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!