Woke up this morning, brushed my teeth, showered, dressed for work, combed my hair, gave myself the first and final look in the mirror (for the morning), and smiled.
Was greeted by the maitre d'hotel at the coffee shop with a smile. Despite lack of recognition, I smiled back.
The concierge, at the hotel, saw the searching look in my eyes, smiled, and called a taxi for me. The look in my eyes transformed to gratitude.
The cabbie held open the door for me as I fumbled for my laptop bag and file folder, trying to get out of the car as elegantly as possible. In my embarrassment, I smiled, half to myself, half to the cabbie. He acknowledged with one of his own.
At the bank, the girl at the forex services desk greeted me heartily. I looked different from her and her people, spoke differently too. She smiled at my keen efforts to speak her language and to be understood. Although the job took a little more time than I'd budgeted for, I waited patiently, to be rewarded with an apologetic but respectful smile. I couldn't take objection to the delay.
I got off the elevator on the wrong floor. The restaurant I was looking for was on the floor below. I asked a passer-by for the way to the staircase, so as not to hold up lunch-time elevator traffic in the 27-storey building. She realized I was hungry and kindly led me by hand to the front of the elevator door and pressed the button for me. I smiled my thanks.
The gymnasium was empty when I entered. The trainer-cum-attendant called out a greeting cheerily, almost surprised to see me again. I replied with a wide grin.
A junior colleague called to ask how my day was. He's on his first week of his first project in his first job during his first international trip. Today was also his first day of return from work before 10.00 pm. Subtly, the greenhorn asked if I'd had dinner. I smiled. He wanted to talk, to be heard, to be with someone who knew. I invited him to join me for the meal.
30 mins to midnight. I think about all the reasons that one looks for to be happy in life. Am I happy? I'm happy to be here, to have a job, to enjoy my work, to have great work-mates, to use my time the way I want, to anticipate a new experience when I go out the door of my room, to talk to those I love and care about, to pray for them. How much does it take? Just a curved line?...
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"The Happy Virus"
I caught the happy virus last night
When I was out singing beneath the stars.
It is remarkably contagious
- So kiss me.
(Have to admit, I couldn't resist copying this one!)
1 comment:
Hahaha, babe, its a virus, it is meant to be copied, I am glad you caught it from me ;)
Sounds like an interesting day on your trip, do tell us more!
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