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
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
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
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.
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.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
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!
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!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
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
. 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
Saturday, June 14, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
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"
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"
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
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
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
Sunday, June 01, 2008
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.
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.
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