I went to General Santos for an inventory count last Saturday. I was a bit hesitant to accept the assignment since I have pending work here in Makati (from another client). Nevertheless, I decided to accept it. Having no choice but to say yes, I set my mind for another busy weekend.
I once read a portion of another thought of wisdom that says, “You can control your attitude, but not the action of others. You can control your calendar but not life circumstances. Remember this; it’s not what happens to you, but what happens in you.”
Indeed these words shot me at point blank! Indeed with all the works pending in my schedule, here I am again flying back to the south and count inventories which by only thinking about it, already giving me a headache. How awful on my part. I initially have seen the negative part of my assignment. But after reading this one, my perception about my assignment began to change. After another deep breath I was already thinking, well this is another free vacation for me. I can still enjoy the weekend by clearing my schedule converting worktime to playtime. Just a simple change of perception already gave me a momentary booster.
I was given the chance to fly to Gen San for free. Stay in Kalsangi, a place free from pollution, with nice environment and almost a Baguio City setting with all the green pine trees and cold climate. Plus the food oh so great and delicious once again for free! Once again I would be having free and sumptuous meals from breakfast to dinner. Saying the food in Gen San is delicious and less expensive compared to Manila is only an understatement. I would be losing my words in describing how great the food especially the sea foods and fruits in Gen San. I am already a California Maki addict!
For the moment I stopped thinking about my work. , Joey, my officemate and I just stayed in our room surfing the net while waiting for the basketball game (Team Pilipinas vs. Jordan, too bad the Nationals lost the game). After watching the basketball game, I got the chance to have a nap on a lazy Friday afternoon. Feeling energized again for the Saturday’s inventory count.
Saturday
Saturday morning, Joey and I woke up early. Our call time was set at 6:30 in the morning. Our count was planned for two groups. One is going to Surallah (another town in South Cotabato) and in Calumpang (PEZA zone in Gen San) and the other group will be staying in the Cannery. Joey has already been in Surallah and Calumpang that’s why I decided to be assigned in those places. Never did I know that the travel time would be much longer compared the actual count!
Going to Surallah took us almost an hour and 20 minutes. Along the way, I enjoyed the view. I got the chance to visit the town of Tupi and Marbel, the hometown of once popular ex-basketball player, Kenneth Duremdes (now known as Koronadal City). Life in these places seems so simple and not too complex. How I wish all places will be like these places, developing while still maintaining the simplicity of life.
As the day went by, my count went so smooth. I was so thankful precount was already performed. I was also amazed by the hospitality and warm welcome of the employees assigned both in Surallah and Calumpang. It helped a lot thinking positive result about the count and forgetting the soaring heat of the sun and the long travel. After the count we went back to Kalsangi past lunch. Only upon lying in my bed I felt slight body sores, I guessed it comes from the bumpy long trip. I fall asleep leaving the TV on.
I woke up already past the hour of six. Dinner would be ready and I almost forgot, Saturday night is ihaw-ihaw night in Kalsangi. All kinds of grilled food, pork, chicken, fish, prawns and squid are all available. Once again my tummy added new fats and my cholesterol once again notched another level! Still, after dinner I was so thankful to God for giving a semi-vacation during the weekend.
Sunday
Sunday is the day for us to go back to Manila. With all the pasalubong boxes and fun memories we had for a short vacation, I could draw a smile on my face. Indeed I cannot control the life circumstances but still I managed to control my perception and attitude over the weekend.
While writing this, I am already back in the busy city of Manila. I am once again back to be stressed again but what the heck I am already recharged for another week of audit work! Let’s get it on guys!
