March 11, 2014

"How about money?"

Wooden Chair
Wooden Chair (Photo credit: epSos.de)
"No matter how rich you are, you have only one ass sitting in one chair." --- A guy interviewed by Bloomberg today.

Another day a not so well know friend called me, telling me that her new house (must be her second house) construction had just finished. I congratulated her. Then she asked about my health and everything else. I just told her that I was in very good shape, health was improving, and mentally I was very happy. As if disappointed by my answer, she asked: "how about money?" Surprised by this unexpected question, I asked how about it? She said that for all these years I must have no saving. I said that's right, because I barely had energy to take care of myself. "So?" She asked. Then I said that despite the difficulty, I still managed to make enough for me to live life. I also added that I don't really care much about money, because I believed that extra money don't bring extra happiness.

I don't remember exactly what's her response, but I do wish that I knew the quote above at that time so I could say: since I only have one ass and one chair, I have no money problem!
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10 comments:

  1. I always find it very funny how some people can decide that you don't have any money or valuable enough possessions with nothing other than presupposition. I guess she also rang you to make herself feel much better because she feels she has a lot more than you. Yun Yi, I wouldn't waste my time discussing my finances with her, it's none of her business and maybe you should enlighten her the next time.

    All that money and it can't even buy her a good heart....

    Hope you enjoy the rest of the week Yun Yi, and glad your health has improved.

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    1. Thanks RPD! You guessed just right! Never I will again to discuss my financial or any other situation with such type of people.

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  2. Yun, that’s a great quote from the guy interviewed by Bloomberg. I love your last line about one ass, one chair, and no money problem! I completely agree with Marty. Some people like to elevate themselves by putting other people down. I’ve known people like that too. Money doesn’t buy happiness. Seems to me that you may not have as much money as she does, but you are much happier!

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    1. Thanks Madilyn! "Some people like to elevate themselves by putting other people down." exactly!

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  3. all the money in the world cannot buy happiness because true happiness comes from an appreciation you have of yourself, those around you and the many blessings you savor and enjoy. A new house is nice but if you sit alone in your new house without selfrespect or respect of others than all you have are four expensive walls that hold nothing important..

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    1. You hit nail in the head! Well said Floormodel!

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  4. And you call her a friend! Anyway, you can do with one less teacher.

    Yun, as it happens, I also have little money. My net worth is a serious negative sum. I often run into people who point it out to me that being a father of twin girls —yes, girl's family is supposed to pay a hell of a lot in dowry to the groom's family out here— I am headed for serious trouble. I don't know. Sometime all I say is, "Tomorrow is another day!"

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    1. Uma, I can imagine that as a father of two daughters you must carry lots of responsibility. It's not easy! Yes, tomorrow is another day!

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  5. yunyi, when I was a young punk roaming around the US having wonderful adventures, an uncle of mine would ask me constantly when I intended to settle down and make some "real" money. To become, in his words, gainfully employed. I told him I was already gainfully employed enjoying my life.

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    1. what a wonderful answer you gave to your uncle. wish all people could understand this true wealth of life.

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