On the Horizon...

Sometimes work can suck. Annoying phone calls, looming deadlines, printer glitches- agh! However, I think maybe, just maybe, being able to glance over to my left and take in the view of the Marina will help melt any stress away. In two short weeks I will begin my new job as- ahemm hemm- Sales and Catering Assistant at Danfords Hotel and Marina. The "Sales Cottage" as they call it, (how cute is that?) has a waterfront view on one side and a brick-layed path with staggered white picket-fence archways to the other. I am SO excited about this job. The hotel is absolutely beautiful, quaint, cozy, nautical, ocean side..... Everything I could hope for. If my personality, taste, style, looks, were all magically transformed into a hotel- I would be Danfords. I had to do THREE interviews (Stresssssful!), but I made it to the final round (GM) and got the job. The people seem very nice and content in their jobs, which is always a good thing. Everyone kept referring to how lucky they felt to work there and I wanted so badly to share their enthusiasm. I am hopeful that this will truly be a great place to work and I'm eagerly anticipating my start date.

24 going on 40?

Why is it that I relate more to a 4o year old woman than a person my age? For a while, my closest friend at work was in her late 30's, two kids, married, house, whole nine yards. We would never run out of things to talk about and it was like we were on the exact same path in life. She got "laid off" recently due to THE ECONOMY (barf), so I've been without her lately. Then recently my hubby brought over his friend and his girlfriend to try and "set us up." It was so incredibly awkward! I felt like I was this guy's mom and he was bringing home a date to meet my approval... My mind blanked on how to talk to someone my own age and all that came out were granny-style questions: "So, where are you going to school?" "What are you majoring in?" "Do you work?" "Bake?" "Read books?" "How are the folks?" I was a train wreck!
I have absolutely nothing in common with a gal my age. I think that's why I have such a hard time meeting new girlfriends. Ken and I are eons before our time- Married, homeowners, full-time career track jobs, LIPA bills and mortgage payments. Saturday night is on the couch, and- watch out!- we might drink a WHOLE bottle of wine one night and stay up past 11pm. It's really a little on the sad side when it's laid out on paper (or screen), but I am honestly content with our lifestyle. I look forward to him coming home at night and us playing with the puppies together. I just wish we had another couple who shared our values and place in life that we can throw around a few laughs with.
Even now that I've entered the blog world I snoop around other blogs and often click my way to one I find appealing. The blogger and I share similar interests, I like the look of their page, they have interesting tidbits here and there. I navigate to the "About Me" page and, oh, what do you know? She's a stay-at-home-mom with two kids and a house in Charlotte. Or, gee, this lady is a 15-year librarian in a small town, married and settled down. It's like I'm drawn to these people.
Not that there is anything wrong with being a middle aged mom, I just think I should be among others within in my age bracket. If I feel 40 now, what will I be like when I actually AM 40? Will I connect with the 60-year-old knitting book club members?? Will this trend grow with me exponentially? ??
I think I need to nip it in the butt and find myself someone to gossip and guzzle wine with... What more do you really need to get the ball rolling?

Spring Cleaning & Reading

In a few weeks, my mom is coming to stay with me for a while (long story, I'll blog about it later), and little does she know that-muhhahah- She will be assisting me in my first Spring Cleaning! Under the couches, the blinds, the scary basement... All will be tackled!
More importantly, this Spring, I'll be joining the Spring Reading Thing 2009. I stumbled upon this during my lunch break and I'm so excited! My list is going to be ridiculously short compared to the few others I've glanced at, but I'm trying to be realistic. I've been out of the reading habit for longer than I'd like to admit and I think this is a great way to jump start my old passion. Below is my list:

• The Beach House, by James Patterson
  I know this book is practically ancient to avid James Patterson readers, but I was really drawn to it because it takes place on Long Island. I love the Hampton's and this story is set in the rustic, raw areas that are so appealing. Also, it mentions Patchogue (where Ken's from) and Ronkonkoma! Random...

• A Wedding in December, by Anita Shreve
I truly do not know much about this story, but I've read Ms. Shreve's other books, Light on Snow and A Pilot's Wife, and I'm a huge fan of her writing style. I assume there's romance, tragedy, all the goods...

• The Reader, by Bernhard Schlink
  I figure, they really only make movies out of really good books. And on that note, the original book is almost always better than what Hollywood puts together in a movie. I've heard really great things about Kate and how she portrays this character, so I'm eager to read this one.
  
  

• Remember Me?, by Sophie Kinsella
  I'm trying to slowly off myself of my addicition to petty, brainless, just-for-fun novels, but I think everyone deserves a little guilty pleasure, and Sophie is mine. I absolutely love her stories and her likable heroins. The girl next to me on the plane was reading this and I peeped over her shoulder and excitedly asked her if that was really a new Sophie Kinsella book???? You would have thought I was a pimply-faced, greasey haired Star Wars fan, who just found out George Lucas came out with another prequal. Needless to say, I enjoy her books and I look forward to another page-turner.

Vacant Ready

Being that I absolutely cannot make up my mind about what I want to do with my life, I've decided to stop trying to find my niche, and let it find me. For whatever reason I landed a job in the hospitality industry.... I don't like people, I loathe customer service and I'm really quite anti-social. Never-the-less, the GM of my hotel saw some sort of potential in me and hired me as his assistant. One year later and I have to begrudgingly say, I have learned a lot about hotel operations and I actually kinda like it. I came in clueless as to what hotel people do on a daily basis. My thoughts of hotel jobs barely extended past the Front Desk and Housekeeping.
Now a hotel veteran (yes, one year in a hotel is considered going to war and back, so I am indeed a veteran), I'm actually beginning to like the scene. On a daily basis I surprise myself with what comes out of my mouth. It's literally a whole new language and I often find myself barking orders at Engineering, casually screening irate guests from my boss and relishing in the fact that I can travel to other hotels for barely nothing (not that I've taken advantage of this in my boring life).
With an enlightened view and new approach to my career I have decided to list a few things I've learned to appreciate about the hospitality industry:
**** Most of the following do not apply to my current situation, but are mere observations I've made from others in the field.

- The people in the hospitality realm are generally... well, hospitable. The majority of those who go into this business have an outgoing personality with an eagerness to please. This usually means they have a peppy outlook and a willingness to smile and be friendly with their co-workers.
- The working conditions are up to a satisfactory par. Being that people pay to stay where you work, there has to be an aesthetic appeal and comforting ambiance.
- There is always the dream/potential of working a resort property (for me at least). Someplace on the water, a tropical getaway, a leisure boutique style hotel, or maybe someplace like the Inn that Lorelei (sp?) works at in Gilmore Girls... Ok, now I'm reaching, but still! That would be so nice.
- Moving up is always an option. It seems that hotels usually like to move around their own employees until they find the perfect fit. You can go from being a bellmen to a regional VP (no, I'm not referring to my current VP, why do you ask? Oh, because that's exactly what he did.. yeah). It's true though, you can jump from different departments and different status levels if rub elbows with the right people.
- Hours are potentially flexible... Being that a hotel is open 24 hours, there are always shifts that need to be covered and, with longevity, you can often arrange your schedule.

Those are all I can think of for now. But good points, good points. I'll add on as they come to me...

We Escaped Today

We decided to do something CRAZY today and hold our tragically boring staff meeting off property. (That's a hotel term by the way, "off property"). With excitement at the idea of change, I opened the doors of Starbucks to find where my co-workers had settled in. As my eyes surveyed the room I was caught off guard with an interesting revelation. Why do work people look so strange outside of work???? I mean, I understand work people outside of work clothes- That's the weirdest thing ever- but just physically outside of the same building you are used to seeing them day after day, week after week creates a whole new dynamic. I guess a person's desk, computer and paperwork eventually turn into an extension of what you visualize that person as, without even realizing it.... Dark hair, light eyes, silver lamp. Tall, snazy dresser, messy desk. It just evolves into who that person is.

Sparked with interest, I began to study each member. I never noticed what a colorful group we are. There's the two Indian-boy-wonders (think Gilligan and the Skipper, just dipped in dark brown). Then there's Betty- the Ukoslavian lady with a thick accent and creepy obsession with Carmel Frappacinos. Next to her is Chef in full culinary uniform (which seemed out of place in the Nesconset coffee shop). He's from.. the Islands??? Sorry, Chef.. I'm sandwiched between him and my boss- Half French, half Pakistan... Need I say more? My gaze continues around the mini round tables we pushed together and it lands on the Engineer, doodling on his Weekly Forecast. I'm not sure what he is, but I recently signed his J2 VISA form so he could stay among us. Finally, there's the DOS- blond, blue eyes. She and I are the only true Americans. Out of eight people, only 2 of us lonely regular folk.

I actually enjoyed this staff meeting. Being that I've completely mastered the skill of listening without paying attention, I was able to take my minutes while thoughtfully studying everyone in a natural habitat.
After slurping down our four-dollar coffees and wrapping up the adventurous meeting, we all migrated back to our hospitality cages. Betty settled into her corner office, music blaring as usual. Chef, back to the gray kitchen. Front Office Manager assumed his post behind the desk, and all went back to routine.

I liked this meeting- Not that anything productive came from it, I would never expect that, but it was fun to see everyone in a different light. This is a Staff to remember...

'Ey Yo Adrian

As per my Kenny, I was recently exposed to the famous Rocky flicks.. Well, just the first one really. And I have to admit- I actually liked this classic film. It took me a while to relate to the slurring buffoon, but by mid-film, his uncouth grammar and barbaric demeanor actually won my heart. I think everyone has something in their life that they can relate to this scenario. A distant dream. A failed attempt. An unsettling disappointment that we didn't become what we had envisioned for ourselves. I loved watching The Italian Stallion overcome the monumental feat before him and it really inspired me. I beat myself up over the fact that I'm not in the dream job I had anticipated. My mom always says all of these small jobs are lining up for something I'm meant to do, but I'm just not seeing it. It's so F*ing hard to figure out what you want to do with yourself. I know I'm not alone in my dilemma (the thousands of members on quarterlifecrisis.com can vague for that), but it doesn't make me feel any better. I'm seeking opportunity everywhere I go and keeping an open mind as to where I "belong." Maybe one day I'll get my opportunity to go the distance in a personal Ultimate Championship and land that perfect job.
.... Rocky II is on its way (thanks Netflix) and Ill let you know if it meets my expectations.

My Weekend of New Things

I have never been known for my explorative or versatile palette or my spontaneous disposition. I am, however, noted as a creature of habit. I seek routine and familiarity in everything from what I eat to what I wear to who I read. My weekly shopping list is exactly the same from week to week. I have the grocery store mapped out in my head and my cart just drives me to the same shelves, same brands and same ailes. My closet- same labels. You’ll see Old Navy, Kohls brands and New York and Company logos. My book shelf- James Patterson (5 books), Nicholas Sparks (8 books), Anita Shrieve (4 books), Sophie Kinsella (6 books). I find something I like I stick to it- Never meandering, never discovering. That is why I’ve decided to notate my weekend of new things. While they are small steps, they represent a shift to a more eclectic me.
These items compose my Weekend of New Things:

- I’ll start with my new favorite snack- Greek Tabouli Salad. This light, healthy, parsley and garlic infused salad is absolutely delicious. I suggest pairing it with Whole Grain Wheat Thins for a heart-healthy option. My hubby is ¼ Greek so I thought this would be a great way to celebrate his heritage. I guess I’ll have to broaden my Italian cooking side (not that it is in effect just yet) to include my mut-man’s traditions. So I’ve decided to make Tabouli my staple Greek dish. Dana’s Delicious Tabouli Salad…. Already a trademark.

- Next new thing I tried- Cherry Cordial. I’ve been drinking, oh… 8 years now, and I finally found my drink!
- One shot Tequila Rose
- One shot Amaretto
- One shot milk
- Add chocolate syrup to the rim to make a “Chocolate Covered” Cherry Cordial.

The smoothness of the Tequila Rose fuses perfectly with the sweetness of the Amaretto to create the perfect drink. Kenny I had a wonderful day together this weekend complete with Sunday Sinatra Radio and a hint of spring time breezing through the open kitchen windows. This drink was the “cherry” on top of a perfect weekend.

- I have to ask myself why my prior shopping journeys have never crossed the path of Ann Taylor Loft. It was a hazy, yet warm Saturday afternoon and I made a trip to Old Stony Brook Village to enjoy the break of warmth after a long, hard winter. Being that I’m broke, I was mostly window shopping. But the bright “sale” signs caught my eye in the Loft and I couldn’t resist the magnetic pull….This line was made for my body. Everything from the number-sized shirts, to the perfect-length pants, and unique yet subtle accessories match my personality and my silhouette flawlessly. I have a new label to add to my redundant collection.

- As some may know- I’m a bit of a tea freak. Kenner and I stumbled upon the cutest tea shop, You, Me and Tea in Port Jeff and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve been stuck in a lavender and green tea rut, but during my Weekend of New Things I discovered two new teas: Apricot Tea and White Cherry Blossom Tea. I’ve declared these as my “spring time teas.” Because I live in state that actually has spring time... I can have spring time teas.

This concludes My Weekend of New things. Maybe next weekend will bring even more exciting endeavors. But I leave you with these for now.

I hate blogging

I wrote the longest blog yesterday and I was so peppy about it and now its gone! I'm not computer-retarded, I know I hit Publish Post... sad day =(

Confessions of a dissapointed shopoholic

Anyone who has ever picked up a shopoholic novel knows that Becky Bloomwood would never say, "You speak Prada?" followed by a wide-eyed, ditzy head-tilt.

This clip alone has put such a horrible taste in my mouth about the making of Confessions of Shopoholic into a movie. Also, it is the completely wrong casting. Just because Isla Fisher is from Australia, doesnt mean she is appropriate to fill an English woman's role. Just because someone has an accent, doesnt mean its the correct one at hand.

I have been such a devoted Sophie Kinsella reader for years and I am dreading the masacre of a movie they created from her novels. Most of all, I'm disheartened by the fact that Ms. Sophie agreed to the terms of this movie. It seems as though it was the first offer she received for the novels and jumped on the opportunity. Which, I'm sure would be difficult to turn down, but there needs to be a sense of self when it comes to such a life-altering mass-media impression you give to the world.
I will, of course, see the movie (I couldnt call myself a devoted fan if I did not), but there will be on-going judgement and Isla will definitaly be working from opening scene to closing curtains to win my approval.