his week I’m the biggest fan of Ariel the cashier. When Bobby and I were doing our grocery shopping last Monday, we lucked out in the check-out line. Pretty sure that Ariel is the best grocery store cashier in all of Miami. She was SO friendly and wonderful.
Seeing as it was Thanksgiving week, we had about a million groceries to ring up, and she took it all in stride. She smiled as she chatted to us about her family’s thanksgiving traditions. They all get together and cook and visit all day. They also rent a BOUNCE CASTLE.
Ariel’s family has obviously figured out how to do holidays.
It was only a three or four minute conversation, but her peppiness made all the difference. It would be so easy for her to silently slide the groceries through and not have engaged with us – but she did the exact opposite. I was so grateful for her enthusiasm and warmth, how personable she was.
The best part was when I asked if I could take her photo to give her a shout-out of sorts on this blog – she lit up (“does my hair look OK?” – I think her hair looked great, wouldn’t you all agree?). It was a good reminder for me to acknowledge and appreciate amazing humans whether I’m in the grocery store line or within the four walls of my own home. It makes a difference for both parties!
Ariel, I’m your biggest fan!
Have someone in your life who deserves to be acknowledged? Spread the love in the comments and then I will pick one person who was shouted-out and send the above quote to them with some mail art. {Only one requirement – I’m going to get in touch with you via email and ask for their address…so I’m guessing that you won’t know the home address of your local grocery store clerk or that person who helped you in Target. If you do, though, feel free to shout them out! And I applaud you for being so friendly/creepy??!?} Let’s team up!
I’ve got too many to write about probably!
Shout outs to (in no particular order):
the English teacher at Kibe that told me her personal story of moving from Thailand to the US and then to Japan and encouraged me to continue enjoying life here even if it is difficult, because it gets better.
The vice principal there who randomly gave me a bag of kiwis, because they are in season and why not?
The P.E. teacher there who told me about his upcoming honeymoon to France and helped translate things, so I could have a decent conversation with the third graders.
(All of the above were people I just met today!)
My supervisor, who continues to amaze me with the depth of her kindness and care for me. She is like a second mother, and is always looking out for me.
The elementary school students who are as excited to see pictures of kittens and Pokemon as I am! And of course, my lovely junior high students, who even if they are not studious, are always humorous in learning English.
In particular, my students who will be headed to Wales in March. They have worked so hard to be a part of the exchange program and continue to improve their English.
The secretary at my school who always waves excitedly to me, even when I’m coming into work late or leaving early. She also makes sure I know what to do during cleaning time, and totally forgives my unskilled cleaning techniques. (On a side note, have you ever watched Spirited Away? If not, you definitely should, because some scenes from that are weirdly accurate in describing my life!)
Oh, and for sure, the entire staff at the post office closest to me. They are always helping me find the best stamps and make sure I’ve got the correct amount for my letters. (And the addresses are in English, so props to them for exercising their Romaji reading skills without showing the least frustration!) And they’ve given me tips on how best to fill out customs forms so I don’t get charged as much shipping costs.
I wish I could have conversations with the grocery clerks here! Usually though, we both have to be trying very hard to make that work. So, if it doesn’t, it’s just as much a reflection on my language-learning and willingness as it is on theres. Generally, people make a claim to being shy here so they won’t be embarrassed with less-than-perfect results, but there are also just as many wonderful, wonderful exceptions to that rule.
(And, although I feel it goes without saying, your brother, of course, who is a constant source of humor, encouragement, coffee, and many other things besides!)
Whoa! TL;DR. Just had to rant about the people in my life being so awesome for a second there. :)
Celeste, this makes me burst with happiness that there are so many wonderful people in your life over in Japan (of course, I think you’re particularly attuned to noticing them as well, which is so great)! I LOVED reading this whole list and sent up a little prayer of gratitude for each person.
I’ll let this post simmer for a few more days to see if others comment…and then, who knows? Maybe some shout-out mail will be making its way over to Japan! :)
PS. Just put Spirited Away on my movie list!
My mom. She’s just a wonderful human. All the time. Even when she is a grouchy pants. And I love her to pieces.
YESSSS, even though I’ve only met your mom once, I totally agree that she is wonderful! (Plus, she raised you, so you’re living proof that she’s top-notch.) :)
I have three people I want to shout out to…
My dear friend Kerri… She is a very loving and accepting woman who is the best mother in the world and fully embraces the importance of the village in raising a child. The key here is, as a military wife, your village is ever changing so I haven’t known her long but I feel like I’ve known her my whole life. And she’s not just a military wife (she’s married to a marine) but she’s active duty navy!!! The other day at daycare she sat with my baby and comforted her just because… The teachers were busy and she lost her paci… Love her to pieces!
Second shout out… My ‘boss.’ I’m a math teacher and she’s the department head. She came from the corporate world and has fully embraced teaching. She’s the mother to a special needs child who is now grown and a fully functional member of society and she loves every one of her students like her own child. She is an amazing mentor who always has time for me… I call her my work mom. The department she has built at our school is so loving and supportive and I know it all starts with her. Best leader ever!
Finally, my hubby… Michael is Mr. Mom and active duty military. He supports my career so much, loves me all ways from Sunday, is the most amazing father, and is just overall amazing.
Thanks for your inspiration to post some love!
So beautiful, Michelle! All three people sound AMAZING and like they’re balancing so many things while putting others first. Love that so much. You’ll have to tell them that you wrote them shout outs so they can see! Gosh, it’s going to be hard to choose who to send this mail art to! :)
Michelle – it’s time to send some mail art! I’d love to send the quote about enthusiasm to one of your dear people – be on the lookout for a Facebook message so I can get an address!