The ranting will end here for 2021
Be cautious of strangers asking for big favours
It is that time of the year when we look back and assess whether we achieved what we set out to do at the start of the year.
I’m afraid that once again, I failed in my goal to become a millionaire. However, I’m in good company and have a ready-made excuse. Like the rest of you and your cats, Covid-19 has put a spanner in the works and forced me to postpone my plans.
I am, however, embarrassed that I did not make those millions while others managed to pilfer billions by peddling defective personal protective equipment and sanitisers. My fellow South African, Elon Musk, increased his wealth exponentially, even while the pandemic raged, and so did his competitor Jeff Bezos. Those two even managed to lose billions in stocks but regained them the following week.
As for me, my wallet behaves like our country’s economy. I’m in junk status but somehow manage to live to fight another day. Talking about the economy, it is wellknown that things are bad for most people, but I’m simply gobsmacked by people who unabashedly believe others have the money when they don’t.
I even have a list of names of people who ask me for money. This includes people I haven’t even met and who don’t know me from Adam.
Considering that I hardly ever splash out and am the antithesis of bling culture, it beggars belief why they believe I have a stash somewhere. The other day, a beautiful lady sent me a message and I responded in kind.
Like other guys, my knees go weak when a beautiful woman takes interest in me.
The conversation had hardly reached third base when she asked me to buy her data.
I immediately went into default mode and politely told her I was tired of enriching the telecoms companies. Data consumption is a burden every user should bear alone.
My kids alone are a menace, asking for wireless hotspot at the drop of a hat. They chow their data at the rate I consume my favourite Pilsner and then pinch mine.
Then there are people who knock on my door and bring stories of woe to borrow money. I’ve learnt the hard
way never to lend anyone money.
It’s better to give it when I have some, but the expectation of being repaid has not brought me any joy. The sad thing is that some have income from Sassa but have the temerity to finish it in a couple of days and expect to sponge off others.
Okay, enough ranting for this year.
Have yourselves a merry christmas and a prosperous New Year. Hopefully 2022 will bring better tidings to all of us. Perhaps Covid-19 will also tire of planet earth.