There are so many things that I should be thankful for but with the fast life I seem to live, I do not know what road to turn. Torn between my destructive leanings and the fondest memory of those blissful days when harmony used to be within reach, I came up with a decision which would even out the freebies I still receive.
Consider it a payback.
August 3, 2009
The first hours of the month came, and I was terribly famished. I skipped dinner the night before, and it was already 2 in the morning. It was raining outside and the short bursts of wind impeded me from leaving the workplace. I could not bring myself to brave the two blocks of unlit roads for a grub at Ministop when other, pricier choices can ease my hunger.
So I accessed my desktop's Chrome and keyed the letters that will take me to McDonald's home page. They offer 24-hour delivery service without the minimum purchase restriction imposed by rivals. The 45 pesos charge though was enough to hold back my tummy's grumbling. I even posted a Tweet venting how torn I felt.
What eventually changed my mind was the onset of dizziness. I still have hours to go and tons of work to accomplish before my shift ends. I no longer mind having to spend a fortune for a Spicy Chicken meal and an extra order of Apple pie - if the food items - and energy let me continue my task without the midsection furor.
I hit the "pay now" button confirming my order, and minutes later, the fast food representative called my number.
"So that's 180 pesos sir JM," clearing my throat, I acknowledged my food spending. My purchase could feed another two mouths had I chosen to treat colleagues at the eatery behind our office.
"How much change do we have to bring?" I told the representative that I'd be paying 200 for my order. The sale was closed immediately after.
I knew from life experiences that there are two kinds of materially opulent people: The ones who show off, and the ones at pains to hide their plentiful disposition. I am not known for my generosity, nor my fondness for displaying what little wealth I possess. At times, I would even prefer skipping meals over sharing my food with those around me so as not to reveal hints of privilege. So strong was my resolve to show niceties, to spare myself the guilt of following my craving while a colleague toils without nothing to eat, that I was still indecisive even when the phone call - from the delivery guy waiting at the reception - tells that my food has arrived.
"Heto po ang order niyo, at heto po ang sukli." I told him to keep the change. He accepted it with hesitation.
"Ingat pagbalik." I looked at him as he walked out of the building. My last memory was of him smiling, before he disappeared behind the guard post.
There was certainty with my actions there - that long-overdue change in behavior to show gratitude for all the blessings I have received lately. I may commit some lapses (like when I bad-mouthed a boy who's known for toying people's emotions), but my heart is sincere with its intentions.
This was the first of the many random acts of kindness I would perform for August.
"Mac," I left the apple pie on his table. It was for him even when he politely declined my breakfast treat when I decided to have my late dinner delivered by McDonald's.
"Breakfast mo later." My subordinate was pleasantly surprised with the snack in front of him.
Profoundly pleased with my feats, I slumped into my chair, to eat my happy meal in peace.
I knew from life experiences that there are two kinds of materially opulent people: The ones who show off, and the ones at pains to hide their plentiful disposition. I am not known for my generosity, nor my fondness for displaying what little wealth I possess. At times, I would even prefer skipping meals over sharing my food with those around me so as not to reveal hints of privilege. So strong was my resolve to show niceties, to spare myself the guilt of following my craving while a colleague toils without nothing to eat, that I was still indecisive even when the phone call - from the delivery guy waiting at the reception - tells that my food has arrived.
"Heto po ang order niyo, at heto po ang sukli." I told him to keep the change. He accepted it with hesitation.
"Ingat pagbalik." I looked at him as he walked out of the building. My last memory was of him smiling, before he disappeared behind the guard post.
There was certainty with my actions there - that long-overdue change in behavior to show gratitude for all the blessings I have received lately. I may commit some lapses (like when I bad-mouthed a boy who's known for toying people's emotions), but my heart is sincere with its intentions.
This was the first of the many random acts of kindness I would perform for August.
"Mac," I left the apple pie on his table. It was for him even when he politely declined my breakfast treat when I decided to have my late dinner delivered by McDonald's.
"Breakfast mo later." My subordinate was pleasantly surprised with the snack in front of him.
Profoundly pleased with my feats, I slumped into my chair, to eat my happy meal in peace.
4 comments:
I could relate. Usually, nanghihinayang din ako if more than 100 pesos ang ginastos ko for just one meal sa isang fast food restaurant. Proudly kuripot lang. *hehe*
Ang sarap mo maging officemate. :)
Sep:
Haha, minsan lang yun. as in minsan lang. :)
Fast food used to be so affordable like 50peso can already satisfy my tummy but now even those 49er meals kay mejo kulang para sakin.
Simon:
Growing boy ka daw kasi. Hihi.
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