I packed and cleaned all day. Tomorrow I throw my final things (over night bag and purse) into my car, vacuum, and check out. Perhaps find a floor to crash on for my final night I HOPE to spend here, but I may end up spending in Bozo. Then I'm OFF!
I got my final eval yesterday. I'm competent. Means I can do my job but I'm not really good at it. Chef pointed out that I didn't exactly have the odds in my favor, jumping in mid season to a total mess like that being a first time manager and not having any training and such. D: But I'm confident I'll get the job back next summer. I told Chef I REALLY want to come back and try it again. She seemed optimistic about it.
I feel the need to say that I have Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog stuck in my head right now.
Meanwhile, back on the farm. I can't wait to get home. I know in a month I'll be restless again but I'm trying to take the initiative in my life, from this point on. (This point being earlier today when I made a very decisive move in my relationship-life) And from this point on I'm not going to wait. I get restless I'll go explore. I'm not going to give myself a REASON to be restless or bored or unhappy in any way again. And I'm not putting so much of my happiness into anyone else' hands that I cannot be happy regardless of what they do.
I'm stoked to start planning my road trip. SO MANY OPTIONS!! But I want it to be good, and I want it to take like, a month. I just need to plan and cost out and such. I saw a book on nothing but affordable diners drive ins and dives basically. I also want to look into the Diners Drive Ins And Dives thing. Maybe plan a road trip around that?
I want to get a GOOD camera for it. Get myself all ready. Yup yup. Stoked.
I guess nothing else to write about really. Life goes on. People do deserve second chances, especially since things can get misconstrued so easily. You shouldn't judge someone on what everyone else says, especially if 'everyone else' doesn't even actually know him. The rumor mill is an amazingly quick method of completely inaccurate news. And telling people of a rumor about you is the quickest way to put it to bed.
This summer I had the first rumor go around about me - ever that I can recall. And I was laughing my HEAD off! Told some of the guys who work for me about it, and one comes up to me later and sure as shit. Not ten minutes before I laughed about this rumor, the other guy standing there went up to him and said "You know what I heard about Cat?!" But it was put to bed quick by my laughing it off to them. Oh it was hilarious too.
Anyway. Signing off. Nothing to see here folks, keep it movin' along.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
And this is how we avoid getting fired....
So there's this guy.
His name is James. He worked for the Inn EDR as a cook. God only knows the man probably couldn't make grilled cheese....Regardless.
They call him - or at least I do - Drunk James. And everyone, whether or not they call him that, know exactly who you're talking about. He's always drunk off his ass on beer and his damnable potato vodka.
He is the ONLY person I've found who can make me SO belligerent sober that I want to fight. He is the ONLY person I've found FOR SURE who can make me so belligerent drunk - I who am normally QUITE a happy drunk - that I pick fights with people. It's not pretty.
I'm sober right now. Have been all day. (Important as this story takes place today) He's not. He's drunk off his ass.
SO story begins approximately last week at the pub. I'm drinking but not really drunk. Buzzed maybe. He's totally drunk. I'm wearing pigtails. He comes up behind me and pulls on one of them. For everyone who knows me this next line will not be a surprise. I turned around and slapped him. Hard enough to get the point across, that's all. He got shocked asked why I told him not to pull my pigtails. Turned back to my beer. He got all pissy and pulled my pigtail again. So I turned around and slapped him again. He did it a third time, I slapped him a third time. For those who know me you already know if I have to slap someone in succession, it WILL get harder each time. And you WILL not like it. If memory serves, like usual when I'm around Drunk James, I left after I was done with my beer.
Not a half hour ago, I went to friends of mine's room down the hall. He was there. I always extract myself promptly when I see him. This time I didn't. Cuz I'm stupid. A few minutes later "oh Cat c'mere" I was already standing, he stands puts one hand around the back of my neck to hold me still and slaps me with the other. He's so damn drunk that it had no force and barely made it to my cheek - he practically slapped my neck. Then he sat down. I just grinned at him and said "you're really bad at that"
Well so I sat down and everything is going okay. Then a few minutes later he stands back up. "I remember now! You slapped me a couple times! Come here" and I stay sitting. He comes toward me and is practically towering over me while I'm sitting on the bed working on my stitching. He leans toward me and says come here again and I put down my stitching bring up defensive fists and say "why?"
He goes "you slapped me a couple times at the pub the other night!" I said "you pulled on my pigtails. If you had pigtails I'd pull on them and we'd be even." he starts in on "I'm a blackbelt! I'm going to teach you a lesson" while he's pointing at me, I'm still sitting with my fists up and stitching down.
The entire scenario - me down, him over me drunk pointing and "going to teach me a lesson" - I am pretty sure I coulda taken him, but it was scary and pissing me off all at once. And I was afraid he'd do something and I'd beat his ass and get fired. Cuz like HELL I was taking more than the one shot out of courtesy. When he slapped me the first time I ALMOST told him it was his ONE AND ONLY shot. I shoulda. Even right now I want to go back over there JUST to allow him to pick a fight with me. I'm not afraid of the fight. At all. ANyway. I said to him "You teach me a lesson every time I see you" and stood up with my stitching, turned to Laurie (who was watching it all with apprehension) and said "teaches me patience and self control. See you later" and walked out. She just grinned and let me go.
She understands. She doesn't like him - she puts up with him for Dano. She's wanted to smack the grin off his face too. And she's seen me around him. The comments more biting and less sarcastic and more serious and the grin on my face getting more evil and violent and the look on his face more belligerent and violent such.
Anyway. Here I sit now. That's the closest I've been to a real fight in a VERY long time. And the scary part was that I was NOT afraid. I was READY. And next time the man lays a hand on me, I will not take it out of courtesy for the drunk who thinks I deserve it.
Wish me luck that I don't see him again.
His name is James. He worked for the Inn EDR as a cook. God only knows the man probably couldn't make grilled cheese....Regardless.
They call him - or at least I do - Drunk James. And everyone, whether or not they call him that, know exactly who you're talking about. He's always drunk off his ass on beer and his damnable potato vodka.
He is the ONLY person I've found who can make me SO belligerent sober that I want to fight. He is the ONLY person I've found FOR SURE who can make me so belligerent drunk - I who am normally QUITE a happy drunk - that I pick fights with people. It's not pretty.
I'm sober right now. Have been all day. (Important as this story takes place today) He's not. He's drunk off his ass.
SO story begins approximately last week at the pub. I'm drinking but not really drunk. Buzzed maybe. He's totally drunk. I'm wearing pigtails. He comes up behind me and pulls on one of them. For everyone who knows me this next line will not be a surprise. I turned around and slapped him. Hard enough to get the point across, that's all. He got shocked asked why I told him not to pull my pigtails. Turned back to my beer. He got all pissy and pulled my pigtail again. So I turned around and slapped him again. He did it a third time, I slapped him a third time. For those who know me you already know if I have to slap someone in succession, it WILL get harder each time. And you WILL not like it. If memory serves, like usual when I'm around Drunk James, I left after I was done with my beer.
Not a half hour ago, I went to friends of mine's room down the hall. He was there. I always extract myself promptly when I see him. This time I didn't. Cuz I'm stupid. A few minutes later "oh Cat c'mere" I was already standing, he stands puts one hand around the back of my neck to hold me still and slaps me with the other. He's so damn drunk that it had no force and barely made it to my cheek - he practically slapped my neck. Then he sat down. I just grinned at him and said "you're really bad at that"
Well so I sat down and everything is going okay. Then a few minutes later he stands back up. "I remember now! You slapped me a couple times! Come here" and I stay sitting. He comes toward me and is practically towering over me while I'm sitting on the bed working on my stitching. He leans toward me and says come here again and I put down my stitching bring up defensive fists and say "why?"
He goes "you slapped me a couple times at the pub the other night!" I said "you pulled on my pigtails. If you had pigtails I'd pull on them and we'd be even." he starts in on "I'm a blackbelt! I'm going to teach you a lesson" while he's pointing at me, I'm still sitting with my fists up and stitching down.
The entire scenario - me down, him over me drunk pointing and "going to teach me a lesson" - I am pretty sure I coulda taken him, but it was scary and pissing me off all at once. And I was afraid he'd do something and I'd beat his ass and get fired. Cuz like HELL I was taking more than the one shot out of courtesy. When he slapped me the first time I ALMOST told him it was his ONE AND ONLY shot. I shoulda. Even right now I want to go back over there JUST to allow him to pick a fight with me. I'm not afraid of the fight. At all. ANyway. I said to him "You teach me a lesson every time I see you" and stood up with my stitching, turned to Laurie (who was watching it all with apprehension) and said "teaches me patience and self control. See you later" and walked out. She just grinned and let me go.
She understands. She doesn't like him - she puts up with him for Dano. She's wanted to smack the grin off his face too. And she's seen me around him. The comments more biting and less sarcastic and more serious and the grin on my face getting more evil and violent and the look on his face more belligerent and violent such.
Anyway. Here I sit now. That's the closest I've been to a real fight in a VERY long time. And the scary part was that I was NOT afraid. I was READY. And next time the man lays a hand on me, I will not take it out of courtesy for the drunk who thinks I deserve it.
Wish me luck that I don't see him again.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Plans
Okay,
So for all you who don't get it yet, Yellowstone is seasonal. Nature of the beast means if I'm not working winter (and I'm not) I've got six months to kill til April when I can come back. The options are daunting. For many there is literally nothing to go back to and they HAVE to find a winter job. For some the unemployment or travel or vacation on any level chance is exactly what they do. For some they do go home. Spend it with family or in an old job or both. For some they go to Hawaii (I hate you Eric and I hope you have a blast) You know what I'm saying. Options. Endless.
I have no clue what I'm going to do for the bulk of my winter. BUT whatever I do, I'm going to cut it short. I've been dying to do this for a few years now, so now tonight before all you on the other side of the computer screen I make the vow to go on a road trip at the end of the winter when things are turning warm again. Not sure yet where I'll go or what I'll do. But it'll start in Oregon, and end in Yellowstone. And I shall go. Yes. :D This is my vow to you and my promise to myself. I have five months to plan, so I'm sure I'll be okay, but this IS the plan!
So for all you who don't get it yet, Yellowstone is seasonal. Nature of the beast means if I'm not working winter (and I'm not) I've got six months to kill til April when I can come back. The options are daunting. For many there is literally nothing to go back to and they HAVE to find a winter job. For some the unemployment or travel or vacation on any level chance is exactly what they do. For some they do go home. Spend it with family or in an old job or both. For some they go to Hawaii (I hate you Eric and I hope you have a blast) You know what I'm saying. Options. Endless.
I have no clue what I'm going to do for the bulk of my winter. BUT whatever I do, I'm going to cut it short. I've been dying to do this for a few years now, so now tonight before all you on the other side of the computer screen I make the vow to go on a road trip at the end of the winter when things are turning warm again. Not sure yet where I'll go or what I'll do. But it'll start in Oregon, and end in Yellowstone. And I shall go. Yes. :D This is my vow to you and my promise to myself. I have five months to plan, so I'm sure I'll be okay, but this IS the plan!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Summers in the Stone....
So a friend of mine decided to give me a heart attack yesterday. I was eating dinner with him. Got up to go back to work. Not ten minutes later, a guy who works for me comes up out of breath telling me to call 911. There's a guy on the floor in the men's bathroom with a lot of blood coming out his head. So I do. When I get off I'm stressed and pissed that the guy on the other end is so damn calm - I know they train them like that but still! Apparently another guy called it in too, a guy with a cell AT the door to the bathroom. So I hang up and go in as I want to know if there's anything I can do and potentially who it is. Working EDR you see everyone. Well, under the stall wall, next to a quite sizable pool of blood is a very familiar arm in very familiar plaid. Cheryl and I at the same time cried out "It's JOSH!" and of course Josh has told me he suffers from epilepsy. Normally his seizures are so small that if you didn't know about them you wouldn't realize he'd just had one. I didn't until he pointed it out to me. Cheryl never knew at all. So I told the guy on the phone with 911. It was pertinent.
Emergency people arrive and I try to go back to work - nothing I can do anyhow. I'm stressed as hell all night and can barely sleep. I know they took him away in a stretcher but nothing else. I ask Avril - assistant location manager - to PLEASE let me know anything she hears. I also ask that of every security guard I know (since security and rangers use the same wave on the radio).
Today Location Manager Joe told me he'd been released and is on his way back home today. I saw him at dinner head firmly wrapped. Staples.... nine ish I think? Said he'd show me but he didn't want to remove the bandage. He was all good. Joking around as usual. We had to cancel our last-night-of-the-Bear-Pit date (last night the Inn's bar is open - Josh IS my drinking buddy after all). He promised to be up for a few beers after his staples were removed, so that's good. He's all casual and shit, I'm recovering from the heart attack he tried to give me.
Just another summer here in the Stone. One guy died about a week ago. Nice guy, knew him very briefly. Delivered something to the inn. Gas or something. Talked with him a few times last summer. Had a heart attack in his cab. Two - three? can't remember - bear attacks. Stupid tourists, I feel no sympathy. That's why you don't get between the cubs and the mom. That's why you turn back the FIRST time you see the bear, idiot!
A friend of mine actually accidentally HIT a bear with her car. Almost totaled the car, killed the bear. She did it by swerving to avoid hitting another bear. Crazy night on the road, I guess.
Yup. Just another summer in the Stone. Started snowing the other day, and now I've less than three weeks. I'm sooo ready to close this place down and head home, if only to visit.
Jackson Mountain Lodge and Spa haven't gotten back to me.
The other areas in Jackson do a job fair on November first. Chris tells me it's pretty simple and he's confident we'll both make it. I'm nervous about not having a FOR SURE job yet (which I coulda had if I'd stayed here and hadn't cared about actually BEING with Chris), and having no contact with Chris right now - for an unknown reason - is driving me literally mad.
Anyway. That's my rant and ramble. Things that frustrate me and such, I guess. Eh, life happens!
Emergency people arrive and I try to go back to work - nothing I can do anyhow. I'm stressed as hell all night and can barely sleep. I know they took him away in a stretcher but nothing else. I ask Avril - assistant location manager - to PLEASE let me know anything she hears. I also ask that of every security guard I know (since security and rangers use the same wave on the radio).
Today Location Manager Joe told me he'd been released and is on his way back home today. I saw him at dinner head firmly wrapped. Staples.... nine ish I think? Said he'd show me but he didn't want to remove the bandage. He was all good. Joking around as usual. We had to cancel our last-night-of-the-Bear-Pit date (last night the Inn's bar is open - Josh IS my drinking buddy after all). He promised to be up for a few beers after his staples were removed, so that's good. He's all casual and shit, I'm recovering from the heart attack he tried to give me.
Just another summer here in the Stone. One guy died about a week ago. Nice guy, knew him very briefly. Delivered something to the inn. Gas or something. Talked with him a few times last summer. Had a heart attack in his cab. Two - three? can't remember - bear attacks. Stupid tourists, I feel no sympathy. That's why you don't get between the cubs and the mom. That's why you turn back the FIRST time you see the bear, idiot!
A friend of mine actually accidentally HIT a bear with her car. Almost totaled the car, killed the bear. She did it by swerving to avoid hitting another bear. Crazy night on the road, I guess.
Yup. Just another summer in the Stone. Started snowing the other day, and now I've less than three weeks. I'm sooo ready to close this place down and head home, if only to visit.
Jackson Mountain Lodge and Spa haven't gotten back to me.
The other areas in Jackson do a job fair on November first. Chris tells me it's pretty simple and he's confident we'll both make it. I'm nervous about not having a FOR SURE job yet (which I coulda had if I'd stayed here and hadn't cared about actually BEING with Chris), and having no contact with Chris right now - for an unknown reason - is driving me literally mad.
Anyway. That's my rant and ramble. Things that frustrate me and such, I guess. Eh, life happens!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Wow has it been a while!
I don't know that I've posted since I've come to OF! I'm terribly sorry for the extraordinarily long gap in life!
So.... I got promoted from EDR cook at Canyon, now I'm EDR Manager at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. I am not just Cat - I am THE Cat damnit! I love my job. Although I didn't always. The first few weeks I came close to quitting a good number of times. I've managed to resolve myself to aspects I cannot change even though I'm not terribly fond of, and to the aspects that I will be able to change when I'm there from the start. That's terribly important to me right now, I feel that if I had been here from the start things would be much different. And since I WILL be here from the start next summer things will be different. Better.
Now I've almost got my crew trained as I want them. I'm gaining the confidence to confront the small problems in life. I'm gaining confidence in that I KNOW my job and I am - or will be - good at it. I don't think I'm overly arrogant, just confident enough to be worth something. The AM Sous Chef upstairs told me today that I've rocked it out while I've been here. Things have improved, and he's noticed. I don't technically need his approval, but from one who does not suck up and does not bullshit, who is very straightforward, I took it as high compliment.
Now, with the end of the season and the winding down, I'm facing new challenges I hadn't before. I'm glad for the preparation. I see this all as training. I try to see everything as training. Training for tomorrow, for next season, for my own diner. For everything. The first weeks - had I quit, I would never have had my diner. I would never have had the confidence that I could lead ANY amount of people even in my own place to have an effective establishment. I know I can cook, I know people LOVE my food. But I have never fully had confidence in my ability as a boss. Had I quit, what I had mustered would have been shattered. I would never have even tried for my diner. Now I know I can. I am fully confident in my capabilities. Now I need to master the business aspect of it - or get one hell of a partner. And of course the money.
Ah, I'm rambling aren't I?
Anyway, back to my EDR. Everyone's an EDR critic. I know I've a long way to go. And I know that I can get there. But everyone's a critic. I've dealt with a few idiots who don't know the first thing about food manage to bring down my food, my dining room, my kitchen, all of it. And I get to fight them back. It's kind of nice for me. We all know I've great loyalty issues - once I attach to a group or a place (and the EDR is MY baby!) I'm fiercely loyal, and now I can actually be the person on the front lines between my people and these idiots. I like it.
I know which opinions matter. And to an extent I'm forced to admit that everyone's does. As long as they're being reasonable and half way smart. That's a surprisingly small number. Surprisingly. Small. Just because it's not "like Moms" or you think "you could do better" - not a valid argument my friend.
I find it amazing that I am the one teaching the cook. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I will never stop learning about food. That's one reason I LOVE cooking, you don't top out. But to be teaching others now? AMAZING. Kind of a confidence boost - that I'm trying not to let become arrogance - and kind of scary. People listening to me - luckily I'm right.
Oh - I've made bread and doughnuts. Doughnuts twice, Gram's mashed tato doughnuts. Everyone LOVES them! I times the recipe by six and make small doughnut holes, and they are gone in two hours flat! I set aside some if I want more than one or two as I'm frying. The bread I also timed by six. Also went with amazing speed. Shoot, the upstairs kitchen and my crew can eat half of either by themselves! It's very gratifying. My cook told me I could sell either. I told him one day I would.
I'm beginning to wonder about something though. I'm falling rather in love with baking and sweets - have been since this last winter (huh mom?)... I still love to cook, but coffee shop or bakery instead of diner? Probably not. But baked goods for SURE in my diner! I love playing in patisserie stuff. :D
Anyway. I'm half expecting a few guys over to watch Ferngully - neither have seen it and that's JUST sad! I was to help provide beer but I got to the gen store after it closed. Ah well.
I think that's life right now.... Fairly caught up. I'll try to add more soon.
Signing off,
So.... I got promoted from EDR cook at Canyon, now I'm EDR Manager at Old Faithful Snow Lodge. I am not just Cat - I am THE Cat damnit! I love my job. Although I didn't always. The first few weeks I came close to quitting a good number of times. I've managed to resolve myself to aspects I cannot change even though I'm not terribly fond of, and to the aspects that I will be able to change when I'm there from the start. That's terribly important to me right now, I feel that if I had been here from the start things would be much different. And since I WILL be here from the start next summer things will be different. Better.
Now I've almost got my crew trained as I want them. I'm gaining the confidence to confront the small problems in life. I'm gaining confidence in that I KNOW my job and I am - or will be - good at it. I don't think I'm overly arrogant, just confident enough to be worth something. The AM Sous Chef upstairs told me today that I've rocked it out while I've been here. Things have improved, and he's noticed. I don't technically need his approval, but from one who does not suck up and does not bullshit, who is very straightforward, I took it as high compliment.
Now, with the end of the season and the winding down, I'm facing new challenges I hadn't before. I'm glad for the preparation. I see this all as training. I try to see everything as training. Training for tomorrow, for next season, for my own diner. For everything. The first weeks - had I quit, I would never have had my diner. I would never have had the confidence that I could lead ANY amount of people even in my own place to have an effective establishment. I know I can cook, I know people LOVE my food. But I have never fully had confidence in my ability as a boss. Had I quit, what I had mustered would have been shattered. I would never have even tried for my diner. Now I know I can. I am fully confident in my capabilities. Now I need to master the business aspect of it - or get one hell of a partner. And of course the money.
Ah, I'm rambling aren't I?
Anyway, back to my EDR. Everyone's an EDR critic. I know I've a long way to go. And I know that I can get there. But everyone's a critic. I've dealt with a few idiots who don't know the first thing about food manage to bring down my food, my dining room, my kitchen, all of it. And I get to fight them back. It's kind of nice for me. We all know I've great loyalty issues - once I attach to a group or a place (and the EDR is MY baby!) I'm fiercely loyal, and now I can actually be the person on the front lines between my people and these idiots. I like it.
I know which opinions matter. And to an extent I'm forced to admit that everyone's does. As long as they're being reasonable and half way smart. That's a surprisingly small number. Surprisingly. Small. Just because it's not "like Moms" or you think "you could do better" - not a valid argument my friend.
I find it amazing that I am the one teaching the cook. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I will never stop learning about food. That's one reason I LOVE cooking, you don't top out. But to be teaching others now? AMAZING. Kind of a confidence boost - that I'm trying not to let become arrogance - and kind of scary. People listening to me - luckily I'm right.
Oh - I've made bread and doughnuts. Doughnuts twice, Gram's mashed tato doughnuts. Everyone LOVES them! I times the recipe by six and make small doughnut holes, and they are gone in two hours flat! I set aside some if I want more than one or two as I'm frying. The bread I also timed by six. Also went with amazing speed. Shoot, the upstairs kitchen and my crew can eat half of either by themselves! It's very gratifying. My cook told me I could sell either. I told him one day I would.
I'm beginning to wonder about something though. I'm falling rather in love with baking and sweets - have been since this last winter (huh mom?)... I still love to cook, but coffee shop or bakery instead of diner? Probably not. But baked goods for SURE in my diner! I love playing in patisserie stuff. :D
Anyway. I'm half expecting a few guys over to watch Ferngully - neither have seen it and that's JUST sad! I was to help provide beer but I got to the gen store after it closed. Ah well.
I think that's life right now.... Fairly caught up. I'll try to add more soon.
Signing off,
Friday, July 15, 2011
The Worst Day So Far In Paradise
Today was my longest and most stressful day yet. So much so that I decided it was noteworthy.
I was to get in at five this morning. Unfortunately I woke late and got in at five thirty this morning. Luckily the AM sous, while he was testy with me at first, was understanding and knows it won't happen twice and we're okay. So I'm getting breakfast up. And Kevin Proper comes down to remind me that I had class that day. To which I FLIPPED OUT! Late twice within six hours. But everyone was kind to me at the class (of five students, myself included), and it went well. Except my stress levels skyrocketed at it being pizza day and me not being there and the primary cook not being there and my EDR lead not being there and the cook that WAS there - usually the prep only - has a tendency to break down over the stress and pressure of it all.
OH! And I nearly forgot. I didn't get breakfast because I was so rushed. I had a cup of milk. On my way up to class I got a cup of coffee, and during a ten minute break I got another one.
After class I managed to get two slices of pizza for lunch, but I as still starving of course.
During dinner I tried to put together my first schedule with the F&B manager, but my cook kept having breakdowns and I'd have to help her and talk her down basically. F&B finally just left - it was late in her day and she was supposed to be off two hours ago. The problem? She took the schedule with her - THE CURRENT SCHEDULE! Of course, I can't leave until I get it BACK! I go FRANTIC. Looking everywhere, trying to find it or her number or anything. Nothing nothing nothing. Finally I notice my red sharpie in the office. I use a red sharpie because it's the ONLY ONE in the kitchen. I KNEW it was mine right away. So the rest HAD to be there. Finally I found it - tucked behind the computer monitor. Why? I dunno. So finally - at 7:10 pm I find the schedule, dinner is done, I'm confident things will be okay, and I can leave. But first! I have to check with my Head Chef Katie because I'm written as having tomorrow off but we're NOT SURE if I really can have it. After a brief conversation it's decided I'll come in at eight tomorrow, and at that point we'll decide if I can have my one-day-weekend. My next day off otherwise will be Thursday. Luckily, when you're salaried, working six days in a row qualifies you for a three day weekend. Which is nice. But I'd rather take a break from the madness sooner than that.
Now I'm going to go shower and shave and head to the pub for dinner because I haven't had anything to eat today but those two (small) pieces of pizza. Coffee, lots of water, a few cups of milk, and a five hour energy have basically been what's keeping me alive. And I only got three or four hours of sleep - which is why I accidentally overslept I think.
AND my knife slipped in my hand and the heel of it punctured the side of my palm about an inch below my pinky finger... and yesterday the dish machine soap dispenser managed to slit my middle finger open a little. Just enough to make it pull painfully every time I try to open my finger all the way.
So yeah. That's my life right now. :) I love my job. I really do.
I was to get in at five this morning. Unfortunately I woke late and got in at five thirty this morning. Luckily the AM sous, while he was testy with me at first, was understanding and knows it won't happen twice and we're okay. So I'm getting breakfast up. And Kevin Proper comes down to remind me that I had class that day. To which I FLIPPED OUT! Late twice within six hours. But everyone was kind to me at the class (of five students, myself included), and it went well. Except my stress levels skyrocketed at it being pizza day and me not being there and the primary cook not being there and my EDR lead not being there and the cook that WAS there - usually the prep only - has a tendency to break down over the stress and pressure of it all.
OH! And I nearly forgot. I didn't get breakfast because I was so rushed. I had a cup of milk. On my way up to class I got a cup of coffee, and during a ten minute break I got another one.
After class I managed to get two slices of pizza for lunch, but I as still starving of course.
During dinner I tried to put together my first schedule with the F&B manager, but my cook kept having breakdowns and I'd have to help her and talk her down basically. F&B finally just left - it was late in her day and she was supposed to be off two hours ago. The problem? She took the schedule with her - THE CURRENT SCHEDULE! Of course, I can't leave until I get it BACK! I go FRANTIC. Looking everywhere, trying to find it or her number or anything. Nothing nothing nothing. Finally I notice my red sharpie in the office. I use a red sharpie because it's the ONLY ONE in the kitchen. I KNEW it was mine right away. So the rest HAD to be there. Finally I found it - tucked behind the computer monitor. Why? I dunno. So finally - at 7:10 pm I find the schedule, dinner is done, I'm confident things will be okay, and I can leave. But first! I have to check with my Head Chef Katie because I'm written as having tomorrow off but we're NOT SURE if I really can have it. After a brief conversation it's decided I'll come in at eight tomorrow, and at that point we'll decide if I can have my one-day-weekend. My next day off otherwise will be Thursday. Luckily, when you're salaried, working six days in a row qualifies you for a three day weekend. Which is nice. But I'd rather take a break from the madness sooner than that.
Now I'm going to go shower and shave and head to the pub for dinner because I haven't had anything to eat today but those two (small) pieces of pizza. Coffee, lots of water, a few cups of milk, and a five hour energy have basically been what's keeping me alive. And I only got three or four hours of sleep - which is why I accidentally overslept I think.
AND my knife slipped in my hand and the heel of it punctured the side of my palm about an inch below my pinky finger... and yesterday the dish machine soap dispenser managed to slit my middle finger open a little. Just enough to make it pull painfully every time I try to open my finger all the way.
So yeah. That's my life right now. :) I love my job. I really do.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Pissing People Off
I've been on an anti-social reading binge this weekend. Been nice but reading has a tendency to make me want to write. Not that I'm good at it, but the urge remains. Therefore, taking a break at a chapter change in my book, I thought perhaps I would regale my poor hapless computer - and then anyone who reads this - with my first few days.
Mostly, with my first - and hopefully last - shift working with an AM line cook from upstairs who never belonged in a kitchen in the first place.
He has been ever so graciously giving the EDR four or so hours of his time doing prep for us. You see, shortly after the old EDR manager left, so did the old EDR primary cook. Michael stepped in and I love working with Michael. He's funny, rather smart, and a total sponge when it comes to learning. And he's completely ready and willing to work. Always with a smile on his face, that one. Alexis - I think is her name - has become our new prep cook and is generally one tough cookie who can crank out her shit. She also needs a lot of direction and training, but she's smart and willing to learn more. However, for four days a week, we only have one cook, as the other is on his or her weekend. That's where Jack steps in.
Now, I've been working F&B for only two full summers. This is my third season. In high school I teched for the theatre. After high school I worked as a file clerk and do-it-all at CFP. Those have been my only jobs in my LIFE. I'm only twenty one. Already, however, I understand that F&B - at least Xanterra F&B - REQUIRES you to work until the jobs done. They do NOT care about hours, so long as overtime is not achieved. They do NOT care if you're tired or your feet hurt or your back aches, as long as you do your job. And most cooks here in F&B already know that, especially returners! They stay or come back because they are willing to work within those parameters. Most of us actually THRIVE within those parameters.
Jack does not. To be blunt, and to speak as I do when I'm around cooks.... The one time I worked with him he was a whiny little bitch that needs to man up. He requires far too much micromanagement on all the stupidest things, and lacks most of the kitchen common sense befitting of ANY line cook, am or pm. EDR prep is not hard, and I doubt he could hack it, truly. I don't understand why he's a cook, but knowing that he's an AM line cook at the Obsidian Dining Room, I'm not ever having breakfast there unless I KNOW he's on weekend. Period.
And he, I think, shall be the first I truly piss off. I know I have started already. It was easy, so hey. Nothing that I wouldn't usually say or do. I would be willing to baby my cooks or crew, who are all rather green. But someone who claims to be a seasoned cook? And a "seasoned cook" - and a Xanterra returner! - bitching that "they wouldn't dare do this to us out in the real world! We'd be fully staffed and my hours would not be this crazy!" is just ridiculous.
He says he just needs time to learn how to deal with me, I'm hoping that he's deemed unneeded in my EDR before he gets the chance to "learn how to deal with me". And I'm glad he still can't quite figure me out. I don't want him to. There are people on this planet that SHOULD think I'm a bitch. Things'll just be better that way.
I suppose this complaining rant came primarily to my head because I've opted to finally finish Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential. I'm learning that the kitchens we work in are not so far off the mark from kitchens he's worked in.... Which means that Jack needs to wake up in the morning take a daily dose of Man and get the hell over it.
Thanks for listening to me bitch. :)
Mostly, with my first - and hopefully last - shift working with an AM line cook from upstairs who never belonged in a kitchen in the first place.
He has been ever so graciously giving the EDR four or so hours of his time doing prep for us. You see, shortly after the old EDR manager left, so did the old EDR primary cook. Michael stepped in and I love working with Michael. He's funny, rather smart, and a total sponge when it comes to learning. And he's completely ready and willing to work. Always with a smile on his face, that one. Alexis - I think is her name - has become our new prep cook and is generally one tough cookie who can crank out her shit. She also needs a lot of direction and training, but she's smart and willing to learn more. However, for four days a week, we only have one cook, as the other is on his or her weekend. That's where Jack steps in.
Now, I've been working F&B for only two full summers. This is my third season. In high school I teched for the theatre. After high school I worked as a file clerk and do-it-all at CFP. Those have been my only jobs in my LIFE. I'm only twenty one. Already, however, I understand that F&B - at least Xanterra F&B - REQUIRES you to work until the jobs done. They do NOT care about hours, so long as overtime is not achieved. They do NOT care if you're tired or your feet hurt or your back aches, as long as you do your job. And most cooks here in F&B already know that, especially returners! They stay or come back because they are willing to work within those parameters. Most of us actually THRIVE within those parameters.
Jack does not. To be blunt, and to speak as I do when I'm around cooks.... The one time I worked with him he was a whiny little bitch that needs to man up. He requires far too much micromanagement on all the stupidest things, and lacks most of the kitchen common sense befitting of ANY line cook, am or pm. EDR prep is not hard, and I doubt he could hack it, truly. I don't understand why he's a cook, but knowing that he's an AM line cook at the Obsidian Dining Room, I'm not ever having breakfast there unless I KNOW he's on weekend. Period.
And he, I think, shall be the first I truly piss off. I know I have started already. It was easy, so hey. Nothing that I wouldn't usually say or do. I would be willing to baby my cooks or crew, who are all rather green. But someone who claims to be a seasoned cook? And a "seasoned cook" - and a Xanterra returner! - bitching that "they wouldn't dare do this to us out in the real world! We'd be fully staffed and my hours would not be this crazy!" is just ridiculous.
He says he just needs time to learn how to deal with me, I'm hoping that he's deemed unneeded in my EDR before he gets the chance to "learn how to deal with me". And I'm glad he still can't quite figure me out. I don't want him to. There are people on this planet that SHOULD think I'm a bitch. Things'll just be better that way.
I suppose this complaining rant came primarily to my head because I've opted to finally finish Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential. I'm learning that the kitchens we work in are not so far off the mark from kitchens he's worked in.... Which means that Jack needs to wake up in the morning take a daily dose of Man and get the hell over it.
Thanks for listening to me bitch. :)
DDR - Dum Dum Revalation
Last night someone gave me some dumdums. Today doing laundry I've already gone through both. Dumdums are my favorite. They're SMALL which I like because I don't have a huge sweet tolerance, and I love suckers. Doing laundry today I was pondering just that. It's occurred to me I most certainly have an oral fixation.
People who have known me since childhood could vouch that I've always put everything in my mouth. My favorite necklace when I was younger with the hearts on it that fell off the bracelets Mom got me ALWAYS went in my mouth. Everything always goes in my mouth. I play with my lips and tongue when I have nothing else.
It's rather undeniable once I've thought about it. The irony is that most oral fixations surface as smoking or chewing gum. Neither of which do I do. I don't smoke because I can't do that to my lungs - though I admit to trying it a few times. I don't chew gum because it hurts my jaw after a time. I love dumdums because after the candy is gone I can hold onto the stick until it's wound paper substance disintegrates between my teeth.
I looked into it just briefly online just now. There's a Freudian theory that marks oral fixations as a psycho sexual issue. I'm not sure about that, but whatever. The funny thing to me was when I came upon a thread of answers to "how do I fix my oral fixation problem".... The best answer by far was one person saying that they used to be awful but now they have almost no problem at all - now that they've gotten their tongue pierced. Now there's something in the person's mouth 24/7 and they don't feel the urge to put anything else there.
Don't worry Mom, I can't get it pierced even if I wanted to. Not working in F&B for Xanterra. Which makes total sense. You can HAVE a pierced tongue and work for Xanterra in F&B but you have to put in a retainer at work - and you can't change your jewelry just after getting it pierced. So no worries. I'm not getting my tongue pierced.
I seem to have "problems" that aren't really problems coming to my attention out of the very woodwork this summer. I've already decided that all kitchen workers probably have undiagnosed ADD or something - all have attention span problems and fidgety hand problems. And god KNOWS I fidget. Now I've come to realize my probably apparent oral fixation. What's next I wonder? Last year I discovered my wanderlust "problem".
People who have known me since childhood could vouch that I've always put everything in my mouth. My favorite necklace when I was younger with the hearts on it that fell off the bracelets Mom got me ALWAYS went in my mouth. Everything always goes in my mouth. I play with my lips and tongue when I have nothing else.
It's rather undeniable once I've thought about it. The irony is that most oral fixations surface as smoking or chewing gum. Neither of which do I do. I don't smoke because I can't do that to my lungs - though I admit to trying it a few times. I don't chew gum because it hurts my jaw after a time. I love dumdums because after the candy is gone I can hold onto the stick until it's wound paper substance disintegrates between my teeth.
I looked into it just briefly online just now. There's a Freudian theory that marks oral fixations as a psycho sexual issue. I'm not sure about that, but whatever. The funny thing to me was when I came upon a thread of answers to "how do I fix my oral fixation problem".... The best answer by far was one person saying that they used to be awful but now they have almost no problem at all - now that they've gotten their tongue pierced. Now there's something in the person's mouth 24/7 and they don't feel the urge to put anything else there.
Don't worry Mom, I can't get it pierced even if I wanted to. Not working in F&B for Xanterra. Which makes total sense. You can HAVE a pierced tongue and work for Xanterra in F&B but you have to put in a retainer at work - and you can't change your jewelry just after getting it pierced. So no worries. I'm not getting my tongue pierced.
I seem to have "problems" that aren't really problems coming to my attention out of the very woodwork this summer. I've already decided that all kitchen workers probably have undiagnosed ADD or something - all have attention span problems and fidgety hand problems. And god KNOWS I fidget. Now I've come to realize my probably apparent oral fixation. What's next I wonder? Last year I discovered my wanderlust "problem".
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Life, is what happens when you make plans.
I went for a drive tonight. I love going for random drives, enjoy the scenery, try not to get burned... At any rate, eventually I neared the familiar group of hot springs and geysers that you can see from the road that marks your proximity to the OF location. They've always looked to me like a battlefield, even when one is going off.
As I watched the steam rise, I had a completely unexpected thought out of nowhere.
"Well, this isn't where I expected life to take me"
Now, don't misinterpret my words. I love my life.
However.
My life was "supposed" to pan out so differently. Right now, for instance, sitting here in bed writing this up, I theoretically 'should' be hours ahead - I can't remember the time difference just now - in Japan probably fast asleep. I was supposed to be looking for a job in Japan, preferably in food and bev, married to a Marine, settling into a new house/apartment.
Life, however, is what happens when such plans are made. Look at me now.
Broken up with my Marine fiance, still in Yellowstone, working in Food and Bev - and AS A MANAGER no less, happily in love with a man I never thought I'd get on with very well at all, lying in a dorm room typing this thought out.
Who could have possibly guessed? I don't think my life has taken any entirely unpredictable turns, but it certainly isn't where I thought I'd be. I feel quite young and think that this is a good place for me and that I have plenty of time to 'get out there' and get my diner and such. And I have more faith that it'll happen now than ever before.
It's just an interesting contemplation. For instance, anyone who is reading this, stop and take a moment. Perhaps your life HAS gone directly as planned. In which case, good for you. Or perhaps your life has taken a turn off your predetermined beaten path and you're out flying by the seat of your pants with your "plan" left to the wind. In which case, good for you. But nonetheless. Take a moment. Think back to the last time you remember having a "life plan" - going to college for something, getting married, making a big move in life, whatever. Go back to that and, I wonder, has it turned out like planned? Or is it better? Or is it worse?
Interesting contemplation, eh? If a more or less useless introspective moment....
As I watched the steam rise, I had a completely unexpected thought out of nowhere.
"Well, this isn't where I expected life to take me"
Now, don't misinterpret my words. I love my life.
However.
My life was "supposed" to pan out so differently. Right now, for instance, sitting here in bed writing this up, I theoretically 'should' be hours ahead - I can't remember the time difference just now - in Japan probably fast asleep. I was supposed to be looking for a job in Japan, preferably in food and bev, married to a Marine, settling into a new house/apartment.
Life, however, is what happens when such plans are made. Look at me now.
Broken up with my Marine fiance, still in Yellowstone, working in Food and Bev - and AS A MANAGER no less, happily in love with a man I never thought I'd get on with very well at all, lying in a dorm room typing this thought out.
Who could have possibly guessed? I don't think my life has taken any entirely unpredictable turns, but it certainly isn't where I thought I'd be. I feel quite young and think that this is a good place for me and that I have plenty of time to 'get out there' and get my diner and such. And I have more faith that it'll happen now than ever before.
It's just an interesting contemplation. For instance, anyone who is reading this, stop and take a moment. Perhaps your life HAS gone directly as planned. In which case, good for you. Or perhaps your life has taken a turn off your predetermined beaten path and you're out flying by the seat of your pants with your "plan" left to the wind. In which case, good for you. But nonetheless. Take a moment. Think back to the last time you remember having a "life plan" - going to college for something, getting married, making a big move in life, whatever. Go back to that and, I wonder, has it turned out like planned? Or is it better? Or is it worse?
Interesting contemplation, eh? If a more or less useless introspective moment....
Captain's Log - Day One
Today was my first day as EDR Manager. It was successful I believe. But it was... odd. I felt a very strange combination of being full of purpose and ideas and such along with being completely obsolete and useless and unnecessary.
I understand that I'm not useless and obsolete, but it's a different perspective from the sidelines. I spent a year and almost a half as a quarterback. Front line defense, the person people came to, the person who DID it all. Now I'm the coach, watching from the sidelines, and no matter how close I get to the action, I'm still just the coach. I hope this feeling will change. I know I'm smart enough and have enough answers to BE the one people come to and the front line defense again. I just need to convince these people I'm here to help, not take charge. And I think that is a difficulty they and myself are having. I am trying hard to help without stepping on too many toes, to do my job without getting in the way of them doing theirs. They, I think, are still unsure if I'm here to be a good manager or be in the way. I know when I get a new manager after I'm settled into a job I'm weary. I know how to do my job and I don't need managed - especially in a kitchen micromanagement is basically a BAD thing even.
I think for all these issues time will tell. They will either work themselves out or I will be a disliked - but effective - manager. I did not come here to be liked, I did not come here to be popular. I came here to do my job and to make this EDR better. I may be nervous and I may be anti-confrontational, but I WILL do my job, come Hell or high water.
Other than that strange feeling I think things went well. Will Standage was around and seemed pleased with how I was learning and seemed highly confident in my abilities and the way I was handling things.
It's funny, people kept saying it was a "total shitshow down there" and such... But really they've been carrying on fairly well in the absence of a manager. They did just have a cook quit so now we're down to just poor Michael learning to cook as he was thrown into it from a prep's position and has never done it before, but he seems to be a fast pick-up. But that didn't seem to daunt any of them. They're still bravely carrying on. And really I think the Canyon EDR in the first few weeks was more of a shitshow than this is. I think we'll be fine.
I simply think that I need to kind of "prove myself" to the crew. Make them believe in me, otherwise I'll be like Matt. For all I like Matt off job, he's a highly disrespected manager who is almost a hindrance to the EDR he's supposed to be managing.
I have faith. I think that's the most important right now. I have faith that by the end of the season I will be running a smooth and efficient and clean and organized EDR. "Just finish strong" Will keeps saying. Finish the season strong. Don't burn out, don't go lax, don't give up. NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER SURRENDER!!!
Any rate. I think I'm gonna hit dinner. I kind of want to get out of the park. Who knows. I'll probably just have dinner here. Eh.
I understand that I'm not useless and obsolete, but it's a different perspective from the sidelines. I spent a year and almost a half as a quarterback. Front line defense, the person people came to, the person who DID it all. Now I'm the coach, watching from the sidelines, and no matter how close I get to the action, I'm still just the coach. I hope this feeling will change. I know I'm smart enough and have enough answers to BE the one people come to and the front line defense again. I just need to convince these people I'm here to help, not take charge. And I think that is a difficulty they and myself are having. I am trying hard to help without stepping on too many toes, to do my job without getting in the way of them doing theirs. They, I think, are still unsure if I'm here to be a good manager or be in the way. I know when I get a new manager after I'm settled into a job I'm weary. I know how to do my job and I don't need managed - especially in a kitchen micromanagement is basically a BAD thing even.
I think for all these issues time will tell. They will either work themselves out or I will be a disliked - but effective - manager. I did not come here to be liked, I did not come here to be popular. I came here to do my job and to make this EDR better. I may be nervous and I may be anti-confrontational, but I WILL do my job, come Hell or high water.
Other than that strange feeling I think things went well. Will Standage was around and seemed pleased with how I was learning and seemed highly confident in my abilities and the way I was handling things.
It's funny, people kept saying it was a "total shitshow down there" and such... But really they've been carrying on fairly well in the absence of a manager. They did just have a cook quit so now we're down to just poor Michael learning to cook as he was thrown into it from a prep's position and has never done it before, but he seems to be a fast pick-up. But that didn't seem to daunt any of them. They're still bravely carrying on. And really I think the Canyon EDR in the first few weeks was more of a shitshow than this is. I think we'll be fine.
I simply think that I need to kind of "prove myself" to the crew. Make them believe in me, otherwise I'll be like Matt. For all I like Matt off job, he's a highly disrespected manager who is almost a hindrance to the EDR he's supposed to be managing.
I have faith. I think that's the most important right now. I have faith that by the end of the season I will be running a smooth and efficient and clean and organized EDR. "Just finish strong" Will keeps saying. Finish the season strong. Don't burn out, don't go lax, don't give up. NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER SURRENDER!!!
Any rate. I think I'm gonna hit dinner. I kind of want to get out of the park. Who knows. I'll probably just have dinner here. Eh.
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Season of NO SECURITY BUBBLE FOR YOU!!!! I Guess
A new location brought me a tad out of my security bubble at the beginning of the season. Some of the new people I'm forced to work with daily has helped me work on my people skills, and has brought me from time to time out of my bubble as well.
I've stated before that I want to be EDR manager next year. Even the mere thought of that actually occurring scares me a little. But what pulled me out of my bubble and threw me five yards away was when I learned that there is an EDR manager position open right now at OFSL. Not only would it be back in my OF location, but it's NOW, not next summer. I was tentative when I went after it. Which was probably my demise. I know I'm not going to get it, being realistic. They did not have a signup sheet in Canyon, I know they like to hire within the location that the opening is at, and they already did interviews. Jessica Tonn - the Food and Bev over at OFSL, told me today that they did interviews on Wednesday and the only way I could have a shot is to contact Will directly. Tomorrow I'm going up to the Food and Bev office to grab his phone number and find a way to call him up.
The day that I found out there was an opening, Ivan, my Food and Bev here at Canyon, sent Will an email saying I wanted the job. Probably adding a recommendation (I have faith in Ivan). However, I haven't heard anything back - Ivan asked me the other day, which I think meant he knew the interviews were happening and if I hadn't heard back I wasn't really in the running. Or that's my thought at least.
I'm not terribly concerned about not getting it. It'd mean moving, but worse, it'd mean going into a pre-set up place and trying to fit myself in. Trying to manage something that's already been set up is not as thrilling a thought for me as building it from the ground up HOW I WANT IT and then managing that. Beside, there's a jackass (named Jack) who thinks he'd be a big part of everything and I don't want to know if I could work with him or not.
I think it'll be better for me to stay this season out where I am and pick up a manager position next summer - start fresh.
But the concept! Oh my gosh, talk about out of your security bubble!! I want it but these last few days has made me realize HOW nervous I really am.
Anyway. This is the end of my Saturday. It's still sunny out and I'm thinking of going out and doing something, but I really ought to do laundry tonight so I don't have to worry about it tomorrow. I want to go to Bozo tomorrow but I don't really have anyone to go with and I have no pressing need to go. We'll see.
I've stated before that I want to be EDR manager next year. Even the mere thought of that actually occurring scares me a little. But what pulled me out of my bubble and threw me five yards away was when I learned that there is an EDR manager position open right now at OFSL. Not only would it be back in my OF location, but it's NOW, not next summer. I was tentative when I went after it. Which was probably my demise. I know I'm not going to get it, being realistic. They did not have a signup sheet in Canyon, I know they like to hire within the location that the opening is at, and they already did interviews. Jessica Tonn - the Food and Bev over at OFSL, told me today that they did interviews on Wednesday and the only way I could have a shot is to contact Will directly. Tomorrow I'm going up to the Food and Bev office to grab his phone number and find a way to call him up.
The day that I found out there was an opening, Ivan, my Food and Bev here at Canyon, sent Will an email saying I wanted the job. Probably adding a recommendation (I have faith in Ivan). However, I haven't heard anything back - Ivan asked me the other day, which I think meant he knew the interviews were happening and if I hadn't heard back I wasn't really in the running. Or that's my thought at least.
I'm not terribly concerned about not getting it. It'd mean moving, but worse, it'd mean going into a pre-set up place and trying to fit myself in. Trying to manage something that's already been set up is not as thrilling a thought for me as building it from the ground up HOW I WANT IT and then managing that. Beside, there's a jackass (named Jack) who thinks he'd be a big part of everything and I don't want to know if I could work with him or not.
I think it'll be better for me to stay this season out where I am and pick up a manager position next summer - start fresh.
But the concept! Oh my gosh, talk about out of your security bubble!! I want it but these last few days has made me realize HOW nervous I really am.
Anyway. This is the end of my Saturday. It's still sunny out and I'm thinking of going out and doing something, but I really ought to do laundry tonight so I don't have to worry about it tomorrow. I want to go to Bozo tomorrow but I don't really have anyone to go with and I have no pressing need to go. We'll see.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday Monday
For the first time all season, I actually got out on time. Yay! I feel good today. Not overly tired, not completely wore the hell out. Is this what getting out on time feels like? Like I'm still a person and not a zombie? Wow. I would like this to continue. :)
I'm glad I brought my leather trench with me. It snowed - again - last night/this morning. The trench is great protection from the snow. Though oddly I don't find it terribly cold. Just...snowy. I would say my body is acclimating, but it probably does that every three hours. I live in a approx. 80 degree kitchen, go down for lunch and FREEZE! Like my body has massive twitchy-looking shivers. Then I go up to the kitchen for another three hours, come home and FREEZE! And yet the cold-enough-to-snow temp bothers me not. Odd.
So I accidentally dipped my thumb into boiling water today. That was fun. The pot was boiling over, so I grabbed a spoon to stir it (because often if you just stir it the level goes back down). While I was doing that however, I was also stirring my tofu curry, which had most of my attention. I paused stirring the overflowing pasta water and when I began stirring again my hand dipped right into the water. So my thumb is still red and achy. But whatever. It won't hurt tomorrow, I know. Neither will the other slight burn I accumulated today.
Kimmi was trying to whine about her small burn on her finger. "I burned myself!!" So I pushed my sleeves up my arms, showed my many burns (and blister-scabs) and went 'Okay' Her reply? "I'll kiss yours if you kiss mine" I ran. Back upstairs to the sanctuary of hell. I mean, of the kitchen.
Anyway. I'm gonna shower and then watch Fern Gully I think and then pass out - quiet night at home alone sounds SO good. :)
I'm glad I brought my leather trench with me. It snowed - again - last night/this morning. The trench is great protection from the snow. Though oddly I don't find it terribly cold. Just...snowy. I would say my body is acclimating, but it probably does that every three hours. I live in a approx. 80 degree kitchen, go down for lunch and FREEZE! Like my body has massive twitchy-looking shivers. Then I go up to the kitchen for another three hours, come home and FREEZE! And yet the cold-enough-to-snow temp bothers me not. Odd.
So I accidentally dipped my thumb into boiling water today. That was fun. The pot was boiling over, so I grabbed a spoon to stir it (because often if you just stir it the level goes back down). While I was doing that however, I was also stirring my tofu curry, which had most of my attention. I paused stirring the overflowing pasta water and when I began stirring again my hand dipped right into the water. So my thumb is still red and achy. But whatever. It won't hurt tomorrow, I know. Neither will the other slight burn I accumulated today.
Kimmi was trying to whine about her small burn on her finger. "I burned myself!!" So I pushed my sleeves up my arms, showed my many burns (and blister-scabs) and went 'Okay' Her reply? "I'll kiss yours if you kiss mine" I ran. Back upstairs to the sanctuary of hell. I mean, of the kitchen.
Anyway. I'm gonna shower and then watch Fern Gully I think and then pass out - quiet night at home alone sounds SO good. :)
Monday, June 6, 2011
Charms and Hitch Hikers
My old cell phone charm has a new story. I got it from a morning buffet cook last summer. Allan I think? I told them his name was Charlie.... Allan (/Charlie) was from China. They don't need to worry about picking up a souvenir for their morning hot line cook now, this is better than being from Montana. It's from China. And not only that but it's traveled. Been from China all over Yellowstone, home to Oregon, back to Yellowstone, and now on it's way to Colorado. In either Nate's or Kelly's pocket, on their way home. They are hitch hiking back home. I picked them up in West at the gate and took them to the southern gate. Fun two hours of driving. Talking with two total strangers. Twenty-eight year old men out having their own adventure. I got to be part of it, and I got to give them a great story/souvenir with the cell phone charm.
People tell me I'm too naive and trusting and people would have me never pick up a hitch hiker... But here within the park it's relatively safe. And it was an adventure in it's own right. I'm glad I had the experience, and I'm glad they were my first hitch hikers. They set a high standard. So talkative and so friendly and so nice.
The rest of my weekend has been pretty chill. I'm not feeling well (hence the cold medicine out in west) but the DayQuill (with vitamin C) is helping. Now the illness is reduced to a sore throat, mucus, and a very swollen whatever-those-are-that-get-swollen-in-your-throat that hurts. Last night I watched Tangled with Carl and Josh and had some Twisted Iced Tea (wasn't bad). Tonight I told Josh we'll go to the pub and get some pizza and a drink or two. Roberts coming along. I keep forgetting that this pub is so much smaller than ours back in OF. OF pub has real pizza ovens and real pizza. Everything here comes out of a toaster oven, so it'll be interesting to see this pizza. Individual sized. No deep fryers for jalapeno poppers, no ovens for hot nachos. It'll be interesting.
But Robert introduced me to a drink called a "Grateful Dead" and I want to see if Monica can/will make one for me tonight. See what happens.
Anyway. Laundry's up, so I'm gonna go get it out, drive out to cell reception and try to call Chris... Come back nap, read, change and head to the pub. That's my day today. Yup.
Have a good weekend all!
People tell me I'm too naive and trusting and people would have me never pick up a hitch hiker... But here within the park it's relatively safe. And it was an adventure in it's own right. I'm glad I had the experience, and I'm glad they were my first hitch hikers. They set a high standard. So talkative and so friendly and so nice.
The rest of my weekend has been pretty chill. I'm not feeling well (hence the cold medicine out in west) but the DayQuill (with vitamin C) is helping. Now the illness is reduced to a sore throat, mucus, and a very swollen whatever-those-are-that-get-swollen-in-your-throat that hurts. Last night I watched Tangled with Carl and Josh and had some Twisted Iced Tea (wasn't bad). Tonight I told Josh we'll go to the pub and get some pizza and a drink or two. Roberts coming along. I keep forgetting that this pub is so much smaller than ours back in OF. OF pub has real pizza ovens and real pizza. Everything here comes out of a toaster oven, so it'll be interesting to see this pizza. Individual sized. No deep fryers for jalapeno poppers, no ovens for hot nachos. It'll be interesting.
But Robert introduced me to a drink called a "Grateful Dead" and I want to see if Monica can/will make one for me tonight. See what happens.
Anyway. Laundry's up, so I'm gonna go get it out, drive out to cell reception and try to call Chris... Come back nap, read, change and head to the pub. That's my day today. Yup.
Have a good weekend all!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
One Month Down
It's the 31st. I know I got here on the third and not the first, but it's close enough. One month down.
The snow I kept ranting about is still here. I'm kind of getting over it. The snow, I think, reacts with my nature the way the rain does with most. It's kind of a bummer. Just brings me down a bit. Today it's sunshiny and some of the snow is melting, but it'll probably snow tonight. It almost white-outed coming down the other night. Sasha, a sous chef of mine, sings. He spent all day the day before yesterday finding any song he could and changing the lyrics to snow. He's sick of it all too. "Here I snow again on my own," "come snow with me lets snow, lets snow away,".... Just think of any song and find a way to put snow in there instead. It was kind of hilarious. White Snake's "here I snow again on my own" was my idea.
It's kind of good for me though, because it's making me realize I can hibernate well. I watch movies with the guys, I work on my crafts, I read. I don't go out much though cuz it's too cold and most trails are closed. I can do this.
They say it'll stop snowing in June or July - for about a week. A very short 'summer' here in Canyon.
Oh, I'm on my weekend today. It's Sunday. The clothes are washed, the room is picked up enough, and tonight after a friend gets off work, we're going to cruise to West. Might bring Issac too. I started a new craft project. The baby dragon isn't done yet, but I don't have quite what I want to finish him, so I put him aside. I did find the cutest little knitting shop in Jackson - called Knit on Pearl I think. The woman who runs it was hilarious too. I wound up spending a half hour just chatting with her. When I finally get some spending money I plan on going down with my dragon and finding if she has something I want to finish him up. Right now I'm working on a mardi gras mask. I'm using all the fancy threads Mom gave me before I left. They wouldn't have gone through the machine easily, I can tell you that here and now. But they look kind of awesome on this. I think as I get projects done, unless I have an immediate use (like patching something), I'm going to mail them home and let Mom use them. That way she'd also get to see the completed project. It's not the same over pictures.
I managed to get past major arrival without a roommate. I'll probably get one, but it's nice in the mean time to have my own room. The rooms in Grizzly (the dorm I would have been in) are nicer, bigger than the rooms here in Big Horn, but I'm better off here. This is the 24 hour quiet dorm - for older people, people with funky hours (all security are housed here for instance), and managers - and I snuck in. Grizzly is basically the party dorm and I don't really want to deal with that. I can, but why. I have a friend from Grizzly who hangs out with Issac and I here more often than not because he dislikes the.... ambiance of his own party dorm.
Sasha and Lukas - two of the sous chefs - have realized I am basically a jukebox. Sasha said outright it takes little to put a song in my head, and working with Lukas for a half hour he would just say a title of the song he wanted me to sing. It was funny, because he wanted to get it stuck in Sasha's head - retaliation to something Sasha had pulled on him I can't remember what. We ended up on "It's a Small World" It worked too. I happen to know that song word for word and now I think Sasha does too. Then he turned it into "It's a Snow World" in his fit of snow songs.
Anyway, that's all I've got for now I think. Snow. Work. Snow. Work. Snow. Work. Hanging out with the guys. Snow. Work. Movies. Snow. Work. Movies. Snow Work. Ah well.
The snow I kept ranting about is still here. I'm kind of getting over it. The snow, I think, reacts with my nature the way the rain does with most. It's kind of a bummer. Just brings me down a bit. Today it's sunshiny and some of the snow is melting, but it'll probably snow tonight. It almost white-outed coming down the other night. Sasha, a sous chef of mine, sings. He spent all day the day before yesterday finding any song he could and changing the lyrics to snow. He's sick of it all too. "Here I snow again on my own," "come snow with me lets snow, lets snow away,".... Just think of any song and find a way to put snow in there instead. It was kind of hilarious. White Snake's "here I snow again on my own" was my idea.
It's kind of good for me though, because it's making me realize I can hibernate well. I watch movies with the guys, I work on my crafts, I read. I don't go out much though cuz it's too cold and most trails are closed. I can do this.
They say it'll stop snowing in June or July - for about a week. A very short 'summer' here in Canyon.
Oh, I'm on my weekend today. It's Sunday. The clothes are washed, the room is picked up enough, and tonight after a friend gets off work, we're going to cruise to West. Might bring Issac too. I started a new craft project. The baby dragon isn't done yet, but I don't have quite what I want to finish him, so I put him aside. I did find the cutest little knitting shop in Jackson - called Knit on Pearl I think. The woman who runs it was hilarious too. I wound up spending a half hour just chatting with her. When I finally get some spending money I plan on going down with my dragon and finding if she has something I want to finish him up. Right now I'm working on a mardi gras mask. I'm using all the fancy threads Mom gave me before I left. They wouldn't have gone through the machine easily, I can tell you that here and now. But they look kind of awesome on this. I think as I get projects done, unless I have an immediate use (like patching something), I'm going to mail them home and let Mom use them. That way she'd also get to see the completed project. It's not the same over pictures.
I managed to get past major arrival without a roommate. I'll probably get one, but it's nice in the mean time to have my own room. The rooms in Grizzly (the dorm I would have been in) are nicer, bigger than the rooms here in Big Horn, but I'm better off here. This is the 24 hour quiet dorm - for older people, people with funky hours (all security are housed here for instance), and managers - and I snuck in. Grizzly is basically the party dorm and I don't really want to deal with that. I can, but why. I have a friend from Grizzly who hangs out with Issac and I here more often than not because he dislikes the.... ambiance of his own party dorm.
Sasha and Lukas - two of the sous chefs - have realized I am basically a jukebox. Sasha said outright it takes little to put a song in my head, and working with Lukas for a half hour he would just say a title of the song he wanted me to sing. It was funny, because he wanted to get it stuck in Sasha's head - retaliation to something Sasha had pulled on him I can't remember what. We ended up on "It's a Small World" It worked too. I happen to know that song word for word and now I think Sasha does too. Then he turned it into "It's a Snow World" in his fit of snow songs.
Anyway, that's all I've got for now I think. Snow. Work. Snow. Work. Snow. Work. Hanging out with the guys. Snow. Work. Movies. Snow. Work. Movies. Snow Work. Ah well.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
This is the Post I Wrote Tonight.
We got internet, finally. And with so few people here right now, it's working well. So, tonight I caught up with all the posts I've written and saved, and this is actually tonight's post. From now on I should be able to post fairly regularly as opposed to writing and saving and posting in huge blocks. Yay.
I'm SO comfortable now.
Robert and I opted to just unload my car into my current room so we could go to Larkspur in Old Faithful to get his stuff out of storage and he can have his room unpacked. Well, when I got my stuff into my "interim" room, I decided I would be fine and I didn't want to move. The Grizzly dorm rooms are CONSIDERABLY bigger, and closer to everything. I'm currently in what's considered the "old people" dorm - the 24 hour quiet dorm. Doesn't bother me, I'm a recluse, I don't hang with people my own age anyway. AND if I want to party, I can walk up to Grizzly or one of the other dorms with the partiers, party, and come home to my not-a-post-party-mess room. SO, I talked to Jessica, a personnel woman, just briefly. She said to expect a roommate (of course, hence the bunk beds), but I could certainly stay if I so desired. SO I unpacked most of my bags, and I'm home. No longer do I feel like I'm living out of bags in a hotel. It's nice.
My bed has it's red sheets, the closet has my clothes.
I don't even mind the idea of sharing this dinky little room right now. I've gotten here first, I've gotten my stuff up, my bed and half the closet chosen. The other person can climb to the top bunk. Or de-bunk the beds if she wants to do so. I don't care. I'm done being nice to roommates though - no sex while I'm in the room, and if I'm asleep and need to work tomorrow damn well don't be super loud.
I just looked up to see a red breasted robin (I think?) dance lightly across the five feet of snow outside my window only to stop, then fly off.
ALL the managers got in today. The EDR was FULL. It was insane. I was also hit on by two new people. Yay. (Insert unimpressed "grr" face here) Most of the people seem nice enough. Generally speaking those who aren't managers are going to be EDR staff. It'll be nice having people to help out - not just having the four of us. On the other hand, we still don't have the upstairs running so downstairs in the EDR could get a little cramped.
Anyway, I think I'm going to watch a Marie Antoinette movie I borrowed. I'm excited. It's gonna be a good night, and a good three day weekend.
Oh, yes. I have my first - and probably last (Andrew agrees) three day weekend. Unfortunately, I'm not doing anything exiting outwardly. But to me, getting settled in, sleeping in, watching a movie, doing laundry, and maybe getting my embroidery back out IS exciting. Especially right now.
ALSO, before I forget. My phone doesn't get reception out here. I'm also almost out of minutes. I'm CONTEMPLATING not refilling them. You all can get to me via internet now, and the phone really is useless unless I'm off my home base location. We'll see, but I wouldn't count on my phone being in use until October....
I'm SO comfortable now.
Robert and I opted to just unload my car into my current room so we could go to Larkspur in Old Faithful to get his stuff out of storage and he can have his room unpacked. Well, when I got my stuff into my "interim" room, I decided I would be fine and I didn't want to move. The Grizzly dorm rooms are CONSIDERABLY bigger, and closer to everything. I'm currently in what's considered the "old people" dorm - the 24 hour quiet dorm. Doesn't bother me, I'm a recluse, I don't hang with people my own age anyway. AND if I want to party, I can walk up to Grizzly or one of the other dorms with the partiers, party, and come home to my not-a-post-party-mess room. SO, I talked to Jessica, a personnel woman, just briefly. She said to expect a roommate (of course, hence the bunk beds), but I could certainly stay if I so desired. SO I unpacked most of my bags, and I'm home. No longer do I feel like I'm living out of bags in a hotel. It's nice.
My bed has it's red sheets, the closet has my clothes.
I don't even mind the idea of sharing this dinky little room right now. I've gotten here first, I've gotten my stuff up, my bed and half the closet chosen. The other person can climb to the top bunk. Or de-bunk the beds if she wants to do so. I don't care. I'm done being nice to roommates though - no sex while I'm in the room, and if I'm asleep and need to work tomorrow damn well don't be super loud.
I just looked up to see a red breasted robin (I think?) dance lightly across the five feet of snow outside my window only to stop, then fly off.
ALL the managers got in today. The EDR was FULL. It was insane. I was also hit on by two new people. Yay. (Insert unimpressed "grr" face here) Most of the people seem nice enough. Generally speaking those who aren't managers are going to be EDR staff. It'll be nice having people to help out - not just having the four of us. On the other hand, we still don't have the upstairs running so downstairs in the EDR could get a little cramped.
Anyway, I think I'm going to watch a Marie Antoinette movie I borrowed. I'm excited. It's gonna be a good night, and a good three day weekend.
Oh, yes. I have my first - and probably last (Andrew agrees) three day weekend. Unfortunately, I'm not doing anything exiting outwardly. But to me, getting settled in, sleeping in, watching a movie, doing laundry, and maybe getting my embroidery back out IS exciting. Especially right now.
ALSO, before I forget. My phone doesn't get reception out here. I'm also almost out of minutes. I'm CONTEMPLATING not refilling them. You all can get to me via internet now, and the phone really is useless unless I'm off my home base location. We'll see, but I wouldn't count on my phone being in use until October....
Long Day
It's late. For the first time all season, I was actually with another living person until just two minutes ago. Crazy. We've gotten in a few new people on location. Only one of them is new-to-the-park new though. One of them is Issac (spelling?) who I knew from my first season out. Claims to have a girlfriend but she's never around, no one's ever met her, and no one believes him. He's a nice guy, but a bit of a creeper. Always trying - badly - to flirt. And now he's got long hair and long beard and neither look good on him and he tries the "stroke the beard in thought" action and it fails too. His creepy flirting drives me crazy. And NOT in a good way. He was not the one I was with.
Robert also got here the other day. He's a security guard this year but last year - and the year previous and the year previous - he was F&B. He closed his location and spent a few weeks - bout a month? - in OFI helping us out. I got to work with him for a bit. He's cool. We started talking and joking the MINUTE I saw him. It was good fun. It's a platonic thing, no flirting even in joking.... But other than the no joking flirting he's like Jordan. We spent the last five hours together - I got off at five, we walked "home" to BigHorn together, and hung out. Talking, swapping stories, etc. It was a lot of fun. Finally we were both so tired and he pointed out it's ten so we split ways to crash.
He tends to not get along with men, I tend to not get along with women. People tell him he's abrasive. I told him he kind of is, but not in a bad way. We hold a lot of the same principles and ideas and such. It's been a good night. I think I've got a good friend here, and getting in good with security is never a bad thing. :)
Anyway. It's late and I'm TIRED, so I'm gonna call it a night. Gotta get up at five to get breakfast out, but on the up side - it's my Friday tomorrow and I get a three day weekend!! WOOT! George and I were talking about hitting OFI, since he's never been anywhere but Mammoth/Gardiner area. Robert and I were talking about hitting OFI, since his stuff is in storage down there and George and I are going anyway. It will be fun regardless what happens. I'm looking forward to the weekend. I'm looking forward to the season in general, now that people are coming in - and people I know.
Robert also got here the other day. He's a security guard this year but last year - and the year previous and the year previous - he was F&B. He closed his location and spent a few weeks - bout a month? - in OFI helping us out. I got to work with him for a bit. He's cool. We started talking and joking the MINUTE I saw him. It was good fun. It's a platonic thing, no flirting even in joking.... But other than the no joking flirting he's like Jordan. We spent the last five hours together - I got off at five, we walked "home" to BigHorn together, and hung out. Talking, swapping stories, etc. It was a lot of fun. Finally we were both so tired and he pointed out it's ten so we split ways to crash.
He tends to not get along with men, I tend to not get along with women. People tell him he's abrasive. I told him he kind of is, but not in a bad way. We hold a lot of the same principles and ideas and such. It's been a good night. I think I've got a good friend here, and getting in good with security is never a bad thing. :)
Anyway. It's late and I'm TIRED, so I'm gonna call it a night. Gotta get up at five to get breakfast out, but on the up side - it's my Friday tomorrow and I get a three day weekend!! WOOT! George and I were talking about hitting OFI, since he's never been anywhere but Mammoth/Gardiner area. Robert and I were talking about hitting OFI, since his stuff is in storage down there and George and I are going anyway. It will be fun regardless what happens. I'm looking forward to the weekend. I'm looking forward to the season in general, now that people are coming in - and people I know.
Management??
Today has been quite an adventure.
I got to at least frustrate Will Standage - the head EDR manager of the park. I like Will, and I didn't mean to frustrate him. But I don't believe it was my fault. We have been running off paper plates, cups, corn-product disposable 'silver wear', etc. As it happened, we only had the "big plates" that Will dropped off - though we have a bunch of "tiny plates". We've been running low for the last few days - since before Matt's Friday. He told me that "if Will calls, let him know we need more plates." He didn't go in search of Will, he didn't leave a message. He didn't actually DO anything. HE is the manager. Not me. For the last three days I've been watching them dwindle and dwindle. Today I realized we wouldn't have enough for tomorrow - and Matt won't be back until the day after tomorrow. SO, I asked around and found a directory for the park. I called Will's appointed number, and got whom I guess was his receptionist. He's at Grant. So I call Grant Village, get a cook there, ask for Will. It takes twenty minutes from "OMG NO PLATES!" to "Hi Will". Not hard. I tell him that we're almost out of plates. I don't pin ANYTHING on Matt, I don't want to blame anyone. I just tell the situation and ask what he could do for us. He gets frustrated - at me! - for not telling him sooner. Well, I'm sorry I didn't want to step on my new managers toes and go above his head and do what he should have done and I didn't know I had to take on his responsibilities and etc etc etc. I was frustrated. I was frustrated that I got reprimanded. I was frustrated that Matt didn't do his job in the first place.
Then it occurred to me. All last summer, as much as I truly LOVE Jake, I took on at least half of his job. I DID half of his job as a manager. And already this summer I foresee a similar circumstance opening up. It's not that I foresee Matt being bad at his job, I just foresee me taking on the responsibility and me just doing it. Just like I did with Jake. And I figure, if I'm going to do the job, why not have the title and everything that goes with it? Yes, it means I have to take the management courses. Yes, it means I'm salaried and will get crappy hours and have to pick up everyone's slack. It means anything that goes wrong falls on MY head, not the "guy above me." But other than TAKING the management courses, I've done it all already. I've had crappy hours, I've picked up slack, I take on the responsibility, I've had the head chef come down on MY head because something wasn't done. Why not get the pay, the title, and the nice roommate-less room that goes with it? I need the experience anyway. And if I do it, I won't HAVE to worry about stepping on toes, there'll be no toes to step on. I can do it. I KNOW without a DOUBT I can do it. It won't be easy, but Hell, since when do I want easy anyway?
So, I think that next summer, I'm going to apply for EDR manager. Hell yes.
Also, without trying to sound arrogant (though we all know all kitchen people have arrogance complexes) I had the best pasta salad I've ever had today. I also made it. I don't like most vinaigrette style pasta salads. Just don't. I don't like most mayo based ANYTHING, but especially pasta salads. I find the vinaigrette has too much jumbled loud sharp flavor that doesn't work and I find the mayo based doesn't have enough flavor. So I made a Tzaziki (spelling?) style base. Tzaziki sauce is a Greek thing. VERY good. Plain yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, dill, and cucumbers that have been seeded and salted and left to drain for a while. I added celery and chicken and cooked macaroni pasta to make a pasta salad. Not only did I really enjoy it, everyone who tried it liked it too. It needed more pepper than I put in there (oh yeah, and pepper), but other than that it was very good. I was impressed.
Anyway, that's my adventure. Most of it was mental revelation. I'd been so opposed to management here in the park... But I already practically have the job. And the more I think on it the more I want to try it. And really, I can't gripe and moan about the way any manager does his job if I'm not willing to do it myself. Ya know? So here we go! I've got a plan and it's gonna be a wild ride!!
I got to at least frustrate Will Standage - the head EDR manager of the park. I like Will, and I didn't mean to frustrate him. But I don't believe it was my fault. We have been running off paper plates, cups, corn-product disposable 'silver wear', etc. As it happened, we only had the "big plates" that Will dropped off - though we have a bunch of "tiny plates". We've been running low for the last few days - since before Matt's Friday. He told me that "if Will calls, let him know we need more plates." He didn't go in search of Will, he didn't leave a message. He didn't actually DO anything. HE is the manager. Not me. For the last three days I've been watching them dwindle and dwindle. Today I realized we wouldn't have enough for tomorrow - and Matt won't be back until the day after tomorrow. SO, I asked around and found a directory for the park. I called Will's appointed number, and got whom I guess was his receptionist. He's at Grant. So I call Grant Village, get a cook there, ask for Will. It takes twenty minutes from "OMG NO PLATES!" to "Hi Will". Not hard. I tell him that we're almost out of plates. I don't pin ANYTHING on Matt, I don't want to blame anyone. I just tell the situation and ask what he could do for us. He gets frustrated - at me! - for not telling him sooner. Well, I'm sorry I didn't want to step on my new managers toes and go above his head and do what he should have done and I didn't know I had to take on his responsibilities and etc etc etc. I was frustrated. I was frustrated that I got reprimanded. I was frustrated that Matt didn't do his job in the first place.
Then it occurred to me. All last summer, as much as I truly LOVE Jake, I took on at least half of his job. I DID half of his job as a manager. And already this summer I foresee a similar circumstance opening up. It's not that I foresee Matt being bad at his job, I just foresee me taking on the responsibility and me just doing it. Just like I did with Jake. And I figure, if I'm going to do the job, why not have the title and everything that goes with it? Yes, it means I have to take the management courses. Yes, it means I'm salaried and will get crappy hours and have to pick up everyone's slack. It means anything that goes wrong falls on MY head, not the "guy above me." But other than TAKING the management courses, I've done it all already. I've had crappy hours, I've picked up slack, I take on the responsibility, I've had the head chef come down on MY head because something wasn't done. Why not get the pay, the title, and the nice roommate-less room that goes with it? I need the experience anyway. And if I do it, I won't HAVE to worry about stepping on toes, there'll be no toes to step on. I can do it. I KNOW without a DOUBT I can do it. It won't be easy, but Hell, since when do I want easy anyway?
So, I think that next summer, I'm going to apply for EDR manager. Hell yes.
Also, without trying to sound arrogant (though we all know all kitchen people have arrogance complexes) I had the best pasta salad I've ever had today. I also made it. I don't like most vinaigrette style pasta salads. Just don't. I don't like most mayo based ANYTHING, but especially pasta salads. I find the vinaigrette has too much jumbled loud sharp flavor that doesn't work and I find the mayo based doesn't have enough flavor. So I made a Tzaziki (spelling?) style base. Tzaziki sauce is a Greek thing. VERY good. Plain yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, dill, and cucumbers that have been seeded and salted and left to drain for a while. I added celery and chicken and cooked macaroni pasta to make a pasta salad. Not only did I really enjoy it, everyone who tried it liked it too. It needed more pepper than I put in there (oh yeah, and pepper), but other than that it was very good. I was impressed.
Anyway, that's my adventure. Most of it was mental revelation. I'd been so opposed to management here in the park... But I already practically have the job. And the more I think on it the more I want to try it. And really, I can't gripe and moan about the way any manager does his job if I'm not willing to do it myself. Ya know? So here we go! I've got a plan and it's gonna be a wild ride!!
People on the Horizon...
People have arrived. Not many, but they're people nonetheless. Jenny and Jessica - the personnel people who will be assigning me my real room. Robert - was a cook, worked with him a month last year - much fun to work with. Is now security, but currently shoveling snow. (teehee to those who shovel snow. SO glad I have a job I can actively do so I don't have to shovel) And a few other strays. It's nice to have a FEW other people. I think that I mainly only have that opinion because there are people now that I have known and I already have a relationship built.
One of the best and more tiresome things all at once about new seasons - or even new waves of people - is that you have/get to build those new relationships. We've all been at the start of new relationships - working relationships, friendships, passing acquaintances, etc. It can be fun, but it can get extremely tiresome. Especially when "major arrival" means that within a week - within a few days - we will go from 30 people to 400 here. That's a lot of new relationships to try to build at once.
It has also occurred to me how fast approaching major arrival is. It feels like I got here last week. How time has flown!! I got here on the third. It's the 17th tonight! Managers should be arriving in only a few more days. By the time I get back from my three-day weekend Will wants us to get before season starts, all the managers should be here, probably most of the EDR crew... We'll probably be cooking upstairs. Things will be a-chaingin'. And within a week or two from that, Major Arrival.
I'm nervous, truth to tell. It'll be an adventure. But I so dislike when all the managers come in. It's not just the managers of us that will be there all year. Oh no. It'll be bigwigs - the head chef, head sous, head EDR manager (Will), all our own managers, and all the managers of unopened locations that have nothing to do, that are here to "help open us up". The mass amounts of managers makes first-years nervous and hard to manage, and with three different managers telling you three different things they also screw up our crew. I have always felt they stay longer than they should - they stay so long they go from productive to moving backward practically. I've also always felt that the presence of so many bigwigs make it hard for our managers to develop relationships with the underlings they'll be working with the rest of the season. The first week, for first years, their bosses all seem like pricks because of the situation. Surely they'll find out that's not really the case, but it's hard.
Luckily, I already know Andrew - our head chef. "Another 'Crazy Oregonian'" is how I describe him. Especially to Oregonians. We've worked together - him as my PM Sous - for two years now and he can be strict and harsh but as long as you stay on his good side he's really cool. I really enjoy working with him - now that I know him ^_^
The others, I'll develop that working relationship with. I am less stressed because I know Andrew and I know he likes me and I know he has confidence in my abilities. We've a new Head Chef for the park this year - Chapman is gone. Which is fine by me. The Head Chef for the park is a mostly paperwork position - which is why Mike Dean won't take it. They have little to do with us and Chapman was especially distant. He had very little to do with anyone who wasn't a head or sous of a location. Mike Dean is the Head Sous for the park - has been for YEARS. He's turned down the Head Chef position - I've heard - three times, seen three come and go, because he doesn't want the desk job. Oh my is he qualified, but he prefers to be out there helping open places and helping train and being actively involved in the workings of the park. I really like Mike Dean. EVERYONE really likes Mike Dean. I used to think he WAS the Head Chef for the park because I only met Chapman once, and he seemed less impressive, less knowledgeable, less approachable, less everything that I thought a head chef for the entire park should be. This new guy I hear is more involved, and very easygoing and approachable as long as you're on his good side. I don't know yet. I love working with Andrew, and I love working with Mike Dean and they both know me so I don't mind much. I'm fairly confident.
One of the best and more tiresome things all at once about new seasons - or even new waves of people - is that you have/get to build those new relationships. We've all been at the start of new relationships - working relationships, friendships, passing acquaintances, etc. It can be fun, but it can get extremely tiresome. Especially when "major arrival" means that within a week - within a few days - we will go from 30 people to 400 here. That's a lot of new relationships to try to build at once.
It has also occurred to me how fast approaching major arrival is. It feels like I got here last week. How time has flown!! I got here on the third. It's the 17th tonight! Managers should be arriving in only a few more days. By the time I get back from my three-day weekend Will wants us to get before season starts, all the managers should be here, probably most of the EDR crew... We'll probably be cooking upstairs. Things will be a-chaingin'. And within a week or two from that, Major Arrival.
I'm nervous, truth to tell. It'll be an adventure. But I so dislike when all the managers come in. It's not just the managers of us that will be there all year. Oh no. It'll be bigwigs - the head chef, head sous, head EDR manager (Will), all our own managers, and all the managers of unopened locations that have nothing to do, that are here to "help open us up". The mass amounts of managers makes first-years nervous and hard to manage, and with three different managers telling you three different things they also screw up our crew. I have always felt they stay longer than they should - they stay so long they go from productive to moving backward practically. I've also always felt that the presence of so many bigwigs make it hard for our managers to develop relationships with the underlings they'll be working with the rest of the season. The first week, for first years, their bosses all seem like pricks because of the situation. Surely they'll find out that's not really the case, but it's hard.
Luckily, I already know Andrew - our head chef. "Another 'Crazy Oregonian'" is how I describe him. Especially to Oregonians. We've worked together - him as my PM Sous - for two years now and he can be strict and harsh but as long as you stay on his good side he's really cool. I really enjoy working with him - now that I know him ^_^
The others, I'll develop that working relationship with. I am less stressed because I know Andrew and I know he likes me and I know he has confidence in my abilities. We've a new Head Chef for the park this year - Chapman is gone. Which is fine by me. The Head Chef for the park is a mostly paperwork position - which is why Mike Dean won't take it. They have little to do with us and Chapman was especially distant. He had very little to do with anyone who wasn't a head or sous of a location. Mike Dean is the Head Sous for the park - has been for YEARS. He's turned down the Head Chef position - I've heard - three times, seen three come and go, because he doesn't want the desk job. Oh my is he qualified, but he prefers to be out there helping open places and helping train and being actively involved in the workings of the park. I really like Mike Dean. EVERYONE really likes Mike Dean. I used to think he WAS the Head Chef for the park because I only met Chapman once, and he seemed less impressive, less knowledgeable, less approachable, less everything that I thought a head chef for the entire park should be. This new guy I hear is more involved, and very easygoing and approachable as long as you're on his good side. I don't know yet. I love working with Andrew, and I love working with Mike Dean and they both know me so I don't mind much. I'm fairly confident.
Original Sinner
Don't ask me why, I'm not entirely sure. But I was thinking today about the idea of the "original sinner"... The idea is that women are all inherently evil because woman is the original sinner, right? Something like that.
But two things.
One - Lucifer was a man, and I'd think he would be the original sinner because he went against God first.... He talked the woman into it, and that was going against God's will, right? Which means he sinned first. HE'S the original sinner, therefore man is inherently evil. Just a thought.
Two - and more to the point - Eve was truly talked into it, right? Lucifer talked her into eating the apple, blah blah blah - we all agree on that, I think. Well, then, wouldn't that mean that she's inherently gullible, not inherently evil...? Then.... if that trait really does pull through like some believe, all women are simply inherently gullible, not inherently evil.... Make sense?
Just a thought. I think probably I'd rather people believe I was inherently evil than inherently gullible. That would open up way too much chance of stupid.
But two things.
One - Lucifer was a man, and I'd think he would be the original sinner because he went against God first.... He talked the woman into it, and that was going against God's will, right? Which means he sinned first. HE'S the original sinner, therefore man is inherently evil. Just a thought.
Two - and more to the point - Eve was truly talked into it, right? Lucifer talked her into eating the apple, blah blah blah - we all agree on that, I think. Well, then, wouldn't that mean that she's inherently gullible, not inherently evil...? Then.... if that trait really does pull through like some believe, all women are simply inherently gullible, not inherently evil.... Make sense?
Just a thought. I think probably I'd rather people believe I was inherently evil than inherently gullible. That would open up way too much chance of stupid.
Possibilities
You can tell, obviously, that I don't write every day. I will tell you, however, that every day, I sit here with my laptop and open "WordPad" and stare at the blank screen for a few minutes. Waiting for something to magically appear on the screen... I feel the urge, the need to write daily. I just don't have the content yet.
Most of the things to talk about are things that you'd need to be here for. I've taken a few pictures, but nothing can compare to first hand sights. I walked the Black Sand Basin two weeks ago. Didn't have my camera on me. The lack of camera made me realize, however, that even if I took pictures - especially of thermal features - that it wouldn't be the same. Even the beautiful, famous picture of Grand Prismatic (taken, I think, from a helicopter), while completely stunning, doesn't compare to standing there in front of it. And it's not because you can't smell the sulfur or feel the steam from the picture.... It's different. We all know what I'm trying to say, though I seem unable to articulate it properly.
So while I will post the pictures - mostly of the Tetons in the snow - know that it's not the same. Nothing will beat driving along near Lake, going up a hill and cresting it to see the snow topped mountains laid out before you perfectly flanked by trees on either side of the road. As you continue down the road, more of the mountains are revealed, only to be out of sight again as you turn a bend. That's why the maximum speed limit in the park is 45 - there is something around EVERY turn to take your breath away or stun you with it's amazing, simple, pure beauty.
I feel bad, truly, talking too much about it. Chances are good a good number of you will never get to see it. And I don't mean to boast, and I don't want you to think I'm exaggerating. Neither of those things are happening. That's really how it is around here, and I'm not trying to brag. I wish all of you who read this and everyone who DOESN'T read this could come see.
A few people are interested in coming this year. Krissy said she would try to find time and come out - potentially bring her new boyfriend. That'd be cool. Krissy is skilled with a camera and her photos of her experience would be priceless. Darrek said he'd love to come out with his girlfriend and let me show them around. They're great fun and neither of them have seen the park, it'd be an awesome experience for Derrek and Kayla both. Anyone else I can entice, I'd love to show you around. Chris could show us around the Tetons (as he has more experience there), and I could tour you through the park. You could be here a year, hiking and traveling and sightseeing EVERY day, and still not be done. I'd like to add the threat of "this might be my last year here" but that's a lie. I know I'll be back next year. Am thinking about maybe trying for a pub job - that sounds like great fun for me. I love working with/for the employees.
I've been thinking a lot about 'following the sun' or at least 'following the lack of snow'. I've heard great things about Death Valley in the winter, no snow, lowest temps around 40 or 50. Hassan did it last year said he spent the winter swimming and in Vegas on weekends. Said he loved it. Someone else told me they TRY to rope you in with year long contracts, because no one wants to do Death Valley in the summer. I wouldn't do it for a whole year, but I might look into it for the winter. I've also heard that Zion only gets a little snow, and has moderate temperatures. I've ALSO been thinking about wintering here. Or applying for jobs around the Tetons or in Jackson. Randy told me today that Hawaii has a lot of seasonal positions. Anywhere that is a resort town probably has a lot of seasonal work, it's just if I could get in. We shall have to see, I think!
Part of it will depend on where I can get Chris to agree to. After years of long distance with Michael, and now it'll be a year of long distance with Chris, I'm NOT doing it again. I don't regret being in a distance relationship - with either Michael or Chris, but I'm done. Part of it will certainly have to be where Chris and I can compromise on staying.
Part of it will be where we can GET jobs. Part of it will be on what we want at the time. Etc. But I'm ready to keep adventuring. Breaks are one thing, but to hibernate during the winter safe at home like some contented black bear goes against my gypsies' soul. (or so it's been dubbed)
Most of the things to talk about are things that you'd need to be here for. I've taken a few pictures, but nothing can compare to first hand sights. I walked the Black Sand Basin two weeks ago. Didn't have my camera on me. The lack of camera made me realize, however, that even if I took pictures - especially of thermal features - that it wouldn't be the same. Even the beautiful, famous picture of Grand Prismatic (taken, I think, from a helicopter), while completely stunning, doesn't compare to standing there in front of it. And it's not because you can't smell the sulfur or feel the steam from the picture.... It's different. We all know what I'm trying to say, though I seem unable to articulate it properly.
So while I will post the pictures - mostly of the Tetons in the snow - know that it's not the same. Nothing will beat driving along near Lake, going up a hill and cresting it to see the snow topped mountains laid out before you perfectly flanked by trees on either side of the road. As you continue down the road, more of the mountains are revealed, only to be out of sight again as you turn a bend. That's why the maximum speed limit in the park is 45 - there is something around EVERY turn to take your breath away or stun you with it's amazing, simple, pure beauty.
I feel bad, truly, talking too much about it. Chances are good a good number of you will never get to see it. And I don't mean to boast, and I don't want you to think I'm exaggerating. Neither of those things are happening. That's really how it is around here, and I'm not trying to brag. I wish all of you who read this and everyone who DOESN'T read this could come see.
A few people are interested in coming this year. Krissy said she would try to find time and come out - potentially bring her new boyfriend. That'd be cool. Krissy is skilled with a camera and her photos of her experience would be priceless. Darrek said he'd love to come out with his girlfriend and let me show them around. They're great fun and neither of them have seen the park, it'd be an awesome experience for Derrek and Kayla both. Anyone else I can entice, I'd love to show you around. Chris could show us around the Tetons (as he has more experience there), and I could tour you through the park. You could be here a year, hiking and traveling and sightseeing EVERY day, and still not be done. I'd like to add the threat of "this might be my last year here" but that's a lie. I know I'll be back next year. Am thinking about maybe trying for a pub job - that sounds like great fun for me. I love working with/for the employees.
I've been thinking a lot about 'following the sun' or at least 'following the lack of snow'. I've heard great things about Death Valley in the winter, no snow, lowest temps around 40 or 50. Hassan did it last year said he spent the winter swimming and in Vegas on weekends. Said he loved it. Someone else told me they TRY to rope you in with year long contracts, because no one wants to do Death Valley in the summer. I wouldn't do it for a whole year, but I might look into it for the winter. I've also heard that Zion only gets a little snow, and has moderate temperatures. I've ALSO been thinking about wintering here. Or applying for jobs around the Tetons or in Jackson. Randy told me today that Hawaii has a lot of seasonal positions. Anywhere that is a resort town probably has a lot of seasonal work, it's just if I could get in. We shall have to see, I think!
Part of it will depend on where I can get Chris to agree to. After years of long distance with Michael, and now it'll be a year of long distance with Chris, I'm NOT doing it again. I don't regret being in a distance relationship - with either Michael or Chris, but I'm done. Part of it will certainly have to be where Chris and I can compromise on staying.
Part of it will be where we can GET jobs. Part of it will be on what we want at the time. Etc. But I'm ready to keep adventuring. Breaks are one thing, but to hibernate during the winter safe at home like some contented black bear goes against my gypsies' soul. (or so it's been dubbed)
Exploits...
I had one weekend already and, much to my surprise, tomorrow seems to be my Friday again already. When the news of that hit me I was thoroughly shocked. I couldn't believe a week has past already. Truly, not a week quite yet, but as this is the end of Thursday and tomorrow begins the last day of the week I feel I can say a week has passed.
Today I was to be in from 8 to 5. That was my allotted shift. But the girl to take the morning shift - woman, I suppose as she is 69 as of yesterday - had never worked it by herself before. Matt, my manager, suggested he would come in and show her even though this is his Saturday directly after I suggested I come in early. What is two hours? Well, truly, a lot. Right now, we're not allowed to have over time. Will - the park EDR manager - would come down on Matt if I got over time, who would then come down on me, I'm sure. In the end I did in fact come in at six, as I will tomorrow, and took long clocked out breaks to make up that time. I ended up clocking out at four, an hour early, and just "hanging out" to make sure dinner was up on time - and to eat. All in all the point of this story is to say that this was the longest day I've had in quite a while. Technically I worked a normal eight hour day. Sure. But you and I both know that even if you clock out for two hour long "lunch breaks" to bring your working hours down to eight, being at work from six to five makes for a longer day than that. Strangely, though, I feel more energetic and less wore out than I usually do after my day. Maybe it's because of the breaks, who knows. But I am looking forward to my "long" Friday now more than before.
Already I'm making plans for my weekend. I'm excited that it's come around again - and so soon! Friday night is for washing my whites, and Saturday I think I will head to Jackson. Matt told me that it's approx. two and a half hours to anywhere when it comes to the big "cities" - Jackson, Bozeman, and Cody. To get to Jackson you need to go south through the Tetons and I've never seen them in the snow, so I'm excited for that. And, truly, I am hoping that Chris will be there. Being out of communication as I am here - I think I explained that already? - I have no clue what's going on with anyone. So I am hoping to magically get a text or voice mail from Chris once I'm within cell range informing me that he's returned to work in Jackson. We can hope, right?
I was thwarted today. AFTER work, not ten minutes ago. I bought a bottle of Beringer White Zinfandel (than you Wes for hooking me on White Zin wines). Then, I planned to share it with the girls, as they suggested we set aside a night to get together. Drinks and pool or something. Then I grew weak and wanted wine tonight. It's been sitting oh so nicely on my floor by my dresser for a week, calling me. So I ran it under cold water to bring the temp down (I prefer it really "chilled" but have no means to do that but to stick it in the snow for a while), and opened the top. Beringer White Zinfandel uses real corks. And good for them! And bad for me. No corkscrew. It must have been comical; me bending hopefully over the wine bottle on my dresser only to get the top off and quite aloud in this quiet room of just me to proclaim "CORK!".... I was thwarted. But I like Beringer White Zin, so instead of changing my wines to just those that come with twist tops (or heaven forbid the brightly colored box wines I know some drink, but only because it's cheap), I will simply purchase a corkscrew. I WILL NOT BE THWARTED FOR LONG!!! :)
I feel I am rambling now. These truly are my stories. Not much to tell. Daily activity. Work is fun. I quite like the girls - and Matt - that I work with. I would like for them all to stay EDR all season, but I know that only Shirley (the 69 year old woman) will remain. The others will be around though, all will be on location all year.
I got complimented on my food today. Someone loudly said "good lemon sauce" to Kelli behind the counter and I replied with a loud "thanks!" and then, on the way out, one of the guys (Don't know his name but I really like him) asked me - hopefully, I think - if I was staying all season. He seemed pleased I'll be here, I think he likes my work. And maybe my singing? No one has said anything, but I know some of them look at me twice when they hear it. I think it's funny because my singing voice is so unlike my lower speaking voice.
Anyway. That's my story, those are my exploits. I hope you've all had a good week. And I hope you all have a good weekend. :)
Today I was to be in from 8 to 5. That was my allotted shift. But the girl to take the morning shift - woman, I suppose as she is 69 as of yesterday - had never worked it by herself before. Matt, my manager, suggested he would come in and show her even though this is his Saturday directly after I suggested I come in early. What is two hours? Well, truly, a lot. Right now, we're not allowed to have over time. Will - the park EDR manager - would come down on Matt if I got over time, who would then come down on me, I'm sure. In the end I did in fact come in at six, as I will tomorrow, and took long clocked out breaks to make up that time. I ended up clocking out at four, an hour early, and just "hanging out" to make sure dinner was up on time - and to eat. All in all the point of this story is to say that this was the longest day I've had in quite a while. Technically I worked a normal eight hour day. Sure. But you and I both know that even if you clock out for two hour long "lunch breaks" to bring your working hours down to eight, being at work from six to five makes for a longer day than that. Strangely, though, I feel more energetic and less wore out than I usually do after my day. Maybe it's because of the breaks, who knows. But I am looking forward to my "long" Friday now more than before.
Already I'm making plans for my weekend. I'm excited that it's come around again - and so soon! Friday night is for washing my whites, and Saturday I think I will head to Jackson. Matt told me that it's approx. two and a half hours to anywhere when it comes to the big "cities" - Jackson, Bozeman, and Cody. To get to Jackson you need to go south through the Tetons and I've never seen them in the snow, so I'm excited for that. And, truly, I am hoping that Chris will be there. Being out of communication as I am here - I think I explained that already? - I have no clue what's going on with anyone. So I am hoping to magically get a text or voice mail from Chris once I'm within cell range informing me that he's returned to work in Jackson. We can hope, right?
I was thwarted today. AFTER work, not ten minutes ago. I bought a bottle of Beringer White Zinfandel (than you Wes for hooking me on White Zin wines). Then, I planned to share it with the girls, as they suggested we set aside a night to get together. Drinks and pool or something. Then I grew weak and wanted wine tonight. It's been sitting oh so nicely on my floor by my dresser for a week, calling me. So I ran it under cold water to bring the temp down (I prefer it really "chilled" but have no means to do that but to stick it in the snow for a while), and opened the top. Beringer White Zinfandel uses real corks. And good for them! And bad for me. No corkscrew. It must have been comical; me bending hopefully over the wine bottle on my dresser only to get the top off and quite aloud in this quiet room of just me to proclaim "CORK!".... I was thwarted. But I like Beringer White Zin, so instead of changing my wines to just those that come with twist tops (or heaven forbid the brightly colored box wines I know some drink, but only because it's cheap), I will simply purchase a corkscrew. I WILL NOT BE THWARTED FOR LONG!!! :)
I feel I am rambling now. These truly are my stories. Not much to tell. Daily activity. Work is fun. I quite like the girls - and Matt - that I work with. I would like for them all to stay EDR all season, but I know that only Shirley (the 69 year old woman) will remain. The others will be around though, all will be on location all year.
I got complimented on my food today. Someone loudly said "good lemon sauce" to Kelli behind the counter and I replied with a loud "thanks!" and then, on the way out, one of the guys (Don't know his name but I really like him) asked me - hopefully, I think - if I was staying all season. He seemed pleased I'll be here, I think he likes my work. And maybe my singing? No one has said anything, but I know some of them look at me twice when they hear it. I think it's funny because my singing voice is so unlike my lower speaking voice.
Anyway. That's my story, those are my exploits. I hope you've all had a good week. And I hope you all have a good weekend. :)
Give it a Chance Charlie Brown
Hello again. This is, what, day four? I can hardly believe that I've been compelled to write daily. Maybe it's because I've been spending so much time reading. I'm unsure if I've expressed my thoughts of how I dislike this place and have a foreboding feeling and such. I'm sure I have, it's been consuming much of my off time. Yesterday, walking home from work - the whole one minute walk, I began berating myself verbally. It would have been an odd sight to witness, I'm sure. You see, I realized my problem. It has nothing to do with this place, these people, the fact that there are now ten people on location. It was just me, I had the issue. I was doing the one thing that drives me most nuts, I just simply wouldn't give this place a shot. Give it it's own fair chance before condemning it.
Today, then, I went to work with a fresh outlook and a legitimate smile. All in all, this place really isn't bad. It's fun being able to cook whatever I feel like. I grated potatoes so I could make hash browns - or stuffed hash browns! Just cuz I wanted to. I got Matt (my manager) to put yeast on the list of hopefully things to get so I could make bread. I'm cooking for ten people. Such small quantities make anything easy to make in the time allotted. I'm also cooking off simply what we have right now - which is a fun challenge for me. Matt mentioned he put Andouilli sausage on the 'hopeful' list, and I said "cool! Gumbo!" and he got enthusiastic for my idea and added frozen shrimp. It's kind of cool. Matt and Monika are the two I've been working with most, but I get along great with both of them and with Kelli.
The interesting thing I found today is that I seem to be an enigma to the rest - to the matinence crew. To everyone out there that knows me, I'm sure you know me as a loud personality, but you have to admit I have my quiet streaks - especially around those I don't know well. I am an introvert, and I can be quite shy. Chris would tell me that "it doesn't become me" and he may be right, but he's not here to coax me out of my shell. So, when they all sat around me at lunch, I didn't automatically join in their conversations necessarily. And, when there turned to be several long - comfortable, I thought - silences, I turned inward. I began to contemplate the rest of my day, the day tomorrow, things I needed to work, etc. I know my face gets either dreamy or serious when I do this, so I wasn't surprised when I caught the shared look and shrug amongst all four of the guys sitting next to me. I was rather amused by it. I don't mean to be an enigma, and I don't mean to. I don't try to be the odd man out, it's just how I work. They are all nice guys, I just have nothing to say. If they want to get to know me they can have a conversation with me, they can walk through the EDR and watch me sing to myself, I don't care. I don't know if they've written me off, but I'm sure I'll be a bit of a puzzle for a while. I don't mind - keeps 'em on their toes. :)
We all, after all, need something to keep us on our toes. It's good for us.
Today, then, I went to work with a fresh outlook and a legitimate smile. All in all, this place really isn't bad. It's fun being able to cook whatever I feel like. I grated potatoes so I could make hash browns - or stuffed hash browns! Just cuz I wanted to. I got Matt (my manager) to put yeast on the list of hopefully things to get so I could make bread. I'm cooking for ten people. Such small quantities make anything easy to make in the time allotted. I'm also cooking off simply what we have right now - which is a fun challenge for me. Matt mentioned he put Andouilli sausage on the 'hopeful' list, and I said "cool! Gumbo!" and he got enthusiastic for my idea and added frozen shrimp. It's kind of cool. Matt and Monika are the two I've been working with most, but I get along great with both of them and with Kelli.
The interesting thing I found today is that I seem to be an enigma to the rest - to the matinence crew. To everyone out there that knows me, I'm sure you know me as a loud personality, but you have to admit I have my quiet streaks - especially around those I don't know well. I am an introvert, and I can be quite shy. Chris would tell me that "it doesn't become me" and he may be right, but he's not here to coax me out of my shell. So, when they all sat around me at lunch, I didn't automatically join in their conversations necessarily. And, when there turned to be several long - comfortable, I thought - silences, I turned inward. I began to contemplate the rest of my day, the day tomorrow, things I needed to work, etc. I know my face gets either dreamy or serious when I do this, so I wasn't surprised when I caught the shared look and shrug amongst all four of the guys sitting next to me. I was rather amused by it. I don't mean to be an enigma, and I don't mean to. I don't try to be the odd man out, it's just how I work. They are all nice guys, I just have nothing to say. If they want to get to know me they can have a conversation with me, they can walk through the EDR and watch me sing to myself, I don't care. I don't know if they've written me off, but I'm sure I'll be a bit of a puzzle for a while. I don't mind - keeps 'em on their toes. :)
We all, after all, need something to keep us on our toes. It's good for us.
Observations
Today I am at the end of my weekend. Sitting propped up against the headboard of my bed alone for the first time in over 24 hours, I'm compelled to write. I have had no extraordinary experience to speak of, just great fun seeing old faces for the first time in months. Talking, joking, reminiscing, hugging, laughing. It was a good time. I stayed so long I had to stay the night as I didn't like the concept of driving back to Canyon after dark.
On my way home, alone with my car, my music, and my thoughts I suppose is when my contemplative mood kicked in. Thinking on all the things I heard this weekend. All the reasons people came, reasons people stayed.
I am not an outdoors man, I don't hike avidly. I don't take pictures and capture life frame by frame. I simply admire beauty. Therefore I am here. I came once and was caught by the beauty of just casually looking around. Just glancing up from one's book or meal or job or computer or cell phone one is instantly grabbed and captivated by beauty. Even once you "get used to it" at the very least it always makes you smile.
I am not a social butterfly, but I also don't lock myself in my room all the time. The people are enthralling. Whether it's the strange almost-instant comradarie amongst co-workers and friends or the common ground that brings everyone together and makes everyone get along at least moderately amongst tourists. Yellowstone is magic. I don't often "instantly click" with many people. And yet year after year here you become at LEAST part-time friends with so many people. This place allows and even prompts you for some reason to let people in and get a little close. It makes tourists, for all their general stupidity, generally come together and be nice to each other. They are all here in a basic celebration of the beauty they are surrounded by, and on some level they all accept that in that aspect they are all alike.
No matter which location you call home, no matter which company you work for here, no matter how long your stay is for all of us have such a huge (2.2 million acre, right?) common ground that all differences can be put aside, at least for the most part and at least for just a time. It's incredible.
There are so many reasons to come here. So many reasons to stay. And so much to take away with you when you decide to leave. So to all who have visited to work or to play - or both - good for you.
On my way home, alone with my car, my music, and my thoughts I suppose is when my contemplative mood kicked in. Thinking on all the things I heard this weekend. All the reasons people came, reasons people stayed.
I am not an outdoors man, I don't hike avidly. I don't take pictures and capture life frame by frame. I simply admire beauty. Therefore I am here. I came once and was caught by the beauty of just casually looking around. Just glancing up from one's book or meal or job or computer or cell phone one is instantly grabbed and captivated by beauty. Even once you "get used to it" at the very least it always makes you smile.
I am not a social butterfly, but I also don't lock myself in my room all the time. The people are enthralling. Whether it's the strange almost-instant comradarie amongst co-workers and friends or the common ground that brings everyone together and makes everyone get along at least moderately amongst tourists. Yellowstone is magic. I don't often "instantly click" with many people. And yet year after year here you become at LEAST part-time friends with so many people. This place allows and even prompts you for some reason to let people in and get a little close. It makes tourists, for all their general stupidity, generally come together and be nice to each other. They are all here in a basic celebration of the beauty they are surrounded by, and on some level they all accept that in that aspect they are all alike.
No matter which location you call home, no matter which company you work for here, no matter how long your stay is for all of us have such a huge (2.2 million acre, right?) common ground that all differences can be put aside, at least for the most part and at least for just a time. It's incredible.
There are so many reasons to come here. So many reasons to stay. And so much to take away with you when you decide to leave. So to all who have visited to work or to play - or both - good for you.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Second day update
Today I almost did not decide to so ramble at the computer. Until I remembered how I rambled yesterday. How - still justifiably I believe - negatively I rambled. That alone demanded I follow up and tell how the next day went.
Only one work-day later, not even a full 24 hours, I feel much better about life. I'm still not through the roof, but I'm better. I'm no longer fantasizing about asking for a transfer to OFI.
There are now five EDR people, including myself and Matt. Kelli - a girl who was here for the end of yesterday. Shirley - an older lady who is very enthusiastic. Monika - who will be the pub lead and has been in the Canyon kitchen in one form or another for three years - this will be her fourth. All of them are nice, all of them are easy enough to work with. I think the sheer addition of people eased my anxiety. Now the work load is shared, and we know what we're doing. Things come easier. We have a schedule. I have tomorrow and the next day off. Then I work mostly EDR crew breakfasts, only cooking on Matt's days off. That's fine by me. I like waking up early. I'm nervous about starting the place up but I know I'm capable.
Things are, all in all, much better. I don't automatically know everything like I do in the OFI, and I don't automatically know the working dynamic with people like I do with the people there. That was home. This is an adventure. And I'm sure by the end of the season, this could well be home instead. It's all good - to me, ultimately, the park is home. Bozeman and Jackson are my favorite towns. I'll be okay as long as I'm in Yellowstone.
My key doesn't unlock my door. I left it unlocked. Canyon people are just nice. Right now pre-season it's such a close community that no one would even think of rifling through or stealing my stuff. I entered my room and it was untouched. I don't expect problems until the masses come through. But before they get here personelle has to, and so by then I'll have my room, and a key that works. The biggest downside is that they won't get here for a week, approximately. Or so the girls and I guess. I don't want to unload everything just to have to load it up again. Heck, I don't want to have to haul it all through the snow into the room until it's THE room. I'm hoping by then enough snow will have melted to make life easier. So I'm going to go out - as soon as this is done - and unload only a bag or two. Just enough to make life really liveable. My giant suitcase I had to open for the sake of my work shoes and I'm not sure how it's going to close again in my car but it'll have to. I'm not unloading it, however. Just in case I don't even end up in the dorm I'm in right now.
I'm still tired. Sore. But life is okay. Not super fantastic yet. But it has potential. I think tomorrow I'm going to drive down to Old Faithful. See the people. Potentially stay the night since I don't have to work the next day. Enjoy my old home. I miss it. More than I thought I would. I had this idea in my head that I was connected to Yellowstone, not Old Faithful. But the villages inside the park are so much like their own towns, they are their own communities. And just like Portland would never be home to a Salem person, even though they're not an hour apart and still all in Oregon.... It just doesn't matter, does it?
Now, I'm off to organize this room and bring in a bit more life.
Only one work-day later, not even a full 24 hours, I feel much better about life. I'm still not through the roof, but I'm better. I'm no longer fantasizing about asking for a transfer to OFI.
There are now five EDR people, including myself and Matt. Kelli - a girl who was here for the end of yesterday. Shirley - an older lady who is very enthusiastic. Monika - who will be the pub lead and has been in the Canyon kitchen in one form or another for three years - this will be her fourth. All of them are nice, all of them are easy enough to work with. I think the sheer addition of people eased my anxiety. Now the work load is shared, and we know what we're doing. Things come easier. We have a schedule. I have tomorrow and the next day off. Then I work mostly EDR crew breakfasts, only cooking on Matt's days off. That's fine by me. I like waking up early. I'm nervous about starting the place up but I know I'm capable.
Things are, all in all, much better. I don't automatically know everything like I do in the OFI, and I don't automatically know the working dynamic with people like I do with the people there. That was home. This is an adventure. And I'm sure by the end of the season, this could well be home instead. It's all good - to me, ultimately, the park is home. Bozeman and Jackson are my favorite towns. I'll be okay as long as I'm in Yellowstone.
My key doesn't unlock my door. I left it unlocked. Canyon people are just nice. Right now pre-season it's such a close community that no one would even think of rifling through or stealing my stuff. I entered my room and it was untouched. I don't expect problems until the masses come through. But before they get here personelle has to, and so by then I'll have my room, and a key that works. The biggest downside is that they won't get here for a week, approximately. Or so the girls and I guess. I don't want to unload everything just to have to load it up again. Heck, I don't want to have to haul it all through the snow into the room until it's THE room. I'm hoping by then enough snow will have melted to make life easier. So I'm going to go out - as soon as this is done - and unload only a bag or two. Just enough to make life really liveable. My giant suitcase I had to open for the sake of my work shoes and I'm not sure how it's going to close again in my car but it'll have to. I'm not unloading it, however. Just in case I don't even end up in the dorm I'm in right now.
I'm still tired. Sore. But life is okay. Not super fantastic yet. But it has potential. I think tomorrow I'm going to drive down to Old Faithful. See the people. Potentially stay the night since I don't have to work the next day. Enjoy my old home. I miss it. More than I thought I would. I had this idea in my head that I was connected to Yellowstone, not Old Faithful. But the villages inside the park are so much like their own towns, they are their own communities. And just like Portland would never be home to a Salem person, even though they're not an hour apart and still all in Oregon.... It just doesn't matter, does it?
Now, I'm off to organize this room and bring in a bit more life.
First day unlike any other.....
I have never felt so compelled to start writing a blog. Perhaps it's due to the sheer lack of internet here, the inability to share, that makes me want to do just that. Perhaps it was my first day today. Completely unlike anything I'd imagined it'd be.
This is my third season. I've had a "check in day" twice now. For two different positions. They were both quite similar. Go through Gardiner and get your paperwork done, my first year I had orientation in Mammoth, but I don't HAVE to if I don't CHOOSE to now.... Continue on to your location, check in with personell and get a room. Unpack as much as possible until you need to report for work, eat, go home and unpack, explore, etc. Reporting for work is a mere meet and greet and perhaps a bit of paperwork. Then, the next day, "training". More paperwork, videos and tests and lectures.... Finally, someone signs off that you're capable of working in a kitchen and learning to do your job without killing yourself. Then you're handed over to your manager and you learn what you're going to be actually DOING for the next six months until you're contract is up, and you dig in. It's a bit like the first few days of school... predictable, slightly boring, and full of meet-and-greet.
Not this day.
This day I went through Gardiner and did my paperwork. Got a letter from the park supervisor for EDRs to meet him in the Canyon EDR at 3 - after I get my room and unpack and such. Ok. I get to Canyon and after chasing and looking and asking and being led I learn that the personell office is closed - and the personelle people for Canyon aren't even in the park! So I meet with Will (the supervisor) early. Say, ten ten-thirty. A thirty second "how's it going" later, I'm working. My manager isn't there, any of the people I'm working with. No one. I don't have a room, all my stuff is still locked away in my car.... It's just me and Will prepping the EDR for the real work. A few hours later my manager, Matt, shows up and joins in after another thirty second meet-and-greet. There is snow stacked up almost as tall as I am EVERYWHERE, but the doors are open to air the place out and fans are blowing. SO, in the jeans, shirt, and shoes - and luckily Chris' oversized hoody - that I started the day in, I'm on my knees cleaning and working from ten thirty ish on. We break for lunch. Sure. Matt gives me the ten scent tour since everything is connected. Our third person for the day shows up... SHE somehow has a room, with her matinence boyfriend. Somehow they know exactly where they'll room for the season.
Cutting a long story shorter, the end of the day was the other girl and I breaking down the EDR, Matt and Will having gone home already. I got a key to a temporary room around four oclock in the mens room of a dorm, that I hadn't seen yet. I spent all day on my feet - and knees I suppose - in shoes that weren't meant to actually work at all. I am tired and cranky and cannot bring myself to have an altogether hopeful outlook on life at the moment.
I'm sitting on the lower bunk of a bunkbed in a room where my key doesn't work so I can only lock it when I'm IN it - that doesn't worry me terribly though. I'm the only person in this side of the entire dorm. And I would love to look up at my boarded up window (protection from the snow that is up, I beleive, to the second story on this side of the dorm) and pretend I'm looking out at clear blue skies and bright shining snow and say hopefully to you and myself that "tomorrow is going to be another day and a new adventure" but I don't have enough hope to tell myself that that "new adventure" is going to leave me any more satisfied than this one did.
Today for dinner we fed a grand total of 16 people, including Matt, my other EDR person, and myself. And somehow, I'm the only one on this location that A - has never worked here before and B - not only doesn't know everyone there already, but doesn't know ANYONE there yet. I'm learning names and faces, and luckily everyone is pretty kind. However, it has been a long time since I've felt like this much of an outsider.
There is a huge part of me kicking myself for doing this. The entire reason for leaving OFI was to get a more southern position so driving out to see Chris would be easier. That didn't work out, this is a more northern area. And now I'm away from all my friends and all the comforts of home. I understand that part of what makes this SUCH an adventure is just that - I'm away from all my friends. They're not unreachable, they're just not there to see every day now.
I will try to maintain a positive outlook. I think once more people arrive - and more first timers - I'll feel less like a complete newbie and outsider. Maybe next time I just shouldn't pre-season. Right now I'm tired and dehydrated and wore out.... And I can't remember a single funny quote or story or anything from the day. Though I'm sure there were some.
I shall report back later. For now, I am going to sign off and read and sleep. I hope Mom doesn't worry about being unable to reach me. My phone is telling me it has no bars here, and my computer is telling me there is no internet to be had here. Maybe that will change too. I doubt it.
This is my third season. I've had a "check in day" twice now. For two different positions. They were both quite similar. Go through Gardiner and get your paperwork done, my first year I had orientation in Mammoth, but I don't HAVE to if I don't CHOOSE to now.... Continue on to your location, check in with personell and get a room. Unpack as much as possible until you need to report for work, eat, go home and unpack, explore, etc. Reporting for work is a mere meet and greet and perhaps a bit of paperwork. Then, the next day, "training". More paperwork, videos and tests and lectures.... Finally, someone signs off that you're capable of working in a kitchen and learning to do your job without killing yourself. Then you're handed over to your manager and you learn what you're going to be actually DOING for the next six months until you're contract is up, and you dig in. It's a bit like the first few days of school... predictable, slightly boring, and full of meet-and-greet.
Not this day.
This day I went through Gardiner and did my paperwork. Got a letter from the park supervisor for EDRs to meet him in the Canyon EDR at 3 - after I get my room and unpack and such. Ok. I get to Canyon and after chasing and looking and asking and being led I learn that the personell office is closed - and the personelle people for Canyon aren't even in the park! So I meet with Will (the supervisor) early. Say, ten ten-thirty. A thirty second "how's it going" later, I'm working. My manager isn't there, any of the people I'm working with. No one. I don't have a room, all my stuff is still locked away in my car.... It's just me and Will prepping the EDR for the real work. A few hours later my manager, Matt, shows up and joins in after another thirty second meet-and-greet. There is snow stacked up almost as tall as I am EVERYWHERE, but the doors are open to air the place out and fans are blowing. SO, in the jeans, shirt, and shoes - and luckily Chris' oversized hoody - that I started the day in, I'm on my knees cleaning and working from ten thirty ish on. We break for lunch. Sure. Matt gives me the ten scent tour since everything is connected. Our third person for the day shows up... SHE somehow has a room, with her matinence boyfriend. Somehow they know exactly where they'll room for the season.
Cutting a long story shorter, the end of the day was the other girl and I breaking down the EDR, Matt and Will having gone home already. I got a key to a temporary room around four oclock in the mens room of a dorm, that I hadn't seen yet. I spent all day on my feet - and knees I suppose - in shoes that weren't meant to actually work at all. I am tired and cranky and cannot bring myself to have an altogether hopeful outlook on life at the moment.
I'm sitting on the lower bunk of a bunkbed in a room where my key doesn't work so I can only lock it when I'm IN it - that doesn't worry me terribly though. I'm the only person in this side of the entire dorm. And I would love to look up at my boarded up window (protection from the snow that is up, I beleive, to the second story on this side of the dorm) and pretend I'm looking out at clear blue skies and bright shining snow and say hopefully to you and myself that "tomorrow is going to be another day and a new adventure" but I don't have enough hope to tell myself that that "new adventure" is going to leave me any more satisfied than this one did.
Today for dinner we fed a grand total of 16 people, including Matt, my other EDR person, and myself. And somehow, I'm the only one on this location that A - has never worked here before and B - not only doesn't know everyone there already, but doesn't know ANYONE there yet. I'm learning names and faces, and luckily everyone is pretty kind. However, it has been a long time since I've felt like this much of an outsider.
There is a huge part of me kicking myself for doing this. The entire reason for leaving OFI was to get a more southern position so driving out to see Chris would be easier. That didn't work out, this is a more northern area. And now I'm away from all my friends and all the comforts of home. I understand that part of what makes this SUCH an adventure is just that - I'm away from all my friends. They're not unreachable, they're just not there to see every day now.
I will try to maintain a positive outlook. I think once more people arrive - and more first timers - I'll feel less like a complete newbie and outsider. Maybe next time I just shouldn't pre-season. Right now I'm tired and dehydrated and wore out.... And I can't remember a single funny quote or story or anything from the day. Though I'm sure there were some.
I shall report back later. For now, I am going to sign off and read and sleep. I hope Mom doesn't worry about being unable to reach me. My phone is telling me it has no bars here, and my computer is telling me there is no internet to be had here. Maybe that will change too. I doubt it.
Third Year
Good afternoon all,
I have decided to take this back up. I have also decided to just continue this blog as long as I so desire to blog as opposed to starting a new one each year. That didn't make much sense when you all are so kindly following this one now.
As many of you know, this is my third year out. Which means there is a huge gap of time missing during my first winter (not spent in Yellowstone) all the way through my second summer IN Yellowstone and last winter also not in Yellowstone. A quick recap, I worked EDR cook (cook 3), got engaged, broke up, got a new boyfriend, finished my season, went home. Obviously it didn't happen that fast, but it did happen mostly in that order. Life goes on and I see no need to go into further detail on the past. I try to keep the future in front of me, not history.
SO I have been writing posts and saving them to my hard drive as I do not have internet so far in Canyon area. Therefore the posts I do present will probably come - at least for a time - in great quantities with a low frequency.
To start off in this post I would like to add a bit of starter information.
The previous two summers I was in Old Faithful. This year I'm in the Canyon area. I'm an EDR cook (cook 3). I got here three days ago - I think. My season ends in September, but I plan on extending and closing down the Old Faithful area as well. I also am strongly considering applying for a winter job. The Canyon area does not have cell reception for anything but Verizon, and as of right now does not have internet at all. Currently, I'm sitting in an Old Faithful dorm using the internet here.
So, on to the posts containing things that are, hopefully interesting. They shall be both chronicles of my days and experiences here as well as thoughts on life the universe and everything (thank you Douglas Adams for giving that phrase to the world).
I have decided to take this back up. I have also decided to just continue this blog as long as I so desire to blog as opposed to starting a new one each year. That didn't make much sense when you all are so kindly following this one now.
As many of you know, this is my third year out. Which means there is a huge gap of time missing during my first winter (not spent in Yellowstone) all the way through my second summer IN Yellowstone and last winter also not in Yellowstone. A quick recap, I worked EDR cook (cook 3), got engaged, broke up, got a new boyfriend, finished my season, went home. Obviously it didn't happen that fast, but it did happen mostly in that order. Life goes on and I see no need to go into further detail on the past. I try to keep the future in front of me, not history.
SO I have been writing posts and saving them to my hard drive as I do not have internet so far in Canyon area. Therefore the posts I do present will probably come - at least for a time - in great quantities with a low frequency.
To start off in this post I would like to add a bit of starter information.
The previous two summers I was in Old Faithful. This year I'm in the Canyon area. I'm an EDR cook (cook 3). I got here three days ago - I think. My season ends in September, but I plan on extending and closing down the Old Faithful area as well. I also am strongly considering applying for a winter job. The Canyon area does not have cell reception for anything but Verizon, and as of right now does not have internet at all. Currently, I'm sitting in an Old Faithful dorm using the internet here.
So, on to the posts containing things that are, hopefully interesting. They shall be both chronicles of my days and experiences here as well as thoughts on life the universe and everything (thank you Douglas Adams for giving that phrase to the world).
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