Well, I haven't really written anything of substance for a few weeks.
Have I not had fodder? Yes, I have. There's always something to write about. It's like a revolving door of mini earthquakes. Seriously, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't look at my life and say to myself- "You can't make this shit up"...
Maybe I just haven't had time. Between work, and traveling, and my son, and this, and that... I feel like I'm always on the go.
And I'm on the go again, this time across town, in a permanent fashion. Today is moving day.
After only 7 months (but what felt like an eternity), I'm finally moving out of mother's. And for once in the last several years in my life, it's not with a significant other. And dear jeezus, doesn't that scare the shit out of me. Is that perhaps a testament to how codependent I am? Probably. But hopefully this move can help me change that. Hopefully I can find some kind of peace and liberation in this. Hopefully, it doesn't just end up feeling lonely.
It won't be lonely all the time. My boy will be with me half the week, when he's not at his father's. And I do have a sweet boyfriend who visits often (that in itself is an entire blog of it's own, written some other day), and I'll have a fish... Sigh. No pets in the new house, that's the one drawback. Can you imagine? Me, living without cats and dogs?? If anything, that will be the loneliest part. But, I sacrificed my love of dogs and cats for the love of my dream... Remember, how I have written of it in the past?
Sadly, there is other news to talk about. My work family lost one of their own this week in a tragic car accident. To me he was a more than a customer.. He was a guy who always made me laugh (and sometimes made me grit my teeth in frustration). But I also considered him a friend. If I needed something, I knew all I had to do was ask him, and that goes for so many of the people I have met here at The Brook. He actually came out to mom's and did some of the work here when I was moving in. He was a good man. I don't claim to have known him well, but that I knew.. He was a good man.
And to the others in our circle, he was much, much more than that. He was a brother. And I can only imagine the grief they are suffering and the absence they feel now in their lives.
It has been a very emotional week at work for everyone. The day after the accident especially. I watched many of his closest friends (including my bosses) come in and out throughout the day. Tears and laughter and stories were shared all day long. Mostly tears. I spent ten hours at work that day. And when I got home, I finally cried. I cried for him, for me, and for all of the people I love who loved him.
Speaking of work...
There are so many changes going on, it feels like a whirlwind. Well, maybe there aren't so many changes. Maybe only a few...
My cook (and friend) has given her notice to move on to a new business adventure. I am sad to see her go, personally and professionally. But I am happy that she also now gets to chase her dream.
I have (fortunately) already secured a new cook. A chef, actually. And he has years of food management experience as well. Does any of this sound familiar yet? ;) I have a feeling some of you might know him... ;) And although I only have him part time, I am super excited about what he can bring to The Brook kitchen. Don't worry, we won't go all fancy dining cuisine at The Brook, but I can guarantee you'll be seeing some new delicious dishes... God, this is going to be epic.
We lost one of our bartenders this month as well. She's joining her other half in sunny Florida. And who can blame her! I'll miss her as well, both professionally and personally. She was always my go-to-girl. The one I could call at the drop of a hat, and I knew I could count on her. And what a sweetie, too. She will be greatly missed. But damnit, when she visits home, she'll be guest bartending for sure!
And, we've also hired our first male bartender in years! We brought him on starting out at only one night a week. Thursday nights will now be ladies night again! I have a feeling we got really lucky with this one, too. He's very experienced, super personable and charming, and easy on the eyes too! I know a lot of the men are questioning this decision, but when they see a bar full of ladies on Thursday nights, maybe then they'll agree that this wasn't a bad idea after all. :)
I've moved girls around to fill other shifts too. We have a new Wednesday night pool tournament girl, and I moved one of my veteran girls to Tuesday nights, and we'll be doing a Twisted Tuesday theme.
See? Seems like a whirlwind of changes at work. But, I think.. they're all going to be good changes. I think this is going to work out just fine. :)
Oh crap. Is it already 8 o'clock?? Shit! I have to finish packing!
Have I not had fodder? Yes, I have. There's always something to write about. It's like a revolving door of mini earthquakes. Seriously, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't look at my life and say to myself- "You can't make this shit up"...
Maybe I just haven't had time. Between work, and traveling, and my son, and this, and that... I feel like I'm always on the go.
And I'm on the go again, this time across town, in a permanent fashion. Today is moving day.
After only 7 months (but what felt like an eternity), I'm finally moving out of mother's. And for once in the last several years in my life, it's not with a significant other. And dear jeezus, doesn't that scare the shit out of me. Is that perhaps a testament to how codependent I am? Probably. But hopefully this move can help me change that. Hopefully I can find some kind of peace and liberation in this. Hopefully, it doesn't just end up feeling lonely.
It won't be lonely all the time. My boy will be with me half the week, when he's not at his father's. And I do have a sweet boyfriend who visits often (that in itself is an entire blog of it's own, written some other day), and I'll have a fish... Sigh. No pets in the new house, that's the one drawback. Can you imagine? Me, living without cats and dogs?? If anything, that will be the loneliest part. But, I sacrificed my love of dogs and cats for the love of my dream... Remember, how I have written of it in the past?
This is the view standing on the front lawn of my new home. I can see the lake from every window on three sides of the house, and it's a beautiful panoramic from outside my doors. We have lake access and unlimited use of the landlord's dock below us on the water.
Just when I had decided to hunker down with mom for the winter. Even as much as I despised living with my mother, I knew it was the wisest financial decision. And suddenly, quite out of nowhere, came this little, affordable cottage by the lake for rent. I wracked my brain for about two weeks trying to decide what to do. And although staying with mom, at least for the winter, made the most sense financially, I knew I would absolutely KICK myself (forever) if I didn't take this house.
I'm scared as hell. Winter is upon us. Heat and electricity... I can do this. I'll work more (I'm already working more). I'll budget (I'm trying). Christmas will unfortunately not be what the boy has been accustomed to (that's my fault, for spoiling every year). Sigh.
We won't have to leave our hometown, that in itself is worth a fortune. This little town doesn't have a rental market. So to find one like this, in my price range, was a near miracle in itself. And did I mention, it's ON THE WATER!!! Seriously.. my dream? How did this happen? I don't have this kind of luck.
It's far from luxurious. It's tiny and outdated. And it's perfect for us. ...I'm finally going to be able to wake up and look at the water every day. Just like I've always wanted. I truly never thought that would happen.
Ok, ok, enough about that...
And to the others in our circle, he was much, much more than that. He was a brother. And I can only imagine the grief they are suffering and the absence they feel now in their lives.
It has been a very emotional week at work for everyone. The day after the accident especially. I watched many of his closest friends (including my bosses) come in and out throughout the day. Tears and laughter and stories were shared all day long. Mostly tears. I spent ten hours at work that day. And when I got home, I finally cried. I cried for him, for me, and for all of the people I love who loved him.
Speaking of work...
There are so many changes going on, it feels like a whirlwind. Well, maybe there aren't so many changes. Maybe only a few...
My cook (and friend) has given her notice to move on to a new business adventure. I am sad to see her go, personally and professionally. But I am happy that she also now gets to chase her dream.
I have (fortunately) already secured a new cook. A chef, actually. And he has years of food management experience as well. Does any of this sound familiar yet? ;) I have a feeling some of you might know him... ;) And although I only have him part time, I am super excited about what he can bring to The Brook kitchen. Don't worry, we won't go all fancy dining cuisine at The Brook, but I can guarantee you'll be seeing some new delicious dishes... God, this is going to be epic.
We lost one of our bartenders this month as well. She's joining her other half in sunny Florida. And who can blame her! I'll miss her as well, both professionally and personally. She was always my go-to-girl. The one I could call at the drop of a hat, and I knew I could count on her. And what a sweetie, too. She will be greatly missed. But damnit, when she visits home, she'll be guest bartending for sure!
And, we've also hired our first male bartender in years! We brought him on starting out at only one night a week. Thursday nights will now be ladies night again! I have a feeling we got really lucky with this one, too. He's very experienced, super personable and charming, and easy on the eyes too! I know a lot of the men are questioning this decision, but when they see a bar full of ladies on Thursday nights, maybe then they'll agree that this wasn't a bad idea after all. :)
I've moved girls around to fill other shifts too. We have a new Wednesday night pool tournament girl, and I moved one of my veteran girls to Tuesday nights, and we'll be doing a Twisted Tuesday theme.
See? Seems like a whirlwind of changes at work. But, I think.. they're all going to be good changes. I think this is going to work out just fine. :)
Oh crap. Is it already 8 o'clock?? Shit! I have to finish packing!