I'm finding myself doing good things out of impulse. I'll hold the door when I know someone, even that person is 20ft. away, is going to leave as well. I'll offer my helping hand if you need help fixing your computer or other random chores. I even would leave that 5 cent change off the $1.95 ice cold coffee. lol.
But sometimes I realize that even I'm doing the right thing, it somewhat screws me up. I guess a narrative story will enlighten that.
I started enjoying walks, which last around 40min. to 1.5 hrs. I was walking downtown and found this hardware store. I'm in need of some materials, such as pin files and sand paper in varying grits. The store personnel, probably the owner, kindly offered his assistance and helped me choose the right type of materials I previously mentioned. When we hit the cashier, the phone rang. While on the phone he rang up my purchase and handed me the change. I made roughly $9 worth of supplies and I handed a $20 bill. He handed me $5 bills and coins for change. I was checking and putting it away, I notice an extra $5 underneath. I'm pretty sure I only have the $20 in my wallet. Now here comes my "act of good welfare", without hesitation I notified him of the mistake in change and handed him the extra $5. He smiled, while still on the phone. I said my thanks and left the shop. Deep down I felt good I did the right thing. On the other hand, I could use that extra $5 to buy other things especially if everybody needs money these days. Am I being too nice? maybe too naive? >_>
Let's hear another one....today specifically.
My parents decided to get Cable, Highspeed Internet, and Digital Voice--if you know the company good for you. hehe. There's actually a reason for us for getting it, but not going to get on the details about that. But one thing is for sure, we need to get the TV cable running. The installation is scheduled 2-4 pm. But it's almost 4, still nothing. Then the phone rang and the operator notified me that the technician is running late due to his workload. Being the nice guy I am, it's all good to me.
He came close to 5pm. He did his inspection and turns out, he need to replace the cable connecting from our house to the post outside. Now this post is on a steep hill in our backyard, actually our neighbors. He told me that he might have to call someone to do that. He decided to do it, but he'll be needing someone to hold the ladder. Due to the steep hill and loose soil from the moisture and rain, he wanted someone there just to be in a safe side. I volunteer. I helped carry the ladders and set it up. Turns out that he needs to connect it to the post first. Then have it connected again to where the ladder I'm suppose to support to. He did stay there at the post for some time, probably 10-20min. I did patiently wait at my spot. It started to rain, I even see a rainbow he pointed out. hehe. Anyways, once he finished the connection to the post, he then commence connecting it off the wire below where i'm at. I mean I could've just waited inside till he finishes with the post and come back to support the ladder. But I'm a type of person that can wait, whether it's a bus stop or cashier registers.
So after all that installation, we went back inside to see if the existing cable works. That took about another hour. I have to monitor him as he's going about his task in my parents bedroom. He then sets up everything in that room, being that the telephone jack is there where the modem needs to be close by. Plus it's the only room fitted with the wire that connects to the TV Cable. But actually, my family wanted the cable in our living room where our big TV is at but currently fitted with satellite. But I guess I assumed he want to check if the box works, considering that the wires might have corroded. That took him about another hour of troubleshooting. Then, he finally the dial tone but the modem wont activate for some reason. I think he spent another 2 hours on that? Turns out the problem was at the other end where a phone call to the HQ fixed it in just 2min. Great... Well he's exhausted considering he's working for 15hrs. straight. He did his best to get the internet and cable going. He actually about to call it quits, but he's really persistent. But yeah he finished it, and I signed off confirming his installation.
But that's where I screwed myself up. It's true that he got the internet, cable and phone working. Unfortunately, the cable and internet is setup on my parent's room. The phone actually has bad ringing noise at the background. All of which was furiously pointed at me by my angry dad once he got home a few minutes later. On my perspective, the guy tried his best to get those thing up and running. How I can deny him signing that thing off. He probably is on a commission basis. If i didn't, those 4 hrs. of work are for naught? There are still things need to be fixed, especially the wiring to the living room and the phone but it's already late at night. Am I being too nice? He even mentioned to me that the company actually screw the schedule up. He didn't get his equipment till 1pm. He had to go back to finish the job early in the morning which he still has to go, company policy?, despite not having the proper equipment. The technician had a long day and did his best, at the least he deserve my signature? But not to my dad's eyes. Everything he sees are all wrong, mistakes and "stupid" judgement on my behalf.
My mother was calmed with the situation. Actually, if I were to discuss it with my mom we probably contact the company and asked for a follow-up installation as the job wasn't completed. Yewp, blame the company's messy schedule not the technician. But no. I got yelled at, humiliated and probably called indecent things. My dad didn't see it in my perspective. Heck, he probably couldn't care less for the well being of the technician. After all, it's his job we paid for in terms of installation fees.
Sigh...I apologize for the lengthy post. But you need to know the details to see it in my perspective. But what do you think? Am I too naive to be nice? Is it a careless act of good welfare? Probably a kick at the balls huh? I'm probably not in good terms with my dad this week. Such a downer, bleh.
After writing this wall of text, I feel a bit better. But yea, this will pass and we'll get the whole thing sorted out. I just wish my dad has constructive criticism and not a destructive judgment over the whole thing.
I still believe in good karma. Certain good things did happen to me. Well at least i don't feel guilty since I did the right thing. Or did I? lol.
Until then....
,,V,^_^,V,,
