Sooooo. The end is almost here--and I can't believe its almost over! The past couple of weeks have been filled with so many school projects, work projects and the like that I litterally didn't know what way was up for many days. I'm not going to ramble about how much school work I did for the final push to the end but merely say that it has ended up being a good semester grade-wise including that nasty biology class that the State of Missouri forced me to take. On that note as of noon today I only have one final next week--which will be a breeze. Otherwise I'm officially done, done, done.
On Tuesday night I rode in the Joplin Christmas parade which was a blast even though it was 9 degrees outside and the parade lasted 3 hours. It was a lesson in layering...two pairs of biking pants, 1 pair of sweatpants, 4 shirts, two pairs of gloves and two pairs of socks....supplemented with frequent sips of heavily spiked eggnog. :) All in all it was a great time and a good way to sortof say goodbye to members of the biking club who I won't be seeing again due to the much anticipated transfer to Dallas.
This afternoon I have a conference call, then its time to pack for 4 days of Audits and take off the 3.5 hour drive to St. Joseph. It will be great to not think about school, worry about projects coming due or any of that stuff. I know that within a week or two I'll be going stir-crazy from boredom but at the immediate moment I'll be really happy to just veg out and watch some mindless TV while drinking an appropriate holiday beverage.....Relaxation here I come!
Packing for San Antonio has not yet begun.....I know, I know, I'm getting there. First order of business is to procure some boxes (very important items for moving), or so I've been told. After that it will be a combination of frantic completion of the annual Audit pack review and getting my desk clerk Nick certified as a MOD. Then I can worry about the other stuff.
So essentially I just wanted to touch base with everyone, let you know that I'm still alive and that light at the end of the tunnel just keeps getting brighter!!!! Can't wait for Sarah, Ryan and Jeff to get here....
Darn those pop-up blockers----everyone is going to have to suffer through the spelling errors cause I don't have time to go back and re-read this for errors as the pop-up blocker is working to well!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Exam 1 Completed
Well, I just finished my French Cinema Theory exam....it wasn't to bad but Lord help me if she grades on conjugation and proper structure! So I'm going to have a fantastic rest of the day....cause I said so....and go to my 11am class, go to work, eat lunch then work a 3-11pm shift because my desk clerk has a funeral to go to...So this will all be in the past very soon and I'll never have to worry about another employee calling in with excuses again!!!!!
I'm actually feeling a little wistful in that just a few more days I will never be returning to MSSU campus again.....kind of strange. Not that I'll have time to worry about it with all the running around I'm going to be doing but still...its been two years here and there are a lot of good memories tied up in this place, so its kind of sad to say goodbye. So goodbye....now I'm done moping and its on to the fun stuff in life. Like family, friends, food, fun, and significant friends ;)
I'm actually feeling a little wistful in that just a few more days I will never be returning to MSSU campus again.....kind of strange. Not that I'll have time to worry about it with all the running around I'm going to be doing but still...its been two years here and there are a lot of good memories tied up in this place, so its kind of sad to say goodbye. So goodbye....now I'm done moping and its on to the fun stuff in life. Like family, friends, food, fun, and significant friends ;)
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Countdown
Okay here goes.....at last count graduation was 18 days and 4 hours away and give or take a few moments. Is it right that life turns absolutely crazy for this last mad push to the end? Exam in French Cinema tomorrow (theory), paper due on Friday, Audits on Saturday and Sunday with 6 hour drive times between locations, Exam in Biology on Monday, French Cinema presentation on Tuesday, MO Constitution Exam on Tuesday, Exam on Wednesday--Cold War, Exam in Biology again on Wednesday and Seminar exam on Thursday. ----- Is this semester over yet?......
On the flip side, my new boss emailed me and said that they have ordered my new corp. cellphone, credit card, laptop (IBM Thinkpad) and business cards. I'm so excited. I'm still waiting for that official letter from HR with the offer but Mark said he was going to walk down to HR this afternoon and see what the hangup is.....If something happens and this job goes kaput, I'm going to be one unhappy camper.
So its on to planning the graduation party.....Graduation begins at 10am on the 17th, I'm thinking champagne and snacks at my place afterwards then going to Club 609 for buy one get one free drinks in the evening. The decor of the apartment might not be that great due to half my stuff being packed for the move to SA but who cares as long as there is music, drinks and fun people to hang out with.
Okay, so I really need to go study French Cinematic Theory....wish me luck cause right now I just want to chuck it all and be done!
On the flip side, my new boss emailed me and said that they have ordered my new corp. cellphone, credit card, laptop (IBM Thinkpad) and business cards. I'm so excited. I'm still waiting for that official letter from HR with the offer but Mark said he was going to walk down to HR this afternoon and see what the hangup is.....If something happens and this job goes kaput, I'm going to be one unhappy camper.
So its on to planning the graduation party.....Graduation begins at 10am on the 17th, I'm thinking champagne and snacks at my place afterwards then going to Club 609 for buy one get one free drinks in the evening. The decor of the apartment might not be that great due to half my stuff being packed for the move to SA but who cares as long as there is music, drinks and fun people to hang out with.
Okay, so I really need to go study French Cinematic Theory....wish me luck cause right now I just want to chuck it all and be done!
Monday, November 28, 2005
Fun stuff
THREE THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIE
1. Travel around the world
2. Stay in a real Scotish or Irish castle
3. Live life to the fullest and have a grand romance
THREE GOOD WAYS TO DESCRIBE MY PERSONALITY
1. Intelligent
2. Sympathetic to a point
3. Driven
THREE THINGS MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
1. I love to give presentations---there is simply something about a captive audience that makes me happy.
2. I'm not the neatest person on the face of the earth by any stretch of the imagination but my office is usually very tidy.
3. I'm closet romance novel reader....but only if the book has a point, a lot of action and is humerous. I have certain authors that I really like and others that I find pathetic.
THREE PLACES I WANT TO GO
1. Scotland, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy
2. Iceland
3. Maine, Seattle (again), Oregon, Vermont...and the list goes on
THREE NAMES THAT I GO BY (other than normal name)
1. Janette
2. Aunti Net (or Netty)-- you are only allowed to use this if you are under the age of 7.
3. Little Jan--compliments of Ryan.
THREE SCREEN NAMES I HAVE HAD
1. nope---can't think of one much less three.
THREE THINGS THAT SCARE ME:
1. Failure
2. Enduring life rather than living life
3. Horror movies
THREE PEOPLE WHO MAKE ME LAUGH:
1. Sarah and Ryan
2. Jennifer Cruise, my mom and my sister
3. Jeff
THREE THINGS I LOVE:
1. Cold winter nights spent with friends and/or family
2. Good food and wine
3. Books, Books, Books and more Books
THREE THINGS I HATE:
1. Slow drivers in the quick lane--move already!!!!!! Yes there is a little bit of road rage present at all times within me.
2. Stupidity and intentional ignorance, also poor customer service drives me nuts.
3. People who are inconsiderate of others.
THREE THINGS I'M DOING RIGHT NOW:
1. Writing a French Film paper.
2. Writing a critique of a Slavery Seminar Paper.
3. Proofing an Immuninization and Autoimmune Disorder paper for my mom.
THREE THINGS I THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO:
1. The Phantom of the Opera Soundtrack
2. Me cause I'm probably right and you know it. :)
3. That inner voice which says its time to actually get some work done.
THREE OF YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE BOOKS:
1. Faking It and Bet me. Both by Jennifer Cruise
2. The Anita Blake Series by Laurel K. Hamilton
3. Good in Bed and In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner...unfortunately her latest book Goodnight Nobody is a flop but her earlier works were great reads.
THREE THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO LEARN:
1. Sailing
2. Italian
3. To accept life as it is without questioning it to death.
THREE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE:
1. My parents and Sarah
2. Dr. Laas--History prof who is exactly the type of person whom I want to be when I grow up.
3. Beth Anderson --- sound advice with no garbage attached.
THREE SHOWS YOU WATCHED WHEN YOU WERE A KID:
1. McGuyver
2. Transformers
3. Smurfs
1. Travel around the world
2. Stay in a real Scotish or Irish castle
3. Live life to the fullest and have a grand romance
THREE GOOD WAYS TO DESCRIBE MY PERSONALITY
1. Intelligent
2. Sympathetic to a point
3. Driven
THREE THINGS MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME
1. I love to give presentations---there is simply something about a captive audience that makes me happy.
2. I'm not the neatest person on the face of the earth by any stretch of the imagination but my office is usually very tidy.
3. I'm closet romance novel reader....but only if the book has a point, a lot of action and is humerous. I have certain authors that I really like and others that I find pathetic.
THREE PLACES I WANT TO GO
1. Scotland, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy
2. Iceland
3. Maine, Seattle (again), Oregon, Vermont...and the list goes on
THREE NAMES THAT I GO BY (other than normal name)
1. Janette
2. Aunti Net (or Netty)-- you are only allowed to use this if you are under the age of 7.
3. Little Jan--compliments of Ryan.
THREE SCREEN NAMES I HAVE HAD
1. nope---can't think of one much less three.
THREE THINGS THAT SCARE ME:
1. Failure
2. Enduring life rather than living life
3. Horror movies
THREE PEOPLE WHO MAKE ME LAUGH:
1. Sarah and Ryan
2. Jennifer Cruise, my mom and my sister
3. Jeff
THREE THINGS I LOVE:
1. Cold winter nights spent with friends and/or family
2. Good food and wine
3. Books, Books, Books and more Books
THREE THINGS I HATE:
1. Slow drivers in the quick lane--move already!!!!!! Yes there is a little bit of road rage present at all times within me.
2. Stupidity and intentional ignorance, also poor customer service drives me nuts.
3. People who are inconsiderate of others.
THREE THINGS I'M DOING RIGHT NOW:
1. Writing a French Film paper.
2. Writing a critique of a Slavery Seminar Paper.
3. Proofing an Immuninization and Autoimmune Disorder paper for my mom.
THREE THINGS I THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO:
1. The Phantom of the Opera Soundtrack
2. Me cause I'm probably right and you know it. :)
3. That inner voice which says its time to actually get some work done.
THREE OF YOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE BOOKS:
1. Faking It and Bet me. Both by Jennifer Cruise
2. The Anita Blake Series by Laurel K. Hamilton
3. Good in Bed and In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner...unfortunately her latest book Goodnight Nobody is a flop but her earlier works were great reads.
THREE THINGS YOU'D LIKE TO LEARN:
1. Sailing
2. Italian
3. To accept life as it is without questioning it to death.
THREE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE:
1. My parents and Sarah
2. Dr. Laas--History prof who is exactly the type of person whom I want to be when I grow up.
3. Beth Anderson --- sound advice with no garbage attached.
THREE SHOWS YOU WATCHED WHEN YOU WERE A KID:
1. McGuyver
2. Transformers
3. Smurfs
Monday, November 21, 2005
Auditions and promotions
What a week. I'm going to recount the events as they unfolded and of course add my own personal opinions as I go along. Be prepared---it was a crazy week. Also apparently spell check isn't working so bear wtih me:)
Monday, November 14--work like crazy at the hotel cause the "boss" is coming into town for a surprise visit. Big Surprise--he doesn't show up. Start to pack for St. Louis, run back and forth to the office cause the GSR is having issues and can't remember how to do his job. Realize that the GSR who can't remember how to do his job is the individual who I'm leaving in charge of the property--fear ensues. By 1pm realize that I need to do a powerpoint presentation for Biology class at 6pm and study for an anatomy exam also at 6pm. Yikes, Cloister myself in the library for the next 5 hours---nothing short of a bomb could have moved me from my table. Biology class rocked, my powerpoint presentation ruled and the "group" that showed up an hour late for the presentations should have been asked to leave. But the prof was feeling generous and let them stay. Their presentation sucked, not that I'm bitter or anything. Finally crash around 1pm.....nervous about Tuesday.
Tuesday class at 8...lasts till 12:30. Rush back to the apartment to finish packing, turn the hotel over to semi-competent GSR and watch him slowly count all the money. Threaten GSR with painful Chinese torture and termination of employement is the money is not all present and accounted for upon my return from St. Louis. Leave for Tulsa Airport 30 min later than planned....no biggy, esp if you know how I drive. Arrive at airport, check-in, realize its group boarding--not good, not bad esp. as I'm in group A. At least I'll get a semi-good seat. Spend next hour waiting to board but put the time to good use and read Clark Clifford's memoirs--of which a 6 page paper is due on Monday, Nov. 21st. Fly to St. Louis...take Taxi to the Motel. Taxi Driver asks me if I'm certain I want to stay at this hotel? He wants to take me to the Holiday Inn where its safer.;) I thank him for his concern and prepare to meet my fate. Check into the Motel---rude GSR doesn't properly follow the check-in procedures. Go to my room and promptly find messy bedspreads and a hanger (not one of mine) on the 2nd bed. Check the sheets and they are clean so I can live with messy bedspreads and not kick up a fuss. Call everyone and let them know I'm in St. Louis. Realize that its 10pm and I haven't eaten all day.....growling stomach reminds me of just how hungry I am. Talk to Jeff and debate the merits of snack machine vs. pizza vs. Chinese. Really want Chinese. Steal Chinese food menue from delivery boy walking down the hall. Pick out what I want....realize that the min order is $20.00. Even I can't eat $20.00 worth of Chinese food. Go back out to snack machine and purchase graham crackers and Cherry Coke.....think this is soooo bad for me, but I'm sooooo hungry.
Wednesday Morning---meet Bob Schmidt, Senior Auditor. funny guy, going to get sued for harrassment one of these days but still really funny. Audit the property. Realize that the GM for this property is not going to last in this location. Gm is very soft spoken, slow moving and hesitant about everything. Seems willing to listen but not certain if he comprehends to totality of what he is facing. Property Audit lasts till 9pm, no lunch, no breakfast...unhappy camper who is starving. 9pm leave the property to go to next location. check into next location, and begin to prepare the Audit reports with Bob. Finally call the 1st audit day quits at 11pm. Exhausted. Go to my room, realize my property has been calling incesently. Call the property and am baraged by issues the first of which is that fact that there is no heat. Tell GSR to deal with it, stop selling rooms that we will have to give money back on and to call the Heating repair company 1st thing in the morning and have them come out ASAP. Really want to talk to Jeff, Sarah and Ryan....realize that I'm really cranky and hungry and it probably wouldn't be a good idea to talk to anyone at the moment and fall into bed.
Thursday morning---Meet Bob at 8am....realize that he doesn't eat breakfast. Think seriously about hurting him as he appears to be a morning person. Drive short distance to location to be audited (not the location we were staying at apparently), walk in the front door and realize that I've met the GM previously and that she was a b**** then and still appears to be one. Bob promptly falls in love with her.....I just shake my head over the condition of the male species as some apparently feel that rejection and being treated disrespectfully is a very attractive thing....shake my head again and then get to work on the Audit. Audit goes well due in part to someones' infatuation---never said the process was completely impartial. So I work with Bob till 9pm to finish paperwork. Go out to dinner--Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. After dinner go to Target for snacky breakfast food cause once again Bob doesn't eat breakfast in the traditional sense.....I can deal with it as long as I have snacks.
Friday morning--run accross the street (very quickly in heels) for gas station coffee---its better than Motel coffee. Meet Bob at 8 and go to next location for the Audit. Realize that I totally have the hang of this and that I like only having to worry about one job--the audit. Didn't return property calls last night---if it was really important they would have left a voicemail. Perform the Audit all by myself (pat, pat, pat myself on the back). Unfortunately they didn't pass.....serious employee file issues and deposit issues. Get done by 6pm, go out for dinner at Red Lobster, have a drink with Bob and come back to finish up paperwork by 9pm then its free time. I'm adjusting to the schedule which sounds like a lot of hours but isn't as hard as it appears. Realize I only have one more day before I return to Joplin and am filled with insane desire to beg to stay and finish the Audits with Bob. Really don't want to see the mess facing me in Joplin. Still haven't returned any calls to the property. Once again I firmly believe that if it was important they would have left a voicemail.
Saturday---am filled with sorrow that I'm leaving on Sunday. Run accross the street for coffee and chit-chat with the owner who now knows my name and treats me like his new best friend. Meet Bob at 8 to audit the location where we have been staying and do the Audit on my own.....I love this job. Property passes with flying colors. I complete all the reports and paperwork by 5pm and realize that I have the rest of the evening free. Go out for dinner with Bob to a BBQ place---really good food. Realize that I'm looking forward to seeing him in January when I "begin" my new job. Upon return to the Motel we navagate our way through 3 cop cars and many gawkers....a little local flavor had to much to drink and thought he would see how many cops he could take on. Decide to go to a movie cause I have the rest of the evening free and its my last free night until Dec 17th. Got the car keys from Bob---I love rental cars with oomph under the hood--and went to see the new Harry Potter movie. Excellent for those of you who have not yet seen it! Come back to the Motel, packed and called it a night.
Sunday morning--7am Do a breakout session with Bob enroute to the airport. Bob confirms that his recommendation is to bring me on board immediately and states that he has already told Mark and Jacques that he fully approved of my abilities for the position. Warm fuzzies all over again. We get lost going to the airport----yes I know St. Louis isn't that big but it was poorly marked. Bob drops me off at the airport and I meander my way into a Starbucks and give thanks to the coffee gods. Since I was 2 hours early for my flight I pulled out the poor beleagered Clifford memoirs and realize that I have to get this paper written tonight, finish my research paper, draft a French paper, do payroll for the Motel, retieve the Motel keys from the GSR, Pack for San Antonio on Tuesday, Count the money to determine if the GSR can live for another day, deal with the heat issue which should be a non-issue by now, write 2 performance reviews which need to be administered prior to Tuesday and all of a sudden I feel tired again. So I chit-chat with a very nice young girl going to Las Vegas to meet her mother for the Holidays and I realize that I have some of the best friends waiting for me to arrive on Tues/Wed and that I wouldn't trade that for any trip to anyplace. Arrive in Tulsa by 11am, meet with Pam and Nelly who drove my car to Tulsa to pick me up---cheaper than airport parking @$11 a day. And listened to everything that happened. Convinced Nelly to stick around as GSR till Dec. 25th after which I don't care what they do cause I won't be around. Listened to them talk some more. Arrived back at the Motel by 2, dropped my suitcases off at the apartment, came to the front office and worked till 7pm. 7pm received a phone call that the night auditor had the flu and wouldn't be in to work. Immediately realize that this is one of the main reasons to get out of the business. Get back to the apartment by 8pm, talk to Sarah and Ryan for a few moments then try to go to bed for a couple of hours before going back to work the overnight till 8am. 9:30GSR checks someone into the room directly above me.....many evil thoughts directed towards GSR for their inconsideration of my need to sleep. Finally give up on the sleep issue and go back to the front office to work till 8am. Many things accomplished during overnight shift. Cold War paper written, Research paper proofed again, Payroll completed, various administrative tasks completed. Not a single soul checked into the Motel from 1-6am. 8am rolls around---I go crash for an hour but can't sleep because HK are pushing their rumbly carts around outside and the construction workers are arguing about where to go for drinks after work. Class at 10:00-12:30. Return to Motel. Talk to Mark Miller who extends the offer of Process Analyst/Internal Auditor. Accept the offer, turn cartwheels of joy....at least I would if I was cordinated enough to do cartwheels. Begin telling employee's that I'm leaving. Call all my friends and send text msgs that I got the job. Life is good.
Monday, November 14--work like crazy at the hotel cause the "boss" is coming into town for a surprise visit. Big Surprise--he doesn't show up. Start to pack for St. Louis, run back and forth to the office cause the GSR is having issues and can't remember how to do his job. Realize that the GSR who can't remember how to do his job is the individual who I'm leaving in charge of the property--fear ensues. By 1pm realize that I need to do a powerpoint presentation for Biology class at 6pm and study for an anatomy exam also at 6pm. Yikes, Cloister myself in the library for the next 5 hours---nothing short of a bomb could have moved me from my table. Biology class rocked, my powerpoint presentation ruled and the "group" that showed up an hour late for the presentations should have been asked to leave. But the prof was feeling generous and let them stay. Their presentation sucked, not that I'm bitter or anything. Finally crash around 1pm.....nervous about Tuesday.
Tuesday class at 8...lasts till 12:30. Rush back to the apartment to finish packing, turn the hotel over to semi-competent GSR and watch him slowly count all the money. Threaten GSR with painful Chinese torture and termination of employement is the money is not all present and accounted for upon my return from St. Louis. Leave for Tulsa Airport 30 min later than planned....no biggy, esp if you know how I drive. Arrive at airport, check-in, realize its group boarding--not good, not bad esp. as I'm in group A. At least I'll get a semi-good seat. Spend next hour waiting to board but put the time to good use and read Clark Clifford's memoirs--of which a 6 page paper is due on Monday, Nov. 21st. Fly to St. Louis...take Taxi to the Motel. Taxi Driver asks me if I'm certain I want to stay at this hotel? He wants to take me to the Holiday Inn where its safer.;) I thank him for his concern and prepare to meet my fate. Check into the Motel---rude GSR doesn't properly follow the check-in procedures. Go to my room and promptly find messy bedspreads and a hanger (not one of mine) on the 2nd bed. Check the sheets and they are clean so I can live with messy bedspreads and not kick up a fuss. Call everyone and let them know I'm in St. Louis. Realize that its 10pm and I haven't eaten all day.....growling stomach reminds me of just how hungry I am. Talk to Jeff and debate the merits of snack machine vs. pizza vs. Chinese. Really want Chinese. Steal Chinese food menue from delivery boy walking down the hall. Pick out what I want....realize that the min order is $20.00. Even I can't eat $20.00 worth of Chinese food. Go back out to snack machine and purchase graham crackers and Cherry Coke.....think this is soooo bad for me, but I'm sooooo hungry.
Wednesday Morning---meet Bob Schmidt, Senior Auditor. funny guy, going to get sued for harrassment one of these days but still really funny. Audit the property. Realize that the GM for this property is not going to last in this location. Gm is very soft spoken, slow moving and hesitant about everything. Seems willing to listen but not certain if he comprehends to totality of what he is facing. Property Audit lasts till 9pm, no lunch, no breakfast...unhappy camper who is starving. 9pm leave the property to go to next location. check into next location, and begin to prepare the Audit reports with Bob. Finally call the 1st audit day quits at 11pm. Exhausted. Go to my room, realize my property has been calling incesently. Call the property and am baraged by issues the first of which is that fact that there is no heat. Tell GSR to deal with it, stop selling rooms that we will have to give money back on and to call the Heating repair company 1st thing in the morning and have them come out ASAP. Really want to talk to Jeff, Sarah and Ryan....realize that I'm really cranky and hungry and it probably wouldn't be a good idea to talk to anyone at the moment and fall into bed.
Thursday morning---Meet Bob at 8am....realize that he doesn't eat breakfast. Think seriously about hurting him as he appears to be a morning person. Drive short distance to location to be audited (not the location we were staying at apparently), walk in the front door and realize that I've met the GM previously and that she was a b**** then and still appears to be one. Bob promptly falls in love with her.....I just shake my head over the condition of the male species as some apparently feel that rejection and being treated disrespectfully is a very attractive thing....shake my head again and then get to work on the Audit. Audit goes well due in part to someones' infatuation---never said the process was completely impartial. So I work with Bob till 9pm to finish paperwork. Go out to dinner--Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. After dinner go to Target for snacky breakfast food cause once again Bob doesn't eat breakfast in the traditional sense.....I can deal with it as long as I have snacks.
Friday morning--run accross the street (very quickly in heels) for gas station coffee---its better than Motel coffee. Meet Bob at 8 and go to next location for the Audit. Realize that I totally have the hang of this and that I like only having to worry about one job--the audit. Didn't return property calls last night---if it was really important they would have left a voicemail. Perform the Audit all by myself (pat, pat, pat myself on the back). Unfortunately they didn't pass.....serious employee file issues and deposit issues. Get done by 6pm, go out for dinner at Red Lobster, have a drink with Bob and come back to finish up paperwork by 9pm then its free time. I'm adjusting to the schedule which sounds like a lot of hours but isn't as hard as it appears. Realize I only have one more day before I return to Joplin and am filled with insane desire to beg to stay and finish the Audits with Bob. Really don't want to see the mess facing me in Joplin. Still haven't returned any calls to the property. Once again I firmly believe that if it was important they would have left a voicemail.
Saturday---am filled with sorrow that I'm leaving on Sunday. Run accross the street for coffee and chit-chat with the owner who now knows my name and treats me like his new best friend. Meet Bob at 8 to audit the location where we have been staying and do the Audit on my own.....I love this job. Property passes with flying colors. I complete all the reports and paperwork by 5pm and realize that I have the rest of the evening free. Go out for dinner with Bob to a BBQ place---really good food. Realize that I'm looking forward to seeing him in January when I "begin" my new job. Upon return to the Motel we navagate our way through 3 cop cars and many gawkers....a little local flavor had to much to drink and thought he would see how many cops he could take on. Decide to go to a movie cause I have the rest of the evening free and its my last free night until Dec 17th. Got the car keys from Bob---I love rental cars with oomph under the hood--and went to see the new Harry Potter movie. Excellent for those of you who have not yet seen it! Come back to the Motel, packed and called it a night.
Sunday morning--7am Do a breakout session with Bob enroute to the airport. Bob confirms that his recommendation is to bring me on board immediately and states that he has already told Mark and Jacques that he fully approved of my abilities for the position. Warm fuzzies all over again. We get lost going to the airport----yes I know St. Louis isn't that big but it was poorly marked. Bob drops me off at the airport and I meander my way into a Starbucks and give thanks to the coffee gods. Since I was 2 hours early for my flight I pulled out the poor beleagered Clifford memoirs and realize that I have to get this paper written tonight, finish my research paper, draft a French paper, do payroll for the Motel, retieve the Motel keys from the GSR, Pack for San Antonio on Tuesday, Count the money to determine if the GSR can live for another day, deal with the heat issue which should be a non-issue by now, write 2 performance reviews which need to be administered prior to Tuesday and all of a sudden I feel tired again. So I chit-chat with a very nice young girl going to Las Vegas to meet her mother for the Holidays and I realize that I have some of the best friends waiting for me to arrive on Tues/Wed and that I wouldn't trade that for any trip to anyplace. Arrive in Tulsa by 11am, meet with Pam and Nelly who drove my car to Tulsa to pick me up---cheaper than airport parking @$11 a day. And listened to everything that happened. Convinced Nelly to stick around as GSR till Dec. 25th after which I don't care what they do cause I won't be around. Listened to them talk some more. Arrived back at the Motel by 2, dropped my suitcases off at the apartment, came to the front office and worked till 7pm. 7pm received a phone call that the night auditor had the flu and wouldn't be in to work. Immediately realize that this is one of the main reasons to get out of the business. Get back to the apartment by 8pm, talk to Sarah and Ryan for a few moments then try to go to bed for a couple of hours before going back to work the overnight till 8am. 9:30GSR checks someone into the room directly above me.....many evil thoughts directed towards GSR for their inconsideration of my need to sleep. Finally give up on the sleep issue and go back to the front office to work till 8am. Many things accomplished during overnight shift. Cold War paper written, Research paper proofed again, Payroll completed, various administrative tasks completed. Not a single soul checked into the Motel from 1-6am. 8am rolls around---I go crash for an hour but can't sleep because HK are pushing their rumbly carts around outside and the construction workers are arguing about where to go for drinks after work. Class at 10:00-12:30. Return to Motel. Talk to Mark Miller who extends the offer of Process Analyst/Internal Auditor. Accept the offer, turn cartwheels of joy....at least I would if I was cordinated enough to do cartwheels. Begin telling employee's that I'm leaving. Call all my friends and send text msgs that I got the job. Life is good.
Back in town
Okay gang I have all of 2 minutes because I'm supposed to be proofing and printing a paper for Cold War but just wanted to let everyone know that I'm back in town and have I got some stories to share!!!!
Will post more this evening!
Will post more this evening!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Overachiever
Sometimes its not good to be an overachiever. I knew that previously but felt it was worth mentioning again just as a personal reminder that I don't have to be superwoman everyday 24/7. In a little over two weeks I will have my first opportunity in a long time to slow down and relax, if only for four days. I'll be heading to the great state of Texas for Thanksgiving with two of my best friends who could be considered family in the grand scheme of life. A good friend asked me the other day why I wasn't flying and to be honest I had to tell him that if I had flown down I would probably have been tired, cranky and unfit for civilized company because the past few months have been so stressful and fast-paced that it will take a little time to come off from that level. Thus its my hope that the drive to Texas gives me plenty of time to sing wtih the radio,as my poor CD's are all scratched up from bad interstates (Missouri is not known for smooth roads), relax, enjoy the scenery and think about the next step (the move to Texas at the end of December) in a very unhurried manner as I maintain a sedate speed of 85 mph through Texas. I can't wait!
But in the meantime I need to relax about the research paper, relax about biology (nasty subject), relax about French cinema and just let the chips fall where they may. The world will not stop spinning if I take a little time for myself and not work a 14 hour day. Its a novel idea but hey, somethings take a while to sink into my head.
So I guess, that after I receive the recommended revisions back from Sarah for the research paper I'm going to call it quits. I'm going to head home, have a drink or two, do my French homework and hit the sack early. I had a wonderful conversation with Sarah and Ryan last night and it just reminded me how important it is to have close friends in you life for balance. Sometimes I focus so much on what needs to be done that I forget the people around me which isn't fair to them or to myself as my frustration levels have a tendancy to increase expotentially in those types of situations. So here's to the future.....Breathe and Relax.
But in the meantime I need to relax about the research paper, relax about biology (nasty subject), relax about French cinema and just let the chips fall where they may. The world will not stop spinning if I take a little time for myself and not work a 14 hour day. Its a novel idea but hey, somethings take a while to sink into my head.
So I guess, that after I receive the recommended revisions back from Sarah for the research paper I'm going to call it quits. I'm going to head home, have a drink or two, do my French homework and hit the sack early. I had a wonderful conversation with Sarah and Ryan last night and it just reminded me how important it is to have close friends in you life for balance. Sometimes I focus so much on what needs to be done that I forget the people around me which isn't fair to them or to myself as my frustration levels have a tendancy to increase expotentially in those types of situations. So here's to the future.....Breathe and Relax.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
To Maintain A Healthy Level of Sanity
To Maintain A Healthy Level of Sanity
1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and
point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something,Ask If They Want Fries with that.
4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."
5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone Has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions,Switch To Espresso.
6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Sexual Favors."
7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."
8. Don't use any punctuation
9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.
10. Ask People What Sex They Are. Laugh Hysterically After They Answer.
11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."
12. Sing Along At The Opera.
13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme.
14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play Tropical Sounds All Day.
15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.
16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Hard.
17. When The Money Comes Out Of The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"
18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking Lot,Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"
19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."
And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity.......
20. Send This Message To Someone To Make Them Smile... It's Called Therapy...
1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and
point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something,Ask If They Want Fries with that.
4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."
5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone Has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions,Switch To Espresso.
6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Sexual Favors."
7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."
8. Don't use any punctuation
9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.
10. Ask People What Sex They Are. Laugh Hysterically After They Answer.
11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."
12. Sing Along At The Opera.
13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme.
14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play Tropical Sounds All Day.
15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.
16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Hard.
17. When The Money Comes Out Of The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"
18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking Lot,Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"
19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."
And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity.......
20. Send This Message To Someone To Make Them Smile... It's Called Therapy...
Monday, November 07, 2005
Monday Madness
1. Sometimes I wish I could just close my eyes and leave all this behind.
2. If I could take a long weekend to the coast with Jeff, Sarah and Ryan, Barker and Hailey and a few bottles of wine, I'd be very happy.
3. The world would be a better place if more people would just realize that being rude does not solve anything.
4. One of my greatest qualities is my abilitiy to focus on the end goal.
5. The one thing about me that I need to work on is my frustration with perceived stupidity.
6. Happiness is the realization that no matter how badly you screw up someone still loves you.
2. If I could take a long weekend to the coast with Jeff, Sarah and Ryan, Barker and Hailey and a few bottles of wine, I'd be very happy.
3. The world would be a better place if more people would just realize that being rude does not solve anything.
4. One of my greatest qualities is my abilitiy to focus on the end goal.
5. The one thing about me that I need to work on is my frustration with perceived stupidity.
6. Happiness is the realization that no matter how badly you screw up someone still loves you.
Status for the moment
So the research paper is going well. I wrapped last night up at about 11:30pm and now have 19 pages to my credit, two of which need to be trashed. So that reduces my total count down to about 17 but I still need to write about the Dred Scott Case and the importance of the Missouri Compromise in relation to the Dred Scott Case and its total failure to pacify either the North or the South in their ongoing secession disputes. Honestly, this paper is total crap but what can a girl do. I dislike the subject matter, don't have time to properly research any of the interesting topics and truthfully think that slavery is a dead issue. Its over and done with, do we need to continue to revisit every day? When is enough enough? I honestly think that its time to move on....now watch and see how much hate mail I get from this little topic! I'm not saying it wasn't an important part of history from the colonial period to antebellum period and through the sixties and seventies but I'm rather sick of it. There are so many other interesting topics just waiting to be discussed that I think equal time should be devoted to those rather than bogging students down with yet another example of how history did people wrong.
Okay, I'm done now...this was just a rant and if I offended anyone I'm sincerely sorry. Its nothing personal but I've been reading court cases and slave narratives for the last two months and I'm ready for some new subject matter.
So Sarah...Prep yourself! I plan on having the rough draft to you no later than Tuesday evening. It will be messy but then someone once told me so is life:)
Many thanks to those of you who kept me company via phone and email as I slogged my way through this paper, I probably would have drank a too much wine as I searched for inspiration and been much, much unahppier if I hadn't had you to talk with for study breaks.
The schedule for this upcoming week is pretty crazy so if anyone needs to get in touch with me after Thursday you will need to call my cell. Where I'm heading there are no computers with internet access! Litteraly Hays is at the end of the earth. I'm just happy they have a gas station, and I have reconciled myself to the fact that there will be no coffee for the next two days. Agony, distress, suffering and mental anguish could ensue....but I'll try to be strong.
Okay, I'm done now...this was just a rant and if I offended anyone I'm sincerely sorry. Its nothing personal but I've been reading court cases and slave narratives for the last two months and I'm ready for some new subject matter.
So Sarah...Prep yourself! I plan on having the rough draft to you no later than Tuesday evening. It will be messy but then someone once told me so is life:)
Many thanks to those of you who kept me company via phone and email as I slogged my way through this paper, I probably would have drank a too much wine as I searched for inspiration and been much, much unahppier if I hadn't had you to talk with for study breaks.
The schedule for this upcoming week is pretty crazy so if anyone needs to get in touch with me after Thursday you will need to call my cell. Where I'm heading there are no computers with internet access! Litteraly Hays is at the end of the earth. I'm just happy they have a gas station, and I have reconciled myself to the fact that there will be no coffee for the next two days. Agony, distress, suffering and mental anguish could ensue....but I'll try to be strong.
Birthday significance
| Your Birthdate: July 26 |
 You lucked out the the skills to succeed in almost any arena. Put you in almost any business or classroom, and you'll rise to the top. You're driven and intense, but you also know when to kick back and cooperate. Your ability to adapt to almost any situation is part of what's going to make you a success. Your strength: Your attention to detail Your weakness: You can be a little too proud of your successes Your power color: Turquoise Your power symbol: Arrow pointing up Your power month: August |
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
End of the Day
Seasonal weather! Who knew that in November it could be in the upper 70's? I was walking from class to the library where I'm supposed to be studying, instead I'm blogging...and while the air might smell like fall the warmer temps just feel unseasonal and wrong. Nonetheless, its a beautiful night, the wind was rustling the leaves on the trees and I realized once again that in just 5 weeks I will be done with school. No more rushing to classes, no more cramming for exams, or late night paper writing. The mere thought of all the free time I'm going to have is almost enough to make me sign on for another semester...but not quite.
I heard that Ryan was approved for vacation so that means that both he and Sarah will be making the long trek to MO for my graduation which is wonderful! We will be enjoying wine, food (Ichibaun anyone!), and a variety of other things I'm certain. Graduations are so emotional. I've attended a few and still there is something about the music, the processional of students receiving the diplomas and the exaultation of publicly recognizing a goal that has been met and passed. Sappy I know, but every graduation I attend just makes me want to go back to school again. Its one of those things that if I could be a professional student and make a decent living at it I would. So many interesting topics and classes, wonderful discussions and professors and even the teeny-bopper freshmen are interesting when viewed through a microscope like the strange and unusual beings they oftentimes are.
But the reality is that the 15th of the month I fly out to St. Louis for my audition trip....exciting, scary and nervewracking are just a few words to describe all the emotions that run through me when I think of that interview trip. I know it is just a formality but the possiblity still remains that if they don't like me (but what's not to like) they have the option of recinding the offer. Well, lets face it, November 15-21 will be a week of full make-up (itchy), heels and suits. Professional 24/7 for that week. Then after the position is offered the real, hopefully more relaxed Janette can appear. Post-audition Trip, post-research paper which is due on the 22nd, post Cold War paper which is due on the 21st and post French Cinema project,in French nontheless; my life will take a much more sane point of view. But if I had it to do all over again would I change anything? Probably not. Challenges are made to be surmounted and I have learned so much about how far I can extend myself, the strengths and weaknesses of my character (of which there are a few), and most of all about what is important to me.
So I guess its off to write a couple of papers for tomorrow.....wish me luck and as Sarah already knows--this weekend in-between audit trips will be a mad typing fest for the research paper. So I'm calling on all my friends once again to lend their editing powresses because as many of you already know. I love to write, but I hate to edit. Thanks in advance for all your support, encouragement and nudges to get this done before Wednesday the 9th. The deadline is just around the corner but just after the deadlines is the party!!!!
Sorry gang, the spell-checker isn't working so you have to suffer through my typos!
I heard that Ryan was approved for vacation so that means that both he and Sarah will be making the long trek to MO for my graduation which is wonderful! We will be enjoying wine, food (Ichibaun anyone!), and a variety of other things I'm certain. Graduations are so emotional. I've attended a few and still there is something about the music, the processional of students receiving the diplomas and the exaultation of publicly recognizing a goal that has been met and passed. Sappy I know, but every graduation I attend just makes me want to go back to school again. Its one of those things that if I could be a professional student and make a decent living at it I would. So many interesting topics and classes, wonderful discussions and professors and even the teeny-bopper freshmen are interesting when viewed through a microscope like the strange and unusual beings they oftentimes are.
But the reality is that the 15th of the month I fly out to St. Louis for my audition trip....exciting, scary and nervewracking are just a few words to describe all the emotions that run through me when I think of that interview trip. I know it is just a formality but the possiblity still remains that if they don't like me (but what's not to like) they have the option of recinding the offer. Well, lets face it, November 15-21 will be a week of full make-up (itchy), heels and suits. Professional 24/7 for that week. Then after the position is offered the real, hopefully more relaxed Janette can appear. Post-audition Trip, post-research paper which is due on the 22nd, post Cold War paper which is due on the 21st and post French Cinema project,in French nontheless; my life will take a much more sane point of view. But if I had it to do all over again would I change anything? Probably not. Challenges are made to be surmounted and I have learned so much about how far I can extend myself, the strengths and weaknesses of my character (of which there are a few), and most of all about what is important to me.
So I guess its off to write a couple of papers for tomorrow.....wish me luck and as Sarah already knows--this weekend in-between audit trips will be a mad typing fest for the research paper. So I'm calling on all my friends once again to lend their editing powresses because as many of you already know. I love to write, but I hate to edit. Thanks in advance for all your support, encouragement and nudges to get this done before Wednesday the 9th. The deadline is just around the corner but just after the deadlines is the party!!!!
Sorry gang, the spell-checker isn't working so you have to suffer through my typos!
Tangerine--According to Led Zeppelin
You are a beautiful person, in a wistful kind of way. If you could, you would spend all your time daydreaming and writing poetry. You are a tragic beauty.
You are sensitive and caring, and you don't take insults well. You don't smile much, but when you do, you really mean it.
People like to be around you because you are a calming influence. You have an appreciation for all things beautiful, and you probably have some potted plants. You also most likely own a cat.
You like Sundays and hot tea. You will spend your entire life yearning for quiet beauty, which is a rarity in this world, so you read a lot.
Everyone you know thinks you're "nice."
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
New Employee's
My staffing situation at work has taken a positive turn and this morning I started a new GSR on the 7-3pm shift. It was so funny to watch this poor new employee deal with all the guest personalities, the other GSR personalities and of course the Housekeepers who are a unique breed unto themselves. Such a flood of impressions assaulting this poor guy who is just a kid, no more than 18, and is fresh out of high school that at times I wondered if he would stick it out or simply call it quits and "go for a cough drop". "Going for a cough drop" is secret code for simply clocking out, going to your car and driving away without looking back or saying anything to anyone. Real story---a Housekeeper started her first day, 30 minutes into her shift (all she had done thus far was watch training videos), she said she needed a cough drop and she got into her car and drove away without saying another a word to anyone!
Anyhow back to my new employee--for a first "real" job this will definitely prove to be a learning experience for him. But all we can tell the new employees' is that while the beginning might be a little frightening and overwhelming it does get easier with time and before he/she knows it they will never want to leave. Actually now that I think about it that in and of itself is a little frightening! Oh well, what doesn't kill them makes them stronger:) In addition, I have a new employee starting for the 11pm-7am shift so if all works out well and they continue to show up on time for their scheduled shifts, I (dare I say it?) might be fully staffed once again---bliss, utter bliss!
So its happy, happy days again, plus its Taco Tuesday in Joplin with the biking group, so I'm off for a couple of Margaritas and cheese quesadillas (cause I don't like Mexican food!) and a few laughs.
Anyhow back to my new employee--for a first "real" job this will definitely prove to be a learning experience for him. But all we can tell the new employees' is that while the beginning might be a little frightening and overwhelming it does get easier with time and before he/she knows it they will never want to leave. Actually now that I think about it that in and of itself is a little frightening! Oh well, what doesn't kill them makes them stronger:) In addition, I have a new employee starting for the 11pm-7am shift so if all works out well and they continue to show up on time for their scheduled shifts, I (dare I say it?) might be fully staffed once again---bliss, utter bliss!
So its happy, happy days again, plus its Taco Tuesday in Joplin with the biking group, so I'm off for a couple of Margaritas and cheese quesadillas (cause I don't like Mexican food!) and a few laughs.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Something Fun
1. Name 1 comedy movie you've seen.
"In Her Shoes" Which was based on the Jennifer Weiner book "In Her Shoes" (go figure!). The movie had Cameron Diaz, another really famous actress and a wonderful and very cute supporting actor...great chick flick with lotsa humor and wonderful shoes.
2. Name 2 black and white films you remember seeing.
"Diabolique", "Sabrina", "Le Jour se Leve", "Some like it Hot" with Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. I like black and white films.
3. Name 3 dramas you thought were worth watching.
"The Constant Gardner", ("Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom", "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark", "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade") those all count as 1 in my book! ;), "Serenity"
4. Name 4 television shows you watch on a regular (or semi-regular) basis.
---This is more difficult----
Sex and the City,
The Weather Channel,
Crossing Jordan and
Everyone Loves Raymond. ***I think I could really like that show "The Closer" with Kyra ______? But I have no idea what days or times it is on, thus its not a regular much less semi-regularly watch show.
5. Name 5 things that, in your opinion, are advertised on television too frequently.
Sexual aid pills either for men or women---if I see that smarmy smile of the "Bob" guy again...those characters could audition for their own horror show!
The Orbitz gum commercials--very annoying.
Mazda M6 commercials---Zoom, Zoom (are we three again?).
Sleeping pill commercials---I just want to tell them to go run and/or exercise for an hour, not to eat late at night and to drink plenty of wine and they will sleep like babies.
Adjustable bed commercials---do people really buy those things?
That was fun---Thanks Sarah!
"In Her Shoes" Which was based on the Jennifer Weiner book "In Her Shoes" (go figure!). The movie had Cameron Diaz, another really famous actress and a wonderful and very cute supporting actor...great chick flick with lotsa humor and wonderful shoes.
2. Name 2 black and white films you remember seeing.
"Diabolique", "Sabrina", "Le Jour se Leve", "Some like it Hot" with Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. I like black and white films.
3. Name 3 dramas you thought were worth watching.
"The Constant Gardner", ("Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom", "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark", "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade") those all count as 1 in my book! ;), "Serenity"
4. Name 4 television shows you watch on a regular (or semi-regular) basis.
---This is more difficult----
Sex and the City,
The Weather Channel,
Crossing Jordan and
Everyone Loves Raymond. ***I think I could really like that show "The Closer" with Kyra ______? But I have no idea what days or times it is on, thus its not a regular much less semi-regularly watch show.
5. Name 5 things that, in your opinion, are advertised on television too frequently.
Sexual aid pills either for men or women---if I see that smarmy smile of the "Bob" guy again...those characters could audition for their own horror show!
The Orbitz gum commercials--very annoying.
Mazda M6 commercials---Zoom, Zoom (are we three again?).
Sleeping pill commercials---I just want to tell them to go run and/or exercise for an hour, not to eat late at night and to drink plenty of wine and they will sleep like babies.
Adjustable bed commercials---do people really buy those things?
That was fun---Thanks Sarah!
Interesting
| Your World View |
You are a happy, well-balanced person who likes people and is liked by others. You question whether many conventional views on morality are valid under all circumstances. You are essentially a content person. Sometimes, you consider yourself a little superior. You are moral by your own standards. You believe that morality is what best suits the occasion. |
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Chaos
Well, its official. I have now moved from myspace.com over to blogspot per the suggestion of a close friend who said--"Guess what, you can post from work as (wonder of wonders) blogspot bypasses the typical work firewalls!" Imagine my joy! Now when I'm working insane hours due to my staff abandoning me for better positions I can plague all my friends and the general reading public with the interesting, amusing and horrifying tales of life as a motel manager.
So anyhow, it is true. I am experiencing 100% front desk turn-over. I never realized how many hours one person could work until this past week when I covered a 48 hour desk shift in addition to attending my classes--the number of hours might be slightly exaggerated but not by much. But tonight I've been at work since 7am (in Kansas City) and am now back in Joplin, MO working till 11pm.....I don't even know if I can figure out how many hours that is especially since I have to be back on the desk at 7am tomorrow till 11pm that night. Woe is me!
But aside from the crazy work schedule I think I have a bad case of senioritis. I just want it to be December 17th, for my best friends to be at my graduation and for life to be moving forward. How is it possible that my focus has shifted so much from current events, outside interests, and enjoying all that life has to offer; to obsession about work schedules, audit schedules, exam schedules, and research papers that are the length of a thesis paper? It certainly caught me by surprise to find that I am now a very narrowly focused obsessive individual who barely can carry on a civilized conversation! I picked up the KC Sunday paper this morning and before I knew it I was taking notes on the headline stories...I can't even read the Sunday paper for fun without turning it into an opportunity for research. :)
But this weekend I must admit I took a little time to myself on Saturday night after work and went to a fantastic French restraint in Prairie Village which is a suburb next to Lenexa, KS which is the southwest corner of Kansas City, KS (figure those directions out!). But anyhow this French restaurant is called Cafe Provence and it was amazing. The waitstaff all spoke French, the menu was in French and the courses were served French style. It was pure bliss, aside from the bill which was very American. ;) But dinner took two hours and if there is one thing I love to do it is to people watch while enjoying fabulous cuisine. At the restaurant there was a large family who were celebrating the Father's Birthday (he was 80) and it was simply wonderful to listen to them talk, laugh and interact with each other. Three generations gathered together for the celebration of someone near and dear to their hearts. The other couples and individuals at the restaurant also represented such an interesting mix of people. The couples who were out on what probably was one of their first dates were naturally totally engrossed in each other. Still other couples were enjoying dinner who appear to have been together for awhile and were very comfortable with each other. These couples don't appear to necessarily speak to each other with the same intensity of conversation as the new couples but they exchange glances that replaced superficial conversation and they knew each other's food likes and dislikes and each compensating accordingly. They seemed so real and approachable.
But the most charming individuals were the older couples probably in their 60's and 70's who were sharing a bottle of wine and dinner together. They were so sweet and it really renewed my sense of rightness within the world and in relationships. It would have been fascinating to find out how they ended up together, how they came to be in Kansas City and to discover their life stories. Relationships and human interactions are so interesting. Perhaps that is why I love to people watch so much, because I know that each person has a story just waiting to be told. They, themselves might not think their story is that interesting or noteworthy, but that is part of the appeal. The reality of what they have experienced transcends day to day experiences and develops into their very identity, which then results in their very own life story.
So I hope that all my friend and readers have a wonderful Halloween filled with great costume parties (Sarah and Ryan) and spooky haunted houses (Jeff). But just remember that if you are renting a hotel/motel room anytime this weekend or on Halloween day itself to leave those masks and costumes in the car before checking-in, as most hotels have a very strict policy of ABSOLUTELY NO MASKS OR COSTUMES ALLOWED IN THE HOTEL LOBBY! This is of course for guest safety and also to protect the poor desk clerks who are fearful of being robbed by a goblin or ghost who have criminal intentions. Security cameras have great difficulty picking out distinctive features from a Frankenstein mask:) Enjoy your weekend and if anyone feels the need.....I'll be working till 11pm on Halloween for sure and maybe even later so if you want to visit, you know where I'll be.
So anyhow, it is true. I am experiencing 100% front desk turn-over. I never realized how many hours one person could work until this past week when I covered a 48 hour desk shift in addition to attending my classes--the number of hours might be slightly exaggerated but not by much. But tonight I've been at work since 7am (in Kansas City) and am now back in Joplin, MO working till 11pm.....I don't even know if I can figure out how many hours that is especially since I have to be back on the desk at 7am tomorrow till 11pm that night. Woe is me!
But aside from the crazy work schedule I think I have a bad case of senioritis. I just want it to be December 17th, for my best friends to be at my graduation and for life to be moving forward. How is it possible that my focus has shifted so much from current events, outside interests, and enjoying all that life has to offer; to obsession about work schedules, audit schedules, exam schedules, and research papers that are the length of a thesis paper? It certainly caught me by surprise to find that I am now a very narrowly focused obsessive individual who barely can carry on a civilized conversation! I picked up the KC Sunday paper this morning and before I knew it I was taking notes on the headline stories...I can't even read the Sunday paper for fun without turning it into an opportunity for research. :)
But this weekend I must admit I took a little time to myself on Saturday night after work and went to a fantastic French restraint in Prairie Village which is a suburb next to Lenexa, KS which is the southwest corner of Kansas City, KS (figure those directions out!). But anyhow this French restaurant is called Cafe Provence and it was amazing. The waitstaff all spoke French, the menu was in French and the courses were served French style. It was pure bliss, aside from the bill which was very American. ;) But dinner took two hours and if there is one thing I love to do it is to people watch while enjoying fabulous cuisine. At the restaurant there was a large family who were celebrating the Father's Birthday (he was 80) and it was simply wonderful to listen to them talk, laugh and interact with each other. Three generations gathered together for the celebration of someone near and dear to their hearts. The other couples and individuals at the restaurant also represented such an interesting mix of people. The couples who were out on what probably was one of their first dates were naturally totally engrossed in each other. Still other couples were enjoying dinner who appear to have been together for awhile and were very comfortable with each other. These couples don't appear to necessarily speak to each other with the same intensity of conversation as the new couples but they exchange glances that replaced superficial conversation and they knew each other's food likes and dislikes and each compensating accordingly. They seemed so real and approachable.
But the most charming individuals were the older couples probably in their 60's and 70's who were sharing a bottle of wine and dinner together. They were so sweet and it really renewed my sense of rightness within the world and in relationships. It would have been fascinating to find out how they ended up together, how they came to be in Kansas City and to discover their life stories. Relationships and human interactions are so interesting. Perhaps that is why I love to people watch so much, because I know that each person has a story just waiting to be told. They, themselves might not think their story is that interesting or noteworthy, but that is part of the appeal. The reality of what they have experienced transcends day to day experiences and develops into their very identity, which then results in their very own life story.
So I hope that all my friend and readers have a wonderful Halloween filled with great costume parties (Sarah and Ryan) and spooky haunted houses (Jeff). But just remember that if you are renting a hotel/motel room anytime this weekend or on Halloween day itself to leave those masks and costumes in the car before checking-in, as most hotels have a very strict policy of ABSOLUTELY NO MASKS OR COSTUMES ALLOWED IN THE HOTEL LOBBY! This is of course for guest safety and also to protect the poor desk clerks who are fearful of being robbed by a goblin or ghost who have criminal intentions. Security cameras have great difficulty picking out distinctive features from a Frankenstein mask:) Enjoy your weekend and if anyone feels the need.....I'll be working till 11pm on Halloween for sure and maybe even later so if you want to visit, you know where I'll be.
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