Tea

I started my job on Monday-- between the spreadsheets, milk runs, and researching, I've discovered one major thing.

Brits really really like their tea.

My boss especially is always up for a cuppa. If I happen to look over at him or get up to grab sheets from the printer, he very pleasantly asks if I'm heading toward the kitchen. When people look stressed or tired, I'll offer to make them something to drink and they immediately look happier.

Me: "Anything to drink, guys?"
[Creatives visibly perk up and tap their chins]
Creative: "Oh, go on then."

On my first day, the other intern left a packet he made: it's basically instructions how to prepare every person's specific tea. Just to fuck with me, he also included made up details ("stir counterclockwise for 13 seconds") and paint swatches. To show the exact shade of resulting Earl Grey with milk, I guess. Everyone who saw it went on about how it was a good joke, how the intern had too much time on his hands, etc. But when I made everyone tea and messed a few of them up, there were no indulgent smiles.

And is milk always assumed? A couple of guys ask for "tea, with one sugar" or two, maybe. So I make tea. And add two sugars. Then I plop the mug down on their desks and have to watch them do a polite dance, trying not to be rude or make me uncomfortable while also silently begging me for milk with their eyes. It's very strange.

This morning's client meeting had me scrambling back and forth twice to make tea and coffee for five people, with five different ways of having it. The good news is, I can now make a mean Nescafé. I will make an unfallible waitress. And I also hold the key to making myself indispensible. Fixing the time sheets in Excel? Well done, Anna. Asking my boss if he wants some tea before he has thought of it himself? Rapture and exclamations about how awesome I am.

The good news is, I really like my office. I think there's a chance I could get some creative experience there. Even if I don't, my coworkers are all so nice and welcoming. While I feel as though I make about 15 cups a day, there are still always people asking if they can make me one.