Wise lessons from valuable people

In the last month, I've made a conscious effort to spend more time talking to people. Just talking, knowing that if i listen hard enough, i'd be able to learn something from that person.

These are some things i particularly liked and have pasted on my notice board in front of me:

1) There is no train to catch

- Why are we living life so stressed, worried and in such a hurry to do the next thing. The people around you won't like it and honestly, neither would you. Make time for everything you do. It doesn't mean you have to do any less, just plan your time properly and be calm

2) The only person to compare yourself with is you

- I can choose to compare myself with the students in the International Trading Track. Or perhaps I should compare myself with the social science students landing masters places or jobs in the ministries. Oh wait, what about my friend in medical school. It's never going to end. Set your own targets and know where you are in relation to that.

3) Be Happy and at Peace with your current status while staying aware of the opportunities that present itself

- This ties in with 1 & 2 and simply means, don't be frantic about 'improving yourself' and don't worry about where others are, just know where you are now in relation to your goals, be content that you are there and keep your eyes open to opportunities that come your way. It will also help to pre empt how you react when they do come your way.

4) Life is meant to make you smile more than you frown

5) There should be time for ice cream on a sunny day

6) Don't forget the few seconds for God

Cafe Review: The Cheesecake Cafe

>I've always loved the cafe. The atmosphere is great and the cakes are divine. It may appear a little pricy, but the ambience and the taste of every bite makes it well worth it. Their 'company policy' however, left me with a sour after taste.

I had my dinner after Bhangra practice and got a message from a friend saying she and some others were hanging out at the cafe. Looking forward to some good conversation, i decided to join them for an hour or so before heading home for the night. 

The manager welcomed me warmly. 'Good to see you again he said', remembering me from my frequent visits. When he handed me a menu, i said, 'no thanks, i've just eaten, i'm just joining my friends for a short while.'

It was then that he informed me of this 'customers only' policy simply put is a 'buy something or get out' policy.

I think it is absolutely ludicrous. I am a regular customer and I was joining four friends all of whom had ordered a $7 slice each. Lets examine the facts here,

- Everyone at the table were paying customers

- I joined them as they reached the last quarter of their cake

- The cafe was only a quarter full

- My presence at their table required no extra chair, space nor service as i joined my friends on the big sofa

- I'm no cheapskate free loader - instead, i am a frequent customer.

Within five minutes, the waitress came up to take my order. That was my cue to leave, feeling rather insulted. 

I'f i had brought more cash out, I'm not sure what i would have done. But I'm honestly glad i didn't. I would have been upset with myself for spending $7 on a slice of good cake, i was in no mood to eat. FYI, the cheapest item on the menu was a glass of milk, priced close to $5. 

To get Back on the Bike

I was at Gurdwara this morning and i observed two things.

1) It's been 6 weeks and people are still asking me about my accident

        2) People who barely know me, know of my accident

I'm sure being the people they are, all the talk and enquiry is out of general care and concern. But what got me thinking was this: 8 months ago, it was this same people showering me with praise and admiration for my Alaskan expedition. What will be the consequence should I not get back on the bike? 

Now obviously any person with a heart would not want to be called a quitter. Thats one motivation to get back on the road. But more importantly, I think getting back on the road, using my bike - not just for sport, but for transport - might serve to inspire some. 

Simple things like this matter. After her horrific accident in Alaska, my Zero Limits teammate Lesley got back on the bike one morning to for a ride with the JoyRiders. She got left behind, but she still rode on and finished the ride. If she can do it, so can I. Now i hope someone else will say the same thing in reference to me. It is my service.