Meeting John

Thought yesterday (Saturday) would be the usual one. Get up lazily, prepare breakfast for Chad and myself, watch the morning news, kill time at home or go to town for some shopping (normally window shopping, that is!), go to church and walk back home. Well, yesterday was typical, until I get tired of walking along town, and Chad said we could use some "aircon" at the national library while resting our feet. So we did!

I grabbed a book, which I did not intend to finish anyway; it's 4:30PM and the library's almost closing. I looked back and there was Chad, comfortably sitting in an upholstered back chair, already starting to read the daily newspaper. I sat in a couch opposite him, and started reading... thinking, we should do this more often.

It was almost five when a few elders sitting at the readers' area started to pack, and an old folk suddenly talked to Chad, asking him a question and then more, about where he came from, what he's doing in the island, and did I say, more! They were chatting even when we were outside the library (and naturally, I was dragged into the conversation as well). There he was, John, proudly talking about his dancing talent, and how this made him travel to various parts of the world, including the Philippines, where he met one of his wives (yeah! one of two according to him). It was a fun talk that we had, from places and personalities in the Philippines to rental fees here in Bermuda. He could be forgetful once in a while, asking Chad if he is from Hong Kong or China, saying that the Chinese are the smartest people he ever knew. We separated agreeing that in case Chad and I drop by the library next time, we'll teach him with his laptop. He said he goes to the library everyday to learn to use the computer and the internet. And it's giving him headaches all the time. Hehehe... Mind you, I commend the man... he is 60++ years old and still very eager to learn! And I bet it's not easy to ride the bus from St. Georges to Hamilton, with a laptop in a bag at your back when you're that aged.

Yesterday was no ordinary day to me. I could use much and much inspiration. Who knows what more awaits me if I go to the library more often. Besides, I am only at page 15 of that book!

Change is everywhere

1. Bermuda has changed.
Before leaving home this morning Chad said in a text message that I shall call a cab as the buses were not running still. Luckily for him, he was offered a ride to town by a local. I was hoping to get the same - a free ride - so I waited for awhile at the bus stop. A van stopped by and the good driver invited me in. Inside were two old ladies who appear to be "picked up" as well. So I got in and off we went.

The old ladies were talking about old Bermuda. How people in cars used to offer rides to those waiting at bus stops, if they are all going to the same area. They said, this rarely happens nowadays. And that they commend our good driver for showing that there are still people living up to the old Bermuda way.

And these ladies were right. Things changed here. Jorge, one of my officemates, was offered a ride by a local, too. Only, it cost him $6. All of them who were picked up were charged by their driver. And their trip was not continuous as the driver stopped by the hospital area to wait for more "hitchers".

2. Working hours have changed.
Since last week, my teammates leave the office no later than 7PM. With this week being our reporting week to the client, no later than 7PM is pretty early. Supervisor Scottie (who used to be the earliest comer and the latest goer) now arrives every morning almost exactly on time (10AM) and leaves right before we all do. When asked, he said, that's the new office culture. I'd love that if it's true!

3. The landlord has changed.
Summer is almost here. Last Sunday was a fine day for swimming and since Chad is not much into beach water, we could have enjoyed the pool here in our apartment. Only if it was clean for swimming. But the Landlord has not been cleaning it for sometime now. To add to the tall grasses, busted water pump and walkway lights. I have not seen him visit in a number of weeks; contrary to almost twice a week visits when he and his family first bought the apartments from our previous landlords.

3. I am changing.
I wish I could say I have changed. But I am still working on it.

Tonight, I turned the office lights off. Meaning, I was the last person to go out. Considering I was one of those who got there early, I am not doing very good in trying - trying to stop being very task-oriented. To the point of working like there's no tomorrow (or the next working day). I always want to get things done. To the point of forgetting what my real priorities are.

I realized a few months ago that my being very task-oriented does not always work for my benefit. And that's the reason I have to learn how and when to stop. To keep in mind my priorities... which are not necessarily my tasks.

I was asked by my manager if I am working tomorrow. I could not believe I heard me burst "it's Good Friday for God's sake!". I explained to her that it is my Lenten sacrifice - to not work while I want to. She thought I was being funny. Guess she does not know me enough.

See, I am changing.

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Good or bad, change is everywhere. How's it been there for you?

1 year and counting

I got this cake for myself, to share with my teammates and some officemates last April 1st - my first anniversary with the company I am working with here in Bermuda.

The treats started not with this cake though. Scottie, our team's supervisor, bought banana cake for the team to share. This was after I and my other teammate teased him to treat me for my anniv the following day. And yes, I am thankful, he gave in to that! Apparently, I was the first person they could remember to celebrate my anniv with treats. Only birthdays are usually celebrated this way in the office.

Some co-workers laughed at and criticize my gesture... others seemed to like the idea and were sincere in greeting me. I barely care about the negative reactions. I have enough reason to celebrate. Besides, everyone enjoyed the cake!