Hands Gripping the Steering Wheel, Breathe... Breathe...

I have to do a presentation to a client this morning at 10.00. I planned to leave my apartment at 9.20, reached the client's place at 9.40 with enough time to find a parking space and set-up my notebook and the projector.

I can only plan.....

At 9.20, just before I leave the apartment, I feel a very strong urge to undistress my gastrointestinal distress. It is OK I thought. I still have time.

However, I fear the distress call will be the agenda of the day. Of all the days, why today??!! But I still pray no accidents will happen while delivering the presentation... or on the way there. So I finally leave the apartment at 9.30 and on the way, another distress call. Oh my God! So hands gripping the steering wheel, breathe in... breathe out... breathe in... breathe out. Managed to reach the client's place at 9.50, hand phone rings... a call from my boss, answer him and find out there is no parking at the place I normally park all at the same time.

The guard directs me to another parking area where I'm not familiar with. To make matters worse, I've to go to another department where I'm also not familiar with. Will I have the time to reach the meeting room before 10?

I headed to another parking area, another guard said the place is full too. I have to park outside and walk in. What!!! In my condition? I don't think I can survive. I told him I've a meeting at 10 hoping he can come up with a better alternative like just park anywhere as long as I did not obstruct another vehicle. I really am desperate but the guard didn't budge. He said there is nothing he can do.

As I was about to inform my boss of my predicament, one car is leaving. Oh thank God for small miracles. So I parked and went in to register before I can enter the building. I thought I've to go to the security counter I normally go if I managed to park at the normal parking area but there is another counter just after the entrance and another miracle, I can take the nearest lift to go the department.

There is no time to run to the ladies so grip my notebook bag, breathe in... breathe out... and pray no accidents happen. I reach the department with 2 minutes to spare. Another miracle, all that adrenaline and the concentration given during the presentation makes me forget about my gastrointestinal problem for a while. The presentation and discussion lasts until 11.30, without much problem. I wanted to dash back to the office but I've to put a smile while everyone exchange pleasantries, congratulations, and a promise for another meeting.

Finally, I managed to leave. I think I can still 'tahan' until I reached office where I can 'do my business' in a comfortable environment. I'm safe. I'm in the office now but still have distress call every now and then where the toilet is just around the corner.

I shall call this condition minor diarrhea. A diarrhea, no way you can tahan one. Don't know what I eat that didn't agree with me yesterday but I sure hope this will not happen when I've to do another demo, presentation or training. Luckily, it's a short presentation and discussion. If it's full day training, I wonder how I can manage.