Winter in Cluj
As the snowflakes fell gently on the cobblestone streets of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, a young medical student named Andrei was making his way home after a long day at the university hospital. Andrei was a dedicated student, always putting his studies first, but his relentless work schedule had taken a toll on his social life. He had grown lonely, longing for companionship and a chance to escape the pressures of his academic life.
![winter in Cluj-Napoca 2019](/img/jpg/christmas-in-cluj-01.jpg)
One cold winter’s evening, Andrei decided to break out of his routine and venture into the city’s bustling nightlife. He found himself drawn to a cozy café tucked away in a quiet corner of the Old Town, its warm lights beckoning him like a beacon in the frosty night. As he stepped inside, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling sausages enveloped him, instantly warming his soul.
![winter in Cluj-Napoca 2019](/img/jpg/christmas-in-cluj-02.jpg)
The café was filled with a lively atmosphere, with people chatting, laughing, and enjoying the company of friends. Andrei felt a pang of envy, wishing he had someone to share this moment with. As he sat at a table by the window, sipping his hot coffee, he noticed a stunning young woman sitting by herself at the counter. She had long, flowing hair the color of chestnuts, sparkling emerald eyes, and a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts.
![winter in Cluj-Napoca 2019](/img/jpg/christmas-in-cluj-04.jpg)
Andrei found himself captivated by her beauty and intrigued by her quiet solitude. He gathered his courage and approached her, extending a warm smile and asking if he could join her. The woman, whose name was Clara, hesitated for a moment, her eyes sizing up Andrei with a hint of curiosity. But something in his gentle demeanor and genuine interest put her at ease, and she agreed to his request.
![winter in Cluj-Napoca 2019](/img/jpg/christmas-in-cluj-03.jpg)
As they began to talk, Andrei was immediately struck by Clara’s intelligence, her passion for art and literature, and her infectious enthusiasm for life. She was a free spirit, unafraid to express her thoughts and opinions, and her lively spirit was a refreshing contrast to Andrei’s often serious demeanor.
![winter in Cluj-Napoca 2019](/img/jpg/christmas-in-cluj-05.jpg)
Clara, in turn, was intrigued by Andrei’s dedication to his studies and his strong sense of purpose. She admired his determination to become a doctor, to make a difference in the world, and she found his quiet intensity quite captivating.
![winter in Cluj-Napoca 2019](/img/jpg/christmas-in-cluj-06.jpg)
As the evening wore on, they talked for hours, oblivious to the passing time. They laughed, shared stories, and discovered a shared love for exploring the city’s hidden gems and immersing themselves in its rich cultural heritage. By the time they parted ways, Andrei felt a spark of something special between them, a connection that he had never experienced before.
![winter in Cluj-Napoca 2019](/img/jpg/christmas-in-cluj-07.jpg)
In the following weeks, Andrei and Clara continued to meet, their friendship blossoming into something more. They explored the labyrinthine alleyways of Cluj-Napoca, visited ancient churches and museums, and shared intimate moments over cups of steaming coffee and candlelit dinners.
![winter in Cluj-Napoca 2019](/img/jpg/christmas-in-cluj-08.jpg)
Clara helped to bring joy and laughter into Andrei’s life, reminding him that there was more to life than just books and exams. She encouraged him to take risks, to explore his passions, and to embrace the beauty of the world around him.
Andrei, in turn, helped Clara to focus her artistic talents, to believe in her dreams, and to pursue her own aspirations. He admired her courage to be herself, to stand up for what she believed in, and to make her mark on the world.
![pattern language](/img/jpg/michael-godeck.jpg)
Let's agree to define productivity in terms of throughput. We can debate the meaning of productivity in terms of additional measurements of the business value of delivered work, but as Eliyahu Goldratt pointed out in his critique of the Balanced Scorecard, there is a virtue in simplicity. Throughput doesn’t answer all our questions about business value, but it is a sufficient metric for the context of evaluating the relationship of practices with productivity.