“You need a calendar!”

Today Helen and I were walking through Chinatown, on our way to eat some wontun duck yee-mein soup, and we were strategizing about what the next few days would have to accomplish, since we’re leaving soon for Hawaii. We were both pretty excited to get things done, but it seemed like Helen was really anxious—which I figured out later, makes a lot more sense.

As we pondered over our twin bowls of yee-mein, I realized she thought that today (Saturday) is Sunday, and that tomorrow (Sunday) would be Monday.  I blurted out, “damn! that’s why you’re confused… You need a calendar!!” And just as I said those words, the waitress behind us replied, “[something in Cantonese] … Cal-en-da?” Helen and I looked confusedly at each other and then said, “Yes, Calendar.” The waitress held up a finger to say ‘wait a moment’, as she dashed off behind the counter that sells char siu and roast duck. She emerged a minute later with a new calendar, wrapped in a shopping bag, and ready for its new owner. 

Helen and her new Chinese calendar

Maybe next time I should blurt out, “Damn! You need a million dollars—or at least a free bowl of wontun noodle soup.”

 

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