Thursday, June 25, 2009
Open your own freaking door!
Was out for about 10 hrs today and finally made it back home after working on a few reports at the local hospital. I was coming in late and my favorite doorman was going to be on duty, so I figured Id grab him a coffee to help his night shift breeze by a bit easier. I wait in this long line, end up leaving, then feel bad so I go back in the line and buy him the coffee and walk it back to my condo. I get to the condo and have a little speech planned, in Thai, about how I appreciate him and that it is hot outside...I was also even ready with a few responses depending upon his response, kind of like those children's books---if you want the red monster to die, turn to page 35; if you want him to kill your partner, turn to page 71. Anyway, I was ready for any response and I start gliding into the parking lot. I see him across the way and smile and say the few lines in Thai and he welcomes me back with one of my few predicted responses; then I see, right behind him, the other doorman that I forgot was going to be on duty tonight. Now I look like a complete jackass and I don't even know how to apologize in the damn language. I use sorry more than anyone and I forgot to learn the damn word, I know "sorry, i accidently bumped into you", but I dont know a sorry approriate for "I didnt know you were working tonight". Anyway, trying to be a hero now I am just some rude punk who they probably think has a crush on one of the doormen.
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Great title.
ReplyDeleteYou know I probably give the proverbial cup of coffee to certain clients at work. (except I'm still in the States and don't have a language barrier as an excuse for my insensitivity)
But is it so bad to have a favorite?
See, I'm work for this non-profit called Lift, which is a resource agency for low income individuals in North and West Phila (I work in North though). So I meet one-on-one with clients looking for public benefits, affordable housing, employment, and other services, and you know its been hard not to invest emotionally in certain clients. Of course I try to help each client reach their goals the best way I can, but its hard to become personally invested in an individual who doesn't seem to be doing anything to help themselves. But then again who am I to say they are not doing the best they can in their circumstances, who am I to be giving advice and tips, because I don't know where they were before they stepped into my organization's office, or where they will be getting food, or going to sleep at night. And the don't know my story either.
X
Lil Lauren
Hey, it is the thought that counts so don't beat yourself up over not bringing enough coffee for the entire village.
ReplyDeleteSia Jai is the formal phrase for "sorry" and the more informal form is Khor Thot. I think either one will get the point across but I suspect by now you have figureed it out on your own.
Thanks for keeping the blog alive and I try to visit it from time to time and always am checking my email for any signs of life from you.
Things are good here and everyone is holding their own. Adele is getting ready to travel to North Carolina and perhaps South Carolina and Georgia. She says she may move there after Mike goes away to college so she ca be closer to her Dad. Hopefully she finds something she likes and makes the move and lives happily ever after.
No word back from Phil since the one and only reply but I didn't expect him to want to chat but am grateful that he answered at all.
Mike is getting bigger and football has begun. He is also signing up for summer league basketball so his summer will by a full and busy one.
As always, we miss and love you and hope all is going according to plan.
Please eat some Tom Yum soup for me and perhaps a few orders of mango and sticky rice.
Be safe,
Love,
Dad