Barefoot Games Night

In my action plan for August I am determined to Blog every Thursday before midnight for the entire month. My post this week is about how in everyday there's an opportunity to do something you e never done before and be happy doing it. I went for an afternoon swim yesterday ( I do live on an island after all ) but forgot to pack flip flops before leaving for work. I thought to myself, no worries you won't need to get out the car anyways. What I failed to take into account was the sporadic nature of how plans change on said island. I ended up picking up my aunt after work to run a few errands. She decided to tag along to the beach and then to have dinner at a restaurant she desperately wants to try but also wanted to go to games night at another... Too much if you asked me. My mission was simple. Beach>>>>Home. I parted was with her on my way to the beach as she set out on a quest to do as much as possible in the hour that my swim would take. Not long after I got to the beach and walking the tranquil shores, my cell phone starts being bombarded by her friend asking me desperately to come join them for quiz night as they needed my intellectual brain power. Of course my slippers dilemma was relayed as my reason for not attending, to which I was told to come barefoot as no one would care. On that note I decided that life is too short sometimes to wear shoes sometimes. Unfortunately though I didn't lead the team to a barefoot victory but alas a fun night was had by all. So the next time someone tells you to come on out to have some food and drinks, do t let your shoes keep you back. 😎 Till next week. Stay Driven.

Taking the Bus on an island

Taking the bus

Given the rising cost of gasoline and the fact that I drive a 19 year old SUV, ever so often I take the bus to work. Mind you I so t live in a metropolitan city like New York or Toronto but rather the small island of Antigua. There's no bus schedule or time table just routes and independent drivers who own their own buses. Growing up on the island you learn the schedule by knowing the time particular drivers pass your home during the morning rush hour. So if Donald (actual name of a driver) passes your street at 7:00 am and you're not there to catch him, you know you're already late.

The actual bus ride though is something else in entirety. Firstly if you don't greet everyone with the customary "good morning " you'll be considered rude and unmannerly. Add to that equation scores of children getting off at the various schools along your route and mothers with young babies in tow. Compound that with teenagers playing dancehall music from a device at the loudest volume. And you have the unique experience that is catching the bus on an island. Not to mention. That you might be asked to hold said baby while mother helps her older child across the street. Or that you naught be the one to cross the street with said child. God forbid the driver has to stop for breakfast along the way. Regardless to say that whatever the scenario your trip will be one of a kind. The experience of rubbing shoulders with your kinfolk as they too journey to work to make a living is indeed a humbling feeling. The journey home in the evening is just as humble. You see mothers with babies strewn across their laps, construction workers nodding on the window panes as this is the first time they've truly rested since waking up at the crack of dawn. At the end of another day you ride side by side those who've kept the wheels of production turning for another day here in paradise.

Seven people you always want to tip

1. Your gardener: there's no doubting that it's back breaking work trying to get your hedges in tip top shape so why not show a little more gratitude for a job well done.

2. Your mechanic: Though you may have developed a good relationship over the years it's always good to keep your car guy happy, you never know when you'll be stranded on the road after midnight.

3. Your babysitter: Let's be honest kids are a handful, whether its a toddler or a teenager the struggle to keep up and keep in line are very real. Let your sitter know he/she is truly appreciated. You might just need them in a pinch when you have a hot date.

4. Your waiter/waitress: If you're a regular at your favourite eatery there's nothing wrong with letting your favorite server know that you appreciate the service they render. You never know when you'll need to skip the long lines at dinner/lunch or when they'll score you an extra side or two on the house.

5. Your barber/hairdresser: Let's admit it we all like to look, smell and feel good and there's nothing that boosts your confidence like a fresh cut or a new do. Walking out the barbershop/hairdresser felling like a million bucks is tantamount to winning the lottery so show the love where its due.

6. Your tailor: unless you have a typical body frame you'll need some help to get that dress/jeans/suit to fit like a glove. These people can work wonders with a scissors and a sewing kit so don't be afraid to make these material magicians feel appreciated.

7. Your tire repair guy: if you live on an island like I do getting a flat on your way to work is just as easy as getting one on your way home from work. Either way it's the last thing you want to deal with at the time. Hopefully you have a spare and can make it to the tire repair shop. Luckily with the increase of imported cars in Antigua the tire repair industry here in Antigua is booming. If there's a regular spot that you patronize no harm in slipping him an extra five to show your appreciation.

At the end of the day good service is good service and when you come across someone who embraces that mantra feel free to show your appreciation.

Written by Shawn N. Maile