Sayonara, Shiro.

Shiro is a West Highland Terrier we got about 4 years ago. I named him Shiro because it means 'white' in Japanese. He's a very obedient dog, I must say. We put him through canine basic training and so he knows most commands. He brought us many smiles, especially so for my mom.

We are expecting a baby very soon, and my grandmother is terminally ill. Since we're all working in the day, keeping a dog at home has turn out to be a "non-option". And so, we finally decided to give him away.

I have always be the disciplinarian, the "bad cop". There are times, with just a frown, I could send him running in fear. I may not be your typical animal-lover but I love my dog nonetheless. So it wasn't easy saying goodbye to him today.

Seasonal Thoughts

April is Spring for many countries. And spring usually symbolises renewal, new beginnings and new opportunities. This is especially true for some of my co-workers.

The grapevine is just bursting with juicy speculation of who's moving to where, who threw in the letter that bosses dread so much, and who taking over which departments. Everyone seems to be going somewhere. Just today, I received news of five departures.

I once congratulated a friend on getting a senior job title after some years with the company. This, I thought, spelled better prospects and bigger roles for him in the organisation. His sardonic reply was, "Aiyah, it's an appointment. Not a promotion." I raised one eyebrow, looking somewhat puzzled. "They just give me a fancy title and more responsibilities. No pay raise."

At the end of the day, 99% of us work for the cheque. Forget passion, forget loyalty. Forget flexi working hours or attractive staff benefits. Forget Blackberries and fancy job titles. Forget it all. Just show us cold hard cash.

Money really does make the world go round, doesn't it? It certainly makes people move around.

When are you springing into action?