Man, what a day! I swear, being a butcher in Aldeia-de-Paio-Pires is like a rollercoaster ride. You think you know what’s coming, but nah, life’s got other plans. So, I wake up, right? The sun’s barely up, and I’m already dreaming of that fresh meat. I grab my coffee from the café on Rua da Liberdade. Best coffee in town, no joke.
So, I get to the shop, and it’s a mess. I mean, like, a total disaster. The delivery guy was late. Again! I’m standing there, tapping my foot, thinking, “C’mon, man! I got customers waiting!” Finally, he rolls in, looking like he just ran a marathon. I’m like, “Dude, you’re not training for the Olympics. Just bring the meat!”
Then, I start cutting. You know, the usual. But today, I’m feeling extra. I’m slicing that pork like I’m in a cooking show. I even throw in a little flair, like, “Bam! Look at that chop!” But then, outta nowhere, this lady storms in. She’s all like, “I need a kilo of beef, and I need it NOW!”
I’m thinking, “Lady, chill! It’s not a fire drill.” But I smile, you know, gotta keep it professional. I get her the beef, and she’s still huffing and puffing. Turns out, she’s got a family dinner or something. I mean, who doesn’t love a good family dinner? But c’mon, don’t take it out on me!
After that, I take a breather. I step outside for some fresh air on Rua da Escola. The sun’s shining, and I see my buddy Miguel. He’s always hanging around, cracking jokes. He says, “Hey, you still cutting meat or just slicing dreams?” Classic Miguel. We laugh, but then he tells me about this new place opening up on Avenida da Liberdade. A fancy steakhouse. I’m like, “Great, just what we need. More competition.”
But then, I get this wild idea. What if I do a special? Like, “Butcher’s Surprise” or something. I mean, who doesn’t love surprises? I start brainstorming while I’m cleaning up. I’m thinking, “Maybe a mix of meats? A little bit of everything?”
Then, bam! My phone buzzes. It’s my sister. She’s in a panic. “I need your help! The kids are driving me crazy!” I’m like, “Sis, I’m a butcher, not a babysitter!” But I can’t say no. Family, right? So, I tell her I’ll swing by after work.
The day drags on. I’m tired, but I keep pushing. I even have this old guy come in, asking for a specific cut. I’m like, “Dude, this isn’t a five-star restaurant!” But I help him out. He’s a regular, and I can’t be rude.
Finally, I close up shop. I’m exhausted but happy. I head over to my sister’s place on Rua do Comércio. The kids are wild, running around like they’re on a sugar high. I walk in, and they scream, “Uncle!” It’s chaos, but it’s good chaos.
We end up ordering pizza. I mean, who has time to cook? We sit around, laughing, and I forget about the stress of the day. I think about Aldeia-de-Paio-Pires. It’s a small town, but it’s got heart. The streets, the people, the vibe. It’s home.
As I head back, I can’t help but smile. Sure, it was a crazy day, but that’s life, right? Full of surprises, laughter, and a bit of chaos. And tomorrow? Tomorrow, I’ll be back at it, slicing meat and making memories.