Canteen. Canting.

I was struck today with lightening and puff of napkin lint, with a thought about the similarity of English and Chinese that I had never noticed before. The word "canteen" meaning a large gathering place to eat is remarkably similar to the Chinese "canting" (pronounced tsanting) which means dining hall!!

Ok, sorry. I thought it was really cool, and my exclamation mid folding alarmed my fellow linen mates to my obvious thrill and was probably a little over dramatic in their eyes. They gave me the look of support they do so well, without the understanding I so desperately need. Oh well, you can't win em all, kid.^

Today I worked--haha ok ok, just kidding, I mean I arrived at IRD, stood awkwardly like I do, and had a nice chat with our F&B manager Ruby. By nice I mean she stood there and I felt compelled to make small talk, and when I feel compelled to do that I babbled about anything I can think of. That would fly normally, but since Ruby understands about ever other word I say...it basically went like this:
Me: Ahh, yes I love room service...the people are so laid back, (hurriedly) but they know how to get the job done!
Ruby: Nod, little smile.
Me:............Do you think it'll rain today? Not that I mind, I like rain actually. It makes the garden look really pretty. Like when I worked in iCafe, it always looked...nice...
Ruby: Blinks. Have you made up the days for your time off?
Me: *cough* Uh, I have one now. I was so tired from working at iCafe that I needed the two days...but I'll start working six days....*blah blah babble babble*.
Ruby: Indiscernible nod. No smile.
Me: *Weak smile- frantic search for reason to leave- twiddle thumbs and hum "Call Me Maybe" instead*.

Later on I did get to help arrange for the offsite catering to the airport for a client who was flying in a private jet. We were given a stack of dishes, the menu and set loose to make it happen. I helped translate what oval and rectangular meant, and organize the dishes and silverware, and made up the menu folders with Rela and Juicy (yes, her name is Juicy). The food won't be prepared til tomorrow morning, but I called and confirmed with the client about miscellaneous details like packaging for the ice, or time of delivery etc. Let me tell you, I felt extremely professional while on the phone confirming and clarifying. Heck just saying those words makes me feel like a boss. And despite my Mocha Poop colored coat, and pantyhose with a little run happening on my foot, I felt accomplished and useful.

 And really...that's where it's at for me. I need a job that has crisp edges, neat interactions, and purposeful events. Laughter and teasing well ok... I need that too.
Unfortunately, I don't think any jobs come along in a pretty package like that. If they did...someone else already has it, and it'll be a while before I can earn it I think. So here's to working toward whatever job will give me the same feeling I had today of gettin stuff done right, and gettin it done well!

 Today I worked the full shift, which is unusual since I started IRD. I actually start making plans for the day like I'm going to get out early everyday and count on the fact I'll have daylight hours to do other stuff before bed. Tonight I was gonna go to the gym, and have a light dinner before bed. Instead I worked til 9.30 and ate dumplings.
This gym thing is just obviously too much of a hassle, and I think its a sign that I can't go so often! I mean hey, I'm in China! Sometimes I think...why shouldn't I get fat? When's the next time I can eat all this kind of food? I should enjoy it while I can, to its fullest extent, right?? Right!? Then I see my wispy Chinese colleagues that disappear when turned sideways and I sigh with a heavy heart. If I get fat(ter) I'll just be another American casualty...plus the traditional Chinese dress definitely won't fit and I kinda want to wear it for lobby lounge. I could go on and on and about the Chinese and their maddening genes...but I'll save that for another ridiculously long winded blog post.

^ I taught this phrase to Clark in iCafe. He then went on to practice using it in every non applicable way possible.
Can't win em all!!