Random Riley – Do You Know How To Juggle?

Every workplace I’ve been at there’s invariably an individual that is too smart to be there. At my current workplace, I only identified this person about 6-months ago.

I was transferred to the Produce Department. And one of the employees really stood out on an intellectual level.

The Other Day At The Office

Yesterday, I was assigned the task of salvage with two other teammates, of which was Random Riley. We had previously done salvage in the Produce Department months ago before I was promoted to a Manager. However, it was generally on a smaller scale of 2 flatbeds with boxes of expired fruits and vegetables.

Another employee, Riley and I were to process 4-pallets of produce plus 2 flatbeds. For us this was a mind-numbing job. Naturally, as we worked, we talked.

Riley is a great conversationist. He includes everyone present or that passes by. He can transition easily between subjects and questions.

One of the questions he posed was: If you had to switch out the traditional turkey at Thanksgiving what would it be?

The other employee turned the question back to him, which he answered. I answered with Cornish game hens.

Later, as he picked up several oranges, he jokingly asked, “Hey Los, do you know how to juggle?”

I smirked, “Yeah. I know how to juggle. I assume you require a demonstration?”

“Hell yeah, I do,” he pressed.

After I successfully demonstrated I can juggle, I gathered up the three oranges. “Ok,” Riley acknowledges. “Now why do you know how to juggle?”

The King And I

My mother was Filipino, and my Dad is American for lack of a better term. My parents signed up to a social club called the Snohomish – King County Filipino American Association or Sno-King Fil-Am Asso for short. At the height of membership there was 40 full families.

One year we performed a production of The King and I.

I was forced to learn how to juggle as one of the court jesters, just like all the little boys. My poor sister was a ballerina, just like all the little girls.

To this day, we have no idea why we did this or if we made any money. What we do know is … I can still juggle, and Charrina has fond memories of ballet.

He was seemingly satisfied with my backstory. I pressed on, “Well? Does that impress you?”

He grinned, “It was more elaborate than I thought it would be, but then again, it’s a Carlos story.”

‘los; out