MMMMMMMMMMMMMM....................................... DA BEBE!!!!! She is just getting more and more adorable every single day. I'm so glad she lives here so I can gawk. Such a wonderful baby niece!
For those of you who are wondering, I don't plan on posting for every single day of work this summer. I'm just doing this first week, for this will probably be the roughest week since I'm still getting used to the ins and outs of being a front desk clerk. But I'm happy to report that although today got really busy at the end of my shift, it was the best day of the three so far. I'm still learning lots of stuff, but I've got the basic skills down pretty well so that should help from here on out. I had a few problems today and sadly the woman who hired me, who was supposed to work with me today, decided to disappear right at those moments, but everything was put right in the end. I hope. At times I worry that I'm doing everything wrong by just making a small, very minute error in some random place. Yet even the smallest error could throw off the whole system, so it's pretty intense. Yet I haven't been fired or pulled into my manager's office, so I guess I'm doing all right.
Tomorrow is when people start checking in for the very, VERY busy weekend. BV's graduation is this weekend, and let me tell you, King's Pointe is BOOKED! Things will probably get crazy tomorrow and the stress level will rise to code red, but I'm confident that I'll at least survive. I have these past three days, so I might as well last one more, right? Until tomorrow. Cole out.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Day 2
Coming home from work is always better if you have a cute niece to watch, especially when she's trying to eat the arm of a rocking chair.
Today seemed to go a little smoother. I walked through those sliding doors at 7:00 a.m. with a little different attitude. After having slept for a decent amount of time and listening to some pretty catchy "cunch" on the radio, things seemed to fall into place a little easier. Reservations seemed simpler. I actually answered a few questions asked by customers all by myself. A certain woman called with a complaint and she hung up the phone with a compliment, which in my book is a check on the positive side of the chart. I even had a bite of a chicken quesadilla, which was fantastic.
So maybe I won't fail as bad as I thought at being so responsible. I guess only tomorrow will tell. I'm working with the woman who hired me instead of a fellow employee, so the real test will be tomorrow morning. But now I need food, so Hot Pockets, here I come! (I've had a craving for them since the moment I came out of surgery a week ago).
Today seemed to go a little smoother. I walked through those sliding doors at 7:00 a.m. with a little different attitude. After having slept for a decent amount of time and listening to some pretty catchy "cunch" on the radio, things seemed to fall into place a little easier. Reservations seemed simpler. I actually answered a few questions asked by customers all by myself. A certain woman called with a complaint and she hung up the phone with a compliment, which in my book is a check on the positive side of the chart. I even had a bite of a chicken quesadilla, which was fantastic.
So maybe I won't fail as bad as I thought at being so responsible. I guess only tomorrow will tell. I'm working with the woman who hired me instead of a fellow employee, so the real test will be tomorrow morning. But now I need food, so Hot Pockets, here I come! (I've had a craving for them since the moment I came out of surgery a week ago).
Monday, May 16, 2011
Day 1
Tired. Angry. Frustrated. Impatient. Snappy. Exhausted. All words I would use to describe myself right now.
The first day is over. I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't that. Eight hours of standing, then walking, then standing again really takes it out of you. Especially when the longest shift you've ever worked is four hours. I know, I know. "Welcome to the real world," you'll tell me. Yeah. Thanks. I understand that up til now my life has been one enormous joke. The jobs I've held have never asked for more than four hours of my time each day. Work has never stressed me out. I've never gone home from work with a headache or feet that are screaming in pain or legs that just don't want to go back. I must be pretty pathetic complaining about eight-hour shifts. You try listening to two girls rant about their boyfriends and ex-boyfriends for four hours. NONSTOP. Yeah. That's what I thought.
Tomorrow marks Day 2. At least tomorrow I'll have somewhat of a clue what is expected of me. But I still have a long way to go before I could be thought of as "comfortable on the job," so I guess that's what I need to strive for in the future. My head is starting to hurt again, so I'll sign off for now. Goodnight, and good luck.
The first day is over. I'm not sure what I expected, but it wasn't that. Eight hours of standing, then walking, then standing again really takes it out of you. Especially when the longest shift you've ever worked is four hours. I know, I know. "Welcome to the real world," you'll tell me. Yeah. Thanks. I understand that up til now my life has been one enormous joke. The jobs I've held have never asked for more than four hours of my time each day. Work has never stressed me out. I've never gone home from work with a headache or feet that are screaming in pain or legs that just don't want to go back. I must be pretty pathetic complaining about eight-hour shifts. You try listening to two girls rant about their boyfriends and ex-boyfriends for four hours. NONSTOP. Yeah. That's what I thought.
Tomorrow marks Day 2. At least tomorrow I'll have somewhat of a clue what is expected of me. But I still have a long way to go before I could be thought of as "comfortable on the job," so I guess that's what I need to strive for in the future. My head is starting to hurt again, so I'll sign off for now. Goodnight, and good luck.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Afternoon Daydreams
It's a curious feeling sitting here on the couch for the fourth day in a row. So much time to myself really lets my mind roam like a buffalo in the Black Hills, probably in part because of all the drugs I'm taking. I'm still not sure what I would prefer: a life of luxury where I could lay around on the couch all day and not worry about anything, or a life of action, responsibilities, and things to do. I love not having anything to worry about but I'm not much of a fan of the boredom, for even the Internet can get boring after being on it for hours upon end.
But what is really harping on my mind right now is the fact that there are only 40 hours until I'll be leaving for the first real job of my life. I've been hired to work at King's Pointe in Storm Lake, a water park resort and hotel, as a front desk clerk. When I first applied for the job, I told myself that it couldn't be too tough. What could be so hard about standing behind a desk and dealing with reservations and customer service? But then I went in for my first interview and was smacked in the face with so much information that it scared me. I have to work with their computer systems. I have to handle all reservations and every customer, good and bad. I am officially the "face" of King's Pointe, which means that I am the first impression people get when they stay there. It may not seem like a big deal, but that's a lot of pressure. My last job only asked me to make coffee and be able to clean. To succeed at this new workplace, I'll have to step up my game. I just hope I'm up for the challenge.
But as we all know, I'm a complicated person, and therefore my mind juggles many thoughts at once. While my new job is one of my biggest worries, I also float around to the time of year it is. Graduations, from high school and college, are happening. This is the year of John Lorenzen, of Eric Rasmussen, of Ashley Drey. This is the year of my brother Caleb and my teammates Jon, Kyle, Scott, and Danny. It's crazy to think that I'll never play tennis with those four again. It's crazy to think that John and Eric, along with myself and our whole group, are already finished with two years of our college career. And of course, Ashley Drey graduating high school is no small feat. How time flies, huh? She'll be one of us next year...
But as I said, graduation season. I'm off to one right now actually: Jessica Aaren Mathes. I'm looking forward to seeing Breanna for the first time in a while, and also to some wonderful food and fellowship. Until next time.
But what is really harping on my mind right now is the fact that there are only 40 hours until I'll be leaving for the first real job of my life. I've been hired to work at King's Pointe in Storm Lake, a water park resort and hotel, as a front desk clerk. When I first applied for the job, I told myself that it couldn't be too tough. What could be so hard about standing behind a desk and dealing with reservations and customer service? But then I went in for my first interview and was smacked in the face with so much information that it scared me. I have to work with their computer systems. I have to handle all reservations and every customer, good and bad. I am officially the "face" of King's Pointe, which means that I am the first impression people get when they stay there. It may not seem like a big deal, but that's a lot of pressure. My last job only asked me to make coffee and be able to clean. To succeed at this new workplace, I'll have to step up my game. I just hope I'm up for the challenge.
But as we all know, I'm a complicated person, and therefore my mind juggles many thoughts at once. While my new job is one of my biggest worries, I also float around to the time of year it is. Graduations, from high school and college, are happening. This is the year of John Lorenzen, of Eric Rasmussen, of Ashley Drey. This is the year of my brother Caleb and my teammates Jon, Kyle, Scott, and Danny. It's crazy to think that I'll never play tennis with those four again. It's crazy to think that John and Eric, along with myself and our whole group, are already finished with two years of our college career. And of course, Ashley Drey graduating high school is no small feat. How time flies, huh? She'll be one of us next year...
But as I said, graduation season. I'm off to one right now actually: Jessica Aaren Mathes. I'm looking forward to seeing Breanna for the first time in a while, and also to some wonderful food and fellowship. Until next time.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Shadows Cast By Others Or By Us Standing In Our Own Sunshine?
It's never easy walking through high school in someone else's shadow. Just ask Aunt Mona in "You Again." Walking in anyone's shadow is never enjoyable, but when it's your best friend, that shadow seems to simply tower over you, even if they don't mean it to. They're often too busy being themselves and enjoying their lives to realize the shadow they cast. It's not their fault. It's who they are and no one can blame them for being liked and accepted. They're smart, they're funny, everyone loves being around them. Heck, people love the idea of being them. They're attractive, they make people laugh, they radiate confidence in whatever they do. They have so many traits that we don't - traits we wish we had but could never possibly possess. The combination it takes of personality and skill to be so "normal" seems to come naturally to them. Maybe they're not so good at basketball or track, but they're a heck of hunter, fisher, and car fanatic. Maybe speed and flexibility aren't top on their list, but honesty, trustworthiness, strength, and patience are definite, suitable replacements.
And there we are, enjoying the shade because it rules out the possibility of a sunburn but hating ourselves for bringing our best friend down whenever we're seen with them. We were never that popular or accepted ourselves, so when we're seen walking alongside them in the hallway or sitting next to them at a basketball game or the lunch table, heads begin to shake in puzzlement. Sometimes they're asked why they hang out with us. For all we know, they don't know how to respond. They're not quite sure themselves.
And then they give in and drink. They go to a party for the first time and really enjoy themselves. They realize what a great time they can have with these guys and start hanging out with them more frequently. They're too responsible to ever get involved with cigarettes or anything like that, but the door has now been opened to alcohol and it doesn't look like it will close anytime soon.
But they still find time for us. We still hang out, we still talk until one in the morning, we still go places and have great times. By now, they've mastered the idea of a "double life" and are able to pull it off flawlessly. The fact that they've now perfected another field that we lack so much experience in makes us even more in awe of what they can do. Yet sadly it also allows another difference to surface between us. Something else that has the potential to pull us farther apart has come to light. Could they really truly enjoy us that much? Do they really feel that close and connected to us? They promise friendship and loyalty, and because of everything they've done, we trust them to the very core. Yet deep down inside, we worry for them. We worry that someday they'll wake up and realize that they've wasted so much time - so many years - hanging out with us instead of doing something much more enjoyable. Something so much more meaningful with their life. What will happen when that day comes?
And there we are, enjoying the shade because it rules out the possibility of a sunburn but hating ourselves for bringing our best friend down whenever we're seen with them. We were never that popular or accepted ourselves, so when we're seen walking alongside them in the hallway or sitting next to them at a basketball game or the lunch table, heads begin to shake in puzzlement. Sometimes they're asked why they hang out with us. For all we know, they don't know how to respond. They're not quite sure themselves.
And then they give in and drink. They go to a party for the first time and really enjoy themselves. They realize what a great time they can have with these guys and start hanging out with them more frequently. They're too responsible to ever get involved with cigarettes or anything like that, but the door has now been opened to alcohol and it doesn't look like it will close anytime soon.
But they still find time for us. We still hang out, we still talk until one in the morning, we still go places and have great times. By now, they've mastered the idea of a "double life" and are able to pull it off flawlessly. The fact that they've now perfected another field that we lack so much experience in makes us even more in awe of what they can do. Yet sadly it also allows another difference to surface between us. Something else that has the potential to pull us farther apart has come to light. Could they really truly enjoy us that much? Do they really feel that close and connected to us? They promise friendship and loyalty, and because of everything they've done, we trust them to the very core. Yet deep down inside, we worry for them. We worry that someday they'll wake up and realize that they've wasted so much time - so many years - hanging out with us instead of doing something much more enjoyable. Something so much more meaningful with their life. What will happen when that day comes?
Friday, May 6, 2011
We're Halfway There
To my esteemed colleagues and friends of the same age and academic standing:
We are officially finished with two years of our college career. Two years. Two years of homework, stress, tests, quizzes, papers, projects, and presentations: completed. To those of us who are doing four years, we're halfway done. We've completed two years of hard work. There are only two years left, and then it's out into the real world for us. No more cramming to get that last bit of information into our heads ten minutes before that huge test. No more staying up until 3:00 in the morning to finish that huge paper that's due at 8:00 the next morning. It's the real world, ladies and gentlemen. Life only gets harder.
But for now, let's focus on the fact that we've accomplished so much in these two years. We've braved the chaos that seemed to want to swallow us whole when we arrived at college for the first time. We made friends in those first few weeks and months and, God-willing, still have them by our side. At times, we patiently accepted the intensity, the ferocity that is known as "college work," and other times, we simply broke down in anger, frustration, or exhaustion. But we continued on with a dogged determination, refusing to admit defeat to that enemy we know as procrastination. It seemed inevitable, at times, that he would fully conquer us, but while he managed to win a few battles, we eventually won the war.
Christmas, Easter, spring break, and then it was summer time! We all reunited in love and fellowship and exchanged stories, good and bad, about our freshman years. We reacquainted ourselves with our old habits and once again settled into a three-month summer of fun, games, talks, family, and friends. But then it was over, and we were back at college again.
The second year was much more comfortable for most. We met up with old friends and exchanged stories, also good and bad, about our summers and how amazing they all were. It wasn't long before work began to pile up due to our old foe, Mr. Procrastination. Yet we would not be conquered and soon found ourselves studying for finals in May. Through many games of sand volleyball, many horrible meals in Janzow, multiple injuries from the physicality of our lives, and many laughs and tears, we finally finished our second year by reaching, for some of us, the halfway point in our college education. It wasn't always easy, but we've now reached that milestone and we're still chuggin' on strong!
So here we are. Two years older than when we started our freshman campaign on our campuses. Two years wiser than when leaving our high school hallways. Two more years of maturity under our belts, for in these two years, we've suffered through more than just impossible homework. Best friends have grown apart. Enemies have become allies. Relationships have been pushed to their boundaries and beyond, strengthening some while devastating others. But here we all are. We're alive, we're healthy, and we're basking in the sunshine of summer 2011. May it be another summer of memories: bonfires, birthday parties, cat-and-mouse games in cars, hide-and-go-seek in the dark games in church basements, capture the flag games on golf courses, movies, talks, four square, friends, families, and more. We deserve a little break, so let's make it one heck of a vacation. Summer, here we come!
We are officially finished with two years of our college career. Two years. Two years of homework, stress, tests, quizzes, papers, projects, and presentations: completed. To those of us who are doing four years, we're halfway done. We've completed two years of hard work. There are only two years left, and then it's out into the real world for us. No more cramming to get that last bit of information into our heads ten minutes before that huge test. No more staying up until 3:00 in the morning to finish that huge paper that's due at 8:00 the next morning. It's the real world, ladies and gentlemen. Life only gets harder.
But for now, let's focus on the fact that we've accomplished so much in these two years. We've braved the chaos that seemed to want to swallow us whole when we arrived at college for the first time. We made friends in those first few weeks and months and, God-willing, still have them by our side. At times, we patiently accepted the intensity, the ferocity that is known as "college work," and other times, we simply broke down in anger, frustration, or exhaustion. But we continued on with a dogged determination, refusing to admit defeat to that enemy we know as procrastination. It seemed inevitable, at times, that he would fully conquer us, but while he managed to win a few battles, we eventually won the war.
Christmas, Easter, spring break, and then it was summer time! We all reunited in love and fellowship and exchanged stories, good and bad, about our freshman years. We reacquainted ourselves with our old habits and once again settled into a three-month summer of fun, games, talks, family, and friends. But then it was over, and we were back at college again.
The second year was much more comfortable for most. We met up with old friends and exchanged stories, also good and bad, about our summers and how amazing they all were. It wasn't long before work began to pile up due to our old foe, Mr. Procrastination. Yet we would not be conquered and soon found ourselves studying for finals in May. Through many games of sand volleyball, many horrible meals in Janzow, multiple injuries from the physicality of our lives, and many laughs and tears, we finally finished our second year by reaching, for some of us, the halfway point in our college education. It wasn't always easy, but we've now reached that milestone and we're still chuggin' on strong!
So here we are. Two years older than when we started our freshman campaign on our campuses. Two years wiser than when leaving our high school hallways. Two more years of maturity under our belts, for in these two years, we've suffered through more than just impossible homework. Best friends have grown apart. Enemies have become allies. Relationships have been pushed to their boundaries and beyond, strengthening some while devastating others. But here we all are. We're alive, we're healthy, and we're basking in the sunshine of summer 2011. May it be another summer of memories: bonfires, birthday parties, cat-and-mouse games in cars, hide-and-go-seek in the dark games in church basements, capture the flag games on golf courses, movies, talks, four square, friends, families, and more. We deserve a little break, so let's make it one heck of a vacation. Summer, here we come!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Would You Just Look At THIS!!
This has to be one of the funniest videos I've ever seen. Thank you Ryan Roehrig for showing it to me. I'm sure you've all seen it or at least heard of it. For those of you who haven't seen it, enjoy. I'm pretty sure half the student body of Concordia is quoting it by now. You can hear them from my room when they're on the sand volleyball court. It's hilarious. I thought that this would be a good time for some comedy relief, especially for us Concordians with all of our tests this week. Maybe this will help. Hope you're all having luck with your finals!
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