I.
I was chatting on YM earlier with a good friend who is now based in Malaysia. After the usual "kamusta pare?" and "kamusta yung mga tropa?" and the once in a lifetime "kamusta kasal ni Rick?" i was asked if "nakapunta ba kayo kay Elmo?". It struck a chord. With a lot happening around me i forgot all about it. I forgot that about 3 weeks ago, a good friend passed away. He was a good friend to every Ishneaky and to all our beloved cars.
II.
To the Auto Tech uninitiated, Elmo is one of the shop's mechanics. He has worked on almost every Auto Tech customer's car. From the most complicated engine transplants to the simplest stickers stuck to our cars, he will most likely have his hands on them. He is one of the reasons why even with nothing to get fixed, i make it a point to drop by the shop as often as i can. Because you know that you will be in the company of friends. The last time i saw him was before last year's Subic track day. The very same track day that was a very life changing for me. I asked him to check on my engine and he ensured me, albeit in a very hoarse voice, that he is 100% sure that if did not hit anything in the track me and my Eunice will make it home. I never saw him again.
III.
Elmo passed away at the age of 39, losing his fight with a throat tumor after 3 operations. And sadly i did not even notice his absence much. Not because he didn't matter but simply because i was too busy thinking about my car. Although i find myself asking about him from the other mechanics from time to time, i never really thought about him and his situation. Well actually i did. A lot. A few months ago, while having coffee with a friend we even thought of asking everyone for a few hundred pesos each to buy something for him and his family. I think this is right around the time of his third operation. But again the whirlwind of things, work, family and yes... cars has totally erased the thought from both our minds.
IV.
I heard of his passing when a friend posted it in a local car forum where we usually hangout. Everyone said their goodbyes and their condolences and offered their prayers, including myself. And then i forgot about it. The daily grind has made me forget that we lost a friend and somewhere out there, a woman lost a husband and a 12 year old kid lost a father. And after hearing all about it again it just brought the thought home.
V.
We are all too often guilty of not really thinking of people around us. We're not being being mean, we are just sometimes too busy to really think of anything else. I have been once again reminded of how easy people can be taken away from us. I recently told a good friend that it is always sad to lose someone... without really thinking about it. And no sooner than a day, i was reminded of it. My sadness may have been delayed by my busy schedule but it's sadness just the same.
VI.
So now as i put away all my mobile phones, turn off the TV, set my alarm and close my notebook i will say a silent for Elmo who was a friend to me, my friends and my Eunice. I'm sure you are now working on cars in the great race track in heaven with all those racing greats who went before you. I only wish you will have time to work on my car when i see you again. So long Elmo and thanks for the humility and selfless service you have given us. And i will be praying for your wife and your kid. May God give them the strength they need in dealing with their loss. Vaya con Dios Amigo. Until we meet again.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
The CFG Chuvaness
I can't believe i haven't written anything here in almost a year. Have i been too busy? or too life has been so static that i have nothing to write about? or both? haha but then here's one thing that deserves a writeup.
I.
So about 6 weeks ago, i volunteered to handle a team from another account because their Team Leader will be away for a month. I didn't really expect anything much since i will just be there for a month plus they are clustered in the same floor as my original account so i won't really go through any major changes. My first day was hellish, i'm not used to seeing 20++ calls waiting on the queue and i really have no idea what i was supposed to do. But i survived the first day and all the days after that.
II.
At first i could not understand how we survived those days. Metrics failing badly yet at the end of the month they always manage to make it. I honestly thought that we would fail that month. I can't really see any way around it. I was trying to study all the numbers, we looked into all the data and everything tells us there is a big chance we won't make it. But i did not sense any worries from my Bosses and my co-TL. I think they know something i don't.
III.
It was on my last week with them that i finally realized what i wasn't considering. On my last week, as i was able to spend more time with the CFG people and got to know more of them aside from my usual break buddies that i realized how they have not had a failing month in more than a year. It was the people. All this time the answer was staring right at me, passing me by, even talking to me. I approve their breaks and lunches, defer them if necessary, but failed to realize that they are the reason for their success.
IV.
It took me 3 good weeks to finally figure it out. I was working with one of the most amazing set people around. Don't get me wrong, i'm sure every account has people who work hard and do their best, but what sets these guys apart is their genuine concern for their account and their genuine care for each other. I'm pretty sure you'll argue that they also have their bad apples, and they do. I mean there really is no perfect account but their bad apples are overshadowed by the rest of the team's pro-activeness and dedication.
V.
I started thinking "what i have gotten myself into" but ended with "thank you for the chance to work with them". So i say thank you to all those who made this chance possible, my OM and SM and the current CFG TLs, again thank you. And to all the new friends i gained, you guys know who you are, and of course to everyone Thanks a lot! You made my very short stay a learning experience. I have 2 words for the last month: salamat and bitin. Ill see you around the office and the smoking room. 'Til the next GA or inuman!
PS: Separation Anxiety? haha!
I.
So about 6 weeks ago, i volunteered to handle a team from another account because their Team Leader will be away for a month. I didn't really expect anything much since i will just be there for a month plus they are clustered in the same floor as my original account so i won't really go through any major changes. My first day was hellish, i'm not used to seeing 20++ calls waiting on the queue and i really have no idea what i was supposed to do. But i survived the first day and all the days after that.
II.
At first i could not understand how we survived those days. Metrics failing badly yet at the end of the month they always manage to make it. I honestly thought that we would fail that month. I can't really see any way around it. I was trying to study all the numbers, we looked into all the data and everything tells us there is a big chance we won't make it. But i did not sense any worries from my Bosses and my co-TL. I think they know something i don't.
III.
It was on my last week with them that i finally realized what i wasn't considering. On my last week, as i was able to spend more time with the CFG people and got to know more of them aside from my usual break buddies that i realized how they have not had a failing month in more than a year. It was the people. All this time the answer was staring right at me, passing me by, even talking to me. I approve their breaks and lunches, defer them if necessary, but failed to realize that they are the reason for their success.
IV.
It took me 3 good weeks to finally figure it out. I was working with one of the most amazing set people around. Don't get me wrong, i'm sure every account has people who work hard and do their best, but what sets these guys apart is their genuine concern for their account and their genuine care for each other. I'm pretty sure you'll argue that they also have their bad apples, and they do. I mean there really is no perfect account but their bad apples are overshadowed by the rest of the team's pro-activeness and dedication.
V.
I started thinking "what i have gotten myself into" but ended with "thank you for the chance to work with them". So i say thank you to all those who made this chance possible, my OM and SM and the current CFG TLs, again thank you. And to all the new friends i gained, you guys know who you are, and of course to everyone Thanks a lot! You made my very short stay a learning experience. I have 2 words for the last month: salamat and bitin. Ill see you around the office and the smoking room. 'Til the next GA or inuman!
PS: Separation Anxiety? haha!
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