31 Thank Yous And More

As I type this post (10:30 PM), I could hear a poor soul shoveling snow outside. I could hear the crunch of the shovel hitting the 3 to 4 inches of snow that dropped for the past 24 hours. After the shoveling, he has to apply ice melts, hoping that the freezing rain tomorrow won't refreeze them - again. My prediction last night was on point. It snowed the whole night, and I woke up to winter wonderland. I felt a mixture of delight and agony; delight because the kid in me loves the snow, but agony because the adult in me did not like walking on the slippery pavements. I turned on the TV right away and watched intently which firms, schools, government offices were closing. Alas, my firm wasn't one of them. I dragged myself to the shower and protestingly got dressed for work.

The walk from my apartment to the Metro took forever, but I made it anyway carefully trudging through the icy sidewalks. When I got to the Metro Station, I found out that there was an hour delay due to mechanical problems, a train got stuck somewhere and trains were sharing tracks. I didn't budge and accepted that I'll be late to work today. When my train finally arrived, it was packed. Just like any good passenger, I obediently took my space in the crowded train. I was pushed, squished, and pulled from all directions. I just closed my eyes and hoped that things will get better. The train ride should have been less than 40 minutes, but it became an hour and a half ordeal.

I sighed relief when I reached the office. I made myself a cup of coffee, grabbed two small muffins, and sat in my office ready to tackle the day. Suddenly, Ms. Admin peeked through my door and said, "You know, our Internet server is down and we're not exactly sure when we'll get it fixed due to the weather and all." At this point, I was ready to burst. I didn't know if I was angry or frustrated, but it was probably both. I dropped my head, realizing that I can't win by being mad, I shook my head and laughed. After all, it is my birthday.

For the whole day, I managed without my Internet. I can't believe how I've become Internet dependent. It's like an addiction. Work life took a different level as the facsimile became alive again. Some of my office workers weren't even sure how to use it. Most of them are so used to just scanning or sending documents as e-mail attachments. I can't blame them; it's faster that way. I found the experience rather amusing.

It was still snowing when I left the office. Of course, my train going home was late too. I've stopped complaining, and I'll be content to know that my birthday was made interesting by a series of eye-opening events. I am happy and thankful that today I turn 31.

**********

Dear All,

My sincerest thank you. I am deeply touched and humbled by all the birthday greetings and wishes you have showered me. Thank you so much for remembering my birthday and celebrating it with me in spirit and thoughts.

My heart is overflowing.

Sincerely,
Kayni