9 pound, 8 ounce Baby Jesus: Happy Birthday Baby!

Hello my loyal blog followers/readers,

I know I have been checked out for quite sometime. The semester took hold, and I didn't have any motivation to write since my time was consumed by term papers and homework. A lot has happened!

My sister Olivia got married in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on top of the smokey mountains on 11-11-11. We rented out a huge 3-story log cabin that over looked the Smokey Mountains, it came equipped with a Jacuzzi on the deck, an arcade with a pool table in the basement, and more booze to kill a donkey :o) The wedding was reall beautiful, and it was a great time for all. Dave's (Olivia's husband) army buddies flew in, and our whole family flew in from all over so it was a much needed reunion/vacation/happy event. We even saw a few black bears in the wild, yes, BEARS in the wild. We would be driving back to your cabin at night time, and the bears would literally just cross the street in front of us. Kind of crazy but really neat to see.

We recently upgraded from a two-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom apartment but in the same complex. I feel like I have moved more times then any 24 year old I know, but thankfully I love the new unit, and I have a ton more space. We now officially have a guest bedroom! So yes, all are welcome!

The last time we spoke I had picked up a second job at the Bienville Club, but that crashed and burned relatively quickly. It was a business club that overlooked Mobile, it was sort of a country club but without the golf, and the views were really spectacular. However, my first day there I did anything but serve, including but not limited to, MOPPING THE KITCHEN while still being paid server wages. What? It's one thing to help out, its another to be taken advantage of. So I never returned.

I took out a private loan to help fund my schooling, and I am hoping that I can make some serious cash at work and book a trip to California to see my peeps. I would've bought the ticket already but I have some people visiting us here, and I need to make sure my sister Rachel will be in California the time I visit.

***FUNNY SOUTHERN STORIES***
I  was looking all over Mobile for fun vintage furniture for my new bedroom, so I was cruising some thrift stores on a Sunday morning, and had no luck. I walked up to an older lady at the store, and asked if she could recommend a consignment shop I could browse, and she proceeded to give me detailed directions to every place in Mobile I could go in her very deep southern accent. Then she goes "Or you could try Camilla's Shop down on Hillcrest, but ya know she's a real good Christian now, so I dunno if she'll be open on a Sunday cause she is a good Christian woman." Haha YESS! Only in the bible belt people, and the woman was right, the shop was closed.

There are TONS of old hillbilly men that park their pick-up trucks backwards on the sides of roads and sell everything from watermelons to fire wood out of the back. I love the South.

Christmas is here! Happy Bday Jesus! Olivia and I put up the Christmas tree, and decorated our balcony with lights. This is the first time I have done that in over two years because Rachel is not the most festive person in the world lol Rachel flies in on the 20th and stays for 2 weeks! So anyways, I have to go do some errands! I'll be writing more consistently! Talk to you soon!

Alabama: Not so bad.

Hello Blog-o-sphere!
As usual, I took forever to write my next blog, but I have a few stories for you all.
First things first,
I am Brunette now. I have been walking around with Jerry Springer-esque trashbag hair now since I moved here. My hair was a nice rainbow of every color of box-blonde on the market. I decided to dye my hair brown to get all the orange and brass out, and I have an appointment at a salon on Saturday morning to go back blonde.

My job at True is going really well. I love everybody, the job is great, and for the first time in a long time, I have job I do not dread going into. Unfortunately, I have been constantly broke. I joined on to True right in the heart of their slow time, and so I have been making enough to barely meet my bills with no extra money what-so-ever. Even though I tried to avoid it, it was inevitable for me to have to pick up a second job. So I searched Craigslist for part-time work, and found the Bienville Business Club in Downtown Mobile. The Bienville Club is like a Country Club, but without the Golf. Companies or individual people pay to be a member, and then they can dine there. It is fine dining restaurant, and it is on the top floor of a skyscraper. I signed on to be a Special Events Server, so I am hoping to make some extra cash. Here is something you can appreciate...on New Year's Eve they drop a huge Moon Pie off the side of the building :o) For those of you not familiar with a Moon Pie is a giant Southern Marshmallow Treat. Haha Classy. Lol I just need to make enough cash to dig myself out of debt, and get a couple hundred in the savings account, and then I will go back down to just school and True again.

One thing I love about here is how polite the men are to women, even guys my age!! When I am on campus, looking so BUSTED in sweatpants, a baggy tshirt, glasses, and no makeup, guys still hold open doors for me. They let girls on the elevator first, and hold the elevator open so girls get off first. If a guy cusses in front of a girl down here they apologize. They hold open doors for girls, and if a girl is walking up to a door a guy will stop what he is doing, walk over and open the door for you. No I am not making this up. This happens everyday when I am on campus.

Now that I am getting more used to my school, I recently submitted a writing sample to the school newspaper, so I can start writing for them on a regular basis. I am also looking into joining the Student Government. I will keep you posted on how that goes.

I have been religiously going to class, without skipping, and it has made such a great impact on my grades. I just took my midterms, and did great on every single one, including MATH which is a miracle for me. So I am adjusting well.

I am on the fitness bandwagon. I have been working out in my workout facility every night, and eating healthier for the most part. I cut out all fast food, and substituted water for pop. I am really trying to shed some of the pounds I packed on by eating wayyy to much soul food. I was working out the other day in the workout facility, and had my IPOD turned up. I thought I was alone, but all of sudden felt someone grab me on the arm. I screamed so loud. I turned around and there was an older black man behind, who was offended by my reaction. He said "Umm, I was just trying to tell you the elliptical machine was off track." I was still breathing heavy from being startled, I thanked him but told him he scared the hell out of me. He was still offended and said "You didn't see me come in?" Clearly not. I am so frightened all the time of being robbed or murdered. I don't think most people are as on-edge as me. Haha

Kicking Ass and Taking Names

 A few days ago, a wave came over me where I literally power cleaned and organized our entire apartment. I cleaned, organized, dusted, rearranged, unpacked, and got this apartment in prime time shape. It felt great, and I was FINALLY able to take pictures of my room for you guys, and the apartment.

So my oldest sister Rachel, the one I lived with in California, has been out of the country living in Australia for the summer, and just got back to San Jose, CA today.  She came back to a half empty apartment, and no doggy-woggy aka Sonny. We have been talking about letting her take Sonny to live out there with her to help keep her company. Rachel and I adopted Sonny together, and he is equal parts mine and hers, so I think it will be good for the both of them to spend time together, and keep each other company.

The weather here is finally gorgeous. The Fall time has brought a cold front in that kills the humidity, and it is just beautiful and sunny everyday. We have been able to turn off our A/C, and have the windows open for the first time since living here.

I have been trying to get creative on how I can trick myself into exercising more. I have been taking Sonny for walks in the historical home district of Mobile. I get to see the most beautiful Southern homes, all the while getting exercising with Sonny.

I took midterms today! I feel like I did really well on both, so this semester is rolling along, and I feel like I have been doing a good job balancing work and school.

Unfortunately, it is super slow for the restaurant industry down here, so I have been researching getting a second job. I will keep you all posted on what I decide.

Desk Area in my room

Vanity area in my room

Living Room

My bathroom/ vintage pinup girl theme

My bathroom

Dining Room/Kitchen

My bathroom

Enjoy the pictures!

Dogs are good, Beer is Great, and people are crazy

It has been a little chaotic these days....
First of all, I am heading into midterms next week, and on top of all that studying, I am in the process of training at my new job. I am having to memorize a lot of different stuff all at one narrow window of time and it is overwhelming.

The dogs were sick last week with a respiratory infection, and so there was a lot of sneezing, coughing, and late night hacking. After some medication, rest, and some holistic remedies, they are back to good health.

As I have been reporting in my blogging, Sonny has been putting on pounds since living down in the dirty. He isn't used to so much heat and humidity, and usually will just run over to the shade and lay down when we try and exercise him. One thing that has been working is fetch, he loves it, and he still tries to lay down but will usually chase the ball and bring it back before laying down for a break. So yesterday Olivia and I took him out to the field behind our apartment complex, and he ran down to get the ball he sliced his back right paw open on  some rocks. Olivia and I didn't notice he was bleeding until we got back in the apartment, and he was bleeding really bad. We put him in the tub, and ran water on it, and there was so much blood we still couldn't see what happened. Eventually we were able to find where he sliced his paw, and bandaged him up. The picture above is his little make shift cast we put on his back right paw to help stop the blood. My poor baby angel is doing better, and we were able to take off the bandage today.

So I have to tell you guys this story about my new job at True. So yesterday, I had the night off work, but when I got out of class my boss called me and said "First off, I want to apologize for calling you on your day off, but Eddie has bronchitis and can't work tonight, and we could really use your help tonight because we are going to be really busy." I told her yes, for sure I can help out. So I came in, and she thanked me profusely for helping out, and kept telling me throughout the shift how good I was doing. Then at the end of the night she was like "Hey, you can go, but before you leave, I want to buy you dinner for coming in and helping out" I told her she didn't have to do that, and she said "No, I want to, you really did us a favor by coming in on your day off. So what can we make for you? Whatever you want on the menu, do you want the lamb? Steak? Whatever you want." They literally cooked me a Filet Mignon, that they even fully plated, with mashed potato and asparagus. I was eating in the back with a glass of water, and my boss came up and handed me a glass of red wine to drink with my meal.
YES! I seriously have never worked at a place that is so polite, accommodating, and grateful to their employees in my life. Everyone is so nice to me, and my bosses seriously go above and beyond. It is now a cliche, that everything happens for a reason, but seriously, the garbage that went down around me leaving, Noja happened for this reason, to bring me an even better job! Quitting was a blessing in disguise. This new job is so great, and the management is so professional and generous. I know serving is just temporary until I graduate, but you have no idea, when you are in school, it sucks if you have to pull full-time credit hours, and hate your job. Life is good if you can just worry about getting good grades, without having to worry about dreading my job too. So, as I said before, when you follow your heart, and do what us right, the universe will ALWAYS take care of you. I knew I couldn't swallow shit, and even risked quitting my job suddenly, without a backup plan, but it turned out for the best.

One story I forgot to mention in my blog, was the night I quit Noja, a girl I served with there named Kelly and I hit the town that night to celebrate. We went to almost every bar in downtown, and drank our feelings! Haha We had such a blast, and...brace yourself...I went to my first Southern Gay Bar!! Yes, a gay bar in the bible belt, so you KNOW it is a good time. Lucky for us, they had a drag show that night! The only thing more fabulous then a Drag Queen, is a Southern Drag Queen. They were all so fierce, over the top, and we literally had the most amazing time. There was even a Drag Queen that came up singing a techno version of Sweet Home Alabama Haha It was great!!

In other news, my obsession with big Southern homes, has continued. Olivia, Dave, and I took a drive through a random neighborhood with cute Southern homes. Unfortunately, it was completely down pouring so the pictures are not as clear, but you get the point! I will keep snapping photos of beautiful homes!!

As for my financial status, Unfortunately, I have been making training wages thus far, so I am probably the brokest I have been in years. Once I start getting steady paychecks, it will be good, but right now I am feeling the pinch. Tonight is my first night on the floor on my own, so I will start making the cash I am used to making. Well...cash sort of. They tip pool out here, so you don't get cash, it all comes in your paycheck that is paid out weekly on Fridays. I have been pondering getting a second job for a little while to help me catch up on bills, but we will see.

One great Southern phrase that I love is "Don't be ugly." or "I don't want to be ugly but..." In California people will usually start a sentence with "Not to be a bitch but..." but here they use "ugly" lol Which usually refers to gossiping or saying something mean about someone or something lol Another thing is everyone will say "You have a blessed day now" instead of "good day" which I think is cute, even for an atheist like me lol

Ok bloggers until next time!!

New Job, New Dog, New Apartment: Times they are a changin'

Sonny on the left and Scooter, the stray, on the right

You may have to click on this picture to make it larger, but this person had their 4 sons chillin the back of their pick-up. You are in Alabama now, baby!

Olivia and I found a great new country breakfast joint

First Day at True

                                                 

Hey Everyone!
Yesterday was Day 2 of training at the new restaurant, and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! They are more fine dining geared then the last place, with a large wine list, and an intricate menu. We don't wear aprons, and dress in all black. Chef True was a James Baird Semi-Finalist, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, and is always winning cooking competitions around the South.
Everyone at True has been super welcoming, and understood why I left Noja, and even said they were happy I stuck to my guns. I have a few semesters left of school before I graduate, so this is a job I can see getting me all the way to graduation. The servers make good money, and the managers are normal (what a concept!!).
Through out the first night, Chef True would literally cook me full on entrees, like garnished properly and everything, and say "Here I cooked this for you to try!". You can tell he has a passion for food, and everything was super tastey. At the end of last night, Bobbi came up to me and handed me $25 for helping her out with her tables, and even gave me two bottles of wine to take home and have. Both of which were beyond nice. Everything turns out for the best, and I love my new job.

As for the new dog, well, Olivia and I were walking the dogs one night, and Sonny took off. He started playing with this dog, and we quickly realized he had no owner. He was so scared he wouldn't let us catch him. Then finally we started putting dog food on the porch for him, and eventually Olivia trapped him in the house. He was in bad shape. He is was malnourished, covered in fleas, and dirty. We gave him some TLC. We gave him a flea-dip, bathed him, and took him to the vet to get neutered and shots. We were trying to just be foster parents, and just charge people for the cost of the neutering. However, he seems to always find his way back here. I posted an ad on Craiglist, and I got only 1 response. We gave him to one woman who saw my ad, and 3 hours later she called us and told us we had to come get him because he didn't get along with her dogs. He is getting along nicely, and I think he could end up being Sonny's brother.

Olivia, Dave, and I live in a 2 bedroom apartment as of right now. We went to a Resident Event, and ended up talking to our Property Manger. She told us she would let us move into a 3 bedroom, which is only 100 more a month, and no transfer fees in October. We said YES! We need the extra room. So October we are moving into a bigger place.

School is going good. I am entering mid-term time. So just overwhelmed with studying, but I haven't been skipping, and keeping good attendance in my classes. I even attended a Study-Better Seminar that taught different and effective ways to study, take notes, and time manage.

Some random fun, Olivia and I have been on the hunt for a great breakfast spot. We wanted just a hole in the wall place with great cheap breakfast. We found it!! It is called Bama Breakfast, super down-home country, and it has THE BEST biscuits and gravy we ever had. On our way to breakfast we saw a pickup truck that literally had their four little sons sitting on the bed of the truck cruising down a busy highway.  I took pics of the new breakfast location, and the 4 kids in the back of the truck.

I have been making friends here, and going out for drinks. People here are so nice, and I love it here!

Things are looking up!!

I got a new job! True-th always wins!

Picture of my new job ^

Hello Everyone!
Well, after the proverbial shit hit the fan at Noja on Saturday night, I wasted no time applying for jobs. Monday I got dressed, printed out resumes, and walked up and down the main drag of Downtown Mobile applying for jobs. I ended up getting hired at a place called Cafe 615, which is like an upscale bistro. I knew by the interview I wasn't going to make as much money as Noja, but a job is a job.
My sister and Dave encouraged me to write an e-mail to True, a restaurant of the same caliber of Noja. I was hesitant because I interviewed with them when I first moved out here, and turned them down. Eventually, a few weeks later, I started working at Noja. But I thought, what the hell do I have to lose? So I wrote an e-mail to True asking if they had a position available, and if they did, I'd love the opportunity to try for it again. I waited apprehensively, but I got an e-mail back saying they wanted to meet with me tomorrow at 3! So I just got back from meeting with her. I explained to her what happened at Noja, and that I just didn't like working for Chakli, and she said she understood. She offered me the job again. I start tomorrow night at 5pm! YES! Here is the website so you can check it out http://true.truedine.com/ The lady is so nice, and the restaurant is beautiful, and the servers make the same amount of money as Noja servers.
I have to tell you, even though I was proud of myself for sticking to my guns, it is ALWAYS stressful quitting a job, especially when you don't have another one lined up. I have been so anxiety ridden about the whole thing. I was worried I was not going to be able to find a job, or find a job just as good, or not get a second chance at True. I feel that when you stick up for what is right, the universe will take care of you. I am so thankful for being able to find another job! I am carrying a full load at school, and not having a job was stressing me out to no end, so I am relieved!!
Thanks for everyone's support!! I love you guys! I will keep everyone up to date on how the new job goes!

I QUIT MOTHAFUCKA!-I'm not going to do what you all think I'm going to do, which is FLIP OUT!

"There is such a thing as manners. Flipper here has manners. Whose coming with me?!"

Well, I guess everyone is wondering what went down with me quitting my job. So here is the story...

I went to work yesterday, and we sat down for the pre-shift meeting, everything was normal. Afterwards, my manager/ owner of Noja, Chakli, told me he needed to speak to me outside on courtyard. So Chakli, Marvin (the other manager), and me all went out and sat down. Chakli started the conversation by saying that he knows that the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, but if something someone says infringes on someone else rights then there is a problem. I said OK. So he proceeds to tell me that I wrote a bad Yelp review about the bar across the street, and the owners are really upset about it. Chakli told me he wanted me to delete the Yelp, go over and apologize to the bar across the street for writing a bad Yelp, or he was going to have to "let me go". I told him that my Yelp profile doesn't say anything about me working for Noja, and that I have tons of reviews, some good, some bad, and my Yelp account is separate from my job. He was like Well, they recognized you, and they were really upset about it, and your name is on there with your picture. The conversation went back and forth, and he kept saying "So what are you going to do?" After running circles in the conversation, I replied "Ok, I'll take it down." Then he said OK, well I want you to take it down AND apologize. I just repeated OK, I'll take it down. Meaning, fuck off, I will delete it, but I am not saying I'm sorry. So, by the end, I knew that I needed to swallow my pride, and do what he asked, because I can't just quit my job. So I agreed finally to say Sorry. So I walked across the street, but the bar wasn't open. So I walked back into Noja, and said Chakli they are closed, and he was like OK just go over there later.

So I work my shift that night, completely mind-fucked. The night was winding down, and I was finishing up close out duties, when 6 people walk in, and they all gave me a dirty looks and took a seat at the bar. One of the servers was like "Hey, thats the owners from across the street". Yup. They literally came into my work, and cut me dirty looks to try and intimidate me. One of the owners had my Yelp account pulled up on his cellphone, and was showing it to Chakli, as they all cut me dirty looks.

My adrenaline was pumping, and I knew that I couldn't swallow shit. So I kept doing side work, and Chakli walked up to me and said those are the people from across the street, so go apologize. I looked at Chakli and my voice was low because my adrenaline was going so fast, I said I am sorry but I don't feel like I did anything wrong so- and he cut me off and said "What? I can't hear you..." Then my anger took over. Then I said clear as day "I have my freedom of speech, and I don't feel like I did anything wrong. So I am not going to apologize to them, so I am just going to quit." He looked kind of shocked but just said OK, and he was biting on his thumb nail. And that was it. I walked out.

YUP. I literally had my job threatened because of a Yelp review about another bar in the area. Welcome to Alabama. So a few things...

Number 1- I thought I would have regretted walking out last night when I woke up this morning. Quite the opposite. I am so proud that I stood up for what I believe in, no matter what, even at the expense of giving up my job.

Number 2- I have recently been watching a ton of documentaries about September 11, and I literally thought during my shift, Wow, I am not going to let anyone intimidate me into silence, or censor me, or give up my right as a US Citizen of free Speech, especially when I am bullied into it.

Number 3- I have come a long way. I usually am super non-confrontational, and I never defend myself. Today is a new day. I am not going to eat shit, and I will always speak up when I think people are trying to do me dirty.

Number 4- DEAD SERIOUS, When I was talking to Chakli the first time around, and when I was quitting I kept repeating over and over in my head, "What Would Olivia Do?", and it totally helped me channel my inner warrior spirit haha! Because Olivia wrote the book on confrontation, and she definitely doesn't take any shit. I swear to god, I tried to picture how Olivia would talk and act, and it helped me to be confrontational lol

So that is the low down. I welcome your comments/opinions/...and Yelps ahaha!

The job hunt begins...I'll keep you posted.

Baby, I'm sorry, Come Back. : I have been neglecting my blog-o-sphere

On my way into Noja to work my first shift

The stray dog we rescued

South in your mouth. BBQ Combo plate. Yum.

I haven't really been blogging. Between work, school, and daily life, I have been neglecting my blog. I am hoping to get back in the swing of things on here, and update regularly again.

As for school, So far so good. I was really overwhelmed at first because I just couldn't get back into the swing of things, but I am finally getting my homework knocked out. The campus is so huge that I really haven't done much exploring, or made any friends there yet. It feels good to FINALLY be at a University. I am so close to the end I can taste it.

I am a server at Noja, and not until very recently do I feel like I am finally getting into the rhythm of things. I felt for a while that I wasn't getting the swing of things, and I was just constantly having to ask questions and second guess myself. I was so stressed out about not knowing my way around, and the new order of things, that I literally started dreading going to work, and would countdown until I was able to go home. I don't feel that way anymore. I like my job, I make good money, and the people are great. I go out after work for beers downtown with my coworkers, and I am meeting people through hanging out downtown. One funny thing is that people in the South smile at each other for no reason. Sometimes I will be at work and someone else's table will smile at me, and at first I look at them puzzled like "Do I know you from somewhere?", then I realize that is just them simply being friendly, and I then smile back awkwardly. Haha Living in California makes you slightly callus and not as open, but being in the South makes you more warm and genuine with people.

I am still living with Olivia and Dave in our apartment in West Mobile. We haven't gotten into any major arguments, and we all get along for the most part. One night Olivia and I were walking the dogs, and Sonny took off. When I ran ahead to see where he went, he was chasing after a dog. When I went to grab Sonny, I looked for the other dogs owner, but quickly realized it was a stray dog. It wouldn't let us get anywhere near it, and it would run every time we even attempted to walk towards it. This went on for about 3 days, we would be walking the dogs, Sonny would chase the stray dog, and the stray dog would then run from us when we got close. So, I set out a bowl of dog food on our front porch, just so I knew this dog would at least get some food. Sure enough Olivia lured him into our apartment with food, and as soon as he knew he couldn't run, and we were not going to hurt it, it became the most gentle, loving, well-mannered dog ever. It had giant sores on his legs from where his previous owners had kept him in kennel for too long, covered in fleas, and had a huge tick on his face. Olivia and I were grossed out, but our dog lover side took over. We got him in a bath, flea dipped him twice, and put a flea color and medicine on him, then brushed him and gave him some pajamas. The apartment property owner told us he was probably dumped by his owner. I had never heard of this, but apparently it is common down here for dog owners to literally take their pets they don't want anymore and just dump them off in random fields or apartment complexes and take off. He was SUCH a good dog, he walked off leash and would follow us around (the same dog who ran from us just days before), and played with the other dogs, and never barked. We tried to rehome the dog, but couldn't find a place, so we had to give him to the Mobile Animal Shelter Friday. I started doing the ugly, Oprah cry when we left him there, and I have been crying every day since. I am scared they are going to euthanize him, and so now we are going to call Monday to see if they will let us foster him until he can get a new home.

Some of my favorite Southern phrases is "Well, bless your little heart" and "I'm really going to Hunker Down". Oh, and they say oil like "oh-wl" haha I have been loving the BBQ down here. We try a different BBQ place every week. However, my ass is gaining WEIGHT from all the comfort food. My resolution is to start exercising and watching the fried foods. It is so easy to eat badly down here cause the food is so great.

I haven't finished decorating my room or bathroom. I just haven't had the time. I have class Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and work every other day except Sundays. I seriously just sleep, eat, work, and go to school. Not too exciting.

As for dating...uh...what dating? No prospects. No news. Hopelessly, but very happily single. I am just focused on graduating as soon as possible with no distractions.

Well, until next time bloggers! Love and well wishing!

Sweet Tea vs. Iced Tea: Y'ALL got any SWEET tea? *Insert Southern Accent here*

Everyone who knows me, will tell you Iced Tea is my favorite drink on Earth. I prefer my tea fresh brewed, with a squeeze of lemon, extra ice, and no sweetener. Yes, I have it down to a science. Down here, in the Dirty South, they drink Sweet Tea like people in California eat avocados...CONSTANTLY. When I go to restaurants out here, and want to order my drink of choice, it usually goes like this:

Me-"Yes, Can I please have an Iced Tea?"

Server-**Thick Souther Accent**OK Darlin', you want Sweet Tea."

Me- "No, Can I just have unsweetened tea, please?"

Server-"OK, So unsweet sweet tea."

Yes, because "Sweet Tea" down here is the root word. They refer to Unsweetened Iced Tea as "Northern Tea".

I think Iced Tea would kick Sweet Tea's ass in a smack down 10 times out of 10.

School is anything but cool, it's fucking hot down here.

I started school here on Monday at the University of South Alabama. The campus is MASSIVE. They have a thing down here called "The Jag Tran" which is a bus system on campus that runs from building to building. Yes. A bus system to drive you between the buildings, because the campus is so big and spread out that you need a motor vehicle to make it on time. Needless to say, Olivia and I had to get our parking permits. We arrived on campus at 8:45AM to make sure we had enough time to wait in line. Long story short, the website gave inaccurate information on what we needed to get our parking permit. We had to hike all around campus to find a computer to print out a form, and hike all the way back. We did all this on foot in 100 degree humid weather. I was ready to kill someone. At 10:05am we finally got our permit, and Olivia had to drive me to class so I could make it on time because my first class was on the other side of campus. I had the full on sweats, and I literally had to go to the restroom take paper towel and wipe the sweat off my face once I finally got to my first class. If anyone wants to know how hot hell is, come to Alabama in August.

All in all, my first day on campus was a nightmare, but now that I know my way around, I love it. I feel like I am finally making progress, and my classes are smooth sailing.

As for work at NOJA, I am definitely dreading being new. Whenever you start a new job, it is stressful. When you are a server, you develop what is called "your rhythm" it is a flow that is unique to the place you are serving. Once you find your rhythm, you can handle as many tables that are being thrown your way, but in the beginning when you haven't got it yet, working is stressful, overwhelming, and scary. You can get flustered simply by a 2 top. This was the case with me last night. I felt like a ball of chaos, running around, and doing my best to just keep pace. Tables kept asking me where I was from, and wanting to talk about California for hours, and it slowed me down at my other tables. The good thing is, all my coworkers help me out so I haven't got too in the weeds yet.

Last night, I was finishing out my side work, when one of the servers said "Kaitlin, did you look at your check out?" Apparently instead of typing in "$30" on one of my tips, I hit "$3,000". Although I was shocked, I thought no big deal, it is an easy fix. We just have to go in, reopen the tab, and adjust. Well, the computer system at this place is horrible. My manager had to sit on the phone with the company who makes our computer system for close to an hour, they had to dispatch a tech guy to come to the restaurant, and it was a huge ordeal. This was a my first major screw up. I am sure I am going to have more blunders to come.

I am hoping with time I get my rhythm, and learn my way around campus better. I am anxiously awaiting September so I can escape this crazy, ridiculous fucking heat.

Until next time!

Work Outing

This is a sculpture made out of watermelon in the center of the Brunch

Live music
Part of the Brunch Buffet
The group heading out for some croquette
View from outside our table of the bay

Hey All,

Today our boss/owner of Noja took out the staff as a treat to brunch. We went to The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL. It was incredible! It is right on the water, and the hotel is HUGE. The brunch had tables and tables of food, a full dessert table, sushi table, omelet station, prime rib station, you name it! Plus, live music. True in Southern form they had the New Orleans type walking band with the big tuba and saxophone that would play to individual tables. We went out side and they have croquette so we played a round, and headed up stairs to see the piano lounge. We rounded out the event by going to their cigar and lounge bar. All in all a great time, and I want to go to brunch there with Olivia and Rachel because it really is beautiful. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ptlal-grand-hotel-marriott-resort-golf-club-and-spa/ There's the link so you can get an idea of how beautiful this place was.

Alabama Weather: Sunny with a chance of unpredictable.

It was beautiful and Sunny, and when we went to leave it was complete thunderstorm down poor. I had to drive back over the bridge that goes over the Gulf, and the storm clouds were rolling in and it was complete torrential rain. They have a van service that drove us to our car so we didn't get wet, but while Kelly was jumping in the car she fell into some bushes. Quite the ending to our day! Haha

Tonight I am getting all my laundry done, and just finishing up decorating my room because tomorrow I start school! Ah! Wish me luck!

Show me the Money!

It has been a while since my last update. I haven't really had time to do much because I am still sleeping like a bear. Although, recently I have been forcing myself out of bed in the morning to try and get on a normal sleep schedule. I have been trying to hydrate as much as possible, and it has consistently been over 92 degrees everyday.

Everyone keeps asking how I like my new job. Well, it is probably the coolest serving job I have ever had. The entire staff is super friendly, and everyone has been more than welcoming. I will say, that my managers are Republican, and constantly want to talk politics since I am a bleeding liberal. I have refrained from having such convo's, because shit would get awkward. It is better if I don't get fired up. Haha I have been in training for the past week, and tonight was my first night on the floor by myself. Everything went really smooth, and I am finally making some cash. I literally had $1.76 in my Checking Account, and Olivia has been buying my food. Luckily, I got my check for training and my cash flow is somewhat there again. Reasons why Noja is the best restaurant I have worked at thus far:

1.) No Kids Menu

2.) No Kids Cups

3.) No To-Go Boxes

4.) Closed for lunches, holidays, Sundays, and Mondays

5.) No Tip Out

6.) Charge Fee for Splitting Dishes

7.) No Free Refills on Soft Drinks

8.) They have "outings" where the owner treats everyone to a nice dinner or trip.

Yes. This is the perfect place to work while I am finishing my degree. The servers all tip pool, and so they make between $150-$200 a night.

I start school on Monday, and I am pumped! I am ready to be at a University, and just bang out my last 2 years. The University of South Alabama is completely remodeled, and the campus is beautiful. I am not looking forward to trekking it across campus in this crazy heat, but everyone keeps telling me the weather gets better.

Almost daily, I am in awe of the manners that everyone has. I was walking into Subway, a guy who was in the middle of ordering his sub, stopped ordering, walked over and held the door for me. I must've looked stunned when I said "Thank You" because he smiled and said "You're welcome Miss. There are still some gentlemen left on this Earth." Another situation, Olivia and I went out to breakfast, and the table next to us struck up conversation, and after finding out we were new to the area told us all the places to go, and directions how to get there. EVERYONE TALKS TO EACH OTHER. Its great. Honestly, I love the friendliness the most of all so far.

One weird quirk about the people down here is they are obsessed with drink containers. They love coozies, even if they are just drinking regular pop out of a can, they line it with a coozie. They also love cups that don't "sweat" which means double layered plastic cups so no condensation builds up on the outside. I have to admit, I have one now. Olivia bought it for me at the mall. I use it to drink ice water.

I have been doing my best to see the Mobile night life. Each bar downtown has its own little vibe. I went to the oldest bar in Downtown called Hayley's, and I was hit on by this English dude that was traveling the country for the month, then flying home to England. He was wearing a Star Wars t-shirt, and was chubby. He was really aggressive, and kept trying to buy me drinks and kiss me. I told him I was tired and I had to go and he said "I am trying to pursue you. Would you like to go back to my motel room?". Yikes. If the Star Wars t-shirt didn' t kill the mood, the mention of a MO-tel did. Umm, no. I'll go home, and cuddle with my dog Sonny. But other than that, the bars down town are super cheap, and just a great time.

My hair is still yellow and uneven, because I have been to broke to fix it. I plan on going to a hairstylist a girl at my work recommended once I get some cash in my pocket.

Tomorrow morning the owner of Noja is having an outing at The Grand Hotel. He is treating us all to brunch. So I am off to bed to prepare for that. I plan on finishing my room tomorrow, so I will post pictures, and blog about my first day of school.

Until next time!

Sc-HAIR-y

Front of my mullet, and also the end of my fried hair

How many colors can you count?!
Yellow...white...brown...brass...

For those of you who are not aware of the hair issues I have going on I am here to fill you in. The day before I left California I needed to get my head highlighted because my roots were out of control. My neighbor assured me she could do my hair for cheap, and she was licensed to do hair. She charged me $70 for a full head highlight and hair cut. That is a steal because I normally have to pay around $200 at a salon. Well...little did I know that was the biggest mistake of my life.

She took over 4 hours to do my hair, and after words my hair looked like complete shit. I am not sure how she manged this, but I still had roots when she was done but my roots were a pink-ish brass color, and my roots were bright blonde. The hair cut was horrible. My left side of my hair is actually 2 inches longer than my right, and she put in "layers" (even though I asked for a trim.) and she literally gave me a mullet. I was pissed but I was like whatever I'll buy one of those highlighting kits from the pharmacy, and have my sister Olivia just touch up my hair until I could get to a real salon to do my hair. Olivia had never foiled hair before, and on top of that the dye we used was super strong. My hair came out white, yellow, orange, brown, and cheetah spotted. Yup. I was actually going to dye it brown, and just let my hair get healthy again, but Olivia talked me into letting her dye my hair one more time. So we bought blonde dye and she dyed the whole head one color. My hair is still orange, and parts white but I can't dye my hair or I am scared it will fall out. My haircut is still really bad but I don't want to cut it because I am trying to grow it out and to cut it would mean my hair would have to have like 4 inches taken off. I actually had to interview and train with this hair. Yow-za. So enjoy the pictures :o) Hopefully I can fix this catastrophe before my sister's wedding in November.

Awesome-ness

Sorry I have waited for a few days to write this. I have been getting off work and passing out because I am still wanting to sleep all the time.

**Warning the next paragraph is boring restaurant talk, but a lot of my restaurant peeps are interested**

Noja has been really great. They have a super small staff so everyone has been welcoming and friendly. At LB Steak, we had bartenders, back servers, expos, and runners. At Noja, it is a team service, so they don't have any of that. They do 1/3 the covers we did at LB Steak, but because there is no back-staff support, you stay just as busy. It is nice cause there is no huge tip out, and the servers make pretty good money. They do not have a kids menu, they charge for refills, there is a charge for splitting dishes, and they have a dress code for customers! Heaven. I think it always sucks being new because you have to learn all the quirks, but I will get there soon enough. I am training until next week Wednesday and start on the floor on Thursday of next week. I e-mailed True and told them I couldn't except the position, so Noja it is!

**OK, Enough talking shop...on to the next...**

Some weird/cool/funny things about Alabama, they have NO liquor cut off time. Bars can stay open as late as they want or close as early as they want. People stay at bars all the way until 8 am. Oh, and the bar tabs here are ridiculously cheap. It is a $1 a beer, and $2 for mixed drinks at pretty much everywhere.

My work is right in Downtown, and there is a club called Atlantis. It is for the ghetttttoooo fabulous. Apparently, the object of the game is to wear the least amount of clothes legally possible. There was a girl that walked in, and I kid you not, had underwear on that she wedged up her butt so you could see her butt cheeks, and she was wearing a spaghetti strapped tank top. Cutie. I wanted to take pictures for the blog, but I risked being shot. All the people going to that club dress in super tiny clothes, like they will wear a blouse and just stretch it down and not wear pants. Quite frankly, I was in people watching heaven.

Oh, I love watching people get arrested. It is a hobby of mine. Anything involving cops slamming people into walls or cement I like to have front row seating. Last night, a girl from work took me to a bar directly across from Atlantis, and we sat out on the porch and had beers. I saw cops literally chasing after people, riot police run into a bar, and sheriffs on horseback (yes! horseback.) trot down the street for crowd control. I was in police HEAVEN.

Somethings I hope rub off on me:

- the southern phrases like "just standing around like a bottle of piss" which is another way of saying you have nothing going on and you are bored.

- the manners everyone here talks to everybody, uses ma'am and sir, and is genuinely nice.

- the cowboys enough said.

Until next time!

Change of plans.

A whole display in the grocery dedicated to crawfish boils

Yes! My boxes with all my clothes arrived!

Noja- This is where I'll be working!
Noja- My new work
A picture of the porch I had dinner on tonight!

Complete with ceiling fans and an ice maker :o)
Country home in downtown Mobile
An Iirsh dive bar in Downtown Mobile
My dream home!

Well, slight change in plans regarding my work situation. As previously mentioned in the blog, I was going to start working at a restaurant down here called True this passed Wednesday (8/10). The manager told me that I didn't start training until Tuesday (8/16) so I got an extra week off. Noja, another fine dining restaurant in Mobile, contacted me for a second interview today. During my first interview a month ago with Noja, I talked with the General Manager. Today I met with the culinary team and serving staff. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming and told me I could start tomorrow. Noja is only open for dinner, closed on Sundays, Mondays, and all major holidays. The owner also takes the whole staff to "outings" every few months. August 21 the whole staff is being treated to Sunday brunch and then hanging out at the pool at a nice hotel all paid for by the owner. Also, they have a very low turnover rate. The newest employee has been there a year and a half. So I think that speaks to how well people enjoy working there and never leave. So I am going to start training at Noja tomorrow, if I don't like it I will start training at True on Tuesday as planned. But if I like it, then I am quitting True, and sticking with Noja as my job while I am in school.

As for other news, I have been sleeping A LOT. The heat knocks you out. I literally go to bed no later than 10 pm, and wake up at 11am, sometimes even sneaking a nap in. I don't know if it is my body adjusting to the heat, or just the time change. Either way I am hibernating like a bear. When I am not sleeping the day away, I have been doing really good with unpacking! My boxes I shipped all my clothes in arrived on Monday, and I wasted no time unpacking. Once I have all my pictures hung up, I will snap some pictures of my bedroom so you all can see!

Crawfish boils are really big down here. Mobile has a strong Louisiana influence both architecturally and culinary wise. When we went to the grocery store they had a whole display specifically dedicated to crawfish boils. I have yet to go to one, but I will be sure to let you know how it goes!

My sister took me to this Irish pub in Downtown Mobile. It is SUPER country-fied with a wrap around porch with ceiling fans. My sister and I grabbed burgers and drinks, and sat out on the porch enjoying the heat. I was born to live in the South :o) I snapped some pictures of cute country homes I found in downtown Mobile, complete with porch swings!

I will write a blog to let you know how my first day at Noja goes. I hope I like it! I am just happy that I am going to start making some cash! I am running low on funds!

Until next time!

My first few days in Alabama

Driving back into Mobile from Daphne (Mobile Skyline)

Sunset over Mobile

Gulf of Mexico




The joy of unpacking :o)

The humidity here the first day made me really crabby and tired. I am feeling better now though, and everyday I get more and more used to being in humidity again. The first night we got here Olivia, Dave, and I unpacked the car and set everything in my room to unpack. Between shopping for things for the apartment, running errands, and doing some sightseeing, my room looks like a bomb went off. I finally just attempted to start unpacking and organizing, but then I took a break to blog :o)

I guess the big question is: Do you like Alabama so far?

Yes! I love not having to fight traffic, I love the fact that people are so nice, and going out of their way to ask how you are doing. One thing I have to get used to be besides the weather, is how spread out everything is. I think whenever you move somewhere there is an inevitable fear, that you will fail, but I feel this every time I move, and then I am fine. I have always been a worrier. I am just excited to start work this week, and school really soon. I even saw my first thunderstorm for the first time in 2 years. (For my non-California peeps, they don't have thunder or lightning storms on the West Coast ever.)

Last night Olivia and Dave took me to Alligator Alley which is a long deck that is built over a swamp. The locals bring bags of marshmallows to the dock, and feed the gators. The alligators love marshmallows, who knew?! We were able to see a gator that was about 12 feet long, and another baby one. The highway here drives over the Gulf, and we were driving back at sunset so it was beautiful. I took some pictures as posted them above.

I am going to tackle some more unpacking! Wish me luck!

I am a weirdo.

Well, now that I have some down time to write, I wanted to tell you a few things I learned about myself during the road trip. The first being: I am a weirdo. I think everyone has unusual quirks. I think mine were amplified on this long journey. Let me explain.

I have a deep, constant, and HUGE phobia of homeless people, driving at night, and gas stations at night time. If you have ever hung out with me, you know that homeless people make me nervous. I always think they want to rob me or kill me. I realize that this unrealistic phobia has developed due to my CONSTANT viewing of TruTV, Forensic Files, and The First 48. It has convinced me that everyone wants to murder me, and potentially can get away with it. When I see a homeless person, I will purposely walk the long way so I don't have to interact with them. They make me fear for my life. Case in point, weirdo-ism number 1.

Weirdo-ism #2

I HATE driving at night. When it would get dark out, Olivia and I would switch and she would have to drive, and I would white-knuckle the handle on the door, and gasp every time we are going around a bend on the highway that is not fully illuminated. I have a huge fear that I will hit a deer, the deer will puncture through the glass of my windshield, and bring me to my fatal and untimely demise. I, also, think truck drivers won't see us, and switch lanes unexpectedly pushing us off the road. Every time Olivia would pass a semi on the highway, I'd always mutter "Whoa, whoa, whoa." as I clenched the handle to the car bracing myself for this imaginary collision I have painted in my head. Keep in mind, I only have this fear at night time. I wish I could tell you there is some foundation to this constant fear, but there isn't. I have never hit a deer **KNOCK ON WOOD**, and I have never had a run in with a semi. It just boils down to the fact that I am weirdo.

Weirdo-ism #3

I hate gas stations at night time. As soon as I pull in, my heart starts pumping faster, my palms sweat, and I am constantly scanning the place for people who could rob me. I won't pump gas if there is another man pumping gas, and/or a seedy character is lurking around. My definition of "seedy" has now grown into anyone who is not female. Olivia and I stopped for gas in Louisiana, and a man was pumping next to us. I told her to lock the doors, and we needed to wait until he was done pumping and left the station before I'd get out of the car. Then, I had to use the restroom, so I ran for my life towards the gas station, and out of nowhere an old man was standing by the door. I froze in fear, he looked at me, then smiled "Did I scare you? Sorry Miss, I just wanted to hold the door for you." Wow. I am an asshole. Olivia wanted to stay parked at this gas station so she could get an hour of sleep before continuing the drive. After 5 minutes of me saying "Why the fuck is that car pulling in?" "Oh my god, oh my god, there is a car that is parking over there" I just took over driving, so I could get out of there before inducing a heart attack on myself. Great. This fear developed when I was robbed a few years back at a gas station, and has developed into full-on post traumatic stress disorder over the simple task of getting gas at night. It has manifested into fear of all things related to getting gas at night time, and there fore furthering my weirdo-ness.

A few other quirks:

-I don't like talking first thing in the morning. I don't like people to talk to me, and/or me to talk to them. I just need 10 minutes of silence, and then I can handle you.

- I have to be FREEZING when I sleep. I need to feel like I am taking a snooze in a meat locker before I can drift into hibernation. If the tip of my nose isn't freezing, and my sinuses running from pure frigid temperatures...then its not cold enough.

Please feel free to share on my comment board any items that make you a weirdo :o)

Sweet Home Alabama!

**Remember you can click on the photos to make them bigger, if their hard to see!**

My apartment complex

Leasing office to my apartment
This was the temperature in Mobile when we arrived.

Oh my ogd...it was my TruTV dream come true to see this!

Mississippi

Confederate Flags swinging on side of the road..you're not in Kansas anymore Toto

Welcome!

YES! We finally made it! We woke up this morning in Monroe, Louisiana and had breakfast at the hotel. We left the hotel at 11AM, and and made it to Mobile by 4:30PM. I have to say, for this being a 36 hour road trip, we really enjoyed the drive. All together, we drove through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. 3 hotels, 8 tanks of gas, and 4 days later, we made it safely with no speeding tickets! Amen! Sonny went from being an only child to having to share his space with 4 other dogs. They are all getting along together, but Sonny is just sticking by my side for the most part because he is unsure still. Olivia and I are showering then grabbing dinner tonight. Once we get back we have the joyous task of unloading the car (ugh.) But I am happy to be here, and I can't wait for this chapter of my life to begin! I miss my California, Chicago, and Michigan peeps! But at least now you have somewhere to come for vacation when you need to get away ;o)

I start working at True Restaurant in Mobile this coming Wednesday, and I start school at the University of South Alabama on the 21st of this month! I am going to keep writing on this blog to let you know how my transition to the Dirty South is going, and all the great stories I am sure to have!

I posted pictures, unfortunately we drove through the top of Louisiana and Mississippi so there are not too many pictures but I posted some. GOOD NEWS! Tonight I will be able to upload those pictures from Vegas that I couldn't upload before. Those I will post later tonight.

I want thank everyone for their well wishing, and positive affirmations! Moving is so stressful and scary, and I am lucky to have such love and support in my life. **Cheers!!** Here's to finding a HOT cowboy boyfriend!...and then blogging all about it :o)