I'm Still Alive

I know some of you must have been wondering where I have been the last few days. Especially considering I have lately been very good about blogging on a daily basis. Well, I've been staying with Amber this past week and their internet is still down, so....no internet....no blogging......

School is going good. Keeping me busy as usual. Today I had a meeting at Covenant about next week and the upcoming school year. I'm technically the senior teacher this year. Looks like a fun year to come. My mom will also be working at Covenant as the science teacher. So....we will see how that goes.

I'm looking and saving for a place to move. I guess with all the hard work I have been doing I have realized that it might be time for me being completely financially independent, but I need a car or reliable form of transportation before I can move. So step 1, finish paying bills and getting caught up, step 2, find and save for a car, step 3, find a new place to live. I have a plan. I know by now that plans don't always go as expected, but there's nothing wrong with a plan.

So far I haven't missed or been late to any of my classes. My goal for this semester is to miss no classes and make a 4.0 Maybe then my parents can muster some sort of attempt at being proud of me. And once and for all I can prove to them that I'm not a slacker, and that I do care about my future. Then again, they would just find a new area to criticize or leacture me on.

Yesterday I hurt myself. I was putting Amber's little dog Gizmo into her crate before we left, which sits beneath the kitchen bar. Well, as I stood up I hit the corner of the bar/counter on the top of my head. I hurt so bad. I got a little dizzy and an immediate headache. It swelled up and caused a bump on the top of my head. When we got into the car to leave it was still hurting really bad, so I felt of it again, and realized that I was bleeding. Now there is just a knot and a nice big scabbed over cut on the top of my head. Leave it up to me to forget my special helmet the one time I actually and truly need it.

Remarkable Breakthrough

Well, the day has finally come......

I was not sore or physically exhausted after work this morning. I was tired, don't get me wrong, but no more tire then when I've been up all night studying. I think my body has finally adjusted to the strain I've been placing on it at Waffle House. Surprisingly enough though, the manual labor I think is actually helping my back problem (now that the pain has subsided), and its a natural stress relief. At first I thought I made a mistake by keeping this job and going to school. But I've survived the first week, and not having a day off wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. It actually keeps me from being lazy.

This experience has also taught me to be a better money manager. I'll be the first to admit that in the past my spending habits have been less than responsible. But now, everytime I spend money I first calculate how many tables it took me to earn that money, and then make a judgement on whether or not its worth it.

Overall, this has been a great character building journey for me. I guess its true what they say about the years between 18-25, you really do grow the most. My 21 year old self now would have kicked me 18 year old's ass for the choices I was about to make. I guess that's what growing up is all about. Learning to deal with your mistakes and avoid repeating them. Hopefully I will be able to maintain my new character and continue to excel in my finances.

On the school front.....I'm loving being back again. I wasn't thrilled about the weather conditions today, but still enjoyed class. I find myself appreciating school more. I guess almost losing it made me realize just how important it is to me. I don't want to waste anymore time on my degree. Its too important.

Covenant starts a week from tomorrow. I'm excited and dreading it at the same time. They have changed the format yet again which will be a bit of an adjustment. But, I only have to work 3 days a week, so I will learn to adjust to the changes. I'm teaching five classes this semester: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Consumer Math, and Spanish 1. Of course this load will be added to my four classes at AUM as well as my 3rd shifts at Waffle House Thursday through Sunday. Yes, I know its a very rough schedule with no days off, but there's nothing wrong with a little hard work.

Update

I was so proud of myself for keeping up with my blogging.....until Monday happen and things became CRAZY!!

Actually after I posted my blog on Monday I took a nap and then went about my new schedule of classes for the fall semester. I spent Monday-Wednesday night at Amber's house without internet...thus explaining the lack if blogging.

Anyway....School is going great so far. I know its only been a week since I started, but I'm really excited about all my classes, and most of my professors. Looks like this semester has a lot of potential....and I'm really excited. :)

Thursday night I worked @ Waffle House again, nothing unusual. Then of course again on Friday night. And, of course last night as well. Last night was INSANE. Most of Prattville was out of power (including the Waffle House on Hwy 14) so our store was packed ALL NIGHT. And, we only had three servers instead of four. So, needless to say we all stayed really busy. Our house lost power in last nights storm, and I'm sitting here at Books A Million in Prattville. Our house was too hot to stay in comfortably. But, I just found out that we got our power back, so hopefully I will be able to go home soon to get some sleep (to add to the only 3 hrs I've had since I got off this morning) before going to work tonight.

Last night, or I guess technically early this morning, I was shamelessly hit on by another drunk guy. A very persistent one who wanted to come and pick me up this morning and take me back to his house to cuddle. And when I say persistent I mean persistent. Using lines like, "Are you on the dessert menu." and "Can I take you to go?". He tried several times to get my number, but I graciously declined. I'm getting pretty good at managing drunk guys. Its actually kind of sad. But at least they tip well.

Today there had been several tornadoes in the area. But luckily none of them have hit us directly. Which is a very good thing considering I would probably stand outside watching them or worse track them in my car. Anyway...study is calling and I don't want to get behind on my second week. I will attempt to do better with my blogging this week!!

Blah!!

I survived yet another night a Waffle House. WOOHOO!! Well, last night I got a call from my manager asking me to work at Store 1442 (which is the busiest store in the district) instead of at our store (Store 801). So, I agree to work there, she also informs me that 1442's night shift had some personnel changes. (some got suspended, some fired, and some quit). So...801 has to help pick up the slack. So I worked with another server until 2 am, and then I had to cover the whole store by myself. Also, this store is bigger than ours, and is also non-smoking. Im so exhausted its ridiculous, but I survived!!

And, no, I did not slug the drunk guys. Honestly I was too shocked to much of anything. But, one of the cooks helped me out and became protective, so it all worked out!

School starts today!! I'm so excited!!

Typical Karmic Repsonse

Well, when I got off work last night I immediately came home and blogged about home much I was enjoying my work at Waffle House. And then last night I went to work, and re-thought that blog. Last night was crazy. On Friday and Saturday nights we work 4 servers and 2 cooks. Well, last night we started out with 4 servers....and ended the shift with only 2. Me and one other person. Its was INSANE. During our "bar" rush all four of my booths were FILLED with drunk people. I was kissed by a drunk guy, grabbed by another drunk guy, had to try and break up a fight between two other drunk guys, which happened to be over a drunk girl. The police were called because of the fight. I swear Animal Planet should video drunk guys fighting....it would make for a very interesting documentary. Wild bucks in there natural habitat. Then after the bar rush we had to dishes. Lots and lots of dishes. Like I said it was a crazy night, and the first night that actually did not like working at Waffle House. But, I guess that's what I get for posting a blog commenting on how much I love my job.....karma pays me back with a night like last night. But, on a high note I've made almost 500 dollars the last two weeks. So, at least the money is pretty good.

I'm so exhausted............

......but, I'm trying to stay up as late as I can so that I can attempt to get on some kind of reasonable schedule for my first week of school. Which, btw, I am THRILLED about. I haven't looked forward to the first day of school like this is such a long time. I can't wait until class tomorrow. I imagine its going to great!! Well.....as much as I love rambling on and on about my life and whats up with me....I have some things to do around the house before I crash and burn before work tonight.

Exhausted

Well, I survived another shift at Waffle House. Graveyard is so fun!! Fridays and Saturday nights are hilarious. Around 3 AM we get the drunks from every bar and club in Prattville. Its hilarious to see how drunk people act. Most of them leave pretty good tips. Im all settled in after my long night at work. Ten hours straight with only a few breaks to have a cigarette and sit down. And plenty of dishes to clean. LOL! My feet, legs, and back are still adjusting to 10 hours on my feet. But, each shift gets better. And last night I made $80 in tips. So....its pretty good money. The hardest thing I had to learn for this job was calling out the orders to the cooks. They are very particular in how everythings is called in. For instance, if you were to order a bacon (for this instance we will pretend its kosher bacon) egg and cheese wrap meal, which comes with two bacon egg and cheese wraps, an order of hashbrowns, and a drink.....its has to be called out like this: "Pull 1 bacon, drop one hashbrown in the ring, Mark: wrap a bacon egg and cheese on 2 like 1 plate." It's crazy!!

But, things are going really well. My manager said I was a natural. And, my co-workers were surprised to find out that this was my first waitressing job. Everyone said I caught on quick. And whats really unexpected is, I actually like doing it!! Its....dare I say it...fun. Its hard work, and exhausting, and it can be completely irritating. But for the most part....its fun. And, I get to meet and interact with some very interesting people. Anway...its almost 10, and I need some sleep before I work tonight @ 9. So...........later!

School Starts!!

The day that I have been waiting months for is almost here!!!!! Monday I start the fall semester at AUM! I will be taking 12 hours worth of classes. Which is four classes. I will be taking Child and Adolescent Growth and Development, Psychological Foundations of Education, Discrete Mathematics, and Statistics.

I am so excited about going back to school. Part of me was concerned that my opportunity to go back would not come for at least a year. But, I only missed one summer semester. And, I get to back!!!!!! I'm really, really, really excited!!

Break In

I know its been awhile since I've had the time to blog. But, better late than never. Working night shifts at Waffle House leaves me only the day to sleep, and by the time I wake up, its time to go back to work. So, I havent had the time to blog.

Tuesday night my mom let me borrow the van to take to work and I parked it exactly where I'm suppose to park it. Work was tiring as usual, so the next morning when I was walking out to the car I noticed that the passenger window was busted out. During the night someone broke into the car.....nothing of any real value was taken....just my driver's license, school id, credit cards, membership cards, etc. Luckily my social security card was not with the rest of my cards. So, after no sleep I had to wait to fill out a police report. And because there is a warrant for my arrest, I was extremely nervous talking to the cop. Then after I got home I had to call all the credit card companies to let them know that my cards had been stolen. All of this before I could get any sleep. Needless to say, I was PISSED.

In fact, now that I think about it.....I'm still pissed!! I am going to try to vent with as little curse words as possible. But, I can't believe what our country has come to. If people are that hard up for money... GET A DAMN JOB!!!!!!!!!!! I have two now, plus tutoring. Its not that difficult. I know times are hard right now, but they are hard on everyone. It really shows someone's character when they break into someone elses car and steal their shit. I just thank god that I didn't leave any of my hard earned tip money in the car, cuz then I'd REALLY BE PISSED!!! The nerve of someone to break into my car WHILE IM WORKING!!! AGHHHHHHHHH!!

Anyway....enough venting. So other than working and sleeping that's all I've been up to. I promise to try and blog more.

Let's Play Catch UP!!

I know it has been almost a week since I last blogged, but I've been pretty busy.....

Let's see......last blog was Saturday, August 2.....so I guess I should start with Sunday........

Sunday I rode with Amber and Cherie (Amber's Mom) to Atlanta for a fun overnighter. Cherie had to do some orientation business training for work and didnt want to go by herself, or leave Amber alone to wonder the streets of Atlanta from 8 to 3, so when a trip to Atlanta came my way I jumped on it. I needed some time away from my house and the craziness that it holds. Plus, it was an opportunity to get to know Amber better as well as her mom. So, by Sunday night we were in the Sheridian Hotel by the Atlanta Airport. It was a really nice hotel, twelve floors. Of course, it was a completely non-smoking building, so every time I wanted a cigaretteI had to take the elevator down 10 floors, out through the lobby, and across the parking lot. Spent most of the night up late hanging with Amber and talking on the phone.

Monday Amber and I dropped Cherie off at her work orientation and headed back to the hotel for some much need R&R. The hotel had a really nice swimming pool....however several annoying children had conspiracy plans in place to keep us from having any type of peace or quiet. So, we eventually gave up on the whole swimming thing. We spent the rest of the afternoon napping in the hotel room before picking up Cherie and heading back to Wetumpka. It was a very interesting trip with tons of surprises. I had a great time on the mini road trip.

Tuesday night I started my first shift without a trainer at 9pm. I did not get off until 730pm. It was crazy, long, and tiring. But, I survived it and made some pretty good tips in the process.

Wednesday night I had to work third shift again....but this time there was a bit of a curve ball. I showed up at work and as it turned out....someone from a different store had been permanentally transferred to our store due to complications with interactions with co-workers. So my manager sent me to the #1 in sales store in the southeast for my 2nd shift by myself. Apparentally she was going to send the other scheduled waitress, but she did not feel as though she would give the proper impression of my mananger, so instead I was sent as the representation for Store 801. I guess, all in all, it showed how much faith my manager has in my abilities.

Today was spend on the phone and working out details for this upcoming fall semester. Then a short nap. Followed by hanging out with Amber, Evan, Heather, and my parents. I am actually completely exhausted from hard work and lack of sleep. But, however, I am completely grateful for this job.

Tomorrow I have to work third shift, as well as on Saturday night. I should stay completely busy and make a significant amount of money in tips.......

well.....I guess that's about it.....I'm falling asleep just typing this blog. Which means it is time for me to sleep. Good night all!!

Oh...and Marli....I promise to keep up with my blogging....so dont delete yours!! Love you and miss you!! (and of course dc) :)

Now That You Are Gone

I thought my walls were in place

That my heart and head were safe

You showed me that wasn’t the case

I learned that I didn’t need space

Needed to know I wasn’t alone

I learned so much this time

Saw how much we are alike

More than I could have known

All the hours of cigarette breaks

Our long talks on the porch

Laughter, sorrow, and memories

Revealing all our mistakes

Time spent watching dramas

Disappearing into Capeside

Escaping the world around

Sitting in comfy pajamas

Sporadic trips to Wal-Mart

Searching for cheap snacks

Soda, pizza rolls, and ice cream

Throwing things into the cart

The time went by so fast

Growing closer by the minute

Learning so much about you

I just wanted it to last

Mission impossible in one night

Trying to complete all of the series

Looking at the clock after each episode

The time approaching for your flight

You brought out a side of me

One that I always keep hidden

I’m not good with emotions

Being heartless was the key

I tried to stay strong

And not show my tears

But the end made me cry

And so did the theme song

I watched you get out and leave

I did my best to keep my composure

I hugged you and said my goodbyes

To think I could be strong, how naïve

However, I didn’t shed a tear

I went completely numb instead

Locked away all my emotions

Knowing my breakdown was near

Then I broke down and cried

And the floodgates did open

All I wanted was to numb the pain

Ignore the truth and hide

The truth is so very clear

We grew closer this time

Sealed our friendship, our bond

Something special and very dear

You are loved and missed

But you’re not really gone

There’s always another trip

For that’s why planes exist

I’m still staying up to dawn

And next will be just the same

Things are not same around here

Now that you are gone

Complete Exhaustion

Well, the good news is....I found a job. Or I guess you can say that my brother helped me get a job at Waffle House as a waitress. I have spent the last three days training. And as far as jobs go, its pretty good. It's exhausting and I rarely have a free moment, but at least the time passes by quickly.

But, considering how out of shape I am (and the fact that I have spent the last two months doing hardly anything) my body is hurting today. I forgot how painful it could be to stay on my feet for seven hours straight, especially with the wrong kind of shoes. (my tennis shoes are worn out). I'm glad to have a job, and really shouldn't complain. I'm just SO exhausted.

Also, I registered for fall semester. I am going to be taking 12 hours and juggling tutorting, teaching, and hours at Waffle House. Which means, when fall comes around I will have absolutely no life. But, I guess thats what growing up is.....accepting responsibility and getting down to business.

If there is one thing I've learned throught the last three years its that nothing is free, and anything worth having takes hard work. Adulthood is not what it appeared to be when I was a teenager. I guess I expected life to become easier instead of difficult. But, my life is even more unpredictable and full of more expectations and repsonsibilities than ever before. In fact, the only thing that I can count on is that my bills will come at the same time every month.

But, I feel like I am making choices and decisions that are at least getting my train back on the track, I may not be moving at a steady pace yet, but I'm working on getting the engine started.