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red_lasbelinWell, the Important Visit went well, and we all survived and live to fight another day. Hopefully we won't have to have another one for a while. Now that the visit is over, there should be time for a bit more one on one training with the new manager. I know a lot of things, but learning details and technique is only going to help.
I got an unofficial promotion at work - we had two main cooks leave, the night cook for the summer for basic camp and the day cook because of chronic lateness issues and trying to test his luck with the new manager. It didn't work out well for him. Sad on one level to see him go - he could be very sweet, but struggles with some alcohol and pill use. On the other hand, it means the last couple of weeks, I've only been on the side station once or twice. It's good for me - I really got good on the side station and I was just solid on the main station, and now it means I'm stretching myself to get better and faster on the main station. It also means a hell of a lot less dishes for me, which is good because tall + very low sinks + three hours of dishwashing = constant lower back pain.
It's cool to look back and see how far I've come though - I remember being two and a half months in and getting scheduled as main cook for a Saturday night and freaking out about being able to manage it - everyone thought I'd be okay because there are other people who come in and help when things get really jammed - but I was worried. Now I can hold my own pretty well on a busy summer holiday weekend pretty well. I compare myself to the lead kitchen cook and I'd like to be as fast as she is, but I have to keep that in perspective as she's worked there for two years. For five months in and no previous restaurant experience, I'm very solid, and I'm holding up quite well compared to the people who were hired in a couple months before me.
Before I started this, I didn't think I had the stamina or ability to do any of it. Kei reminded me of that - she had to listen to me talking about how I'd like to explore this field but being really unsure I was capable. She encouraged me to try though, and I'm glad I did. I would have laughed if you'd told me six months ago I could do a 12-14 hour shift and survive. It's not fun, particularly the last few hours, but it's doable. I do a double shift every week now. It really puts the 7 hour shifts in perspective, lol. Anyway - I'm due for a six month evaluation in early August and a pay raise and eligibilty for benefits. Still not sure how long to stay here, when I should move and learn something else, but I figure it'll be at least another 3 to 6 months with them. After that, I need to re-evaluate. Just trying to be aware of what I'm doing, because I'm good at staying in one place, being loyal and digging in, but that isn't always best for growing. Then again, moving around too much isn't good either.
Sort of stalled with the weight loss - at least on the scale right now. My clothing fits better than it has in a while - either much better or too loose. I wish I had gotten my measurements when I started this, because I know I've lost multiple inches everywhere. And one of the biggest differences is the amount of muscle tone I have now, particularly in my upper body. I was having some mid-back muscle pain, and it's been helped by doing some stretches before I go to work. I'm not used to having muscles that need warming up - I'm a total bookworm, never been very athletic, even when I was exercising regularly. I'd like to add working out again at some point, too, but that'll happen when it happens, I think.
Bridesmaid dresses have been purchased for the wedding - pretty decent ones too, no crazy colours. Still have a lot of work to do in regards to the shower but the wedding plans seem to be going along well. It still all feels a bit unreal, but my sister is so happy and I'm glad for her. In other news about marriage - I'm about ready to swear off Facebook and all conversations about the gay marriage ruling from almost everyone I know. Thank God it is not up to them to decide whether or not two people in love can be married and receive vital benefits previously denied them. Also really tired of the argument 'but now pedophiles will be next' and the countless articles by Christians saying how terrible this is and what a dark day for America. The concept that not everyone believes the same as you and shouldn't be held to those standards seems to escape them - until they think their beliefs are threatened and want protection themselves. And there's all this worry about churches now being forced to marry gay couples, and that won't and shouldn't happen. Anyway - I won't rant, just - cross and sick of hearing about it.
Got my cards for International Day of Slash and I have a bunny for it, I just need to write it. I should have time Sunday - taking full advantage of the amnesty schedule. I also have my AinA assignment, and I'm trying to think up a way to do it that will keep things fresh and interesting or at least an angle no one's seen before. It's hard sometimes to balance a well loved trope-scenario without tipping into cliche. See what happens. I'd really, really like to submit that story within deadline, or even ahead. But it does mean dedicated writing time and a life that cooperates - both I'm pretty bad at usually, until last minute panic sets in. :)
Going to go eat something, fold laundry and then chill out a little before work. It's either going to be okay or very busy - you can never tell with holidays. Hope all the Americans on my f-list have a good 4th of July and all the non-Americans have a great Saturday.
I got an unofficial promotion at work - we had two main cooks leave, the night cook for the summer for basic camp and the day cook because of chronic lateness issues and trying to test his luck with the new manager. It didn't work out well for him. Sad on one level to see him go - he could be very sweet, but struggles with some alcohol and pill use. On the other hand, it means the last couple of weeks, I've only been on the side station once or twice. It's good for me - I really got good on the side station and I was just solid on the main station, and now it means I'm stretching myself to get better and faster on the main station. It also means a hell of a lot less dishes for me, which is good because tall + very low sinks + three hours of dishwashing = constant lower back pain.
It's cool to look back and see how far I've come though - I remember being two and a half months in and getting scheduled as main cook for a Saturday night and freaking out about being able to manage it - everyone thought I'd be okay because there are other people who come in and help when things get really jammed - but I was worried. Now I can hold my own pretty well on a busy summer holiday weekend pretty well. I compare myself to the lead kitchen cook and I'd like to be as fast as she is, but I have to keep that in perspective as she's worked there for two years. For five months in and no previous restaurant experience, I'm very solid, and I'm holding up quite well compared to the people who were hired in a couple months before me.
Before I started this, I didn't think I had the stamina or ability to do any of it. Kei reminded me of that - she had to listen to me talking about how I'd like to explore this field but being really unsure I was capable. She encouraged me to try though, and I'm glad I did. I would have laughed if you'd told me six months ago I could do a 12-14 hour shift and survive. It's not fun, particularly the last few hours, but it's doable. I do a double shift every week now. It really puts the 7 hour shifts in perspective, lol. Anyway - I'm due for a six month evaluation in early August and a pay raise and eligibilty for benefits. Still not sure how long to stay here, when I should move and learn something else, but I figure it'll be at least another 3 to 6 months with them. After that, I need to re-evaluate. Just trying to be aware of what I'm doing, because I'm good at staying in one place, being loyal and digging in, but that isn't always best for growing. Then again, moving around too much isn't good either.
Sort of stalled with the weight loss - at least on the scale right now. My clothing fits better than it has in a while - either much better or too loose. I wish I had gotten my measurements when I started this, because I know I've lost multiple inches everywhere. And one of the biggest differences is the amount of muscle tone I have now, particularly in my upper body. I was having some mid-back muscle pain, and it's been helped by doing some stretches before I go to work. I'm not used to having muscles that need warming up - I'm a total bookworm, never been very athletic, even when I was exercising regularly. I'd like to add working out again at some point, too, but that'll happen when it happens, I think.
Bridesmaid dresses have been purchased for the wedding - pretty decent ones too, no crazy colours. Still have a lot of work to do in regards to the shower but the wedding plans seem to be going along well. It still all feels a bit unreal, but my sister is so happy and I'm glad for her. In other news about marriage - I'm about ready to swear off Facebook and all conversations about the gay marriage ruling from almost everyone I know. Thank God it is not up to them to decide whether or not two people in love can be married and receive vital benefits previously denied them. Also really tired of the argument 'but now pedophiles will be next' and the countless articles by Christians saying how terrible this is and what a dark day for America. The concept that not everyone believes the same as you and shouldn't be held to those standards seems to escape them - until they think their beliefs are threatened and want protection themselves. And there's all this worry about churches now being forced to marry gay couples, and that won't and shouldn't happen. Anyway - I won't rant, just - cross and sick of hearing about it.
Got my cards for International Day of Slash and I have a bunny for it, I just need to write it. I should have time Sunday - taking full advantage of the amnesty schedule. I also have my AinA assignment, and I'm trying to think up a way to do it that will keep things fresh and interesting or at least an angle no one's seen before. It's hard sometimes to balance a well loved trope-scenario without tipping into cliche. See what happens. I'd really, really like to submit that story within deadline, or even ahead. But it does mean dedicated writing time and a life that cooperates - both I'm pretty bad at usually, until last minute panic sets in. :)
Going to go eat something, fold laundry and then chill out a little before work. It's either going to be okay or very busy - you can never tell with holidays. Hope all the Americans on my f-list have a good 4th of July and all the non-Americans have a great Saturday.
