Morning Routines

I began my day by emerging from the embrace of my warm bed, ready to embark on the daily ritual of preparing for work. A customary practice of mine is to kickstart the day by coaxing life into my groggy muscles with a gentle exercise routine. I flow through the cobra stretch, the firm resolve of a plank, and the stability of side planks, each held for a disciplined 30 seconds. I alternate these with the vigor of mountain climbers and burpees, committing to 15 repetitions of each exercise. The aftermath leaves me gleaming with sweat, yet a delightful fatigue fills my being.

After this, I made my way to the bathroom, seeking rejuvenation. Splashes of water invigorated my face while the bristles of a toothbrush imparted that invigorating, minty freshness. My senses awakened, and I stepped out of the bathroom following a soothing warm bath.

The mantra "Dress to Impress" reverberates in my mind when it's time to select an outfit that radiates confidence and professionalism. Draped in a sharp, navy blue long-sleeved shirt and complemented by crisply creased navy blue pants, I added a finishing touch with sleek black sandals.

With my attire in place, I ventured into the kitchen, ready to fuel the beginning of my day with a nutritious breakfast. I prepared a bowl of oatmeal, savoring each spoonful. Once breakfast was conquered, I gathered my work essentials - my trusty laptop, a notebook, and a stack of documents that demanded my attention once I reached the office. Argh, these documents had followed me home with the promise of productivity, but I had yet to make any headway.

The challenges of working from home loomed, and I pondered the futility of dragging these documents back and forth. It occurred to me that as an intern, my efforts often went unrewarded, except for the occasional glimmer of hope in the form of bonuses earned during site inspections on fieldwork days. The weight of unnecessary tasks and stress from various departments had seemed to converge since I left the AIE's office on my second day at the agency, particularly the never-ending demands of the administration office. The urge to exclaim, "Hey, Mr.! I'm here to learn as a technical staff, not an administrative one!" often crossed my mind.

Reflecting on my confident strides toward the Area Inspecting Engineer's office on my second day, I recalled the absence of the AIE during my first initial visit. As I approached, a voice from within the open office door pierced the air.

"Don't say that, sir!" The voice declared boldly. "You don't dictate the standards for inspections here. If you stray from the agency's regulations, be prepared to forgo certification and the approval of the electricity distribution company."

My uncle-in-law, Mr. Vincent, who had accompanied me, rapped lightly on the door to announce his presence before stepping in. I greeted the AIE with a polite "Good morning sir" despite his ongoing phone call, a display of respect and courtesy befitting the moment.

The AIE, a man whose age bore the imprints of time's trials, responded with a subtle raise of his eyebrows, acknowledging my greeting. His stern voice cut through the office.

"Sir, you can choose to defy our standards, but any attempt to connect the point load transformer to the grid illegally will result in legal repercussions for both you and the contractors, thank you and goodbye."

With a decisive conclusion to his phone call, the AIE shifted his attention from me to Mr. Vincent. Simultaneously, we offered our greetings, ensuring that respect prevailed. I didn't leave Mr. Vincent the opportunity to speak on my behalf; instead, I took the initiative.

"Sir, I'm the new intern, and I came to submit a copy of my letter for your approval. I visited the administration yesterday and came here right after my agency tour, but, regrettably, you had already departed."

He nodded, extending his hand, a silent request for the letter. The AIE, a sage of the agency, reviewed and re-approved my letter, cementing my role in this grand journey. Then, he delivered words that resonated like an inspiring symphony. He preached the doctrine of collaboration, stressing the significance of teamwork and adherence to agency standards.

"In this agency, we function as a single, cohesive unit. Approach your colleagues with the mindset of harmony," he advised, encouraging me to work in unison with the staff, much like a well-oiled machine. He underscored the importance of safety, with words like "Let it be your shield on the field," reminding me to wear my PPE during site inspections".

*present moment*

A quick glance at my phone's lock screen confirmed that I was on schedule. It displayed 7:14 am, assuring me that I would make it to work before 8 am. Taking a moment to style my hair and gathering my keys and wallet, I bade farewell to my cozy haven, ensuring that all lights and appliances were turned off as I ventured out to seize the day.

As I set out that morning, the clock on my phone whispered promises of punctuality, displaying 7:29 am. The city was stirring to life, and I knew the highway's embrace would soon become a ceaseless ribbon of motion. Anticipating my destination, I assured myself that I would reach the office well before 8 am.

The journey unfolded like a symphony, each passing mile harmonizing with the beats of my thoughts. The city's heart pulsed, and the city came alive in the early light. On the road, I navigated the currents of traffic, It was a dance of vehicles, tango of commuters, and a waltz of determination.