life's little surprises

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Good Samaritans

I thought changing a flat tire was easy. Apparently, it takes special skills to change a tire. And I know I don't have those skills.
My sister's car (which I was using today) had a flat tire. I know I need to change it so at first I tried to get the jack. I twisted and turned the knob but it wouldn't expand. I got the tools...assessed them...but couldn't decipher which tool I should use.
I finally gave up staring at the tools and asked the help of the security guard in the parking lot. He asked another guy and they checked the tools if they would suffice. Another guy came and helped in the review. They finally found the one which would help in removing the flat tire. They were also able to expand the jack (it was too complicated for me!). They finally removed the exhausted tire, replaced it with the spare one, and tightened the knobs (or screws?! whatever you call those 4 circles). Amazingly, it just took them 10 minutes. I couldn't believe it! It took me 10 minutes to look at the jack and the tools and I got nowhere!
I now have high respect to people who know how to change tires. Especially to those good samaritans who helped me! And I know I wouldn't be able to do that in the near future because I lack the strength needed to tighten the screws. But at least I now know the purpose of each tool. That's good enough for me. Maybe with enough exercise and defined muscles, I can actually manage to change a tire. Or maybe there are good samaritans willing to help a damsel in distress...

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Blooper

I am used to committing funny blunders or bloopers and today was one of those days.
The day was going well. I have two training sessions and I was actually satisfied with how the attendees were participating in the discussions. Suddenly, I couldn't move my left foot and I realized that I was having a bad cramp. It was really painful but I still continued with the training and tried to hide what I felt. But I couldn't because I couldn't breathe and talk anymore. So I had to stop and advise everyone that I was having a foot cramp. This had to be the most unexpected ice-breaker I have accidentally created. We then took a break and after a few minutes, I was fine. When the Indonesian team came back to start the session again, they brought with them a painkiller ointment for me. It was really nice of them and we started the session again with my foot having a Ben-gay/liniment smell.
Lessons learned: (1) Indonesians are really kind. (2) Someone from the team has been experiencing some kind of muscle pain and I now have his/her ointment. Terima kasih to you!

Friday, June 01, 2007

Count the calories

Surprise Birthday Cake for me and Surprise Despedida Cake for Carine...
Shared Birthday Cake for me, Gordon, Maan, and Philip...