I had a good night’s sleep. No back pain. I was thankful for that simple mercy. It’s strange how something as small as waking up without discomfort can set the tone for an entire day.
I remember dreaming—riding a motorcycle through a city. I’m not sure which city it was. The buildings felt familiar but indistinct, like a composite of places I’ve known. What stood out most was the dirt track cutting through it. In the middle of a cityscape, there it was—loose earth and dust beneath the tires. It didn’t make sense, but dreams rarely do. Still, it felt exhilarating.
After I awoke, I went through the familiar ritual of preparing my lunch. There’s something grounding about routine—assembling the containers, packing everything just so. A quiet start before the rhythm of the workday takes over.
When I arrived at work, I activated my laptop and monitors, watching the screens flicker to life. I noticed that the office across from mine, usually vacant, was being used. There was a woman inside. I think she was my Chief Information Officer. She looked focused and busy, so I didn’t interrupt with a greeting. I returned to my desk and worked steadily through the morning.
By lunchtime, my manager announced that we would be taking Sarfaraz out for his birthday. We headed to Shawarma Inn 2 in Park Ridge.
Shawarma Inn 2 is a casual Middle Eastern restaurant known for its freshly shaved shawarma, generous portions, and comforting sides like lentil soup and crisp salads. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming—perfect for a team lunch. The aroma of seasoned meat and warm spices greets you as soon as you walk in.
I ordered the chicken shawarma with salad and lentil soup. It was delicious—tender, well-seasoned, and satisfying without feeling heavy. The lentil soup was warm and comforting, with just the right balance of spice.
My manager and I were joined by Sarfaraz, the birthday celebrant, along with Akash, Jonathan, and Marina. They shared stories from earlier days at the company. As a new hire, I found the stories fascinating—little glimpses into the culture and history I’m just beginning to understand.
Akash told a hilarious story from when he was interning. He had borrowed a friend’s car and was stopped by a policeman after making a U-turn. The problem? He didn’t know how to roll down the windows in the unfamiliar car. What followed was an awkward and comedic exchange that only grew funnier in the retelling. We all laughed—those kinds of stories that bond people together.
After lunch, we headed back to finish the workday. It felt like a good day—rested, pain-free, shared laughter, good food, and the quiet satisfaction of routine. I’m grateful for days like this.