I don't mean to be disrespectful to anyone with these observations, I'm simply putting things on my blog as I always do. You see, I'm very fascinated with the idea of letting the keystrokes take over, only so that I can revisit a younger version of myself a few decades later. This is to say that anything could happen, and I could change my mind about this, but for now, this is where I'm going.

Washing the Lettuce

Maybe my dear reader, you are old enough to remember this movie, maybe not, but regardless Louie Anderson illustrates precisely what I see around me at work. Now, this is not to say that washing lettuce is not important, of course it is, but I am talking about personal aspirations and how different they can be.

You see I talk a lot, probably too much, and one of the things I always do, is ask a lot of questions. I'm fascinated by people, I'm intrigued with humanity and our quirks. The things that drive us, the things that make us powerful and weak, all of it is fascinating to me.

Somewhat as an attack I was told that I tend to get close with everyone, and after thinking about it carefully and removing my initial gut reaction from it all, I think that critic of mine is probably right. I do try to be close to everyone, personal even. It's how I know I'm alive, how I validate my existence and the value of everyone around me, but I digress.

The point I'm trying to make is that at this new job I've picked up, I've been getting close to people as I always have. Learning where they are from, the languages they speak and how they got there has been part of the side mission for the past week.

Now, I've been trying to be a good employee, I certainly have and I don't need to lie, not really. But some of the things I hear my seniors say make me bite my tongue, and pretty hard too. You see, I appreciate the grind, I really do, and even more so, I understand the necessity for the jobs my colleagues perform. But, and I mean this in the friendliest of ways, I'm there short term and don't really need to be motivated with an inspiring lettuce talk.

Please don't misunderstand me, there would be absolutely nothing wrong with me choosing to make a career out of this place, not at all. The people are lovely, the owner seems to be a stand up guy and the staff never fail to tell me how blessed they feel to have landed the jobs. I believe them, gosh, I see it in their faces. Everyone comes to work early, works really hard the whole time with a big smile.

Did I mention its hard work? Oh yes, I think I should mention it a couple of more times. As a matter of fact the other day I felt my legs shaking, as if someone had convinced me to try crossfit and I had decided to outperform the gym's Chad or something. The next day my legs were so sore, I could not stop laughing when trying to massage them, it was that good pain, you know?

I guess it must show in my face at times too. I mean, it's no secret I'm not very athletic and carrying and lifting, loading and unloading trucks is not something my body is currently setup to do, so to speak. But listen, I'm smiling all the way through too. For what it's worth, I'm trying to enjoy the experience, the workout and feel grateful I landed something in December, the hardest month to land a job.

Sticking with the lettuce?

I guess I could stick around, work my way up, but the more important question, at least for me is: Do I want to? and adding a second question for good measure: Do I have to? To both questions, the no fits pretty well, if I'm to be honest.

I'm sticking to my original plan, I've just had to improvise to adjust for reality. You see, I'm moving to South America, to Ecuador to be exact, hopefully middle of January. However it was agreed that I would pay the house bills until January, and thus complete my end of the negotiation. The house would then be cleaned up and listed for sale soon after. All this to say my friends, that the lettuce is probably just fine for a month or two.

But you know what's the best silver lining here? I don't really have to join a gym anymore, and eating a cookie doesn't feel as sinful either. That's a win, right?