Squeaky wheels get oiled

One of the many fun cultural exchanges is trading phrases or idioms and trying to explain them in context. Such was one entertaining event during Friday night's dinner, my 'welcome back to Wuhan' meal.

Bob and Lorraine called Shaw and Jane (Shaw is Bob's TA and Jane and Shaw were married in January) and we all went out to dinner at the same restaurant where I had lunch. I've been there about 6 times thus far and I very seldom see the same items appear—unless I request—set before me. That's one of the many wonders of REAL Chinese food, i.e. food made and consumed in China!

Shaw and Jane both teach English at Wuhan University and Shaw is studying to pass an entrance exam to start a doctorate program on Chinese history. (He has incredible insights and knowledge when we discuss anything Chinese). They are a delightful young couple. Perhaps I should add one more insight: they are hysterical together!! It's never a dull moment!

One reason for all the entertainment is that Shaw is masterful in getting what he wants and never lets anything stop him. Like a crowded restaurant at 7:00 on a Friday nite where it was difficult to even find a place to stand and wait.

On his cell phone he called the restaurant manager...she was a Wuhan University graduate. She needed to get us a private room for dinner. (Large Chinese restaurants have multiple levels with private rooms where you can dine in peace and quiet). The young woman appeared. Much activity. About 10 minutes elapsed, Shaw initiated conversation again. Within about 15 minutes of entering they began to usher us to a room. But wait! It had two tables and the other table had noisy people at it. No good!

They ushered us to a private waiting area and poured us tea. A room by ourselves is a must, Shaw insisted. As the minutes ticked by Shaw told one of the workers that as the time elapsed the amount of money he planned on spending at the restaurant was decreasing. About 10 minutes elapsed and then we were ushered into our own room. Happily ensconced in our private room we started talking. Lorraine asked me about my TA and I told her I had learned on the walk back from lunch that I am the only foreign teacher to have a TA ever. I thought that Josephine's request and Zhang Ping's agreement was customary, apparently not. Lorraine's comment to that was, "the squeaky wheel gets the oil!"

Jane's ears perked up. A new phrase! Explain this! Lorraine pointed at Shaw, "He's the squeaky wheel here at the restaurant and getting us this table is the oil!" We all laughed. That's a perfect descriptor of Shaw's driving tenacity to get what he believes is the right thing done for his guests. I have no question that Shaw will pass his doctorate entrance exam and complete his doctorate in Chinese history. If Shaw's and Jane's child has half of Shaw's drive and half of Jane's humor he or she will truly be a delightful person.