the new year of the OX

As we welcome the new lunar year, we face the uncertainties of the world with the world economic slowdown being the foremost thought in our minds. Let's all welcome this year with some optimism. Let's all do our very best and not use the economy as an excuse. Over the past years, I've heard so many excuses. Salesmen expecially adopt a laidback attitude. I, for one, am grateful for my job and for the company that I work for. Though during better times when other companies are giving their employees more than a month's bonus, my colleague and I are both thankful for what we are getting. Money is not everything even though many would disagree. Yes, it does allow us to afford the comforts of the world but what about the other things that we should be thankful for; peace in our country, happiness, family, etc. Doesn't all these matter too ?

On the eve of Chinese New Year, Bernard and I were talking about his trip to Ipoh with his extended family and how much fun they had. I asked him what he'd choose if given the choice; money or happiness ? A bit of both he said. I agreed. Today, we earn quite a bit. What we jointly earn today allows us to own cars, properties and eat almost anything we wish but sometimes when we really sit down to think about it, our day is just another day. We seldom appreciate what we have anymore. Life has become a routine, a routine that is sometimes boring and fun is almost non-existent. I remember those days when I was a child when a trip to KFC was filled with so much excitement. It was a real treat that we appreciated. Today, a car is just a car and a home is where we return to sleep and sometimes eat ! Maybe fun out the window as we age and accept the responsibilities in life. Whatever it is, life is what it is and I will accept everyday that comes as a challenge.