This Day And Age

Yesterday, during my first day at work, I read a survey mentioning something along the lines of "the ridiculousness of having to pay for internet in a hotel this day and age". As much as I was surprised by that in the hotel in Brussels (read a few entries back), I agreed with this comment.
That's where the title comes in, and also the song I'll share later (This Day And Age - Slideshow).
That first day at work yesterday was a lot of fun, and a lot of hassle. New information all over the place. I started out in the Housekeeping Office to learn a few computer programs they use and just check how things are going at the heart of the operation there. As I sat there in my Front Office outfit, as there were no clothes in the sizes Bart and I needed (they're being ordered) I quickly had to run with Paris (the one who fitted me into these clothes, she's one of the Housekeeping Managers) to check upon the VIP amenities in the penthouse, as we had the General Manager of another big Hilton property coming in to stay over. The penthouse, with 3 bedrooms and enough living space and bath rooms to literally get lost in, was all cleaned up in time. Way in time, as we got a wrong call. The limousine that was at the driveway wasn't his, but from another person staying over. Then went to check upon the room for the guest of our penthouse VIP, and Paris made the decision to not use this room, and change him around to the suite below the penthouse, to have them stay close to one another. After arriving at that empty room to check and prepare that, the call was made to go for the initial set-up room after all. After all going back and forth for a few times, things were settled and I could head back to the office to be around some more, shadowing people and learning along the way.
Lunch at the cafeteria is more of a social happening than a great meal (no offense, but it's a canteen setup after all), meeting up with people from other departments at times. Especially the guys from security are hilarious.
The afternoon was spent with me messing around on the programs to see how, what and where. After that, as things went kind of out of control with people missing and phones and pagers not being checked, I took it upon myself to play "Runner". The runner handles all guest requests that are put in at any given department. Glasses, plates and cutlery they want delivered up to cribs for new guests who checked in with a baby or little child or another tube of toothpaste.
WHen I got back from that quickly, everyone was into place again and I sort of spent the rest of the day at the office. Got an explanation about all the room types we have, with all the abbreviations they use. There are about 15 different types of codes each meaning something else for whatever room it is, and I'm still nowhere near knowing how and what, but yeah, that'll come!
After work I went to Galleria for some food at the food court again, got my final information concerning my iPhone (two weeks away, by the looks of it) and walked back to the hotel, with the heavy winds going against us. No worries, as we had it in our backs when we went there, which was quite an easy walk. To our left, miles and miles away, there was a thunderstorm going. It looked amazing to be honest. With the wind blowing in that direction and it being so far out, we were unable to hear anything, so we just got to enjoy the flashes.
Spent the evening doing nothing much else. Read some Baldacci and headed to bed.

Today was the second working day (that usually follows the first one, I know) and I switched places with Bart. He now took the office tour, and I went to check rooms with Georgi (the guy who we might be living with) as supervisor. He's not one for explaining, but leading by example also works, so I basically followed him around, watching what he does, and how he does it, to be able to do it alone at the end of the day.
The day started of slow in terms of checking and cleaning from the women's side (I really need to work on my Spanish!) which wasn't really for me, but well. After lunch things started to look up, we had more to do, and later on Georgi and I used to split rooms to check as I got a pretty good idea of what to look for and what needs to be in all the rooms.
For some reason, we found a room near the end of the day, which had a scale, iron and fire extinguisher missing. I'm not quite sure how big suitcases get these days, but they were all missing! That was pretty much the thing worth mentioning most.
It was just a lot of learning and doing yet again, without any really noticeable things for me to share with you.

Those concerned with the Gustav Hurricane in the region, all we notice are strong winds and some additional rains. It actually looks like fun to have some fun fighting the waves crashing the shore right now.
The weather outside is still warm and sticky, as I'm getting used to.
By the looks of things, it will hit New Orleans or some Texas shoreline, and people are being evacuated there. The next storm, Hanna or something, will not even make it to hurricane status, but seems to be headed our way a bit more. It will cross the Bahamas and hit the east side of Florida somewhere. Just don't know how far down south or north that will be. Shouldn't be too much of a hassle though!
I'll be safe.

Also, for those of you that contacted me as of late. I'm sorry for the inpersonal approach from my side. I've got a lot on my mind and not that much energy to put into things after work, I apologise. Still love you all.