Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's Off to Work I Go!!

Well friends. The day finally came where I could go to the office and get my work on! I was very excited and couldn't sleep the night before. Kinda like the first day of school for those little kindergartners...no lie.

After my pizza and beer on my big Sunday Funday in the city I went home and tried to go to bed early (thank you Advil PM). Monday morning came and I was up right at 6am with 3 hours to hang out before going to the office. I felt like a turtle when I left home. I had my backpack full of stuff and it looked like a big ole' shell on my back. Oh well, not like I was going to see anyone I knew!

I reached the office, and felt super important because it's in the heart of the city. Made my way up the escalator and to the Building One elevators..only to find out there was not an elevator to the 48th floor..which was a problem because my instructions said "go to the Building One elevators, go to the 48th floor, get off change elevators and continue to 49th floor." So confused so I had to ask for help. The nice security guard kindly let me know my office was in Building Two- the other set of elevators on the other side of the hall. Great. Found my way and this is how many choices I had on the elevator....

The elevator is basically a spaceship- I mean from the 3rd level to the 48th in .25 seconds..real life.

So. Pressed the one that was missing the 49th number and found the office. WOW. I love this office! The cubes are 1/2 cubes with glass at the top so you can see everything and everyone. There is so much interaction with people talking to each other it's great. So different than my little cube in Charlottesville. The offices around the perimeter are all glass so you can see through the office to the outside of the building. Again, BEAUTIFUL.

not the best picture but just gives you an idea!

Sonia, who is in my department and is the only one located here in HNK was assigned as my buddy and took me around the office, introducing me to everyone and showing me the ropes. Thank goodness for her! She is so sweet and helpful I am lucky to have her here! She took me to lunch for my first Chinese meal (even though it was Vietnam noodles!) That's right friends, I had to eat noodles with chopsticks. Super impressive, I know. If you know me...you might know I do not use chopsticks and don't hold a pencil correctly so it really makes it hard to eat properly with them when I try to. Well. Here I am. My first meal in the big city with my buddy and I am given a huge bowl that looked like chicken noodle soup and chopsticks to eat it....explain how to do that one?!?!..



Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup with a Soda on the side!!



Yeah it was pretty challenging but thank goodness I'm always up for a good challenge and rocked it. I was definitely impressed with myself and if it wasn't for my blond hair people probably would have mistaken me for a local. (huge lie. but I did get through it. thankgod)

Sonia also showed me where the grocery store is located by my house- Bonus!! Now if I could find time to go get some Doritos I saw in the window that would be great.

I worked until about 8pm in the office and then went home and to bed.

TUESDAY was another exciting day. I woke up and got to talk to some friends on the phone (little facetime action first thing in the am never hurts!) and then I go to attend a seminar with my Hong Kong colleagues on Communicating with Impact. It was nice to have this discussion with them and realize now I am also in their shoes where you do not have actual face time with your manager and you must communicate as efficiently as possible. Something I for sure need to work on and think I was sent her to 1.give my manager a break from me always being in her office and 2. develop confidence in myself and communicate clearer...we'll see how this works out!

After the workshop a colleague, Reese, took me to lunch. We went to a Hong Kong restaurant and sat at a booth with two men. They were on one said and we on the other. Totally normal. We had the special that was I think a piece of chicken and a piece of beef with noodles. It was good! And so nice of her to take me out! She also gave me so much information on things to do, where to shop, what plans I should make- so helpful! She even invited me to go to a hunted house theme park (she said it's at the Disneyworld for grownups..) for Halloween. I hate hunted housed (RMC peeps remember our trips to Ashland Berry Farm and me crying from being so scared?) and so I think I might pass if they do that- I can't imagine a hunted house in China might be like...

Tuesday night we had a treat. One of the ladies in the office is getting married next weekend so the ladies took her out and were so sweet to invite me along! We went to this tea house and it was SO PRETTY!!

The Bride is the only one on the right :)

They had the tea cups and saucers to match, all the little treats, and it was set just for us! I loved being there with the women and hearing about their culture. They mostly live at home with their families until they get married so getting married means big changes! One lady is from India and had an arranged marriage and will be celebrating 20 years this year. Another lady has twin baby boys and met her husband when she visited Japan and just happened to ask him for directions and they emailed and it was 3 years before they saw each other again! The company and conversations were amazing and I was so happy to be part of them.

She even invited me to her wedding!

The first few days in the office have been so great. Even though I miss my Cville crew dearly I am learning daily and growing both personally and professionally. Sure do miss you all but it's crazy a WEEK has already gone by!!!!

Stay safe and enjoy the start of basketball season. Dad- How bout them CATS?!?!

Until tomorrow...peaaaceeouuuut!! :)