We have expectations of everything, everyone, Everytime.
Expectations are a yardstick to the barest minimum that will not disappoint. When anything falls short of our expectations, there will be some measure of disappointment. The degree of disappointment would depend a lot on how far away the outcome is, from the end of that yardstick.
It's not a bad thing to have expectations, because that alone can become a positive factor, in terms of driving force. Yet, if our yardstick is exceptional, i.e. above the acceptable norm, then we might be in for repeated disappointments.
To ensure that we balance our goals, we should set reasonable expectations - too low and it's not worth mentioning; too high and it becomes ridiculous.
Therefore, even in selling a property, the price expectation should be set right not just from the sellers viewpoint, but also the buyers. Obviously, market forces are in play and if the price is beyond market expectation, buyers will not commit, preferring to wait, and the sellers are in no better position, having to sit and accompany the 'waiting' buyers. When that happens, the people in between would have collected inches of dust.
What's the bottom line?
Sell only if you're serious about selling - we need to reflect profit - yet, we must remember that there are not many suckers around to help us get excesses. Expectations. Set them right.
August 31, 2007
August 30, 2007
Fair Wear & Tear
I am of the opinion that most people do not fully understand what "fair wear and tear" means. It's a common clause found in any Tenancy Agreement.
When we lease out a place with furnishings, I hope that most understand and expect for some items to cease working and some others to deteriorate over time. This is what the clause is about.
I have recently encountered an owner, who wondered what happened to his curtain rail, after 2 years. Upon checking with the tenant, I was told that the wooden rail was already cracked and tape was used to reinforce it. After 7 months, it just gave way ; he obviously disposed of it. When I asked the owner if there really was a tape holding up the rod, there was silence.
That irritated me because it's sneaky and so cheap! The owner also wondered why his fabric foam sofa had a huge tear on it's seat. By the way, the fabric was not the usual couch fabric, but something a lot thinner - and it's the sofa without frames, just foam - Bean bags come in better fabric. He also enquired about a missing bamboo pole, those used for drying out clothes. He also mentioned that the mattress was smelly. I cannot imagine having a communal bed. Tenant or not, where is the hygiene about the mattress?
I was amazed how some people probably rent out their place only to try to make money from damages they assume was deliberate (from the tenant).
If anyone wishes to rent out their homes, then either supply good quality stuff, which lasts OR supply the bare minimum and do a use and throw.
I was actually quite disgusted.
Once we decide to rent out our premises, we have to understand that there will be some depreciation of the furnishings and unit - because as with everything else, it's what happens over time. To these people I should say, don't be so cheap - if there is an expectation to have things exactly the way it was, then just go lock up the unit and let it collect dust. Forget about the extra cash. Nothing is for free.
When we lease out a place with furnishings, I hope that most understand and expect for some items to cease working and some others to deteriorate over time. This is what the clause is about.
I have recently encountered an owner, who wondered what happened to his curtain rail, after 2 years. Upon checking with the tenant, I was told that the wooden rail was already cracked and tape was used to reinforce it. After 7 months, it just gave way ; he obviously disposed of it. When I asked the owner if there really was a tape holding up the rod, there was silence.
That irritated me because it's sneaky and so cheap! The owner also wondered why his fabric foam sofa had a huge tear on it's seat. By the way, the fabric was not the usual couch fabric, but something a lot thinner - and it's the sofa without frames, just foam - Bean bags come in better fabric. He also enquired about a missing bamboo pole, those used for drying out clothes. He also mentioned that the mattress was smelly. I cannot imagine having a communal bed. Tenant or not, where is the hygiene about the mattress?
I was amazed how some people probably rent out their place only to try to make money from damages they assume was deliberate (from the tenant).
If anyone wishes to rent out their homes, then either supply good quality stuff, which lasts OR supply the bare minimum and do a use and throw.
I was actually quite disgusted.
Once we decide to rent out our premises, we have to understand that there will be some depreciation of the furnishings and unit - because as with everything else, it's what happens over time. To these people I should say, don't be so cheap - if there is an expectation to have things exactly the way it was, then just go lock up the unit and let it collect dust. Forget about the extra cash. Nothing is for free.
August 29, 2007
OVEReating
It dawned on me that my home has this tendency to provoke inhabitants to overeat. Why do people overeat? Overeating does not make one comfortable, and why does one have a dire need to feel uncomfortable?
The only living 'things' in my home that don't 'overeat' are my plants. BUT plants may not qualify as 'creatures' who has a digestive tract that processes food.
Perhaps the food served is really sumptous that one serving isn't enough. Then again, it may depend on whether we eat to live or live to eat. Perhaps by a stroke of luck, I ended up with creatures who live to eat.
My parrot is a glut. So's my Oscar, who used to be just an inch and a half - he's now much larger than the palm of my hand. My new kitten, is looking like a snowman and the other cockatiels eat like locusts. My blind, geriatric dog, eats like a puppy like the carbon copy, black geriatric cat.
The good news is, my home is conducive to eating.
The bad news is, if I ever go broke, they will begin starving from day one- hence never will survive 2 days on the streets.
Moral of the story, eat in moderation, just in case luck runs out!
The only living 'things' in my home that don't 'overeat' are my plants. BUT plants may not qualify as 'creatures' who has a digestive tract that processes food.
Perhaps the food served is really sumptous that one serving isn't enough. Then again, it may depend on whether we eat to live or live to eat. Perhaps by a stroke of luck, I ended up with creatures who live to eat.
My parrot is a glut. So's my Oscar, who used to be just an inch and a half - he's now much larger than the palm of my hand. My new kitten, is looking like a snowman and the other cockatiels eat like locusts. My blind, geriatric dog, eats like a puppy like the carbon copy, black geriatric cat.
The good news is, my home is conducive to eating.
The bad news is, if I ever go broke, they will begin starving from day one- hence never will survive 2 days on the streets.
Moral of the story, eat in moderation, just in case luck runs out!
August 28, 2007
is it the thought that counts?
Yesterday was apparently the mid-way marker for the Hungry Ghost month. This is the time where most who observe the 'celebration' would offer food, gifts, money to the spirits in the netherworld. In return, the people offering expect no accidents to befall them.
Going by what people do offer - a client yesterday catered food, I wonder if the phrase "it's the thought that counts' apply in this instance. Anyone who has died, never gets to come back the next day to tell us what it's like to be a wandering spirit. Hence, we never would know.
I was at another coffee shop, not a huge one, a 3 unit type in the heartlands, and they were closed for business because it was their prayer day - there was this huge table loaded with food and an overgrown suckling pig! That table spread wiped out the catered food at my client's site.
If it's not the thought that counts, then my client is definately in arrears!
The best part about this entire month is that it brings colleagues together. Believers and non-believers standing around whilst the offering of money is lit up is a comforting sight - and of course, the feast that follows is also one that all of us look forward to - free food.....
Yesterday, tension melted away with the heat from the campfire of paper.
At the end of it all, I don't think the quantity of offering matters - because it's still peace of mind that's important. We remember those who passed on, and to me, this festival is symbolic of that and the power of what we cannot see, what we do not know and it's basically a reminder that we are not the only ones who are responsible for our destiny. So perhaps it IS the thought that counts - because perhaps that's why this practice started in the first place.
Going by what people do offer - a client yesterday catered food, I wonder if the phrase "it's the thought that counts' apply in this instance. Anyone who has died, never gets to come back the next day to tell us what it's like to be a wandering spirit. Hence, we never would know.
I was at another coffee shop, not a huge one, a 3 unit type in the heartlands, and they were closed for business because it was their prayer day - there was this huge table loaded with food and an overgrown suckling pig! That table spread wiped out the catered food at my client's site.
If it's not the thought that counts, then my client is definately in arrears!
The best part about this entire month is that it brings colleagues together. Believers and non-believers standing around whilst the offering of money is lit up is a comforting sight - and of course, the feast that follows is also one that all of us look forward to - free food.....
Yesterday, tension melted away with the heat from the campfire of paper.
At the end of it all, I don't think the quantity of offering matters - because it's still peace of mind that's important. We remember those who passed on, and to me, this festival is symbolic of that and the power of what we cannot see, what we do not know and it's basically a reminder that we are not the only ones who are responsible for our destiny. So perhaps it IS the thought that counts - because perhaps that's why this practice started in the first place.
August 24, 2007
Laughter, the best medicine
Yesterday evening, one of my working groups gathered everyone together for an evening of food and laughter. It was an immensely enjoyable session, very different from our daily interaction - laughter was ringing throughout the evening and somehow, that will form an important part in the bonding of the group. I am fortunate to have come across these different people, from diverse backgrounds and age-groups, at a time our department was forming a team. Many could not understand why I chose some people over others. Yesterday, the reason was clear. No matter how many heated exchanges we all had within the team, it all withered away once we shared the laughter.
Here, on our little island, nothing is not stressful.
Travelling on our roads have become a chore and mess.
Lunch times are also stressful as the tables are all taken and waiting around for a vacant one could take up 15 minutes.
Work is definately on most people's list, as there is politics and more politics aside from deadlines and more deadlines.
Money we earn is never enough, because the more we earn, the more we spend.
We are not people - we are like rats. Scampering about for scraps of goodwill and whatever else decent that's left in the world.
It's nothing like having a good laugh with friends or enemies. It's a light-hearted moment, where we simply accept all the silliness 'without prejudice' - perhaps because it's shared in jest and not in sarcasm.
We laughed so much yesterday, that whatever differences we all had just faded.
It's true that "laughter, IS the BEST medicine"
Here, on our little island, nothing is not stressful.
Travelling on our roads have become a chore and mess.
Lunch times are also stressful as the tables are all taken and waiting around for a vacant one could take up 15 minutes.
Work is definately on most people's list, as there is politics and more politics aside from deadlines and more deadlines.
Money we earn is never enough, because the more we earn, the more we spend.
We are not people - we are like rats. Scampering about for scraps of goodwill and whatever else decent that's left in the world.
It's nothing like having a good laugh with friends or enemies. It's a light-hearted moment, where we simply accept all the silliness 'without prejudice' - perhaps because it's shared in jest and not in sarcasm.
We laughed so much yesterday, that whatever differences we all had just faded.
It's true that "laughter, IS the BEST medicine"
August 23, 2007
Points to note
Isn't it annoying that when you are trying to listen to some music or when you're attempting to get some chords on the piano, someone turns up the volume on the tv?
I find that extremely rude.
You know, there are times when I want to clobber whoever that invented the male ego. Take a man, who is not much of a bread-winner, neither does he manage a good housekeeping role. Top that up with him having poor organisational skills, bad memory and excels in lounging. How does one live with oneself with all this laziness?
To me, I don't bother - by that it doesn't mean I won't blog about it - it simply means that I have become an expert in hitting the IGNORE button. I am not a creature that needs attention, nor do I require some puppy to hang on to my skirt. I am very much an individual who values my space. For some who find this a 'less than ideal' situation, it can be quite stressful - it's like having a relationship that didn't qualify in the first place to be called one. There will be people who use people and when that happens, just use the other person back. Either that, or you'll be miserable.
I amuse myself with my work, my kiddies and music. This has been my mantra for too many years and like all things, it has become a norm for me. BUT why mention it now? Well, when the relationship has gone too far off the road, then we should try to maintain the course instead of aggravating the situation. We should always remember that people have limits and a snapping point.
At snapping point, it will be explosive. Do that multiple times and you would have hit the point of no return.
I find that extremely rude.
You know, there are times when I want to clobber whoever that invented the male ego. Take a man, who is not much of a bread-winner, neither does he manage a good housekeeping role. Top that up with him having poor organisational skills, bad memory and excels in lounging. How does one live with oneself with all this laziness?
To me, I don't bother - by that it doesn't mean I won't blog about it - it simply means that I have become an expert in hitting the IGNORE button. I am not a creature that needs attention, nor do I require some puppy to hang on to my skirt. I am very much an individual who values my space. For some who find this a 'less than ideal' situation, it can be quite stressful - it's like having a relationship that didn't qualify in the first place to be called one. There will be people who use people and when that happens, just use the other person back. Either that, or you'll be miserable.
I amuse myself with my work, my kiddies and music. This has been my mantra for too many years and like all things, it has become a norm for me. BUT why mention it now? Well, when the relationship has gone too far off the road, then we should try to maintain the course instead of aggravating the situation. We should always remember that people have limits and a snapping point.
At snapping point, it will be explosive. Do that multiple times and you would have hit the point of no return.
August 22, 2007
Two Kinds
For so long now, everyone knows that there are musicians who entertain and those who are just closet musicians. I'm of the closet type - which is why I chose to teach and not entertain. I don't know if it has anything to do with the psych or a preference.
Although I'm usually classified as a 'noisy', personality tests have labelled me as a private person. And because I do not like to be under scrutiny of an audience, I chose to teach.
Yesterday evening, was the first evening in a long time, where I was included as a performer amongst performers - the thought was scary at first, because we were all meeting for the first time, each a 'musician'. The easy part was in discussing the song - hitting the key - all impromptu - no notes, no scores, nothing - just a bunch of people, using our pitching skills to fit a huge jigsaw puzzle. We got it in a few minutes.
I enjoyed myself - of course I did, music is a great part of my private life - it's where I go, to be alone and in perfect sync with my inner self.
For a few moments, I forgot that we were in the jazz club - albeit in a private loft upstairs - and that come friday, it will be full of people, and I'll be stuck with a microphone in my hand. That's being an introvert for me!
Although I'm usually classified as a 'noisy', personality tests have labelled me as a private person. And because I do not like to be under scrutiny of an audience, I chose to teach.
Yesterday evening, was the first evening in a long time, where I was included as a performer amongst performers - the thought was scary at first, because we were all meeting for the first time, each a 'musician'. The easy part was in discussing the song - hitting the key - all impromptu - no notes, no scores, nothing - just a bunch of people, using our pitching skills to fit a huge jigsaw puzzle. We got it in a few minutes.
I enjoyed myself - of course I did, music is a great part of my private life - it's where I go, to be alone and in perfect sync with my inner self.
For a few moments, I forgot that we were in the jazz club - albeit in a private loft upstairs - and that come friday, it will be full of people, and I'll be stuck with a microphone in my hand. That's being an introvert for me!
August 21, 2007
Dry Run
A dry run usually implies a practice session or a trial of some sort, before the actual thing.
Today, I'm having a Dry Run.
It's rather exciting since I haven't actually sung in public for so long. Public, means, people whom one doesn't necessarily know in person. Karaoke with colleagues, friends don't count as a performance because it's more social, not an item on the evening's programme.
I was trying to forget about this actually, since I'm not as extroverted as my conversation skills would assume me to be. BUT this friday, is my gf's hubby's 50th - and he, being a musician, would expect some entertainment from us for a change.
It's quite pressurising, we are all musicians - just that some of us do that as a full-time job and some of us simply do it part-time - I fall into the part-time bracket. Nevertheless, it's always a good feeling to do a 'jam' session.
So, let's see how well this Dry Run will go - either it works or we'll end up just jamming for fun and then end-up with an impromptu session on the actual day....!
Today, I'm having a Dry Run.
It's rather exciting since I haven't actually sung in public for so long. Public, means, people whom one doesn't necessarily know in person. Karaoke with colleagues, friends don't count as a performance because it's more social, not an item on the evening's programme.
I was trying to forget about this actually, since I'm not as extroverted as my conversation skills would assume me to be. BUT this friday, is my gf's hubby's 50th - and he, being a musician, would expect some entertainment from us for a change.
It's quite pressurising, we are all musicians - just that some of us do that as a full-time job and some of us simply do it part-time - I fall into the part-time bracket. Nevertheless, it's always a good feeling to do a 'jam' session.
So, let's see how well this Dry Run will go - either it works or we'll end up just jamming for fun and then end-up with an impromptu session on the actual day....!
August 20, 2007
Letting Go
Recently, there was a slight reshuffle of duties at work. I requested for it because it made no sense for too many people to have a hand in a project when in essence, only one person (me) was working on it. It wasn't me having a 'hoarding' mentality, but more me, exercising some business sense.
Of course we all know that when things move towards change, there will be those who are reluctant to sing a new song. They prefer to just sail on - never mind if we are getting nowhere. Times like this, I wish there was a module in school which taught everyone logic and the right thing to do.
Having been busy all week with clients from out of town, I didn't bother much. For me, time is money and if this bloke is just going to upset me, then I would rather just hit the ignore button. I could do this easily by giving my couldn't-care-less-attitude - but I'm not made that way. I have pride in my work - which is worth more than what I'm getting paid to do.
When it's time to let go, it's time to let go. Why hang on, when the end result of that is not going to change? It's not a matter of trying and trying until it works. This is not a mathematical sum, where we could work on numerous formulas and hope to hit the correct solution. Given the formulas, we may not even solve it, because some questions are simply beyond our understanding. Better just skip it and attempt the next question.
Key word for the week - Let Go - if the relationship has been bad for so long, it's not going to change tomorrow, so Let Go. If the clock is broken, keeping it wouldn't make it work, so let it go.
Of course we all know that when things move towards change, there will be those who are reluctant to sing a new song. They prefer to just sail on - never mind if we are getting nowhere. Times like this, I wish there was a module in school which taught everyone logic and the right thing to do.
Having been busy all week with clients from out of town, I didn't bother much. For me, time is money and if this bloke is just going to upset me, then I would rather just hit the ignore button. I could do this easily by giving my couldn't-care-less-attitude - but I'm not made that way. I have pride in my work - which is worth more than what I'm getting paid to do.
When it's time to let go, it's time to let go. Why hang on, when the end result of that is not going to change? It's not a matter of trying and trying until it works. This is not a mathematical sum, where we could work on numerous formulas and hope to hit the correct solution. Given the formulas, we may not even solve it, because some questions are simply beyond our understanding. Better just skip it and attempt the next question.
Key word for the week - Let Go - if the relationship has been bad for so long, it's not going to change tomorrow, so Let Go. If the clock is broken, keeping it wouldn't make it work, so let it go.
August 15, 2007
I told you so
When is strange, strange?
I know I'm far from a normal person, but when getting a job done, we follow protocol and try to kill 2 birds with one stone. Why would anyone want to go for a meeting twice, when the objective could be achieved in one session? This is by far the common sense way of doing things and definately more efficient.
Also, when we seek another's opinion, we should listen to the other person, then say 'thank you'. BUT some people seek your opinion, then whilst you're sharing a personal viewpoint, they correct you with their viewpoint. They do not share with you, like in an exchange, but they 'correct' you.
Now, that is strange.
Why bother to seek an opinion, if you have already decided on your preferred course of action? I understand Group Dynamics and the need for a consensus, but shouldn't one LISTEN first?
At the end of two days, Miss Smartalec, ended up having to make time for 2 meetings instead of one. At the end of two days, Miss Smartalec had to admit that I gave the client a better alternative.
BUT did she admit it? Of course not. Otherwise, she'll have to change her name!
Thank GOD I'm less volatile and more forgiving these days, because, for crying out loud, it's a client's time that's being wasted.
I know I'm far from a normal person, but when getting a job done, we follow protocol and try to kill 2 birds with one stone. Why would anyone want to go for a meeting twice, when the objective could be achieved in one session? This is by far the common sense way of doing things and definately more efficient.
Also, when we seek another's opinion, we should listen to the other person, then say 'thank you'. BUT some people seek your opinion, then whilst you're sharing a personal viewpoint, they correct you with their viewpoint. They do not share with you, like in an exchange, but they 'correct' you.
Now, that is strange.
Why bother to seek an opinion, if you have already decided on your preferred course of action? I understand Group Dynamics and the need for a consensus, but shouldn't one LISTEN first?
At the end of two days, Miss Smartalec, ended up having to make time for 2 meetings instead of one. At the end of two days, Miss Smartalec had to admit that I gave the client a better alternative.
BUT did she admit it? Of course not. Otherwise, she'll have to change her name!
Thank GOD I'm less volatile and more forgiving these days, because, for crying out loud, it's a client's time that's being wasted.
August 13, 2007
Exclusivity
Whether we are in the trading business or mere brokerage as in the real estate, there will be situations where some exclusive rights are necessary. Sure, markets are being 'opened' up and even for cars, we have parallel importers ; but that came after donkey years of having one sole distributor for a brand. Perhaps this is what globalisation is all about - "who you know, matters".
I came headlong into this minor glitch over the weekend.
My colleague was trailing this prospect, who apparently was an old friend of the developer. That prospect, gave his booking deposit directly to the developer at an 'old friends' price too. No one updated the marketing agents.
To say, the owner has a right to sell to anyone he deems to be 'his friend' is correct - but to sell it at way below what we are trying to sell to 'others' may somewhat be unfair, as all sales are lodged in public records and there will be questions.
The issue here is not our exclusivity to commission - it's exclusivity in our marketing strategy that's being compromised. We all know that such behaviour exists - buyers will change agents like changing underwear because they are not bounded by any contract. Tenants also do the same. Owners and landlords these days are following close by - because the market is doing great and the feel good sentiment is there.
Perhaps it's not about exclusivity - but more about selfishness and greed - but hey, isn't that what makes up the world these days? People forget that there is such a thing as sincerity and honesty, but I suppose as long as other people are loosing money and time, that's fine - it must be the new school of thought, because I don't remember sitting through this class.
I came headlong into this minor glitch over the weekend.
My colleague was trailing this prospect, who apparently was an old friend of the developer. That prospect, gave his booking deposit directly to the developer at an 'old friends' price too. No one updated the marketing agents.
To say, the owner has a right to sell to anyone he deems to be 'his friend' is correct - but to sell it at way below what we are trying to sell to 'others' may somewhat be unfair, as all sales are lodged in public records and there will be questions.
The issue here is not our exclusivity to commission - it's exclusivity in our marketing strategy that's being compromised. We all know that such behaviour exists - buyers will change agents like changing underwear because they are not bounded by any contract. Tenants also do the same. Owners and landlords these days are following close by - because the market is doing great and the feel good sentiment is there.
Perhaps it's not about exclusivity - but more about selfishness and greed - but hey, isn't that what makes up the world these days? People forget that there is such a thing as sincerity and honesty, but I suppose as long as other people are loosing money and time, that's fine - it must be the new school of thought, because I don't remember sitting through this class.
August 06, 2007
selfish park-ers
There are bad drivers and selfish parkers. What constitutes a selfish parker? Well, firstly, he parks wherever at his convenience. Never mind if his vehicle is a heavy vehicle truck, not fit for HDB service roads. He probably doesn't have much of a brain either since he cannot comprehend why such heavy vehicle trucks are not allowed on HDB service roads, because there may be little children running about, riding their bicycles, or elderly folks walking with their walking aids and that such heavy vehicle trucks have blind spots.
I have been stuck with such a person for months now. He even parks at the bin centre, without thinking that any robber with a plan could use his truck as a spring board into the flats on the 2nd floor OR that an arsonist could light up his truck and conveniently blow up our entire flat at the same time.
The HDB has issued summons over and over again, yet he still parks there.
Perhaps he's rich or the company is picking up his bills for him - but does that mean we act carelessly? That we do as we please and inconvenience others?
I guess he will only see the potential danger when someone's kid gets run over by his truck, when he's reversing.
Then he'll be teary eyed in court - but if we all wait for that moment, then don't you think our rules are useless? After all, do we need to have someone loose a loved one before we react?
Are we, Singaporeans so selfish that we only see the problem when we become a problem?
I have been stuck with such a person for months now. He even parks at the bin centre, without thinking that any robber with a plan could use his truck as a spring board into the flats on the 2nd floor OR that an arsonist could light up his truck and conveniently blow up our entire flat at the same time.
The HDB has issued summons over and over again, yet he still parks there.
Perhaps he's rich or the company is picking up his bills for him - but does that mean we act carelessly? That we do as we please and inconvenience others?
I guess he will only see the potential danger when someone's kid gets run over by his truck, when he's reversing.
Then he'll be teary eyed in court - but if we all wait for that moment, then don't you think our rules are useless? After all, do we need to have someone loose a loved one before we react?
Are we, Singaporeans so selfish that we only see the problem when we become a problem?
August 03, 2007
get to the point
Yesterday evening, my neighbour from upstairs came knocking on my door. He had 2 kids in tow, barely 7 years old and a bamboo pole in one hand. You don't need to be a genius to know why he's outside my front door. A ball, obviously theirs, got itself wedged between my kitchen wall and my air-con condenser unit.
I have returned clothes, towels, bamboo poles with laundry still hanging on it too many times, when the respective owners showed up at my door. But this neighbour is really really strange.
He started telling me that the ball is stuck, then continued to say that if it's too inconvenient, then forget it, his sons will have to learn their lesson.
I was obviously confused, since why go through all that trouble of coming down, knocking on my door and telling me it's ok, let them learn their lesson. If I wanted them to 'learn a lesson', I would have opted NOT TO OPEN THE DOOR - after all, why else would a stranger come knocking? He was rambling, telling me he tried to use the pole to get to the ball, which is silly since, the condenser is very well secured and close to the wall, leaving not much space for any ball to pop out.
Obviously I got irritated. This is what I said:
"Could you please stop and listen?"
With him rambling, how was I going to go get the damn ball anyways? If I let go of the door, it will shut automatically coz I have this lever hinge which helps me do that - and he was set on letting his sons 'learn a lesson'....jeez! jeez! jeez!
Once he did, I told him to go wait for the ball downstairs, coz I was going to flick it up and out from the ledge.
I think the people here lack simple conversation skills. It's not about Speaking Good English, it's about getting to the damn point and doing it economically without loosing track of the aim of that statement.
We don't need to be Toastmasters to be in the forefront of a conversation and not make fools of ourselves - it's just exchanging words to deliver ideas.
In order to do that, you must first be totally aware of what you have set out to do, only then will you be able to deliver that in speech. Politely, of course.
AND THAT, no one teaches you to do in school - because THAT is sincerity and if we need to do a module to achieve it, then it's no wonder we are lacking in the etiquette department.
I have returned clothes, towels, bamboo poles with laundry still hanging on it too many times, when the respective owners showed up at my door. But this neighbour is really really strange.
He started telling me that the ball is stuck, then continued to say that if it's too inconvenient, then forget it, his sons will have to learn their lesson.
I was obviously confused, since why go through all that trouble of coming down, knocking on my door and telling me it's ok, let them learn their lesson. If I wanted them to 'learn a lesson', I would have opted NOT TO OPEN THE DOOR - after all, why else would a stranger come knocking? He was rambling, telling me he tried to use the pole to get to the ball, which is silly since, the condenser is very well secured and close to the wall, leaving not much space for any ball to pop out.
Obviously I got irritated. This is what I said:
"Could you please stop and listen?"
With him rambling, how was I going to go get the damn ball anyways? If I let go of the door, it will shut automatically coz I have this lever hinge which helps me do that - and he was set on letting his sons 'learn a lesson'....jeez! jeez! jeez!
Once he did, I told him to go wait for the ball downstairs, coz I was going to flick it up and out from the ledge.
I think the people here lack simple conversation skills. It's not about Speaking Good English, it's about getting to the damn point and doing it economically without loosing track of the aim of that statement.
We don't need to be Toastmasters to be in the forefront of a conversation and not make fools of ourselves - it's just exchanging words to deliver ideas.
In order to do that, you must first be totally aware of what you have set out to do, only then will you be able to deliver that in speech. Politely, of course.
AND THAT, no one teaches you to do in school - because THAT is sincerity and if we need to do a module to achieve it, then it's no wonder we are lacking in the etiquette department.
August 02, 2007
HOme?
I heard on the radio today that public transportation companies are seeking to raise fares by 1-3 cents per trip. I also understand that these same companies have made millions too. As usual, rising fuel costs etc were cited as reasons.
This brings to mind many many things for me. We have had nothing except to deal with increases, the largest probably being the GST. The $200 that was given out as a GST offset package, was not even enough for one months' marketing expenses. I guess the $200 was a pacifier - most were happy for that moment, until all the bad news sets in.
The ERP charges are also increasing at a few gantries, petrol prices have gone up - our utilities bill have also gone up. It may not matter when you're drawing an income of $50,000 a month, but it does matter when the average household doesn't earn that much even in a year!
I'm not disappointed nor surprised by the slew of increases because people here simply just live with it and again, for those with some means, they will just pack their bags and go live elsewhere.
Although I'm not affected by the coming increase in public transportation, it's an increase nevertheless and how does one justify increasing costs when the books are in the black, and not by a modest sum either?
It's like saying, hey we made a few million last year, but our costs have gone up, which means, we will make half of that 'few million' - but we want to make the same so, sorry folks, we have to charge you one cent more per trip!
You know, a home is where we feel that we have some priority in being there - eligibility for HDB does not count as that's housing for 80% of us.
Stop it with the this is my home thing already - my home is where I am able to feel that I'm not taken advantage of!
This brings to mind many many things for me. We have had nothing except to deal with increases, the largest probably being the GST. The $200 that was given out as a GST offset package, was not even enough for one months' marketing expenses. I guess the $200 was a pacifier - most were happy for that moment, until all the bad news sets in.
The ERP charges are also increasing at a few gantries, petrol prices have gone up - our utilities bill have also gone up. It may not matter when you're drawing an income of $50,000 a month, but it does matter when the average household doesn't earn that much even in a year!
I'm not disappointed nor surprised by the slew of increases because people here simply just live with it and again, for those with some means, they will just pack their bags and go live elsewhere.
Although I'm not affected by the coming increase in public transportation, it's an increase nevertheless and how does one justify increasing costs when the books are in the black, and not by a modest sum either?
It's like saying, hey we made a few million last year, but our costs have gone up, which means, we will make half of that 'few million' - but we want to make the same so, sorry folks, we have to charge you one cent more per trip!
You know, a home is where we feel that we have some priority in being there - eligibility for HDB does not count as that's housing for 80% of us.
Stop it with the this is my home thing already - my home is where I am able to feel that I'm not taken advantage of!
August 01, 2007
Green with envy
I wonder how this term came about - after all, green is supposed to be a colour that's soothing for the eyes. Envy is not a trait that one should be proud to own, because envy when it's overwhelming, can and will eat into the core of our beings, stifling positive growth.
When friends do well, we should congratulate them because it probably took a whole lot of effort, courage and determination on their part.
When we let envy get the better of us, we become bitter people - even if we didn't know that person all that well, we should still feel sincerely happy for them. The world has enough of misery that we need sincerity to balance the scales.
Next time someone succeeds, even if that means having baked a perfect cake - be happy for that person - it may have come out of a baking tin, but it's effort nevertheless and what's the big deal about spreading some honest cheer around?
One day, we may need that little push of encouragement ourselves, and instead turning green with envy, we should be beaming sunshine that someone just made it, in this mad, mad world.
When friends do well, we should congratulate them because it probably took a whole lot of effort, courage and determination on their part.
When we let envy get the better of us, we become bitter people - even if we didn't know that person all that well, we should still feel sincerely happy for them. The world has enough of misery that we need sincerity to balance the scales.
Next time someone succeeds, even if that means having baked a perfect cake - be happy for that person - it may have come out of a baking tin, but it's effort nevertheless and what's the big deal about spreading some honest cheer around?
One day, we may need that little push of encouragement ourselves, and instead turning green with envy, we should be beaming sunshine that someone just made it, in this mad, mad world.
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