What's your spoon made of?

I remembered as a 5 yr old, I experienced my first lust.

Its clear LCD screen was entrenched in thick, black rubber, with big, bold alphabets embossed on the frame, finished off with sturdy looking straps. I would pester my mum to walk past the same store everyday, on my way home from school, so that I could catch a glance of this beautiful item. I would tiptoed slightly to be on eye-level with the showcase, juz to capture its gleaming face against the light...and hope my mama would buy it for me someday. My obssession was so intense that during one of the English lesson, when my kindergarten teacher asked me 'Sam, can you tell me what G is for?'

I answered 'G-Shock'

My mama never buy one for me. We could never afford material stuffs, and the money could be put to better use. I was bought up by thrifty, money-wise parents, and with 2 other siblings to complete the family, there isn't much left for excessant expenditures. They are wonderful parents...our basic needs are met. We have clean uniforms for school, meals on the table and lots of love. Finances were tight, and we were never pampered, but my parents never stinge on necessities. I was drilled with the concept of 'needs vs wants' and bought up on humility. I spend the next 14 years wanting a G-Shock, never needing one.

I had my first G-Shock when I got enlisted in the Navy (it was a standard issue for all naval divers). Suddenly my craving to own a G-Shock became a reality, and my want became a need. Such is the irony of life! Today I owned another 3. Every piece is a constant reminder on how far I have came, to finally be able to afford one.

Maybe if my parents were alittle more affluent, I could have had one years earlier. But having more options in Life is almost in direct relation with better financial ability. My parents are average income earners, and I couldn't ask for more than what they are already providing. I have to make full use of their limited resources to maximise my potential (if any). There are no other options. There is no Plan B. We just have to make do. I am not lamenting on what my folks lack, I am just thinking if there were more alternatives, there could have been more opportunities too.

I could have explored my music interests.
I could have went overseas to further my studies when I expired my options for higher learning in Singapore.
I could have seen places outside Singapore, opening my eyes to wonderful places/cultures/traditions.
I could have been judged on my character/personality/morals, rather than my lack of realistic/materialistic inclinations.

It could have been, but I never had. My spoon was not made of silver. On my own now, I already dun have much Plan Bs for myself. And if I dun improve my social/financial/commercial standings, my offsprings are not going to have any Plan Bs either.


What a bloody vicious cycle.