Sunday, January 24, 2010

Wedding Stuff

I have tried not to make too many of these blogs about the wedding, because honestly, before I got engaged, I didn't like to read about other people planning for their big day that I was still anxiously awaiting. Call it jealousy, and immaturity, but I really didn't. Regardless, I am going to talk about one of the most fun wedding planning parts I have encountered. Registering. How fun is that?? They literally let you go around with a scanner (unmonitored) and scan whatever you want.

It was funny when we started because I am very decisive and it takes Mike a little while to make decisions. He wanted to view all the options before he started clicking on things. Not me. He left for a few minutes and was quickly back because he said all he heard was obsessive beeping, and he knew it could be none other than his fiance.

The problem that comes with registering (at least in my case) is I lost all control. I was like a kid in a candy store. Yes, some of my purchases may seem expensive or silly now, but I was able to create a story behind every one of them.

Mike: Why do you think we need this heart shaped muffin pan?

Me: This is for when Mikey Jr. and I are baking you cupcakes to surprise you after a long day at work.

(Who can argue with that?)

Mike: Why do we need the Dyson DC25 Upright Lightweight Vacuum?

Me: Oh babe, once we get our lab, you know how much she will shed. And once the kids are playing on the floor, do you really want them to ingest mold and fungus that the vacuum could easily take care of? You want to risk the health of our kids for our registry?

He didn't argue anymore on that particular issue, but I am pretty sure he just gave up. I have extravagant dinner parties in mind (for which I need a lot more friends and a better job), ideas of making Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for my family, and I am already decorating our new house. The registry really does represent to me the beginning of our new life together. Yes, I may have a can opener from 1992, but isn't it time we moved into the world of electric can openers?

And so, among the concerns that we still don't have a minister, and that I have to learn calligraphy and address 150 envelopes in the next 2-3 months, the registering process is a little light that keeps me going. (Did you know you can even access these babies on line??! I check everyday to see if anyone has invested in that super powered vacuum yet.) Hey - it's still early.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

O.M.G.; O.O.C.

This is how I feel about work right now. I know that a lot of these posts are about my serving experience, but let's be honest...what else is going on? Since I came back from Alabama, I have noticed that things were a little tense at work. Some of the girls were being catty, which didn't really surprise me, but I didn't understand it. Soon, I made the connection of who was trying to fire me and why. I was told that one of the servers was dating our old kitchen manager. No...not Killer, but another 22 year old with a weird goatee that went down close to his chest.

For some reason, the kitchen guy noticed me and decided that he liked me. (I am patting myself on the back - this is not an accomplishment.) Well, his girlfriend decided that I was trying to steal the bearded child away and made sure to talk about me to all the girls there. There were a few who stuck by me, but most of the girls made sure to keep away. Now, I would like to just take a minute to look at the facts. A) Everyone knows that I am engaged. Why the hell would I break off my engagement and relationship of many, MANY years, to date a guy that manages a pizza joint? B) Does a bearded bald kid who is 7 years younger than me really seem like my type?? Where is this logic coming from??

The next super fun thing that happened is that I was sat down by one of my managers, who proceeded to tell me that the only thing I was bringing to my job was a "sparkling personality." Apparently my serving skills are "inadequate" and she has recently new servers who will do a much better job than me. I held it together until I got out of the restaurant and then started crying. I told Mike I was writing my resignation letter right that second. After a lot of reasoning, Mike convinced me to sleep on it and see how I felt the next day. Surprise! I still wanted to quit. But, the deal is, I have to have another job to start before I quit this one. Apparently this "marriage" thing gives Mike a say in what is going on.

At this point, I think we are having a race as to whether I will resign or be fired first. Tonight I messed up a pizza, and finally, after much patience, I yelled at the girl that has created a coup against me. They still have to grade my beer and wine test, so who knows where things will go. In the meantime, if anyone has connections in St. Louis, let me know!! I will nanny, do social work, and some legal stuff if they let me!! HELP!!!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

I'm Back

So, I made a whopping $19 at work today. No one wants to drive/walk though snow to eat pizza. This is the time for delivery, which is something that we don't do. Currently, I am supposed to be finding a good chili recipe, but I thought I would blog instead. We had a great 2 week holiday in the South. We visited both Birmingham and Atlanta, so we got both families in. When we got to Birmingham, I don't think Mike knew what he was getting into.

Because we only come into town briefly, I crammed a ton of wedding things to do into 2 days. We saw florists (Mike did not attend those meetings), took engagement pictures, and tasted food. I don't think I am cut out for modeling. The photographer kept telling me to "relax" and "look natural" while I was leaning up against a wall with my hand over my head. On the other hand, Mike has either already been married, or modeled in a previous life. The photographer kept saying, "Way to go Mike!" "Ooh - great pose Mike!" Between the two of us, we got some really good shots and some really cheesy and amusing ones.

Now we are back in St. Louis. Yes. It is cold, but I know that it is cold all over the country. The only difference between here and the South is that things do not shut down for a little snow, or even the slight chance that there will be snow. I know half the schools were closed in Birmingham last night before even one flake fell. In contrast, while snow was building up outside our window last night, I was wondering if you get snow days for working in a restaurant. Nope. You don't.

Now, I have to tell you what I got for Christmas. Lots of jewelry, clothes and books, which I always love. The best thing was the THREE slow cooker recipe books that I got. This is a life saver and may help Mike and I get thin again. The nights that I work at the restaurant are usually a free for all, and I end up finding wing carcasses when I get home. I try to get a salad, but really, after being on your feet and staring at pizza all night, who wants a salad?? I am hoping the slow cooker will get us back on track.

I think that's about it. The best thing about the holidays was that our families were all together. Even Julia, who is exploring Iceland and the Caribbean these days, was able to come home. We enjoyed spending time together, and just hanging out, knowing that everyone was there.

I hope you all enjoyed the holidays - gotta find a chili recipe now!

Quick update

Just so you don't think I am leaving you hanging...I wrote an entire post yesterday and then somehow sent it into blog heaven. I have no idea where it went. So, quick update before I leave for work. It snowed here last night and is actually really pretty - much better than the gloomy gray weather we have been having instead.
I am super excited about the Alabama game tonight, but also concerned because while watching the game, I will be studying for my "beer and wine" test tomorrow. That's right. You read that correctly. I get a blank piece of paper and write down everything I know about the beverages.
Lastly, Christmas hit our condo hard. We still have presents sitting in the kitchen (and they are not kitchen devices) and the tree is still up. More later!