Small Victories

Small victories seem so huge.

Today I walked by a bakery called "Petit Chambord" -- this, I assume was to make it appear a French bakery, though it had as little to do with the pastries I'm used to as it did with the liqueur. There were pastry-like things, however -- danishes with a variety of cheeses, meat, vegetables, eggs, and something mayonnaise-y squiggled across the top. Looked pretty good, actually.

As they were sitting out in trays open to grabbing, I wasn't sure if I was supposed to simply pick up one by hand and take it to the counter or what. I hovered. I contemplated. I looked confused hoping someone would help me. I finally looked up at one of the women behind the counter and mimed picking up a pastry and bringing it to her. She smiled, came out from behind the counter and handed me -- from the pile that was sitting there right in front of me -- a tray and a set of tongs. I smiled with what was obviously complete relief. And she gave me a very genuine smile back.

I bought my pastry, gave my one Japanese phrase: "domo arigato goziemashta," and walked out inordinately pleased with myself.