Goals of 2009

I suppose that since I worked on New Year's Eve, albeit briefly, I didn't really focus on what I hoped to achieve in 2009.
First and foremost, I want to be positive in my life. I mentioned the older lady that I waited on a few weeks before the new year. Her resolution was to be nice. As simplistic as that sounds, it works and is more difficult than you would think. I respected her decision and decided to utilize it within my resolutions as well.
I want to travel (big surprise) to somewhere that I have never been before. I dream of international travel, but I have never been to New York or Boston. I might stay stateside for most of 2009.
I want to get the foundation up and running again, but on the new terms that we establish. I thank you all, beforehand, for listening, offering suggestions and help. Thank you, Hailey, for offering to assist us in a previous comment.
I do need direction and help. I know the premise of what we are trying to do, but we still need to decide what it is we hope to achieve from it as well. I love the idea of it and see the possibilities of greatness for not only us, but the community too. I could further my cooking skills as well through this process.
Mostly, I am excited for 2009 and what it will represent...change, growth and opportunity. I am dedicated to furthering my yoga practice and eventually becoming an instructor. I believe that my art class will be a late spring addition, but that too, will release my creativity which is fantastic.
I am determined to not purchase cable. My Starbuck's cup said that on average--people spend 29 hours per week watching the tv. This is pathetic! I love Fx, but cannot support being sedentary while it is gorgeous outside or there is more to learn in life. When I traveled, I rarely watched the tv. Once and a while, I would watch Friends which was entertaining in other countries. It made me reflective of my life in the States and missing my family in friends. I read the entire trip and felt resourceful in finding new things to occupy my time besides my thoughts.
Enjoy the day. I need to ponder more resolutions and decisions...

The power of thank you

I am thankful for my job even if I don't particularly love working Sunday. I always have. Even when I first began bartending at Bull, I had a brief interlude of enjoying brunch like normal people.
Still, I enjoy my job.
I left for my trip and abandoned my shifts and my co-workers. I do not apologize for that. I learned so much about myself, healing and about releasing things I took for granted. When I returned, I had a new person that worked with me on Sunday. Honestly, it was a period of adjustment, but it worked. Then, she left and now I am with a new person, yet again.
I recognize that I am not the most easy person to work with. I like things a certain way, preferably--mine. However, I do thank my co-workers for their help and graciousness with me.
Today, we were busy when I signed off. I knew it, too. I knew that it wasn't the best situation to leave my co-worker in and so I continued to stock and tried to help her without getting in her way or suggesting that she couldn't handle it. I knew she was frustrated with me and the situation. I left even though I had wanted to visit with my friends, but couldn't watch how things were playing out or get in her way.
I suppose it has stayed with me because I try to think of how it could have turned out better. I think had she said--thank you, I wouldn't still be thinking about it. She was busy and I know that. I guess it made me realize how powerful thank you can be and is.
Speaking of--my friend, Kelly, had a lady's luncheon at the Bull and so she made cheese cake. She brought me a piece which I shared with Steve. It was a great piece of cheese cake. And, Melissa, one of my co-workers made peanut butter cookies. I decided not to share that. They were fantastic.
Be well. Thank yourself for listening to my endless rant...

Dinner at Elway's

Still on the wagon and still resisting the wine factor in meals.
Tonight, I went to Elway's with Jimmy and had dinner with Tiffany and Sharkey. We shared chicken, brussel sprout hash (with bacon--Steve--even you would like it!), au gratin potatoes, mac and cheese and crab fried rice. It was a dinner of sides for me and some protein for others.
I asked for coffee at the end of the meal and was served luke warm coffee. It was awful, but I understand the whole coffee in bars thing. I cannot tell you how many times at the Bull, I suggest going to Starbuck's as opposed to drinking our day old coffee. Occasionally, I will brew a fresh pot, but I still feel that our coffee is sub par.
The evening was pleasant, filled with great conversation. The only thing missing, was the glass of Rapture Cabernet. I suppose it will taste amazing come February.
I made plans for my trip to Phoenix. I think our girl's weekend is coming together quite nicely. I think that we will be hiking a bunch, and then barhopping to some of my favorite places in Phoenix. I need to check into spas, too. I know that there are plenty in Phoenix, but I want it to be a memorable experience in a good way. I have suffered from some of my massage choices...see massage in Argentina for instance!
Nevertheless, I am well in life. I have many projects that are all positive. I have free time and considered volunteering somewhere. Now, though, I recognize that the foundation that I helped establish in 2006 is starting over and a great time to get involved and make it right. We are in the idea phase which is exciting, frustrating and overwhelming. When I know more, I will talk about it. I know I need help and sounding boards. If you are interested--let me know, thanks.

Frost/Nixon

Since I am on the wagon, I am movie friendly.
I have seen Slumdog Millionaire, Milk, Doubt, Revolutionary Road, The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons and Frost/Nixon. Of these, by far, Slumdog Millionaire is the best. It is uplifting, colorful and well-acted.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons is long, but I am a romantic at heart. I cried and cried and truly enjoyed the movie. Of course, I am a Cate Blanchett fan as well as Brad Pitt. Plus, it took place, predominantly, in New Orleans which is a wonderful city. I could go on and on about the food factor in that city.
I enjoyed Frost/Nixon immensely. It isn't too long and it was interesting. I suppose I like the idea of the underdog and when Nixon does break, I felt bad for him. The actor did a great job of establishing his power along with his vulnerability.
I was disappointed with Doubt and Revolutionary Road. I know that Kate Winslett won a golden globe for her protrayal of the housewife. I thought it would be better. I like Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslett. They do a good job and it is a nice time piece. It isn't awful, but I felt it almost would have been better as a play. I don't know. Maybe I was distracted by how bored Jimmy was during this movie.
Doubt reminded me of going to church. From the get go, I was bored by the sermon. It was well acted, but when it ends, it was surprising that it was over and really cold. Everything about the movie, was bitter.
I would like to see The Reader. I have no idea what it is about, but I am intrigued by the name and know that Kate Winslett won an award for this movie as well. I need a break from the theatre, though. I have eaten too much popcorn lately...

right equipment

2009 is a great year so far.
I have been working and I have retained a good mood. I know, for most of you, this is unbelievable, but for whatever reason, I am in a great mood. I enjoy work and am able to not get involved with the petty bull shit associated with restaurant jobs.
Yoga has been a constant in my life and again, I am registering for an art class at the end of the month. Life has multiple opportunites and optimism has stayed.
Today, at work, I waited on the lawyers, a friend of a friend and all of my tables were drinking. I, of course, appreciated that aspect of it. It wasn't busy and my final table lingered over martinis. I was a little annoyed because I wanted to be able to leave work early, but decided to continue to wait on this table of four men. Two rounds later and they ordered. I'll admit, they were entertaining, but I wanted them to speed things up. They wanted to be chatty with me.
One of the men noticed that I have a ring on my ring finger. He said--oh, so you are married. I explained that no, I wasn't married, but that Brian had bought me the ring and that is why I wore it. They said--oh, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. But, you have the "right equipment" to meet someone else and you have a great personality. I cracked up and didn't fully know how to respond. I have never heard it put that way.
They provided me with a good laugh and a nice tip. I guess patience is a virtue.

2000 Twomey Merlot

On New Year's Day, I had a wonderful evening with my aunt, Bryn. We had a nice meal at Elway's and afterwards, I decided to toast 2009 on my own.
When I lived with Brian, we began a wine collection. I have added to it and initially felt guilty about drinking bottles of wine that were ours. I realized that it was foolish since the wine was turning.
Anyways, on New Year's Day, I opened a bottle of wine that Brian had received from my friend, Paul, at Paul's wedding. I met Paul while living in Phoenix and although we were only acquaintances, we both ended up in Denver and eventually, I was living on his couch with Vegas and Dave, and one of his employees at Whirled Peas. He also was the one who convinced Brian that he should ask me out. I will always be grateful to Paul for that.
I felt it was fitting to begin 2009 with this bottle and it was spectacular. Of course, I am back on the wagon until February, but I have fond memories of the Merlot, how it became my possession and again, a beautiful memory of my life with Brian.
Thank you for listening and enjoy your day.

happy 2009

I worked this morning...it was nuts.
I arrived, ate some eggs and tortillas (which the kitchen knew I needed) and then got slammed with people. Overall, my sales were $1475. Thankfully, I retained my good mood.
I know. Anybody that knows me, knows that I am impatient. Today, for whatever reason, I kept it together. People were great and understood that we were busy and tha no, I can't stand by you and keep your coffee filled. I had this one customer that I like sit in my section. Honestly, I think he was embaressed by his friends and how unreasonable they were. I don't even need to say anything.
As it continued to flood with people, I became slap happy. My one table ordered 4 bloody marys and 2 mimosas. As I dropped them off, I knocked three of them into each other and spilt them on me and one of the girls. This guy followed me up to the well and handed me twenty bucks. He explained with--you are going to have a great day.
Later, a group of 11 showed up with their own needs/wants. I tried to appease them, but know it lacked, somewhat. I cleared the table and drenched myself in strawberry puree. Seriously, you could have eaten off my legs and what I had collected from my shift.
Overrall, I was happy, made great money and have polished off some wine to celebrate 2009. I am on the wagon tomorrow...