Sometimes, even a small event in an ordinary day reveals how differently we each live our lives.
This reflection came to me after two long online meetings yesterday.
Yesterday, I had two online meetings.
Both were a bit demanding, and by the end, I was exhausted.
The great thing about online meetings is that people in distant places can discuss things face to face.
It’s one of the biggest changes brought about by the pandemic.
Of course, it’s not all good.
There used to be jokes about people wearing formal shirts on top and pajamas underneath — but in truth, you never really know what the other person’s situation is.
Even going to the bathroom requires an announcement.
“Excuse me, I need to use the restroom for a moment.”
That sort of thing feels oddly formal.
Being able to join from afar is convenient, but it also creates a kind of temperature gap.
Some, like me, join from the workplace; others, apparently, from their homes.
If you’re at work, you naturally have to think about how to get home.
Some people, like me, have a two-hour commute, while others live right next to the hospital.
Those lucky ones can talk on and on without worrying about the time.
When the time for the last bus from the hospital started to approach, the discussion was just heating up — but I had to leave.
I sent a message in the chat to let the moderator know I was logging off, but I had no idea if anyone noticed.
I simply left the note and signed out.
After the meeting, I cleaned up the room and locked up.
I managed to catch the second-to-last bus, but still didn’t get home until after eleven.
On the train back, I checked my email.
There it was:
“Here’s the handout from today’s meeting.”
Such energy.
That night, I didn’t try to continue any more work.
I took a bath, had a late dinner with my wife, and went to bed.
It helps, a little, that with age, I seem to need less sleep.
