It can get rather tricky knowing whether your friends treat you as a tool, or a genuine friend to depend on. What exactly do I mean by that?

Sometimes, you just feel that a particular friend of yours looks up to you as a friend he can count on only when he needs you for something, say a helping hand. Notice I used ‘he’? Well, it’s just for convenience sake here, rather than to use “he/she”, which can be rather cumbersome. Back on track, he disappears or almost doesn’t contact you when he doesn’t need you. In this case, what do you really see in the friendship? Was there even friendship to begin with anyway?

Obviously, this cannot be classified under ‘Friends with Benefits’, because if you were to google it, ‘Friends with Benefits’ refers largely to two platonic friends engaging in non-obligatory sexual relations. That is, no strings attached. Nope, I don’t mean that at all. All I’m saying is, there are such friends around you, who take you for granted in most instances, and as to whether he will respond when you need their help, is a huge question mark.

Personally, this is one type of friendships I would never concur with, and perhaps never will recognize as well. Real friends don’t treat you as a tool, and certainly will respond immediately when you need help. He will also have you in mind for leisure and casual engagements, outings, events and activities. Most importantly, he cherishes the friendship wholeheartedly, and will always be there for you. That, everyone, is a REAL FRIEND.

How time flies! Today’s already the last second day of 2011, and in no time, we will welcome the arrival of a brand new year – 2012!

It was almost like last week that I stepped into the working society and began my first full-time job. I could also vividly recall the time when I was called up for national service at the tender age of 18. Now, I’m pretty much twice that age. Suffice to say, doubling my current age would probably see me into the last lap of my entire life. For now, I shan’t go that far though, because nobody, except God, knows what tomorrow will bring.

The first quarter of 2011 witnessed my intention to purchase a real estate unit of my own, upon reaching the legal age of 35 on the 2nd of March. So there I was, embarking on the journey that would result in an acquisition of a valuable asset. How wrong was I, as the dream of living by myself was smashed by the irresponsible owners of a 5-room HDB flat located close to Pioneer MRT station. I gave up looking for another one. Those close to me would know what eventually happened. Nope, I’m not going to repeat the story again.

The second quarter went well though, as I completed the final paper of my diploma course, and graduated with pretty decent grades. It was indeed a sign of relief, as the 18-month course came to a complete closure.

The second half of 2011 was really the peak of my life, as I got myself a new automobile, and legally became the owner of the current HDB flat that I’m staying in. Both events were smooth-sailing, and I’m glad there wasn’t any hiccup.

Looking into 2012, I don’t really have much hopes or dreams, except to probably learn to be a better person. Why? Well, I guess I’ve a lot that I need to change for the better, and perhaps not stressing myself too much too. I can be really tensed and take things too seriously at times you know? Hahaha…!

Anyhow, I still hope that 2012 will be a good year for me, and I’ll do my best to spend the coming year wisely.

The month of November will see a couple of things happening in my life, either of considerable significance or a first.

At work, beginning 1st of November, I had handed over all my key accounts to my team members. This marked the end of my duty as an account manager, and began the full-time responsibility of a team lead. I’ll be required to spend more time with my team, nurturing and molding them, as well as managing them.

At home, come 24th of November will officiate the ownership of my current residence. I had purchased the HDB apartment from my parents at valuation price, and it will be under my name albeit everyone still staying there. Of course, I had already moved in to my own room 2 months ago.

Having sold my Suzuki Swift last month, the third week of November will also see myself driving off the Volkswagen Scirocco that I purchased earlier in August. It’ll be the 1.4L TSI model, and the color that I’ve picked is candy white. This would be the first continental car I own, as well as a first in the family.

At leisure, come 20th of November, I will be attending Thomas’ wedding luncheon in JB, Malaysia. But this time, I will have an added role; being the emcee for the event. This will be my first time, along with a co-emcee, Lisa Ang. Hopefully, I won’t disappoint the newly wed.

The result for the bidding exercise for my preferred car plate number is out – Successful. There was only one bid, and that’s mine. Hahaha…! The number is the last 4 digits of my mobile phone number. Yooo hooo!!! =)

Now that it’s more or less clear the owners of the flat that I was supposed to purchase from had decided not to sell off their HDB unit, there is nothing much I could do other than exercising my legal rights or just blame it on my luck.

Taking them to court and forcing them to sell off their unit is within reach. In most cases, after consultation with a lawyer, the judge would rule in my favor. However, the downside is, not all my legal fees would be borne by the defense. I was told that in general, they would probably be asked to pay S$2,500 for my legal fees, while I’ll have to be accountable for the remaining. The fees, as you would expect, could reach S$8,000 or more.

In addition, time will of course be wasted with the frequent commuting to the court or lawyer’s office. I asked myself, would I want to subject myself to such inconvenience?

So, after assessing all the pros and cons of things, I have decided to drop this case, but still hoping for some form of compensation from the ex-sellers out of their conscience. As they all would say, what goes around comes around. Also, I will be purchasing, instead, the current HDB unit that I’m staying from my parents. The documentation and process are underway, and I’m praying for a smooth journey this time round.