in the morning

So I got up this morning with verve and dynamism. The sun streamed in, I finished a few more chapters in my third re-reading of the Fountainhead; I set off to work clean and glistening and I thought to myself, right now, right this moment, brief as it may be, I am happy. I caught myself being happy and it was so rare. (of course it had dissipated with the onslaught of work by about 5pm, but nevertheless...)

Then I had lunch with a colleague and a friend, a Mennonite (the most interaction I've had with their ilk was watching Witness, primarily for the romance between Harrison Ford and the Amish woman). Although I don't think that anyone would ever mistake me for a peacebuilder, yet it was interesting to exchange ideas on vegetarianism, travel, Sai Baba and nonprofit work. I was invited to stay with them when I head to the US in the fall for graduate work and I appreciate the intention if nothing else.

Then back in the office, I had to make a recording for the phone. Now no matter who calls, for centuries onwards, my voice will never stop haunting this place and I have stamped my identity somewhat!

Then just work, work and more work. An interesting fact today I learnt: about 10% of government revenues are generated by tax on Ceylon Tobacco Company, the monopoly subsidiary of British American Tobacco.