Tuesday's Thoughts: Lunchtime

This is my thinking face - just go with it people

I'm typing this on my way to a meeting - mainly to distract me from all the annoying passengers and it helps me avoid making awkward eye contact.  I had a fiasco at the train station this morning.  My admin booked my tickets (that will be the first and last time - lesson learned) and instead of hitting the collect at station box she clicked the courier box.  So I went to collect my tickets and I got an error, awesome! Now I have to wait in line to talk to someone.  Well, they couldn't find my reservation anywhere and I ended up buying another set of tickets and I don't have a seat reserved.  I hate not having a seat reserved especially during peak hours.  I'm currently sitting in my original seat waiting to get kicked out by the ticket man.  Hopefully I can use my American charm on him and keep my seat, I mean technically it is my seat I just don't the ticket for it.   Needless to say, I am off to a great start this morning.  Hopefully by time I post this tonight I will be in better place.  

I like to call this - Lunch has me stressed face

Anyway, I wanted to talk about the lunchroom in the UK.  Actually not the room just lunch in general. This is my second job since moving here and I have had the same problem at both.  Well, I shouldn't say problem more like problems.  First problem is the food.  I am one of the pickiest eaters and British food is not really at the top on my list.  Trying to figure out what to eat is one thing but am I going to like it.  Do I ask what is in it or do I just order it and hope for the best.  I decided to stick to safe options and for me that is tuna in a whole wheat wrap with lettuce and tomatoes.  Very exciting I know. I'm a creature of habit but I am not sure I can eat this everyday and my coworkers are going to start mocking this I am sure of it.  I guess the resolution to my problem is waking up earlier to make a lunch but I love sleep too much and I am just a difficult human being.  I will just have to see how this is going to play out.  I may need to switch from tuna to chicken.

 Onto my second problem - having a beverage with my lunch.  Seems normal right?  Nope, not here I am usually the only one at the table with a beverage (diet coke).  I seriously don't get it.   Someone said ( I believe they were American) that it is because they get tea after lunch.  Not sure if that is true but either way I still don't get it.  

My third and I am not sure it is my final problem because something else will surely come up, but for now final problem, is the conversation.  I'm not sure if I am going deaf or what but I can't hear these people.  It's fine all morning and then I go to lunch and I am like what?!  I can't hear you or understand you.  I think they talk softer on purpose to mess with me.  I have been in London a year and half I should be able to understand a british accent, but apparently not.  The other day my boss was like you are quiet and I blurted out "I'm sorry I just can't understand what you are saying."  I think everyone heard me and the room went completely silent.  Yes, it was awkward.  I tried to recover by saying "I meant I couldn't hear what you were saying."  It wasn't a total lie, I couldn't hear or understand them.  So basically I think the lunch room is killing my chances of making friends.  I mean who wants to sit with the American girl who orders the same wrap everyday except on fridays, (fish finger friday - word) actually drinks a beverage and has a crazy confused look on her face.  I know!  Not me either but I am stuck with myself.  However, I do think I making progress.  I was brought in on some office gossip.  Usually this would excite me but I couldn't make out the names they said so I basically have no idea who the gossip is about which makes it useless.  I guess I am back at square one.  Till next time folks...

Oh by the way the ticket man came through...my charm worked!  I'm amazing,I know.