Just as I finished dinner, I received a message from an old
friend. It was a link to a video of The Undertaker and Kane from WWE sitting
together, reacting to their iconic match at WrestleMania XIV. As I watched the
entire video, a flood of memories came rushing back, swirling around in my
mind. I longed to share how incredible WWE was back in those days, but I knew
my son wouldn’t understand, his current favourite show is Paw Patrol.
I turned to my wife and started recounting the glory days of wrestling. She
listened, but I could tell she was only pretending to be interested. To be
honest, it’s been over a decade, almost two, since I last watched WWE. Time
flies, but those memories still feel as vivid as ever.
Back in the late ’90s and early 2000s, I used to watch WWE
religiously. The show always warned us not to try the stunts at home, but, of
course, we did anyway. Whenever my friends and I got together, it didn’t take
long before our discussions about WWE turned into impromptu wrestling matches.
Looking back, it’s a miracle none of us ended up with any permanent injuries, at
least none that I can recall.
I was a bit of an extremist when it came to WWE. I even
started my own WWE newspaper called The Slam. I’d use my friend’s
typewriter (the same friend who sent me the link today), and carbon paper to
create copies. I sold each issue for 1 INR to my classmates, parents, and even
my neighbours. Now that I think about it, I realize how incredibly cool my neighbours
were for humouring me and buying those papers. These days, I make it a point to
buy whatever the kids in my neighbourhood are selling, it’s my way of paying it
forward.
I wish I could see those old issues of The Slam just
one more time. I don’t remember exactly what I wrote, but I know I poured my
heart into it, describing everything I watched on WWE in the most exciting way
my young mind could imagine. Those were the days, full of passion, creativity,
and a whole lot of wrestling.
Not only that, I even started a group in my class
called The Big Red Machine, named after Kane’s iconic persona. To
recruit my classmates, I resorted to bribery, distributing my lunch money, 1
INR each, for a month. I remember overhearing one of the students whispered to
another, “I don’t even root for Kane, but I got paid.” It’s
funny now, but back then, I was dead serious about building my WWE-inspired
faction. Those were the days, when loyalty could be bought for a rupee, and
Kane’s mask and fiery theatrics felt larger than life. Looking back, it’s hard
not to laugh at how far I went to share my passion for wrestling with anyone
who’d listen (or accept a bribe).
It’s funny how something as simple as a video link from an old friend can bring back a flood of memories, reminding me of a time when life felt larger than life itself. Those were the days, when WWE wasn’t just a show, but a way
of life. Those moments from the late ’90s and early 2000s will always hold a
special place in my heart. Wrestling wasn’t just entertainment back then, it
was a shared experience, a source of creativity, and a bond that connected
friends, classmates, and even neighbours. And for that, I’ll always be
grateful.
Ah, family trips—a perfect recipe for chaos, laughter, and a little bit of madness. Our recent expedition to Champhai, Khawbung, and Lungdar with our 4-month-old baby girl and her mischievous 2.7-year-old big brother was nothing short of an unforgettable adventure. Buckle up and prepare for a rollercoaster ride through the hilarity that ensued!
First things first, packing for the trip felt like a mission impossible. Diapers, bottles, toys, strollers, snacks—our luggage resembled a traveling circus. We packed enough supplies to sustain a small army, but little did we know that our energetic toddler had secret plans to unpack everything as soon as we arrived.
As we hit the road, it didn't take long for the crying chorus to commence. Our baby girl had a knack for timing her meltdowns perfectly, ensuring that they coincided with the most inconvenient moments. Whether it was during our much-needed coffee break or when we finally found a picturesque spot for a family photo, she made her presence known.
The cries ranged from tiny whimpers to full-blown wails that could wake up the entire neighborhood. We became experts in deciphering the different cries—a hungry cry, a tired cry, a "why did you take away my brother's toy" cry—the list seemed endless. It was as if she had a secret baby code, communicating her every need through tears, leaving us scratching our heads in confusion.
Our toddler, bless his little heart, tried to console his baby sister with his own unique tactics. He'd sing his favorite nursery rhymes at the top of his lungs, attempting to drown out her cries with his enthusiastic rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." It was a battle of decibels—a crying baby versus an aspiring opera singer in training.
The baby's cries became the soundtrack of our journey, serenading us with her ever-changing symphony of emotions. We found ourselves resorting to desperate measures to soothe her—singing lullabies, making funny faces, and even attempting questionable dance moves in the car. Oh, the things we do to bring a smile to our little one's face!
But amidst the chaos, there were moments of pure hilarity. Our baby girl had impeccable comedic timing, saving her biggest cries for the most unexpected situations. Picture this: a serene countryside scene, birds chirping, and suddenly, our baby girl unleashes a cry so loud it could rival a fire alarm. It was as if she wanted to ensure that the entire town knew of her presence.
The usual chorus of "Are we there yet?" and the sweet symphony of baby cries in the backseat. But amidst the chaos, we discovered that car rides could be transformed into karaoke sessions. Our toddler showcased his impressive vocal range, singing everything from nursery rhymes to TBC Zaithanpuia's song. Who knew a road trip could rival a concert?
The road to our destination was paved with anticipation and a healthy dose of toddler impatience. Our little explorer-in-chief couldn't contain his excitement, constantly pointing out every construction site we passed. But there was one thing that truly stole his heart—a JCB. Yes, that bright yellow excavator captured his attention like a moth to a flame.
Every time we spotted a JCB on the way, it was as if a magnetic force pulled us towards it. Our carefully planned itinerary took a backseat as we embarked on spontaneous pit stops to admire these construction marvels. Our toddler's eyes lit up with joy as we parked alongside these giants of the construction world.
One might wonder, what's so fascinating about a JCB? Well, for our little one, it was a larger-than-life toy come to life. He watched with awe as the excavator's mechanical arm gracefully lifted dirt and maneuvered with precision. It was as if he had discovered a real-life superhero, capable of digging holes and moving mountains. His admiration for JCBs became the soundtrack of our journey, with endless chants of "JCB, JCB!" echoing through the car.
Our toddler had a keen eye for spotting these magnificent machines from miles away. He'd excitedly point in the distance, yelling, "JCB ahead!" and we'd eagerly follow his lead, embarking on another unplanned detour.
As we arrived in Champhai, our little explorers couldn't contain their excitement. Our 2.7-year-old unleashed his inner adventurer, determined to conquer every playground in sight. From slides to swings, he fearlessly navigated the jungle gyms, leaving no stone unturned—literally, as he collected a pocketful of pebbles as souvenirs.
The journey continued to Khawbung, where we discovered the true meaning of multitasking. Again, picture this: attempting to change a diaper while simultaneously chasing a toddler who was convinced he could outsmart us in a game of hide-and-seek. We found ourselves engaged in a never-ending race against time, as our toddler's mischievous grin led us on a wild goose chase through Khawbung's charming streets.
In Lungdar, nature's beauty unfolded before our eyes. Our baby girl, experiencing her first encounter with breathtaking landscapes, couldn't help but express her awe in the most adorable ways—through gurgles, squeals, and a constant state of wide-eyed wonder. It was as if she had discovered a whole new world, filled with endless possibilities.
Throughout the trip, all of our rooms transformed into obstacle courses. Toys, diapers, and bottles scattered across the floor, creating a minefield of chaos. Our 2.7-year-old demonstrated his extraordinary talent for transforming any space into a playground, while our baby girl mastered the art of crying at the most inconvenient times.
But amid the craziness, there were moments of pure joy. Watching our children interact and create their own little adventures reminded us of the magic of family bonds. Whether it was our toddler teaching his baby sister how to crawl or the contagious laughter that filled the air, these fleeting moments made every chaotic second worth it.
As we bid farewell to Champhai, Khawbung, and Lungdar, we reflected on the ups and downs of our family trip. It was a journey filled with unexpected surprises, endless laughter, and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of chaos. And even though we returned home slightly sleep-deprived and in dire need of a vacation from our vacation, we wouldn't trade those precious memories for anything in the world.
So, to all the brave souls embarking on a family trip
"I don't have a choice" is a phrase that has been repeatedly used by countless individuals, but I firmly believe it's nothing more than a convenient excuse. The truth is, we always have choices available to us. Sometimes, however, we hesitate to make a decision because we are fully aware of the potential consequences.
Life can be perceived as remarkably simple when we realize that everything is ultimately a choice. Let's take a simple example: you're feeling hungry, and there's food on your table. In that moment, you can't genuinely claim that you have no choice but to eat. The reality is, you have the choice to not eat if you so desire. However, you also understand that if you opt not to eat, you'll remain hungry and may encounter stomach problems that would necessitate medication. The chain of consequences can continue. It is this understanding that leads you to the simple and logical choice of eating.
Consider another scenario where you know the food on the table is poisoned. In this case, you wouldn't even be tempted to take a bite. Your common sense guides you, clearly indicating which choice is the right one.
Life's essence lies in making decisions. It's a matter of choosing between options that align with our desires, values, and overall well-being. When we make the right choice, it brings a sense of fulfillment and contentment. Conversely, making the wrong choice often leaves us feeling regretful or facing undesirable consequences. This is the fundamental reality of existence.
There are instances where we desperately yearn for something, even when we are fully aware of the potential negativity and consequences associated with obtaining it. Take the example of meeting someone you're infatuated with. Despite numerous warnings from well-meaning individuals who caution that this person may not be the ideal match for you, you not only choose to disregard their advice but even rebuff them, insisting that they mind their own business. Regardless of the warnings, you still pursue the connection. Yet, sooner or later, a moment arrives when you realize the wisdom in those cautionary words, and you find yourself uttering, "I should have listened to them."
Nevertheless, there are moments when common sense alone is insufficient to make a decision. Opting for happiness doesn't automatically ensure a happier existence. It requires action and effort. Choosing happiness means actively engaging in activities and pursuits that bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. It means taking responsibility for our own well-being and actively seeking out the things that genuinely bring us happiness.
In conclusion, the notion of "I don't have a choice" is a fallacy we often convince ourselves of when we are hesitant to face the potential consequences of our decisions. Life is a series of choices, and the outcomes we experience are directly influenced by the choices we make. While common sense can guide us to some extent, true happiness and fulfillment require proactive engagement and deliberate actions. Remember, you always have a choice, and the path you choose shapes the course of your life.
Nestled between the quaint villages of E.Lungdar and Biate
lies an extraordinary relic steeped in ancient legend and wonder. Known as
Lungvando, this fabled stone has mesmerized the inhabitants of the region for
centuries. Believed to have once reached the sky and acted as a safeguard
against a falling firmament, the base of Lungvando continues to be an
intriguing sight, visible between the two villages to this day.
According to the rich tapestry of folklore woven by
generations past, Lungvando emerged as a celestial protector in a time when
fear of impending catastrophe loomed over the land. The ancient inhabitants
firmly believed that the sky, the very roof of their world, was in danger of
collapsing upon them. It was in this climate of trepidation that Lungvando
appeared as a symbol of hope and salvation.
Described as an immense stone of awe-inspiring stature,
Lungvando was said to have extended towards the heavens, anchoring the celestial
realm to the earth below. Its colossal base, still visible between E.Lungdar
and Biate villages, served as a testament to its once lofty reach. The locals
revered Lungvando as a divine artifact, attributing their safety and harmony to
its mythical power.
The story of Lungvando soon spread beyond the borders of the
region, drawing visitors from far and wide who were eager to witness this
extraordinary stone that defied the laws of nature. Pilgrims, historians, and
explorers embarked on journeys to catch a glimpse of the fabled relic,
fascinated by its alleged role in holding up the sky itself.
As time passed, the legend of Lungvando intertwined with the
cultural fabric of the region, becoming an inseparable part of its identity.
The stone's enduring presence between E.Lungdar and Biate villages has
captivated countless generations, inspiring wonder and igniting the human
imagination.
Today, visitors and locals alike can gaze upon the base of
Lungvando, a tangible connection to a bygone era of myth and marvel. The
stone's prominent position continues to stir curiosity, inviting contemplation
about the origins and purpose of such an extraordinary artifact.
While the true nature of Lungvando remains a topic of
speculation and intrigue, its legend persists, reminding us of the profound
power of human storytelling and the unyielding human spirit's yearning for
protection and meaning. Lungvando stands as a testament to our collective
imagination and the capacity of legends to shape our perceptions of the world.
As travelers traverse the area between E.Lungdar and Biate
villages, they pause to marvel at the ancient stone that allegedly held up the
sky, pondering the mysteries and marvels that still abound in our ever-changing
world. Lungvando's enduring presence serves as a reminder that sometimes the
greatest wonders can be found in the legends that bridge the gap between the
extraordinary and the ordinary.
