May 16 2008
It’s hard to say no
Needing a taxi? Call me, I’m the friendly community cab driver … Ok, the same story (no one ever thanked me) played out again: the neighbor’s mother-in-law was at my door asking (without asking if I was in the middle of something) if I can drive her around to find her lost cleaning lady. “She got lost somewhere in the neighborhood ..” It’s raining. I wish people would have bit more self-respect and common sense to know when to ask for a favor. I’m more than happy to help, but I’m stingy in dishing charity to those who has no appreciation. This family is full of takers, shameless to the point of disgusting. Their kid plays with mine and often go out with us (for those outings I never expect any gratitude), that’s the extend of the relationship. I don’t mind taking the child to restaurants as long as it makes my child happy - won’t pick and choose my children’s friends - they make their own decisions, I stay by them.
While driving around, the mother-in-law asked if I needed a cleaning lady (absolutely no). It just happened, mine just quited last week: her adult son is ill in Beijing and needed her to attend to. She said she’ll be back in July but I should find someone in the meantime. The agency quickly found someone starting next week. Li’s been with me since last year and was really good at cleaning. Hope all is well with her son who has autism.