That's us, apparently. Well, that is what Jessica said when I told her that perhaps we are just awful people. Why would I say such a thing? Because today we acquired driver #4. When we got up this morning we had no intention of letting Ma go, it just sort of happened. Let me explain.
At 8:30 this morning I sent Ma a text and he replied. Before you read it though, I want you to understand that our driver is hired to take us wherever we need to go, whenever that may be (with one day off per week, if he wants it) because Michelin doesn't want us to drive here, for obvious reasons. It's very dangerous and they don't want their expats having accidents. Makes sense, right? It also means that we are very dependent on this person. Anyway, here is our conversation from this morning:
Me: Hello! Venice, 11:00 please? (In hindsight I shouldn't have used a question mark, but I like to be polite).
Driver: 13:00 ok?
Me: No, I need to go at 11:00. Why 13:00?
Driver: I need lunch!
Me: 11:00 and I will give you money for lunch.
Driver: No thank you!
What?? What does that even mean??? Yes, I will come but no, I don't want your money? Or no, I'm not coming until 1:00. Keep in mind that the last expat Ma drove for was here by himself so once he was at work, Ma could lay around and sleep or whatever while still getting paid. Now that he is driving for a family, he actually has to work once in a while. Also, we are not required to provide lunch for our drivers unless we are out of the city, but when we go out I make sure he has plenty of time to get something for himself. I used to feed Tian Ye all the time but after seeing where that got us, I decided not to do it anymore. After that conversation this morning and the fact that Ma was a half hour late to pick us up at the park last week (after taking a two hour lunch) I called our mobility people, first to make sure that we weren't in fact responsible for providing lunch and second to get them to ask Ma if he even wants to work for us, since he doesn't really seem to. Somehow, that all led to Tim getting a call later on saying that our new driver would be there to pick him up after work. Huh. Whatever. I went from wanting to scream to almost crying to laughing with Jessica and Charlee about the whole thing. I suppose that's the best thing to do in these situations. Just laugh. Who would have thought that the most difficult part of moving to the other side of the world would be getting a driver that actually wants to work?
So, now we have a new driver, one that we are more familiar with. He previously worked for friends of ours while they were here. His name is Wang and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will work out with him. He says he wants to be helpful and get lots of hours, a good sign. My friend said that he is very good with kids which would be a blessing. Now to keep positive thoughts in my head and a smile on my face.
We did manage to get out today, despite not having a vehicle. Luckily we made it to Subway and Happy Family with Jessica and two of her boys and Charlee and her three kids. We attracted a lot of looks with seven children all running around us but it was fun. The kids got along well and the mothers even better. They cheered me up in no time. Thank goodness for wonderful friends!
The only bad thing about getting out was that I forgot it was Tuesday which is my Chinese lesson day. I remembered at 2:30 as we were leaving Happy Family and my lesson was supposed to be at 3:00. I texted my teacher and told her I would be a bit late. Luckily she is a sweet, easy going person and didn't give me grief about it. I will make it up to her someday!
On a totally unrelated matter, I was talking to Mom and Dad on Skype tonight and as we were saying goodbye, I told them to have a good day of work at the Stink Plant (they are wiring a sewage treatment facility). After we had hung up Nick asked me what a stink plant was. I told him it's a place where pee and poop go to be treated after they leave the toilet. Tim and I talked for a minute or so then I had this question from my little man: "How do pee and poop get served as treats?". I love that kid!
So, another memorable day here in Shenyang. I hope there aren't anymore in the near future!
Jan Nick's response is so cute. Everything is literal from children. I know to him it wasn't funny and sometimes they don't appreciate us finding things they say funny but that was hilarious!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your driver but hopefully this new one will be the one. You both are so kind and fair and I just can't imagine why they don't appreciate your thoughtfulness. There has been so much stress for you over drivers and as you say who would have thought that would have been such a problem. It's not you. It has to be the mind set with the drivers there. We will keep our fingers crossed also that Wang works out. Being mobile is so important and you loose enough independence when you have to count on someone else to drive you everywhere.
Well it is another beautiful day here. Jerry and I just got back from our walk up in the woods and I made a coconut cream pie and butterscotch pie this morning. I think I am going to go over to Seafoam this afternoon to visit Helen and Elaine. Must go get dinner on. Have a great day. And good luck with Wang.
Bye for now!
Kids say the darnedest things!!! I wonder what he will think the next time a treat is in the offering.
ReplyDeleteHopefully Wang will turn out to be your best driver. It is so hard when you have to depend on other people, and I know it is really hard for you as you are very independent. I really think that you could probably drive yourself if it were allowed. although it might be a harrowing experience.
I went swimming this morning, the water was lovely, not too warm and not too cold, just perfect. While we were swimming there was a loud bang and the power went out. The generator kicked in and half the light were on and the showers were still running. It was still off when I left 45 min. later.
It is beautiful here today, it was quite overcast this morning and cool, but it warmed up by lunch time.
Hayden is home studying this afternoon, he wrote English this morning, Science Wed am, Social Studies Thurs and Math on Friday. He won't have to go back to school next week and he will be leaving on his Scout trip on the 29th which is the last day of school. Like all kids he and Kenzie are ready for summer break. Not sure if I am or not. Tracy will only be working half days for July and August so I will only have them in the mornings.
Well Jan, must go and get ready to take the boys home, Stevie is on nights this week so I can drop them off after school.
You guys have a great day, take care.