Define: Chrysalis

The word "chrysalis" seems to have become an It-word lately. I kept seeing it around Orchard when I went out last Saturday. The Heeren Shops calls itself a "chrysalis" at the moment, because it's undergoing some revamps/renovation. The spa at Orchard Central is also named "Chrysalis Premiere".

"Chrysalis" does sound very pretty, doesn't it? It sounds like crystal, chrysanthemums... the shining, girly stuff. But is it? Well, having seen it so often, and having only vague memories of the term referring to a stage in the metamorphosis of an insect, I googled the term, to find that the definition of "chrysalis" is "the third of the four distinctive live stages of a butterfly. This is one of the most fascinating stages and one of the easiest to miss. Often the chrysalis is a dull brown or green color to blend in with its surrounding. This is the stage that turns the caterpillar into a butterfly." (www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/definitions.htm)

So there you have it, the reason why people would call themselves a chrysalis when they are undergoing a period of change. Similar to how a fat, ugly caterpillar changes into a butterfly, these places/people are striving towards perfection, and therefore asking us, the third parties, to be patient while they undergo the ugly stage. Similar to Chrysalis Premiere, they're trying to imply that everyone who goes to their spa will come out as pretty as a butterfly, regardless of how they looked beforehand.

But then again, the word "pupa" has the same meaning as "chrysalis". "Pupa" is a term whom most people know the definition of, and is definitely the most common term to describe this particular stage of metamorphosis. Alas, due to its not-as-feminine/magical sound, it's therefore dropped by people when choosing alternative terms for transitions.

Isn't it interesting how one term can be looked at from another perspective just based on the sound of that word? "Pupa" and "chrysalis". Same meaning, different reactions.

Lessons of Humility

Sometimes just when you think things are going smoothly, life throws a curve at you, catching you unawares. Lately, I've had several lessons in humility, which have brought me back down to earth. They were humbling, to say the least, and reminded me that I still had flaws that I would much rather ignore.

Driving lessons. I've never been scolded by a teacher before, until I took driving lessons. I guess I was always too complacent in the fact that I would deliver satisfactory work to instructors and teachers, that I never expected to get exasperation and scolding from any of them. Wellwell, and there was my wake up call. And it was a test of my pride and temper, I guess. My pride indeed took a hammering, so I had to bite my tongue to rein in my temper. I can't blame the driving instructor either, because the only reason why I was angry was simply because my pride was injured. The rest of the time, well, I guess I deserve the scolding and exasperated looks. =S I just cannot co-ordinate and remember simple moves! Parking- parallel and reverse- gave me lots of grief, and so did the stupid circuit. It's all fun and smiles and laughter when I get it right, but it's damn sickening to get them wrong, and worse still, to forget them!

You would think that if I can remember theories and laws and whatever other complicated stuff, I can certainly remember the steps in maneuvering the car in various steps. But no. Yes, that still chafes me.

One thing, though, I think my driving instructor's a rather sensitive guy. He knew that I was disappointed in myself for not being able to do well, and he kept reassuring me after the lessons that it was all due to my nerves, and also that those things weren't easy. I gotta give him credit for thinking about my feelings, when it's very easy to do so when he has been an instructor for so long, and is undoubtedly a rather good driver. So.. yah, I learnt how to swallow my pride.

Dance aerobics. I've always liked to watch people dance, and I've always had this fantasy of being able to dance like those pop stars. BUT I've known since I was 12 that I can never be un-stiff enough to dance like them, so I decided to just watch from afar. However, when I saw the notice by the management that they were going to organize a dance aerobics class, I decided to take part. Who knows, I might learn how not to be stiff? And besides, aerobics is a rather efficient way of working up a sweat, especially since I am too lazy to go down to swim, and to go to the reservoir for a jog. =p

So, yes. I cannot dance to save my life and my blasted tattered pride. Basically I was floundering around and behind everyone by half a beat, and looking at me move, you'd think I was a robot rather than a human. -_-" All right, so what did I learn from this? Again, this was a lesson in humility. I am not a perfect person, I realise that, much to my chagrin. BUT, on the bright side, I learnt that I am rather brave, after all, to look like a robot in front of a class of peers, and continue with the class. Yes, I am continuing with the class, even if it kills me. It's fun, and... well, I kind of enjoy it. It helps, too, when the instructor's a nice and patient person who understands not everyone's as co-ordinated as he is. Haha!

Running studies. What can I say? I just keep screwing up my prof's study. When am I going to learn to be more careful?

All in all, these lessons couldn't have come at a more timely time (pun not intended). I wouldn't say I've completed my lessons in humility at all, because I still have a looooong way to go in that. I think everything we do in life has its purpose for making us the way we are now, and it's just a piece of puzzle in a big picture. I hope mine turns out well!