To Speak Up or Not to Speak Up

To Speak Up or Not to Speak Up

A few months ago, I decided to follow up on an old insurance claim. Since I filed the claim in April of 2004, no one from my former insurance company’s claims department had ever advised me of the status of the claim. I felt the company did not play fair with me on this. And the insurer of my car did not reply to my recent reminder either. As a last resort, I wrote to its president instead. As expected, within weeks I got a call from the company’s customer services representative. She apologized profusely on how badly the company had handled my claim. She also advised me that a settlement check was in the mail. Now after four long years we can finally put this case to rest.

By all means, my experience in this case is not unique. I am sure many others also had to deal with their insurance companies for various reasons. Normally I do not make a fuss or "speak up," so I can get what I am entitled to. I do believe, though, we should treat each other fair and square, particularly if we are on the giver-side of the service equation. When we get whatever we have bargained for, then none of us will have to "speak up" to get what we deserve.

However, in this case, it pays to "speak up." - Ayee

Education! Education! And Education!

In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Elaine L. Chao, the Secretary of Labor of the federal government, told the reporter that university graduates earned more than $1,400 a week whereas high school graduates earned $528. And unemployment rate among workers with a college degree was 2.2%. The same rate among high school graduates was 8.3%.

Although these numbers surprise no one, they are important to the many youngsters who are skipping classes or quitting school for good.

We all know in real life that well-educated individuals are likely to hold higher position on corporate ladders. Education instills good senses in us and enables us to exercise better judgement. Furthermore, what we learn at school improves our ability to meet the many challenges in everyday lives. We do not expect everyone with university degree to become a business tycoon. But with more knowledge under our belt, it is possible that all of us can lead a self-sufficient and productive life. - Ayee

In Pursuit of Happiness II.

I saw it on televison the other night.
I am glad to learn that many good people, who had suffered the greatest losses in life, become happy again. They forgave the persons who grieved them. By forgiving the criminals who murdered their dear family members, they released themselves from the burden of a tragic heart-wrenching experience. The act of forgiving enables them to put the tragedy behind and found closure and peace within. Although their lives can never be the same without the loved ones around, forgiveness also transforms them to be more empathetic toward others including themselves.
Apparently, besides being content, forgiving also brings happiness. - Ayee

A friend to remember

A friend to remember
One of my golfing bodies, Eric, passed away after he won a jackpot on June 18, 2008, at a local casino. He died of a massive brain hemorrhage, quick and painless. Ironically, it is exactly what we had wished for ourselves when we were joking about death and tax over coffee in the past. We, his family and friends, are sad because of his sudden departure on one hand. But on the other, we celebrate his passing as the "way to go."
I want to remember Eric as an unbeatable golfing opponent who won many community tournaments. He also was a "gentleman" friend to the three of us, his golfing bodies. He would help us when asked but never invaded our space when not invited. Eric was an honest and productive person. He earned his respectful living by offering his precise craftsmanship to restore homes and offices. He was an avid fisherman who brought many to smile when he shared his bountiful catches with them. Last but not lest, I also want to remember Eric as a self-taught individual who possessed amazingly astute business senses. Even though he had not left any noticeable footprint to the society at large, he did leave me a fond memory that makes me thankful that I have had a friend like Eric. - Ayee

Worm Huggers

The other day I was so pleased that I found out one of my acquaintances also a worm hugger.

With green grass everywhere around our neighborhood, rain or shine we often see earth worms in all sizes traveling on the concrete side walks. Unfortunately, some of them get stepped on by passers-by, become crows’ breakfasts or get dried out under the scorching sun before they can reach a grassy area where they can burrow themselves into the soil again. Certainly no one wants to see the gardeners’ best helpers meet their untimely death in this manner. So many of us become worm huggers.

We would not hesitate to interrupt these slow-moving crawlers’ journey. We move them off the side walks and place them to a more habitable area for worms. It’s interesting to note, the earth worm looks slimy but when touched, it’s very soft plus it will never bite you when handled.

So the next time when you see a little innocent wiggly worm in the wrong place, please do not hesitate to pick it up and relocate it to the place where it belongs!

Be kind!

Ayee