still love you will be very much 'panas telinga' when people keep talking about you and your fault (by this I mean the Finance and Audit people, so that I will not be misunderstood). Third, if you hang on to God, you'll be safe.

These are among the major events, from 1997 up to 2007.