Some of my firsts

alicecalope wrote her mall experiences and that reminded me of my experiences as well. You can read her article here.

Our city is small and it took a long time for us to have malls. We have one but it was an old one such that it is crying for it to be demolished but surprisingly it is still standing and safe.

Soon a new one was built. It was not that big but for us, because it was new, it looked clean and pleasant. And there are escalators! It was my first time to ride one but I didn't know how. I was comforted of the fact that I am not alone for there were others who were also at the bottom of the stairs tiring to time their step with the escalator and not just that but you have to balance yourself. It's like taking your first step all over again.

One other time, we went to a pizza shop. We found a table and took our seat. I wanted to wash my hand first. There was a washing area and I saw that there was a sink and there is a spout without handle but as I was observing, those before me, they were able to wash their hands for water is coming out from the spout. I thought it was like a drinking fountain that you have to step into something which will then let water out. When the sink was free, I then headed to it confidently only to find out there was nothing to step on. The spout has no handle and it took me a while trying to figure out how to do it until I gave up and had to ask one of the staff to show me how. Turns out you have to use your knee to press a button below the sink in order for the water to come out. It's kind of awkward doing that for you have to continually press the button with your knee.

When the biggest mall in the city was built and opened, they did have a lounge area for card holders issued by the said mall. Everyone with that card can use the lounge and free juice and coffee are served. We would go there when we are waiting to meet some friends and would avail for their coffee or juice. I usually go there to read newspaper or browse the internet or charge my phone. Sometimes when there is power outage, I would go there too to work. One time, when me and a friend were there, we ordered iced tea. While reading the newspaper, my vision was blocked and shifting my weight on the chair, somehow my leg caught my glass of iced tea which then fell to the floor with a crash breaking into million pieces. The lounge area was full of other clients at that time and all eyes were on me. I was beet red with embarrassment. Our stay there was short lived. The maintenance guy was called to clean the mess that I made. After that, I couldn't bear staying there any longer so I quietly asked my friend that we leave paying the broken glass of course. I think it costs around Php150.00 (USD3.00) but that is not enough to buy back my pride.

I also worked in that said mall in one of their departments. One time, I was asked by my manager to accompany a client to the parking lot together with her purchases which was placed in a push cart. It was my first time to do that and I was not oriented about it. Me and the customer set off to go to the elevator but turns out there is a service elevator intended for push carts. I have to ask one of the guards where was the service elevator. The client was rushing at that time and of course she was getting frustrated for I don't know what I was doing. Thankfully we got to the service elevator and headed to the parking lot where the client's vehicle is and her companion is waiting. After loading the items in her car, I quickly made my exit after thanking them. I thought that was the end of it but then as I got back to the elevator with the push cart, it stopped in one floor and a lot of employees were waiting. The push cart was taking a lot of space and the guard said that I fold it. What the?! In my mind I was screaming, "this thing can be folded?" Everyone is waiting for me to do it but I don't know what to do. I was already sweating from frustration and embarrassment. These employees are rushing for they might be late clocking in. Thank goodness one employee came forward to help me. I wanted to be reduced to smithereens right there and then.

Except for the broken glass, I have learned things the hard way. Embarrassing and humiliating but still I learned. So you see, sometimes it is in failing that we learn more. Don't be afraid to fail. We don't know everything right away but we can learn.