Late

I hate being late.
It gives me a sick feeling in my stomach, and I get all panicky...its vaguely the same feeling I get when I drink coffee, which would be why I don't drink it anymore!
Yesterday I started my orientation at Overlander. I'd never been there before, but it looked very straight-forward on google map. I even gave myself 10 more minutes than I thought I'd need to get there.
Well guess what, I'm absolutely horrendous with getting lost. As in I can get lost between point A and point B on a straight road. I found Overlander no problem. And then I promptly walked right past the main entrance by accident, and began wandering the grounds thinking, "Where the heck am I?" and "Why is this so hard to find?".
I ended up walking straight into one of the living room areas at the back of the facility, turning on my heel and walking right back out, and then ending up at a completely different building. I thought the sign said Overlander Administration, but apparently that was for something else. I went to some kind of Ministry of such-and-such building, and was completely surprised when my friend Steve opened the door for me. Apparently he works there or is training or something...I was very confused. He said he saw my car (probably saw me wandering around like a dweeb, too) and pointed me in the right direction. Which was basically right beside where I parked.
To get to the point, I was late for my first day of orientation, and the worried anxious feeling has not gone away yet. I keep getting little panicky lurches, and frantically searching for the nearest clock to make sure I'm not late again today!

And now I bid you a fond farewell until later this week. I am beginning a work marathon starting at 11. I go straight from work to my cleaning job, then home to sleep for not-enough-hours, then getting up at 5am to work at Overlander again. Then cleaning again at 6pm. Then working at 6am. Fun times!

Hopefully it will go by fast.

Week End

Well, my 60+ hr workweek is over at last!
It actually went by really fast...I didn't even have time to think. Just eat, sleep, and work. Sometimes I had to cut back on the first two :P
This week will be a little less hectic, since tomorrow is free minus a couple hours cleaning in the evening, and I'm only scheduled to work four days (so far) at my new job. Then payday!!! Which will hopefully make it all worthwhile.

Ps. Let it be known that my mom's cat, Buddy, is a freakish animal with a weird obsession with crinkly plastic. I hate it. I just discovered that he pulled out a bunch of wrappers and tags and stuff from my garbage and dragged it all over my floor. UGH. Going to bed now. I'm too tired to deal with him, or even write a blog post that makes any sense. Goodnight.

Day 5 and Counting

Well, my first week at my new job is almost over! I actually have been scheduled to come in tomorrow at noon, as well. Day 6! Its been a while since I've worked so much, but I have to say so far I am enjoying it. There are nice things about working part-time, but I was pretty sick of looking for things to occupy myself with, and feeling like I was wasting precious $-making time these past few months. Soooo...its good to be busy.

It has been a big workload with continuing my part-time cleaning job on top of this new job, and I'm beginning to feel like I don't have time to keep up with LIFE...so I don't know how long I'm going to last as far as that goes.

My training has been going well, and I'm finally starting to "get it". I managed a lot of my "training" shift without much/any supervision, and I'm beginning to learn my way around the hospital.

At first I was a little freaked out to find out that we deliver the food to the patients' beside, because lets face it...when it comes to hospitals and illness and people in hospital gowns, I'm really, really wimpy. Hospitals freak the crap out of me, actually. I'm over my initial shock though, and now I just I never want to be admitted to the hospital. Ever. Not even to have a baby.

The ladies I work with are mostly 20+ years older than me, and pretty hilarious. As the one other girl my age put it, working here "is like being in a big chicken coop". Complete with squawks, squabbles, and a pecking order. Most of them are pretty funny, but I know that I'm going to have to catch myself from falling into their habits of gossiping, complaining, and talking about nothing but what's on sale at the grocery store.

Anyway, I do not have to clean tonight, so the evening is my own for the first time this week! I have some things to do, so this post is going to end now. Hope all you bloggy friends are doing well, I've missed doing my regular daily readings!
Until later-

Viruses, Books, and Scrubs

I'm sorry I've been so neglectful of my blog this past week!
Besides having no ideas, my computer has been laying down the hate on me. It got a virus, and then a day after that was fixed (thanks to my awesome brother, Paul!) a blue screen popped up and wouldn't let me on...my Dad tells me that windows needs to be reinstalled or something. Its all gibberish to me. So, at the moment, I am without a computer of my own...I have to bum off everyone else (when they aren't on theirs...which is not as much time as you might think!)
I don't know when this problem will be resolved.

In the meantime, I've gone to library and taken out a whole bunch of books on WWII to occupy myself. I even reread Things We Couldn't Say and sniffled my way through the last chapter. I don't usually cry over books, but that one pulls my heart strings. Its up for loan again if you're interested!

I also have some great news!
I am officially employed by the hospital in food services! Its such a relief to have a job again! I am on-call to begin with, but by the sounds of it I will be getting a lot of hours. Next Monday I begin with my orientation, and then I'm going to be training in all the different positions. I'm always a little nervous starting new jobs because there is so much to remember, but I'm sure in a month or two I will be totally fine.
I am also hoping to keep my cleaning job, seeing as I will never work past 8pm at the hospital, which still leaves time open in the evening to do my 3/4 hours at the office.
I'm excited to finally be able to do some serious saving for school, though I don't know how long I'll be able to keep up 11-12 hours work days! I guess its just making up for these months of slacking off!

Katie and I went shopping for my scrubs yesterday, which was fun! I've secretly always wanted scrubs, but I never had any reason to buy them, and I never, ever, EVER, expected to be working in a hospital...seeing as I have a debilitating fear of them. I think I'll be ok in the cafeteria though.

Anyway, that's what's new...I'll try and be good about blogging, but after next week I make no promises. I might not be as frequent as I have been these past months when I had nothing to do all day!

Using Public Restrooms 101

Since beginning work as a janitor in September, it has come to my attention that perhaps not everyone has the Public Restroom skills and know-how that previously I have assumed was common knowledge. Perhaps these unfortunates are still in the Age of the Outhouse, and are just confused and bewildered by modern technology, ie: flushing toilets, paper towel dispensers, etc. Perhaps they just need a guiding light, a helping hand...
I have decided to compile a very basic list of simple instructions for these poor souls, so that together we may journey into a future of sparkling mirrors, and spotless toilet seats.

1. The Urge
It has come upon you, and the next logical step is to enter the bathroom. Unfortunately you are in a public place, which means the comforts of home are unavailable, and the choices you make here will affect others.
Because discomfort has become an issue of some urgency, you may be tempted to make some poor choices here in the Public Restroom, but I would urge you to take a moment and consider a few steps that will ensure a cleaner, more pleasant Public Restroom Experience for yourself and others.
Upon entering you will immediately take note of sights and smells of said Restroom. If your impression is positive and the facility seems clean, please continue. If it seems that it has mostly been occupied by monkeys and neanderthals, perhaps you should "hold it", as they say. However if it is a pressing issue and you must use the facilities or face a worse fate, please do not take on the mentality, "When in Rome..."
This will only ensure that conditions will grow progressively worse, and the janitor will want to end their life, and you wouldn't want that.

2. Stalling for Time
Public Restrooms are unlike private washrooms in that they are usually comprised of more than one cubicle, or "stall", with a toilet. Here you may be faced with possibly the most crucial choice of your visit. It is important to choose the right stall for your stay, and it is also important to realize there is very little chance of privacy. If this visit is going to be publicly unacceptable, it may be best to wait until you return home (or find a better hidden washroom at the end of the long hallway). Chances are you will encounter another visitor during your stay, and this can make things very awkward if you've left behind an gift, visible or invisible, for your successor to the throne.
3. Before You Sit
Check the lock. Make sure it works; make sure it exists. Check the TP supply, unless you wish to ask your next-door neighbour to share theirs. Check the seat for cleanliness. Check the bowl...for gifts from predecessors. If you have any suspicions that a gift may be lodged further down, inhibiting future passages, flush BEFORE you sit! If there is going to be trouble brewing, its best that the overflow be fresh water. If this stall does not meet the basic criteria, or you prefer not to run the risk of overflow, choose another stall.

4.The Aftermath
When you have completed your business, please, please, PLEASE, flush. Also, please check that you have left the toilet seat clean for the next user. If you have used the last of the TP, do the right thing and advise the next visitor, if you can. If you have blatantly disregarded my advice about keeping unacceptable visits limited to the private home washroom, and you suspect that flushing has or will create a blockage, I highly recommend closing the lid of the toilet (if available), and exiting the vicinity as quickly and discreetly as possible. Also, please never return. Ever.

5. Before You...don't...Sit.
If you are male and if you're using a toilet, lift up the seat. If you use urinals...aim. . And that's all I'm gonna say about that. Except that you should also flush. And please don't put your gum in there. In fact, lets just get a little crazy and say "Don't put your gum anywhere except inside the garbage bag". OK?

6. The Sixth Step
That's right! Surprise! There is another step! I know, crazy, right? I mean, who really needs to wash their hands....YOU DO. I have done some highly unscientific research* in my days as a janitor, and I have come to the conclusion that males wash their hands 50% less than females in Public Restrooms. This is just WRONG! You must wash your hands! The only time when this step might possibly be omitted is if there is no soap provided. Water does not clean your hands. It does, however, often make people feel cleaner, so I won't judge you if you insist on getting your hands wet, under those circumstances.
7. Dispensing the Paper Towel
Afer you have washed your hands, the moisture which still lingers must be dealt with. Please do not flick water on the mirror. There is absolutely no reason to do this.
To dry your hands, use the hot air fan, or the paper towel provided. If the paper towel gets stuck and tears into itty bitty peices as you pull it out, and the little shreds go everywhere...well I wish there was some way I could inflict suffering on you for that (same goes for TP), but its really not your fault, and I can't really expect you to pick up all those pieces, so I guess I have to. And you have to live with that guilt.
If the garbage bin appears to be overflowing, please do not assume this is a game somewhat like JENGA, to see just how high it can get before it falls. Press down whenever possible. You may even go so far as using another paper towel to protect your hand. If everyone did this, we would never see another paper towel volcano scenario again. The world would be a better place.
If you have the heebie jeebies about opening the restroom door, and you insist on using a paper towel to fend off those germs, please do not toss the used paper behind you and make a run for it. Prop the door open with your foot, and discard it from there. If this is not manageable, perhaps you should rethink this strategy. I might suggest you bite the bullet and use your hand, compensating with a little hand sanitizer afterwards.

8. Pay it Forward
If you notice that a washroom is unstocked, or that an anonymous person has violated the rules of socially acceptable Public Restroom usage, a.k.a created a gag-inducing mess, you will be doing yourself and everyone else a favor by informing the management. It is not obligatory, but it is a thoughtful and beneficial thing to do. Beneficial, because it might be the reason you have TP and/or an available stall to use.
In conclusion, let me just say that last night as I was forming this post in my head, it was much more sarcastic and possibly a lot more graphic. I think I have managed to channel that passion into a somewhat more constructive piece of work. This may or may not be a good thing. I really wanted to vent.
Sometimes the way people leave the restrooms I work in is really unbelievable, and I wonder what they are thinking. I think it is that whole idea that whatever you see when you walk in is the standard, so if one person doesn't flush, or doesn't throw their paper towel in the bin, it just deteriorates from there. Conversely, if everyone followed basic etiquette, we wouldn't all be so apprehensive about using Public Restrooms!

Any Restroom horror stories out there?

*My research consisted of noting that the womens' restroom garbage is always full of paper towel, and the mens' rarely has any, but still shows signs of use.

On a New Path

Last year at this time I was steeped in culinary life, absorbed with the differences in terms such as "Blanch" and "Parboil". I woke up early each morning, usually around 6AM, got through my regular morning routine, and spent most of the day wearing baggy checkered pants and a checkered pillbox hat. I tried to please my instructors by being early and working hard, spent my late afternoons moaning over homework, and then hurrying out the door to work 6 hours at Billy Miners Roadhouse, deep-frying fries and chicken nuggets.


I was busy, but it was good. This year has been a bit different so far.
After I returned from Strathcona Park Lodge, I decided to take September easy. I had been on the go since last September when I started the culinary program, and I wanted a break. I have been working part-time with Dutch Touch Cleaning Services, and that has been a really great way for me to unwind from the stress of cooking and earn just enough cash to keep the car running and do things that I want to do.


I told myself October would be different. I would get full-time work, move out of my parent's place, and figure out what I wanted to do when I grow up. That sort of thing.

Well, now its late October, and I still haven't got a full-time job (though I've been applying), moving out of my parent's place is just not gonna happen...but...BUT...

I may have figured out a career choice.

This is a big thing for me guys! ME, who has stared at her future with a bleak "I just don't know what to do" for so long. Even while cooking, I wasn't convinced I wanted it as a career.

Researching my Meyers-Briggs personality (INFP) didn't really help with its suggestions (teacher, writer, actor, etc) but it did highlight a few things that I thought, "Ya, that is important to me."

Helping people.
Improving lives.
Making a difference.

Other things I wanted to include:

Low-stress environment.
Working independently (not necessarily my own business, but just not having someone breath down my neck)
Not sitting at a desk all day.

Well, this week I was talking with my mom about jobs, and I don't even remember how it came up, but suddenly I was like, "Maybe I will become a massage therapist."

I said it as kind of a joke. I've thought about it before, when I was graduating highschool. Its been in the back of my mind forever, but then I would always think, "That means I would have to touch people that I don't know...eeeewwwww!"
That still kind of disturbs me, but I think once you are trained professionally its not a big deal.

All the pieces started to fit together.
The whole natural healing thing appeals to me, and its such a diverse field, there would always be something new to learn and specialize in. It really fits in with my interests and values.

I looked it up, and there is a school of massage in Victoria that looks very good. Of course, the tuition kind of popped a blood vessel in my head...but if I work full-time this year and save every penny, I think I could pull it off. Maybe. I refuse to get another student loan. Ever.

Completing the first year will qualify me as a Spa Practioner, which basically means I would be your typical spa masseuse, trained to do hot rock, aromatherapy, reflexology, and all those lovely things.

If I chose to go on for the next two years, I would become a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), and work in a medical setting, or specialize in sports-related massage.

It all sounds so intriguing! For the first time in a very long time, I am excited about the possibility of going back to school! I really think this is something I could "get into"!

Best of all...I won't have to talk to people (much)...and they will love me for it!

The Introvert in me is smiling really big.

Forked

I'm at the fork in the road again.

I hate the fork in the road.

It means making decisions, and it means I have to decide what I want. And what I want may or may not exist in real life.

That is, a job that I love.

Last year I thought, "I will cook! Cooking will be great! I will love to cook!"
And I DO love to cook. But I am sometimes not a huge fan of working in a kitchen, sometimes. I definitely do NOT love line cooking. And frankly, I'm not enough of a perfectionist to go very far in it.

So I've crossed cooking as a career off my list.

And now that I'm not going back to school, I have to start looking at other options for this Fall.

Sometimes I think I want a job where I do not have to deal with people at all. People can be annoying, and demanding, and rude, and I don't like dealing with people like that. I just want to tell them to get over themselves and get a life. And that really wouldn't go over so well in a customer service type of job.

Other times I think I would go even crazier if I worked alone. Sometimes solitude isn't very healthy for me. I need other people around even if I don't interact with them, or else I just get really...weird. I can't explain it...all I know is, it isn't good.

I can't sit at a desk all day or I will be in physical pain 24/7, and if I'm running around on my feet all day, that can be just as bad. Am I just being difficult?

I want a job where it isn't just a job. I want to be of help to someone in some meaningful way. But I also want to be able to come home from work and not think about it. Is this realistic?

Right now I've just started working part-time as commercial janitor...its pretty mindless, simple work, but it does require attention to detail which I will have to improve in myself! For now, its ok, and it pays pretty good compared to what I'm used to. But its just a bandaid on my problem...I obviously can't/won't do this for the rest of my life. So what am I going to do?
I'm so envious of people who are ambitious and focused and get into what they want to do right out of highschool. They are already well on their way to accomplishing their goals...and I'm still drifting. I haven't really completed anything since highschool. Am I just going to wander aimlessly through life forever? I have even less of an idea of what I want to do now, than I did then! I just know more things that I don't want to do :P

I keep hoping that one day I will see something and get my "aha!" moment, but I'm beginning to wonder if there will realistically ever be a job that I'm excited about. Ever felt that way? Do you have a job (or know of a job) that gets you excited? What is it and why do you love it?

Sauna

It has been so hot here these days.
Its reminding me why I don't miss Kamloops summers. Because they are always this hot.
And I can't stand it.
I am not a hot weather person. I get cranky and irritable and my brain begins to melt out my ears.
Its especially awful when you work in the kitchen where the ovens are blasting hot air, and there are open flames on the stove, and the dishwasher is pumping out steam, and all you can think about it is the possibility of spontaneous combustion, and the sweat trickling down your back.
I've been drinking so much water this week, but I'm always thirsty, and my throat is always dry.
My skin is permanently sticky and its grossing me out! Not to mention having dreads in this weather is like wearing a perma-tuque. I guess that will be nice in the Fall...

Sorry for being such a whiner.

But...

Today it was 39 degrees in the shade.

Outside.

Not in the kitchen.

Wedding Weekend

So the last couple days I've been super tired...just zero energy. Which normally wouldn't be weird, but the past month I've felt better energy-wise than I have in the last year or so. Probably due to the aforementioned good food, fresh air, and exercise.
This has brought me to the conclusion that I am probably getting sick. I've been trying to fend it off by getting lots of sleep, drinking lots of tea and water, and all those good things. I had a sore throat this morning, and nausea in the afternoon, so I don't know what this is all about but it had better go away QUICK, because I'm catering a wedding tomorrow!
I did a lot of prep for it today, but there is still plenty to do tomorrow, and I'm a little nervous!
I am treating myself to a massage today though...one of my friends here is a massage therapist and she's giving me a sweet discount, so hopefully I will be a perfect picture of health and relaxation tomorrow! Can't wait.

Summer Weather

It blows my mind to think that four short weeks ago I was swaddled in numerous layers of clothing, shivering under the covers of my wool blanket, my feather duvet, and my sleepingbag. I was completely frozen, and the rain was thundering on the roof, while an icy draft seeped under the door frame.
I thought to myself, What have I done? Have I forsaken warmth forever, to cook on this frozen mountain? When I went to work in the morning I would bundle up, and huddle by the oven to keep warm.
How things change!
These past few days summer has charged in with a vengeance! 30 plus degree weather, not a cloud in the sky...perfect vacationing heat.
But not perfect cooking heat!
The kitchen staff have been suffering. With both ovens, burners, and dishpit running from 6AM-8PM, and recently cut-down shade trees missing...well, it gets pretty toasty in there. Especially since I am wearing socks, and shoes, long pants, a tanktop, and my long-sleeve cook jacket! Sometimes it just comes over you like a wave and you think you're not gonna make it.
Inevitably tempers get short, and everyone is just wanting the day to end.
I have been guzzling water, as well as seeking refuge in the walk-in cooler whenever possible. My appetite is completely gone in the heat, so I haven't been porking out as much...that is at least one positive :)
After work I get changed into my bathingsuit and jump in the lake. Its sooo cold, but sooo refreshing. And then I think, How lucky am I to be able live here? Pretty lucky, I think.

Knife Skills

One thing I was keenly aware of this year in school was my lack of knife skills. Some students are soooo good with their knives, they can make stuff look so professional without even trying. Me...well I try, but usually when I'm the one chopping everything is a different size and shape.
I put down "knife skills" as one of my practicum goals, because I want to get better.
Well, I've been chopping veggies ever since! Ok, not quite, but I am doing a lot more "quantity" than ever before! I had to cut up a case of butternut squash the first day...I don't know if you've ever cut up squash. I did one or two in my Soups station, and they are TOUGH. Tough skin. Well, if I thought cutting up one or two was hard, the whole frickin case was something else altogether.
I got a huuuge whopping blister on my right index finger.
The next day I cut up a case of carrots, a case of zuchinni, kale, and onion.
Today it was a case of potatoes.
I actually...no joke...have blisters ON my popped blisters.
Obviously my knife is not a prep knife.
You learn something new every day.

I have Monday and Tuesday off, so I am hoping to upload some pictures and post them. My ruined hands might be among the documentation.

Where Am I?

I wont be updating my blog very regularly for the next 4 months.
Don't know if I mentioned this, but I'm doing my practicum at Strathcona Park Lodge, an outdoor education/adventure resort-ish thing about 45 minutes away from Campbell River, on Vancouver Island.
Apparently there is no internet connection or cell phone reception out there, so I will be cut off from the outside world!
I drove all the way to Horseshoe Bay this morning, caught the 12:30 ferry, and I am now enjoying the company of the wonderful Epp family in Comox. Tomorrow I head out to the Lodge to get settled in, and I will have my first day of work on Tuesday.
I am hoping to get lots of pictures and update my blog when I head into town on my day(s) off, but I can guarantee nothing.
So if you are wondering where I have got to...I will be working my butt off in a sweet kitchen, and enjoying the beautiful Vancouver Island.

Free Time

I seem to go from one extreme to the other.
It wasn't long ago I was sleeping in every day, eating a leisurely breakfast, and then goofing off for as many hours as I pleased.
These past few weeks have been quite a bit different. To say the least.
I am genuinely busy...on the go all the time. If I'm not at school, I'm at work, and If I'm not at work I'm doing homework, and if I'm not doing homework I'm at Youth or C&C...
When I log into Facebook I realize its been a couple days since I last updated my status. Weird. I used to be on facebook ALL the freakin time. Now its like I'm never on.
Its not that I mind. I'm actually sort of enjoying always having something to do. I think I will even get used to the early mornings. What I don't like it being without a vehicle. I hate the transit system. I got off school around 12:30 today, but didn't get home til 2:30 because of those terrible buses. All that precious time down the drain.
Now I've sacrificed a good hour to catching up on email and facebook, and I work at 5. I have homework to do, but my brain is all mushy, and I'm feeling rather peckish.
Tomorrow is going to be a crazy day. I'm not looking forward to it at all. In fact I wish it was Wednesday morning right now.
Well, this is it for my free time today.
I may not be on the blog again for a while. I shall miss you all very much.

Server-tude.

I've pretty much always thought that the "waitressing thing" wasn't my cup of tea.
When I eat out I think, Man, I would hate that job. I could never do that.
But then again that's what I said about Tim Hortons too...I'm beginning to see a pattern**
I believe I touched on my dislike of waitressing briefly in my last post. Well today I went in for my first shift at Billy M's as a server. Uh huh.
I wasn't actually assigned any tables, because it was technically a training shift, but I did a little bit of everything and had a taste of the waitressing life, including an angry customer.
My conclusion: I still don't like waitressing. Big surprise! What a shocker.
It wasn't even the cranky people...Tim Hortons has sufficiently desensitized me to that! I just don't like the table-hopping, the fake smiles, and the customers with attitude. I gravitate to the behind-the-scenes, whether it was clearing dishes and wiping tables, or making milkshakes in the back. I just wanted to hop into the back of the kitchen and start doing the prep work I signed up for!
I sound pretty whiny, I'll admit. I actually had a fairly good night. I screwed up a couple times, but I wasn't stressed, felt fairly comfortable, and the girls there seem pretty cool. So as far as I'm concerned, I'll do this serving thing for a while and then either get in the kitchen or get out altogether. Since this is only a part-time, get-me-through-school deal, I don't mind so much and it isn't so depressing as Tim Hortons was.
Anyway, that is the update on my new job. Tomorrow I start culinary training! If I'm not too dead, I might write a little something about it when I get home. Lucky you!


**Hold on a sec, let's see if this works:

"I would hate to inherit a huge fortune, and a summer home in Tahiti. "

I'll keep you posted on how this turns out...

Billy Miner is my Man

In yesterday's paper was a flyer shouting, "NOW HIRING" at the Billy Miner's Roadhouse. I'd already applied at Tumbleweeds, but they're not opening until October, and I kind of need to start earning some cash, er, NOW!
This morning I printed off my updated resume and coverletter and zoomed down the highway to see if I could make something of myself. Or something.
It was a strange time. The last time I'd dropped off resumes and anticipated interviews was back in the Pre-Tim-Horton's Days...and its not a feeling I am particularly fond of.
I hate worrying about first impressions, I never feel qualified, and my mind never works very fast when it comes to interviews.
Nevertheless I girded my loins, so to speak, and entered the restaurant.
And I saw Kelsey. It would be fun to work with Kelsey.
I asked for the manager and soon a middle-aged blonde with an apron and a slightly harried manner glanced me over, took my resume and sat me down at a nearby table. She hardly grasped my hand when I introduced myself and scanned the papers in front of her.
"Have you ever waitressed before?" She asked.
I wondered if she had seen the part on my resume where I applied for Prep Cook. And my work experience at Camp Homewood. And Tim Hortons.
"Um, no, but I have worked in an industrial kitchen type setting, and I'm used to the fast paced environment-"
She nodded without looking up.
"Hmmm," She paused, "What hours can you work?"
I explained to her my schedule, and she seemed satisfied. And then she said something else and left. I was pretty sure it was something like, "Wait here." But after a few long minutes I began to wonder if I had been excused from the premises. There was no sign of her. Feeling fairly certain that I should wait it out, I looked around. It was a pretty cute restaurant...lots of "wild west" decor and an open, airy feel. Most of the patrons at this hour (10:30 AM) were relaxed over-the-hill-ers enjoying a Saturday morning brunch. A few seemed to be regulars.
At last the manager returned, bearing a menu and a couple stray papers.
"Alright, we'd like to hire you," She said, bent over a schedule.
I'm hired? Just like that? I guess my innocent smile negates the need for a reference check.
"...as a server." She continued.
Wait.
What?
HOLD ON. I don't DO the waitressing thing. I don't LIKE the waitressing thing.
"I've never waitressed before," I said nervously, trying to point out that I had KITCHEN EXPERIENCE. PUT ME IN THE KITCHEN. I LIKE THE KITCHEN!
"We'll train you, and then you can get to know the menu and how everything runs," She said, jotting down a few things on her schedule. "When do your classes start?"

I walked out of there hired, certainly...but I don't know how long my shifts are, what I will be getting paid, and doing something I've always said I would never do.
Didn't I mention something about not being able to think straight in interviews? Its very sad.

Actually I'm not too worried about it. The waitressing won't be forever...just until I know the menu. I'll make sure of that. And I'll figure out the rest of it when I start on Tuesday. I'm just glad that I've got something to get me through university this year! Maybe I'll even be able to get a car....ahh luxury.

My Brain Hurts

Math was NEVER my favorite subject in school. In fact it is safe to declare that is was my LEAST favorite subject of all time. My mom would let me skip one subject on my birthday and every year it was math. She didn't even have to ask.
Somehow my brain refuses to understand numbers and logical math concepts. In fact logic of any kind is hard for me to absorb. I don't know why.
Today at work was the first time I had to close up alone.
Which means I had to count the till....alone.
It wasn't fun.
I don't like numbers.

New Job

I started my new job today!
Admittedly I was only there for about 4 1/2 hours...but still, it has begun.
I'm working at a little cafeteria inside the Convergy's call center called "K's Korner". They have prepackaged sandwhiches, subs, samosas, quiches, and lots of baking. And soups. And coffees of course.
I learned how to operate the non-Tim Horton's till and did some inventory and cleaning. It was very slow today, but my manager Sharon says that it will be a lot busier on weekdays, which will be good. When its busy your shift always flies by so much faster!
So this is how I will fill my days until I leave for Ireland. It will be nice to keep busy, that's for sure.

Blast Off!!!

Check out my new best-seller! Its a big hit.

So...
Its over.
Weird.

Today went pretty much like every Friday at Tim Hortons goes. The only thing different was everyone saying goodbye to me. It made me sad, because I don't know when/if I'll ever see them again. But it was nice to know I'll be missed. I plan on sending them a postcard from Quadra!!!

Thanks for rooting me on to the end of this week guys! I'm not gonna lie, I could have done it without you, but it sure is nice to get such supportive comments :P

EDIT: If you're looking at that picture and thinking "what the hecK???", you obviously were not ferociously force-fed the teachings of this book.

One...

MORE DAY!!!
I just need to make it through one more gruelling 8-hour shift, and then I'm home-free. I'm even beginning to feel better, so maybe I won't be spending my free weeks before I leave in a coma. Its a cheering thought.
Oh and I have GOOD NEWS!

The Prodigal Chapstick Has Returned!
It was lost, but now it is found.

See, I have very specific chapsticks. I have a purse chapstick, a coat chapstick, a home chapstick, and an at-work chapstick. The above is my at-work chapstick, and the other week at the bus-stop when I needed it most, I couldn't find it. I seriously turned my bag inside-out looking for that chapstick!!! It was nowhere to be found. I figured I must have left it in the locker at work, but it wasn't there the next day. I was very sad.
So, imagine my delight when it turned up yesterday. I don't know where it was hiding, but it saw fit to return to me, and that's all I need to know. I'm just happy its back. Its Vanilla-Minty freshness was missed.

Two...

More wretched days at Tim's.
I had a wonderful blog all planned out for today, but when I got home I curled up on the couch with my sniffles and misery, and watched a movie instead. And now I'm going to bed. Better luck tomorrow.