pointman11

Monday, the ride into work was horrendous. What normally takes me 20 minutes took over 45. And to start the week, we have huge expectations on ourselves plus from our customers. The parking lot attendants were out of touch and out of sync. I had to park the furthest away from my enterance and lockers than I ever have before. I was so close to the street, I should have parked in the grass. A third of our dock crew was late or couldnt make it in. Our truck drivers were an embarassment. Mixing truck loads, parking trailers in the wrong lanes, work order numbers becoming transposed so we would have to physically walk the lot to find trailers for pick up. We are a quarter mile from the interstate that leads to our facility. In the distance, while searching for yet another truck that was dropped in thw wrong spot, we could see emergency lights and a news copter. It was a terrible day all around.

But the tragidy wasnt in our FC, it was a quarter mile away in the interstate. And even deeper at an elementary school in Indianapolis. The accident on I65 was a multi car accident with a fatality. Lost in this was one of our own here at Indy 1. Keitra Smith, 28 years old, starting last November as a temp, converting to full time in May, becoming an ambassador like me in September. I didnt know her, but I have shared the same lunch room with her, passing in the same isles with her, encouraging the same new hires and coaching those who struggled with her. She leaves an 8 year old son two weeks before Christmas, when all childrens dreams become hope and excitment. This young boy will have nightmares not understanding why his mother, working 50 hours a week, will not be there to hand him his presents in Christmas day. The real tragidy was the loss of a bright and brilliant life. She knew a great many people I work on the dock with and through picking. She was in the same ambassador training class as I was, she earned her yellow vest in deep commitment and hard work.

The longer drive into work, means nothing but a few minutes less of sleep to adjust for traffic because I still wake with a new day ahead. The wind doesnt feel as cold as I walk to my truck before or after work, because cold ears and nose warm once my truck starts. Working a 60 hour week is not as draining because I still have alot of down time to apriciate the holiday and the small things that use to drag me down. I can still call my dad and tell him I love him. I can still walk my dog even when he takes his time before doing his business. I can still let the little things irritate me and laugh them off when I retell them. The little things are nto an irritation anymore.

I guess the reason for this blog is just to remind all of us that, during this time of the year, when things seem to mount and stress begins to build, when it seems like there is never enough time. There is always enough time. Stop and apriciate the small things even if they are a minor irritation. Enjoy the breath you take and share each of your passions with everyone. Dont put off living until tomorrow. Live, love, laugh, apriciate it all today.My thoughs hopes and energy to Keitra's young son and family.