Thanks again for all of you who have purchased my book. I’m grateful! If you haven’t purchased one yet, well, what are you waiting for? One more favor – if you’ve read the book, and you love the stories, please send a review to Amazon. I cannot thank you enough for all of your support throughout these years!
I knew it was coming. I thought I could hold off buying a new computer, but alas, my wonderful Dell Inspiron All-In-One presented me with the dreaded blue screen of death one too many times. I think it can be fixed, but as I’m typing this on my Apple I-Pad, I’m awaiting a call from the Dell experts.
This week’s blog will be a little short (Finally, you say!) because typing on this tiny keyboard is somewhat challenging. Nonetheless, I wanted to tell you about some of my latest rides.
I’ve noticed a marked increase in a particular accent over the last 2-3 weeks. And, just as the “Southern” accent is easily recognizable, the jovial sounds from our Jamaican neighbors is very obvious. Is it me, or do they always sound like their ready to party, even through quiet conversations?
Last week, I noticed something else about many of my Jamaican riders. I often pick them up from one restaurant and take them to another restaurant. Many of them are working two jobs. For example, I picked up a young lady from Arby’s and took her directly to McDonald’s.
“Working two jobs must be exhausting,” I said.
“I come here on a work visa. I can make more money here in six months than I could ever make in Jamaica. My family can live off of my work here for an entire year.”
She yawned and exited the car. I told her, “I admire you. You have an amazing work ethic!”
I picked up young Jamaican gentleman from a restaurant and delivered him to yet another bar/restaurant. He told me he’s trying to come to the U. S. legally and permanently. He is careful not to overstay his visa, but he describes his home situation. It’s not pretty.
“If you are not in the tourist area, it’s very unsafe. Drugs are everywhere, gangs are everywhere. It’s no place to raise your family. There is very little legitimate work.”
The stories are repeated. In all honesty, I have met many Jamaicans who seem to be succeeding here. I can’t help noticing that a lot of young people, even Americans, possess a strong work ethic. They work extra believing somewhere down the road, they’ll get their chance at a good life. Gives me hope.
As I mentioned above, this will be a short blog. I promise I won’t try to make up for it next week with an extra long effort!
My computer is repairing itself as I type on this iPad. Unfortunately, we had to do a complete restart, so I will have to manually repopulate the programs and files. I found my Dell technician to be helpful and pleasant, even as she held her baby close. She was kind enough to mute her microphone while I was talking, and was very adept at giving me instructions between cries. Mine and the baby’s!
See you next week! Please consider buying my book.
Thanks, and God Bless,
Tommy
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