What have you brought home now? That's what I heard yesterday. And it was about me. With a chuckle I continued to shovel shit. I had sensed a comment like that coming during my charm offensive. I'll tell you why.
Yesterday I started my contribution to society for the first time 😉 . I've been dubious for years with the idea that I should do a little more within 'the community'. Volunteer work. Not that I have time to spare, just because it's starting to gnaw. Actually, I'm always too busy, so you might think you don't have time to volunteer at all. But there is pressure and pressure. And I'm too busy with myself. With things that I find important for myself and for my family. Nothing wrong with me, but something still gnaws. And if it's been running through your head for so long, it's not for nothing. I think then. So it's time to look further.
I was actually rolled in by Luc. Last summer he started volunteering at the animal park in our neighborhood. On the advice of his mother 😛 , with the intention to lend a small hand there during the holidays. Some time away from the PC so to speak. In addition, at the age of 12 he now has to do a social internship from school. And he can probably do that in this zoo as well. A nice place for an internship, right?
The only thing is that the manager of the park has some kind of 'user manual'. He is old and he communicates in his own way. Raw. Not always nice. He also has views that may differ somewhat from other -particularly younger- people. Not really useful, especially if you have to rely on volunteers. Fortunately, Luc can let that slide by himself.
Anyway, because I've been working in my head for years with 'doing something for others' but I haven't taken the step before, son suggested that I also have to come and lend a hand in this animal park. And yesterday it happened. Super fun to do, except that 07:00 on Saturday morning is quite early, but go ahead.
I had already intended to enter it blank in advance, but to challenge the manager of the park if necessary. And I mean communicative. When he enters, he looks at me suspiciously and calls out to the other volunteer 'here comes your staff'. Immediately clear in the fact that we should not expect anything from him. I approach him and of course immediately extend my hand to introduce myself. I get a firm handshake in return. I love that! But the look remains. And he immediately starts pointing out her 'mistakes' to the other volunteer. If you don't do it his way, you're not doing it right. I have already been informed by her.
Now I'm not one to blindly follow orders without thinking. And if I find something about something, I don't hide it. Soss ... While we get started, I parry every comment that can be picked up 'wrongly'. With an appropriate joke. It feels like a game, at least to me. I make some seemingly nonchalant comments in between and sure enough, the ice cream starts to thaw! After a few remarks to and fro, I hear him yell at the other volunteer “C. What have you brought home now?” I don't even have to see his face to know… this will be okay. And I pat the pigs on the head.
Secretly I think to myself… “Yes, I still have it in me”. haha. Even though the man in question is about 25 years older than me -or maybe because of that- I still have it in me. My charm offensive works 😉 .
