Monday . . .

Monday is my day being a filler. My job is to keep the two fridges in front well stocked at all time. Well, I try but this has never been the case. The fridges often look empty and the popular items such as shrimps, Chinese cabbage, choi sum are often not seen. In addition, I have to cut meats for customers.   I used to dread Mondays so much but now I love it. My slowness really pulls everyone at Hot Pot Heaven together – hahaha so there is my excuse for being slow.

There are only three people in the kitchen – a cook, a filler, and a dishwasher. We have title for each just so we know what we are mainly responsible for but we do really work together. On Mondays, knowing that I am slow (the other fillers are supper fast), the dishwasher would washed all the vegetables ahead of time for me. My sister, who helps me during the daytime, would help me stock up the fridges before she leaves for the day. The cook would help me with cutting mushroom and other items. Then, if I slow on cutting meat, one of the server in front would come in and cut meat for me! Hahahahaha – I know I don’t carry my weight and make everyone work harder but in return for their help they can tease me and boss me around (just a little bit). Also, it makes me so happy because I feel so loved.  I am getting better and Mondays are just another happy days at Hot Pot Heaven.  Like today, I was able to keep up with all the customers’ needs. I was a little slow on the meat but they all came out eventually and I hope Jimmy (he was working in front today) didn’t get any complaint.

At this moment, I am very proud to say that I can do anything at Hot Pot Heaven – maybe not as good as everyone but I can do EVERYTHING.  Jimmy’s mom taught me how to make the soups. I can rinse and put the dishes in the dishwasher (the machine). I can fill the fridges and of course, I can serve and buss tables.  Serving and bussing tables are my strongest! Kids like me and so parents like me. Grandmas and grandpas like me so their children like me  à  everyone likes me! Hehehe I would like to think so. (But yeah, I heard that kids like people who have fat face = me! I got it from my Daddy – I have a really big face and when I smile I got to eggs sitting on my cheeks. This probably looks hilarious to the kids so they smiles back at me.) I love talking to customers. The past 9 months in business, I have met many many cool customers who offer their advices, support, encouragement, and compliments. I learned so much from talking to them from running a restaurant to raising kids.

 Another Monday is over and a new day has just started and I thoughts are all over the places and I am super duper tired but one thing I know for sure - I am thankful for everyone around me. The people who work with me – thanks for all your hard work, support, and love. My dear customers – thanks for coming and supporting our business and for all the honest suggestions and recommendations. Friends and family who are always supportive. And to my fiancé, Jimmy Tran, for being patience with me.  Good night to all!