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Well, I just wanted to post and thank everyone that got into a 'heated' discussion with me about my views on the islands. I guess I was kind of in a tough period in my life and our discussion kind of made me examine my life a little. At least, it made me focus more on positivity than negativity. I mean there are down sides to living on St. John but when it comes down to it, people pay hundreds of dollars a day to stay here and I experience all the time. And they often don't get to see the cool things I see everyday.
For example, I live on probably the worst road on St. John. But the great thing about it is that I have to drive so slow that I get to look at all the trees and plants as they develope into flowering or fruits on my journey to the main road. Or greet the neighbor dog that greets me at the top of the hill everyday. So I have been trying to see the figurative silver lining in everything. It is tough because personally, there is a little depression in my family tree and who is to say if it is a character flaw or maybe genetic. Or maybe negativity is bred in our society or the work field I am in. For example, we have to pay such a close eye at detail and targeting perfection that sometimes the fact that missing perfection will still be ok. We are always looking for the small thing that we can improve on. High standards(like perfection) that are impossible to reach can make a person so anal and negative. I have been trying to seperate my job habits from my personal habits. Since then, I have been enjoying the islands with more vigor and noticing the little things. Like tonight a local man was walking past me at the gas station and as he walked he was calling to a bird and mimicing its call. It was pretty fun to watch. The people here are more nice than anything I have seen before. Just thought I would pass the word that I am not a total pessimist or jerk. Maybe just a local chef who got a little caught up in his work, even on the mellow island of St. John. I am starting to think that some of the things I experienced on STT were more of a fluke than normal but I still like STJ better.
Posted : April 25, 2003 8:36 am
Hey Chris,
You are entitled to like STJ better than STT. As a recovering city-dweller, I personally would never survive with nothing but nature all day, every day. haha.
A friend, who is also a transplant, had this to say that might resonate with you: "Some people save their whole lives to visit for one week a place that we live year round."
O.
Btw, would you be willing to share with us where you cook?
Posted : April 25, 2003 1:06 pm
Hey Chris,
I think when one moves to the islands they think, "All my troubles are over." That is sure what I thought when I moved to STX last year. But the fact of the matter is, life on the islands can become overwhelming in a whole weird, different way. Glad to see you are stopping to appreciate the good in the place. Because we are lucky to live in the VI, and you are very lucky to live on St. John.
And as a man once told me, "The only thing a Crucian and a St. Thomian will agree on is that St. John is prettier."
Keep your chin Up! Don't buy into the negativity!
Bless Up
J.
Posted : April 25, 2003 2:40 pm
Glad to hear from you Chris,
Happy you are enjoying the islands more and paying more attention to all sides of island life. Have to agree like anywhere else there are lots of frustrations like J. suggested. Even as a long time resident I experience it. Stay positive, don't ignore the problems - try to help with them - but maintain your positive attitude; will make your experiences more enjoyable.
--Islander
Posted : April 25, 2003 3:52 pm
Topic starter
I cook at Chloe and Bernard's at the Westin.
I have worked in all of the company's other restaurants: Paradiso, Asolare, and Chateau Bordeaux for brief times.
Posted : April 25, 2003 4:37 pm
