Goodbye Mr Bala

I've received the shocking news from my flat resident that Mr Bala had passed away on 11 June 2008. I really couldn't believe it, I saw and spoke to him on 8 June. He succumbed to blood clot in his brain. He was my flat chief security for 20 years. You could see him doing his rounds with his assistants and even doing maintenance job. Sometimes, he's at my flat taking guard till wee hours in the morning. He even helped to change my flat tyre once. He's always cheerful, lending an ear to listen to the resident's woes.

Sometimes, it take a tragedy to perk me up. Embrace, learn to appreciate and love the people around you. You might never know that you won't be here tomorrow. Live life to the fullest.

Goodbye Mr Bala, may you rest in piece. We at Taman Seri Damai, really going to miss you. May your spirit continue to watch over us.

Dig deeper into pockets

I vividly remembered the line from one of Syania Twain song, Dig deeper into pockets. I really have no choice but to do so, since the government announced of petrol increase to RM0.78 per litre effective Thursday, 5/6/08.

It was a mad frenzy nationwide. Not because people was protesting of the increase, but they were queing up for as far as 5km to the petrol stations to fill up the last drop of the cheaper petrol. Maybe it was my instinct, I did not caught up by the mad frenzy, my petrol was filled last 2 days.

After this madness, the government announced the next day in the papers, electricity tariff was to increase. Furthermore, transportation organisation demanded an incease because of the petrol hiked. Prices of essential items like rice, soybean, wheat and even noodles have drastically went up of another 10%.

The mere salary that we are earning barely can cover these hike up prices. Even though, there are salary increaments, it only can cover these expenses. So, we really can't seems to enjoy the fruit of our labours. Economically, it's hitting everyone. Even a loaf of wholemeal bread costs RM4.00.

How much prudent can we get?

Our money value is getting smaller. Our purchasing power is diminishing.

Well, I think it's best I moved to a cave, hunt of the animals, eat of the leaves and shrubs, back to the basic.

The 10 Commandments of Work

1. Speak to people

2. Smile :)

3. Call people by name

4. Be friendly and helpful

5. Be sincere

6. Be really interested in people

7. Be generous with praise

8. Be careful with the feelings of others

9. Respect their opinions

10. Always be ready to help.

If you live by all these rules, then your working life will be less stressful and more enjoyable.