Yes, that's a new record. And no, I'm not proud of it. But yes, it really couldn't be any different.
Not only have I just finished an 8 day working streak, I've also been doing a lot of other things next to my work, which have generally reduced my time behind a computer.
What all happened in the last two weeks, I don't know anymore. Not all of it anyway. I lost track of time, but not of events in general. So here's a little update on what's been happening with over the weeks.
Pierre left for Paris for a week, to enjoy his vacation. During his absence, there was a Christmas Gala in the hotel, for all employees. As everyone else wanted to go or had other family obligations, Tina and I worked that night. A lot of pretty people were around, all dressed up as the code said, and still plenty of people came to see us in Le Marche that night. During the event they also handed out a few awards. Pierre became Manager of the Year in the hotel. By far the one who deserved it most, not to go break down any other people's achievements, but that guy is starting to become a legend in the hotel, and to me. I can not count the amount of times where random people came in, just asking for Pierre. Or leaving cards and presents for him.
Now, apparently, from the back I look slightly like him (same length, somewhat, same colour of hair from underneath the cap as well) so I've had people thanking me as well, until I turned around and they seemed to be looking for Pierre. Not quite sure if he is or isn't leaving in February, with all the visa stuff.
During that week off, it's been Tina, Blake and me running Le Marche operations. Pierre had tried to order everything we needed in advance, and everything went great. Had a streak of good days, in terms of sales, so everyone was working towards a goal those days. Was good to see that the operation is running reasonably alright.
Also, we've had company in the house here. First, Robin came by. One of Bart's friends, who is doing his internship in St. Louis. He had gotten a few consecutive days off and decided to book a flight and stay with us. In the 5 days he has seen Miami (as anyone is supposed to) and had a good time around here, as Bart was off for 4 of the 5 days. We played Guitar Hero with the three of us, and even had a day of vocals in the game. Singing along to Michael Jackson, 30 Seconds To Mars and Bart's favorites "Eye Of The Tiger" from Survivor, and Guns'N'Roses' "Welcome To The Jungle".
Georgi's parents have also been here for a while now. They're leaving today, which means I get my own bed back, in my own room, instead of being on an inflatable Queensize bed in Yatha's room. They've mostly been here, around the house, and Georgi took them to Key West and the Bahamas. They've seen Miami too.
Third visitor the last few days was Maarten. One of Yatha's friends from long ago. They've been friends for a while. Maarten was studying in Oklahoma for half a year, and planned this little stay before he had to go back to Holland in general. Stayed here for 5 days as well. Played soccer with us on Thursday, went to Miami, as well. Went shopping in Sawgrass, and saw a lot of clubs and bars.
Now I've also been to Sawgrass Mills last week, with Tina and Charlotte. The afternoon after we did Secret Santa in Le Marche where I miraculously got two presents instead of one. An iTunes gift card (perfect for me), and a miniature version of Guitar Hero (so amazing!). That afternoon we drove to Sunrise to visit the huge outlet mall. Shopping with two girls can go either way, and this was fairly the way I'm used to with my sister. Lot of stores, long searches, lot of deciding. I walked with them through a store, went to the Hugo Boss store next door, and was done well before they even started to stand in line to pay for something. And then Tina changed her mind after all, and went for just one of the two items she was holding. Exactly!
Anyway, it's been a lot of fun there. Seen a lot of pretty things around. Bought a few (three shirts, bracelet, sunglasses, in addition to the pants and blouse I bought at Macy's the other day already) as well. I drove us home, and got Tina's car to lend for the next morning to get to work again.
Last night, after Tina and I worked again (Christmas Day, all other American people wanted to celebrate something, somewhere) and after hanging at the bar for a while, where Yatha got us a drink and chef Craig gave us something to eat, I drove her home again, and she told me to take the car on my day off. I'm not quite sure where I'm going, if at all. Maybe I'll wait for Bart to get home later and look for some snowboard gear after all. I need to watch all the money with the expenses of the last weeks. Rent, phone, electricity and internet are also due soon.
Also, we've had Robin cooking here, with Bart. Like old times. And we owe another Asian meal prepared by Tina and Charlotte soon. Also went out with Marten, Maarten, Yatha, Bart, Tina, Charlotte and Mehdi, to my favorite P.F. Chang's for a change. Hadn't been there in a while.
I guess that sums it up nicely, the last few weeks. A lot of people around, a lot of things to do after work, and a lot of work to be done.
Got a concert tomorrow (5 bands, 10 dollars, among them There For Tomorrow and Go Audio), and I saw that Senses Fail is playing here in a few months. So here's a little video for their 7th single.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Sound of Madness
See, a new quick post again! But only because had one of the best days so far, going to West Palm Beach for the Buzz Bake Sale 2008. One day full of great music, and some fine Florida weather!
As you can see in the photo album of Buzz Bake, I took an early train to WPB (these things only go every two hours, during weekends, I remember why I loved train transport in Holland so much). This Tri-Rail had a little delay, leaving around 8:50 instead of 8:40 as it was intended to, and we didn't quite get there with just 10 minutes delay either. But hey, it was comfortable, and only 4 dollars. Try that for gasoline, anywhere. Even with these prices (well under 2 dollars for a gallon - which is about 3.8 liters).
The cab fare was a bit more off, as it costed me little over 30 bucks to get from the train station to the Cruzan Amphitheatre. Well over 9 miles as Google Maps mentioned. That's quite far from a train station still. But hey, everyone has a car here, so who needs anything close to a station, right?
The morning started out with Sponge [7,5/10], playing at 11:00. With a nice sun on the crowd, they played a few nice songs, keeping everybody happy. I was reasonably up front as my favorite band of that day would be playing afterwards.
Favorite band, they were, but the title for Band of the Day definately does not go to Anberlin [8/10]. What can I say? They played the songs I expected, they entertained the crowd a lot (judging the amount of crowdsurfers around, there was enough energy. Or maybe they just wanted to release some hormones in general) but there was something off with the guitars. There seemed to be too much noise on them, almost drowning out their own solo in one of the songs during the set. The vocals were amazing, as good as I know Stephen can deliver, and KNate did an awesome job drumming through the day, but the set-up of guitars just made all a bit less perfect than it should have been.
Went to the Pick The Band stage, where small bands played, and saw two songs from Transmit Now from afar. Didn't really caught my attention, and honestly I wasn't involved enough to rate them. Might be unfair. Back to the second stage to see my favorite pianist. The man I adore for ever leading (and writing for) Something Corporate. His new outfit Jack's Mannequin [8/10], put up a solid performance. There was nothing much exciting about it though, and the music in general never touched the greatness of the music portrayed on the Something Corporate DVD I have back at home. One of the better things about Andrew, next to his energetic piano playing and movements, was that he told people to "in case you missed the message, take your aggression elsewhere as we're not that type of band".
After that, off to the main stage, where I had a seat, rather than a place on the big grass field behind everything else. Sat down and enjoyed music from The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus [9/10]. These guys played a great show. A really proper display of their diverse qualities. Great high-pitched vocals changed with good grunts (all from the same man), and an amazing cover of Filter's "Hey Man, Nice Shot". Heard two of their main songs, Don't You Fake It and Face Down during the setlist too. Stage activity could have been better, or maybe it's been because of the half-filled seating area that it just wasn't all that impressive in the end, but they have nothing to complain about, music wise.
Up next was Saving Abel [5/10], a hard rock outfit complete missing their chance to make me a fan. Their song "Addicted" is nice to hear, but having a show consisting of songs that all sound alike, with little interaction and a guitarist that looked like he could get an orgasm on stage due to his own guitar playing... Just not that good, really.
Back to the Second Stage to catch a bit of Skindred [6,5/10]. Maybe I have a biased opinion on this one, but from where I stood, the music (except for guitars) wasn't that amazing, and the band tried to play the audience, more than they tried to play their music. Went away after 3 songs to catch some more Main Stage action.
By the time I got there, Flobots [6,5/10] had taken the stage. They played a combination of music I've loved before. Guitars, drums and rap. They even added in a violin, I've also seen that work on stage. However, nothing about the show, except for the violin play, really got to me. Hardly anything good to say about the sounds coming out of the other instruments too. I stuck around because there was not much else to see, and now I can admit I've seen them live and form an opinion, but I wasn't that impressed here.
After that, I got some company on the seats as my neighbours for the night, entered to watch a few bands before their main band Avenged Sevenfold would play. They witnessed Hawthorne Heights [7,5/10] put up a good show. I think I remember seeing them with 3 guitarists about two years ago, on Lowlands, and honestly, I thought they sucked at the time. This second chance, however, was one during which they changed my mind about them. With only two guitarists and a nice display of music (though the vocals, for some reason, just can't appeal) they earned their score. The guitarist (and screamer) missing this time, died of drug overdose a little over a year ago.
Next up was a band I know through their vocalist contributing on a song for a Spider Man movie, where he sings the theme together with Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger. Josey Scott, lead singer of the band Saliva [6,5/10] apparently gained more weight since then, and came up on stage, dressed in black and slight obesity. One of their guitarists seemed completely wasted/fucked up, as he poured a bottle of wine/champagne all over him at the start of the concert, making moves that might have worked for Ozzy Osbourne someday. The clean vocals weren't always up to standard and other than that I also didn't really like the music overall. Their ending song, Your Disease, is the song I knew before their show, and even that one failed to really impress.
Up next, one of the bands I really anticipated seeing. Atreyu [9/10]. I think they owe their score to their music more than their vocals or presence today, or maybe even the fact that I know all songs. The music was good, the vocals were as they should be (though the clean vocals from screamer Alex are not something he should focus on) and the crowd loved it too.
My band of the day was Shinedown [10/10]. With a vocalist/frontman that earned himself a spot in my Top 3 of Stage Presence Musicians (alongside Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and 30 Seconds To Mars' Jared Leto), everything looked and sounded great, and the interaction between songs were nothing short of great entertainment. The sea of lighters and cell phones that he commanded looked really, really amazing, and the song "45" they played during this event, was really good. I've been listening to their last album "The Sound of Madness" the entire day now. If anyone can catch these guys playing their city/state/country, they should definately do so. Amazing band.
As amazing as they were, as amazing the act of Avenged Sevenfold [10/10] was. The man responsible for lifting the score from [9,5/10] to [10/10] was lead guitarist Synyster Gates (Brian Haner Jr.), who single-handedly amazed me. Up until the time where he took the entire stage alone, to mess with his guitar, play an amazing solo, and then play the introduction to the next song before the rest of the band came up again, the band had been performing perfectly. The music was amazing, the vocals nothing short of extraordinary (both screams as well as clean) and the band was enjoying a marvellous lightshow aiding their conquest of fans all over the place. In addition, I think I've never seen that many people with band merchandising in one single show. Let alone on a full concert day. Avenged Sevenfold (or A7X) can't get much bigger than they are right now.
Next concert for me, seems to be December 27. There For Tomorrow, Go Radio! and three other bands. I'll report back at the time.
Here is the first single taken of Shinedown's 2008 album, The Sound of Madness.
This one is called "Devour", and they opened with this song.
As you can see in the photo album of Buzz Bake, I took an early train to WPB (these things only go every two hours, during weekends, I remember why I loved train transport in Holland so much). This Tri-Rail had a little delay, leaving around 8:50 instead of 8:40 as it was intended to, and we didn't quite get there with just 10 minutes delay either. But hey, it was comfortable, and only 4 dollars. Try that for gasoline, anywhere. Even with these prices (well under 2 dollars for a gallon - which is about 3.8 liters).
The cab fare was a bit more off, as it costed me little over 30 bucks to get from the train station to the Cruzan Amphitheatre. Well over 9 miles as Google Maps mentioned. That's quite far from a train station still. But hey, everyone has a car here, so who needs anything close to a station, right?
The morning started out with Sponge [7,5/10], playing at 11:00. With a nice sun on the crowd, they played a few nice songs, keeping everybody happy. I was reasonably up front as my favorite band of that day would be playing afterwards.
Favorite band, they were, but the title for Band of the Day definately does not go to Anberlin [8/10]. What can I say? They played the songs I expected, they entertained the crowd a lot (judging the amount of crowdsurfers around, there was enough energy. Or maybe they just wanted to release some hormones in general) but there was something off with the guitars. There seemed to be too much noise on them, almost drowning out their own solo in one of the songs during the set. The vocals were amazing, as good as I know Stephen can deliver, and KNate did an awesome job drumming through the day, but the set-up of guitars just made all a bit less perfect than it should have been.
Went to the Pick The Band stage, where small bands played, and saw two songs from Transmit Now from afar. Didn't really caught my attention, and honestly I wasn't involved enough to rate them. Might be unfair. Back to the second stage to see my favorite pianist. The man I adore for ever leading (and writing for) Something Corporate. His new outfit Jack's Mannequin [8/10], put up a solid performance. There was nothing much exciting about it though, and the music in general never touched the greatness of the music portrayed on the Something Corporate DVD I have back at home. One of the better things about Andrew, next to his energetic piano playing and movements, was that he told people to "in case you missed the message, take your aggression elsewhere as we're not that type of band".
After that, off to the main stage, where I had a seat, rather than a place on the big grass field behind everything else. Sat down and enjoyed music from The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus [9/10]. These guys played a great show. A really proper display of their diverse qualities. Great high-pitched vocals changed with good grunts (all from the same man), and an amazing cover of Filter's "Hey Man, Nice Shot". Heard two of their main songs, Don't You Fake It and Face Down during the setlist too. Stage activity could have been better, or maybe it's been because of the half-filled seating area that it just wasn't all that impressive in the end, but they have nothing to complain about, music wise.
Up next was Saving Abel [5/10], a hard rock outfit complete missing their chance to make me a fan. Their song "Addicted" is nice to hear, but having a show consisting of songs that all sound alike, with little interaction and a guitarist that looked like he could get an orgasm on stage due to his own guitar playing... Just not that good, really.
Back to the Second Stage to catch a bit of Skindred [6,5/10]. Maybe I have a biased opinion on this one, but from where I stood, the music (except for guitars) wasn't that amazing, and the band tried to play the audience, more than they tried to play their music. Went away after 3 songs to catch some more Main Stage action.
By the time I got there, Flobots [6,5/10] had taken the stage. They played a combination of music I've loved before. Guitars, drums and rap. They even added in a violin, I've also seen that work on stage. However, nothing about the show, except for the violin play, really got to me. Hardly anything good to say about the sounds coming out of the other instruments too. I stuck around because there was not much else to see, and now I can admit I've seen them live and form an opinion, but I wasn't that impressed here.
After that, I got some company on the seats as my neighbours for the night, entered to watch a few bands before their main band Avenged Sevenfold would play. They witnessed Hawthorne Heights [7,5/10] put up a good show. I think I remember seeing them with 3 guitarists about two years ago, on Lowlands, and honestly, I thought they sucked at the time. This second chance, however, was one during which they changed my mind about them. With only two guitarists and a nice display of music (though the vocals, for some reason, just can't appeal) they earned their score. The guitarist (and screamer) missing this time, died of drug overdose a little over a year ago.
Next up was a band I know through their vocalist contributing on a song for a Spider Man movie, where he sings the theme together with Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger. Josey Scott, lead singer of the band Saliva [6,5/10] apparently gained more weight since then, and came up on stage, dressed in black and slight obesity. One of their guitarists seemed completely wasted/fucked up, as he poured a bottle of wine/champagne all over him at the start of the concert, making moves that might have worked for Ozzy Osbourne someday. The clean vocals weren't always up to standard and other than that I also didn't really like the music overall. Their ending song, Your Disease, is the song I knew before their show, and even that one failed to really impress.
Up next, one of the bands I really anticipated seeing. Atreyu [9/10]. I think they owe their score to their music more than their vocals or presence today, or maybe even the fact that I know all songs. The music was good, the vocals were as they should be (though the clean vocals from screamer Alex are not something he should focus on) and the crowd loved it too.
My band of the day was Shinedown [10/10]. With a vocalist/frontman that earned himself a spot in my Top 3 of Stage Presence Musicians (alongside Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and 30 Seconds To Mars' Jared Leto), everything looked and sounded great, and the interaction between songs were nothing short of great entertainment. The sea of lighters and cell phones that he commanded looked really, really amazing, and the song "45" they played during this event, was really good. I've been listening to their last album "The Sound of Madness" the entire day now. If anyone can catch these guys playing their city/state/country, they should definately do so. Amazing band.
As amazing as they were, as amazing the act of Avenged Sevenfold [10/10] was. The man responsible for lifting the score from [9,5/10] to [10/10] was lead guitarist Synyster Gates (Brian Haner Jr.), who single-handedly amazed me. Up until the time where he took the entire stage alone, to mess with his guitar, play an amazing solo, and then play the introduction to the next song before the rest of the band came up again, the band had been performing perfectly. The music was amazing, the vocals nothing short of extraordinary (both screams as well as clean) and the band was enjoying a marvellous lightshow aiding their conquest of fans all over the place. In addition, I think I've never seen that many people with band merchandising in one single show. Let alone on a full concert day. Avenged Sevenfold (or A7X) can't get much bigger than they are right now.
Next concert for me, seems to be December 27. There For Tomorrow, Go Radio! and three other bands. I'll report back at the time.
Here is the first single taken of Shinedown's 2008 album, The Sound of Madness.
This one is called "Devour", and they opened with this song.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Brand New Day
Okay, I think I seriously need to adjust the goals for my every-3-days-posting-schedule. There are a few things about it. First of all, I mainly just work a lot, and in between working days I'm usually watching movies with the guys at home, sleeping, or being around town, doing groceries, shopping for other things, or just doing nothing behind my computer. Every now and then, there's a nice little change in that pattern. Every now and then, something worth mentioning happens, and when that does, I'll describe it nicely.
Last week, I had been working for on all days except for wednesday and saturday. I was supposed to be off on sunday, but Pierre wanted to switch, and as I had nothing else standing in the way, I accepted. Even though that meant I was about to start working morning shifts. That wasn't actually the worst thing, since last monday and tuesday (yesterday) I was scheduled for morning shifts as well. And doing a closing shift (getting home after midnight) followed by a morning shift (waking up at 6) isn't really the best thing ever. I never really have trouble waking up, there's a certain discipline to that. But after I drove my bike to work and changed, there is a little something in my body that does start to notice the lack of sleep. I mean, I am used to my evening shifts, meaning I get to sleep at 2AM or so, and I'll be waking up between 9 and 10 in the morning, usually. Try to get from that rhythm and start going to bed at 11PM, while trying to get up at 6. I didn't take it too well (but I'm still here). Usually things get better after 9AM though, when I've been around for a bit, had my chance to drink some tea and have had some proper time to use my brain during talks with colleagues and customers, as well as doing some chores. For today, I'm back to my evening shifts, and I talked to Pierre about it. They want him to work more morning shifts (as most of the managers are there during that time, so they can discuss things and help eachother out etc.) and he didn't see a big problem in letting me keep my evening shifts overall. But since mornings and evenings are so different he wants to make sure I don't lose touch with what's going on during the early hours. Can't blame him for that. Today I'll even start at 4PM by the way.
Which brings me to the following. I can now spend my time on my newly acquired PS3. Last Friday was Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving (during which I worked, I only ate a small piece of turkey and didn't notice anything else of the day, in case anyone wondered). During this Friday, a lot of things have special discounts (sometimes related to the time of day; more discounts during morning hours etc). I've had people in stores, helping me, who had been working since 3AM. That's how it is, apparently.
I got myself that PS3 with Guitar Hero 3 and Guitar Hero World Tour. With the drum kit and microphone. Total of 2 guitars, a drumkit and a microphone. Four people living in this house. You do the math!
Bart and I have been playing songs together for quite a bit now. It's a lot of fun. Yatha still needs some practice, and Georgi hasn't attempted anything yet.
Next to the games (I also bought Need For Speed ProStreet for 18 bucks last week), I love the network feature. I installed the PS3 on the network, and I can now watch the series that I have on my laptop, over the network, through the PS3, on the big TV in the living room. Wonderful stuff!
In other news, they also granted my request for days off, which means I will be going snowboarding in Colorado from January 15 to 20. Also, I purchased my tickets for this saturday's mini-festival in West Palm Beach. I'll be seeing Anberlin, Jack's Mannequin, Atreyu, Avenged Sevenfold, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Shinedown and 7 other bands that day. I'll be on a chair for the entire day, in an amphitheatre setting. No idea how that's going to be, but we'll find out! I'll bring two memory cards for my camera so I'll be sure to catch some songs on video.
It might be ten days again, who knows. Keep checking back, as I definately won't give up on this completely.
Here's The Drama Club with Brand New Day (just a still, no video, but it's for the music).
Last week, I had been working for on all days except for wednesday and saturday. I was supposed to be off on sunday, but Pierre wanted to switch, and as I had nothing else standing in the way, I accepted. Even though that meant I was about to start working morning shifts. That wasn't actually the worst thing, since last monday and tuesday (yesterday) I was scheduled for morning shifts as well. And doing a closing shift (getting home after midnight) followed by a morning shift (waking up at 6) isn't really the best thing ever. I never really have trouble waking up, there's a certain discipline to that. But after I drove my bike to work and changed, there is a little something in my body that does start to notice the lack of sleep. I mean, I am used to my evening shifts, meaning I get to sleep at 2AM or so, and I'll be waking up between 9 and 10 in the morning, usually. Try to get from that rhythm and start going to bed at 11PM, while trying to get up at 6. I didn't take it too well (but I'm still here). Usually things get better after 9AM though, when I've been around for a bit, had my chance to drink some tea and have had some proper time to use my brain during talks with colleagues and customers, as well as doing some chores. For today, I'm back to my evening shifts, and I talked to Pierre about it. They want him to work more morning shifts (as most of the managers are there during that time, so they can discuss things and help eachother out etc.) and he didn't see a big problem in letting me keep my evening shifts overall. But since mornings and evenings are so different he wants to make sure I don't lose touch with what's going on during the early hours. Can't blame him for that. Today I'll even start at 4PM by the way.
Which brings me to the following. I can now spend my time on my newly acquired PS3. Last Friday was Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving (during which I worked, I only ate a small piece of turkey and didn't notice anything else of the day, in case anyone wondered). During this Friday, a lot of things have special discounts (sometimes related to the time of day; more discounts during morning hours etc). I've had people in stores, helping me, who had been working since 3AM. That's how it is, apparently.
I got myself that PS3 with Guitar Hero 3 and Guitar Hero World Tour. With the drum kit and microphone. Total of 2 guitars, a drumkit and a microphone. Four people living in this house. You do the math!
Bart and I have been playing songs together for quite a bit now. It's a lot of fun. Yatha still needs some practice, and Georgi hasn't attempted anything yet.
Next to the games (I also bought Need For Speed ProStreet for 18 bucks last week), I love the network feature. I installed the PS3 on the network, and I can now watch the series that I have on my laptop, over the network, through the PS3, on the big TV in the living room. Wonderful stuff!
In other news, they also granted my request for days off, which means I will be going snowboarding in Colorado from January 15 to 20. Also, I purchased my tickets for this saturday's mini-festival in West Palm Beach. I'll be seeing Anberlin, Jack's Mannequin, Atreyu, Avenged Sevenfold, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Shinedown and 7 other bands that day. I'll be on a chair for the entire day, in an amphitheatre setting. No idea how that's going to be, but we'll find out! I'll bring two memory cards for my camera so I'll be sure to catch some songs on video.
It might be ten days again, who knows. Keep checking back, as I definately won't give up on this completely.
Here's The Drama Club with Brand New Day (just a still, no video, but it's for the music).
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Can't Be Missed If You Never Go Away
I just haven't had the time post a blog. Or, I had, but just never prioritised it for some reason! The last one I wrote was the blog after seeing Hollywood Undead, on a wednesday off, when Marten took Yatha to go to West Palm Beach or Miami.
The day after I was MOD. It's been a really nice day for me. I was in the lobby, welcoming people, having new arrivals behind me while I got people at the Front Office to look up their information before the guest even reached the desk. Helping out with the Valet guys, driving cars to the parking spots or picking up cars for leaving guests. Helping arriving guests to bring their luggage to their room. Checking up on people in and around the lobby, and ending with a dinner in the Ilios restaurant. My steak came a bit late so I had some small items in between. I ate diver scallops and actually liked it good enough. Started out with a great "Sour Green Apple Salad", then got the scallops with chickpeas and some beef with mashed potatoes, before I got my wonderful steak. Ended it with a chocolate hazelnut tart, but I didn't have the room to finish that completely anymore, after also drinking a liter of water and two glasses of lemonade.
Wrote my MOD report and went home nicely on time, around 10:30. Such a change! No overtime those days at all. Apparently I was the last one to do the MOD shift as a non-executive manager. They change the setup now, and Bart and Yatha won't be MOD (at least for a few months).
That Friday and Saturday I had to work from 2PM to close. It's been a while and I can't remember if I actually did anything special those days. I must say I really love closing down though. Sunday was my day off, because I had to work on my regular thursday off.
Monday I started at 3PM because I had been making too much overtime and they need to think of costs too. Blake is off every sunday and monday, so I didn't get to close with him, but with Kara instead. It's a different way of working, but for some reason people are really active in cleaning up after themselves at the end of the shift instead, probably because they can't leave otherwise. Tuesday I worked with Blake again. He closes with me most of the time. He's doing culinary school and goes to school most mornings, to then do an evening shift with me alongside of it. He used to be the one always closing down before Tina and I came in as supervisors. Now we're closing together, usually 4 days a week. And we've got the division of tasks down nicely, and I think we form a good team. Sometimes there is a little tension, because of the way I request things from him. I sometimes just tell him what to do instead of asking nicely, but I'll work on that. Most of the time we just joke around and talk about women and share anecdotes about whatever else.
Wednesday was my day off. Yatha was also at home, and Bart came home early as he always does morning shifts. We went to the barber shop where we met up with Marten, who had already taken a seat. Marten had taken his laundry with him to wash at our place, and we hung around for a bit. Decided to not go out for dinner as planned, but just eat at home, simple. We made the plan to go and see the new James Bond, Quantum of Solace, but Marten had already seen it the day before and took it easy at home instead. When Bart, Yatha and I got there at the cashier, I mentioned not having any cash on me, asking if they could pay for me and I'd repay them (and I asked in English, for some reason). The lady behind the counter then told us to walk on and just watch the movie, if we wouldn't tell her manager. While walking up the stairs we thought that there was a catch and we'd be busted upon entering the theatre hall or so, but nothing like that. We watched the movie for free there, and got back by bicycle again. The movie was the worst 007 I've ever seen. The first few scenes were brilliantly shot, on locations that were simply amazing. After that, the story got somewhat lost, there was no real action anymore, except for overdone explosions near the end. I never heard the sentence "The name is Bond, James Bond" or anything about his shaken martini. I only saw the Aston Martin in the first scene, and the Bond girl wasn't all that spectacular either. The villain was annoying at best. After all we were glad we didn't pay the 8,75 a person to see it.
Thursday was my day off, at first, but I ended up switching shifts with Pierre, doing another morning shift for the first time in weeks (and I have none planned for next week either), getting this sunday off. However, wednesday night Tina had called me to switch shifts, as she'd like her morning shifts so she could spend time with her boyfriend, who is here for three weeks. He's on internship in South Africa (or he works there for a while now) but spends his time here now. I accepted gladly, being able to do another closing shift with Blake. Got some more understanding and did a little paperwork on the side of it, increasing the communication ease. Especially with her boyfriend here and other people wanting to leave early at times, this should help us out for a bit. Pierre made another sheet for communication that completes it all.
Friday was another evening shift with Blake. Nothing really special happened there.
Unlike yesterday. Blake had switched with Garvin, as Garvin missed another day, and Blake could use some time off. Steven was there too, until 8:30, and Ram was in the kitchen (he recently replaced Maria, who went to work for roomservice, and oh, his name isn't Ram, but something really long starting with Ram. He's from India). Steven left when it was still really busy that night. We got swamped with people that night. For the first time in a long while, the first time I can remember, we had better hours at night than in the morning. When Steven left I called upstairs and got Nikolay on the phone, asking him to bring me a steward to clean our plates, and take the cardboard and garbage. Niko brought him down personally, seeing our busy state, and helped us out by handing out gelato (ice cream) samples to guests and handing out plates and cups when we needed it. Ram did an amazing job, making 25 pizzas that night, with 5 at the same time in the oven at one point.
Garvin stayed with me until almost 12 even though his sister was waiting for him outside. Been really busy, and we spent a lot of time cleaning and restocking, as we needed everything in perfect shape for the morning shift, as there were a lot of check-outs coming, and they mostly all want coffees and pastries in the morning. The steward also stayed with us until well after 11, cleaning almost everything for us, as he's supposed to. As of late we had some problems with the stewards and their planning and work, but this saturday everything worked out.
Spent another 3o minutes sending out e-mails and reports to the people interested, and headed home at 12:15. The restaurant had been very quiet, and for the first time in weeks, Yatha was home well before I was.
Today, Georgi and I went to do some small shopping before he had to go to work. We bought a small little table, big enough for four plates for dinner, or two laptops like Yatha and I have now. We're working on our project proposal (if Ale reads this; it's almost done, I'm just waiting for some more information from work, and Pierre's approval). I also bought some binders for my personal paperwork. Receipts, statements and other paper, all organized soon. Tonight, my personal menu consists of oven-baked fries and chicken, with some ice cream and red grapes for dessert.
Most days at work I eat Le Marche-made pizzas. The fresh cheese pizzas with pepperoni are just so amazing.
For a song I picked something that is nothing new in terms of a discovery, or something that fits the week or so, but something I just love and listened to for a few days before I moved to Florida.
Dead Poetic - Narcotic
Oh, and yes! There are new pictures in my album. A map with iPhone photos, a map with photos of myself, and two maps with Culture Room pictures.
The day after I was MOD. It's been a really nice day for me. I was in the lobby, welcoming people, having new arrivals behind me while I got people at the Front Office to look up their information before the guest even reached the desk. Helping out with the Valet guys, driving cars to the parking spots or picking up cars for leaving guests. Helping arriving guests to bring their luggage to their room. Checking up on people in and around the lobby, and ending with a dinner in the Ilios restaurant. My steak came a bit late so I had some small items in between. I ate diver scallops and actually liked it good enough. Started out with a great "Sour Green Apple Salad", then got the scallops with chickpeas and some beef with mashed potatoes, before I got my wonderful steak. Ended it with a chocolate hazelnut tart, but I didn't have the room to finish that completely anymore, after also drinking a liter of water and two glasses of lemonade.
Wrote my MOD report and went home nicely on time, around 10:30. Such a change! No overtime those days at all. Apparently I was the last one to do the MOD shift as a non-executive manager. They change the setup now, and Bart and Yatha won't be MOD (at least for a few months).
That Friday and Saturday I had to work from 2PM to close. It's been a while and I can't remember if I actually did anything special those days. I must say I really love closing down though. Sunday was my day off, because I had to work on my regular thursday off.
Monday I started at 3PM because I had been making too much overtime and they need to think of costs too. Blake is off every sunday and monday, so I didn't get to close with him, but with Kara instead. It's a different way of working, but for some reason people are really active in cleaning up after themselves at the end of the shift instead, probably because they can't leave otherwise. Tuesday I worked with Blake again. He closes with me most of the time. He's doing culinary school and goes to school most mornings, to then do an evening shift with me alongside of it. He used to be the one always closing down before Tina and I came in as supervisors. Now we're closing together, usually 4 days a week. And we've got the division of tasks down nicely, and I think we form a good team. Sometimes there is a little tension, because of the way I request things from him. I sometimes just tell him what to do instead of asking nicely, but I'll work on that. Most of the time we just joke around and talk about women and share anecdotes about whatever else.
Wednesday was my day off. Yatha was also at home, and Bart came home early as he always does morning shifts. We went to the barber shop where we met up with Marten, who had already taken a seat. Marten had taken his laundry with him to wash at our place, and we hung around for a bit. Decided to not go out for dinner as planned, but just eat at home, simple. We made the plan to go and see the new James Bond, Quantum of Solace, but Marten had already seen it the day before and took it easy at home instead. When Bart, Yatha and I got there at the cashier, I mentioned not having any cash on me, asking if they could pay for me and I'd repay them (and I asked in English, for some reason). The lady behind the counter then told us to walk on and just watch the movie, if we wouldn't tell her manager. While walking up the stairs we thought that there was a catch and we'd be busted upon entering the theatre hall or so, but nothing like that. We watched the movie for free there, and got back by bicycle again. The movie was the worst 007 I've ever seen. The first few scenes were brilliantly shot, on locations that were simply amazing. After that, the story got somewhat lost, there was no real action anymore, except for overdone explosions near the end. I never heard the sentence "The name is Bond, James Bond" or anything about his shaken martini. I only saw the Aston Martin in the first scene, and the Bond girl wasn't all that spectacular either. The villain was annoying at best. After all we were glad we didn't pay the 8,75 a person to see it.
Thursday was my day off, at first, but I ended up switching shifts with Pierre, doing another morning shift for the first time in weeks (and I have none planned for next week either), getting this sunday off. However, wednesday night Tina had called me to switch shifts, as she'd like her morning shifts so she could spend time with her boyfriend, who is here for three weeks. He's on internship in South Africa (or he works there for a while now) but spends his time here now. I accepted gladly, being able to do another closing shift with Blake. Got some more understanding and did a little paperwork on the side of it, increasing the communication ease. Especially with her boyfriend here and other people wanting to leave early at times, this should help us out for a bit. Pierre made another sheet for communication that completes it all.
Friday was another evening shift with Blake. Nothing really special happened there.
Unlike yesterday. Blake had switched with Garvin, as Garvin missed another day, and Blake could use some time off. Steven was there too, until 8:30, and Ram was in the kitchen (he recently replaced Maria, who went to work for roomservice, and oh, his name isn't Ram, but something really long starting with Ram. He's from India). Steven left when it was still really busy that night. We got swamped with people that night. For the first time in a long while, the first time I can remember, we had better hours at night than in the morning. When Steven left I called upstairs and got Nikolay on the phone, asking him to bring me a steward to clean our plates, and take the cardboard and garbage. Niko brought him down personally, seeing our busy state, and helped us out by handing out gelato (ice cream) samples to guests and handing out plates and cups when we needed it. Ram did an amazing job, making 25 pizzas that night, with 5 at the same time in the oven at one point.
Garvin stayed with me until almost 12 even though his sister was waiting for him outside. Been really busy, and we spent a lot of time cleaning and restocking, as we needed everything in perfect shape for the morning shift, as there were a lot of check-outs coming, and they mostly all want coffees and pastries in the morning. The steward also stayed with us until well after 11, cleaning almost everything for us, as he's supposed to. As of late we had some problems with the stewards and their planning and work, but this saturday everything worked out.
Spent another 3o minutes sending out e-mails and reports to the people interested, and headed home at 12:15. The restaurant had been very quiet, and for the first time in weeks, Yatha was home well before I was.
Today, Georgi and I went to do some small shopping before he had to go to work. We bought a small little table, big enough for four plates for dinner, or two laptops like Yatha and I have now. We're working on our project proposal (if Ale reads this; it's almost done, I'm just waiting for some more information from work, and Pierre's approval). I also bought some binders for my personal paperwork. Receipts, statements and other paper, all organized soon. Tonight, my personal menu consists of oven-baked fries and chicken, with some ice cream and red grapes for dessert.
Most days at work I eat Le Marche-made pizzas. The fresh cheese pizzas with pepperoni are just so amazing.
For a song I picked something that is nothing new in terms of a discovery, or something that fits the week or so, but something I just love and listened to for a few days before I moved to Florida.
Dead Poetic - Narcotic
Oh, and yes! There are new pictures in my album. A map with iPhone photos, a map with photos of myself, and two maps with Culture Room pictures.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Replacements
So yeah, I was supposed to see Puddle of Mudd and RED on Friday, among others. Not so much though, as not too long after I posted the other blog, I got an e-mail from Livenation, the organiser, that the show was cancelled. Looked on Livenation.com, Puddle of Mudd's website, but found no reason for the cancellation. Still had my morning shift at work (I have concluded that I like evening shifts better, by a long shot) and then then afternoon off. Georgi was also at home, and I ran into Marten in the hallway at work earlier, accepting his offer to go bowling that night. Concert being replaced by two games of bowling with a few acquaintances. Money wise it saved me a lot, that evening, but I'd have loved to see those bands. Who knows if that will happen again?
Saturday I worked my beloved evening shift again, and it had been a busy day already. That night things stayed steady, and shortly after 10 (on weekends we want to stay open to 11 instead) Pierre came in and told me we were close to a milestone revenue mark. Only 65 dollars to go. I told him I'd stay open until we hit that point just for the sake of getting there. A few minutes before 11 we were still 6 dollars short, and Blake and I had already agreed on buying a pizza for us to share if noone else showed up. Fortunately (or unfortunately, as the pizzas are really good) someone came to save us by buying a glass of white wine. Closed the restaurant shortly after that, still having a bit of cleaning and a lot of counting to do. There was a woman on the chairs outside, sitting there all the time, looking depressed, with her wine, and she wouldn't say or do a thing. When we were almost done she came in, asking for a refill of her glass of wine. She really seemed to want (or need) it so I gave her one still. Even though the cashier was closed etc. I guess I felt sorry for her. Saw her again on sunday, somewhat in the same state. I should've told her alcohol is not the solution, but I don't like arguments on my work that much.
Sunday was another busy day at work, where we got reasonably close to Saturday's milestone, making it a really nice weekend for everyone to enjoy, looking at the figures. There's still a few things to do concerning the organisation in the restaurant, task-definition-wise. As I got home around 1AM that sunday, I had to go straight to bed as I had to start at 7 on monday, all for the sake of being able to go see Hollywood Undead. You guessed it, going to bed straight from work is hard with a lot of things on your mind, but I fell asleep fast enough anyway. Had a tiring day at work (and indeed I don't like morning shifts that much, because of the nature of the work, all the small coffees and snacks all the time. Just simple production. No time for talks and walking around, checking, doing other assignments). When I got home I tried to do some work on the laptop, but I went to sleep for 1,5 hours instead. Really needed that to get through the night.
Went to Culture Room as Georgi brought me by car. Went in at 7:20 when the doors opened at 7, and was expecting some band to start playing soon enough anyway. Didn't happen. Instead I became the witness of a real bitchfight. Something along the lines of "you stole my best friend's boyfriend" kind of argument with a few punches and scratches here and there. Only to find her hang around the neck of two other guys within the next 5 minutes. Some people don't really get it.
The only support of the night was TV Kills Kids [6,5/10], a local South Florida band, making hiphop, I guess. Electronic samples, guitar and bass guitar, two rappers, one screamer and one singer. That's about what the set-up was. The vocals (except for the guy who sang on only 2 out of 7 songs) were bad. Real bad. But for some reason the guys really managed to make a party out of things, even though the crowd didn't always act like that. I had fun watching it anyway, and some of the electronic music and beats were actually good material.
Headliner of the night was Hollywood Undead [8/10], six guys (and the drummer) making hiphop, with guitars and other electronic samples in those songs. The weirdest thing about it, is that it's 6 tattood white guys. And not just gangster tattoos, but the colourful metal tattoos (on their singer) that I know from people like Oli Sykes (see; http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f188/eskimos15/OMG_Oli_Sykes_faints--large-msg-116.jpg). The music was great, however, the stage presence was cool, the audience loved it, and there was nothing wrong with the music or their choice of songs. It's just that they played too few songs for my liking, as it took around an hour only, if they even got to that mark. Loved seeing them though, and it was well worth the money again, even skipping diner with my placement mentor and a bunch of the Dutch interns.
Took a cab home and went to bed after doing some computer stuff and some Fruity Loops.
Tuesday I had to work at 2 again. My lovely evening shift, closing down the restaurant. We had three people to close, so I had some time to work with Pierre, discuss some things for the upcoming busy weeks, and learn a few things about purchasing. I saw the cost of simple products like lids to close our coffee cups, and I realised how much improvement there still is. Will be my dissertation about cost control in usage, storage and purchasing. Closed at 10, got home at 11. Waited for Yatha to get home to rent a car at the airport, but then Marten cancelled our trip to Busch Gardens because he wasn't energetic enough for a day like that. Took a cab home, didn't rent a car as I didn't want to split the costs in three only (and we had a little credit card issue for Yatha).
This morning Marten wanted to go somewhere else instead, rented a car on his own and then came by. The options provided weren't that attractive to me because it was already 1PM, and few of the attractions would close at 4 already, or 6PM. Not my thing to waste money on that, and have the rest of the day gone.
Currently working on something for school, while writing this blog.
Tomorrow I'll be Manager On Duty (MOD) meaning I get to check the entire hotel, eat in the restaurant and welcome people that check in, all in my own suit (no ties, as it's too warm here). Sunday is my next day off, with a blog again.
Hollywood Undead can wait (I didn't upload my videos yet but don't know if I will), so here is She Wants Revenge - Replacements (live);
Saturday I worked my beloved evening shift again, and it had been a busy day already. That night things stayed steady, and shortly after 10 (on weekends we want to stay open to 11 instead) Pierre came in and told me we were close to a milestone revenue mark. Only 65 dollars to go. I told him I'd stay open until we hit that point just for the sake of getting there. A few minutes before 11 we were still 6 dollars short, and Blake and I had already agreed on buying a pizza for us to share if noone else showed up. Fortunately (or unfortunately, as the pizzas are really good) someone came to save us by buying a glass of white wine. Closed the restaurant shortly after that, still having a bit of cleaning and a lot of counting to do. There was a woman on the chairs outside, sitting there all the time, looking depressed, with her wine, and she wouldn't say or do a thing. When we were almost done she came in, asking for a refill of her glass of wine. She really seemed to want (or need) it so I gave her one still. Even though the cashier was closed etc. I guess I felt sorry for her. Saw her again on sunday, somewhat in the same state. I should've told her alcohol is not the solution, but I don't like arguments on my work that much.
Sunday was another busy day at work, where we got reasonably close to Saturday's milestone, making it a really nice weekend for everyone to enjoy, looking at the figures. There's still a few things to do concerning the organisation in the restaurant, task-definition-wise. As I got home around 1AM that sunday, I had to go straight to bed as I had to start at 7 on monday, all for the sake of being able to go see Hollywood Undead. You guessed it, going to bed straight from work is hard with a lot of things on your mind, but I fell asleep fast enough anyway. Had a tiring day at work (and indeed I don't like morning shifts that much, because of the nature of the work, all the small coffees and snacks all the time. Just simple production. No time for talks and walking around, checking, doing other assignments). When I got home I tried to do some work on the laptop, but I went to sleep for 1,5 hours instead. Really needed that to get through the night.
Went to Culture Room as Georgi brought me by car. Went in at 7:20 when the doors opened at 7, and was expecting some band to start playing soon enough anyway. Didn't happen. Instead I became the witness of a real bitchfight. Something along the lines of "you stole my best friend's boyfriend" kind of argument with a few punches and scratches here and there. Only to find her hang around the neck of two other guys within the next 5 minutes. Some people don't really get it.
The only support of the night was TV Kills Kids [6,5/10], a local South Florida band, making hiphop, I guess. Electronic samples, guitar and bass guitar, two rappers, one screamer and one singer. That's about what the set-up was. The vocals (except for the guy who sang on only 2 out of 7 songs) were bad. Real bad. But for some reason the guys really managed to make a party out of things, even though the crowd didn't always act like that. I had fun watching it anyway, and some of the electronic music and beats were actually good material.
Headliner of the night was Hollywood Undead [8/10], six guys (and the drummer) making hiphop, with guitars and other electronic samples in those songs. The weirdest thing about it, is that it's 6 tattood white guys. And not just gangster tattoos, but the colourful metal tattoos (on their singer) that I know from people like Oli Sykes (see; http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f188/eskimos15/OMG_Oli_Sykes_faints--large-msg-116.jpg). The music was great, however, the stage presence was cool, the audience loved it, and there was nothing wrong with the music or their choice of songs. It's just that they played too few songs for my liking, as it took around an hour only, if they even got to that mark. Loved seeing them though, and it was well worth the money again, even skipping diner with my placement mentor and a bunch of the Dutch interns.
Took a cab home and went to bed after doing some computer stuff and some Fruity Loops.
Tuesday I had to work at 2 again. My lovely evening shift, closing down the restaurant. We had three people to close, so I had some time to work with Pierre, discuss some things for the upcoming busy weeks, and learn a few things about purchasing. I saw the cost of simple products like lids to close our coffee cups, and I realised how much improvement there still is. Will be my dissertation about cost control in usage, storage and purchasing. Closed at 10, got home at 11. Waited for Yatha to get home to rent a car at the airport, but then Marten cancelled our trip to Busch Gardens because he wasn't energetic enough for a day like that. Took a cab home, didn't rent a car as I didn't want to split the costs in three only (and we had a little credit card issue for Yatha).
This morning Marten wanted to go somewhere else instead, rented a car on his own and then came by. The options provided weren't that attractive to me because it was already 1PM, and few of the attractions would close at 4 already, or 6PM. Not my thing to waste money on that, and have the rest of the day gone.
Currently working on something for school, while writing this blog.
Tomorrow I'll be Manager On Duty (MOD) meaning I get to check the entire hotel, eat in the restaurant and welcome people that check in, all in my own suit (no ties, as it's too warm here). Sunday is my next day off, with a blog again.
Hollywood Undead can wait (I didn't upload my videos yet but don't know if I will), so here is She Wants Revenge - Replacements (live);
Friday, November 7, 2008
Duplicity
Lovely how I still managed to fit that word in. I just have to share the following song with you all. I received their physical CD in the mail today, and I love them. Such a wonderful, unique sound. I had to get this album and support these new guys. There are Enter Shikari, Blood Stain Child and Disarmonia Mundi influences in this all. So yes, it's hard and it has a lot of electronics in there.
Only 7,000 plays on Youtube. But they should become HUGE. I don't know what else. I'll be listening to them for a while to come.
Anyway, duplicity as their song is called. Duplicity in my days off. For some reason, the past four weeks have been weeks in which my days off have always coincided with meetings, trainings or other lovely events that require me to be at the hotel. Today I was Journey Ambassador, which basically means I stand in the lobby, greeting people and asking how their stay was, and helping out anyone with a problem, like people with an airconditioning issue in a meeting room. Was a lot of fun, for just over two hours, and then I took one of the beach towels, and headed to our lovely Atlantic Ocean. Took off everything I didn't want to get wet, and headed into the water. Only three strokes away I heard a whistle and got directed to the shores again. Didn't notice a thing about no other people being in the water when I did. Got a small story about a "big fish situation" and it would take a few more minutes before the water would be clear. Never seen anything that looked like a shark, but I guess they'd rather be safe than sorry. Enjoyed some sun for a while then, and headed into the water for 25 minutes after that. Really clear water today, and I forgot to bring my goggles. Next time!
Headed home and found my Duplicity CD in the mail. Then took some time off, watching more TV series (you got that right) and went off to play soccer in Hollywood again, like almost every single week. Pedro picked us up at home, like most other weeks again as well, and we had a nice and intensive match. Lost big time (I hate playing against either Pedro or Volkan, those guys keep almost everything out of the net, damn goalkeepers), 23-12 or something. Was fun though! And good for team spirit with people in the hotel, and your physique.
Talked to both my mum and dad on Skype again, and got my webcam to work again! If anyone else, reading this, misses me, feel free to set up something of an appointment or so. I'll have time every now and then.
Yesterday was another day off, and I made some nice music in Fruity Loops again. Something nice and trancy (maybe I should be in a "trancemetal" band too) that I hope to finish soon enough, so I can share it again.
Tomorrow I have a morning shift, 7 to 3, as I had planned a Puddle Of Mudd/RED concert as you know. The concert got cancelled yesterday, however. Monday, Hollywood Undead then.
Wednesday, one-day cruise to the Bahamas, very likely to happen :)
That's it for now! See you later!
Only 7,000 plays on Youtube. But they should become HUGE. I don't know what else. I'll be listening to them for a while to come.
Anyway, duplicity as their song is called. Duplicity in my days off. For some reason, the past four weeks have been weeks in which my days off have always coincided with meetings, trainings or other lovely events that require me to be at the hotel. Today I was Journey Ambassador, which basically means I stand in the lobby, greeting people and asking how their stay was, and helping out anyone with a problem, like people with an airconditioning issue in a meeting room. Was a lot of fun, for just over two hours, and then I took one of the beach towels, and headed to our lovely Atlantic Ocean. Took off everything I didn't want to get wet, and headed into the water. Only three strokes away I heard a whistle and got directed to the shores again. Didn't notice a thing about no other people being in the water when I did. Got a small story about a "big fish situation" and it would take a few more minutes before the water would be clear. Never seen anything that looked like a shark, but I guess they'd rather be safe than sorry. Enjoyed some sun for a while then, and headed into the water for 25 minutes after that. Really clear water today, and I forgot to bring my goggles. Next time!
Headed home and found my Duplicity CD in the mail. Then took some time off, watching more TV series (you got that right) and went off to play soccer in Hollywood again, like almost every single week. Pedro picked us up at home, like most other weeks again as well, and we had a nice and intensive match. Lost big time (I hate playing against either Pedro or Volkan, those guys keep almost everything out of the net, damn goalkeepers), 23-12 or something. Was fun though! And good for team spirit with people in the hotel, and your physique.
Talked to both my mum and dad on Skype again, and got my webcam to work again! If anyone else, reading this, misses me, feel free to set up something of an appointment or so. I'll have time every now and then.
Yesterday was another day off, and I made some nice music in Fruity Loops again. Something nice and trancy (maybe I should be in a "trancemetal" band too) that I hope to finish soon enough, so I can share it again.
Tomorrow I have a morning shift, 7 to 3, as I had planned a Puddle Of Mudd/RED concert as you know. The concert got cancelled yesterday, however. Monday, Hollywood Undead then.
Wednesday, one-day cruise to the Bahamas, very likely to happen :)
That's it for now! See you later!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Sleeperstar
And yes, in a way that would be me, having to work a lot of evening shifs, meaning I get to wake up somewhere around 9:30 these days. Doesn't sound too bad, does it? It's also the name of a band whose album I've just purchased through iTunes. My thoughts just wandered off to them lately as I had heard their songs through purevolume.com a long while ago. Their music is so amazing, and I just couldn't seem to get hold of a digital copy so I went ahead to the iTunes store and buy the 7 song album/EP called "To Speak, To Love, To Listen". I'll share their video for Disengage later in this blog. After I've covered the last few days of work in here.
I ended last time with my thursday off. Called my mum and dad over Skype, and watched some TV series and just stayed indoors to rest up. It was my only real day off and with a strak of working days coming up I wanted to take it easy. Took some time to pay my bills and that was it. Somehow I keep saving money from every paycheck nicely, so I guess that's a good thing. Feels good anyway. That thursday I also went to Galleria with Yatha, as we had to pay the check for the monthly rent. Stumbled upon Marinka and had a little drunk and something to eat at Starbucks.
Friday I worked from 12 to 8:30 and I was supposed to go to a birthday/Halloween party, but I had been feeling bad throughout the day. Head and stomach not working with me, so I decided to stay home and go to bed reasonably early. Watched another episode that night and went to sleep before anyone else got home.
On Saturday I had to start at 10, and got off at 6:30, got home and found Bart home again. Went to the Publix for some shopping and I made myself some chicken sandwiches for dinner while we went to watch a movie called Kush. Movie didn't have enough in it for us to want to finish it. So we turned it off after 45 minutes or so. As you might expect, I watched TV episodes instead as I am still behind on quite a few things. Starting to get even with a lot of things now though.
Sunday morning was a lazy one, I worked a bit on a project I have concerning the storage we have up on the fourth floor, and as Pierre said it, that storage is going to be "my baby". Controlling it, purchasing the items we need there, and organise and file everything. It's going well so far.
Yesterday I made a floorplan for the storage, pointing out where all the items are if someone goes up there and they're not too familiar with it. Will also put up some signs on the wall, with the categories on there. Yesterday was a day from 2 to 10 for me. We're opened from 7 to 10 these days instead of 6 to 11. Was really weird to close that early, in a way. And not everyone knowing about it, it also gave some awkward moments after 10. It was really slow yesterday though, and I got to send two people home early. I don't think any of them had a problem with that. Slow days like are more tiring than the ones where you run around constantly.
Will be working from 2 to 10 all days but Friday (when I work from 7 to 3, and then go to a concert from Puddle of Mudd, with RED and two other bands in Pompano Beach). Got Wednesday and Thursday off. Don't know what I'll do just yet. I'm thinking beach...
Sleeperstar - Disengage
I ended last time with my thursday off. Called my mum and dad over Skype, and watched some TV series and just stayed indoors to rest up. It was my only real day off and with a strak of working days coming up I wanted to take it easy. Took some time to pay my bills and that was it. Somehow I keep saving money from every paycheck nicely, so I guess that's a good thing. Feels good anyway. That thursday I also went to Galleria with Yatha, as we had to pay the check for the monthly rent. Stumbled upon Marinka and had a little drunk and something to eat at Starbucks.
Friday I worked from 12 to 8:30 and I was supposed to go to a birthday/Halloween party, but I had been feeling bad throughout the day. Head and stomach not working with me, so I decided to stay home and go to bed reasonably early. Watched another episode that night and went to sleep before anyone else got home.
On Saturday I had to start at 10, and got off at 6:30, got home and found Bart home again. Went to the Publix for some shopping and I made myself some chicken sandwiches for dinner while we went to watch a movie called Kush. Movie didn't have enough in it for us to want to finish it. So we turned it off after 45 minutes or so. As you might expect, I watched TV episodes instead as I am still behind on quite a few things. Starting to get even with a lot of things now though.
Sunday morning was a lazy one, I worked a bit on a project I have concerning the storage we have up on the fourth floor, and as Pierre said it, that storage is going to be "my baby". Controlling it, purchasing the items we need there, and organise and file everything. It's going well so far.
Yesterday I made a floorplan for the storage, pointing out where all the items are if someone goes up there and they're not too familiar with it. Will also put up some signs on the wall, with the categories on there. Yesterday was a day from 2 to 10 for me. We're opened from 7 to 10 these days instead of 6 to 11. Was really weird to close that early, in a way. And not everyone knowing about it, it also gave some awkward moments after 10. It was really slow yesterday though, and I got to send two people home early. I don't think any of them had a problem with that. Slow days like are more tiring than the ones where you run around constantly.
Will be working from 2 to 10 all days but Friday (when I work from 7 to 3, and then go to a concert from Puddle of Mudd, with RED and two other bands in Pompano Beach). Got Wednesday and Thursday off. Don't know what I'll do just yet. I'm thinking beach...
Sleeperstar - Disengage
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Dredg! <3
Sunday, as mentioned in my last blog, I had to work form 3 to close. Which is usually anywhere between 11 and 12, as the doors close at 11, but there's some more work to be done after that.
Had a pretty decent, fun night, in which I was responsible for a lot of things as Pierre went out the door (that man works more hours a week than any doctor would recommend). Worked with Pierre and chef Dana and had a nice and relaxed night in which I could do every daily task I needed to do while we were still open, and did some managerial work after the doors were closed. Got home shortly after midnight and went to bed straight away as, on monday, I had to work at 10, and the AT&T guy would come over between 8 and 12.
Luckily, he did before I went to work, and I set him up with what he needed to do, and I headed for work. Did a little 10 to 6:30 (PM, I'm sorry if I start confusing people, but I've gotten used to that, I guess) which was nothing special. Just there working with everyone, doing nothing special apart from a little administrative task for Pierre, and headed home. Set up the internet at our place, which took me long enough, but for a first try, setting up the entire connection and network, figuring it all out, I think I did a nice job. I managed to get it secured with a key, so that it's just for our use. And the best thing, I'm the only one who can change that key, so if people in the house really piss me off, I'll just disconnect them by installing a new key. I'm pretty sure they don't even read this :D
We hired a movie in the meantime, The Grand, but we didn't even finish it. Such a lousy documentary-like movie with all the wrong jokes in it. I think the guys hired another one to see instead but I went upstairs, enjoying my internet, and trying to catch up with all the TV series I missed over the weeks. I still have a lot to go at.
Wanted to head to bed early enough as well.
And I did that because tuesday I had to work from 7 to 3:30 (I keep writing tot instead of to, the Dutch version of the word). The day went by nice and easy, opening up was a bit hard, as it was quite busy, as most mornings are (that's what you get for having Starbucks coffee, partially, I guess) and with an even busier lunchtime, where we got a lot of guests from a meeting that went on break to visit us. I don't think that sentence really rolls as it should, but fine. I had a nice day at work and later had a good time going to a concert, with Mark, one of the bellmen.
Went to see Dredg who were supported by Judgment Day and Division Day.
The first band was Judgment Day [8,5/10] who have stringmetal.com as their website. It's a trio, consisting of one cellist, a drummer, and someone playing the violin. As they've said before, none of their songs contain guitars, but these guys are so incredibly skilled (especially the cellist blew me away) that it almost sounds like there are. Was a great, great thing to see live, but I could never to listen to this on CD, in another setting than seeing them on stage. Also, their drummer started out really weak to me, and seeing them one time has been enough for me.
Wonderful experience and really unique thing to witness, but that's it.
Next up was another local (California) friend from the Dredg guys, Division Day [7,5/10] who apparently played their last show with Dredg there at Culture Room. Dredg came up on stage to have a shot of alcohol with the guys in the middle of their set, and honestly, from that point on, they got better. The last three songs from the band really impressed me, but wasn't enough to make me think any better of the start of the concert, which, in a way, was a wall of noise to me without anything outstanding pounding my eardrums.
Then the band where I came from. I had been planning to see them live at Pinkpop (I think) two years ago, but that plan never worked out. This night I had to spend only 15 bucks on a ticket to see them instead of 60 euros to get to the festival to see them though. And it was closer too!
Dredg [10/10] really swept me off my feet in all ways. Drummer going off-record with some of his beats, but they all fitted the songs perfectly, and on top of that, he also played piano with one hand, and drummed with the other, on two of the songs. Those things just impress me.
The guitarist, who does all the magnificent work on all beautiful Dredg albums, really hit everything and it sounded all great to me. The bass just completed the perfect music for me, and the range of vocalist Gavin was amazing, live. They played 50/50 songs from El Cielo and Catch Without Arms, and added two new songs, which also sounded amazing, and really Dredg. Best show I've seen here, and among the best I've seen, entirely.
That's also mainly what I've done on wednesday, after I had a reunion with the people from my orientation day, where they tested the knowledge we had about the resort and such, and could say anything we want in regards to the training. Not many improvement points were mentioned while I guess there clearly are more, for some reason. It's also a bit of a personal thing, because when I agreed with someone, Georgi did oppose. Those little things just make it hard to come up with a general training standard for us.
Got updated on Prison Break and Californication completely, and started watching Heroes too. I hope I'll get even on Heroes today before we'll play soccer tonight.
Just had a talk with my dad on Skype, and will talk to my mum like that later. Should be nice :)
Here is my Dredg live footage!
Had a pretty decent, fun night, in which I was responsible for a lot of things as Pierre went out the door (that man works more hours a week than any doctor would recommend). Worked with Pierre and chef Dana and had a nice and relaxed night in which I could do every daily task I needed to do while we were still open, and did some managerial work after the doors were closed. Got home shortly after midnight and went to bed straight away as, on monday, I had to work at 10, and the AT&T guy would come over between 8 and 12.
Luckily, he did before I went to work, and I set him up with what he needed to do, and I headed for work. Did a little 10 to 6:30 (PM, I'm sorry if I start confusing people, but I've gotten used to that, I guess) which was nothing special. Just there working with everyone, doing nothing special apart from a little administrative task for Pierre, and headed home. Set up the internet at our place, which took me long enough, but for a first try, setting up the entire connection and network, figuring it all out, I think I did a nice job. I managed to get it secured with a key, so that it's just for our use. And the best thing, I'm the only one who can change that key, so if people in the house really piss me off, I'll just disconnect them by installing a new key. I'm pretty sure they don't even read this :D
We hired a movie in the meantime, The Grand, but we didn't even finish it. Such a lousy documentary-like movie with all the wrong jokes in it. I think the guys hired another one to see instead but I went upstairs, enjoying my internet, and trying to catch up with all the TV series I missed over the weeks. I still have a lot to go at.
Wanted to head to bed early enough as well.
And I did that because tuesday I had to work from 7 to 3:30 (I keep writing tot instead of to, the Dutch version of the word). The day went by nice and easy, opening up was a bit hard, as it was quite busy, as most mornings are (that's what you get for having Starbucks coffee, partially, I guess) and with an even busier lunchtime, where we got a lot of guests from a meeting that went on break to visit us. I don't think that sentence really rolls as it should, but fine. I had a nice day at work and later had a good time going to a concert, with Mark, one of the bellmen.
Went to see Dredg who were supported by Judgment Day and Division Day.
The first band was Judgment Day [8,5/10] who have stringmetal.com as their website. It's a trio, consisting of one cellist, a drummer, and someone playing the violin. As they've said before, none of their songs contain guitars, but these guys are so incredibly skilled (especially the cellist blew me away) that it almost sounds like there are. Was a great, great thing to see live, but I could never to listen to this on CD, in another setting than seeing them on stage. Also, their drummer started out really weak to me, and seeing them one time has been enough for me.
Wonderful experience and really unique thing to witness, but that's it.
Next up was another local (California) friend from the Dredg guys, Division Day [7,5/10] who apparently played their last show with Dredg there at Culture Room. Dredg came up on stage to have a shot of alcohol with the guys in the middle of their set, and honestly, from that point on, they got better. The last three songs from the band really impressed me, but wasn't enough to make me think any better of the start of the concert, which, in a way, was a wall of noise to me without anything outstanding pounding my eardrums.
Then the band where I came from. I had been planning to see them live at Pinkpop (I think) two years ago, but that plan never worked out. This night I had to spend only 15 bucks on a ticket to see them instead of 60 euros to get to the festival to see them though. And it was closer too!
Dredg [10/10] really swept me off my feet in all ways. Drummer going off-record with some of his beats, but they all fitted the songs perfectly, and on top of that, he also played piano with one hand, and drummed with the other, on two of the songs. Those things just impress me.
The guitarist, who does all the magnificent work on all beautiful Dredg albums, really hit everything and it sounded all great to me. The bass just completed the perfect music for me, and the range of vocalist Gavin was amazing, live. They played 50/50 songs from El Cielo and Catch Without Arms, and added two new songs, which also sounded amazing, and really Dredg. Best show I've seen here, and among the best I've seen, entirely.
That's also mainly what I've done on wednesday, after I had a reunion with the people from my orientation day, where they tested the knowledge we had about the resort and such, and could say anything we want in regards to the training. Not many improvement points were mentioned while I guess there clearly are more, for some reason. It's also a bit of a personal thing, because when I agreed with someone, Georgi did oppose. Those little things just make it hard to come up with a general training standard for us.
Got updated on Prison Break and Californication completely, and started watching Heroes too. I hope I'll get even on Heroes today before we'll play soccer tonight.
Just had a talk with my dad on Skype, and will talk to my mum like that later. Should be nice :)
Here is my Dredg live footage!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Keyboard Hero
It's been only two days since my last entry, can you imagine?
That night we didn't go out to play soccer as expected, as we couldn't get hold of anyone to drive us there, and apparently noone was in possession of our phone numbers or something, so that's something we need to work on for coming weeks (I'm off again this thursday so I'll play).
Friday, which was yesterday (feels so good to say that) I had a regular working day from 12 to 8:30. Pierre was there all the time with us, and after I did a little project concerning names and login codes, I was working behind the counter for a bit. Also did an order to get things from one storage to another for easy access purposes. Pierre divided tasks today. Things he now does daily, or weekly, and wants Tina and me to take over in the coming weeks. Tasks such as scheduling and payroll for Tina, and things concerning storage (that's going to be my main project), purchasing and marketing on my side. It's really good to get some more responsibility on the side of the regular work. There are more things Pierre wants us to take care of in the future and I can honestly say I look forward to those things.
At the hotel, there also was this Quince party. Anyone who's ever seen MTVs My Super Sweet 16 knows what I'm talking about. Another extravagant party, probably for a rich spoiled someone. I honestly would like to state, for the record, that if I'll ever have a daughter, reaching that age, demanding a party like that just because others have it too, and we can afford it anyway, I'll be in need of some serious self-control. Honestly, even though it was yesterday night, I can't really remember what I did.
This morning I woke up around 11, and I found Yatha watching the movie "War", which was a good one, for a change. Usually, since we're out of most big titles, we rent weird things noone has seen yet, and they mostly suck, like tonight's "Banshee". It wasn't horrible at all, but nothing about the movie could ever be nominated for whatever award there is. Before Yatha went to work, I took him to AT&T to join in on our Family Plan and have him get a new phone as well. Unlike Georgi and myself, Yatha decided to take a BlackBerry to use. It's a nice little thing too, but we're content with our iPhones and I wouldn't trade mine if I could.
After that Yatha stayed at home before work, while I went for a run around Victoria Park, almost immediately followed by a swim in our pool. A few lanes of free stroke, a few schoolstroke and a few backstroke, before I started enjoying a bit of fun, heading back to watch "War" and see Yatha off as he went to work.
Had two hours alone at home, finishing the movie and eating some minor things. When Bart and Georgi came home, I first went to Public with Bart to rent a movie, and then had Georgi drive me off to BestBuy, where I bought this keyboard for my laptop!
Loving it very much so far, and after getting a reply from the great Ronald Jenkees himself, I was dedicated to keep making my own tunes. I'll share two of his AWESOME videos at the end of the blog.
I'll try to finish the song I started today, and have it uploaded soon enough again, with some keyboard workings on there. I love it that, whenever there's another program running, the keyboard always finds its way to Fruity Loops straight away. So when I'm typing this and I would also hit a note on the keyboard, I would get the sound next to it. I hope that made sense.
Tomorrow I need to work from 3 to 12, somewhat, so there will be time for another swim, and maybe a run. No movies tomorrow I guess. Monday, the internet should FINALLY be fixed (and otherwise I'm changing providers, no excuses possible). Tuesday the Dredg concert, and after that you'll get your blog again.
Here's Ronald;
That night we didn't go out to play soccer as expected, as we couldn't get hold of anyone to drive us there, and apparently noone was in possession of our phone numbers or something, so that's something we need to work on for coming weeks (I'm off again this thursday so I'll play).
Friday, which was yesterday (feels so good to say that) I had a regular working day from 12 to 8:30. Pierre was there all the time with us, and after I did a little project concerning names and login codes, I was working behind the counter for a bit. Also did an order to get things from one storage to another for easy access purposes. Pierre divided tasks today. Things he now does daily, or weekly, and wants Tina and me to take over in the coming weeks. Tasks such as scheduling and payroll for Tina, and things concerning storage (that's going to be my main project), purchasing and marketing on my side. It's really good to get some more responsibility on the side of the regular work. There are more things Pierre wants us to take care of in the future and I can honestly say I look forward to those things.
At the hotel, there also was this Quince party. Anyone who's ever seen MTVs My Super Sweet 16 knows what I'm talking about. Another extravagant party, probably for a rich spoiled someone. I honestly would like to state, for the record, that if I'll ever have a daughter, reaching that age, demanding a party like that just because others have it too, and we can afford it anyway, I'll be in need of some serious self-control. Honestly, even though it was yesterday night, I can't really remember what I did.
This morning I woke up around 11, and I found Yatha watching the movie "War", which was a good one, for a change. Usually, since we're out of most big titles, we rent weird things noone has seen yet, and they mostly suck, like tonight's "Banshee". It wasn't horrible at all, but nothing about the movie could ever be nominated for whatever award there is. Before Yatha went to work, I took him to AT&T to join in on our Family Plan and have him get a new phone as well. Unlike Georgi and myself, Yatha decided to take a BlackBerry to use. It's a nice little thing too, but we're content with our iPhones and I wouldn't trade mine if I could.
After that Yatha stayed at home before work, while I went for a run around Victoria Park, almost immediately followed by a swim in our pool. A few lanes of free stroke, a few schoolstroke and a few backstroke, before I started enjoying a bit of fun, heading back to watch "War" and see Yatha off as he went to work.
Had two hours alone at home, finishing the movie and eating some minor things. When Bart and Georgi came home, I first went to Public with Bart to rent a movie, and then had Georgi drive me off to BestBuy, where I bought this keyboard for my laptop!
Loving it very much so far, and after getting a reply from the great Ronald Jenkees himself, I was dedicated to keep making my own tunes. I'll share two of his AWESOME videos at the end of the blog.
I'll try to finish the song I started today, and have it uploaded soon enough again, with some keyboard workings on there. I love it that, whenever there's another program running, the keyboard always finds its way to Fruity Loops straight away. So when I'm typing this and I would also hit a note on the keyboard, I would get the sound next to it. I hope that made sense.
Tomorrow I need to work from 3 to 12, somewhat, so there will be time for another swim, and maybe a run. No movies tomorrow I guess. Monday, the internet should FINALLY be fixed (and otherwise I'm changing providers, no excuses possible). Tuesday the Dredg concert, and after that you'll get your blog again.
Here's Ronald;
Friday, October 24, 2008
In My Memory
The last few days have been about memories. Trying to forget old ones, from a long time ago, those that make you think twice before going to bed, and trying to hold on to more recent ones, for those are the best you've ever had. I always used to say that the past holds no value for me, as it is only been something that has shaped me up to what I am today, and what I can do tomorrow. However, recently I found that things that might soon be in the past, in certain ways, might be the best thing that I've ever stumbled upon, and it would be too less honor to just say it shaped me, and forget about it. It's still more interesting to see if the future can be different from what I think my recent past will start to look like. Enough poetry already.
Let me share Tiesto's "In My Memory" before I move on to describing my days. After the video there's another thing I need to share though. It's about something back in Holland that also kept running through my head and I've been meaning to share that with you for a long time as well.
About the Dutch thing. Before I left for Florida, I saw these banners on the streets, linked to the annual campaign for safe driving as "the schools have started again". This year they had the somewhat remarkable slogan which said "The schools have started again. Drive with your heart." I'm not quite sure, but I think there were red accents in the banner to link your thoughts to a heart and such. Ever since I saw that first banner I had been thinking if anything like that would actually provide people with a reason to be careful in traffic around residential (and educational) areas. Think about it; when would you be a better drive. When using your passionate heart, or rational mind? There you go.
Change the campaign, because you're not making much sense. Speaking of campaigns (and here I go back to the States again, as it is election time as you know), I'd like to point out a little thing about the Obama campaign. Or one of the adverts I heard on the radio. It was a commercial with different people stating reasons to vote for Obama (or NOT vote for McCain). Most of these reasons were about financial issues, and actually, multiple were about the gas prices. Now I wonder if anyone is actually paying any attention in here. People are complaining about the gas prices in the States. We recently filled up Georgi's Audi, which holds just over 60 liters, for the ridiculously low price of 53 dollars. Try filling up a tank that size, anywhere in France, Holland or Germany, and see how hard that kicks your pennies out of a wallet.
We don't have cable in here, and at my work, the televisions are muted, so I can never hear actual speeches or TV comments, and I just have to do with some commercials and the nutshelled internet articles mostly, but if that's what they're all about, I wonder what makes people move here. Can't remember hearing much about education or healthcare. All I remember is gas prices, paying your bills, stop working at a reasonable age and have a proper retirement fund.
I'm currently reading another Baldacci, about lobbyists in Washington, and Baldacci scetched the thoughts of one of the lobbyists, asking a somewhat naive opposer if he really thought that any congressman from Detroit would vote against any proposal that would harm the car industry, or if people from the Southern states would go against certain Tobacco laws. People vote with their wallets here, it seems. More than anything else.
My region, South Florida, is known for its democratic influences, or so I've come to understand, and I guess that's why I see more Obama merchandise around (last week, there was a little boy, I guess 5 years old, wearing an Obama shirt. I'll bet you ten dollars he couldn't tell a thing about the man without looking at his father lip-syncing something). I still support Barack as well, but honestly, his campaining sucks, unless it's on the offensive, trying to diminish what McCain said to him in the media. That's one of the things I think he and his team have mastered.
There you have my out of line part for the moment. I could probably keep on ranting if I wanted, but I'll leave it here!
Last day I discussed with you was monday, so let's see what I did on tuesday;
I worked from 7 to 3:30, together with Steven only. For some reason, that day had 4 people scheduled to work, and wednesday, my day off, had 7. Don't ask. Steven and I would be replaced by two people coming in at 3PM. We'd had to take breaks in the back, since during small rushes, it would be quite impossible to manage everything on your own, trying to make coffees, get orders in, get the needed pastries and coordinate other things. Decided to have a quick break after 12 anyway, as busy times usually run up to 11:30 for some reason.
Had a great day managing things just with the two of us, without Pierre. Learned a lot about all the sales, coffees and retail products I didn't know before, or perfected those areas.
One more colleague, however, would have made it better for me to also concentrate on getting some storage issues done, and observe a few things, but I guess working like this isn't bad at all either.
During another easy time, I made more pizza bottoms with Dana and I talked with Tina again, who was there on her day off, trying to finish the Questionnaire Pierre gave us to complete, with standard knowledge, general food and beverage knowledge, and Le Marche product knowledge. I'm getting there in general, with my questions and will try to complete it tomorrow. Which is payday again. Yay!
Wednesday was my day off, during which I woke up at 12:30 in the afternoon. Didn't set any alarms, slept through everything and rested up completely, and then did some useful things! Went to get a bike lock for my newly acquired mountainbike, which I bought through craigslist.com, a really useful website, maybe much like eBay if you please, but it's got literally everything on there for the States. Bought it from a man named Cody, who is working as an F&B recruiter for some resorts in the vicinity of Vail, Colorado. Also one of the places I would have went if I never would've gone to Florida. What are the odds huh? Was a really cool guy and I might just call him soon if we decide to head that way later. See if we can meet up for some snow fun. He also threw in a new sleeping bag he was carrying with him but didn't want to move to Colorado, and a flashlight. So all was good.
Went to AT&T for a new internet appointment to get my telephone line working. They're supposed to come on monday now. If noone shows up I'm cancelling everything and move to Comcast instead. When I was on hold, waiting for some representative, I heard a voice say that AT&T had an awarded customer service program. If these guys get a freaking award, I'm seriously scared to do business with other companies, I tell you. I'll let you know what happens on monday.
That night we ate some pizzas (yes, mom, me too. Pepperoni pizzas) and watched National Treasure 2 and The Ruins (the latter sucked) with Bart and Yatha. It was Yatha's day off and he did most things with me (such as AT&T and groceries, and getting those movies), and Bart was off at 3:30.
Also, when being in the waiting line at Publix I was accompanied by a girl, or woman, who somehow intrigued me. She looked a bit too cheap, in a way, but I don't know, there's still something about that. She drove off in a white Mercedes though, so yeah. After the movies, spent some time on Fruity Loops again, messing with the piano sounds, and went to bed after reading some Baldacci.
Oh, wait! Earlier that day I went for a swim with Yatha in our pool, with our 2 dollar goggles so we could do some underwater exploring there, and then we cleaned the jacuzzi which we both used later! Was a really nice day.
This thursday I woke up around 11, and spent the entire day at home, being around my laptop, enjoying time off with Bart. Read some more Baldacci again, and we rented two movies again (three, actually, but I've seen Pirates of the Caribbean more times than I can count). Watched "Meet The Spartans", a one hour parody on 300, which has Carmen Electra in there, and Juncture, a movie about a woman killing people who have gotten out of jail after they've been convicted for hurting or killing children. Was more drama involved in that along the way, and I quite liked it. The lead role player intrigued me a lot, I guess I can recommend this one.
So that's it for now. I guess you'll be hearing from me sooner or later again. Certainly on wednesday again, the day after the Dredg concert. I'll try to pop one in between, but I've got evening shifts the coming days, and might not be willing to write when I get back at midnight.
Let me share Tiesto's "In My Memory" before I move on to describing my days. After the video there's another thing I need to share though. It's about something back in Holland that also kept running through my head and I've been meaning to share that with you for a long time as well.
About the Dutch thing. Before I left for Florida, I saw these banners on the streets, linked to the annual campaign for safe driving as "the schools have started again". This year they had the somewhat remarkable slogan which said "The schools have started again. Drive with your heart." I'm not quite sure, but I think there were red accents in the banner to link your thoughts to a heart and such. Ever since I saw that first banner I had been thinking if anything like that would actually provide people with a reason to be careful in traffic around residential (and educational) areas. Think about it; when would you be a better drive. When using your passionate heart, or rational mind? There you go.
Change the campaign, because you're not making much sense. Speaking of campaigns (and here I go back to the States again, as it is election time as you know), I'd like to point out a little thing about the Obama campaign. Or one of the adverts I heard on the radio. It was a commercial with different people stating reasons to vote for Obama (or NOT vote for McCain). Most of these reasons were about financial issues, and actually, multiple were about the gas prices. Now I wonder if anyone is actually paying any attention in here. People are complaining about the gas prices in the States. We recently filled up Georgi's Audi, which holds just over 60 liters, for the ridiculously low price of 53 dollars. Try filling up a tank that size, anywhere in France, Holland or Germany, and see how hard that kicks your pennies out of a wallet.
We don't have cable in here, and at my work, the televisions are muted, so I can never hear actual speeches or TV comments, and I just have to do with some commercials and the nutshelled internet articles mostly, but if that's what they're all about, I wonder what makes people move here. Can't remember hearing much about education or healthcare. All I remember is gas prices, paying your bills, stop working at a reasonable age and have a proper retirement fund.
I'm currently reading another Baldacci, about lobbyists in Washington, and Baldacci scetched the thoughts of one of the lobbyists, asking a somewhat naive opposer if he really thought that any congressman from Detroit would vote against any proposal that would harm the car industry, or if people from the Southern states would go against certain Tobacco laws. People vote with their wallets here, it seems. More than anything else.
My region, South Florida, is known for its democratic influences, or so I've come to understand, and I guess that's why I see more Obama merchandise around (last week, there was a little boy, I guess 5 years old, wearing an Obama shirt. I'll bet you ten dollars he couldn't tell a thing about the man without looking at his father lip-syncing something). I still support Barack as well, but honestly, his campaining sucks, unless it's on the offensive, trying to diminish what McCain said to him in the media. That's one of the things I think he and his team have mastered.
There you have my out of line part for the moment. I could probably keep on ranting if I wanted, but I'll leave it here!
Last day I discussed with you was monday, so let's see what I did on tuesday;
I worked from 7 to 3:30, together with Steven only. For some reason, that day had 4 people scheduled to work, and wednesday, my day off, had 7. Don't ask. Steven and I would be replaced by two people coming in at 3PM. We'd had to take breaks in the back, since during small rushes, it would be quite impossible to manage everything on your own, trying to make coffees, get orders in, get the needed pastries and coordinate other things. Decided to have a quick break after 12 anyway, as busy times usually run up to 11:30 for some reason.
Had a great day managing things just with the two of us, without Pierre. Learned a lot about all the sales, coffees and retail products I didn't know before, or perfected those areas.
One more colleague, however, would have made it better for me to also concentrate on getting some storage issues done, and observe a few things, but I guess working like this isn't bad at all either.
During another easy time, I made more pizza bottoms with Dana and I talked with Tina again, who was there on her day off, trying to finish the Questionnaire Pierre gave us to complete, with standard knowledge, general food and beverage knowledge, and Le Marche product knowledge. I'm getting there in general, with my questions and will try to complete it tomorrow. Which is payday again. Yay!
Wednesday was my day off, during which I woke up at 12:30 in the afternoon. Didn't set any alarms, slept through everything and rested up completely, and then did some useful things! Went to get a bike lock for my newly acquired mountainbike, which I bought through craigslist.com, a really useful website, maybe much like eBay if you please, but it's got literally everything on there for the States. Bought it from a man named Cody, who is working as an F&B recruiter for some resorts in the vicinity of Vail, Colorado. Also one of the places I would have went if I never would've gone to Florida. What are the odds huh? Was a really cool guy and I might just call him soon if we decide to head that way later. See if we can meet up for some snow fun. He also threw in a new sleeping bag he was carrying with him but didn't want to move to Colorado, and a flashlight. So all was good.
Went to AT&T for a new internet appointment to get my telephone line working. They're supposed to come on monday now. If noone shows up I'm cancelling everything and move to Comcast instead. When I was on hold, waiting for some representative, I heard a voice say that AT&T had an awarded customer service program. If these guys get a freaking award, I'm seriously scared to do business with other companies, I tell you. I'll let you know what happens on monday.
That night we ate some pizzas (yes, mom, me too. Pepperoni pizzas) and watched National Treasure 2 and The Ruins (the latter sucked) with Bart and Yatha. It was Yatha's day off and he did most things with me (such as AT&T and groceries, and getting those movies), and Bart was off at 3:30.
Also, when being in the waiting line at Publix I was accompanied by a girl, or woman, who somehow intrigued me. She looked a bit too cheap, in a way, but I don't know, there's still something about that. She drove off in a white Mercedes though, so yeah. After the movies, spent some time on Fruity Loops again, messing with the piano sounds, and went to bed after reading some Baldacci.
Oh, wait! Earlier that day I went for a swim with Yatha in our pool, with our 2 dollar goggles so we could do some underwater exploring there, and then we cleaned the jacuzzi which we both used later! Was a really nice day.
This thursday I woke up around 11, and spent the entire day at home, being around my laptop, enjoying time off with Bart. Read some more Baldacci again, and we rented two movies again (three, actually, but I've seen Pirates of the Caribbean more times than I can count). Watched "Meet The Spartans", a one hour parody on 300, which has Carmen Electra in there, and Juncture, a movie about a woman killing people who have gotten out of jail after they've been convicted for hurting or killing children. Was more drama involved in that along the way, and I quite liked it. The lead role player intrigued me a lot, I guess I can recommend this one.
So that's it for now. I guess you'll be hearing from me sooner or later again. Certainly on wednesday again, the day after the Dredg concert. I'll try to pop one in between, but I've got evening shifts the coming days, and might not be willing to write when I get back at midnight.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
It's Been A While
Again, days and days went by without me posting anything on here. I might want to adjust my objectives to posting things every week instead right now. Got another week to go through, somewhat. Wednesday was the last day I shared. My day off. In between I've had one other day off, Friday, but I thought that would be too early to write a blog entry. Two days just don't seem to get me anywhere, and I lack the motivation to sit down and spend time on the two days only. Tomorrow I'll work from 7 to 3:30PM but if I don't do it now, I might not do it tomorrow either.
The thursday morning I woke up to some bad news. My bike had been stolen from the garage! We had our gate locked, but not the garage door (as it can only be closed from the inside, so going out and leaving for work etc. make it hard, and it's just a weird construction). My bike in the garage, however, was locked. The lock was placed through the frame and wheel, making it impossible to move/drive the bike around.
Whoever took it (and I assume it were multiple people) apparently went over the garden gate, went in to the garage, took the bike, placed one of our bar chairs against the garden gate and tilted it over like that. I wonder how they got the lock through... All pretty screwed up anyway! Right now we're going with two bikes. One of us makes a walk to the hotel (about 35 to 45 minutes) and one takes a walk back. It works for now, as long as the weather remains nice and friendly. In the mean time I'll be looking for second bike through some online channels. That thursday I worked from 12 to 8:30 and I mainly focused on getting the cashier under control, which I think I picked up nicely that day. Guest contact was still a bit weird, being insecure about how, what and where everything was.
Friday was my day off, and I had made an appointment for an AT&T Tech Support guy to install our phonelines. Spent my time at home, looking around, watching movies (School of Rock and Tenacious D; Pick of Destiny) with Bart, before I had to go a meeting at work for a bit. Enjoyed a crepe and some ice cream in Le Marche itself before we had the meeting. Met my new colleague, an intern named Tina (she's actually Chinese, and is named Xiaoyan if I recall correctly, but they all pick English names to make it easier on us). After 40 minutes the meeting was done and I walked back home, after Georgi brought me there by car, as he needed to get things done at the hotel himself.
Upon return I found that there still hadn't been any sign of AT&T around and I took over the watch again. Checked my phone to see if I had missed any calls by any chance, but nothing. The rest of the day, noone came to fix the internet and I got upset with things as they were. Spent a full day hoping and waiting for nothing. That night Marten was around again, but I can't remember much of what happened (and neither does Bart, I just asked) so we'll leave it at that.
Saturday was another working day, which stretched from 12 to 8:30, meaning that you basically throw away your entire day, as there's not much to do before 12, and when you get back home around 9, you just eat a little snack, maybe watch a movie or play a little game, and go to sleep again. Had more training with Pierre and Tina that day and just spent the day working easily. That night there was a party in Miami, organised by one of the hotel's people, but it was held in a 21+ club, so no party for me yet. Apparently (according to Marten) it wasn't as great as parties should be, so maybe it wasn't all that bad that I got some proper sleep instead.
Yesterday, Sunday, I worked from 3PM until closing, which, in that case, was around 11:45. Closing duties include getting everything from outside back inside, cushions and such, turning off equipment and restocking all shelves (putting things in larger fridges if need be) and round off a daily report with all information needed for the management. I spent the day at work making coffees mostly, as I got the register understood completely. Pierre wants me to work on my weaker points as quick as I can to do allround shifts when he's not around to take care of everything from A to Z if I have to. By the end of the day, I knew all coffees (regular or iced) and I got a proper feeling of how to make them, and had gotten a little more speed into my overall service. When I got home around 12 I waited for Georgi to come home, spent a little time behind the computer and then went to bed shortly after 1.
I missed a concert in Culture Room (Hawthorne Heights and Emery among others) but it's not something I desperately wanted to see anything, unlike Dredg next Tuesday (28th) for which I've requested the evening off already.
Today I had to do another midshift, from 12 to 8:30, meaning you wake up slow, around 10 in this case, doing nothing much, socialising with other people awake (if applicable, as Georgi was fast asleep still) in the form of Yatha, and just watching time pass before you can go to work. I took a bike today, and made Yatha walk. I've been walking for the most part the past week, and I must say I actually like it. There's enough time if you don't have to start before 10 anyway, and it's nice having your music on, and the sun shining bright.
Pierre had performed opening duties, and left earlier, and since Blake was gone around 4 as well, I was basically in charge of Le Marche as it was, with first Dana and Shashti performing kitchen duties, and having Kara and Garvin doing bar and serving work. I helped out wherever I could, refilling everything in the store, using the requisition forms Pierre explained earlier (to get things from the general storage to the Le Marche storage).
Worked some more on the coffee skills (earlier today Pete had explained how to make "the ultimate foam" for the coffee toppings) and made a pizza bottom with Dana as well.
Made myself a Nutella Crepe for dinner, ate it quickly as things in Le Marche were busy and I'd rather had the other people take a longer break so I could be around more. In the cafeteria they had some hotdogs left which helped speeding up things.
Was a quiet evening, with a long time with nothing to do, until a group of about 20 people came in instantly, which had Shashti working on 7 pizzas at the same time, for example.
With a little improvisation and customer patience, we got through all and I could go home only a little later than planned. Been a nice, useful day as it is. Tomorrow it's rise and shine around 6, as I need to start at 7 (yes, I'm taking a bike, but will walk back).
Got days off on Thursday and Friday so I'll write a blog on Friday again. I'll be going after some AT&T people too, tomorrow. And will demand a first month rebate as I'm not going to pay for crap service and having a bill starting on the 13th, while there's no internet on the 20th at all.
With that, my phone line seems to be double crossed as I've had a few calls coming in for Sonya (or Tonya) who obviously isn't on my contract. I MIGHT get a change of number but will let you all know then.
Take care, and enjoy Staind's "It's Been A While"
The thursday morning I woke up to some bad news. My bike had been stolen from the garage! We had our gate locked, but not the garage door (as it can only be closed from the inside, so going out and leaving for work etc. make it hard, and it's just a weird construction). My bike in the garage, however, was locked. The lock was placed through the frame and wheel, making it impossible to move/drive the bike around.
Whoever took it (and I assume it were multiple people) apparently went over the garden gate, went in to the garage, took the bike, placed one of our bar chairs against the garden gate and tilted it over like that. I wonder how they got the lock through... All pretty screwed up anyway! Right now we're going with two bikes. One of us makes a walk to the hotel (about 35 to 45 minutes) and one takes a walk back. It works for now, as long as the weather remains nice and friendly. In the mean time I'll be looking for second bike through some online channels. That thursday I worked from 12 to 8:30 and I mainly focused on getting the cashier under control, which I think I picked up nicely that day. Guest contact was still a bit weird, being insecure about how, what and where everything was.
Friday was my day off, and I had made an appointment for an AT&T Tech Support guy to install our phonelines. Spent my time at home, looking around, watching movies (School of Rock and Tenacious D; Pick of Destiny) with Bart, before I had to go a meeting at work for a bit. Enjoyed a crepe and some ice cream in Le Marche itself before we had the meeting. Met my new colleague, an intern named Tina (she's actually Chinese, and is named Xiaoyan if I recall correctly, but they all pick English names to make it easier on us). After 40 minutes the meeting was done and I walked back home, after Georgi brought me there by car, as he needed to get things done at the hotel himself.
Upon return I found that there still hadn't been any sign of AT&T around and I took over the watch again. Checked my phone to see if I had missed any calls by any chance, but nothing. The rest of the day, noone came to fix the internet and I got upset with things as they were. Spent a full day hoping and waiting for nothing. That night Marten was around again, but I can't remember much of what happened (and neither does Bart, I just asked) so we'll leave it at that.
Saturday was another working day, which stretched from 12 to 8:30, meaning that you basically throw away your entire day, as there's not much to do before 12, and when you get back home around 9, you just eat a little snack, maybe watch a movie or play a little game, and go to sleep again. Had more training with Pierre and Tina that day and just spent the day working easily. That night there was a party in Miami, organised by one of the hotel's people, but it was held in a 21+ club, so no party for me yet. Apparently (according to Marten) it wasn't as great as parties should be, so maybe it wasn't all that bad that I got some proper sleep instead.
Yesterday, Sunday, I worked from 3PM until closing, which, in that case, was around 11:45. Closing duties include getting everything from outside back inside, cushions and such, turning off equipment and restocking all shelves (putting things in larger fridges if need be) and round off a daily report with all information needed for the management. I spent the day at work making coffees mostly, as I got the register understood completely. Pierre wants me to work on my weaker points as quick as I can to do allround shifts when he's not around to take care of everything from A to Z if I have to. By the end of the day, I knew all coffees (regular or iced) and I got a proper feeling of how to make them, and had gotten a little more speed into my overall service. When I got home around 12 I waited for Georgi to come home, spent a little time behind the computer and then went to bed shortly after 1.
I missed a concert in Culture Room (Hawthorne Heights and Emery among others) but it's not something I desperately wanted to see anything, unlike Dredg next Tuesday (28th) for which I've requested the evening off already.
Today I had to do another midshift, from 12 to 8:30, meaning you wake up slow, around 10 in this case, doing nothing much, socialising with other people awake (if applicable, as Georgi was fast asleep still) in the form of Yatha, and just watching time pass before you can go to work. I took a bike today, and made Yatha walk. I've been walking for the most part the past week, and I must say I actually like it. There's enough time if you don't have to start before 10 anyway, and it's nice having your music on, and the sun shining bright.
Pierre had performed opening duties, and left earlier, and since Blake was gone around 4 as well, I was basically in charge of Le Marche as it was, with first Dana and Shashti performing kitchen duties, and having Kara and Garvin doing bar and serving work. I helped out wherever I could, refilling everything in the store, using the requisition forms Pierre explained earlier (to get things from the general storage to the Le Marche storage).
Worked some more on the coffee skills (earlier today Pete had explained how to make "the ultimate foam" for the coffee toppings) and made a pizza bottom with Dana as well.
Made myself a Nutella Crepe for dinner, ate it quickly as things in Le Marche were busy and I'd rather had the other people take a longer break so I could be around more. In the cafeteria they had some hotdogs left which helped speeding up things.
Was a quiet evening, with a long time with nothing to do, until a group of about 20 people came in instantly, which had Shashti working on 7 pizzas at the same time, for example.
With a little improvisation and customer patience, we got through all and I could go home only a little later than planned. Been a nice, useful day as it is. Tomorrow it's rise and shine around 6, as I need to start at 7 (yes, I'm taking a bike, but will walk back).
Got days off on Thursday and Friday so I'll write a blog on Friday again. I'll be going after some AT&T people too, tomorrow. And will demand a first month rebate as I'm not going to pay for crap service and having a bill starting on the 13th, while there's no internet on the 20th at all.
With that, my phone line seems to be double crossed as I've had a few calls coming in for Sonya (or Tonya) who obviously isn't on my contract. I MIGHT get a change of number but will let you all know then.
Take care, and enjoy Staind's "It's Been A While"
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sorry
For taking so long to post an update. I wish I had the time to write more, but over the last few days I've had things to do at night, or problems with the internet that kept me from posting anything big at all.
I have six days to cover, and at the end I have the song "Sorry" from Nick Black's debut album Hollow. I know the sorry in that song isn't quite the same as what I'm trying to say, but the title fits and I love it. So yeah.
Friday, the day after the indoor soccer I mentioned last, was the last day I could see Caner, one of the friends I made in the first weeks, the guy who accompanied me to the Finch concert and has just been a great person all around. His training/working period here in the States was over, and he had to go back to Turkey for educational purposes. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye that day, however, as we went to pick up the paychecks earlier than planned, to then pay another month of rent straight away, before Georgi and I went off to West Palm Beach. Georgi bought his car at a dealer over there and had to pick up extra keys. After I checked out quite a few lovely cars out there in the dealer store (took my time to sit down in the grey Audi R8 they had in the showroom. Surprisingly spaceous, really), we drove around the city for a bit, checking out the main boulevard and getting some dinner at a place between the main streets and Lake Worth there. Took some pictures all over, with my iPhone, and uploaded them at the photobook you should all be familiar with by now.
I'll add descriptions to all photos so you can see how, why and what. I'm actually glad I went to that dealer with him as I wouldn't want to have missed the sights of West Palm Beach and just rejuvenate over there instead of doing nothing at home instead.
On Saturday, work for me. The day-before-last at the Housekeeping department. It's been one of those days in which I'd do little in the laundry itself but would just work around the building, helping everyone, everywhere, doing everything. The days go by quick like that and it's fun to have some change around. When I got home I had some problems with internet so I decided to work on my Progress Report for school instead. Managed to complete more than half of it in a reasonable short timespan. No rented movies, nothing that night. Just some work and an easy night up in my room, doing nothing much. Put down a few more chords on piano that might use for another song someday soon. I think I have close to 30 different chords in the file so I can work my way around with those. I believe I used only 5 in Never Again, so yeah.
Sunday was my last day at work at the Housekeeping, and honestly, it felt like any other day. Just like the day before, I had been running around helping people in all places, and I just left, saying goodbye to a few people and heading home, to not return to that office to work anymore, just like that. Really weird and easy, but I didn't need a party of any kind anyway.
That night I went to a concert in Culture Room, alone. Tried to drag down Bart, Pedro or Matt, but couldn't get any of them to join. I'm not one to let go of bands because none will come with me, so I waited in line and got in. Got to talk to other people once I'm there anyway. Saw three bands on stage that night. First uup was The Delta Fiasco [6/10] from Liverpool, England. In all honesty, I loved their music. It was experimental in a way, very refreshing and original, and it also sounded good live. Not too many vocals, but it was alright nonetheless. If I had to rate just the music, I'd probably go for 8 or even 8,5 out of 10. Unfortunately for them, it's not just the sounds that determine my show experience. It's crowd reaction as well, and on a personal level, lights and show elements. They happened to have a light show on there with plenty, and I mean plenty, of stroboscope flashes. Let's just say I'm happy I'm not suffering from any epileptic symptoms, because honestly, I'd have gone straight to the ground there. It was hard to see them at times, it was hard to just keep looking straight at the stage in general. Not at all handsome, and not at all cool. Completely ruined things for me in a way.
Next up was Jonezetta [8/10], a band that didn't really fit on the bill because the other two acts were electro-based bands, whereas Jonezetta is just a rockband with nothing special to them. However, I loved their debut album Popularity and really wanted to check them out. They put up a very solid performance, playing the song Popularity somewhere at the start of their setlist, giving me a chance to sing along and get ready for anything else to come. They played some great new tunes from their latest album "Cruel To Be Young" and ended with the song Backstabber from their debut album. This song has a highly addictive chorus that makes you scream along to the oooh-ooh parts in there. Music was great, vocals too. No action in between songs at all though, and I'm still wondering what that sixth guy was doing on stage. I never knew they had someone just for a few back-up vocal lines and the additional sounds of cowbell, triangle and other shake-based instruments.
Last show of the night, the main name on the bill, Shiny Toy Guns [9/10]. I only really knew them for their poppy electro songs Rainy Monday and Don't Cry Out, but I knew there was more to this band. I've found a new hero in their keyboardist, who also played bass guitar during certain songs that night. I've heard Rainy Monday and Don't Cry Out, as well as a version of Stripped (by , and also covered by Drist on their album Orchids And Ammunition). I'm not quite sure what their third encore song was, but it also sounded really well and gave everyone a nice ending to their musical night. I've uploaded photos of the concert to the photo album as well (link to that is further up in this message) and if any of the videos I shot will be youtube worthy I will also upload those later.
I got to walk back home that night for a bit, and later took a cab. Went to bed at 0:40 and I had to get up at 4AM again as my first day at Le Marche would start with opening duties with Pierre, at 5AM.
That monday I started out in Le Marche as mentioned, and after a slow opening round, looking at stocks and the activation of equipment and the setup of all furniture inside and outside, it was my time to observe, learn and ask. The learning went a bit slow at times as I was really tired on certain moments (yes, I know, result of the night before), but everything I saw I remembered well. The active listening was a little problem at times. Had a nice and easy day that day, learning the basics and just seeing other people work there.
Got home at 2PM that afternoon and slept for 2 to 3 hours. Then wanted to watch the movie Street Kings, that Bart rented from the Publix Moviecube, but after 30 minutes, the power went down in the neighborhood here in general. My laptop and phone were already low on batteries and I didn't have much to do with those, therefore. I couldn't cook either, as we have these ceramical plates, my stuff in the fridge wasn't perfect either, and outside the traffic was being arranged by the police as those traffic lights were out as well. Managed to get some more rest, talk about some stuff with Bart, who came home in a blackened house and just waited.
Marten and Yatha came by later, finding us half asleep, with the power still out, and opted to go out and eat as we couldn't make anything at home and people started to get hungry. They still had a rental car for the night as they got it to go to Sawgrass for some shopping. As we wanted to head out, the power came back on (after almost 3 hours in total) and we went to The Cheesecake Factory. Just had a main dish there, Lemon and Herbs Chicken, which was alright. Not a place I'd go to again for the great food, really. Knowing the four of us, you can tell we had a great time fooling around with everything and everyone. Yatha and I finished Street Kings that night as Marten went to bed early (he had been up for more than 24 hours as he did a night shift at the hotel) and Bart went to bed already as well.
Tuesday I got to work at Le Marche again, and I managed to do quite a few transactions and Blake, the second in command over there (after Pierre) taught me how to make all the ice coffees they have at the place. Met some regular guests (hotel room owners, as it's a condo hotel) or local people that come by almost daily. Then started with a small assignment Pierre gave me, concerning the storage room and inventory lists. I still need to complete that one, but will work on that soon. When I got home I found that we had the modem from AT&T and apparently I'm the most technical one around (yes, Hans, thank you for all that) and I tried setting it up. As I had been trying around several things at several places in the house, I had a feeling that our phone lines were not connected still, and I gave up.
Watched "Don't Mess With The Zohan" together with Bart, Yatha, Marten and Sabrina after Bart made some spaghetti with chicken (with my recipe, but I was still fixing the internet at the time). Had a good sleep as I wanted to use today (my day off) for useful spare time missions.
Went to AT&T today to get the phone line sorted. Mark, the manager of the kiosk at Galleria Mall helped me out great once again, showing just as much patience as I have, as he was being redirected, forwarded and pushed back between multiple divisions in AT&T, trying to solve my phone line problem. He spent more than an hour on this again, and the requisition of the package itself took more than 2 hours, a week ago. I promised him that next time I have a bigger problem, I'll bring him chocolates for all the help he's given us. Requested some information about a family package for my phone, and he forwarded us to another AT&T booth where he is the assistant manager to get Georgi on my phone plan and get him an iPhone too. Now we pay 45 a month each, instead of me paying 75, and we both work with our iPhones, having free calls to one another and more of those easy access things.
Worked out really nice so far.
I'm done with the updates for everyone for now, I'm putting the final touches to the uploaded photos and I will share the video I promised earlier;
I have six days to cover, and at the end I have the song "Sorry" from Nick Black's debut album Hollow. I know the sorry in that song isn't quite the same as what I'm trying to say, but the title fits and I love it. So yeah.
Friday, the day after the indoor soccer I mentioned last, was the last day I could see Caner, one of the friends I made in the first weeks, the guy who accompanied me to the Finch concert and has just been a great person all around. His training/working period here in the States was over, and he had to go back to Turkey for educational purposes. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye that day, however, as we went to pick up the paychecks earlier than planned, to then pay another month of rent straight away, before Georgi and I went off to West Palm Beach. Georgi bought his car at a dealer over there and had to pick up extra keys. After I checked out quite a few lovely cars out there in the dealer store (took my time to sit down in the grey Audi R8 they had in the showroom. Surprisingly spaceous, really), we drove around the city for a bit, checking out the main boulevard and getting some dinner at a place between the main streets and Lake Worth there. Took some pictures all over, with my iPhone, and uploaded them at the photobook you should all be familiar with by now.
I'll add descriptions to all photos so you can see how, why and what. I'm actually glad I went to that dealer with him as I wouldn't want to have missed the sights of West Palm Beach and just rejuvenate over there instead of doing nothing at home instead.
On Saturday, work for me. The day-before-last at the Housekeeping department. It's been one of those days in which I'd do little in the laundry itself but would just work around the building, helping everyone, everywhere, doing everything. The days go by quick like that and it's fun to have some change around. When I got home I had some problems with internet so I decided to work on my Progress Report for school instead. Managed to complete more than half of it in a reasonable short timespan. No rented movies, nothing that night. Just some work and an easy night up in my room, doing nothing much. Put down a few more chords on piano that might use for another song someday soon. I think I have close to 30 different chords in the file so I can work my way around with those. I believe I used only 5 in Never Again, so yeah.
Sunday was my last day at work at the Housekeeping, and honestly, it felt like any other day. Just like the day before, I had been running around helping people in all places, and I just left, saying goodbye to a few people and heading home, to not return to that office to work anymore, just like that. Really weird and easy, but I didn't need a party of any kind anyway.
That night I went to a concert in Culture Room, alone. Tried to drag down Bart, Pedro or Matt, but couldn't get any of them to join. I'm not one to let go of bands because none will come with me, so I waited in line and got in. Got to talk to other people once I'm there anyway. Saw three bands on stage that night. First uup was The Delta Fiasco [6/10] from Liverpool, England. In all honesty, I loved their music. It was experimental in a way, very refreshing and original, and it also sounded good live. Not too many vocals, but it was alright nonetheless. If I had to rate just the music, I'd probably go for 8 or even 8,5 out of 10. Unfortunately for them, it's not just the sounds that determine my show experience. It's crowd reaction as well, and on a personal level, lights and show elements. They happened to have a light show on there with plenty, and I mean plenty, of stroboscope flashes. Let's just say I'm happy I'm not suffering from any epileptic symptoms, because honestly, I'd have gone straight to the ground there. It was hard to see them at times, it was hard to just keep looking straight at the stage in general. Not at all handsome, and not at all cool. Completely ruined things for me in a way.
Next up was Jonezetta [8/10], a band that didn't really fit on the bill because the other two acts were electro-based bands, whereas Jonezetta is just a rockband with nothing special to them. However, I loved their debut album Popularity and really wanted to check them out. They put up a very solid performance, playing the song Popularity somewhere at the start of their setlist, giving me a chance to sing along and get ready for anything else to come. They played some great new tunes from their latest album "Cruel To Be Young" and ended with the song Backstabber from their debut album. This song has a highly addictive chorus that makes you scream along to the oooh-ooh parts in there. Music was great, vocals too. No action in between songs at all though, and I'm still wondering what that sixth guy was doing on stage. I never knew they had someone just for a few back-up vocal lines and the additional sounds of cowbell, triangle and other shake-based instruments.
Last show of the night, the main name on the bill, Shiny Toy Guns [9/10]. I only really knew them for their poppy electro songs Rainy Monday and Don't Cry Out, but I knew there was more to this band. I've found a new hero in their keyboardist, who also played bass guitar during certain songs that night. I've heard Rainy Monday and Don't Cry Out, as well as a version of Stripped (by , and also covered by Drist on their album Orchids And Ammunition). I'm not quite sure what their third encore song was, but it also sounded really well and gave everyone a nice ending to their musical night. I've uploaded photos of the concert to the photo album as well (link to that is further up in this message) and if any of the videos I shot will be youtube worthy I will also upload those later.
I got to walk back home that night for a bit, and later took a cab. Went to bed at 0:40 and I had to get up at 4AM again as my first day at Le Marche would start with opening duties with Pierre, at 5AM.
That monday I started out in Le Marche as mentioned, and after a slow opening round, looking at stocks and the activation of equipment and the setup of all furniture inside and outside, it was my time to observe, learn and ask. The learning went a bit slow at times as I was really tired on certain moments (yes, I know, result of the night before), but everything I saw I remembered well. The active listening was a little problem at times. Had a nice and easy day that day, learning the basics and just seeing other people work there.
Got home at 2PM that afternoon and slept for 2 to 3 hours. Then wanted to watch the movie Street Kings, that Bart rented from the Publix Moviecube, but after 30 minutes, the power went down in the neighborhood here in general. My laptop and phone were already low on batteries and I didn't have much to do with those, therefore. I couldn't cook either, as we have these ceramical plates, my stuff in the fridge wasn't perfect either, and outside the traffic was being arranged by the police as those traffic lights were out as well. Managed to get some more rest, talk about some stuff with Bart, who came home in a blackened house and just waited.
Marten and Yatha came by later, finding us half asleep, with the power still out, and opted to go out and eat as we couldn't make anything at home and people started to get hungry. They still had a rental car for the night as they got it to go to Sawgrass for some shopping. As we wanted to head out, the power came back on (after almost 3 hours in total) and we went to The Cheesecake Factory. Just had a main dish there, Lemon and Herbs Chicken, which was alright. Not a place I'd go to again for the great food, really. Knowing the four of us, you can tell we had a great time fooling around with everything and everyone. Yatha and I finished Street Kings that night as Marten went to bed early (he had been up for more than 24 hours as he did a night shift at the hotel) and Bart went to bed already as well.
Tuesday I got to work at Le Marche again, and I managed to do quite a few transactions and Blake, the second in command over there (after Pierre) taught me how to make all the ice coffees they have at the place. Met some regular guests (hotel room owners, as it's a condo hotel) or local people that come by almost daily. Then started with a small assignment Pierre gave me, concerning the storage room and inventory lists. I still need to complete that one, but will work on that soon. When I got home I found that we had the modem from AT&T and apparently I'm the most technical one around (yes, Hans, thank you for all that) and I tried setting it up. As I had been trying around several things at several places in the house, I had a feeling that our phone lines were not connected still, and I gave up.
Watched "Don't Mess With The Zohan" together with Bart, Yatha, Marten and Sabrina after Bart made some spaghetti with chicken (with my recipe, but I was still fixing the internet at the time). Had a good sleep as I wanted to use today (my day off) for useful spare time missions.
Went to AT&T today to get the phone line sorted. Mark, the manager of the kiosk at Galleria Mall helped me out great once again, showing just as much patience as I have, as he was being redirected, forwarded and pushed back between multiple divisions in AT&T, trying to solve my phone line problem. He spent more than an hour on this again, and the requisition of the package itself took more than 2 hours, a week ago. I promised him that next time I have a bigger problem, I'll bring him chocolates for all the help he's given us. Requested some information about a family package for my phone, and he forwarded us to another AT&T booth where he is the assistant manager to get Georgi on my phone plan and get him an iPhone too. Now we pay 45 a month each, instead of me paying 75, and we both work with our iPhones, having free calls to one another and more of those easy access things.
Worked out really nice so far.
I'm done with the updates for everyone for now, I'm putting the final touches to the uploaded photos and I will share the video I promised earlier;
Friday, October 10, 2008
Going Through Changes
Thursday. That means I've once again failed to get it done in three days. I guess I'll make it into every 3-4 days for you all then. Don't worry, I'll keep it up. I should start keeping notes about the days though, especially the evenings as I'm having problems remembering what I did after work sometime. If I manage to figure out what I did, I don't always link it to the correct day, I think.
With a little help from Bart, however, I managed to just assign all events to the right days again, so here goes the review of the past few days, starting with my monday as the last entry was written sunday night. Monday was once again, another day at work in the laundry, with nothing much to do. There were new people from the Phillipines doing their orientation this day, which lead to the request of me being around on Tuesday for a few hours to help them get their uniforms and get started. A little introduction to the department and such. Monday night was spent at home with Marten and Tommy coming over, and Yatha made his noodles/rice/chicken dish, which was good enough. Hired a movie at Publix (they got a little movie vending machine over there called Moviecube, which lets you rent movies for 1,06 per day. No membership, nothing, and the movies are quite new too) called 21, which we all watched. It's a movie based on a true story of a group of students using a self-designed system to win big money at Blackjack. Was a good one.
Think I headed to bed around 11 or so.
Tuesday I had to wake up at 6, getting in at work around 7 as the new team members needed to be all up and running by 8, for a meeting with Andreas, the general manager.
Helped them all out, and went back home again around 9:30. Stopped at Galleria Mall on the way back to get a little, useful, backpack and the belt one of the managers has been screaming about for so long. Seriously, appearance when I'm stuck in the landry? Anyway, got two of those for 12 bucks, so if that makes him happy... For a few hours, we did nothing much, until Volkan and Marten came in around 5:30 I believe, and we went to Victoria Park for a little exercise in the form of a soccer match. First played around a bit, might have been for an hour or so (with Bart and Yatha too, Georgi was at work). Then, three guys came up to us, challenging us for a game. Volkan joined their side making it Holland vs The World yet again. Had a nice game which we lost 6-3 I believe. Their playing was just a little simpler, more effective. But we had fun, and it felt good to be that active again for a total of two hours straight. After the game, Volkan went home, leaving his PS2 for us to use!
The four of us changed quickly and headed into the swimming pool of the compound for some relaxation and messing around. As there's quite some chlorine in the water, I bought these cheap swimming goggles for 2 dollars a piece for Bart and me, the day after. Those are for next time.
When we got back, we watched the movie Untraceable (also from the moviecube again) and then called it a day. At least I did. I think Marten stayed for a little longer and Georgi drove him home when he got back from work.
Wednesday, my drag at work was broken, as Joseph had set up a meeting after addressing me earlier that week. A meeting about me moving to F&B after all! Got a new schedule, effective this coming monday, starting in Le Marche, the food outlet at the boulevard. They make lovely paninis, crepes and ice cream there, and they got Starbucks coffee and homemade Chocolate Chip cookies. It's open for hotel guests as well as people on the boulevard, so it should be a lot of fun, interaction wise. Monday I start at 7AM, with Pierre, the manager there (according to many, one of the best and most knowledgable people around) and the rest of the week I won't start before 10AM. I guess finally some time to sleep late. I won't have a fixed schedule in terms of 8 to 5 anymore, but I'll manage!
Second part of the new rotation will be done in Banqueting, by the looks of it. The meeting rooms and all involved. Hope we can finalise that in some agreement as that would be quite a way to spend the rest of the year. At work itself, I did little laundry as there were a lot of chores to be done itself, in the rooms, on the floors, and for me as a Runner on top of that. Had a great day that I ended with some fastfood at Wendy's and two (yes, two) movies hired from the Moviecube. Action with Jumper, and a no-brainer in the form of Freshman Orientation. Had a nice night. Went to bed around 12, but didnt sleep until 2, because of the warmth.
Today, I was supposed to have a day off. I woke up at 12, and had a little bit of time to do nothing, and wake up at the same time, before heading to the hotel around 1. Did a bit of work as the housekeeping office, waiting for two meetings to start. The first one was a roundtable discussion with all interns about what can be improved in the program. Lots of feedback all around, so we'll see what happens with all of that. The second one was about the MOD schedule. Manager On Duty. It consists of two aspects, concerning the morning or afternoon/evening. It sounds like a lot of fun, a nice change of pace, but I'll tell more about that in November, as I'm listed for morning and evening duties on 6 and 13 November as it is.
Played soccer in the indoor hall in Hollywood again, 65 minutes, but it wasn't as fun as usually. Other people playing, and the entire setting and such was just different. Nice to get some exercise again, that feels rewarding every time, but yeah. Got another day off tomorrow, and I feel like going to that Irish pub again. Hope we can! Depends on Sabrina I guess, who needs to work that night, but who has Saturday off.
For the departmental change, here is Army Of Me - Going Through Changes
With a little help from Bart, however, I managed to just assign all events to the right days again, so here goes the review of the past few days, starting with my monday as the last entry was written sunday night. Monday was once again, another day at work in the laundry, with nothing much to do. There were new people from the Phillipines doing their orientation this day, which lead to the request of me being around on Tuesday for a few hours to help them get their uniforms and get started. A little introduction to the department and such. Monday night was spent at home with Marten and Tommy coming over, and Yatha made his noodles/rice/chicken dish, which was good enough. Hired a movie at Publix (they got a little movie vending machine over there called Moviecube, which lets you rent movies for 1,06 per day. No membership, nothing, and the movies are quite new too) called 21, which we all watched. It's a movie based on a true story of a group of students using a self-designed system to win big money at Blackjack. Was a good one.
Think I headed to bed around 11 or so.
Tuesday I had to wake up at 6, getting in at work around 7 as the new team members needed to be all up and running by 8, for a meeting with Andreas, the general manager.
Helped them all out, and went back home again around 9:30. Stopped at Galleria Mall on the way back to get a little, useful, backpack and the belt one of the managers has been screaming about for so long. Seriously, appearance when I'm stuck in the landry? Anyway, got two of those for 12 bucks, so if that makes him happy... For a few hours, we did nothing much, until Volkan and Marten came in around 5:30 I believe, and we went to Victoria Park for a little exercise in the form of a soccer match. First played around a bit, might have been for an hour or so (with Bart and Yatha too, Georgi was at work). Then, three guys came up to us, challenging us for a game. Volkan joined their side making it Holland vs The World yet again. Had a nice game which we lost 6-3 I believe. Their playing was just a little simpler, more effective. But we had fun, and it felt good to be that active again for a total of two hours straight. After the game, Volkan went home, leaving his PS2 for us to use!
The four of us changed quickly and headed into the swimming pool of the compound for some relaxation and messing around. As there's quite some chlorine in the water, I bought these cheap swimming goggles for 2 dollars a piece for Bart and me, the day after. Those are for next time.
When we got back, we watched the movie Untraceable (also from the moviecube again) and then called it a day. At least I did. I think Marten stayed for a little longer and Georgi drove him home when he got back from work.
Wednesday, my drag at work was broken, as Joseph had set up a meeting after addressing me earlier that week. A meeting about me moving to F&B after all! Got a new schedule, effective this coming monday, starting in Le Marche, the food outlet at the boulevard. They make lovely paninis, crepes and ice cream there, and they got Starbucks coffee and homemade Chocolate Chip cookies. It's open for hotel guests as well as people on the boulevard, so it should be a lot of fun, interaction wise. Monday I start at 7AM, with Pierre, the manager there (according to many, one of the best and most knowledgable people around) and the rest of the week I won't start before 10AM. I guess finally some time to sleep late. I won't have a fixed schedule in terms of 8 to 5 anymore, but I'll manage!
Second part of the new rotation will be done in Banqueting, by the looks of it. The meeting rooms and all involved. Hope we can finalise that in some agreement as that would be quite a way to spend the rest of the year. At work itself, I did little laundry as there were a lot of chores to be done itself, in the rooms, on the floors, and for me as a Runner on top of that. Had a great day that I ended with some fastfood at Wendy's and two (yes, two) movies hired from the Moviecube. Action with Jumper, and a no-brainer in the form of Freshman Orientation. Had a nice night. Went to bed around 12, but didnt sleep until 2, because of the warmth.
Today, I was supposed to have a day off. I woke up at 12, and had a little bit of time to do nothing, and wake up at the same time, before heading to the hotel around 1. Did a bit of work as the housekeeping office, waiting for two meetings to start. The first one was a roundtable discussion with all interns about what can be improved in the program. Lots of feedback all around, so we'll see what happens with all of that. The second one was about the MOD schedule. Manager On Duty. It consists of two aspects, concerning the morning or afternoon/evening. It sounds like a lot of fun, a nice change of pace, but I'll tell more about that in November, as I'm listed for morning and evening duties on 6 and 13 November as it is.
Played soccer in the indoor hall in Hollywood again, 65 minutes, but it wasn't as fun as usually. Other people playing, and the entire setting and such was just different. Nice to get some exercise again, that feels rewarding every time, but yeah. Got another day off tomorrow, and I feel like going to that Irish pub again. Hope we can! Depends on Sabrina I guess, who needs to work that night, but who has Saturday off.
For the departmental change, here is Army Of Me - Going Through Changes
Monday, October 6, 2008
I promised myself
That I would keep writing this every 2 or 3 days. So far, so good. With a few minor exceptions, usually one day more than intended, but I think I'm still doing a nice job in keeping everyone posted what happens here. Not always getting feedback from everyone, I know there's enough people regularly reading this.
I have four days to cover, as wednesday evening I wrote my last entry. Thursday, I had my first solo supervisor day in laundry, as Charlotte went off to New York for a few days. I want to go there in either December, or a bit later, in April/May. Depends on two things, one of them being the possibility to go and snowboard in Colorado instead, or having someone over in New York at the time. We'll see when I bite the Big Apple. The day went by pretty alright, doing nothing much again. Just making sure the laundry rooms (one for the collection of dirty linen and one for distribution of clean ones) are all empty or restocked, respectively, and keeping an eye out for the uniforms of all employees, or Team Members, as they like to call them. That night we played a game of indoor soccer again at AM Soccer in Hollywood. Got the shirt back I forgot there the week before, and played a game of 3 vs 3. Other people were unable to come for one reason or another. It was a little Holland vs The World thing as Bart, Marten and myself played Walden, Pedro and Matt. When we were ahead 17-10 another player joined The World, making it a 4 vs 3 match. Ended up with a draw, 27-27, after an hour of playing.
Pedro dropped us off at the hotel again, where our bikes were, and Bart and me drove back to the house.
On Friday I was off, officially, but as there were new team members coming in (see, I use it too, but won't capitalize it anymore) I had to stop by for a few hours to prepare everything for a fitting session and then finalizing all the assigned uniforms and paperwork linked to that. Couldn't get it all sorted out so left Paris a little e-mail for her to work with, if anything.
That night Sabrina picked up Bart and me, and we had a little drink at her house, with her roommate Valeska and some of their neighbors (notice how I have been using American English spelling over the last few paragraphs. It looks weird not to write neighbours, but well). Later that night we went to an Irish pub with live music. Nothing about the pub was really Irish, but nonetheless I had a great night out there. With my paycheck being issued but not added to my account yet, I had to take it easy on the spending for the night, and I mostly stuck around with the people I knew instead of handing out drinks like I do plan to do next time. Might make new interactions a bit easier at times. Anyway. This place at Riverfront started to get emptier around 2:30 or so, and Bart and I took a cab shortly after 3, as we lost Marten and Nina, who had just headed outside after a little incident of some kind, indoors.
Upon arriving at the house again we noticed Yatha wasn't in yet.
That saturday we heard Yatha story about swimming in the ocean and some random pool along the way, and how not-quite-sober he was that night. He also enjoyed himself anyway!
Saturday was spent with Georgi and Bart going to the library to hire some movies for free (yay for public facilities that way) and Yatha and I went for a little run through the park across the street, Victoria Park. Mentioned that in my previous blog too.
Later that day Georgi, Bart and myself went to Galleria Mall to set up an account with AT&T for internet and TV. Should have our own connection and such at October 13th. Everything should be fine then. Setting it all up took us well over 2 hours by the way, things just went wrong at the booth over and over. Little annoying in general, but it got done in the end anyway. Had a good time checking out other shoppers in the mean time. Remains one of my favorite ways to pass the time.
Went to the Publix on the way back to do a few groceries and Georgi later made a rice-beans-chicken dish for the three of us, as Yatha was at work.
This sunday, Bart, Yatha and myself went for another run in Victoria Park, I then got calls from my mum and dad to my phone, and tested Skype with my dad as well. When I get the internet fixed on October 13th, I can talk to more people. It broke down a few times now, with the borrowed net. Yatha and Georgi went to work, and Bart and me watched The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise. Loved the movie! Other than that it's been a sunday in all ways. Easy going, nothing to do or worry about, just playing around.
Laundry again tomorrow. I think I might even be looking forward to it slightly.
Song; Nick Kamen - I Promised Myself.
And oh! Hollywood Undead is playing in Culture Room on November 10th. I guess I'm going!
I have four days to cover, as wednesday evening I wrote my last entry. Thursday, I had my first solo supervisor day in laundry, as Charlotte went off to New York for a few days. I want to go there in either December, or a bit later, in April/May. Depends on two things, one of them being the possibility to go and snowboard in Colorado instead, or having someone over in New York at the time. We'll see when I bite the Big Apple. The day went by pretty alright, doing nothing much again. Just making sure the laundry rooms (one for the collection of dirty linen and one for distribution of clean ones) are all empty or restocked, respectively, and keeping an eye out for the uniforms of all employees, or Team Members, as they like to call them. That night we played a game of indoor soccer again at AM Soccer in Hollywood. Got the shirt back I forgot there the week before, and played a game of 3 vs 3. Other people were unable to come for one reason or another. It was a little Holland vs The World thing as Bart, Marten and myself played Walden, Pedro and Matt. When we were ahead 17-10 another player joined The World, making it a 4 vs 3 match. Ended up with a draw, 27-27, after an hour of playing.
Pedro dropped us off at the hotel again, where our bikes were, and Bart and me drove back to the house.
On Friday I was off, officially, but as there were new team members coming in (see, I use it too, but won't capitalize it anymore) I had to stop by for a few hours to prepare everything for a fitting session and then finalizing all the assigned uniforms and paperwork linked to that. Couldn't get it all sorted out so left Paris a little e-mail for her to work with, if anything.
That night Sabrina picked up Bart and me, and we had a little drink at her house, with her roommate Valeska and some of their neighbors (notice how I have been using American English spelling over the last few paragraphs. It looks weird not to write neighbours, but well). Later that night we went to an Irish pub with live music. Nothing about the pub was really Irish, but nonetheless I had a great night out there. With my paycheck being issued but not added to my account yet, I had to take it easy on the spending for the night, and I mostly stuck around with the people I knew instead of handing out drinks like I do plan to do next time. Might make new interactions a bit easier at times. Anyway. This place at Riverfront started to get emptier around 2:30 or so, and Bart and I took a cab shortly after 3, as we lost Marten and Nina, who had just headed outside after a little incident of some kind, indoors.
Upon arriving at the house again we noticed Yatha wasn't in yet.
That saturday we heard Yatha story about swimming in the ocean and some random pool along the way, and how not-quite-sober he was that night. He also enjoyed himself anyway!
Saturday was spent with Georgi and Bart going to the library to hire some movies for free (yay for public facilities that way) and Yatha and I went for a little run through the park across the street, Victoria Park. Mentioned that in my previous blog too.
Later that day Georgi, Bart and myself went to Galleria Mall to set up an account with AT&T for internet and TV. Should have our own connection and such at October 13th. Everything should be fine then. Setting it all up took us well over 2 hours by the way, things just went wrong at the booth over and over. Little annoying in general, but it got done in the end anyway. Had a good time checking out other shoppers in the mean time. Remains one of my favorite ways to pass the time.
Went to the Publix on the way back to do a few groceries and Georgi later made a rice-beans-chicken dish for the three of us, as Yatha was at work.
This sunday, Bart, Yatha and myself went for another run in Victoria Park, I then got calls from my mum and dad to my phone, and tested Skype with my dad as well. When I get the internet fixed on October 13th, I can talk to more people. It broke down a few times now, with the borrowed net. Yatha and Georgi went to work, and Bart and me watched The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise. Loved the movie! Other than that it's been a sunday in all ways. Easy going, nothing to do or worry about, just playing around.
Laundry again tomorrow. I think I might even be looking forward to it slightly.
Song; Nick Kamen - I Promised Myself.
And oh! Hollywood Undead is playing in Culture Room on November 10th. I guess I'm going!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wash It Away
Monday, the fun started. I got to work in the Laundry department. And yes, that is as bad as it sounds. First thing about the laundry is that days seems to go slowest there. There's not always something to do, as washes take about 40 minutes, and so do drying cycles. As there are only two washers and two dryers, and all the work before, in between or after takes 5, maybe 10 minutes (if it's dry and you need to fold it) maximum, you'd hope for something in between. Not quite. There's a little rush when people start their shifts and need to pick up their uniforms. Also, when the housekeepers start working, they need to pick up some washcloths to place in the rooms, as those are not provided in the cupboards on each floor. That's about the busiest time.
In between, housemen come in to take new towels to restock the floors. Also, every so often, we get to sort out all the dirty linen into categories and wash the towels ourselves. Other than that I pass the time with doing nothing, fooling around with my iPhone sometimes, and trying to interact with people coming to pick up one thing or another. Sometimes there's the need for pressed uniforms, and you get to operate that machine. Which basically looks like this;
I know. Monday evening I made the pita chicken bread with Bart, as expected, and we had a nice evening off again, doing nothing much.
Tuesday in the laundry, things seemed to go a bit quicker, but still, by far, the hours don't pass as easy as they do otherwise. I learned my way around with all the machinery and the places of everything in the office, and got myself acquainted with the uniforms and such, and had been handing those out and taking those in most of the day. That evening, as it was Yatha's day off, we had Sabrina and Marten over again and we spent time out on the patio, drinking, talking and making fun of people who weren't present. Looked some things up about HDR Pictures and put a few on my phone as wallpapers.
Today, wednesday, was another day of laundry, and it seems like I'll be here the coming 4/5 weeks before I get to train Bart to do his turn over there. As far as I know, the F&B plan is off (at least for now). Was there with Charlotte, who has been training me for the past few days, and we spent 4,5 hours making up the stock levels for ALL available clothing inventory in the fourth floor storage. At least we got that all right now, and I don't have to do it again. Tomorrow there will be new housekeepers from the Philipines and I get to give them proper clothing, just like today. Only tomorrow I will do it alone, as Charlotte is going to New York for a few days. I want to go there too later this year. Really looking forward to things like that!
In other news, I also bought myself a proper bike today. They don't really have city bikes like I'm used to, but either mountainbikes or beach cruises (which, fortunately, I'm used to as well since I had one back home). I'll add some pictures of it to this post to share my new vehicle! (The white one is Yatha's and I got the lovely black thing.)
Got the entire weekend off, friday, saturday and sunday, but things will be easy. Might take a little swim in the pool we have here. Go for a run, cycle around town and play some ball in the across-the-street-fields of Victoria Park. Saving some money for other things that might come later, such as New York.
As a little ode to the laundry, I looked for songs with "wash" in their title and found a pretty nice cover of Black Lab's "Wash It Away" on YouTube.
In between, housemen come in to take new towels to restock the floors. Also, every so often, we get to sort out all the dirty linen into categories and wash the towels ourselves. Other than that I pass the time with doing nothing, fooling around with my iPhone sometimes, and trying to interact with people coming to pick up one thing or another. Sometimes there's the need for pressed uniforms, and you get to operate that machine. Which basically looks like this;
I know. Monday evening I made the pita chicken bread with Bart, as expected, and we had a nice evening off again, doing nothing much.Tuesday in the laundry, things seemed to go a bit quicker, but still, by far, the hours don't pass as easy as they do otherwise. I learned my way around with all the machinery and the places of everything in the office, and got myself acquainted with the uniforms and such, and had been handing those out and taking those in most of the day. That evening, as it was Yatha's day off, we had Sabrina and Marten over again and we spent time out on the patio, drinking, talking and making fun of people who weren't present. Looked some things up about HDR Pictures and put a few on my phone as wallpapers.
Today, wednesday, was another day of laundry, and it seems like I'll be here the coming 4/5 weeks before I get to train Bart to do his turn over there. As far as I know, the F&B plan is off (at least for now). Was there with Charlotte, who has been training me for the past few days, and we spent 4,5 hours making up the stock levels for ALL available clothing inventory in the fourth floor storage. At least we got that all right now, and I don't have to do it again. Tomorrow there will be new housekeepers from the Philipines and I get to give them proper clothing, just like today. Only tomorrow I will do it alone, as Charlotte is going to New York for a few days. I want to go there too later this year. Really looking forward to things like that!
In other news, I also bought myself a proper bike today. They don't really have city bikes like I'm used to, but either mountainbikes or beach cruises (which, fortunately, I'm used to as well since I had one back home). I'll add some pictures of it to this post to share my new vehicle! (The white one is Yatha's and I got the lovely black thing.)
Got the entire weekend off, friday, saturday and sunday, but things will be easy. Might take a little swim in the pool we have here. Go for a run, cycle around town and play some ball in the across-the-street-fields of Victoria Park. Saving some money for other things that might come later, such as New York.As a little ode to the laundry, I looked for songs with "wash" in their title and found a pretty nice cover of Black Lab's "Wash It Away" on YouTube.
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