tbc0's posterous

I was chatting with a Chinese colleague earlier today. He gave me permission to share the conversation. This is the new normal in high-tech.

me [10:03 AM]: Hi Mr. Z. Are you really available? I would like to talk about SW NPI.

Mr. Z: yes...

 I just finished a call 10 mins ago

me: Would you like to talk on the phone? I have you on my speed dial.

Mr. Z: but I'm afraid I can't talk to you now...

 because I need to wrap up some slide now...

me: Oh, I see. I understand.

Mr. Z: no, it's not because it's late for me

 it's because I need to work on something else

me: I still have email to read anyway. We'll be in touch. I hope you have a good evening after you finish working.

Mr. Z: I hope so...

me: My wife and I have been working very hard, too. We call it "the new normal" in high-tech.

Mr. Z: hehe

 I agree

me: I like to say that we will always have it much better than those who lived long ago and fought battles for kings and emperors. My saying is, "Better than taking an axe in the leg for the king."

 I don't know if the English translates well to Chinese.

Mr. Z: hehe

 I can understand that