As smooth as SILK?

I was taught this phrase "as smooth as silk". Today, I questioned how true it can be. I had a query to make at SilkAir. I gave the 24hr hotline number a ring. Guess what? I was put on the waiting end because it was busy. There was some smoothing music, but I can't believe that I had to wait for 25 minutes. And I still wasn't answered by anyone.

I was very perturbed. I couldn't believe I lost to SilkAir's test of endurance.

A cool 3 hours later, I decided to have another go at it. This time round, I managed to get through to an operator within a minute. It wasn't that bad, I thought. I asked the operator on the details of changing a return journey of an air ticket. The end result - It can't be done and I have to call SilkAir on a working day to enquire again.

As smooth as Silk? I don't really believe in such a phrase anymore. SilkAir fell short of my expectations. Instead of providing quality service, it joined the group of budget airlines in being a no-frills, long-queue airline provider.

I sat and pondered. Aren't we supposed to develop our competitive edge and differentiate ourselves from the rest? Or have we learnt how to adopt to the mass and forget about how to be best...

Building the last house

There was this story about a old carpenter who was about to retire. He told his boss about his intention. His boss was sad to see him go. After all, the carpenter had been an experienced employee who builds good houses with fine woodwork.

His boss requested one last favour from him - to build one last house before he leaves. He paused and had some reservations, but accepted it unwillingly.

As his heart was no longer in his job, his efforts were of half-hearted nature. He did complete the house, but one could see the standards have dropped significantly. When he told his boss that the final task was completed, his boss said 'Here you go - this is my gift to you - the house'.

I thought about it. Life is all about this house we are building. The one and only house whereby we put a nail or lay a brick onto every day. Whether we did it consciously or in a haphazard manner is all up to us. Time and tide waits for no man. Put in a wrong nail, and you might need years of effort to pull that out.

I ask myself, how am I going to lay my brick today?

Letting Go

The term 'Letting Go' seems like a term meant for the losers. We use this term for those who did not persevere to the finishing line. We tell our friends, don't let go, be a fighter.

But LETTING GO is the Best Thing I have done this year. My major decision this year was to give up on my current job in the airforce. I had a bright career ahead of me. I am a leader with men working for me. The next posting for me would have been a staff appointment, with more learning opportunities.

People ask me - WHY QUIT?

I realise that if my hands had been full, I wouldn't be able to hold on to any better things. I had to free my hands before I have the ability to grab on to something new.

I want a break - holidays, travelling and more soul-searching by myself. I want to give more time to my MBA - nevermind the high opportunity cost. I want to search for my dream job. I want to get into the private sector. So many WANTs - I can only go after them, after my hands were emptied and untied.

Staying Single

Staying Single is the trend now. It's ok to have a boyfriend or girlfriend. It's alright to be in the dating scene. It's fun to co-habitate. But it's a risk in getting married.

I watched the movie 'Sex and the City' yesterday. The plot discusses about finding love and getting married for 4 matured ladies living in Manhattan. I love the show. In fact, I caught several of the HBO series in my younger days.

This time round, it tickled some of my brain nerves and got me thinking about MARRIAGE. Marriage comes with many conditions. You have to win the girl's heart, then prove that you got cash, financial security and a big home for her to live in (like Mr Big). You need to stay faithful - 1 mistake can make you out of the house (like Steve). And you got to give her lots of attention (like Smith).

There are so many 'marriage clauses'. Staying single is the easier alternative that will ease one's troubles. Single, w/o any strings attached, seems to be best solution to stay cheery and chirpy. And who dares uses the fairytale statement of 'staying married happily ever after'?

My Hero - Superman

Clark Kent is Superman. He is the man every one wants to be. He is my idol. He is my hero. He is my dream.

There are 3 main elements in Superman:
1. The ability to STRIVE - He exerts significant energy to get the tasks down. And that is because he puts in the best he can in everything. It's never easy to give a 100% commitment to all the tasks at hand. But why are we shortchanging & demeaning ourselves, when we can get things right the 1st time round?

2. Aim for the SKY - These are HIGH targets set. But then again, if you are setting a target, why not make it a stretched one so that you can get the BEST result out of it? I always watch how Superman always aim for the sky. Even if he falls short, no one can blame him as it was a near-impossible mission (to kill that villian).

3. Using your STRENGTHS - Superman utilises his strengths. He knows what he can do - the ability to fly, his speed, his bionic eyes, etc. How many of us know what we are good at? And do we even utilise it or keep our stengths a hush-hush?

Be a Superman - Strive for the Sky with your Strengths