Grateful

Today I am grateful for my job as a lecturer, which gives me the opportunity to impact so many lives.   It may not be what I intend to do forever but while it lasts, I'll give it the best I've got.  What are you grateful for?

VINCI CHRISTMAS

It’s November 15th and if the local radio stations haven’t started playing carols, you can be sure the studio lines will start ringing with people who will tell them so – “Chris I aint hear alyo start to play any parang yet ahnah”. Christmas in St. Vincent & the Grenadines is like no other. Nine days before the big day, the nation begins early morning festivities a mixture of singing, dancing and a multiplicity of performances. I think however it’s safe to say the house preparations start significantly earlier than the nine morning celebrations, furniture and other household decorations are packed away while the fresh scent of paint gives testimony to the face-lift received by the walls of houses big and small. No matter the age you know the woman of the house would find a task for you to do; be it clean the windows, decorate the Christmas tree or untangle last year’s Christmas lights. The shopping is unparalleled; our people do not seem to be content without a new refrigerator, stove, "chair set" the list is endless. As a child I looked forward to the presents and spending money; I was sure would come because it was that special time of year.

Christmas carols, Parang and what I like to call Christmas Soca can be heard pulsating from the radio as savory smells continuously emanate from the kitchen filled with young and older women alike; blackcake, roost pork, baked hams, fresh bread, ginger beer and punch de creme are just a few of the treats brewing while, my mother could be heard shouting at my dad to “stop tasting and go out de kitchen”.

Over the past few years Christmas has become increasingly commercialized but in spite of this Christmas in Vincy is never replete without giving thought to the true meaning of the season in a predominantly Christian society we are very aware that, as coined my one of our local calypsonians, “Jesus is the reason for the season”, so parents rush their children out of the house on afternoons to go to church and practice for the Christmas production, I remember reciting over and over numerous Christmas poems because on the big day I knew I just had to get it right. Then on Christmas morning we put on our “Sunday Best” and go to give God thanks for the greatest gift of all, as scenes of the nativity found displayed on lawns across the country, come alive before our eyes. We watch as our sisters or daughters or cousins who have temporarily become the Virgin Mary give birth to the Christ, a teddy or dolly which looks vaguely familiar but representative of Jesus nonetheless.

As a child innocent to many of the baser sides of human nature I was still struck by just how much Christmas seemed to bring out the best in people, the stingy or cheap as we say back in Vincy will find an extra dollar to give to a roadside beggar, we happily chatter with a total stranger as we look for bargains in a higher purchase store and as a passerby steps on our toes we barely notice as we wish them a Merry Christmas. As an adult I am still aware of the wonder which is wrought by the “Christmas Spirit” and every Christmas I am filled with joy mostly because of how this season of food, caroling, shopping and remembering our savior has the power to touch lives and change hearts.

MY FAVOURITE TIME OF THE YEAR

Written Dec, 2008

BIRTHDAY THOUGHTS

As I celebrate my 25th birthday,  I'm so glad for the quiet of the night, a sweet respite from the hustle and bustle of the day... and of life.  I'm happy for the ME and HIM time, to reflect and reminisce; to dream and plan.  As I look back on the first 25 years of my life, I ask:

What have I done?

What have I been a part of?

How have I grown?

How have I wasted valuable time?

I must anwser these questions in all the many categories that make me who I am: my spirituality and religiosity, my academic and professional life, my love and family relationships, my physical and mental capacities even my past time and voluntary activities.

Then when i have answered these or at least attemped to answer, I will challenge myself for the next 25 years... What will I do with what I have been given???

Answering questions about what you've done and who you are can be a difficult, daunting even scary task but it stands to reason that unless you know, honestly know and accept who you are; you simply cannot actualize your very best... SOLITUDE sweet enlightening SOLITUDE.

SOMETIMES GOOD THINGS DO HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE

Today, when I checked my facebook I got a pleasant surprise; two of my friends back in Malaysia had gotten engaged.  I quickly "liked" the relationship status change and then logged off because I had to get back to work.  As I was on my home later in the evening, my mind 'ran back' to them I almost immediately I felt a little jealous, because I'm waiting patiently for God to send me my life partner,  so I quickly sent up a 'God why are you taking so long prayer'.  That only lasted a minute though cause I couldn't help but feel really happy for these two people.

I suppose I am feeling a bit sentimental but truth is news like this reminds you that there's much to be thankful for.  Aaron Lam once told me that it was important to always be transparent, "your life should be an open book" he said.  I am continually trying to live by his advice.  I was always afraid of hurting people's feelings and Chrystin told me sometimes Nickki you have to be a bit "rougher",  those might not have been her exact words but I knew what she meant.  You can't help but celebrate the joys of friends like these, they don't just want to eat with you (although we do like that), makes jokes or make you feel better.  They actually help you be better, knowingly and unknowingly.

I'm really happy that they found each other,  I think her gentleness compliments his tough exterior, lol, but that's another story.

I thank God that in spite of all the happens sometimes the struggles and trials, He still takes care of His own, He's our father and he definitely knows how to give His children good gifts.

Congrats Aaron & Chrystin

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

In approximately 9 hours I will stand in front of a group of young men and women to deliver my first lecture in formal education: Introduction to Programming, look out world here I come.  

Funny enough exactly one year ago I was convinced that this would be the last thing I would be doing.  Things rarely go as planned, ...in my life anyway.

I'm excited and I know that if I say still long enough to examine this feat before me, I will feel the jitters that define nervousness but alas on the surface I don't feel nervous at all.  What I feel instead is fatigue and the first signs of a tension headache.  

Fatigue and headache, headache and fatigue don't matter though,  I'm still anticipating tomorrow's interaction, the bonds that will no doubt be formed between student and teacher, the lessons that will be taught and learnt on both sides.  I can imagine their faces when I smilingly let them know that I brought them each a present to commemorate our meeting; in the form of a quiz :).

Ah yes, I imagine that there will be no place like the classroom, the classroom, that is my life.