Who’s On First?

The first conflict at work. Chanta and I were approached about teaching “weekend” classes for the high school students. We would have two days off during the week instead. No problem. For two weeks we’ve been told the first day of the next session would be Feb. 4 (Monday). The last day of winter session is this Thursday, Jan. 31. Friday is a day off for all teachers. We have been so excited about the long weekend. I made plans to go snowboarding. Yeah!

On Monday after one of our classes, Ted, the head teacher, took Chanta and me aside and said, “I just want to warn you – they expect you to start teaching on Saturday.” ???? But the first day of the session is Monday. “Well, you might want to let Mr. Pyong know you already have plans for the weekend.” I waited until our dinner break then approached Mr. Pyong. I explained I had just heard they wanted us to teach on Saturday. Yes. Of course. “But, in all the negotiations for Chanta and me to teach on the weekends, you have said the first day of the session is Feb. 4.” Yes. “So how can we be expected to teach before the first day of the session?” Because. The first day of the session is Monday. Your first teaching day is Saturday. Your first day starts on Feb. 1 because you are teaching weekends. “But that doesn’t make sense. How can we have a first day before the first day of the session?” Because you teach high schoolers. You should know the first day for you is Feb. 1 because the high schoolers have exams in April and we have to teach 4 weekends in February. That’s common sense.

Can you say communication breakdown? This went back and forth for about 20 minutes. I told him I had plans to be out of town, based on the information we had been given last week. “Yes.” So how can I be out of town and teach on Saturday? “Yes.” This is not the first time that misinformation has been given. It makes it very hard to know what is really happening. “Yes.” My voice was slowly becoming louder and louder. At one point I had to laugh at myself and remind myself that he wasn’t deaf, we just weren’t understanding each other.

After about half an hour and no sign of resolution, I had to leave. Immediately. I got up, got my gym bag, and, well, basically, stormed out of the office. Went to the gym and ran 7 miles. Hard and fast. And felt better afterwards.

When I arrived to teach for evening classes, there was a huge box of Dunkin’ Donuts on my desk. No explanation. For everyone. Dig in. Enjoy. I commented to Chanta, “Have you noticed that whenever there is any sort of conflict, we get food? Are they trying to fatten us up for the kill?”

On Tuesday when I came to the office, Little Kim approached me and asked, “How are you feeling today?” I didn’t quite understand. Chanta asked, “Were you feeling ill?” No. Little Kim said, “Yesterday. I was very afraid when you left the office. I have never seen you without a smile on your face. It was not good.” Oh. Yeah. Yes, I’m feeling better, thank you.

Then there was the meeting with Chanta, me, Mr. Chairman Kim, and Mr. Pyong. As wonderful as Mr. Pyong is, I get the feeling he’s not the best translator. These are the key points from the (20 minute) meeting: Mr. Chairman Kim is the decision maker. You are the face of Kate School, so smile. High schoolers come on the weekend. The first day for high schoolers is always the first day. The first day of the session is Monday. You will get a schedule. Parents will come Saturday, students will come Sunday.

Resolution: our first day teaching the high school session will be Sunday. But the first day of the session is on Monday. So, I can still go snowboarding; I’ll just return a day earlier.

And then they insisted on taking us to lunch. I swear we’re going to walk in one day and there’s going to be a spit over a fire . . .