I had my exit interview with the agency last Monday and it was a little bitter sweet. Overall, I had a good time working there yet at the same time, I knew it was time for me to leave. Change is not necessarily bad, but when you don’t agree with the changes that are taking place, it’s time to remove yourself from the situation. I was very open, honest and frank during the interview and told the HR person what I thought. At the end of it, she said that if I would ever want to come back and work on an on-call basis, I should give her a call and she’ll be sure to look into it. I like how that door was left open for me and I do appreciate that.
On an entirely different note, I worked as a server for the very first time on Tuesday and it was exciting to say the least. My GM thought that it would be a great opportunity to get my feet wet on a weeknight leading up to Friday and the weekend when things are busy. I thought I did fine with a couple of table and figured it was smooth sailing from then on when half an hour before we closed, a group of twelve people came in and I was the only server. Talk about a baptism of fire! I was honest and upfront with them by letting them know that it was my first evening and together we would get through dinner. Everything went along just fine and they congratulated me for a job well done and tipped me pretty well. In so many ways, you can kind of get a high when there’s a rush of people or when things are busy.
Wednesday was pretty laid back and things were definitely busy on Friday. We had four servers on Friday and each person had a section. You really pretty much focus on your section and help the others if and when possible. I survived my first Friday evening without any problem. On Saturday night, things usually aren’t as busy but I had a table of sixteen gay guys who come in once a month. That was another interesting experience. The food order was fine, but I did goof up some of their meal ticket. They were gracious enough and cut me some slack.
An important lesson I’ve learned is that when you are serving it’s all about personality and just allowing the diners to have a pleasant dining experience. If they know they are being taken care of, they will tip well and the vast majority of the people are very friendly. We did however have a lady come and we’ve been told that the next time she comes in, we will not be serving her. She’s just a very negative person who does not treat us well. No one basically wants to serve her and I ended up serving her once on Friday and again on Sunday. Try as I may to make to be nice to her, she does not reciprocate it. I do believe that she has some type of mental illness. The GM already spoke to the owners and they’ve said that as a restaurant, we have every right to deny service to any customer. I kind of feel bad for her, but at the end of the day, if you can’t treat people nicely and with respect, we really do not want your business. I had a table make a comment to me that they felt bad that I had to serve her. I did not think it was too bad – at the same time, I just got done working at a care facility for people with mental illness!
All in all, I’m having a blast working at the restaurant and things are going great. I love how all the servers help each other out big time and pitch in if and when the need arise. There’s something to be said about teamwork and working as one big, happy family.
Oh, I forgot to mention that on Thursday, it was opening night for the high musical called, “The Wiz” – loosely based on the Wizard of Oz where Anna was a part of. She was in charge of the music. I thought it was a well done performance and she was glad that they did well. The African-American community came out to support it since in the original musical, it was the first all-black cast ever to put on a play on Broadway. The last performance was on Sunday and they had a pizza party at a restaurant once they took down the set. I got to see a good number of her students and more important step into Anna’s life as a teacher for a couple of hours. I thought it was fun.
That’s all the news from me. This weekend is Relays weekend so Drake’s campus will be hopping big time. A number of alums will be coming in for the festivities. Cindy and her husband EJ I know for sure will be coming in so will Alison. It’ll be a fun mini reunion. I know we’ll be going out for brunch after Mass on Sunday if I don’t catch up with them prior which is highly unlikely.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter
Well, Easter is definitely here and I survived my overnight work at the facility. In fact, I had my exit interview with HR for the facility this afternoon. It was a very positive experience and I got to say some of the things that needed to be said in an open forum. The HR person even told me that she would be more than happy to keep the door open for me to come back in the same position as a PRN which pretty much means as needed. It's something that I might consider in the future.
The overnight shift really was not bad at all. I managed to accomplish a number of things and that made me feel good. Moreover I got to talk to all of you. Too bad dad was asleep. The shift right after that was not bad either. I was pretty surprised I was able to work and do a good job of staying awake and not dozing off. Needless to say, when I got off work I went to bed. I told Anna to wake me up at 5:30PM so I could get ready since we had dinner reservations at 6:30PM and I needed to be at the vigil service at 7:45PM. Overall, the service was nice. There were quite a lot of music which kind of made it longer than it needed to be, but that's OK. The two RCIA candidates were confirmed and they had a very good experience. I was really happy for them. I told them that since it was the last time I would be the RCIA Coordinator, I could not have asked for a better group. I had decided to call it quits because it can be a little time consuming. With wedding plans coming up, I could most definitely use all the time I can get. When Jim and I met, I told him that I would be more than willing to help out, but I just think it's time someone else steps up to the plate.
I did not go to Mass on Easter Sunday because I really needed to catch up on my sleep. I was not scheduled to work until 2:30PM which was A OK by me. A number of residents were out with their family since it was Easter Sunday and I was so happy to hear that. All in all, it was a very laid back Sunday shift. Talk about a great way to end my last day at the facility. A number of the residents commented that they would miss me and told me to drop by. I told them that I would be more than happy to if that's allowed by the agency. In so very many ways, it was bittersweet. I know I will miss some of them, but at the same time I know I am doing the right thing. It's time to move on to bigger and better things.
I guess that's pretty much all the news from me. Nothing too exciting. Oh, Anna's high school musical where she is a part of starts this Thursday so she's been feeling more than a little stressed out about everything. I'm sure it'll all be fine, but she does have a tendency to get somewhat stressed out. I'm not sure when I'll see it, but I do hope I'll be able to see it.
The overnight shift really was not bad at all. I managed to accomplish a number of things and that made me feel good. Moreover I got to talk to all of you. Too bad dad was asleep. The shift right after that was not bad either. I was pretty surprised I was able to work and do a good job of staying awake and not dozing off. Needless to say, when I got off work I went to bed. I told Anna to wake me up at 5:30PM so I could get ready since we had dinner reservations at 6:30PM and I needed to be at the vigil service at 7:45PM. Overall, the service was nice. There were quite a lot of music which kind of made it longer than it needed to be, but that's OK. The two RCIA candidates were confirmed and they had a very good experience. I was really happy for them. I told them that since it was the last time I would be the RCIA Coordinator, I could not have asked for a better group. I had decided to call it quits because it can be a little time consuming. With wedding plans coming up, I could most definitely use all the time I can get. When Jim and I met, I told him that I would be more than willing to help out, but I just think it's time someone else steps up to the plate.
I did not go to Mass on Easter Sunday because I really needed to catch up on my sleep. I was not scheduled to work until 2:30PM which was A OK by me. A number of residents were out with their family since it was Easter Sunday and I was so happy to hear that. All in all, it was a very laid back Sunday shift. Talk about a great way to end my last day at the facility. A number of the residents commented that they would miss me and told me to drop by. I told them that I would be more than happy to if that's allowed by the agency. In so very many ways, it was bittersweet. I know I will miss some of them, but at the same time I know I am doing the right thing. It's time to move on to bigger and better things.
I guess that's pretty much all the news from me. Nothing too exciting. Oh, Anna's high school musical where she is a part of starts this Thursday so she's been feeling more than a little stressed out about everything. I'm sure it'll all be fine, but she does have a tendency to get somewhat stressed out. I'm not sure when I'll see it, but I do hope I'll be able to see it.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Paradise Pizza
So, I broke the news to the staff at the facility during staff meeting. A couple of people knew of my leaving. However, the vast majority of them had no idea. I think by now it's pretty set it for most of them. One of my friends did call me to find out what was going on and I told him. He agreed that things have changed and that he was sorry to see me go. Like I told him, it was nothing personal, but I felt I needed something different. In the human service field, when you've lost passion for the job, it's time to leave.
On a totally different note, right after staff meeting, I went to work at the restaurant. It was a quiet night and a good way for me to slowly ease myself into my new job. Friday was a whole different ball game altogether. I was pretty much thrown into the deep end. I was to work with one of the partners who was going to host with me shadowing him. However, I ended up hosting by myself. I guess I did fine because when the night ended, the general manager commented that I did well. A number of the servers also said that I did well.
The best compliment came the next day when the owner told the partner that he was very happy with how well I did that evening. Hosting in and of itself is really not to difficult. It's really about remaining calm, keeping a smile on one's face and just making sure everyone had a good dining experience.
I was trained a little as a server on Saturday and Sunday, but I've yet to work by myself. I'm sure the time will come and that will probably be my biggest challenge. I'm sure I'll do fine, but it'll probably take me more than a couple of days to get it figured out. The new experience is more than exciting and I'm always learning. Oh, the general manager even commented that I'll probably end up helping out in the kitchen too which would be amazing.
I got off work at 3:30PM on Sunday and it was nice to sit and have dinner with Anna. I can't remember the last time we had dinner together on a Sunday. That was really nice. We even went out shopping a little after dinner since she needed to get some groceries.
That's pretty much the news from me. This week is Holy Week and I'll be busy with all the different things going on with the candidates. I've told Jim that I do not believe I'll return to lead the RCIA next year with the wedding plans etc., but I'll also let the new priest who will be starting in July know that too. This year's group has been tremendous and I like that I'll be going out on a high.
On a totally different note, right after staff meeting, I went to work at the restaurant. It was a quiet night and a good way for me to slowly ease myself into my new job. Friday was a whole different ball game altogether. I was pretty much thrown into the deep end. I was to work with one of the partners who was going to host with me shadowing him. However, I ended up hosting by myself. I guess I did fine because when the night ended, the general manager commented that I did well. A number of the servers also said that I did well.
The best compliment came the next day when the owner told the partner that he was very happy with how well I did that evening. Hosting in and of itself is really not to difficult. It's really about remaining calm, keeping a smile on one's face and just making sure everyone had a good dining experience.
I was trained a little as a server on Saturday and Sunday, but I've yet to work by myself. I'm sure the time will come and that will probably be my biggest challenge. I'm sure I'll do fine, but it'll probably take me more than a couple of days to get it figured out. The new experience is more than exciting and I'm always learning. Oh, the general manager even commented that I'll probably end up helping out in the kitchen too which would be amazing.
I got off work at 3:30PM on Sunday and it was nice to sit and have dinner with Anna. I can't remember the last time we had dinner together on a Sunday. That was really nice. We even went out shopping a little after dinner since she needed to get some groceries.
That's pretty much the news from me. This week is Holy Week and I'll be busy with all the different things going on with the candidates. I've told Jim that I do not believe I'll return to lead the RCIA next year with the wedding plans etc., but I'll also let the new priest who will be starting in July know that too. This year's group has been tremendous and I like that I'll be going out on a high.
Cheng Beng
I totally forgot that Cheng Beng was this weekend. I worked the overnight shift on Friday and called the house a number of times, but no one picked up. When I called chay, no one picked up too. It was weird. Trust me, when you work overnight, there’s not a whole lot of stuff going on between 2-5AM! I did manage to get some wedding stuff done like working on the guest list for the reception in DM. I also have a very good idea where we’ll be going on our honeymoon. Anna knows it’s either Thailand or Bali, but she does not know specifically which location. I believe we’ll both really like it if not love it. The guys who worked before I came in to work the overnight got a lot of stuff done so there was minimal clean up that needed to be done. Unlike the last time when I worked the overnight, this time, I had the most difficulty staying awake between 4AM-5AM. By the time I rolled into bed, it was close to 6:30AM. Anna had to drive to Grinnell because some students had asked her to be their accompanist for a performance. By the time I got up, it was around 1PM. Once I showered and changed it was pretty much 1:30PM.
I could not believe it was snowing outside. By no means was it heavy snow, but it was snowing nonetheless and it stuck to the ground. I decided to spend time at B&N checking out the latest magazines etc. After Anna was done, she met up with me there before we both headed to Panom and David’s for dinner and some catching up. Anna’s band had a gig five minutes from where they lived so it was definitely convenient for us. While she set up, I hung out with Panom, David and the kids. I loved how Keegan warmed up to me pretty much right away. The last time I was there, it took him a good portion of the evening before he felt comfortable with me. Aiden just loved me and even ate his dinner right next to me. Yay! Carrie made it without a problem and it was nice to catch up with her too. Most of the time, I used to see her while waiting for the bus when I took the bus. Ann and Harley were supposed to join us, but Ann was sick the first part of last week and was still recovering on Saturday. She told me that she may not make the dinner which was sad because that would have just been a blast if all of us were there. We’re not concerned because Panom already said that we should all plan on coming over sometime in May.
Anna joined us for dinner before she had to bail out for her gig. The rest of us pretty much sat around and chatted with lots of flowing wine that was oh so good! The kids were more than happy entertaining themselves down in the basement by watching tv. At different times over the course of the evening, they came up just to take a peek at us. It was their way of making sure we did not forget them. Sooo very cute of them. Needless to say, Carrie and Panom asked about the wedding plans etc. and I shared with them what I knew presently. After Anna was done, she called me and I was still at the Foell’s. She came by and we spent probably a good hour there before leaving. I think we probably left at midnight. Talk about a fun evening for all of us.
Not too much took place on Sunday. The young adults served coffee and donuts then I was off to work at the facility. It was a pretty quiet evening apart from two of the residents deciding to walk to the other facility knowing full well that one of them has it in her care plan that she was not to leave the facility, most especially to go to the other facility.
That was the week really. Nothing too exciting. This Sunday is already Palm Sunday and before we know it, Easter will be here. I’m looking forward to Easter this year. I’m toying with the idea of making this the last year I’ll be coordinating the RCIA program. With the wedding plans and all the other things that come with it, I can just see how I will be more than swamped. Moreover, I think it’ll be good to have another person or couple lead the group. I have someone in mind and have already asked them. They said they’ll think about it and will get back to me. Personally, I think they would make a great RCIA coordinator team. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they’ll come back with a positive response.
I could not believe it was snowing outside. By no means was it heavy snow, but it was snowing nonetheless and it stuck to the ground. I decided to spend time at B&N checking out the latest magazines etc. After Anna was done, she met up with me there before we both headed to Panom and David’s for dinner and some catching up. Anna’s band had a gig five minutes from where they lived so it was definitely convenient for us. While she set up, I hung out with Panom, David and the kids. I loved how Keegan warmed up to me pretty much right away. The last time I was there, it took him a good portion of the evening before he felt comfortable with me. Aiden just loved me and even ate his dinner right next to me. Yay! Carrie made it without a problem and it was nice to catch up with her too. Most of the time, I used to see her while waiting for the bus when I took the bus. Ann and Harley were supposed to join us, but Ann was sick the first part of last week and was still recovering on Saturday. She told me that she may not make the dinner which was sad because that would have just been a blast if all of us were there. We’re not concerned because Panom already said that we should all plan on coming over sometime in May.
Anna joined us for dinner before she had to bail out for her gig. The rest of us pretty much sat around and chatted with lots of flowing wine that was oh so good! The kids were more than happy entertaining themselves down in the basement by watching tv. At different times over the course of the evening, they came up just to take a peek at us. It was their way of making sure we did not forget them. Sooo very cute of them. Needless to say, Carrie and Panom asked about the wedding plans etc. and I shared with them what I knew presently. After Anna was done, she called me and I was still at the Foell’s. She came by and we spent probably a good hour there before leaving. I think we probably left at midnight. Talk about a fun evening for all of us.
Not too much took place on Sunday. The young adults served coffee and donuts then I was off to work at the facility. It was a pretty quiet evening apart from two of the residents deciding to walk to the other facility knowing full well that one of them has it in her care plan that she was not to leave the facility, most especially to go to the other facility.
That was the week really. Nothing too exciting. This Sunday is already Palm Sunday and before we know it, Easter will be here. I’m looking forward to Easter this year. I’m toying with the idea of making this the last year I’ll be coordinating the RCIA program. With the wedding plans and all the other things that come with it, I can just see how I will be more than swamped. Moreover, I think it’ll be good to have another person or couple lead the group. I have someone in mind and have already asked them. They said they’ll think about it and will get back to me. Personally, I think they would make a great RCIA coordinator team. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they’ll come back with a positive response.
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