TRUST ME ON THIS ONE, SOMETIMES LET GO OFF THE FREEBIES!

Not too long ago, I was going through a list off a friend’s page on the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ in a workplace environment and one of the ‘don’ts’ struck a chord within me and a song of remembrance began to play in my head and certain incidents which happened  many years ago, as in over a decade and a half years ago came to mind.

Before I go on, a paragraph as cited below on the list read:

  

Never be too dependent on a colleague. If you have a colleague who has a car while you don't have one and go your direction, don't always make it a point of duty to follow them every single day of the week. You get a salary and part of the expenses you need to incur is your transportation so don't be too miserly. Even though the need to save is understandable, don't make anyone believe they are doing you a huge favor. There's nothing wrong if you decide to take public transport even while your colleague is heading towards your direction. That way they will not only respect you, but also realize you can do without their favors.

Now let’s go on.

Many years ago, while working in a services providing firm, I had a colleague who would give me and about two other colleagues a ride home every day as we all lived in the same part of town at the time so it wasn’t like we were taking him off his route. He did take us for a couple of weeks without complaints until one day when he started complaining about fuel and some other things I can’t even remember now.

After several complaints which we initially laughed about, one day during lunch break, I met him alone in the canteen and he brought up the issue of fuel and how it was eating into his ‘pockets’. We talked for a while and then I agreed to support him by giving him some money every week as part of my contribution for the ride and also asked him if he could talk with the others but he refused and said one of the other two persons had said she wouldn’t give him a dime after all she wasn’t taking him off his route. Knowing the kind of person that lady was, I just advised him not to bother with her as she was known to be very nasty by everyone when she chose to, so he let the issue slide.

Everything went on as usual until about two weeks after our discussion when the guy strolled into the office and when he was asked if he drove, he said “no” and when he was asked why he didn’t, he said it was cheaper for him to come by public transport and besides he couldn’t continue giving free rides while others saved their money and above all, get insulted whenever he complained about how much fuel the car was consuming. He continued to work by public transport and interestingly on the days he drove, he would sneak off before the close of work just so nobody would hitch a ride with him *laughs*. On a few occasions of such sneaks, he would hint me that he was leaving so I could hurry up, nevertheless, there were days he would be gone even before I got out for fear that I may have hinted the others if I took a few minutes longer than he could spare in waiting.  The trend continued until he resigned not too long after to start his own business. Just wondering where he is at this moment.

Now fast forward to a couple of months after the guy resigned, some of us were offered loans to buy cars but ‘yours sincerely’ had plans to leave before the loan was offered so did not take it. However that same lady who was nasty to the ‘resigned’ guy got the loan and bought a car so it was her turn to give  ‘free rides’ to those who lived in her axis.

Not too long after, drama started which was just after a couple of rides and our ‘queen nasty’ started giving attitude and complaining worse about the same things the former guy used to complain about *laughs*, did I hear anyone say “karma is a b**ch”?

It didn’t take long before everyone stopped hitching rides with her as you would get not just insults but more annoying remarks before you get to your destination, so the best thing you could do was either get used to having your ears filled with insults or stopped hitching and so I chose the latter and I was free from unnecessary remarks until a new way of life, by way of another job came my way.

So I was done with her but not without learning the lesson as stated at the beginning of this write up that one should “Never be too dependent on a colleague. If you have a colleague who has a car while you don't have one and go your direction, don't always make it a point of duty to follow them every single day of the week. You get a salary and part of the expenses you need to incur is yours transportation so don't be too miserly. Even though the need to save is understandable, don't make anyone believe they are doing you a huge favor. There's nothing wrong if you decide to take public transport even while your colleague is heading towards your direction. That way they will not only respect you, but also realize you can do without their favors”.

Trust me; never be too dependent on your colleagues!

2017: YOUR YEAR, CHASE THOSE DREAMS!

Happy new year to you and all my readers out there. Welcome to 2017, a new year that is no doubts filled with mixed feelings, expectations, dreams, goals and so on.

Yes, here we go again. It’s really a new year and just like yesterday, 2016 was here and it went past before our very eyes as though it wasn’t here at all and gbam!  We are in 2017 already.

As fast as 2016 went, for some of us, it was either a great, good, lovely, slow, fast, awesome or whatever you decide to name it as not everyone had their dreams and expectations met hence it is a ‘carry over’ of such dreams, goals or expectations for many.

But then what can you do but to ‘deal with’ whatever your experiences were in 2016 and move on with positive mindsets for this brand new year 2017.

Whatever your dreams are, don’t give up on them yet. You may ask the ‘why’ questions and I am quick to respond to such ‘whys’ with “because you still have life”. 

 

Carry on with life and be more optimistic that things will turn out better this year as long as you work harder and not give up or give in to challenges that will definitely show up in this ‘course of life’. I call them ‘challenges’ and not ‘problems’ because when you see any obstacles as challenges, you are bound to look beyond them and envisage the victories ahead without any thoughts of giving up on that goal.

For many families, they hoped and expected babies in 2016. While some of these families had their babies, some others didn’t get and of course felt broken as it was another year of unfulfilled dream and expectation despite the many prophecies that may have come their way.

The other day, a friend, Charles Novia posted on his facebook page on the issue of childbearing saying “If you can't have babies, go adopt. Who says your loins have to be the blood father or your womb the blood mother? This is the 21st century. Change your way of thinking about life and what the society wants from you. I have been talking with a few old folks and it gets lonely when you get old. It's really lonely. The only joy some of the old folks derive is that they have grown up children and grandchildren still visiting or taking care of them. They can't describe the joy. What if they never had kids? There's always the old persons homes for those kind, who may wish to live there. But it's by choice in Western Societies in some instances. Old Age Living is mostly communal in Africa. But it is better enjoyed when those folks have kids. Don't be lonely”. Enough said on that for now. 

 

For some other families and individuals, maybe it was just a new car or better jobs they wished for but they went through the year hopeful each month but could barely fuel their worn-out cars till the end of the year not to talk about getting a new one. Again they heard as ‘happy new year’ rent the air on the 1^st of January with no new cars, jobs or houses to show for all their toil through the past year.

Again, for some persons who are faced with health challenges, they believed and hoped all through the year for healing, having done all they know to do medically, spiritually and financially, yet they are still ill leaving them dejected into the New Year.

I could go on and on given the many unfulfilled dreams and expectations. But there’s no point reeling them out. Suffice to say here that we all have to hope again, believe again, try again and be very positive.

No matter what the economy says, just believe in this year 2017 that it is indeed a year for your divine laughter. Don’t give up! Not yet!! Not ever!!!   

Once again, happy New Year!

GEORGE MICHAEL'S DEATH:: TRIBUTES FROM POP STARS OF HIS HEYDAYS

A few minutes ago, in a report by Andy Moore on BBC UK, tributes have started pouring in on the life and times of Singer George Michael, the ‘careless whisper’ crooner who was reported to have died at his home on Christmas day at the age of 53 as announced by his Publicist.

According to the BBC report, the star, who launched his career with Wham! in the 1980s and had huge success as a solo performer, "passed away peacefully" on Christmas Day in Goring, Oxfordshire, his publicist said.

Thames Valley Police say they are treating the death as unexplained but there were no suspicious circumstances.

Former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley said he was "heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend".

Writing on Twitter and referring to Michael as "Yog", a nickname for "Yours Only George", he added: "Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx"

On Instagram, Sir Elton John posted a photograph of himself with Michael, writing: "I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans."

Michael's family announced news of his death in a statement issued through the singer's publicist.

"It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period," it said.

"The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage."

South Central Ambulance Service had been called to Michael's property at 13:42 GMT.

Thames Valley Police said its officers also attended and Michael was confirmed dead at the scene.

They added: "At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. A post-mortem will be undertaken in due course. There will be no further updates from Thames Valley Police until the post-mortem has taken place."

His manager, Michael Lippman, gave the cause of death as heart failure.

A small heart wreath and a rose are among the tributes that have begun to be left outside the front door of Michael's home, a detached property by the River Thames.

Michael, who was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in north London, sold more than 100 million albums throughout a career spanning almost four decades.

He first found fame with school friend Ridgeley in duo Wham! - reaching number one in the UK singles charts on four occasions - before going on to release solo albums, including the multi-million selling Faith in 1987.

The follow-up Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 outsold Faith in the UK but led to Michael losing a court case with record label Sony over his frustration at how the album has been marketed.

His talents as a singer, songwriter and music producer made George Michael one of the world's biggest-selling artists.

Blessed with good looks and a fine singing voice, his stage presence made him a favourite on the live concert circuit as he matured from teen idol to long term stardom.

But there were times when his battle with drugs and encounters with the police made lurid headlines that threatened to eclipse his musical talents.

As a solo artist, Michael scored a further seven number one singles in the UK with songs including Careless Whisper and Fastlove, collaborated with the likes of Aretha Franklin and Elton John, and won three Brit Awards and two Grammys.

The Grammy organisers said Michael's "extraordinary talent had a profound impact on countless entertainers worldwide, and his creative contributions will live on forever".

Michael later began facing headlines for the wrong reasons as in October 2006 he pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drugs, and in 2008 was cautioned for possession of class A drugs, including crack cocaine.

In September 2010, Michael received an eight-week prison sentence following an incident in which he crashed his Range Rover into a shop in north London. He admitted driving under the influence of drugs and possessing cannabis.

Pop stars from Michael's heyday were joined by contemporary names in paying tribute on Twitter.

ABC's Martin Fry said: "Absolutely devastated to hear of the loss of @GeorgeMichael Truly brilliant talent #sad #sad #sad."

Duran Duran referred to the the so-called curse of 2016 - following the deaths of David Bowie, Prince and Rick Parfitt - posting on their official Twitter account: "2016 - loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichael's family."

The band included a picture of Michael with its frontman Simon Le Bon, Sting and Bob Geldof.

Madonna posted a video from 1989 on Twitter and Instagram of herself presenting Michael with an award, and wrote: "Another Great Artist leaves us".

Robbie Williams, whose first solo single was a cover of Michael's song Freedom, wrote: "Oh God no …I love you George …Rest In Peace x".

Singer Pixie Lott tweeted: "Grew up listening to the beautiful and talented @GeorgeMichael - my mama's favourite! was a pleasure to meet him so sad to hear the news."

Fellow pop star La Roux wrote: "Another one gone.... What a voice, what a songwriter."

DJ Tony Blackburn said: "Unbelievable, George Michael has died at the age of 53. RIP.This dreadful year goes on and on. So sad, a real talent."

Apart from  ‘Careless Whisper’ which was a hit in 80s, George Michael's UK number one singles include Wake Me Up Before You Go (with Wham!) – 1984, Freedom (with Wham!) – 1984, I'm Your Man (with Wham!) – 1985, The Edge of Heaven (with Wham!) – 1986, A Different Corner – 1986, I Knew You Were Waiting For Me (with Aretha Franklin) – 1987, Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me (with Elton John) – 1991, Five Live EP (with Queen and Lisa Stansfield) – 1993, Jesus To A Child – 1996 and Fastlove in 1996.

Earlier this month it was announced that producer and songwriter Naughty Boy was working with Michael on a new album even with a documentary film entitled Freedom also was due for release next March.

In 2011, Michael postponed a series of concerts after being taken to hospital for treatment for pneumonia. After treatment in a Vienna hospital, he made a tearful appearance outside his London home and said it had been "touch and go" whether he lived.

Doctors were reported to have performed a tracheotomy to keep his airways open and he was unconscious for some of his spell in hospital.

After years of refusing to be drawn on speculation about his sexuality, Michael disclosed he was gay in 1998 after being arrested in a public toilet in Beverly Hills, California, for engaging in a lewd act.