I have realized that it seems I've been on an unintentional hiatus from my blog. I'm so sorry I haven't written, called or texted. But trust me, it's not you, it's me. My life has been insanely busy. Buuuut, I hate to disappoint my 3 or so readers, so here I am once again.
The reason behind my long absence is sadly nothing fun and exciting, just work. I have been working long hours and weekends. Who knew having employment would take such a toll on my personal and social life? But I'm addicted to the money. You have no idea how great it is to once again have an income. It's not a great income, I mean I'm only a waitress/server (whichever term you prefer). But walking out everyday with cash is quite a departure from what I've been used to over the past year or so of school/unemployment.
This is a little shout out for my fellow servers. I've worked as a waitress before so it's not new to me. But people really don't realize that it really is hard work. If it's busy you are literally running on your feet and keeping track of a ridiculous amount of information in your head. We are on our feet all day. We don't get breaks if we're working alone. I go whole days without eating. Instead I'm drooling over the food I'm serving you. (Don't worry, I don't get any on your food. I'm good like that). We have to try to be happy 100% of the time. We may be having a shit day where everything is going wrong but all sunshine and rainbows in front of customers. That can be a challenge.
And in all honesty I really hate being a waitress. I'm good at my job because I'm a hard worker and friendly but, if it wasn't for the tips....I'd run right out of there. And thank you to all the people who do tip! We really do work hard for it. So if you're one of the people out there who tip poorly...please think of this. No, it's no picnic. And I don't mean to complain but people really do underestimate what servers are responsible for. Ever since my first server job I've always tipped very well. Don't be afraid to show the server some paper love. There are days though, like today when it's not busy and I make $5 in tips because there were only 4 customers. Terrible. However, there are those days when you walk out with at least $100 in cash.
I really do miss my social life though. Working during prime daylight hours is really cutting into my beach/tan time. It's starting to fade already. I'm the type of person that hates missing out on events too so serving other people alcohol during my Friday night makes me a little bitter.
It's always a treat too when those people you are serving hit on you and make inappropriate comments. Really? How do you find me cute right now? I'm sweating, my hair is pulled up and I'm wearing a boring work t-shirt. What I would like to know is the secret of those waitresses that somehow stay beautiful all day long. How are you not the sweaty puddle that I am? I must have missed that convention or seminar on server beauty secrets 101.
It isn't much of a party without some cheese. Everything is better with Cheddar.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Overeducated, underemployed, overqualified?
I was officially done school April 28 of this year and I spent the next two months frantically applying to jobs. Any job. Now believe me, none of these jobs were to be a rocket scientist or anything but for some reason I had zero callbacks. And, I've had steady jobs since I was 16. So for ten years I had been working only taking time off when I went to school.
After two weeks I was very frustrated with the whole process and not having any feedback from employers was making me lose hope. You can imagine how much my frustration had mounted after two months of this process. I was ready to accept my bum status and had a piece of cardboard ready for signage.
I knew I needed to do something about my situation. I was becoming jaded and angry. How could a person with two degrees and experience working full time not be getting interviews? I no longer felt optimistic and positive about it. And I am just a positive person. I was feeling the economic punch in the stomach after only 2 months. I can't imagine people with a family who are going through this. I'm lucky that I had an out. Move back home with my parents. Which is what I did.
I sucked up my pride and packed up my stuff and made the move once again to my childhood home. It felt somewhat like admitting defeat. But I definitely made the right choice. Within two weeks of moving back with my new roommates, I had two interviews. I think they could smell the desperation.
So once again I'm feeling positive about the future with my two jobs. I've been applying to teaching jobs that have been opeing up. So, while I wait for my teaching career to start I am perfectly content spending my days working and at the beach. Yes, I live close to a beach. You can go ahead and be jealous now. Everything is coming up Cheddar.
After two weeks I was very frustrated with the whole process and not having any feedback from employers was making me lose hope. You can imagine how much my frustration had mounted after two months of this process. I was ready to accept my bum status and had a piece of cardboard ready for signage.
I knew I needed to do something about my situation. I was becoming jaded and angry. How could a person with two degrees and experience working full time not be getting interviews? I no longer felt optimistic and positive about it. And I am just a positive person. I was feeling the economic punch in the stomach after only 2 months. I can't imagine people with a family who are going through this. I'm lucky that I had an out. Move back home with my parents. Which is what I did.
I sucked up my pride and packed up my stuff and made the move once again to my childhood home. It felt somewhat like admitting defeat. But I definitely made the right choice. Within two weeks of moving back with my new roommates, I had two interviews. I think they could smell the desperation.
So once again I'm feeling positive about the future with my two jobs. I've been applying to teaching jobs that have been opeing up. So, while I wait for my teaching career to start I am perfectly content spending my days working and at the beach. Yes, I live close to a beach. You can go ahead and be jealous now. Everything is coming up Cheddar.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Life in Transition
Ever since I started university, my life has been constantly in transition. Every year I have had to move, apply and look for new jobs, and even transferring schools. You would think that with all the moving my packing skills would improve. But instead I have gotten very good at learning to live out of a suitcase and never really settling down.
Over the past year I have met amazing people and been able to do some amazing things. People come in and out of your life. Some stay forever, some only for a short time. But they all make their own imprint.
Now that I am officially a teacher it's kind of like having 2 passports. There are so many options and choices for teachers all over the world, especially when you have nothing to tie you down. I've never been very good at making decisions. I'm full of plans and ideas, but the hard part for me is deciding on a path and sticking to it. Some people might say that I think about things too much and I should just choose and path a stick to it. It's the choosing part that's hard.
So now, as I unpack all my stuff and am starting to get settled into 'home' life with the family again, my mind can't help but wander to somewhere else. I want to travel to so many different places. The easy way to get there would be to get a job in that particular place of course. But at my age of 26 I feel like I should be starting my career in Ontario. So you can see how hard it is for me to choose what's best!
I'll never be done with school. That's the beauty of being a teacher. But I guess I am officially a grown up. (When did that happen?) I'm not exactly financially independent (the roommate situation speaks for itself - Mom and Dad), but I am emotionally and mentally independent. I'm ready for my career to start and my 'grown up' life to begin. It would be so much easier if someone would just hire me! Or if someone would just tell me what to do or make my decision for me!
I've learned a lot about myself recently having to let go and move on. The best thing I can do is be prepared for anything and to just go forward. Bring on the next chapter...
Over the past year I have met amazing people and been able to do some amazing things. People come in and out of your life. Some stay forever, some only for a short time. But they all make their own imprint.
Now that I am officially a teacher it's kind of like having 2 passports. There are so many options and choices for teachers all over the world, especially when you have nothing to tie you down. I've never been very good at making decisions. I'm full of plans and ideas, but the hard part for me is deciding on a path and sticking to it. Some people might say that I think about things too much and I should just choose and path a stick to it. It's the choosing part that's hard.
So now, as I unpack all my stuff and am starting to get settled into 'home' life with the family again, my mind can't help but wander to somewhere else. I want to travel to so many different places. The easy way to get there would be to get a job in that particular place of course. But at my age of 26 I feel like I should be starting my career in Ontario. So you can see how hard it is for me to choose what's best!
I'll never be done with school. That's the beauty of being a teacher. But I guess I am officially a grown up. (When did that happen?) I'm not exactly financially independent (the roommate situation speaks for itself - Mom and Dad), but I am emotionally and mentally independent. I'm ready for my career to start and my 'grown up' life to begin. It would be so much easier if someone would just hire me! Or if someone would just tell me what to do or make my decision for me!
I've learned a lot about myself recently having to let go and move on. The best thing I can do is be prepared for anything and to just go forward. Bring on the next chapter...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Accidentally on Purpose
People say to live your life with purpose. Knowing that purpose is not an easy thing to figure out. But, I try to partake in activities that will help my education, career, knowledge or simply help me grow. I surround myself with great family and friends that I love and love me back and that help me be a better person. I'd like to think I live my life with purpose.
Living life with purpose..deep right? But, who has the time to soul search and figure out all that we are. It's a nice thought but I'm more of a believer in the chaos theory. I think random occurances happen which lead us in the right direction. These accidents are what shape us, as long as we find how to benefit from those accidents.
There are so many things in life that are not on purpose or that happen "by accident". Babies, car accidents, breaking a glass, forgetting your anniversary..some big, some small, good, or bad, accidents are bound to happen. The best thing you can do is just roll with it.
Of course there are also those 'accidents' that happen for a reason or on purpose. I like to call this accidentally on purpose.
That waitress that 'accidentally' spilled your drink on you. Was it an accident? Stop being so rude to servers. They have a tough job.
'Accidentally' letting a secret slip out you weren't suppose to tell. Admit it. You love gossip. You can't keep a secret. It's your friends fault really for telling you that information.
Baking a batch of cupcakes and 'accidentally' eating most or all of them. Why did you make cupcakes anyway? You wanted them, don't lie.
My favorite 'accidentally on purpose' moment happens most often during the summer. There is something about the summer that just calls out my name to be drinking on a patio or beach.
On a hot day there is nothing more satisfying than lounging around lazily drinking an ice cold beer or other beverage of choice. Before you know it, you've had one too many drinks and you're 'accidentally drunk.'
So go ahead and live your life with purpose...but take full advantage of those upcoming lazy summer days where you find yourself accidentally drunk on a Tuesday afternoon.
Living life with purpose..deep right? But, who has the time to soul search and figure out all that we are. It's a nice thought but I'm more of a believer in the chaos theory. I think random occurances happen which lead us in the right direction. These accidents are what shape us, as long as we find how to benefit from those accidents.
There are so many things in life that are not on purpose or that happen "by accident". Babies, car accidents, breaking a glass, forgetting your anniversary..some big, some small, good, or bad, accidents are bound to happen. The best thing you can do is just roll with it.
Of course there are also those 'accidents' that happen for a reason or on purpose. I like to call this accidentally on purpose.
That waitress that 'accidentally' spilled your drink on you. Was it an accident? Stop being so rude to servers. They have a tough job.
'Accidentally' letting a secret slip out you weren't suppose to tell. Admit it. You love gossip. You can't keep a secret. It's your friends fault really for telling you that information.
Baking a batch of cupcakes and 'accidentally' eating most or all of them. Why did you make cupcakes anyway? You wanted them, don't lie.
My favorite 'accidentally on purpose' moment happens most often during the summer. There is something about the summer that just calls out my name to be drinking on a patio or beach.
On a hot day there is nothing more satisfying than lounging around lazily drinking an ice cold beer or other beverage of choice. Before you know it, you've had one too many drinks and you're 'accidentally drunk.'
So go ahead and live your life with purpose...but take full advantage of those upcoming lazy summer days where you find yourself accidentally drunk on a Tuesday afternoon.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Yoga for Beginners
With school out.. (forever! eek!)..summer just around the corner, and inevitabily bathing suit season once again, I'm am trying to live more healthily. So I've been dragging myself to the gym with my gym buddy and also trying out yoga. I've only done yoga once or twice before, but I found a great deal on a yoga studio here and decided to give it a try.
The first thing I noticed when I walked into the studio is the calmness and quietness of it all. I'm used to intense cardio workouts with pumping jams blasting out, so this is of course quite a departure from that. It's almost eerie to be so aware of how your body is moving and to concentrate on your breath. That is one thing that I acknowledge I need to learn to do. Just breathe. I find myself holding my breath more than once. Holding your breath for too long is never a good thing.
The first pose called savasana is all about relaxation and I never thought that could be so difficult. The first class I did I almost started to giggle. Terrible I know. But I found it so hard to get thoughts out of my mind and just succumb to my breath. In the third class the teacher told us if we have a thought about our upcoming day, acknowledge it, inhale and let the thought out when you exhale. If only everything that stresses you out could leave with a simple breath.
In my relaxation state when I'm trying to have a clear mind, I think this is when most thoughts pop into my head.
"What am I going to have for dinner?"
"Man, I need a job."
"I hope someone, anyone, calls for an interview soon."
"My cheek has an itch. I better not scratch it. She'll know I'm not concentrating. It's getting worse. I'll just scratch it quickly. Maybe she won't notice."
I really hope I am not the only beginner that feels or thinks this way. Otherwise, I'm gonna need more than yoga to help me!
As we go through all the different poses and postures it's amazing the ones you think should be easy are not. And the ones you think "there's no way my body can do that" are easy. It's surprising how very little I am aware of myself and body.
However, at the end of class, the instructor told me my "wheel" pose (which you may know as a bridge), is amazing. I have a flexible back. Who knew? I'm pretty sure it's the only flexible part of my body...for now. Thank you elementary school gymnastics.
The first thing I noticed when I walked into the studio is the calmness and quietness of it all. I'm used to intense cardio workouts with pumping jams blasting out, so this is of course quite a departure from that. It's almost eerie to be so aware of how your body is moving and to concentrate on your breath. That is one thing that I acknowledge I need to learn to do. Just breathe. I find myself holding my breath more than once. Holding your breath for too long is never a good thing.
The first pose called savasana is all about relaxation and I never thought that could be so difficult. The first class I did I almost started to giggle. Terrible I know. But I found it so hard to get thoughts out of my mind and just succumb to my breath. In the third class the teacher told us if we have a thought about our upcoming day, acknowledge it, inhale and let the thought out when you exhale. If only everything that stresses you out could leave with a simple breath.
In my relaxation state when I'm trying to have a clear mind, I think this is when most thoughts pop into my head.
"What am I going to have for dinner?"
"Man, I need a job."
"I hope someone, anyone, calls for an interview soon."
"My cheek has an itch. I better not scratch it. She'll know I'm not concentrating. It's getting worse. I'll just scratch it quickly. Maybe she won't notice."
I really hope I am not the only beginner that feels or thinks this way. Otherwise, I'm gonna need more than yoga to help me!
As we go through all the different poses and postures it's amazing the ones you think should be easy are not. And the ones you think "there's no way my body can do that" are easy. It's surprising how very little I am aware of myself and body.
However, at the end of class, the instructor told me my "wheel" pose (which you may know as a bridge), is amazing. I have a flexible back. Who knew? I'm pretty sure it's the only flexible part of my body...for now. Thank you elementary school gymnastics.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
May 5th all over North America and I'm sure other places, people celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Our little household celebrated the glorious day with fresh food. We had an array of fresh salsa and dips and a delicious vegan enchilada recipe. I found this recipe from the Oh She Glows website, and I love meat, but let me tell you, it was AMAZING!
Mine don't look nearly as pleasing as the ones on the website, but I highly recommend them!
A meal this good has to be washed down with some festive drinks of course. We decided to make and enjoy some frozen beverages. I'm not exactly sure Cinco de Mayo is celebrated for, but I'm not one to turn down a drink! Margaritas would have been the more obvious choice but with no tequila on hand, only rum, we made do with Pina Coladas! mmmm
Note: Beware the sugar hangovers that are bound to follow after drinking these all day!
Mine don't look nearly as pleasing as the ones on the website, but I highly recommend them!A meal this good has to be washed down with some festive drinks of course. We decided to make and enjoy some frozen beverages. I'm not exactly sure Cinco de Mayo is celebrated for, but I'm not one to turn down a drink! Margaritas would have been the more obvious choice but with no tequila on hand, only rum, we made do with Pina Coladas! mmmm
Note: Beware the sugar hangovers that are bound to follow after drinking these all day!
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