Jamhead Just another random stream of consciousness.

Some changes.

Posted on October 17, 2011

Wow! I'm amazed to see people have actually commented on some of my posts on here, I've been so distracted of late I haven't even looked at the site!

New job new home.. it's all going on. I'm gonna make more of an effort on here after the kind words from you guys, many thanks for taking the time to read some of my posts.

Thankyou again.. watch this space :)

Filed under: Smile, Thoughts, Work, World No Comments

I met a man today.

Posted on February 11, 2011

Sometimes at work I zone out, pretty much completely. Some of my biggest decisions are made while I shelve books and tidy up, I tend to be at peace in my mind here. Anyway, I was in a similar state today at work when a man tapped me on the shoulder. I was quite alarmed - I hadn't noticed anyone come upstairs, and anyone who had in the past hadn't spoken to me.

So, I jumped, and span around to see who was there, and was greeted by a rough looking gentleman, I'd guess in his late 50's. Although it's wrong, and generally not even in my character, I judged him straight away. He was dirty, had bad teeth and smelled bad. I imagined that he was a drunk - someone about to cause trouble, but I was really surprised by what he had to say.

He asked for books on Japan first. I showed him to the shelf with the travel books, before he picked a stack of books up describing various parts of the world. He opened one at random and asked if I'd been there. Being fairly undertravelled (give me time!) I answered no. But he continued to turn the pages, describing places and local attractions, I couldn't believe he had actually been so far.

The conversation continued for about 30 minutes, with many books leaving their dusty shelves, after which I realised the man in front of me had travelled the world, lived his dream. I was in awe, how could I judge someone who had worked so hard? Lived such a full life?

Anyway, he said some words to me which really opened my eyes. He said:

Listen here son. You can study for years, get a degree, get a masters, work hard until you get to the top. But that's not what it's about. My degree meant nothing, I got a job myself and saved for as long as I can remember. I thought to myself, when I'm 50, I'm going to travel the world. And I did. Work hard, save up, and don't forget to dream.

I don't know, it really amazed me. Perhaps I'm just being naive, but it's strange I had been thinking about the mountain of work I have to do just before he spoke to me. I learned two lessons today - don't judge anyone, they may surprise you, and that I definitely need to save money. My dreams are expensive.

Filed under: Thoughts, Work No Comments