The Yard

I remembered that many years ago, there was a time when we used to enjoy the evening just lazing about with a white plastic picnic basket, some candles and a tikar at the front yard of Sec-12. That was a time before any of us grew up. My eldest sis was about to leave for the UK and my parents just enjoyed the evening nights. One of my sister would bring with her a book (ie. The Amazing Stories) and tell us a visual sypnosis of it which tends to frighten me! It was an adventure (although, I never knew how we put up with the mozzies!). That yard meant so much to me and it has witnessed most of my life. Shortly after we moved into Sec-12, the yard was almost completely unearthed. Heh, it was the only time I could play war-games with an actual crater to fight in. We actually had 2 bamboo trees growing from 2 corners of the perimeter wall anda tall tree growing from the middle of it. It always made me feel good to cycle laps around that big tree.

I had so much joy when we used to play with fireworks on the front yard. My creativity would just lit up.

The yard was also the scene where I spent hours refining my so called first touch and free kicks with a soccerball and dream of hitting the all important winning goals with simple tap-in ala Roberto Baggio. It was during this phase that I had a hand in destroying the pitch on the yard (and possibly a whole lot more).

Since then, the yard has transformed a number of times. Sec-12 even added a new wing which was built on what used to be my home-made badminton court.

We don't spend as much time in the yard anymore. We've all grown up and moved on - but the last time I was home and on a good day, I enjoyed strolling in the yard whilst puffing on a cigarette and recalling the good days. It just takes you back you know. Of course, whilst time travelling in my mind I'd would be awoken by the curious younger one's asking what I'm doing outside. They have limited access to the yard you see and would like the opportunity to join me when I'm spotted.

So now, it's the next generation that hang out at the yard and the older the get, the less limitations for them to play at the yard. But in comparison, the yard has gotten much smaller than it used to be. For a time, it wasn't a yard for me, it was a whole field! With computers, cyberspace, satellite TV, PS2, etc. etc. it's no wonder that they don't prefer the yard anymore. Even I find the cyberspace fun and educational. Besides, what can the yard offer that can be physically challenging and fun for them? Afterall, the yard is just a yard just like anywhere else.