blessed to be a blessing

the first week of work has been nothing short of mindnumbing due to endless corporate speak to ad naseum dispensed at useless hours of discussions and workshops which we know when term begins will be long forgotten.

but what i went away with was the simple notion of my mantra for the year -- to not take myself nor anything too seriously. it makes the hours fly and the time less drone.

the other day i left my workmates in stitches with my irreverent portrayal of a student during an inane role-play session, so much so when pre-caffine at a seminar the next day they wondered why i was so sober at which i replied that i can't always be in performance mode.but i guess they appreciate me for who i am witholding judgement. and in that way my methods have served me well to be very much left alone to be who i am, namely the admin who probably thinks me too frivolous to be given any real responsibilities haha that's how one dodges the admin arrows.

and today despite being put in a workshop grouping with ikea-type co-workers, i made the best of it by initiating funny but pragmatic ideas, taking the mickey out of what everyone takes to seriously about mission statements and college values. i could see how they chuckled at my nonsense but also sought my professional validation for matters regarding concepts and linguistics, being one of the two english tutors in the group. then the leader also asked me personal questions about the kids after glancing at my phone wallpaper which went on to advice on raising and coping with work. that was the most valuable part of the day coz she looked genuinely intrigued by how i managed, having two young sons. all i could offer was to always stay happy with your choices and make the best of it. she was visibly inspired to press on while taking solace in my experiences which she marvelled as strong and 'amazing, you don't look 40smth' hahha ok that part i'm just reveling in for a bit given my dread of aunty inevitability.

so i'm going to continue like this, doing what i can to spread some cheer and dispense the mommy/experienced teacher advice (or ET as we mused today). because after all, this is part of paying it forward to my blessed existence, despite all challenging circumstances prior and ahead. my goal is to keep the eye on the prize, finish up, get the kids to hokkaido and splurge on them for the lovely and deserving beings they are. of course with that little spoiling of my wifey dearest.