Showing posts with label US. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

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.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Thank You

Thank you to all who serves or who has served our Country.


Happy Memorial Day