Have you ever been too tired to eat? Never in my life have I chosen sleep over food while still healthy. When I am sick all I do is sleep. But when I am healthy, I never chose to miss a meal.
Last week that happened. I had a snack to make it until I had enough energy to make it until dinner. At nine o'clock, I awoke on the couch...brushed my teeth and went to sleep and slept through the night! The next day I ate dinner at 4:30 when I got home from work because I could feel my energy level fading fast.
What's the cure for exhaustion? I think I might need a mental health day soon.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
My Fall Phobia.
The acorns are coming...the acorns are coming.
Once a year I am always startled by the acorns that fall from my huge oak tree and hit my roof. The first fall I lived in my house...I thought they were rats in my walls...because I would hear scurrying, then silence. This was the acorns rolling off my roof.
Late at night during a big wind gust it sounds like a bomb being dropped in my bedroom. I heard the first couple fall last night, but the acorns are coming.
So, I have developed a fear of acorns. Do you think that's called acornaphobia? (Don't confuse that with a cornacopia.
Once a year I am always startled by the acorns that fall from my huge oak tree and hit my roof. The first fall I lived in my house...I thought they were rats in my walls...because I would hear scurrying, then silence. This was the acorns rolling off my roof.
Late at night during a big wind gust it sounds like a bomb being dropped in my bedroom. I heard the first couple fall last night, but the acorns are coming.
So, I have developed a fear of acorns. Do you think that's called acornaphobia? (Don't confuse that with a cornacopia.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Life
Life lessons are hard to learn. In working with teenagers I seem to see students learn really hard life lessons. To be honest, it hurts my heart sometimes.
This week two students at my school died in a car accident. Didn't anyone tell those children that teenagers are not suppose to die? As I found out the news and found out they were in my co-worker's classes, my heart ached. The bell for first period rang and it was strange as I looked in my student's eyes; they were about to find out about the car accident and that two of their peers had died the night before. As the announcement was made, I couldn't look at my students...only an hour before had I found out the news I had mental pictures of all my students hoping that they weren't my students that had died.
It was surreal that after the announcement was made over the intercom, I was to start teaching physics. As I looked at my students I was hoping that an adult or professional would walk in the room and start telling us what to do. But wait, I was the adult and professional. I was to know what to say and how to say it. I was to be the role model of how to deal with this tragedy.
They don't train you for that in your education classes, only experience helps. I was haunted this week from the memory of my first year teaching. In May, after I taught Jason for 8 months in my first period physics class, he committed suicide. I found out from an email that said URGENT. The days that followed I will always remember. I was the one that emptied his locker. I was asked why I didn't see the red flags. As a friend drove me to the funeral, I barely could walk and had trouble dealing with the reality of Jason's death. This week brought a lot of those memories back. How do you get over the deaths of students?
You don't. You deal with the grief, and you move on with your life and your heart grows for your students. You get around losing students, but you never get over it. Teenagers are not suppose to die.
This week two students at my school died in a car accident. Didn't anyone tell those children that teenagers are not suppose to die? As I found out the news and found out they were in my co-worker's classes, my heart ached. The bell for first period rang and it was strange as I looked in my student's eyes; they were about to find out about the car accident and that two of their peers had died the night before. As the announcement was made, I couldn't look at my students...only an hour before had I found out the news I had mental pictures of all my students hoping that they weren't my students that had died.
It was surreal that after the announcement was made over the intercom, I was to start teaching physics. As I looked at my students I was hoping that an adult or professional would walk in the room and start telling us what to do. But wait, I was the adult and professional. I was to know what to say and how to say it. I was to be the role model of how to deal with this tragedy.
They don't train you for that in your education classes, only experience helps. I was haunted this week from the memory of my first year teaching. In May, after I taught Jason for 8 months in my first period physics class, he committed suicide. I found out from an email that said URGENT. The days that followed I will always remember. I was the one that emptied his locker. I was asked why I didn't see the red flags. As a friend drove me to the funeral, I barely could walk and had trouble dealing with the reality of Jason's death. This week brought a lot of those memories back. How do you get over the deaths of students?
You don't. You deal with the grief, and you move on with your life and your heart grows for your students. You get around losing students, but you never get over it. Teenagers are not suppose to die.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Saturday Morning Grading
I am not a big fan of grading papers. If my students would just want to learn...I would grade less. My physical science class, you have to collect everything in order for the students to even do it. In honors physics....I stopped collecting homework because if they don't do homework, they will fail every test and quiz. Although on Friday I collected the homework.
When did students start feeling comfortable in copying homework in the same room as the teacher? I'll admit that I probably copied a homework assignment as a student, but I never did it in front of my teacher. I can't believe them.
What's the world coming to, when our students feel like copying is okay? Now, that I know that they copied, I am going to grade it super tough! Yes, I am mean. Don't take advantage of me.
When did students start feeling comfortable in copying homework in the same room as the teacher? I'll admit that I probably copied a homework assignment as a student, but I never did it in front of my teacher. I can't believe them.
What's the world coming to, when our students feel like copying is okay? Now, that I know that they copied, I am going to grade it super tough! Yes, I am mean. Don't take advantage of me.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The Early Morning
There is a calmness to the morning that I don't experience in any other part of the day. I love the morning. I love the early morning. It's before anything can go wrong. It's before the day has revealed itself. It's before I mess up.
I love the early mornings of my life. Now some might be amazed, but I wake around 5-5:30AM. I leave my house for work around 6AM. I am usually the first car in the faculty parking lot. That always makes me smile for some reason. As I walk down the empty halls, I almost smile about how calm everything. Within in 2 hours, the halls are bustling with staff and students. There's shouting, there's crying, there's laughter. But as I prepare myself for the day, I love my 3 minutes of walking through the school alone.
This morning, as I did my morning routine, I showered, checked email, did my hair, put on make up. Then I grabbed my wrist watch, I paused as I put it on and noticed the time. It was 4:21 AM. Something went terribly wrong. I must of messed up the time as I set the alarm for this morning. So, one would think I was mad, but no. I was able to finish grading those papers I never looked at last night. I wrote the transparency for the lab for class today. And now, I have 20 minutes of "jane" time.
Here's to the morning, which is so hopeful and lovely. Today might be a little tiring because I lost one hour of sleep, but I am prepared for the day. I'm enjoying my coffee and I am off to teach my students.
I love the early mornings of my life. Now some might be amazed, but I wake around 5-5:30AM. I leave my house for work around 6AM. I am usually the first car in the faculty parking lot. That always makes me smile for some reason. As I walk down the empty halls, I almost smile about how calm everything. Within in 2 hours, the halls are bustling with staff and students. There's shouting, there's crying, there's laughter. But as I prepare myself for the day, I love my 3 minutes of walking through the school alone.
This morning, as I did my morning routine, I showered, checked email, did my hair, put on make up. Then I grabbed my wrist watch, I paused as I put it on and noticed the time. It was 4:21 AM. Something went terribly wrong. I must of messed up the time as I set the alarm for this morning. So, one would think I was mad, but no. I was able to finish grading those papers I never looked at last night. I wrote the transparency for the lab for class today. And now, I have 20 minutes of "jane" time.
Here's to the morning, which is so hopeful and lovely. Today might be a little tiring because I lost one hour of sleep, but I am prepared for the day. I'm enjoying my coffee and I am off to teach my students.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
The Incident
Teaching is hard. Teenagers are emotional. I am human. These are statements that keep going through my head after what happened yesterday.
After being cursed out...(use your imagination), my student continued to yell at me, call me stupid, referred to me making him feel stupid, and I believe there were other things he yelled. As he yelled, I stayed calm, I took deep breathes. I tried to diffuse the situation. I didn't. What scared me was that when I asked him to stay in the hall, he followed me into the room. I was sincerely scared at that point. The teenager in question was a lot bigger than me. Once my adrenaline was pumping, there was no turning back. Thank God, there was only 3 minutes left in class. As I replay the situation for the millionth time in my head, I see how I could have changed it. This is the part of teaching that no one prepares you for. Even with my prior experience with situations like this doesn't really help. It's hard not to yell back at the student. It's hard not to slam the door in his face. It's hard to not feed into the emotions of a child.
Last weekend, I realized that my 12-14 hour days continue. I feel this pressure, probably self imposed, to do my best everyday. Where the grace that I am suppose to give myself, when the best doesn't happen? Where's the balance here?
I have never worked this hard in my life. I don't know how to work faster, better, or smarter. This is the best work I've ever done in my life. Even in the midst of an awful day yesterday, my mind is running to what I can change. How can I relate to the student that yells at me? How do I win that class back? How do I tell the students text messages are not important during the 90 minutes they are with me? How do I convince the student with social anxiety that the class likes him? How do I encourage a student that because things are hard doesn't mean that you should give up easily? How do I let my honors physics students realize that physics is hard and not every one gets an A?
To be honest, I think the incident yesterday makes me want to be better. If I plan better, grade fairer, I will win over my classes. I don't know how I am doing it. I work 12-14 hours each day. On the weekend I am working 3 - 8 hours each Saturday and Sunday...getting ready for my classes or grading. I keep thinking that sometime life will ease up, but I don't know when.
After being cursed out...(use your imagination), my student continued to yell at me, call me stupid, referred to me making him feel stupid, and I believe there were other things he yelled. As he yelled, I stayed calm, I took deep breathes. I tried to diffuse the situation. I didn't. What scared me was that when I asked him to stay in the hall, he followed me into the room. I was sincerely scared at that point. The teenager in question was a lot bigger than me. Once my adrenaline was pumping, there was no turning back. Thank God, there was only 3 minutes left in class. As I replay the situation for the millionth time in my head, I see how I could have changed it. This is the part of teaching that no one prepares you for. Even with my prior experience with situations like this doesn't really help. It's hard not to yell back at the student. It's hard not to slam the door in his face. It's hard to not feed into the emotions of a child.
Last weekend, I realized that my 12-14 hour days continue. I feel this pressure, probably self imposed, to do my best everyday. Where the grace that I am suppose to give myself, when the best doesn't happen? Where's the balance here?
I have never worked this hard in my life. I don't know how to work faster, better, or smarter. This is the best work I've ever done in my life. Even in the midst of an awful day yesterday, my mind is running to what I can change. How can I relate to the student that yells at me? How do I win that class back? How do I tell the students text messages are not important during the 90 minutes they are with me? How do I convince the student with social anxiety that the class likes him? How do I encourage a student that because things are hard doesn't mean that you should give up easily? How do I let my honors physics students realize that physics is hard and not every one gets an A?
To be honest, I think the incident yesterday makes me want to be better. If I plan better, grade fairer, I will win over my classes. I don't know how I am doing it. I work 12-14 hours each day. On the weekend I am working 3 - 8 hours each Saturday and Sunday...getting ready for my classes or grading. I keep thinking that sometime life will ease up, but I don't know when.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Ok, so what now.
Recently a friend mentioned that it's been cool to see God's hand prints on my life. As I have been transitioning for the past couple of months...it's been hard to stay focused. I do believe that this has been guided by God, but I found myself wondering last night and today. "Now what?"
In no means do I feel I am even close to being done, but I am sort of at this place where major change has happened and I am beginning to settle in. It's not disappointing, my life is really good. Although I almost feel a sense of loss, now that I know that I am suppose to be teaching. Which really makes me wonder what is it that I feel loss about.
I am a big advocate of plans. I came up with this saying a couple of years ago. "Just because you can't predict the future, doesn't mean you have to live aimlessly in the present." (That's a Jane original...sometimes I astound myself when words fly out of my mouth) During "The Transition," I really turned to God and felt led by my faith. I wonder if I have lost that. Right now I have a plan for this year and am beginning to make plans for next year. (National Board Certification...more about that later). Did I pray about that or did I just hope that my thoughts are lined up with God's plan for me? Am I where I am suppose to be in all the parts of my life? I feel confident I am in the right job, but as for the rest...I don't feel as confident.
In no means do I feel I am even close to being done, but I am sort of at this place where major change has happened and I am beginning to settle in. It's not disappointing, my life is really good. Although I almost feel a sense of loss, now that I know that I am suppose to be teaching. Which really makes me wonder what is it that I feel loss about.
I am a big advocate of plans. I came up with this saying a couple of years ago. "Just because you can't predict the future, doesn't mean you have to live aimlessly in the present." (That's a Jane original...sometimes I astound myself when words fly out of my mouth) During "The Transition," I really turned to God and felt led by my faith. I wonder if I have lost that. Right now I have a plan for this year and am beginning to make plans for next year. (National Board Certification...more about that later). Did I pray about that or did I just hope that my thoughts are lined up with God's plan for me? Am I where I am suppose to be in all the parts of my life? I feel confident I am in the right job, but as for the rest...I don't feel as confident.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Teaching
Okay...first week half done! I have enjoyed teaching, but golly gee....I AM TIRED! Did I mention I am tired? I have worked 12 hour days...I go home eat, rest, then go back to bed! Sleep....then up at 5AM.
Thank God, that next week is only a four day week. Oh, how I love Labor Day. Maybe I can get ahead of myself.
Today, I was so nervous I wouldn't get stuff done, that I arrived at school before they opened the doors. I sat in my car and graded papers for 15 minutes before any other car showed up! Then I was at school until 6PM. Yes, folks that would be 12 hours at the actual building.
Thank God, that next week is only a four day week. Oh, how I love Labor Day. Maybe I can get ahead of myself.
Today, I was so nervous I wouldn't get stuff done, that I arrived at school before they opened the doors. I sat in my car and graded papers for 15 minutes before any other car showed up! Then I was at school until 6PM. Yes, folks that would be 12 hours at the actual building.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Early Morning
I was awake at 5:15AM. Ouch. I am starting my days early this week. I am prepping for the first day of school. All I can say is that I love my school. I so enjoy the co-workers I have. I also realize that I am being supported and these people do not even know me. It's utterly amazing to be assimilated into a group this quickly.
More later, but as I contemplate the morning, I thought I would post. It's dark outside, there is a stillness in the day with a sense of urgency to get stuff ready for Monday, the first day of school. Good news is that all my teacher tricks are coming back quickly.
Coffee...I smell the coffee finishing...I must greet my coffee maker with a smile. How do I love an object so much.
Good morning to all!
More later, but as I contemplate the morning, I thought I would post. It's dark outside, there is a stillness in the day with a sense of urgency to get stuff ready for Monday, the first day of school. Good news is that all my teacher tricks are coming back quickly.
Coffee...I smell the coffee finishing...I must greet my coffee maker with a smile. How do I love an object so much.
Good morning to all!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
The Eve of Working
So, this morning is my last morning, not working a full time job. Ahhh....
Okay, so I am excited about starting my teaching job tomorrow. I am probably more nervous about making a good first impression with my co-workers than actually working. Tomorrow is just orientation anyway. I am excited to get started. Since the end of May, I have been dreaming of teaching and getting back into the classroom. I hope all my nifty teacher tricks come back to me.
I would like to report that I finished most of my wish list of things that I wanted to get done! Yippee. Today is a day of fun. I am spending the morning, organizing and prepping my house for a baby shower that's on Saturday. Then I am buying new make-up, then lunching with some friends, then my furniture that I ordered is being delivered. Then I am attending a birthday dinner for a friend. So, lots of fun and resting before work starts.
One guilty pleasure I am going to miss is that I am used to waking up early and watching a movie or TV. This morning as I woke up at 6:00AM (I decided to start going to bed early to prepare for my job and naturally wake up after 7.5 hours of sleep) I watched the movie I had from Netflix. Wow, is the word. I watched "The Last King of Scotland." Maybe I always fell asleep in history class, but I don't remember hearing anything about Amin. Amazing. I will confess that watching violence that is true really effects my psyche. To be honest, there were two parts where I had to cover my eyes and make noise so I wouldn't hear what was going on. For those that can handle violent films, I recommend it more as a learning experience than entertainment.
My blogging will probably start turning more towards the funny encounters with students and co-workers. Don't worry, I'll still have entertaining housework posts too! It's almost here...my new job!
Okay, so I am excited about starting my teaching job tomorrow. I am probably more nervous about making a good first impression with my co-workers than actually working. Tomorrow is just orientation anyway. I am excited to get started. Since the end of May, I have been dreaming of teaching and getting back into the classroom. I hope all my nifty teacher tricks come back to me.
I would like to report that I finished most of my wish list of things that I wanted to get done! Yippee. Today is a day of fun. I am spending the morning, organizing and prepping my house for a baby shower that's on Saturday. Then I am buying new make-up, then lunching with some friends, then my furniture that I ordered is being delivered. Then I am attending a birthday dinner for a friend. So, lots of fun and resting before work starts.
One guilty pleasure I am going to miss is that I am used to waking up early and watching a movie or TV. This morning as I woke up at 6:00AM (I decided to start going to bed early to prepare for my job and naturally wake up after 7.5 hours of sleep) I watched the movie I had from Netflix. Wow, is the word. I watched "The Last King of Scotland." Maybe I always fell asleep in history class, but I don't remember hearing anything about Amin. Amazing. I will confess that watching violence that is true really effects my psyche. To be honest, there were two parts where I had to cover my eyes and make noise so I wouldn't hear what was going on. For those that can handle violent films, I recommend it more as a learning experience than entertainment.
My blogging will probably start turning more towards the funny encounters with students and co-workers. Don't worry, I'll still have entertaining housework posts too! It's almost here...my new job!
Monday, August 13, 2007
I "heart" my Neighbors.
To almost anyone that has ever talked to me, I talk about how awesome my neighbors are. Here's reason #642. On Friday morning I talked to them and Robert (the husband) said, I'll help you finish up those branches and trees sometime on Saturday. For those that don't know in late April I started tackling my "natural" back yard. I chopped down 10 pine trees, but never cut them into wood, they were just down like a tornado went through. Also I had a pile of dead trees and branches that I have been working on all summer. I hated the pile, it was bigger than me...it was totally more than I could handle.
Sadly, Robert wasn't around on Saturday...so Sunday I woke up and decided. Early church, then I am working in the yard until it was done! Here's where Robert became superman to me. He came over after I had been working for 4 hours and helped me finish. I finished the pile of branches and trees. He started chopping the wood that was too thick for me with his nifty claw/chainsaw. As he came over to help me he said...hey, Mitzi (his wife) has a t-bone for you, what are you doing for dinner? I "heart" my neighbors. Knowing that dinner was being made for me, let me carry on and finish.
I have no idea why I worked in the yard for 6 solid hours yesterday, but my sense of accomplishment is very high. I almost have a certain amount of pride about my yard, which I haven't really had recently. I wish that I had a digital camera to document this day.
Next I have to dig up the stumps of the trees. Per Robert's instruction...I am buying an axe today. Is that weird...I am excited about buying an axe. Lesson I learned...when chopping down trees...don't do 10+ at a time. Do one, clean it up as you go. I also cut my grass yesterday. Needless to say I am so sore that I went to bed at 10:15 last night. Hence the reason I am blogging at 5:40 AM.
Oh, by the way. Did I mention the countdown? I start work on Friday. Here's the list of what needs done before then. Okay, what I would like done by then...probably not completely realistic.
Sadly, Robert wasn't around on Saturday...so Sunday I woke up and decided. Early church, then I am working in the yard until it was done! Here's where Robert became superman to me. He came over after I had been working for 4 hours and helped me finish. I finished the pile of branches and trees. He started chopping the wood that was too thick for me with his nifty claw/chainsaw. As he came over to help me he said...hey, Mitzi (his wife) has a t-bone for you, what are you doing for dinner? I "heart" my neighbors. Knowing that dinner was being made for me, let me carry on and finish.
I have no idea why I worked in the yard for 6 solid hours yesterday, but my sense of accomplishment is very high. I almost have a certain amount of pride about my yard, which I haven't really had recently. I wish that I had a digital camera to document this day.
Next I have to dig up the stumps of the trees. Per Robert's instruction...I am buying an axe today. Is that weird...I am excited about buying an axe. Lesson I learned...when chopping down trees...don't do 10+ at a time. Do one, clean it up as you go. I also cut my grass yesterday. Needless to say I am so sore that I went to bed at 10:15 last night. Hence the reason I am blogging at 5:40 AM.
Oh, by the way. Did I mention the countdown? I start work on Friday. Here's the list of what needs done before then. Okay, what I would like done by then...probably not completely realistic.
- Finish "fall" cleaning (I had begun to reorganize all closets, bookcases, and kitchen)
- Deep clean the house (I am hosting a baby shower)
- Start/Finish making some bibs
- Finish my poster project
- Hang out with friends
- A good friend's birthday/bachelorette party/dinner
- Grocery shop
- Laundry
Monday, August 6, 2007
The List
So, I made a list of things that I want to get done before I start working. Today's task that I sort of didn't mean to start, but then again, I did finish. I re-arranged my entire kitchen. Moved the spices to a better cabinet. Weeded out the seedy dish towels. Found the matching containers to lid...so there is the right number of lids that match containers. Put the food all together instead of 3 seperate places. If I ever live in another house...a pantry. That's going to be my bottom line. If there isn't a pantry...then build me one.
Really, I forgot how driven I am when I have a list. Another big task will be to wash my windows. Irony is that they are painted shut and I can't seem to figure out how to open most of them. I also think I will re-arrage my closets. I already have a coffee table worth of stuff to donate, sell, or give away. Since I haven't moved in 2.5 years, I find this need to purge. My trash can is the heaviest been since I missed two weeks in row of trash pick up about six months ago (The FDA was threatening to shut me down at that point).
So, today...I watched some tv, dropped off my plastic bags to recycle, dropped off my dry cleaning, worked 3 hours at my part time job, talked on the phone with Carolyn, Mom, and Stacy, cleaned and rearraged my kitchen, did laundry, cleaned paperwork off kitchen table, made a new playlist on itunes called Fun Housework, blogged, and I am off to a pool party. Needless to say...I am getting a little tired. But days like today feel so good to me.
Really, I forgot how driven I am when I have a list. Another big task will be to wash my windows. Irony is that they are painted shut and I can't seem to figure out how to open most of them. I also think I will re-arrage my closets. I already have a coffee table worth of stuff to donate, sell, or give away. Since I haven't moved in 2.5 years, I find this need to purge. My trash can is the heaviest been since I missed two weeks in row of trash pick up about six months ago (The FDA was threatening to shut me down at that point).
So, today...I watched some tv, dropped off my plastic bags to recycle, dropped off my dry cleaning, worked 3 hours at my part time job, talked on the phone with Carolyn, Mom, and Stacy, cleaned and rearraged my kitchen, did laundry, cleaned paperwork off kitchen table, made a new playlist on itunes called Fun Housework, blogged, and I am off to a pool party. Needless to say...I am getting a little tired. But days like today feel so good to me.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
16 days of Freedom
That's what I have been calling my countdown to start my new full time job. I am so excited to start working again, but you can't beat not working. I told my uncle recently that I wanted to just skip to retirement, but actually I am looking forward to working again.
There will be a couple of things that I miss, but mostly I am looking forward to my new schedule. It amazes me that so many people in my life are starting new phases of their lives too. Close friends are pregnant or just had a baby, my cousin is starting law school, my sister is starting a PhD program, my sister is starting a new job, my mom is changing jobs. This is some big stuff, but all of it is good.
But as I look at the next two weeks, I have a lot of fun to have and some little projects that I wanted to get down this summer. So, the countdown has begun. On today's agenda: grocery shopping, finish making some baby blankets, have dinner with a friend. Let's say it will be a day of 75% fun and 25% need to get stuff done!
There will be a couple of things that I miss, but mostly I am looking forward to my new schedule. It amazes me that so many people in my life are starting new phases of their lives too. Close friends are pregnant or just had a baby, my cousin is starting law school, my sister is starting a PhD program, my sister is starting a new job, my mom is changing jobs. This is some big stuff, but all of it is good.
But as I look at the next two weeks, I have a lot of fun to have and some little projects that I wanted to get down this summer. So, the countdown has begun. On today's agenda: grocery shopping, finish making some baby blankets, have dinner with a friend. Let's say it will be a day of 75% fun and 25% need to get stuff done!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
What happened to Customer Service?
Last night my friends and I had the worst experience...here's what I did about...I sent the following to the "mall" owners. Their response...they are giving me a $200 gift certificate to Cameron Village.
I will loyally be a Cameron Village customer. Just not "the Grape" customer. So, here's what a fired up Jane says to the world.
Dear Cameron Village,
First let me say...I love Cameron Village. I often bring my out of town guests to wander around the stores and I frequently dine at the restaurants in your "village." I know that this probably isn't the right forum, but I really wanted someone to hear me.
I was at one of the restaurants in Cameron Village, "The Grape." I was aghast at the poor service my friends and I received after we asked to talk to a manager. I have always been respected as a customer at Cameron Village and hope that the customer service continues as I have experienced in the past. However, last night my friends and I were treated not only poorly, but also rather abruptly. My friends and I were so unhappy, that all of us have decided to probably never return to that restaurant. We felt very mislead by their specials that we specifically wanted to try. We were mislead by them and after innocently talking to the manager, we were treated like we were stupid to not understand their restaurant menu. In retail, I understand that you can't change prices sometimes, but a little understanding and some clarification without being accusatory would have been nice. It saddens me that a group of 8 women that spent over $200 total got treated so poorly. We go out to Raleigh restaurants frequently and always tip well, so it's sad when we decide to never dine at a place because they will lose a lot of business.
On a side note, as the disgruntled group left "the Grape" last night, we went to Nelson's where we not only had great service, thanks to our server, Dallas, but we also thoroughly enjoyed the rest of our evening at Cameron Village.
Thank you for listening, I felt as the landlords over "the Grape" you should know how they treat loyal Cameron Village customers.
Thanks.
I will loyally be a Cameron Village customer. Just not "the Grape" customer. So, here's what a fired up Jane says to the world.
Dear Cameron Village,
First let me say...I love Cameron Village. I often bring my out of town guests to wander around the stores and I frequently dine at the restaurants in your "village." I know that this probably isn't the right forum, but I really wanted someone to hear me.
I was at one of the restaurants in Cameron Village, "The Grape." I was aghast at the poor service my friends and I received after we asked to talk to a manager. I have always been respected as a customer at Cameron Village and hope that the customer service continues as I have experienced in the past. However, last night my friends and I were treated not only poorly, but also rather abruptly. My friends and I were so unhappy, that all of us have decided to probably never return to that restaurant. We felt very mislead by their specials that we specifically wanted to try. We were mislead by them and after innocently talking to the manager, we were treated like we were stupid to not understand their restaurant menu. In retail, I understand that you can't change prices sometimes, but a little understanding and some clarification without being accusatory would have been nice. It saddens me that a group of 8 women that spent over $200 total got treated so poorly. We go out to Raleigh restaurants frequently and always tip well, so it's sad when we decide to never dine at a place because they will lose a lot of business.
On a side note, as the disgruntled group left "the Grape" last night, we went to Nelson's where we not only had great service, thanks to our server, Dallas, but we also thoroughly enjoyed the rest of our evening at Cameron Village.
Thank you for listening, I felt as the landlords over "the Grape" you should know how they treat loyal Cameron Village customers.
Thanks.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Time
Why is it...that as I am not working full time that I feel busier than ever. But am I really busier or is it that I am trying to balance too much.
How important is the Today show in the morning? When I work full time, I don't find it important, but as I am not working I feel compelled to watch the sugar coated, candy news. Okay, not to slander the Today show...I love Matt, Meredith, Ann and Al! They are my peeps that talk to me in the morning...when I am not even awake. But I just realized how lazy they make me. So, here's an idea...grab a set of headphones...head to the gym and watch the Today show as I work out. Do I have enough discipline for that?
4.5 more weeks before my full time job starts...I want to make the most of it!
Goals:
Start training for my 1/2 marathon
Sew - I have projects running around my head
Start lesson planning to ease the pain of working in the fall
Rest and Relax
Visit my family (july 25-31)
Is that aggressive? I think it's time again to start my weekly To Do lists. This seems to focus me. I take To Do lists very seriously. I sometimes need to put watch movie on my list so I remember to sit down. Where's the balance folks?
How important is the Today show in the morning? When I work full time, I don't find it important, but as I am not working I feel compelled to watch the sugar coated, candy news. Okay, not to slander the Today show...I love Matt, Meredith, Ann and Al! They are my peeps that talk to me in the morning...when I am not even awake. But I just realized how lazy they make me. So, here's an idea...grab a set of headphones...head to the gym and watch the Today show as I work out. Do I have enough discipline for that?
4.5 more weeks before my full time job starts...I want to make the most of it!
Goals:
Start training for my 1/2 marathon
Sew - I have projects running around my head
Start lesson planning to ease the pain of working in the fall
Rest and Relax
Visit my family (july 25-31)
Is that aggressive? I think it's time again to start my weekly To Do lists. This seems to focus me. I take To Do lists very seriously. I sometimes need to put watch movie on my list so I remember to sit down. Where's the balance folks?
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Death Toll
Okay...I have been in an all out battle for quite some time. The death toll just got a bit higher. Unfortunately this war doesn't seem to be ending.
MICE...6 down...how many more? I have killed, yes, killed 6 mice in the last two months in my house. I hate killing, them, as they are so cute...but even worse is seeing a mouse in your house.
I scream like I am being murdered when I see a live mouse lurking in a corner of the room. In all my home-ownership experiences...this is the one that might push me over.
Here's the question...how long do I keep the traps set before I win the war?
MICE...6 down...how many more? I have killed, yes, killed 6 mice in the last two months in my house. I hate killing, them, as they are so cute...but even worse is seeing a mouse in your house.
I scream like I am being murdered when I see a live mouse lurking in a corner of the room. In all my home-ownership experiences...this is the one that might push me over.
Here's the question...how long do I keep the traps set before I win the war?
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
YIPPEE for Jobs and Good Things
Yippee...I got the job. I have a teaching job lined up for the fall. I'm working sort of part time for a friend's company. How sweet it is. I can't believe how wonderfully everything fell together for me. I am so excited to just be for the summer. I get to start work in August and until then I am sort of just resting, relaxing, and preparing to teach.
Last week, I was in tears...why...because I never knew life could be so sweet. I had been so scared that leaving a job with nothing lined up could be dangerous and irresponsible. Now, I know that God really had something waiting for me. I have met my new co-workers and am looking forward to them as much as my job.
Now is a the business of having fun and relaxing. I have promised myself one day a week to do absolutely nothing productive. Like sit by the pool for a day...spend the day watching movies...chill out all day with friends. So far it is feeding my soul.
Last week, I was in tears...why...because I never knew life could be so sweet. I had been so scared that leaving a job with nothing lined up could be dangerous and irresponsible. Now, I know that God really had something waiting for me. I have met my new co-workers and am looking forward to them as much as my job.
Now is a the business of having fun and relaxing. I have promised myself one day a week to do absolutely nothing productive. Like sit by the pool for a day...spend the day watching movies...chill out all day with friends. So far it is feeding my soul.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
What is a notion?
no·tion [noh-shuhn]
1. a general understanding; vague or imperfect conception or idea of something: a notion of how something should be done.
2. an opinion, view, or belief: That's his notion, not mine.
3. conception or idea: his notion of democracy.
4. a fanciful or foolish idea; whim: She had a notion to swim in the winter.
5. an ingenious article, device, or contrivance; knickknack.
6. notions, small articles, as buttons, thread, ribbon, and other personal items, esp. such items displayed together for sale, as in a department store.
I like that thinking and sewing are connected by one word! I love to think...I love to sew.
1. a general understanding; vague or imperfect conception or idea of something: a notion of how something should be done.
2. an opinion, view, or belief: That's his notion, not mine.
3. conception or idea: his notion of democracy.
4. a fanciful or foolish idea; whim: She had a notion to swim in the winter.
5. an ingenious article, device, or contrivance; knickknack.
6. notions, small articles, as buttons, thread, ribbon, and other personal items, esp. such items displayed together for sale, as in a department store.
I like that thinking and sewing are connected by one word! I love to think...I love to sew.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
The Waiting Game
I had a job interview Monday. They said they would call if I got the job in the next 2-3 days. So, now I wait. I want this. I always thought of myself of having loads of patience. This is testing me.
So, now I say things like...it's out of my hands...I did the best I could. As I wait, I judge myself and if I did good enough...was I right in answering the questions the way I did? What happens if I don't get this? What will happen to me?
Jobs are funny things. They help define you, but I have learned recently you should let other things define you; not just what you are doing to pay the bills. When asked who I am...I am much more than a person trying to get back into teaching. Hopefully I can stay grounded to the fact that no matter what I am doing...I am more than just that.
Here's to waiting...and waiting...and waitng.
So, now I say things like...it's out of my hands...I did the best I could. As I wait, I judge myself and if I did good enough...was I right in answering the questions the way I did? What happens if I don't get this? What will happen to me?
Jobs are funny things. They help define you, but I have learned recently you should let other things define you; not just what you are doing to pay the bills. When asked who I am...I am much more than a person trying to get back into teaching. Hopefully I can stay grounded to the fact that no matter what I am doing...I am more than just that.
Here's to waiting...and waiting...and waitng.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Today is the day
I decided it was about time to start blogging. Everyone else is doing it. But also because I think I have things to say and share with the world. There will be more later, but I had to just start....and go for it.
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