Joe's Basement: Part One

Buca Di Beppo, which translates as "Joe's Basement" is my current work environment. It has it's ups and downs, as do most places, but my favorite part is that we pride ourselves on being the "#1 place for celebratory dining." (See page 4 of the server training guide). What this really means is that people don't usually just go to the Basement for your regular ole' dinner. People come to the Basement to hang out and have a party, so they're usually pretty happy!
The Best (and worst) part of where you work always seems to be the people that you work with. In the blogs following this one I will introduce you to every employee at Joe's Basement. Of course I'll tell the slightly scandalous, so anonymous names will be used. If you prod me however I'm sure you'll find out whose who. (This seemed way more interesting and easy than doing stupid things before I die)

Today you'll hear about my beloved Cameron (name has been changed). I started training with Cameron and so far we've worked every shift together. The lucky duck already even has a nick name- Bieber, on account of his hair looking like Justin Biebers. Eventually I think it will just get shortened to Bieb, because one of the things Cameron likes to do is abbreviate things. I find his constant need to abbreviate unusual since he is one of the most talkative people I know. He likes to repeat often was just said to him. I'll recite a conversation that was had the other night.
"We always like to greet everyone that comes in- almost like we're welcoming them to our home!" - Our Boss
"So it's like you want to make everyone feel comfortable, like "Oh hey! Welcome to Buca!" yeah that totally makes sense, people love feeling like they're comfortable."
In my mind I often think- "really?! Did you need to say that?!" Luckily I have a morsel of self-control. Cameron is also 21, he likes to smoke pot with the claim that it calms his A.D.D. He has a girlfriend who he refuses to see chick flicks with and he wears a banana republic shirt to work. I got my work shirt at the D.I. Imagine how un-trendy I felt when that news was received. He's a good server, but doesn't know the food very well and tonight tried to describe a wine as "spicy." He however, is kind and offers to help me and show me how to do things (even though it's usually the wrong way). He also loves food and loves cooking. He once shared with me that he goes home and tries to re-create our Buca Dishes. Best of luck to you Cameron and I can't wait till we both start serving!
And that will wrap up Part One of Joe's Basement.

Date #2

Name: Bryan
Age: 24
Location of Date: Gateway Mall/ California Pizza Kitchen
Part of the original message I got from him: "So here is a little about myself and I hope it sounds appealing. I'm going to BYU right now and studying Statistics. Sounds so fun right! Pretty much everyone I meet loves statistics so I'm sure that you are no exception ;) I am fairly sarcastic. I have a pretty dry sense of humor. I served a mission and have been home for almost 3 years now.
So I guess that's a start on getting to know me. Hope you are intrigued ;)"
Can I just note that this outfit is exactly what he wore on our date? Bryan is a little shy, but I give him props for being the first guy to ask me out on a real date. I have a feeling that if every guy out there was as polite as him that this 30 day thing would result in me having a lot of leftovers, since I can't seem to finish a meal. That is the one word I would pick to describe Bryan- polite. He was careful not to say anything that could even be considered offensive, and he didn't seem to have too many surprising opinions. Which is unfortunate since opinions stimulate discussions. Little to say if we weren't agreeing on something the subject was quickly changed. He wasn't very outgoing but was... polite to all we came into contact with. I believe that with a little confidence, gumption and a spoonful more personality and spunk Bryan would make a great first date.
I'm giving this date another 2 out of 5 stars.
Come on men out there- make me laugh already!

Date #1

Date #1:
Name: Ray
Age: 23
Original message I received from him:" I agree... and you're honest I like that. Do you like anything besides kissing? Like polo or wingsuit flying?"
(On my profile it says I like kissing, running and chess... I really only do two of those activities, I'll let you guess which two)
For our date, Ray and I were supposed to meet up for 4th of July fireworks in Murray Park, however both of us got there, couldn't find each other and so we watched the fireworks from opposite sides of the park. After they were over we met up and sat on the grass and talked. Ray did a decent amount of talking and I did a decent amount of question asking. (Thank you to Rush for teaching me how to ask more than yes or no questions...). Ray was very nice, openly blunt but didn't really catch onto my constant sarcasm. Ray would be great for you if you're a girl that's interested in video games and if you don't wear jeggings, they're one of his biggest pet peeves. He also really likes sports, anything except baseball. Overall a nice guy, but I loathe video games, so I don't think it'll work out too well.
I'd give this first date 2 stars out of 5.

A Date a Day: The Plan.

For the next couple of days this blog will be better than your favorite romantic comedy. I am going to go on a date a day (or close to it). I recently joined an lds dating site, upon encouragement from my friend... we'll call her Kelsy. She also paid for it, as an early birthday present... which if you're ever wondering what to get someone for their birthday, let me tell you haha there's nothing quite like this gift.

Half of the guys on this site are total odd-balls that are 47, bald and still put up their high school graduation picture from the 70's. Then there's a quarter that just want some action- plain and simple. As long as you have all your appendages and are of the female gender they will make out with you. Then there's the group of what I like to call "life maybe's". They are the guys that are okay to go out on dates with. Remember though, they're not life rejects or creepers... they're just the boys that got swept under the rug of life. Those are the boys that you'll hear about on my dates. (I'll try and get pictures of each of them too).

Stay tuned for Date #1!!!!
P.S. This is more for the sake of my fascination with people than to find my one true love.

Death Be Not Proud

One of my favorite things about summer is that I get to read for fun. So far this summer I've read Gone with the Wind, The Alchemist and now Death Be Not Proud. It's an amazing memoir about a boys struggle with a brain tumor, written by his father John Gunther. It takes you on a journey of a struggle with life and death and the acceptance of both. It's inspiring, while remaining raw and real. Truly a great read that gives wonderful perspective on life. It reminded me that so much goes unappreciated. All the joys of life are so commonly overlooked, it has prompted me to try and notice the incredible and intense beauty that lies all around.

Is this Love?

obbsessed with this song.
It's honesty in chords.
A combo of Jessica Lea Mayfield- a folk singer from Kent Ohio
and Seth Avett. Seth is part of a duo with his brother. There band is, no surprise here, the Avett Brothers. Hopefully I'll get to see both in July. "Murder in the City" is a great song by the bro ho's. Seriously, don't miss out!

"the boo"

I recently got over a case of the boo, more commonly refereed to as the flu. Since the word flu isn't nearly negative enough, boo has been found to be an excellent substitute. Not only is boo more scary, but it is an excellent word to show contempt and disapproval. Since the boo is also constantly "going around"... that makes it sound sleazy... here are a couple tips for surviving it.
1. stay in bed

2.have lots of dvds handy

3.ignore your phone

4. except to call your mother

5. if necessary, see a doctor

6. take LOTS of baths. even though you're still contaminated this will make you feel it a little bit less

7. have great roommates

8. drink lots of water

9. DO NOT drink diet soda, it has aspartame... which severely upsets an already upset empty stomach

10. it's okay to moan in pain