Last third shift tonight, being there for another no matter what, and what to do when you don't know someone anymore

Tonight - the 31st and the 1st, however you look at it - is my last third shift here in German Village, and hopefully anywhere, forever. Although I will miss the drive along 315 and 70E as I pull off into Brewery. But now I'll actually be able to get back into the downtown nightlife instead of just passing it by as I've been doing for the past two months.

Afterwards I had a couple messages on the phone from someone seeking some advice. Upon explaining who this person was to the others and how I.. view.. things now, most we're surprised that two people are able to do that. All I can say is that I will always have unconditional support for this person, and offer all the help I can to see she gets everything out of life she's after. Whether I'm along for the ride or not.

This post just gets more in depth and more crazy with each paragraph! For our third trick, we head down the touchy road of friends-who-have-girlfriends-whom-you-don't-exactly-know-whether-to-support-them-being-with-or-not. Whew. Now I've had a long distance relationship, or two ;) , and not once did we need to be attached to each others freakin hip the entire time we were around each other. And that was eight hours... 560 miles. Some will argue I haven't "paid" for my right to voice opinions on such issues within the apartment. But on the basis that, well, I've been around for 18 years longer, I disagree.

She's the only variable in this. Not the long hours worked. Not the non-stop, always on-the-go style that some have to adapt to living to make ends meet. I can't express how much I admire that, or how much I understand that other areas of life can suffer when one has such a great deal on their plate at one time. So remember, I know what's going on and I know it's not easy. Back to this.. variable. Far be it from me to be the authority on dignity in relationships -I certainly have had a few great* ones- but come on! Really? From one POV, it looks like priority #1 was getting an extra key made for said variable. Is it that necessary that variable be present in our place when he's not here? Or that we are not consulted? I think variable can show up on time to be here when the reason she comes over is present, and leave when she needs to. What happens not five minutes after variable leaves? Ohhh yeah, we need to get back on the phone already. Again, I'm not the foremost authority on dignity of relationships because I have been there (and we all have) but I evolved and I won't ever deal myself to that sort of immaturity again. And it's difficult, knowing one of my best friends had evolved as well but let, what I feel is a terminal cancer of a girl, latch on once again. I'm only this passionate on this subject because I want the best for him, but if he has taken a good look around at what surrounds him and the lifestyle choices that they bring about and still accepts it, then I have no choice but to support it.

*-denotes sarcasm

Sinking ship or nose-diving plane.. no matter how you look at it, it's going down

Exhale.

What a(n) _______. Insert words such as circus, joke, mistake, shame, embarrassment, experience, etc. Suggestions welcome.

In the past week or less, the GM who hired me has been fired, two employees up and left, and more could follow. New faces have been brought in to really shake things up. I mean I am someone who welcomes change, but come on. This stuff's getting real. Who signs up for something like this? Example: One day I get to work. Less than five minutes into my shift, a superior arrives and notices a fingerprint smear on the front desk. I fear that something as simple as that, and I am in no way joking about this, could cost me my position. I have worked plenty of restaurants and odd jobs here and there. I've been around good people, and I've been around trash. We have (or, had) a good group of people here! It's so frustrating when our people whom try so hard, have innovative ideas, and take initiative and get things done, are having to walk away because ownership wants to change directions.

I cannot even complete the audit tonight. And I'm supposed to be doing it like 5 times a week now. I understand why the other night auditor left, he had his reasons. But seriously man? If we all quit jobs at the first sign of something negative where would this world be. I know I'd be screwed, but apparently you'll be just fine. Instead of staying and helping your fellow employees through all of this transition, you just bail for "moral" reasons. Well if it was me, and it has been, my morals would say to stay on as one of those good people. They would say, 'hey Paul, not only will you be out of a job if you quit, but you are going to royally screw up the schedules of those who worked with you and cause an insane amount of turmoil in their lives, all because you couldn't handle three days of something different.' Ha. Call it "noble" or whatever if you want. Thanks.

This is all so stressful. I have never been more nervous about something like this. I can't even count how many work days I've worked consecutively now. Have a meeting today at 9 and I'm crossing my fingers. Then leaving for Philadelphia tomorrow morning.

"From the neck-down, a man is worth $.10 an hour, from the neck up.. he's worth $.90"

I just had one of the most genius conversations with a guest that I've ever had. The quote in the title of this post was something he repeated to me 2 or 3 times.

"When I brought my highschool diploma home and showed my dad, he looked at me and said, 'That's great, you're 18. Get out.' The next week I was on an oil tanker in Saudi Arabia. I'd do one tour and come home; have 20,000 in the bank. Do another tour, come home; have 30,000 in the bank. 40,000. 50,000. At 27 I bought my first house. You gotta work man. You work hard and you keep your head on straight and you'll have people fist-fighting to have you work for them. Fist-fighting."

He went on to explain how his oldest son, turning 27 on Wednesday, had to be kicked out of the house three times now and had no motivation to work. This made me think about some of my acquaintances and how they too seem to have never given a shit about where they end up in life. They work job to job and quit job to job, and somehow seem to be doing better than me. How is that?

"Now listen to me. I swear, don't ever have kids. They only drag you down from day one. They cost more than your life does and in today's world it's worse than a 50/50 chance that they will amount to anything."

I replied while laughing, "Hah, that's all my grandparents ever tell me. So ya don't have to preach it too hard to me, I'm already convinced."

The man continued with memories of him being a tugboat captain throughout the gulf shores. "God I loved it. You would never think it, but best job in the world, man. Best job in the world."

"Do you miss the water?" I asked with a smile. I didn't have it in me to ask him about the current situation down there. Besides, I really needed to get back to work.

"Man, you have no idea. Tugboat captain. Best job in the world."

Funny how this all ties into the post that I wrote out only, what, an hour before? And that I have this in-depth of a conversation with someone who ends up reassuring me that the way I live and think really is the way I need to live. It wouldn't have surprised me at all if he had a hook bracelet on. Walking to the elevator to meet his temporary home for the night, he looked back and left me with this:

"We either sink or we swim, man. Don't be afraid to sink. We learn to think quicker, work harder. We get back on top. It's sink or swim."

So, I took a position with..., weekend thoughts

Received a phone call yesterday that informed me I'll be brought on by a Comfort Inn & Suites down in the Brewery District/German Village! On Wednesday I go in for the first time, just to kind of see how things are run there. While it is a smaller property, I am extremely excited to see what opportunities this will bring. So far, I know I will be working full-time, learning more operations-wise, and cross-training over in the bar as to help the bartender out on full nights! The location is great. Claddagh's is just 2 streets over, so I feel like I'll be watching a lot of soccer at the pub after work ;) I think I'll start moving my stuff down Saturday. The guys might rearrange the apartment a little bit to accommodate my addition a little better, which is awesome if they do, but I don't want to inconvenience anyone. The lease is up in August, which we will then seek out a 3 bedroom.

Very excited to take this next step in bettering myself and the future. Not only the position, but being a member at the gym, trying new foods, getting into cooking.. all stuff that I can invest more time into here soon.

Weekend thoughts

-Although I have moved away from country music for the most part, I watched the ACM awards tonight. Conclusions: Brad Paisley is such a cool guy, he deserves top honors in the genre. I don't miss Carrie Underwood, she does not deserve any more top honors. ZBB is way underrated.

-I will spend entirely way too much money on Cane's chicken.

-I need to get me a professionalish-type camera.

-Where will I put my bike? Capt. Geno chained his up outside and it was stolen last year.. will I keep it inside, or hide it under some bushes by the river? Stay tuned..

Craigslist = hope, Date Night

Tonight marked the end of my short leave of absence (LOA) from Arby's. While working I realized just how much I can't do this anymore, and decided to let both employers know that I plan to no longer work for them by May 9th. Why May 9th? Well it happens to be one of the busiest weekends for my other job and I feel as if I'll be wanted for that. But to add to the last-month scramble, I searched Craigslist tonight for some more jobs and found 3 that I, once again, am absolutely qualified for. Problem is: two of them I must apply (pick up an app) in person. So.. looks like I might be leaving sooner than I think, but I don't want to let anyone down.

Saw the movie Date Night last night w/ Tara, Cody and Britt. Ahh I love Steve Carell. I thought the movie was pretty funny, maybe it was because I hadn't read reviews like this, or maybe it was because I'm easily amused? Either way I was entertained and would recommend it.

Discouragement

Another round of awesome interviews, and what I thought were good follow-ups, once again lead to nothing. Is this the point at which I start to give up on ever finding a decent company to work for in Columbus? I'm growing more and more tired of not moving because I cannot find a job I want. Is this the point that I just up and move down w/out already having a job lined up? It could be.. the end of April is looking good for that.

It just get's me so down, and I'm someone who you can rarely say you've seen me in a "down" mood or feeling sad about something. I have a great work record. I have a degree in the industry in which I'm seeking employment and 6 months experience in the industry. And all I want is a simple FRONT DESK position?! And I can't get that??? It completely amazes me. Looks like it's either fast food or back to college to waste more money. What a life.

Interviewing, fitness, and friends

Between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd interviews, I'd say over the last two weeks I have had over 11 meetings w/ supervisors, managers, and HR direcs. It's great to be able to interview with quality, respected companies. For me to depart the Inn right now wouldn't be ideal for my co-workers though, so one way or another I have a very hard decision, or a very rough end, if I actually do earn the chance to work for another company.

Joining Life Time fitness was one of the best investments I've made lately! Normally I visit the Dublin location; feels good to get back to working out. This Saturday I'll be doing some climbing courses.. I'll be ready for Bridge Day in no time ;) haha def a joke right there

This week/wknd has been/will be crazy fun. I think St. Patrick's day has turned Claddagh's into a new fav, even if our Crew fell 3-2 in Mexico. Next up: bday wknd! Dinner at Cheeseburger in Paradise on Saturday, then out for some karaoke (if my voice comes back) and maybe a bar or two before music, games, and fun back at the apt. My delivery (pasta/breadsticks) has arrived, ciao

Eight days in

New Years couldn't have been better! Got to spend it with so many friends that I love. It was like an all-star line up of friends.. that made it a New Years Eve second only to me being in Times Square in 2005.

Tons of snow out there right now.. looking forward to some snowboarding this Saturday? Maybe?

I was going to the Bengals playoff game, but.. I'd rather do something where I control how fun it is!

Possibly a major break coming up for me, a major break that would include full benefits! Keeping my fingers crossed, although I really like the jobs I have going on now. I'm learning so much at one, and there's so many great people there.. I could see myself staying there for awhile. But at some point I need to step outside my comfort zone, no pun intended, and get out there. We'll see, we'll see.

Blazin. Hellish 17 hrs of work

The "Blaze" weekend was a fun one. Had a good day of work on Friday, got in a run Saturday afternoon, then drove for my mom in the parade.. which was much better once I figured out how to turn the mustang's lights on. Walking around seeing everyone, bowling w/ friends, then more walking x100.

Onto Sunday- Working 5-CL at that roast beef restaurant, 11:59:32am (we close at midnight) we get an order for two sandwiches.. ok, I can deal. Wait, another car enters. $27 worth of food including four sandwiches and a ton of fried junk. It's now probably 12:10. Another car. Chicken. 12:15 I finally get a chance to clean.. so I get home at like 1:15am, and have to be at the hotel to work at 7am. That went rather nice, besides a rather angry guest at 7:20am that couldn't sleep. But- crisis was avoided! Now, getting ready for some House and MNF. Oh, and there's much more on my mind tonight than I lead on, any guesses ?

Music: Colbie Caillat - Falling for You

2 becomes 9 + 3.

I'm here at work and two guys, 1 OSU/1 Mich, come in and reserve a room for tonight. I'm thinking they don't look too wild or dangerous, and put them in a room next to a couple because we had a lot of dirty rooms left over today. 2.5 hours later they return with 7 more guys and 3 cases of beer. I am now not so sure about the wild/danger factor. ND just lost to UConn, suppose the night can't get worse.

En Concert, new job, di corso

Silly title, you make no sense.*
*everyone loves silly titles

Jack Johnson's new live film release, En Concert, is decent. I like the shots around Europe and glimpses behind the songs. The interaction w/ crowds of different languages is incredible<-the only reason to see it if you already know what Europe looks like.. which I do not, but you get the point. 100% of profits go to Jack's foundation. Right on. Listen to: Belle/Banana Pancakes and Constellations w/ Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam.

-The new job is going rather well! About to, lose the training wheels. Working tonight, parties tomorrow? Live music Saturday.