The Tests Are Done

So I had lunch with the teachers at the institute.

The quarterly tests are done.

The final exams at school are done.

Time to celebrate with food at the buffet!

I ate well.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

The Thursday Morning Routine

I swam at 6. I skipped breakfast. Well, not really. I ate a Krispy Creme Donut.

195 calories.

A little nap and I went off to the buffet restaurant.

I had about four plates of sushi, fries, onion rings, pizza, and other tasty dishes.

I really enjoyed the slushie, the mini-chicken legs, and vanilla ice cream.

I tried my best to do a little small talk.

Then, I had my Stoic moment.

I was coming back with a cup of Coke. My way was blocked by a waiter talking to my group.

I waited patiently.

When he finished talking, he turned around and didn’t see me.

We collide.

My cup of Coke is on the floor and my arm.

It didn’t take long for him to walk quickly into the kitchen to wipe the Coke off the floor and give me a water tissue for my arm.

At that moment, I was more shocked than angry. I was a bit embarrassed as well.

Then he apologized. Twice.

He asked if I was okay.

I felt my stomach rise and fall with each breath.

And for some reason, whatever feelings I felt, the shock and the embarrassment fizzled up.

I told him I was okay.

Next, I asked something I usually don’t ask: Are you okay?

I didn’t read his face but heard his answer.

He said that he was fine.

I hope he felt better.

I certainly did.

The lessons I’ve been learning about being calm under pressure is slowly starting to work. I know that emotions will still boil from time to time.

They will never go away.

But I can breathe.

I can take a step back and be aware of the present moment.

I reminded myself to meditate as soon as I get back home.

I missed doing that this morning.