Work on SATURDAY?!

Here's to another oldie that I wrote almost a year ago.  I never thought I would get this up and posted.  Ahhh... Finally!  Enjoy this short story from March 2013:

Go answer your phone, I tell Chitrak, in hopes he will silence it so we can go back to our movie.  It's like any typical Friday night.  We just finished our dinner and have curled up in a blanket on the couch watching our latest addiction Lost.  His cell phone rings violently on the table.  He jumps up and walks across to our dining room to retrieve it.

Hello this is Chitrak from Ryerson China, how can I help you?  Since it is both Chitrak's personal and work phone, we never know who is calling.  Oh, hey!  Chitrak says in a friendly tone, What's up?

I have paused our show, and silently move next to him.  On the other line I can hear a perplexed young man's voice ask, Do we really have to work tomorrow?

I purse my lips to keep from laughing out loud.

No one's told you yet?  Chitrak said.  Oh man, I hope you didn't have plans!

It's every expat's surprise.  Since it is commonplace here, no one really goes out of the way to tell you about it.  However, this is China.  Saturdays and Sundays CAN BE working days.

Keep in mind international citizens, the working culture is slightly different here.  At most companies, including schools, you are expected to make up the holidays over the weekend.  For example, if you have a holiday on Wednesday during the week, enjoy every minute of it, because you will eventually make it up on Saturday the following weekend (or the day determined by the Chinese government).

So now you know.

Cheers.

Walking Around Kunshan     March 2013

New Year's Resolution

So much has happened since I've written my last article, I have had trouble keeping up with my blogs.  Therefore, I have made a New Year's Resolution (yes, in February... I follow the Lunar Calendar along with my fellow Chinese colleagues!), I will update my blog at least once a week.

Hold me to it!

In my high school English class, I had my students journal about their New Year's Resolutions.  They were very aware of this tradition, and made general comments about how they want to better their English.  They didn't win too many brownie points with me though, as they are a pretty transparent class.  For example, the other day I noticed one of my students sauntering up the staircase during break.  As I smiled a hello to him, I caught a glimpse of his cell phone tucked within the sleeve of his shirt.  He turned a ghastly white when I caught him and began to apologize with the reason he had it with him.  With a stern look, I put the "F.O.G.," or the "Fear Of God," into the boy.  A proud moment in my teaching career, with a special thanks to Raymond Park Intermediate Academy.  I don't think he will be bringing it back into class again.

There are many dreams I have for the New Year.  I promise to keep you posted on my progress.

Happy New Year!  Or should I say 新年好