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Waking up at 11:50 a.m.
Oatmeal with Figs, Cinnamon, Maple Syrup, and Kefir. Teeccino.
Today marks a very unique occasion: I am no longer working at China Wok. When I talked to Cecily on Sunday explaining how my life was about to change there wasn't any clear communication on whether or not they would be getting someone to work the full day shifts on the weekend. Kevin told me they put KB, the other driver, on the schedule for the weekend so I assumed, without any word from them, that the weekend is covered. It's after noon and I don't get any calls from China Wok so I guess that's that. I'm out of the delivery driver game. It was a very good job, consistent and demanding. I made a "China Wok Miss List" in honor of it...
THINGS I WILL MISS
The constant sense of urgency all day long.
All of the friendly dogs excited to greet me at the customer's door.
Learning the geography of my city and exploring all the hidden roads I never knew existed.
The efficiency of the Chinese way of thinking.
The meditative thinking and time listening to podcasts while driving.
Meeting different types of people and catching a glimpse into their lives.
The exercise I get from walking up and down flights of stairs.
The boss's daughters drawing funny pictures for me.
THINGS I WILL NOT MISS
The constant sense of urgency all day long.
The anxiety of missing out on taking deliveries I know would've tipped decent.
The "slam on the brakes, accelerate" rhythm of driving.
The wear and tear on my car.
Not being able to take undisturbed lunch breaks.
The cops setting up speed traps and stop sign traps.
Not knowing what time I will get off work, or thinking I will get off work at a decent hour then suddenly there are three more orders to deliver.
Squinting my eyes at night searching for the correct house number.
Getting stiffed. And also getting stiffed repeatedly by the same customer.
Speed bumps! Oh those fricking speed bumps that wear out the suspension.
The screeching sound of the restaurant chairs being pushed in and out from the tables.
The phone ringing at the most inconvenient times.
Having to snap a whole box of snow peas.
The little girls calling me while I'm on a delivery to find out, "How long gonna take?"
Delivering to a customer who's not even home or can't hear the doorbell, knock, or phone ringing.
Driving to addresses that are well out of our delivery range.
From here on out my life will change. DEJA, the classic rock band I joined a few days ago, will be playing regular gigs, about four or five a month. I'm guaranteed pay for every show. I will be spending most of my free time this month learning keys and guitar on 22 songs. It's going to be a challenge. There are certain licks and solos in these songs that are going to take some effort in learning. But I'm up for it. This is my new job now, a keyboardist/guitarist for a cover band.
Catching up on business.
At the Rec (my first time on a Saturday!). There're plenty of guys in this gym for a couple full court basketball games.
Grilled PB&J. Olive Oil Potato Chips. Honey Green Tea. Plumcot.
Watching Rocky Balboa (2006).
Running errands. I brought home the perfect new bike for Ana – it was only $20 from the thrift store. It looks like the previous owner never even used it. She's ecstatic.
Back home. Practicing songs over and over again.
Chic Peas, Chicken, Kale, and Couscous. Pineapple.
Ana arrives home. I plop onto her bed feeling burnt out on music. She massages my back, then the backs of my legs, and then my feet. We watch some funny Tim and Eric stuff on YouTube – my body shakes the laptop every time I giggle.
Sleep 3:30 a.m.
[i] Image by me.
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