I knew this could be an experience of a lifetime, but what I wasn't aware of was, in which way would it be changing my life....
F1 has been a WORLD EVENT and almost EVERYBODY comes from around the world to witness it live.. if not everyone, then definitely those who are famous to be counted in "everyone"...
Where most of my friends were jealous that i would be sharing the same air as most of the people they admire, i wasn't very moved by the idea.. I was excited about the race more than the spectators...
While I did my duty as a hostess there at the Paddock Club for those 3 days, spell bound by the air full of the zooming sounds of crazy race car engines, it was difficult to concentrate on the work appointed to me. I was made to stand in a lounge which was the top most, corner most of the building. Getting down from the bus every morning, i would walk the long Paddock Building to my lounge, passing the security checks, staircases, in innumerable steps, dodging people minding their business, carrying loads, getting ready for the day, coming across all cultures from across the globe in that 5 minute walk.
Overlooking the race track START/FINISH line was the lounge i was appointed to be in. My job? Welcoming people, something which i was always open to, but informally. Now here, at this world event, i had to possess a specific body language for 8 straight hours with a never ending smile on my face standing on 2.5 inch heels.
Those 3 days of my life, i will never let go off... Some of things I learnt there were, to make coffee from a coffee machine, categorically dispose my leftovers and dishes, wait till all the guests had had lunch and only then go for my own break, how to be and look inviting at the same time that people approach you, and most importantly, how to respect people who serve us.
A new found respect for all those who have ever, opened a door for me, cleaned up after my dishes, taken my orders, watch me fill my stomach and then have their first day break, who have been around just to help me locate the restroom, kept looking out for my hand if I was calling them even for a millisecond, kept a constant supply of drinks on my table so that i don't go thirsty, and keeping that drink chilled all the time, to welcome me and wish me to have a good day without wishing anything for themselves, to be ready to serve me anything i asked for even if it was a pen and a notebook while the final race was going on...
I could have never felt this way, if it wasn't for those 3 days, because i would have never got a chance to do this, and to feel the way these people did and I'm glad i took this opportunity. I feel fortunate to have been on the other side and see all the luxuries I can afford in the form of my guests for those 3 days. I could see myself in them, laughing with their family/ friends, watching the race, leaning back on that very comfortable chair, enjoying high class wine and world best cuisines around, with in the best view along with an air conditioned environment and ear plugs to cover the ears to prevent from the high frequency sounds of those monster engines. I was happy seeing myself, HAPPY, ENJOYING, AFFORDING all of that... I could see myself in them.
When it was time for me to go back home after the final race got over, that last 5 minute walk was the most amazing walk I had in those 3 days. I could see my friends getting clicked with all the celebs and so called 'famous' people around. And I laughed to myself. All the things these celebs are deprived of and will never be able to experience, All the things that they are missing out in life, All the reasons why it didn't make sense for me to stop and get clicked with any one of them, All those thoughts flashed in my head, as i headed towards the exit gate with a never ending smile coming from my heart.. A feeling of triumph in me...
So, once again, new found respect! and this time for my parents.... I love you both for giving me everything i have, possess, own, had in my life, and this includes me, my life itself... You gave me 'life', life that I call 'mine', and I wont let it go to waste.
Love you Mmmmom,
Love you Ddddad,
Love you Sister: You have taught me how to really LIVE my LIFE.
