While on the subject of last year – wow! What a year!

The once solid looking, sober banks were after all vulnerable like any other business. I remember RBS snatched ABN AMRO from Barclays and then the problems in the sub-prime market came and RBS hero (Sir Fred Goodwin) turned into a villain. Suddenly these geniuses we realised are after all human. And the causality list is long from Wall Street to London’s City. I always remember walking past their offices in London thinking this was an institution that would be there forever. Actually there massive doors and suit wearing security at the doors I mean in my mind was just too impressive.



While we are thinking of the past year whatever happened to Eliot Spitzer? I don’t think I can remember the conclusion of that saga. Does one serve time after getting caught up say in a prostitution ring? Pardon my French it should be an escort service – prostitution seems so low for someone like him.

In Pursuit of Happiness

I guess ultimately anything that brings happiness is worth pursuing.

Is it any coincidence that on my flight from London to Nairobi I came across an article in the Wall Street Journal (a free copy of course!) on a research on whether wealth and well-being go hand in hand.
In the same research it was found that people are generally happier when they used money for someone else to benefit than just spend it on themselves. Ultimately happy make more effective leaders, bringing positive emotions to the workplace if they are to succeed as managers.

Relative wealth matters more than absolute wealth. So it is possible to reach a point where more wealth does not necessarily make us happier? But it is obvious I think more wealthy among us seem happier – everything held constant. I’ve suddenly got this large appetite to be happy!

Change!

Speaking of former school mates it's good to see those that I have seen - actually those that I have bumped into in town. One was kind enough to com and pick me up one Sunday afternoon to show me around town. If you think Kenyans are starving think again - I saw guys who were well fed (obese?) and driving some good cars. By the way it was a lady who came to pick me up - reversed roles!?

It’s that time once again to count the cost of life in this fast ending year. Certainly I think as you grow older days become shorter and years just fly by in the blink of an eye. Remember when growing time stood, still those were the days – actually all we knew was 30 seemed so far.

Regrets? None so far I believe what I’ve been through it was for a reason – it made me who I am at the moment. The mistakes I made have taught me a lesson; hopefully I will not make the same mistakes again. Certainly I’ve learnt a lot – for one I am not just looking for a job to pay the bills. It’s both scary and reassuring that whatever I had prayed for I actually got it. The scary part is being unnecessarily ‘humble’ and asking/aiming low, you get what you want and soon loose interest. When I was coming back home I thought to myself that I will not be too choosy and grab whatever came my way.

The best part I guess is dreams do come true at least for me – I did not have like the highest paying job but I managed to put some aside, so far this has helped me. Mum is moving to her new house soon I’m glad I am here to see her make the big switch. It does not really matter that I’m homeless at the moment; well at least it feels like that.

Let’s live it once again! It has been a year of change and the greatest contribution will always be the ones you leave behind. So in one word how can I describe the year? CHANGE! They have been many from my personal life to Obamamania. The biggest manifestation has to be the way people are tired and are more in your face kind of confrontation with the political establishment. On the other hand it was the year of unparalleled uncertainty

When you reach the point you feel you cannot take it any longer my advice – it’s time to change! And the change goes on – I cannot say with certainty where I will be come the new year.

Didn’t see it coming…

So the government wants to regulate M-Pesa. Very predictable move I don’t think we are used to seeing something running so smoothly. I mean anything that cuts costs, time and is very very convenience scares us.

Banks are notorious, just like the parliament they seem to have for the most part lost touch with reality. You seek out opportunities in the market and exploit them. They had become so comfortable with the profits they were making and thought it was the end of the world. Even failed to anticipate the emergence of new players in the market – it explain the entrance of banks from West Africa.
Not that I am suggesting banks are behind Safaricom’s but it cannot be further from the truth that they must be jealous of the success so far of the M-Pesa product. But everything about banking services can be depressing in fact it cannot be completely untrue that they thrive on our desperation and misery. To some managers the long queues in the banking halls seem to be a source of pride – ‘we have a huge market share see how we are busy?’ It is not enough to produce huge profits every year end and sit back and relax.

Kengen had its AGM recently and highlighted the tough environment the large listed companies are to face at year end from hosting the AGM to dividend payment – there is talk now of using cheaper services like, you guessed it right M-Pesa. Otherwise cannot wait for Safaricom’s AGM

After queuing up for some hours I managed to apply for a CDS account at the CBK. It was a merry-go-round – a manager at ‘my’ bank branch was reluctant saying my account was still very new and they only do it for customers who have been with them for more than 6 months. Imagine if I was after a soft loan! Finally I got what I wanted - just goes to show what I am into. I just think banks are slow to learn, instead of competing aggressively they are very comfortable. She even has no clue why I'm opening a CDS account - why should I let money lie in the account just to to gather dust?

You can tell I still don’t see myself taking my cash to the NSE – good luck to the new CEO and his plans – I still have a long way to go to even consider buying shares.


In the meantime I am running around town doing errands for my mum as she is moving houses. I was in town the other day all looking rugged (again I seriously need a ride!) coming from doing some heavy manual work. When you are looking all good is when the unexpected happens – I’m surprised she recognized me. She was all looking fine and smelling good - but it's all good!

Internet Connection

I had my phone unlocked the other day and got myself a Safaricom line reasoning that the phone would be my modem. So far it looks promising although the charges are something close to 10 bob a minute, if what I'm seeing is true. (I'd better make it for pressing issues only)

First it has to be noted that the Samsung Ericsson W910i I am using was originally locked to the network I used in the UK, I had it unlocked but when tried to get internet access from Safaricom it wasn’t just working. Someone from the customer services explained it was due to the fact that the phone was originally from another network.

Someone dismissed that theory and had me hooked up to the internet through some 3rd party via Safaricom – that’s why I am monitoring the charges, they don’t seem to add up but the convenience is awesome and fast too.

But definately gone are the days when the internet was on the whole day... it's good to be back.

Back to square one:

It is not a secret that politics brings out the worst in human nature – that makes it religion and politics as the worst thing that ever happened to human nature. For that reason I have always avoided politicians like a bad a habit – to cleanse oneself and maintain some level of sanity just keep off!

The problem is politics is part of life and one cannot dissociate himself from it – trust me I’ve tried to ignore anything done by the honourable men and women. Not just in Kenya, although we have a rare breed here.

Someone once said that if you are not moving on in life then you are backtracking – so I cannot say that Kenya is stuck in the same position. The world over things are moving on yet we are still dealing with the same issues.

The only reason the opposition are complaining is they are jealous of the ruling party’s opportunity to be corrupt.

The Obama election was historic feat during the last few days of the election I had this bad feeling that maybe it would turn ugly, you know people voting on other matters other than issues at hand. Formidable just how he played it cool to the White House; McCain had little to offer with the desire for change. I arrived in Kenya after the elections and everyone up to now are still singing Obama praises. But it has been a hard act to follow the politicians would rather engage in rhetoric borrowing ‘Obama phrases’. I was in Djibouti for a few days and once using my little French language skills I introduce myself and say I’m from Kenya, everybody thinks now we are part of the US.

So as I rejoice I hope Obama is not a politician they have continually disappointed me.

Talking of dealing with the same decisions – I need a ride and I keep mulling over getting one waiting for ‘the perfect time’. Previously I had a good excuse the public transport system was perfect hapa, it is a different song when it comes to public transport. I’m not even going to mention the traffic (OK it is horrendous most of the time) and it is like being in a war zone fighting other motorists.

Cool

Time flies - so much seems to be happening and when you mix utter laziness and real busy-ness, I hardly have the time to even put down anything here.

Hopefully I will try to be more consistent - so many things have changed and I had to kind of make a decision - quick one at that.

Who says I don't take risks?

French lessons continued...

Come to think of it the hardest part of the French lessons was the cheese!

Our tutor tried to create the whole French experience thing - so she brought cheese in one of the classes and went ahead to share it with us! The rest of the class was more into the cheese thing and there I was (goat cheese!) but I did the best I could a slice of cheese with french bread. How do they do it?

One thing about me is I find myself very rigid when it comes to food - in fact I dread trying out new food.... from sea foods. When I go to these Far Eastern restaurants I am very predictable - stick to the tried and tested.

I got to try this cheese thing again.

Feeling the Crunch

Maybe it is the credit crunch but I am skint my VISA is unning out soon so the whole morning I have been filling out all these forms to extend my stay here. I cannot wait for pay day.

Turmoil

It has been long since I scribbled anything here – good excuses are at hand obviously. I finished the 5 week French lessons this week maybe for sometime now I can have a little rest during the week – instead of running to classes, hence getting home after 9:30pm hungry and exhausted. Imagine what I would be like if it was Monday to Friday? I would be crazy by now. But it was a nice experience – mostly because my group was lucky to have a patient tutor. And the class was lively since we had all sorts of people in the small class – from a technology salesman, fashion graduate (actually she studied accountancy but switched!), a Columbian English student, South African Project manager and an African student researcher. The other two just disappeared after like two and half weeks – pressure at work.
I got to confess I learnt a lot as opposed to self study (listening to CDs), maybe it also is due to the fact that as I looked around the class we were all struggling to make sense of the rules associated with the language.
I have a week to decide whether to go to the next stage.

Also this week I celebrated 6 months at my no-longer new job. It has been a steep leaning curve – sometimes frustrating. Nobody is confident of how the system actually works. With the deadlines and the auditors around early this month it was a nightmare at times when I looked at the pressure in the finance to explain transactions that had long been forgotten. Like I mentioned sometime ago since the DBA left it has been tough feeling her shoes, a system that otherwise was running smoothly suddenly has all these glitches.

Speaking of the highlights of the month I cannot ignore the turmoil in the ‘global’ financial sector. the once towering giants in the sector are facing mounting problems trying to stay afloat. Lehman Brothers – formed in 1850 and its Chief Executive Dick Fuld are history now. Whatever legacy he had built over the past 10 years plus wiped out too – he had led the turnaround at the bank but commentators argue that the CEOs never learn. He simply overstayed the same problem Bear Stearns Chief faced. I guess as someone once said: ‘Guys in finance don’t seem to know that.’

30-Aout-2008

There is just too much noise that is destructing my attention.

In fact if you want to lose me quickly start using such terms as data recovery, or into the details of the different BMW models. I know it should be a guys thing to be interested in such things – strangely I have never really gotten round to being that interested, it is sad I know. For me if the thing works I don’t really go into the details of its functionality, which is sad I think considering the offers that are available say if you go to a computer shop – there are all these offers just to confuse me.

Maybe I like it simple – like my favourite/dream car must be a Mercedes now let’s not go further than that into which series/model when I see it I definitely know it.


So this week I managed to kind of ‘destroy’ (unconfirmed yet) my WD external storage ‘thing’. I tried to play the music from a music system – it started of well and then the system just froze. Later when I attached it to my computer I can only see the contents but not access them. Checked out the error message online but so far still unsuccessful. I’m lucky I got people interested in these things so will check it out this afternoon. I have been trying all morning to sort the mess because I’m afraid of losing the contents.

And please why I had not backed up the WD contents only God knows.

Talking about dreams, in class this week a joke came up. The French tutor like I said speaks very little English so most of the communication in French and sign language. We all like introducing ourselves saying something about ourselves. One of the fellas, was jokingly talking about how his dream was slowly drifting away – he has not gotten himself a blonde or the Ferrari we all laughed. To which the French tutor said something in French which loosely translates – it is good to have a dream, if you realise your dream what is there to live for?

I’m off to sort out the technological mess I am in.

The Way To NoWhere

“The way to nowhere: 8 Questions to release my creative potential”


So if you are the introspective individual or group leader, interested in unleashing the creative side in you this is for you.
The book has been creatively designed such that you can start from either ends I guess depending on your motive – individual or group.

What is my unique purpose?
Certain stages in life are predictable – adolescent, adulthood to retirement; yet others are our own unique journey – from changing jobs, relocating to a foreign country and even beginning a new relationship. These are personal choices we make in trying to shape our lives. We have a choice to continue doing what we have always done or take stock and reconnect with our intuitive self.

How am I venturing into uncertainty?
Our ability to persevere with life as a creative adventure and to take other people with us on the journey depends on how we react to life’s inevitable ups and downs.
Life is an emotional adventure where optimism is our greatest ally. This helps us see our challenges and setbacks are part of a larger journey.

The more we learn to control our fear, the more we can begin to access trust.

Busy Week and the French Connection

Last week was more than busy – thank God for the annual external audit – preparing the audit schedules and trying to explain all transactions in problem areas. The auditors are coming in September from the looks of everyone around me – we just can’t wait. Preparing for audit visits it dwells mostly on planning and effective time management, from the rush we have been in it is obvious there is an element of a lax approach. Although maybe it is normal to be this busy here, I mean since I joined the team coming in early and being the last to leave the office has become synonymous with the accounting department. Others must really thank God they are not in this department when they pass by to say hi or get reports on their budgets or submit their travel claim forms.

To make matters even more interesting it was my first week at the Institute Francaise. It is everything I wanted I got to admit small class, 2 hours/3 days a week in the evening. The downside is I get home after 9:30pm just in time to get ready to go to bed! I keep thinking I have the most fascinating life – if I was to write a script it would be a block buster.

So I was looking forward for long weekend - nothing major planned but just to sleep and rest. Besides I'm kind of broke - my cousin went to Kenya and as is expected I had to give something small for my mum (!?).

I got a text message from a buddy that made me smile: “Accountants are not boring; they find boring things exciting!”

Good Day

‘It’s the simple things in life like kids at home and a loving wife, that you miss the most when you lose control. Everything else starts to disappear and the devil takes your hand and says, ‘Have another shot’.

Kenny Chesney – ‘That’s Why I’m Here’

I’m excited. It has been a largely good day for me.
I rang the GP to find my test results and I passed with flying colours – if there is anything like that. I have been anxiously waiting for the feedback following my ‘full man check’ last week. I don’t know what I expected – but after someone hinted I might be diabetic just because I complained I was sweating nowadays – I was hoping that it would be smooth. I know one of the symptoms of diabetics is thirst, I did not experience that – I remember many years ago when a neighbours was ‘diagonised’ by a trainee nurse when we were just chatting mtaani.

So instead of worrying myself to the point of getting actually I decided to see the GP.
My neighbour had just finished his Masters and always related to us how tough it had been and the levels of stress. I have gone through tough times since I came to the UK– studies and job related and add the fact that I am far from home – that is stress there! I think the worst is the uncertainty that surrounds the future – should I stay should I go, when is the right time to jump ship – everyday is like being in a CEO of an embattled conglomerate. Decision after decision. I understand as I grow older (it’s like being on a fast lane on the motor-way!) I can not take for granted my health



I only hope I will wake up on Saturday morning for jogging in the near by park – I definitely admire those who are devoted to a healthy lifestyle. I’m working my way slowly.

I only wish this was like the final test and it will be like this forever – life is a marathon as they say.

Personal Branding

It could be a coincidence but is it me or are the number of discussions on personal branding increasing? Gone are the days you go to school, get good grades, land a good job and live happily ever after.
Nowadays you are expected to go a notch higher otherwise you are doomed to be stuck in a rut. It feels like a loser to be in just a job - at least that is the perception here.

First it was my wardrobe that had to be critically assessed – which means most of my clothes actually qualify to be handed to the charity shops. Then the self-analysis exercise – similar to SWOT analysis seems to be the next step.

Personal branding could make the difference if you want a better job. (FT 31st July by Stefan Stern)

Are we too self-conscious?
Such probing questions as ‘What do people say about you when you are not there?’ (My reputation, image and impact on others! My career depends on what They are saying about me.)

It is not luck that will get you the next best job apparently – is that not that how I even got my current job? This seems to be too much for guys like me because ultimately it is ones personality that matters most – the colour of my tie or the shoes I have on are secondary.
We live in a very self-conscious world – no one seems to be satisfied with what one has – that is why we enhance this and remove another body part just to fit in. this seems to be an industry that will continue to grow because it targets our most vulnerable self. I am convinced though that in future others will come to see the benefits of being dull but dependable! The model as the underlying strategy reveals someone in good shape for the long term planners.

It seems like the goal posts keep shifting woe unto you if you are rigid - like a cow looking at a passing train

OM Login

All morning I have been trying to access my online account with OM unsuccessfully. I had informed a client service person earlier and she told me to try again. I hope they can resolve that coz it will be interesting to see how the account looks.

My fear - and I hope I am wrong - is it might take sometime before the issue is resolved. I wish at times others (OM) would be as serious/desparate as I am about this part of my life - it is already difficult not being close to the money so online control comes in pretty handy.

On that note I read that OM are loosening up. From KShs 500k went down to KShs200K to the present where one can start with KShs 7,500. Have they realised that after the Safaricom issues people have cash lying around? Although I would suspect that competition plays a big part - they simply no longer have that monopoly.

Others are having problems - found this on stocksKenya

Full Man Check (Pt 2)

I saw the GP on Thursday morning before heading to work.
Initially results were good but I have to wait for 7 days for the full results - blood test. There was nothing unusual about my urine sample - thank God. I have been worried of late about the fact that I seem to sweat a lot. I know it is warm but it seems even after a brief 10 minute walk my forehead is gleaming with sweat. I hope it is all to do with the weather.

There was one scare getting the blood sample - now it is a long time ago since I had a needle on my body - i was a little uncomfortable (or is it scared?). I held out my arm closed my eyes and ready to scream if it hurt. Reminds me years ago when as kids we went to the doctor I would try to negotiate with my mum and agree that there will be no injections. I always lost out because the doctor usually had other ideas.

When she checked my blood pressure she was like it is OK but closer to the danger line! Before I even get the full results I realise I have to be more physically active. I do a lot of walking and once a week try to play football for at least 40 minutes. This morning I woke up early and had like a 30 minute jog - hope this will be the norm rather than the exception.
My diet is also a worry - I have to increase on my

It is scary to think we easily do not take care of our bodies yet we are quick to take our cars to the garage for MOT tests.

I learnt that I am 5'11'' and weigh just over 74Kgs.

Hustle and Flow

"Sometimes I feel like... like I talked such a good game when we was young, man. About my own studio and my own label, that... shit, DJay, now I'm just payin' rent, man. This shit right here gotta work. It gotta work, man, 'cause it ain't over for me."

Business Week

I meant to post this over the weekend but as usually things came up and before I realised it was a Monday... then Tuesday!

Last week was hardly the best time to announce a merger yet Willie Walsh explained that the current burden of high-fuel costs and probable economic slowdown. This will create Europe’s 3rd largest airline after Air France-KLM and Lufthansa. So they say it is a merger – is it because each will retain its brand name and the airline industry has strong influence and government control. On the other fronts BA has an upper hand therefore clearly not a marriage of equals.

“The combined balance sheet, anticipated synergies and network fit between the airlines make a merger an attractive proposition, particularly in the current economic environment.” – Willie Walsh.

BA IBERIA
Pre-tax profits £883m £328m
Market Capitalisation £2.9bn £1.26bn
Destinations 75 Countries 44 Countries


Another Daimler-Benz/Chrysler union?

Hard times are known to put strain in relationships that was the theme this weekend I got from the wedding I attended. If only the couple can continue with the merry-making after the guest have left.

In the corporate world there is also that strain when it comes to mergers and acquisitions. Alcatel-Lucent transatlantic relationship has been struggling for a while the CEO (American Pat Russo) and Chairman (French Serge Tchuruk) were forced to step down. (Being an American in Paris is appealing at the cinema but it is a different ball game in the corporate world according to the FT) – it has been an unhappy relationship since the merger 2006 – no profits to show. A shining example of the argument that mergers rarely create shareholder value – market capitalisation is less than half what it was. Different cultures that have to be integrated is the obvious stand-out challenge – if given a chance to speak at a wedding I must remember to hammer this point home to both parties – meeting of minds is critical. One can only hope there departure means troubled times are also to be behind the merger.

All change!

With the changing guards at Vodafone I smiled when I read one shareholder was concerned about a comment the chairman had made about the relationship he had with the A. Sarin that they got on ‘like a house on fire’. Apparently it has a different meaning in India – I also don’t get it maybe I’m too sensitive like the Indians.

Full Man Check

This Thursday morning I am going a medical test - booked it over the phone and if I got it right the lady called it a 'full man check'. Not that I am feeling sick, many issues have forced me to decide maybe I should just go ahead and do it now. Over the weekend I was telling someone that I feel like I sweat a lot of late. The weather is warm so you might ask what's the big deal.

I used to eat hot food - but of late especially when I am going out I have to insist that mine is not hot. Maybe I'm just fussy - but when someone suggested that it could something serious I panicked hence my appointment.

Fingers crossed I pray it all goes well. If it ain't broke why fix it?

What a coincidence tomorrow evening we are having the staff summer party and I'm supposed to eat my last meal at 8:30pm in preparation for Thursday's full man check! Guess that gives me a reason to retire rather early from the function.

My Weekend

Yesterday I was in a wedding – a friend decided enough is enough (‘We are getting no younger meet me at the alter in your white dress’). I don’t drive – well still think I cannot afford to at the moment – but the reception was held in a rather remote part of London. That’s when my mind kept playing with the idea of getting a car. (Does it make sense how many weddings in remote places in London will I attend?). Anyway I saw this beauty



And it set me thinking surely why not it goes for less than £20k but one does not need to pay everything upfront... and since I have finished paying the loan.... I guess I was just disappointed that it was awkward for me to get to the venue.

Rumours are spreading

Where facts are scarce rumours thrive. Just look at the pre-season rumours in the transfer market here. Every paper has it's version on what's happening which player is moving where, how much a player costs... etc. Maybe that is the way it is supposed to be to create the hype and it is so easy to be sucked it all this rumour mill as a football fan. Football is worshipped here - I used to think I was a fan until I came here.

Steve Jobs
There are concerns about Apple chief’s health according to the business pages and some investors arguing it is no longer a ‘private matter’. He is so central to the success of Apple that it is starting to affect it’s shares. That is why analysts would dare ask such questions at the company’s quarterly conference call after discussing financial performance.

Talking of rumours there is a wild rumour that the President is ill and that is why he is not making any trips abroad at the moment. He might be down with malaria or even just flu the rumour mills are not divulging any infor. It is sad especially since we are far from home and someone knows that our major source of information is the Internet. So most of the articles you read here are not meant to inform as such but fulfill an agenda.

I told you guys are still bitter the truth is compromised in the process.

The start of another week. Watched 'Hustle and Flow' last night

"Sometimes I feel like... like I talked such a good game when we was young, man. About my own studio and my own label, that... s*!t, DJay, now I'm just payin' rent, man. This s*!t right here gotta work. It gotta work, man, 'cause it ain't over for me."

A brand new week it feels good - high temps finally summer is here!

Last Minute Mind Change

The beauty of life is the fact that once in a while one has to backtrack, change his/her mind. It is no point to be so rigid in life – circumstances keep changing and our previous premise may not be justified in the light of developments.
I remember saying I had better things to do than attend last weeks PM’s meeting with Kenyans in the UK. As fate would have I was not going for the event until someone coerced me into going for the meeting. I think my patriotism was being questioned if I did not attend – so I made up my mind at 5:30 pm that it wouldn’t do no harm making a technical appearance, after all I have never done this before. When I arrived at the hotel there was a sizeable quorum most of them happy to see their buddies – of course I was a stranger there.
Given the PM and his entourage of the coalition government had a busy schedule the meeting started late. It was noticeably obvious that Kenyans have not got over the infamous last elections. This Luo/Kikuyu rivalry has become boring – even the seating arrangement you could tell there were different sections for the two tribes. I wonder if it still like that in Kenya or those of us far from home still carry around our prejudices and biases. We haven’t moved. The climax had to be question time and the lady who clearly is tired of being robbed since independence and the crowd near me from the ‘other’ tribe loudly expressed their disapproval of her insinuations.

I think I would commend the PM for steering from that topic reducing it to ideological differences rather than tribal. The coalition government is in a tough situation as they pursue an economic agenda – I don’t know it will work out but it better. Promoting Kenya as an investment hub cannot go down well with the concentration on politics – full marks for the PM for downplaying the tribal angle (I just don’t for how long…)

So I changed my mind, the PM and his coalition team (probably) have changed theirs too, but looking around the meeting room and later on some chat rooms it is still a sad situation. This is something we need to change our minds about.

Moses Wetangula (MC): There is nothing wrong in identifying with you clan or tribe, but it is very wrong to use that to oppress other (paraphrased).
A milestone – first time I have been in a room full of Kenyans in the UK.

(The picture quality is not all that - but for an impromtu event the Sony Ericsson did not let me down!)

The Week Ahead

Each step at work seems to be a struggle. The boss is struggling with the changes after the departure of the systems administrator. She literally held everything in place (I remember mentioning that). Like they say you never know something is good until it is gone.

This week another senior accountant is going for holiday and I have been literally going through a crash course to do ‘his’ work. I still think that they are treading on very dangerous grounds – everyone concentrates on their work to the extent that they know very little of what the other person is doing.

So it is a tough week for me. Not the task at hand but juggling responsibilities – so I will be also dealing with the purchase ledger. Personally I don’t mind it is a long time since I did that – actually when I was in Kenya to be precise. Plus it will be dealing with guys from marketing even more.

I learned that I could take advantage and make my boss look better – after all he is the one I would like to be my referee in future. That’s what I anticipate this week – tomorrow a buddy wants to go and see some Kenyan politicians who are in London. I don’t know why I will have to give it a miss if there was like something new they would offer I would have considered. From what I read in the local dailies it is politics.

Another Self-Help Book

How can you put down a book that the author implies that its aim is make you win when you shouldn’t, get promoted when you’ve been coasting, but most of have fun while you work?
I went through the book in two hours at the bookshop on Sunday afternoon – nothing fundamentally new in Richard Hall’s flow of thought all the same interesting.
His 10 steps are worth following through – it got me thinking that life is like exams you do not have time to do everything therefore prioritise! – at least that is how I passed most of my exams.

Point to remember – It is not the cleverest who do the best in exams. Have a plan, a destination, a map and note that doing well in your career and being good are not necessarily going to be the same thing.

Well I’m seating here with a blank paper in front of me – I’m thinking. It was a Sunday afternoon well spent.

Summer?

Today I woke up unusually early had a quick shower, turned on the telly to watch the morning news before hitting the road. Unfortunately either the news was too good (I can't remember anything worth mentioning) or my time keeping was poor, because were it not for the fact that I am semi-fit I would have missed the train!

I had to sprint to get the train and the worst part is it was a warm morning. So from my station to London Bridge I was hot and uncomfortable AND SWEATING. Is it just me or have my sweat glands expanded? Of late it has been a common feature I take a stroll and once I get indoors I'm sweating. I know the differences in temperature is a factor - but it never used to be like this with me. It is uncomfortable. I take longer to cool down.

During my lunch break I had to a chemist shop to get some deodorant that will have to stay in the office - just in case. Nothing worse than torturing people around you with a funny smell - especially on a crowded train.

I have just read this: "Spending time - and money! - on our image and appearance can really pay-off." So even as it takes time to improve upon your strengths, build a strong skill set and present an impressive resume.

I plan to have a less intrusive week even in this hot conditions!

I have not forgotten!

Funny when you got friends who are married they always want to know what my next plans are. That's not so funny I'm thinking towards those sides too! You after I read all this business stories on M&A it gives me ideas.

I'm reading that Ronaldo agrees with FIFA President that players are treated like slaves! I felt sorry for the players too. He had just signed a new 5 year contract worth £120,000 A WEEK! yes and he is 23. Don't you just feel sorry for him? I knew something was up when I had he had just signed the contract - Man U and his advisors tricked him!

Imagine me making that in a year I could pull of any deal in the 'M&A' field! Yes I'm past thinking about it let me cut the chase. Let the weekend start.

Half Year Report

It is amazing how setting goals can do to one's ambitions.

It is already past June - the year is almost over AGAIN!. Time moves rather fast.

I realised that I am very poor when it comes to celebrating my ‘little’ achievements. Probably it is because I have been waiting for something grand to happen maybe being nominated for the Nobel Prize. Since it is almost year end I should think through what I'm up to - most important does it tie with my plans for the future?

I am happy at my new place of work. The beauty of working within a small department is that you get more involved directly and can actually sense your contribution. This few months have enlightened me at least giving me a clear perspective of what actually I want to do


Opportunities - by the end of the year we are starting to implement a new accounting software I want to see where that leads me

Loan:
This month I will finally pay my last loan instalment so my school is fully paid for. I came to the UK just others – with dreams work and study. I thought one could work part time and pay for a masters program. Not that it does not happen, it is a gamble – I know of someone we came at almost the same time who is a Phd holder now. Maybe it is because of being far from home, I have realised life is fragile – one minute you arrive at Heathrow full of hope and expectation next minute you seem to be stuck in a rut. I could do with the extra cash it was painful at times to get my statements and see the amounts taken off to redeem the loan. It's finally over.

Family Issues:
After my mum’s retirement I have been helping her build a house, thank God she was not entirely dependant on me to finish her project. So I have been contributing on the side just to encourage her – she rarely asks me for money. Every now and then I get a feedback of the progress – soon it will be over.
I need to follow on providing her with solar panels - I stumbled upon some being sold here and thought it would be nice for her birthday coming up soon. Actually I'm not sure whether it is better to get them here the prices I assume would be almost the same.
My small sis went to UG yesterday. Although she is working she has amazed me with the way she has turned out to be ambitious and always ready to take risks. I'm so different. Waiting for her 'report' but I see opportunity here not necessary for me.

Investment:


I managed to put some money in a Balanced Fund and started contributing privately into a pension scheme all in Kenya. I want to see where that leads me too - the stock market is still a no go zone at the moment, so I hope this small step would take be a success too. The best part is even with the overwhelming financial demands I have managed to put aside some money for a rainy day.
There is a promise to have access on the account online (I'm counting on that) plus regular monthly statements via email. The next challenge is tracking the performance and of course continually pump in some cash while not compromising my present commitments.

Present Commitment:
Top on the list is of course my French classes - I realise I am not staying here forever. Not just in the UK - but also at my work place. In a small setting you can see the team you are working with. I am next to individuals with families and mortgages to worry about I simply do not see them moving any time soon. I have to be honest with myself - staying here too long maybe detrimental. I 'stumbled' upon an internal auditor who has been contracted here she has worked in 4 continents speaks 4 languages.

Shifting Careers

During my brief lunch break during the week I have come across this blog in the NY Times in a nutshell shares tips on careers.

One particular entry recently on Networking Strategy caught my eye - and it was hilarious to read through the response. Someone has 'discovered' urban hike and was basically sharing the discovery which did not impress everyone - just reading BENBENEK and Zonal had me in stitches.



"This concept is offensive simply for the fact that it is a concept. Walking is, of course, the most basic and on a global scale the most widely used form of locomotion. The notion that some members of the hipster-yuppie axis of coddled wimps can ‘accidentally hit’ on the concept of walking through the city rather indicates a depraved
separation between people and their environments - a separation mediated by cars, cellular phones, television, urban design, etc. And this
separation must be fairly thorough and profound for someone to even invent a term such as ‘urban hiking.’ Of course, this separation isn’t
so thorough that everyone invests in its perpetuation.
‘Urban Hiking’ couldn’t possibly appear as an innovation to anyone other than the softest, most pathetic suburban reptiles...."

Read the rest in the blog. By the way Marci Alboher has an impressive CV worth reading visiting the blog once in a while.

Damsel in distress

I feel older with each passing day.

My friend has just forwarded me a CV for me to offer my opinion. Apparently she had sent it out to a recruiting agency and wasn’t getting the feedback she wanted.
Personally I’ve never been comfortable dealing with the so called ‘professional’ recruiting agencies maybe it’s because I do not understand how they operate. It has been a bad experience for me. If given a choice I would rather deal directly with any prospective employers.

Back to the subject. The young lady makes me feel old reading her CV she is just about to finish her professional exams looking for her 'first' job. It reminds me of my struggles here.

I hope she makes it - although as expected lack of relevant experience might be a challenge I think she will be fine. But it is London, very competitive but also the opportunities are there. That's my Saturday morning briefly.

PS: Damsel in distress was the heading of the email!

Another one bites the dust

Again politicians continue to baffle me.
And how remarkebly different politics and business run - I mean they are different.

M&S has just announced it is feeling the credit squeeze in its food section and the CEO has issued a profit warning - predictions are also rife that other retailers will do the same.
And the reaction has been instant following the profit warning announcement - the head of its food business has been immeadiately ousted. (I thought it was the credit crunch? Surely that should have been his defence to save his job). He had just been on the job for almost a year - was it the wrong time for him to leave Waitrose?

Then I go to read that Parliament has passed a vote of no confidence on Kimunya. The man is so desparate that he is still protesting his innocence. For an accountant he should have known better - an auditor should not only state he is independent, it is important that he/she is seen to be independent. Again I have no idea what the facts of the Grand Regency Hotel saga are. All I know the man should have known better now his reputation (does he really care?) is in tatters. This are the men I used to read about and think accounting as a career was surely promising. The problem is one builds a career I don't know what gets in his head he decides to get into politics... what I try to outwit other seasoned politicians like Orengo, Raila and company You must be mad!

Moral of the story - Avoid politics (Ask Gordon Brown!)

Don't Blink!

Funny yesterday I wasn't feeling myself so opted not to join the rest of the team for football - gave excuse about being tired and all that. My boss, who is quite enthusiastic about the game - he rarely misses - came up with the line 'I wish I was as young as you are...'

It got me thinking - I'm not as young as I used to be! And I've noticed when someone asks me my age honestly at times I have to count again - I feel old! I remember when I was a teen I couldn't wait to be older - now it is the opposite.

Don't Blink
just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink
just might miss your babies growin' like mine did
Turning into moms and dads; next thing you know your better half
of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend, a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don't Blink
- Kenny Chesney

Told you I've been listening to more country

Life and Horse Racing

We had the Royal Ascot race last week. I have never understood what is so exciting about gambling on horses, but it is a huge industry here. And it is not for the small man judging from the crowds I see going there. It is not just expensive to make your way to the place but once you are there you have to be loaded.

So all the top business people invite their clients their I'm sure then charge to entertainment allowance. It must feel good to be rich

Wouldn’t it be nice if life took a cue from horse racing – waiting for the gun to go off for us to start moving? Life rarely sends us a signal as clear as a starter’s pistol. I am therefore expected to be sensitive enough to recognise it’s time to just to start.
- S. Levine

Cut the Chase!

Funny.

Just started reading this book by Stuart Levin and I almost laughed out loud when coming home tonight on the train.



Today I was late getting to work. Not my fault the trains were just running late (nothing dramatic) so when they got to my station they were packed - I had to leave two trains just go. In the morning with the kind of schedule I run - like most other people we leave it to the last minute. So my options are usually limited should something trains.

Usually I'm on time so I knew it wouldn't be a problem with the boss, besides I would make it up by leaving the office later. In the third chapter he writes about getting to work early and going home on time. We actually end up more harassed at the end of the day. In fact he rightly warns DON'T CONFUSE TIME SPENT AT THE OFFICE WITH TIME SPENT WORKING PRODUCTIVELY.

I hope I will make it on time tomorrow.

I’m spending the kid’s inheritance

Inheritance is for the rich only, my opinion.

By the way I am looking at it from a very narrow perspective - asset based. It is for the wealthy because people are living longer, in the process they actually live on what the kids traditionally would have inherited.

I have never thought seriously that I am entitled to inherit anything else other than the education, food, shelter and love that I have freely received from my family. Anything else is a bonus. The fact that we never slept hungry or kicked out of school for lack of fees or even sleep in the cold is enough for me. I don’t know much about my mum’s finances now but I doubt if she has a fortune stashed somewhere that I will discover after all this years!

Which reminds me of a conversation I recently had with an African immigrant here sometime back; he kind of abandoned his family and came to start a new life in the UK, hoping make a better life. Of course he still kept in touch and sent money to take care of his family back home. After more than 10 years of working and surviving ‘underground’ he finally got his ‘papers’ 2 years ago. At the moment he is struggling to bring his kids in Africa to the UK, in his words ‘to secure his future.’ He expects his children to act like his pension shield – they will be sending money to him should he go back to home. He maintains he has done his part therefore should secure his future.

At least his done something with his ‘pension scheme plan’ – I only hope the kids will share his vision. After investing his lifetime to provide for them will they have the time even to remember what he has done?

I think that is typical of most families at the moment – parents have to some extent been forced to depend on their kids in their old age

I guess we all have to look and start doing something now or we will be spending our kids inheritance during our old age! So again I am looking at a financial advisor I met sometime ago at OM for advise.

I have to start now!

Think Better

Another good book - not just for business leaders but also applies to personal life by Tim Hurson
. I found this book by chance - actually I was waiting for someone and decided to get into bookshop. Like everyone else I face challenges and imagine - wouldn't it be great if:

- I could make more time for myself/family and friends?
- I could find a way to earn what I need by doing something that gives me satisfaction?

Productive Thinking Model using the steps outlined in the book look practical - actually one of this day (why not today/now!) I'm going to try this steps out and learn to be more productive in my thinking. The fact that it is a skill that can be learned or developed is encouraging.

Human beings are far more skilled at following old patterns than at thinking new thoughts.

He even suggests that we do things just because we cannot think of better things to do - The Processionary Caterpillar Syndrome.

The book is great in the sense it might make you think through what you take for granted - Think Better your future depends on you

Lunch Break Challenges

Since the allergic reaction I got from a sandwich I bought at work my options are very limited during my lunch break. Actually if we had something like a Jivanjee garden around here I would go and listen to the lunch time preachers for lunch…ha...ha…


I try to be creative but mostly I carry fruits to work and just get a drink for lunch maybe with a croissant. Just too scared to get snacks that might have me scratching and having a swollen eye for the rest of the day.

To be frank I am very poor to trying out ‘new’ foods/snacks for that matter. This started way back – I found it hard to eat at the neighbours place since they did not cook the way I was used to and avocados I started eating them in high school after I missed supper and that was the only edible thing available. Same thing happened with egg mayonnaise I went for a staff briefing and that was the only snack available.

The good old days where I could get chapatti and stew – they are long gone.

Pension Concerns

By now it is no secret that I am very conscious (fearful?) of tomorrow to the extent that it if not checked I could forget I'm alive today.

After my last trip home it was very clear to me that I need to set out a plan so I set up a pension plan where I make deposits regularly. This after reading of the retirement dilemma – the earlier you start the better, plus although I would love to consider self-employment in future. I think with so much hype on outsourcing - the government and employers have also re-defined their responsibility towards us. The pension schemes have been hit hard - what struck me is that here pensioners are being encouraged to go back to work. That is a luxury I cannot afford given the environment where I come from - high unemployment and an almost stagnant/vulnerable economy.

After changing jobs I opted not to join the pension scheme at work since being on a contract I don’t see myself staying there for long. And even a more convincing reason is I hate saying this, I’m still not sure how long I will be here. In my limited knowledge I therefore decided my savings should be in Kenya.

Early this week I received a letter from the pension scheme I was a member advising me of my entitlement after I turn 55(!) – I was hoping to get an early settlement, so I applied for an early pay-off. Just received feedback the earliest I can get my benefit is at 55 and it doesn’t matter where I am funds will be transferred to my account. At least that solves one problem, but I wonder the complications of being a global citizen working on contracts the option is to take control of one’s pension
In the next few days I will be getting an estimate so let’s wait. 55 that’s a long wait I want it now.

What a way to spend a Saturday evening - listening to country music and worrying about pensions!
By the that's Gary Allan - "Life Ain't Always Beautiful"

Feeling Country

I think Ill take a moment, celebrate my age
The ending of an era and the turning of a page
Now its time to focus in on where I go from here
Lord have mercy on my next thirty years

Hey my next thirty years Im gonna have some fun
Try to forget about all the crazy things Ive done
Maybe now Ive conquered all my adolescent fears
And Ill do it better in my next thirty years

My next thirty years Im gonna settle all the scores
Cry a little less, laugh a little more
Find a world of happiness without the hate and fear
Figure out just what Im doing here
In my next thirty years

Oh my next thirty years, Im gonna watch my weight
Eat a few more salads and not stay up so late
Drink a little lemonade and not so many beers
Maybe Ill remember my next thirty years

My next thirty years will be the best years of my life
Raise a little family and hang out with my wife
Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear
Make up for lost time here, in my next thirty years
In my next thirty years

Making an Impact

Weekend almost over.

Just been to Waterstone Bookshop - I've confessed before I just love the smell of coffee and the cosy atmosphere. Best time I think is early on a Saturday/Sunday especially when it is raining the atmosphere is one to die for.

I realise that I cannot blame anyone if I cannot at least make use of such places to glimpse through different books. In fact I find it more useful to quickly go through a book at the bookshop rather buy one immediately. I have a few books I bought that I have never read.

It is a new month and at work I do alot of data analysis,budgeting, inter-company billings and reconciliations, that requires refreshing data handling techniques. Today I got a nice book by Jon Moon: 'How To Make an Impact' ( Influence, inform and impress with your reports, presentations and business documents)
. I might just buy the book makes good for reference and challenges traditional ways that I have been using - from graphs, to bullet points that don't real make sense to others (though I understand them!).

So it was a Sunday afternoon well spent - God must have heard my prayers in today's service. It's already a good week - with all these opportunities to improve whatever skills I need I can only blame myself if I don't myself better.

"Confusion is just utter, utter confusion" (Tony Hancock)

Information is not power. Clarity is.

Weekend Uplift

On a more positive note, I noticed some money was paid into my account yesterday so when I got home confirmed my previous employers had paid me for the outstanding annual leave I had!

Unexpected especially since I left rather abruptly instead of a 4 week notice mine was like 2 weeks. So although my leg hurts I'm feeling good. You know the false sense of security cash gives a person, yeah I'm feeling good.

I suspect I'm not going anywhere today. Great news for my account!

Dangerous World

I don't know the facts but just saw something on BBC about two kids dying of stab wounds - again! The worst is they were 5 and 4 years old.

Last weekend it was the same story - that's how it goes down over the weekend suddenly. I was in East London at night last Saturday and we left this 'local' joint police were everywhere sealing off some roads. The next day it was confirmed that another person was stabbed.

I was once confronted by this youth. Basically it was dark he started off with what was like he was begging for cash. Since it was dark I just avoided his path and saying sorry and continued to walk on but I noticed one of his hands was in the pocket. Maybe it was just to scare me not sure but I felt uncomfortable in fact he raised his voice almost like calling me a jerk or some other swear word.

Keep walking

Ouch Friday, Again!

Last two Friday's with all the psyche for the weekend I've had to contend with going to bed early.
My Friday timetables have changed for the time being until I get myself fit physically that is. With the new routine of playing football on Fridays at work when I get home the whole body is in pain. This morning I bought Deep Heat just to ease the pain!

In fact the local Boots store now see me more often on Saturday mornings. The previous Friday was the worst I developed an allergy after eating a sandwich at lunch time. Chicken with egg mayonnaise and sweet corn. Everything was fine in fact I got on the train feeling well at 1732hrs then I started feeling uneasy - scratching all over. I'm sure if someone was watching would have noticed how uncomfortable I was. 30 minutes later when I got home my body was covered in rashes, i had a sore throat and my eyes were red. Panic mode. Of course the clinic I go to was closed by now so I called an emergency booked an appointment for 2130 took a cab this time feeling really sick.

From experience I know such attacks subside when you reach the hospital apart from the red marks on my arms and neck plus the swollen eye the doctor recommended piriton. Of course I should have known that was all I needed.

Lesson I'm keeping off sandwiches for now, it's going to be tough.

Paul Idzik an interesting character. I've always enjoyed to read profiles.

Month End Reconcilliations

Another week gone by. I guess this is the worst time to join the accounting department when month end reconciliations have to be done - I have looked at so many figures this week I'm dreaming numbers.

The situation has not been helped by the fact that I'm taking over from someone who is leaving the organisation. She is so familiar with most of the codes and data that seeing her reconcile the data is fascinating.

I'm still suffering some culture shock - at lunch time it is not strange to be invited for a game of football then receive an internal email inviting staff for a drink with the CE. I guess it's because it is a small organisation unlike where I came from. So I'm learning and I have to change fast.

Funny:

Barclays have made it official that Paul Idzik (who?) is leaving soon. Some have described him as eccentric. Apparently he snapped a subordinates pen because it had a Royal Bank of Scotland logo (- RBS beat Barclays in buying ABN) and he is best known for leaping over the security gates at Barclays Canary Wharf HQ at the after the 7/7 London bombings. He was curious to see how staff would react!

Freaking chair!

I couldn't help but laugh in the office while reading this story - ideas started flowing I should do something - let my colleagues have something to talk about... An advice I read during the week - someone had come from holiday and found someone had taken 'his' chair - "If you are unable to stand up in the middle of the your office and ask "Who the hell took my freaking chair?" with such force that someone guiltily surrenders it .... now that gives me an idea mmm.


Someone pinch me it's Friday - why not go out for a few minutes.

New Hope New Toy

It is dangerous to have nothing to do on a warm Saturday even to make matters better Chelsea have just beaten Man U. So in the spirit of celebration and hopefully an interesting end to the Premiership I felt maybe I should loosen up a bit.

Anyway I had to do it today given that my contract ended yesterday and plus I hate receiving all these calls from sales agents who know my contract is ending. Over the phone they explain they can get this or that phone with such and such 'free' minutes. For heavens sake you are talking to the wrong person if I had my way I would make sure we all had mobile phones with fixed 200 minutes throughout the month. Once you finish the minutes you have to wait till the following month to make any calls.

What is unlimited minutes across network any time? Surely unless it is for business what is it for. I'm sure VERY few people NEED that. I remember last night coming home this fit looking lady was yapping and yapping over the phone - saying nothing really just making noise for the rest of us. Like the descent people we are everyone pretended it was affecting us; but this old man stood up to challenge the idle young one to stop disturbing everyone. She did the obvious - hurled insults left right and centre suddenly her beauty disappeared. That's the life we lead - turn away when it turns ugly.





Have a less nuisance day on the phone especially when in public.

Sentimental

I wouldn't consider myself an emotional or sentimental guy - I mean it is hard to show emotion in public. It is just un-manly (!?).

Yesterday I went back to my old work place to say bye to most of the guys - not that I'm moving out of town I will still see them every now and then.

Almost 5 years - that's a long time no wonder I feel attached to the place...but it was the right time I know. I was attached to the routine. Wake up at the same time get the same train that's how interesting and imaginative I was.

I strongly hope I will not fall into a pattern again - be creative? Maybe especially not staying in one place for a long time. I am thinking alot about that.

In hindsight, there are a lot of things I could have done differently. But in the context of the facts as I knew them and my role, I’m inclined to think probably not.

Smell Of Coffee

Still a rookie.

Today I had like 2 cups of coffee - I don't normally drink coffee but my system maybe needed it.

It must have something to do with Obama's defeat in PA I finally managed to convince myself to wipe the guilt away. Actually I never expected him to win after listening to all commentaries and opinion from those in the know. Still it left a sour taste or even worse is to listen to Hillary giving her victory speech. It is obvious now that Obama has one option - fight harder, dirtier and meaner (in that order preferably!). That's that.

Back to coffee.
That's a cute story on why I have been drinking coffee of late - maybe again it is the new environment. Gr owning up I can remember very few times I had Kahawa No.1 - Nowadays it tastes different - but my parents discouraged us from drinking coffee. So I grew up knowing it was harmful slightly below smoking and alcohol. Strange that I still LOVE the smell of coffee. I noticed that is why I love this bookshop that has a Costa Coffee shop especially on a rainy Weekend morning. Smell to die for.

Am coffee lover in the closet? By the way it is hard to come by conclusive scientific text to explain whether coffee kills or not. One day you hear one thing the next day another - One will tell you wine is good for you another will tell you otherwise.

Moderation!

What's a brother got to do to get nominated?

Listening: Musiq Soulchild's "When I'm With You" must be my fav or is it "Make You Happy".... anything he does is beautiful I guess

Another Day

You can never win everyday and today was one of those days. I got an email of my unsuccessful application to be part of an organisation I have always wanted to be part of. The timing is particularly on the spot given my patience I believe had run out.

The interview was conducted in February with the decision expected within 4 weeks - I got it today during my lunch break. In fact after being patient for so long I sent an email to one of the individuals who organised the interview.

I think I coerced her into delivering the sad news - life has to go on I bet.


Sometime ago I read a post on Kenyaunlimited that KQ is experimenting on allowing usage of mobile phones on its plane. Be it on plane or other public transport systems - including the underground! - slowly technology is taking over our lives. Suddenly we have become so important 8 hours without using mobile phone or the Internet can kill us.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who down with the trend - as I found out from Brooklyn Heights Blog.


If it is any consolation I'm listening to Jennifer Knapp - see my tastes are varied.

African Problems

Business as usual? New PM and a bloated cabinet. I guess we have to give them a chance (yes the politicians! I can’t believe I’m saying this). I was excited maybe because all the political wrangling had just become too boring and I had to let my colleagues at work know that finally against all expectations we made it through. But excuse my ignorance as I wonder loudly what exactly is the PM’s role? – any ideas on his job description? And am I justified to say soon the President and PM will try to outdo each other.

Quiet diplomacy?
While still in Africa – what is the matter with even the most sober looking among us? Thabo Mbeki sees no crisis in Zimbabwe and he is the chief mediator – someone remind him you cannot be a mediator where there is no crisis. So what is a crisis when election results have not been made public after is it 3 weeks? Or even the fact that most Zimbabweans have been forced into exile.
Maybe the solution would be to form like a grand coalition! Let’s sweep issues under the carpet – the future will take of itself. I hope I’m right
Only in Africa.
I always stood by Mugabe, in my myopic view thought we should not let the west dictate but he lost me a long time ago.
And please for the love of God I don’t want to hear any more of this ‘African crises should be dealt with by Africans’ nonsense. If lives are at stake the world should be involved – if the Americans can come in so be it. We’ve lost so many lives in the conflicts just look at Darfur.

I don’t whether like me you have a sneaky feeling that there is a huge chance that actually Mugabe won the elections and decided not to embarrass the opposition by with holding the results!
Do not give the enemy ammunition to hit you back with – I know Hillary is doing the same.
Finally: “I don’t want to explain the inexplicable; we just need to say this is ridiculous. Pretoria presents a false dichotomy between quiet and megaphone diplomacy, as if the alternative to quiet diplomacy was sending in tanks. In fact SA’s stance provided political support ton a regime, which has been encouraged to behave with impunity.” - Elinor Sisulu

Life Goes On

It has been an eventful week making decisions. Major not just about like what to eat, wear or even when to go to bed. Finally I got an offer and started this more interesting job - officially started on Friday. There I was all dressed up to get to the office and everyone is dressed casually! It was good anyway.

I think what was more refreshing is to wake up at 10am today - it is a long time since I had so much rest, it must have been stressful dealing with the choices. It is not easy to walk away from the security you are so used too. So I took it easy today read some of last weeks papers in bed till almost noon. I hope it works out the way I want it to be.


Quote of the week:

“Those you hold dear may not necessarily hold you dear. And those whom you don’t hold so dear may be the ones who will cross oceans for you.”

Got that from a beautiful blog I got just randomly.

Bear Stearns's New Hires Become Job Seekers.
I kid you not it must be tough I also gather that some of the ivy league graduates who went successfully through the interview process at Citi and Bear Stearns were turned away.

Too bad right? But if they are that good to be a success in an interview at such competitive levels - they need not panic they cannot sleep hungry!

Risk Management

I hate to be the standard bearer (or is it the SI unit) of scepticism especially when it comes to investment in the NSE.

But it does not escape my notice that whereas 'everyone' is excited I seem to have at the back of my mind a lingering thought that it is just not for me. Now whether it is because I have little faith in the regulatory issues surrounding the whole market or, God help this is not true, I just don't want to make a quick buck, I'm still searching my heart.

And the clock ticks on.

Again is it just me? I mean can the 'whole' world be wrong and I am right?

In the midst of all the noise do we have anyone who is critically looking at the numbers? Everything that has been raised unfortunately has been done by politicians therefore it has ended up dividing us further and exposing us to a dangerous scenario where reason flies out. The only solution in my opinion bringing transparency and expertise is the solution - I'm not aware of any independent advisor apart from stockbrokers - well if they are the advisers anyway. Let's assume they really care about your well being.

I distinctively remember when Uchumi suddenly 'collapsed' forget about the way it happened suddenly - nobody saw it coming? Forget that nobody was actually held responsible. Yeah and life goes on I only hope that this is not something that will haunt us.


PS: This just a thought and by no means an advice. But we have to remember that understanding the early warning signs in business deterioration is critical to safeguarding assets.

One of those Days

Terribly diasppointed at the slow progress this whole exercise has been. Tommorrow I have to d o what I got to do (A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do). I was s'pposed to get someone's help and he seems to be dragging his feet - and you know when it is a favour you are seeking the options are limited.

You don't want to push too hard but also you can't let issues drag on FOREVER!
When I'm in one of those cranky moods I dig deep into my cd collections and go back way back into time. Not surprising I listened to Bebo Norman - In "Myself When I am Real" I love all of the tracks

Long Way Home:

It's a long way home, and the crying is done
But the sorrow is still wet upon your face
Our colliding hearts sometimes break apart
But now the pieces are gathered up in grace.

When we dream this dream for the last time we'll see
That we lived this love for a lifetime...

Collateral

For the second time this week I watched 'Collateral'. Not sure why, nothing exceptional about the movie and yes it is not because of Jada Pinkett (though she is cute as always - since the days of Jason's Lyrics)

Max (Jamie Foxx) is described as living a mundane life as a cabbie - unimaginative or just ordinary - for 12 years (!). The worrying part is he still got this dream of one day owning a fleet of limos for hire. That is how time flies I guess holding on to a dream that others would not understand.

Quotes:
Annie (Jada): Well how many cabbies do you know get you into an argument to save money?Max: If there were two of us I'd have to kill the other one. I don't like competition

The first time Max realises that he is carrying an assassin:

Vincent (T. Cruise): Max, 6Bn people on the planet, you're getting bent out of shape cause of one fat guy?M: Well, who was he?
V: What do I care? Have ever heard of Rwanda?
M: Yes, I know Rwanda.
V: Well, tens of thousands killed before sundown. Nobody's killed people that fast since Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Did you bat an eye, Max? Did you join Amnesty International, Oxfam, Save the Whales, Greenpeace, or something? No. I off one fat Angelino and you throw a hissy fit.
M: Man I don't know any Rwandans.
V: You don't know that guy in the trunk either.

I liked it

Brand New Day

If you do good then definately positive things are bound to happen. One way or the other.

I'm stepping out now, it's a brand new day and possibly a new contract. I'm excited was this not what I wanted and more?.

I'm about to take a new step and like I wrote earlier it is dangerous to be recklessly prudent!

Quote

“The line separating investment and speculation, which is never bright and clear becomes blurred still further when most market participants have recently enjoyed triumphs. Nothing sedates rationality like large doses of effortless money.”

That's Warren Buffet advising us to get a grip of our emotions

The question of what to do with my money is universal so I skimmed through the pages and found the few pages I glanced interesting. This is especially true now that everyone is talking about Safricom IPO - we all have different motives but the bottomline we all expect to make a profit.

So it was God send that on a rainy and cold Tuesday morning I made my was to the bank only to find that I was there too early. Luckily nearby there is this Waterstone Bookshop which is just beautiful. I fell in love with the place not sure whether it was the smell of coffee or the clean carpet and comfortable seats. I hope it is because of the books I skimmed through while waiting for the bank to open.

"Smarter Investing: Simpler Decisions for Better Results" By Tim Hale

'Smarter investing is not about saving. There is nothing wrong with putting money aside into interest bearing accounts especially for small contingencies that may arise in the short term.
But if you have quite a few years until you need this money, a cardinal sin is to be recklessly prudent and save.'

I think it applies to me I seem to place more value in saving rather than investing - that is not being risk averse it is worse!

He goes on further to attack me by advising me to have a heart to heart talk with myself.

'Get smart have a word with yourself. While we all like to think we are capable of making rational decisions, it appears that is not so when it comes to investing.'

It will be nice once in a while instead of sleeping till 9am on a Saturday morning to make it to this bookshop and scan the books. Have a lay in or Waterstone? I must be crazy.

Be yourself

Looking back I can see how much I have tried to do to make myself a better person. Reading the vacancy descriptions - it is amazing what is expected of candidates. I wrote something about once being asked whether I can speak French of course apart from whatever else I had that could add value to this organisation. So there is always something - if your speciality is IAS/IFRSs next question would ask whether you are familiar with IPSAS! (They are very similar but imagine being confronted in an interview session - Aaahhh)

No wonder we have to prepare for interviews and in the process easily lose ourselves.



"Nous sommes si accoutumes a nous deguiser aux autres qu'enfin nous nous deguisons a nous-memes."
- La Rochefoucauld

(We get so used to disguising ourselves to others that we end up becoming disguised to ourselves!)

You can tell my French does not go beyond the basics!

It's Still A Good Day!

It's freezing cold, windy and to make it even better it's drizzling the whole of this weekend seems terrible. I'm stuck in doors well apart from the occasional sneak out to get this or that.

It gets thicker.

Friday met a buddy for our usual periodic lunch/dinner just to catch on what's happening in our lives. He is in his last stages of his studies so we usually have a lot to talk about.

We used to be in the same college back in the day and moved kind of separate ways but we try to keep in touch. I was assuming he would pursue the finance option given his background but he tells me he is considering HR (!!). I understand his concerns what's the use of gaining exam qualification without the necessary practical experience. This is especially true within the accounting field - I'm sure it's the same about other professions. I don't why he wouldn't consider going back to Kenya - he seems to have closed that option. Nothing wrong with career change (logical incrementalism), but what happens if it is not easier to get jobs in that field after his studies?

Typical student population here considering to go back home is suicidal for one reason or the other. Maybe it is out of greed or unrealistic expectations. It is like Hollywood we know all about the big stars but rarely hear about the ones who lost it along the way. I have seen individuals who have struggled and really made it big career wise but sad too to meet those who kind of lost their vision. It can be rough.

Outside is quiet, cold and dark but morning will be here soon - there is still hope. I hope he realises his dreams even when it is dark.

No wonder the weather looks mean - but who said a good day has anything to do with the weather?

Safaricom IPO and the madness around the NSE

Is it just me spoiling a potentially good party or have we forgotten the fundamentals?

The Safaricom IPO process is underway and it has attracted the attention of global business commentators. The FT today had a small article on the coming IPO just to show the interest it has aroused to profit seekers.

I understand the interest that it seems to elicit but personally regrettably albeit I am not participating in the exercise. It would have been interesting but feasibility simply deters me. I know someone would suggest that I can do it online (!) but I honestly have no reason to participate other than to make quick buck.

Other issues are also troubling sceptics like me:

Politics

During the concluded elections there was some call from certain quarters for the cancellation of the exercise – I cannot find the reasons that were put across – but now suddenly I cannot hear any discussions about the issue. I know politicians will always be politicians – now that they are ‘sharing’ power they seem to have forgotten about that. Can someone shed some light before I can even consider parting with a cent?

Weak Regulation:

Could it be we are naive or am I missing something? The CMA is still looking for a CEO (it seems for eons) and the vacuum is real. The same regulatory body seems toothless when it comes to reigning on the stockbrokers especially. Investors are at the moment queuing up outside Nyaga stockbrokers following it’s collapse, and others are still queuing up on the other side to part with their cash? Is it just me or is it mind boggling? Someone has pointed out that I am risk averse and there is no where you can get a risk free investment. I know but can we at least estimate the risk levels.
Did I mention without doubt the will be over subscription? I know I am the worst person to come to if you want some encouragement – pray for me. You part with your money say 10,000 in March and get it back if I’m not wrong in June/July. But where else can you keep the money? My sister invested over 20,000 last year in a balanced fund portfolio – she has earned a whooping 300 interest (not even enough to cover her initial charges). So I guess maybe one has nothing to lose.

I know we are excited potential especially when anyone reminds us how certain individuals made money during the KENGEN saga. So is this same as gambling?
As a by the way gambling is huge - two days ago someone told me to place the bet that Liverpool will win the league - I he must have seen moron written on my forehead!.

Anyway it is still a great opportunity for Kenya especially given the dark period we seem to have just come through. All the best.

Facts: Safaricom floatation
- Set to be the biggest listed company in EA
- 10bn shares are up for grabs.
- State to sell its 25% stake (of which 65% will go to local investors)
- Government has valued it at $3.1bn

Someone please tell me to stop moaning and get the money!

The Weatherman

I just watched the Weatherman starring N. Cage and loved it. He has the kind of dry humour in most of his latest movies which I just love.

Here he is a local weather man whose career is going on well but personal life is crumbling (how typical) - facing divorce and his dad is not making it easy for him.


“The first time I was struck with something, a chicken breast from Kenny Rogers. I was standing next to a garbage pail. I thought it might’ve been an accident, that they were throwing it out. The second time it hit me square on the chin, a soft taco. Then a pop. A falafel McNugget. Always fast food. Fast food. Shit people would rather throw out than finish. It tastes all right, but it doesn’t really provide you any nourishment. I’m fast food.”
The other thing gets to people, that leads to pies, I guess are these catch phrases we’re required to use to single the program out. It gets under people’s skin. But the whole thing about all of it, all the getting hit with stuff, the whole thing is, who gets hit with a fucking pie anyway? Did anyone ever throw a pie at Thomas Jefferson? Or Buzz Aldrin? I doubt it. But this is like the ninth time I got… [pause]…Clowns get hit with pies."

Robert Spritz (His dad - M.Caine) hits the best poise.

“Do you know that the harder thing to do, and right thing to do, are usually the same thing? “Easy” doesn’t enter into grown-up life … to get anything of value, you have to sacrifice.”

Is professional and personal success mutually exclusive?

Porn v. Prostituition

Eliot Spitzer scandal is the in thing now - (why are we so fascinated with the story?). It is a tragedy that he was pursuing his fellow rich, ruling class on Wall Street and this brought him down. Kind of reminds me how Al Capone was brought down.

Since he was on a campaign I think it would have been more devastating if he was charged with something like money laundering or even being on the payslip of the New York mob.

It did not have to be what he is putting his wife and family through.

An article in Slate wonders why it is illegal to pay for sex while porn is legal. I mean the industry is very well paying (that's what I'm told!) but if you pick one of the street girls you could face the full force of the law.

Ms. Dupre is in some sort of trouble yet as expected some top shelf magazines want her to pose for some outrageous figure. Confusing to the simple minds like me - on the one hand she is trouble for

$4,000 for her services! no wonder NY is considered an expensive city if that is the going rate the president should do something about the economy there! (It is a joke!). I have seen the bills some of the monied splash here in London for just an afternoon out.

Have a less than scandalous weekend - keep safe.

Busted

Every now and then something comes up that reminds us we are after all human. After all the noise after the concluded elections everyone had an opinion of what actually went down. What amuses me is the idea that you can publicly express an opinion and in the name of human rights (one's right to say what he/she wants to say) and not expect to be challenge. Once one has an audience there is a duty of care - atleast I think so.

Politics has an effect on me - and I don't think it is positive (why can't just ignore the more them?)

Eliot Spitzer ("Sheriff of Wall Street") seems to have issues too. The Governor has been caught up in a prostituition scandal - and it is not something that happened long time ago.

Aren't we all human? I'm not sure whether to feel sorry for him or his wife and family.

"This is why people lose faith in government. But I guess it shows that he’s human like everybody else.” a lobbyist

Something for the Republicans to shout about - for once it is not one of their own. And Wall street business leaders must be rejoicing - after all he is one of them, he is human.

By the way what is happenning at the Capital Markets Authority? A toothless dog. I must say the NSE really scares me. I have always maintained you need alot of faith to put your money there. Of course if you work in that industry or have some influence on your broker it is a different matter. The situation might not be very critical but the press has regular negative stories something ain't right.

It is a beautiful windy day but otherwose live up to the standard you expect of others. I will try to do my part.

Winning is not everything

I have always admired A. Wenger I don't know whether it has anything to do with the French accent - though I suspect it is his poise when on the spotlight.

"I know many people who have won trophies and I don't rate them at all... To win trophies is important but not the only thing in sports.
Winning can never be everything. To destroy people can never everything..."

I'm not sure whether he was answering questions about the political situation in Kenya or he was talking of Jose, but I cannot disagree with his views.