My last day in paradise. I had some trouble sleeping last night. Anxious I guess, to say good-bye to everyone here and be on my way. Cliff knocked on my door at 7:30am to give me two bottles of wine as a parting gift! A Rosemount Merlot and Shiraz. I went out about an hour later for breakfast. Cliff gave me a hug, then started to cry. Millie gave me a hug and told me she loved me. Everyone waits til NOW to display all this affection?! Makes it tough to say good-bye. Got a hug from Denise and Gloria telling me what a pleasure it was to meet me. I actually hid in my room for a bit. Wasn't sure what would happen next!
When I went to get breakfast, it was sunny, when I went out at 10am, it was starting to get cloudy. I went to the beach anyway and stayed for about an hour. When it started to rain, I knew beach time was over, lol. I went and picked up my laundry, then returned my uniforms to HR. I talked with June for a while. Paul was busy, so I left. Lori left early. No letter of recommendation from Paul. I did however, get a great letter of recommendation from Janee! She came through in the end. She was very complimentary! It was kind of a wow! letter! I made a few more rounds of people to say good-bye, sat at the bar for a bit and talked to a lady here on vacation who works at a hospital and is totally stressed out by her job (been there done that!). We had a nice chat.
All day I've been getting hugs from the weirdest people, all saying they will miss me and good luck, and please come back. Who'd have thought? Islanders are a strange people!
I met Laura at 8pm for dinner. She had to work til 8pm at the gift shop. Havana Blue is a gorgeous restaurant, on the beach, vaulted ceilings, billowy white shear curtains at the open window areas, blue list, huge chandelier-type light fixture over the bar which is in the center of the room and a glass waterfall. Sweet! The menu was very interesting. There was a Latin theme to everything. They offer tapas so us three women split three different tapas (lettuce wraps with sea bass, mini-tacos de filets-steak, and shredded pork "pizza"). They were all great tasting with unusual flavors that blended very well together. We all also had dessert. Linda was the only one that actually liked her dessert (key lime creme brûlée). Laura's and my desserts (chocolate molten cake and coconut cake) had little flavor. Which only goes to prove what a friend told me years ago--desserts often look better than they taste! The restaurant does a lovely presentation on everything.
I didn't get back to Bolongo until 11:15pm. I will be up at 5:30am tomorrow. It's a travel day. I should get into DC Dulles via San Juan, Puerto Rico, at about 4pm eastern standard time. Night everyone.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
"Dreams have no expiration date".
Up early for work. At least Millie was there before me! I set up pantry as usual, Millie did hot line (sounds like a routine here, aye?). Carl came in at 8am.
I noticed this morning how full the fryer looks. Janee told me that she and Ryan were talking Friday even while they were working hot line together. All of a sudden they heard sizzling from the deep fryer but each of them knew neither one had anything cooking. Janee said they turned around and there was a rat, that had been crawling along the hood, then lost his balance and fell into the fryer. NOT a pretty sight! They had to close down the fry station, dispose of the dead body, drain the fryer, clean and scrub it down, then refill it with fresh, new oil and reheat it. More of the weird and bazaar at Bolongo!
I started making the lunch salad, while Millie worked hot line and Carl took over pantry and started prepping for the employee lunch. Carl was worked up about something, this morning but didn't want to talk in front of me. Sounds like it was an issue with his hours, but who knows. Breakfast got busier, so I worked the hot line with Millie. Lots of omelets today, French toast, pancakes, egg sandwiches, a few Eggs Benedict (I made the Hollandaise yesterday and today), corned beef hash (still a yuck for me) and eggs, eggs, and more eggs! There was talk about the new guy quitting on his first day. People kept coming up to me, acting like they were surprised I was leaving! Yes, this is my last work day I would say. Everyone talked about what a nice person I am, etc, etc. I find that amazing! What? There are no nice people on St Thomas? Carl even gave me a hug! Told me I was a really nice person and it was a pleasure to meet me. What is the world
coming to?!
I was thinking of baking cookies (I know, I said the Chocolate Chip Cookies would be my last), but there was very little flour and not enough brown sugar, so that didn't happen. Lunch was slow with orders trickling in, although breakfast seemed to go on until almost 11! So at 2:15pm, I packed up pantry, gave Millie a hug, gave Jesse a hug, and left. Showered (it gets SO hot in the kitchen and I still can't stand the way you smell after all day working in the kitchen!) and went looking for Janee. She was going to let me borrow her car so I could drop my laundry off. Couldn't find her and her car was not in the parking lot. So I went looking for a cap for someone Michael works for. Apparently he had asked Michael to being him back a baseball cap from St Thomas but Michael forgot. So I got one in the gift shop, as well as a small charm with the shape of St Thomas cut out of the middle of it. A nice memento of my time here! I was talking to Laura, telling her Janee was not here and I had hoped to take my laundry and drop it off. Laura told me I could borrow her car!! (As long as I didn't wreck it, lol). So off I went in her little PT cruiser, dropped off my laundry and came right back. That was very nice of her! Laura and Linda and I are going out to Havana Blue for dinner tomorrow night, my last night here. Should be fun! Laura is such a nice person!
I sat at the bar for a bit, reading. Eating Goldfish and talking to Harry. It's been cloudy all day today and a little cool, so sitting at the bar
means I'm still outside but protected in case it rains. When it started getting crowded, I left and came back to my room. Lots of noisy party
people have been here the last couple of weeks. Of course, in all fairness to them, they ARE on vacation. So better to just step away from
the tourists, lol.
I'm excited about getting back to friends and family. Like I said the other day, I will miss the view and the weather. I have met some nice people, but it's time to go. (I keep hearing sirens go by Bolongo, wonder what's going on?). I am undecided about what to do for dinner, I'm tired of the same old menus, lol. Hmmmm......
I ended up walking down to Iggie's and found out the reason for all the sirens. I guess I never told you that Bolongo is right next store to a landfill. How exciting is that? You actually wouldn't know about it otherwise. Once I got to Iggie's you could see part of the hill west of Bolongo on fire! No other details, but it's an impressive fire. I got a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich to go. I guess I am ready to go home. The tourists never really bothered me, but now they all do. I feel like I've been saying goodbye for weeks now. More good-byes at Iggie's tonight: Gabriel, Erin, John, Janell, Sharon, and David. All nice people.
One day of freedom tomorrow! No work. I need to pick up my laundry so I can return my uniforms to HR. I need to pack, decide what to wear in my skimpy wardrobe to wear that will keep me warm enough to get to Betty's house. No jacket, no gloves, no hats, no boots, just a couple of light cardigan sweaters, sneakers, one pair of long jeans and the Bolongo sweatshirt I bought around the Christmas holiday when we had the cool "Christmas winds". We'll see how I fair, lol. I should be ok, I can buy or borrow something! I'm excited!!!
Up early for work. At least Millie was there before me! I set up pantry as usual, Millie did hot line (sounds like a routine here, aye?). Carl came in at 8am.
I noticed this morning how full the fryer looks. Janee told me that she and Ryan were talking Friday even while they were working hot line together. All of a sudden they heard sizzling from the deep fryer but each of them knew neither one had anything cooking. Janee said they turned around and there was a rat, that had been crawling along the hood, then lost his balance and fell into the fryer. NOT a pretty sight! They had to close down the fry station, dispose of the dead body, drain the fryer, clean and scrub it down, then refill it with fresh, new oil and reheat it. More of the weird and bazaar at Bolongo!
I started making the lunch salad, while Millie worked hot line and Carl took over pantry and started prepping for the employee lunch. Carl was worked up about something, this morning but didn't want to talk in front of me. Sounds like it was an issue with his hours, but who knows. Breakfast got busier, so I worked the hot line with Millie. Lots of omelets today, French toast, pancakes, egg sandwiches, a few Eggs Benedict (I made the Hollandaise yesterday and today), corned beef hash (still a yuck for me) and eggs, eggs, and more eggs! There was talk about the new guy quitting on his first day. People kept coming up to me, acting like they were surprised I was leaving! Yes, this is my last work day I would say. Everyone talked about what a nice person I am, etc, etc. I find that amazing! What? There are no nice people on St Thomas? Carl even gave me a hug! Told me I was a really nice person and it was a pleasure to meet me. What is the world
coming to?!
I was thinking of baking cookies (I know, I said the Chocolate Chip Cookies would be my last), but there was very little flour and not enough brown sugar, so that didn't happen. Lunch was slow with orders trickling in, although breakfast seemed to go on until almost 11! So at 2:15pm, I packed up pantry, gave Millie a hug, gave Jesse a hug, and left. Showered (it gets SO hot in the kitchen and I still can't stand the way you smell after all day working in the kitchen!) and went looking for Janee. She was going to let me borrow her car so I could drop my laundry off. Couldn't find her and her car was not in the parking lot. So I went looking for a cap for someone Michael works for. Apparently he had asked Michael to being him back a baseball cap from St Thomas but Michael forgot. So I got one in the gift shop, as well as a small charm with the shape of St Thomas cut out of the middle of it. A nice memento of my time here! I was talking to Laura, telling her Janee was not here and I had hoped to take my laundry and drop it off. Laura told me I could borrow her car!! (As long as I didn't wreck it, lol). So off I went in her little PT cruiser, dropped off my laundry and came right back. That was very nice of her! Laura and Linda and I are going out to Havana Blue for dinner tomorrow night, my last night here. Should be fun! Laura is such a nice person!
I sat at the bar for a bit, reading. Eating Goldfish and talking to Harry. It's been cloudy all day today and a little cool, so sitting at the bar
means I'm still outside but protected in case it rains. When it started getting crowded, I left and came back to my room. Lots of noisy party
people have been here the last couple of weeks. Of course, in all fairness to them, they ARE on vacation. So better to just step away from
the tourists, lol.
I'm excited about getting back to friends and family. Like I said the other day, I will miss the view and the weather. I have met some nice people, but it's time to go. (I keep hearing sirens go by Bolongo, wonder what's going on?). I am undecided about what to do for dinner, I'm tired of the same old menus, lol. Hmmmm......
I ended up walking down to Iggie's and found out the reason for all the sirens. I guess I never told you that Bolongo is right next store to a landfill. How exciting is that? You actually wouldn't know about it otherwise. Once I got to Iggie's you could see part of the hill west of Bolongo on fire! No other details, but it's an impressive fire. I got a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich to go. I guess I am ready to go home. The tourists never really bothered me, but now they all do. I feel like I've been saying goodbye for weeks now. More good-byes at Iggie's tonight: Gabriel, Erin, John, Janell, Sharon, and David. All nice people.
One day of freedom tomorrow! No work. I need to pick up my laundry so I can return my uniforms to HR. I need to pack, decide what to wear in my skimpy wardrobe to wear that will keep me warm enough to get to Betty's house. No jacket, no gloves, no hats, no boots, just a couple of light cardigan sweaters, sneakers, one pair of long jeans and the Bolongo sweatshirt I bought around the Christmas holiday when we had the cool "Christmas winds". We'll see how I fair, lol. I should be ok, I can buy or borrow something! I'm excited!!!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Saturday, February 26' 2011
I got up and went into work at 6:30am, but no one else was there but me and two of the waitresses, Gloria and Priscilla. No Cliff and no new guy, Cesar. First I started setting up the pantry, but then when it got later and later, I started setting up hotline too. At 6:45am, I called Janee, as I didn't know who else to call, but got her voicemail (she was sleeping). Gloria was kind enough to start putting bacon on sheet trays for me (we bake them in the oven, four sheets full at a time-6 total). FINALLY, Clif showed up close to 7am. He said he had called the front desk and said he was having trouble finding a taxi so would be late, but no one passed that message on to the restaurant people (me). The two of us got all set up, then breakfast eaters started coming in right at 7:30am. Carl came in at 8am. Breakfast was busy, as usual, lunch was busier than usual, which makes the time pass more quickly. Lots and lots of club sandwiches for me to make today! The funny thing is, even though I was scared, I think I would have been ok setting everything up in both stations and cooking til Carl got there at 8am. Just something else that shows me how much I have learned and what I am comfortable doing. I'm just glad it happened at the end of my three months and not at the begining, lol!
Cesar never did show up. No one had his number, so Denise (the day manager), waited until Janee came in at 2pm. I told them Jeff, at Iggie's had Cesar's number. Turns out Cesar walked out of here yesterday and told the front desk he would not be back! He told Denise this afternoon, "the management very bad, I not be back". (Cesar is from Puerto Rico). Imagine! I am not entirely surprised, having had almost the same reaction at the beginning of my internship. So I worked all day today and I will not be getting tomorrow (Sunday) off. That's just the way it is. Things always work out the way they are suppose to. Jeff, the Iggie's kitchen manager, cornered me as I left work today, wanting to know what happened yesterday when Cesar was here. I told him I did not work yesterday, but that if Cesar had the same initial reaction to Millie, Cliff and Carl that I did, I am not surprised he walked out. I wanted to do the same thing. I saidmit takes them a long time to warm up to people, if they ever do (Roy quit and he started a week or so before I did). I am happy, though, that I can finally look back on this internship and see more of the positive about it than the negative.
After I left work, I showered, then went and got an ice cream bar, lol. It helped me feel better, but I figured I'd go to the beach, that would be better at calming me and helping me relax. I stopped by the LG bar and asked Harry for a diet coke, which he gave me along with some smack. I had heard this morning that he was feeling fiesty and flirting with all the women, lol. So as I write about the happenings of the first part of the day, I am sitting in my beach chair, soaking up the last bit of sun and watching Heavenly Daze load up for the Sunset Cruise. I thought about taking it tonight for the last time but I am meeting June (from HR) and her husband for dinner at Iggie's tonight at 7pm. It's all you can eat crab night, lol! And I hear June likes crab a lot!
I will come back and finish this after dinner and give you the complete scoop. I am back from dinner. I went down to Iggie's about 7pm to wait for June et al. I talked a bit to some of the waiters and waitresses. I talked with Matt, the other intern. He worked this morning as a host at the LG, seating people, etc. He did well but he still is not sure what he is going to do. He is in a splint and will be for a while. June came about 7:30pm. She was by herself, her husband was not feeling well. Whoever else she invited did not come. She and I finally got a table. The restaurant was packed when I got there at 7pm! June had all you can eat crab, I had the crab dinner that comes with three or four sets of legs as it is. The crab is great, but it sure is a lot of work for a small amount of crab!! June had a great time. She treated me to a glass of wine, which was nice. We had a good talk. She asked me if I was coming back. At first I said no. She said everyone really likes you-especially management. I was kinda surprised to hear that! I ended up telling her that I had offered to come down seasonally but only if they hired me as a baker/pastry chef. She thought that was a great idea! No promises.
We called it a night at 9:30pm. I have to get up early to work-no day off, no matter what people keep trying to do for me. Not a biggy. I always thought I would work anyway. And I should be done by 2:30pm. So early night, early wake up call. All good!
Cesar never did show up. No one had his number, so Denise (the day manager), waited until Janee came in at 2pm. I told them Jeff, at Iggie's had Cesar's number. Turns out Cesar walked out of here yesterday and told the front desk he would not be back! He told Denise this afternoon, "the management very bad, I not be back". (Cesar is from Puerto Rico). Imagine! I am not entirely surprised, having had almost the same reaction at the beginning of my internship. So I worked all day today and I will not be getting tomorrow (Sunday) off. That's just the way it is. Things always work out the way they are suppose to. Jeff, the Iggie's kitchen manager, cornered me as I left work today, wanting to know what happened yesterday when Cesar was here. I told him I did not work yesterday, but that if Cesar had the same initial reaction to Millie, Cliff and Carl that I did, I am not surprised he walked out. I wanted to do the same thing. I saidmit takes them a long time to warm up to people, if they ever do (Roy quit and he started a week or so before I did). I am happy, though, that I can finally look back on this internship and see more of the positive about it than the negative.
After I left work, I showered, then went and got an ice cream bar, lol. It helped me feel better, but I figured I'd go to the beach, that would be better at calming me and helping me relax. I stopped by the LG bar and asked Harry for a diet coke, which he gave me along with some smack. I had heard this morning that he was feeling fiesty and flirting with all the women, lol. So as I write about the happenings of the first part of the day, I am sitting in my beach chair, soaking up the last bit of sun and watching Heavenly Daze load up for the Sunset Cruise. I thought about taking it tonight for the last time but I am meeting June (from HR) and her husband for dinner at Iggie's tonight at 7pm. It's all you can eat crab night, lol! And I hear June likes crab a lot!
I will come back and finish this after dinner and give you the complete scoop. I am back from dinner. I went down to Iggie's about 7pm to wait for June et al. I talked a bit to some of the waiters and waitresses. I talked with Matt, the other intern. He worked this morning as a host at the LG, seating people, etc. He did well but he still is not sure what he is going to do. He is in a splint and will be for a while. June came about 7:30pm. She was by herself, her husband was not feeling well. Whoever else she invited did not come. She and I finally got a table. The restaurant was packed when I got there at 7pm! June had all you can eat crab, I had the crab dinner that comes with three or four sets of legs as it is. The crab is great, but it sure is a lot of work for a small amount of crab!! June had a great time. She treated me to a glass of wine, which was nice. We had a good talk. She asked me if I was coming back. At first I said no. She said everyone really likes you-especially management. I was kinda surprised to hear that! I ended up telling her that I had offered to come down seasonally but only if they hired me as a baker/pastry chef. She thought that was a great idea! No promises.
We called it a night at 9:30pm. I have to get up early to work-no day off, no matter what people keep trying to do for me. Not a biggy. I always thought I would work anyway. And I should be done by 2:30pm. So early night, early wake up call. All good!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
"To thine own self be NICE". -little book of inspirational thoughts...
Today is my day off and what do I do? I wake up at 6am, the usually work time, lol! Oh, well, I guess I can get lots done this way!
More pictures. The top picture is of Drew and the bottom photo is Janee, the executive chef. She says she has a "following" now since getting her picture in the paper. Cute! Drew is from South Carolina. Nice guy. He came in to work yesterday complaining that he had not done laundry and had no socks. He was wearing crocs and hated not having any socks. I asked if he wanted to borrow a pair of mine, he said no, but I'll take a pair. He said "I'll never remember to bring them back to you". Fair enough. So I went and got him a pair of black socks-unisex. I didn't tell him his other choice was pink and white, lol.
Checked emails and looked online until I got hungry, then went to the LG and made myself an egg sandwich (seems to be popular here but way more expensive than McDonald's). After I finished, I headed to the beach. Gotta have a good tan when I come home, lol! It was sunny when I wentnoutnfor breakfast but cloudy when I went out to the beach. It was patchy, so I headed out anyway. Had a nice time at the beach. Played my iPod (iPhone w/headset), read, watched people play on the water. I was out for about 2-21/2 hours. Then I headed back to find June (from HR) to see when she wanted to meet at Iggie's tomorrow. People still seem to be surprised that I am leaving, lol. I also asked Paul, while I was in HR, if the rumors of my getting part or all of the weekend off were true. He said for sure I could have Sunday off, but that he needed me to work at least half a day tomorrow (Saturday). I can do that! Then I walked back to the LG to get some lunch cause by this time it was 2pm and I was hungry. I ran into Millie. She says she is going to miss me!?! Imagine my surprise! We had a nice little chat, then she told me she wanted me to train the new guy, Cesar, on pantry tomorrow. She also told me she had told Judy (who usually works pantry in the evenings two days a week at the LG) I was a fast learner and that I could work any of the stations all by myself with no problem!!! I am shocked, just shocked! Who'd a thunk it?
While I was sitting at the beach, I realized there was a contentment that has not been there for a few months. I finally "get" all the staff, the different jobs and life here. Not a place I chose to stay, but I can recognize how far I've come since I graduated from culinary school and also be thankful for what they have taught me. As aggravating as it has been to be here and even with the sharp learning curve, I have learned many things here. It also helps to "let go" and just go with the flow (as long as it's not blatantly wrong). And wouldn't you know, just when I get the routine down, it's time to leave! But I'm finally going home, first to see Betty, then back to family and friends in Reno.
They came to clean my room about 3:30pm, so I went out to sit by the pool. It's very breezy today so feels very cool (I'm sure you are all rolling your eyes to think 78 is considered "cool", lol). Vernita came out from the gift shop to talk with me. I guess Laura called in sick today so Vernita had to stay and work. Vernita was unhappy about having to work all day. No one seems to like to work here, lol.
I did not have the energy to go anywhere for dinner, but even going early to the LG, the bar area was full and people were being seated. I ordered from Lawson, but decided not to stay. Just too busy, then I feel like I'm in the way and don't enjoy myself. I guess I should have gone out somewhere else! I ate in my room, it's quiet here and I have a table and chairs so it's also comfortable. Early to bed tonight, I think. I work at 6:30am.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
"Every flower that blooms has to go through a whole lot of dirt".
Another 6:30am start time. Today I worked with Cliff and Carl. I took pictures! Mrs. Donovan, our dishwasher is the photo on the top, Cliff is next and Carl is in the bottom photo. Same old, same old today as far as set up. I worked hot line through most of breakfast, with occasional help from Cliff. Still flipping those eggs, getting faster every day, lol. They hired two new cooks that start tomorrow. One for Iggie's and one for LG. Rumor has it I may get Sunday off since the new guy is set to work Saturday and Sunday days to learn the routine. We'll see if it's true, lol. I don't believe much any more. Breakfast was sort of busy with people still coming in for breakfast at 10:45am. Cliff was so mad! He gets riled pretty easily. Me, I just kept singing to myself, lol.
Lunch on the other hand was a bust. I made two salads and a club sandwich, that was it from 11:30am to 2:30pm. So I made cookies (you're not surprised are you?!)! I made chocolate chip cookies, but this time I added pecans, which I toasted in the oven first and went I took them out tossed them with 2 Tbsp butter and a little salt. And I added 1 Tbsp of vanilla rather than 1 tsp. A few people said they were the best cookies I have made so far. I thought they were pretty good too. The roasted pecans added a lot. I got the ideas from my new cookbook, "Bakewise". Good book! I made 4 dozen cookies, gave a third of them to the front desk/front office staff, a third I left in the LG (Cliff promptly took about half of them for himself to "snack on later") and a third I gave to Iggie's staff. Interestingly enough, when I dropped the cookies off at the front desk, Ise asked if they were Oatmeal Raisin. I said no, chocolate chip. She said "I hate chocolate!" I guess you're not going to be able to please everyone. I got the best compliments (with hugs no less, lol) from Iggie's. Nice! This was likely my last batch of cookies here, but I didn't tell anyone that.
After work, I went and sat out by the pool and read. It was indeed another lovely day in paradise. While I was sitting there, Matt came by and thanked me again for the cookies. He offered to taste my cookies any time, lol. He's the guy that owns and operates 340 Water Sports, where I rented the jet ski from. I had stopped to offer Matt and Josh a cookie before I dropped them off at Iggie's, since their booth is on the way. He is very cute, very polite and very friendly. I get a kick out of watching all the waitresses gush over him and rush to be the one that gets his daily "to go" breakfast sandwich order, lol. These mean spiteful women being SO nice to him. He IS charming. He thinks all the waitresses are very nice. More power to him!
I will miss sitting by the pool and on the beach. I will miss wearing only sandals or going barefoot in the winter. I WILL NOT miss the flies!!! Apparently this is fly season, so for the last 3-4 days we have had what seems like a hundred flies buzzing around. Small and sluggish. You find some of them fluttering around on tabletops then they just keel over. Blah!! They are not in the actual restaurant. At Iggie's, they are not really in the kitchen but they swarm around the bar. Double blah!!
I made plans to go to Havana Blue with Laura and Linda on Monday evening, my last night here. Apparently Havana Blue is a must see landmark on St. Thomas. I am looking forward to it! Saturday, I am having dinner at Iggie's (all you can eat snow crab, yeah) with June and her husband. June checked with me today to make sure I could still go. I said yes, then she said, "Good! Cause I told a few other people we were going and they want to come". So, we'll see who shows up and how long we stay, lol.
I walked down to Iggie's tonight for dinner. I didn't want to wait for LG to open. Shrimp Satay with Peanut Sauce and a salad. I spent time talking to Jeff, the Iggie's kitchen manager and Alexis, one of the bartenders from LG. Jeff and I had a nice chat about the kitchen staff and kitchen/resort politics. He puts up with more than I would! Alexis had her two daughters with her. They are cute girls, one 14 and one 7. I stayed long enough to listen to some of Tim West, the entertainment for tonight. He's pretty good! Even has his name on his guitar, lol. Then I walked back toward the LG intending on having a glass of wine at the bar, but LG was hopping! There were not chairs open at the bar. So I kept on going and came back to my room. Long day, so I may not stay up too late....
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Up early for another 6:30am start time in the Lobster Grille! And I beat Millie to work this morning. Thank goodness the waitresses that set up in the morning get the key from the front desk, otherwise I'm not sure how I would have gotten in!
Same old thing, I set up pantry, Millie set up hot line. I also put the mats down. What varied, however, was after Carl got there at 8am, Millie had me getting food ready for the day sail tomorrow. I made the daily mixed garden salad that the employees eat off of at lunch AND we use to make salads for guests-same container. Not sure how sanitary that is, but what do you say? I made pasta salad, tuna salad, potato salad and sliced onions. I felt like I was back to prepping like I did when I first got here! When Carl left at noon, I took over pantry duty. I snapped a bunch of pictures today-helping to create memories, lol. This is a picture of Millie or Amelia which is her given name. I think she's starting to like me, wonders of wonders. Unfortunately, happening right before I leave! The day was not too busy, I only helped her out a couple of times, otherwise she ran hot line. Her favorite thing! Janee texted me and asked me to make a salad for the Rotary Club tonight (but I knew what she wanted when she asked if I was working this morning-psychic I guess). I also made up a dessert plate of frosted brownies-without being asked. The rest was up to her.
We got off late because we had six people walk in at 2:30pm for lunch (we supposedly stop serving at 2:30pm but oh well, take care of customers). I went back to my room, having to skirt the "Rasta coconut man" who wanted to climb the tree outside my back door for coconuts to sell (a scary looking skinny guy with long braided hair). I walked to HR to ask Paul to write a letter of recommendation for me. I am suppose to get one from Janee but with Ryan gone, I'm not sure if she will be able to take the time. She says yes, so I can only hope.
I spent some time at the beach, got a little sun and read. Once of the waitresses from Iggie's came and sat down next to me and she read until it was time for her to go to work. She is renting space across the street and does not have a TV so comes over to Bolongo and reads while sitting (covered up) on the beach. She plans on leaving in April. It would seem that many of the people on this island are only here temporarily.
I had dinner at the bar in the Lobster Grille. It is usually a slow night at the LG but when I went in, all the Doumengs (owners) were having dinner together (there are also lots of relatives visiting) at the large table parallel to the bar. There were people from New Jersey sitting at the bar-six of them! Made me remember how LOUD and obnoxious they can be! As I was sitting there waiting for dinner, two people walked in barefoot. Another man came in his swim trunks. Just because you are on vacation doesn't mean there aren't certain local customs to follow (like fully clothed for dinner-not optional and shoes for Pete's sake!). I made dinner short, lol. Took a short walk and then back to my room.
I will miss looking out over the ocean/sea and sitting on the beach. I will not miss the bugs and the bites (mosquito and "no see 'ems) and the itchy skin. And it is kind of nice to just to into either Iggie's or the LG and order what I want and know I don't have to pay. All a trade-off, all a trade-off.
I work at 6:30am tomorrow with Cliff and Carl. We'll see what fun tomorrow holds, lol. Just another day in paradise.......
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
"Faith is hope on fire". -little book of inspirational thoughts....
A day off, always a pleasure! Took my time getting up, getting dressed. Had cereal for breakfast this morning, Frosted Mini Wheats. I think my system went into shock at all that fiber, lol, but nothing else sounded good. I worked on the computer some, then looked outside, trying to decide what to do today. There were 14-16 feet wave warnings on the north side of the island. This is the Atlantic Ocean side, so makes sense. Bolongo is on the south side of the island which means the Caribbean and some rough water, but not the same swells as on the north shore. Between breakfast and the time I went back out again, it had gotten cloudy. The Hobie Cat was beached so I kept on walking and went to 340 Water Sports and rented a Jet Ski! I wanted to go out for a while, so signed up for one of their shorter tours. This one goes from Bolongo to the harbor of Charlotte Amalie and back. There was a family going but they wanted to wait a bit, so I went back to my room and told them to call me when they were ready. I got a call about 1pm and met Josh and a man named Bob and his daughter, who apparently remained unnamed, and off we went. It was so cool this time! I wasn't scared and so had no problem gunning it but spent more time looking around so sometimes fell behind. I think Bob was worried he was holding me back and so offered to let me go first but I was ok bringing up the rear. Off we went toward Charlotte Amalie, then thru the harbor and around Water Island, back out to sea (the Caribbean Sea on the south side of St Thomas) and back to Bolongo Bay. Truly had a blast! Matt, the owner and Josh are really nice guys. They both call me Miss April-both nice southern gentlemen, lol. I wish them success.
After I cleaned up, I went looking for June, who works in HR. She is so nice-from the States. She and her husband had an electrical fire in their apartment yesterday and so spent most of the night cleaning up. I had started to talk to her about it yesterday, but got interrupted and had to get back to work. Well June wasn't there, she was out buying a car! She brought it back to show everyone. She hasn't driven since she moved here a year ago! I think her husband thinks it's going to be interesting seeing if she can do it, lol. In the meantime, I talked to
Paul and Lori (HR Director). They wanted to know when my last work day was. I told them my last work day was Sunday, February 27, that I was taking Monday, the 28th to pack, then flying out Tuesday, March 1. Only four more work days left! Apparently they have decided to give me a little something extra when I leave because they like me (!?). We'll see what happens, nice thought though!
Because it did rain some, I spent the afternoon working on my online Sanitation class. I also called my sister, Janell, it's her birthday today. Happy Birthday, Janell!! I also finished my Chocolate Raspberry Mousse.
At 7pm, I went out to the Lobster Grille and had a salad and a glass of wine. It was really slow there tonight. I talked to Lawson a bit
(otherwise known as 007) and found out Lisa, the GM quit on Monday. That's too bad, I really liked her but I know she wasn't happy about all the micromanaging going on at Bolongo. I wish her well.
I did buy a local paper today. Janee was interviewed as part of a review of some of the island's better restaurants. She even had a nice picture in the paper! Way to go Janee, Bolongo Executive Chef! She was very pleased to be interviewed and she should be. It was good publicity for her and for Bolongo.
After dinner, I took a walk on the beach. So pretty at night. So many stars out, which are so easy to see because there are no city list to distract you. Waves rolling onto the sand, light breeze, the only thing missing was Jordan! How romantic! Then it was back to my room. Gotta work early in the morning.
A day off, always a pleasure! Took my time getting up, getting dressed. Had cereal for breakfast this morning, Frosted Mini Wheats. I think my system went into shock at all that fiber, lol, but nothing else sounded good. I worked on the computer some, then looked outside, trying to decide what to do today. There were 14-16 feet wave warnings on the north side of the island. This is the Atlantic Ocean side, so makes sense. Bolongo is on the south side of the island which means the Caribbean and some rough water, but not the same swells as on the north shore. Between breakfast and the time I went back out again, it had gotten cloudy. The Hobie Cat was beached so I kept on walking and went to 340 Water Sports and rented a Jet Ski! I wanted to go out for a while, so signed up for one of their shorter tours. This one goes from Bolongo to the harbor of Charlotte Amalie and back. There was a family going but they wanted to wait a bit, so I went back to my room and told them to call me when they were ready. I got a call about 1pm and met Josh and a man named Bob and his daughter, who apparently remained unnamed, and off we went. It was so cool this time! I wasn't scared and so had no problem gunning it but spent more time looking around so sometimes fell behind. I think Bob was worried he was holding me back and so offered to let me go first but I was ok bringing up the rear. Off we went toward Charlotte Amalie, then thru the harbor and around Water Island, back out to sea (the Caribbean Sea on the south side of St Thomas) and back to Bolongo Bay. Truly had a blast! Matt, the owner and Josh are really nice guys. They both call me Miss April-both nice southern gentlemen, lol. I wish them success.
After I cleaned up, I went looking for June, who works in HR. She is so nice-from the States. She and her husband had an electrical fire in their apartment yesterday and so spent most of the night cleaning up. I had started to talk to her about it yesterday, but got interrupted and had to get back to work. Well June wasn't there, she was out buying a car! She brought it back to show everyone. She hasn't driven since she moved here a year ago! I think her husband thinks it's going to be interesting seeing if she can do it, lol. In the meantime, I talked to
Paul and Lori (HR Director). They wanted to know when my last work day was. I told them my last work day was Sunday, February 27, that I was taking Monday, the 28th to pack, then flying out Tuesday, March 1. Only four more work days left! Apparently they have decided to give me a little something extra when I leave because they like me (!?). We'll see what happens, nice thought though!
Because it did rain some, I spent the afternoon working on my online Sanitation class. I also called my sister, Janell, it's her birthday today. Happy Birthday, Janell!! I also finished my Chocolate Raspberry Mousse.
At 7pm, I went out to the Lobster Grille and had a salad and a glass of wine. It was really slow there tonight. I talked to Lawson a bit
(otherwise known as 007) and found out Lisa, the GM quit on Monday. That's too bad, I really liked her but I know she wasn't happy about all the micromanaging going on at Bolongo. I wish her well.
I did buy a local paper today. Janee was interviewed as part of a review of some of the island's better restaurants. She even had a nice picture in the paper! Way to go Janee, Bolongo Executive Chef! She was very pleased to be interviewed and she should be. It was good publicity for her and for Bolongo.
After dinner, I took a walk on the beach. So pretty at night. So many stars out, which are so easy to see because there are no city list to distract you. Waves rolling onto the sand, light breeze, the only thing missing was Jordan! How romantic! Then it was back to my room. Gotta work early in the morning.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
I was SO not ready for work this morning. I was awakened by the alarm from a dream (which I don't remember) but it was so hard getting out of bed because I was sleeping so hard. I made it in on time and there was Millie, starting to set up. I set up pantry (I'm getting good at it, lol) while Millie set up the hot line. I also put down the mats that are suppose to cushion our feet and legs as we work. They are still not enough for me anyway, but they do help. Millie never sets them up so I set them up for her (as I would be working hot line eventually). Cliff was there by 7:30am and wanting to work but not clocking in. These people always make sure they make themselves breakfast, lol. I filled a couple of orders in pantry, then Cliff took over at 8am. He and Carl also take turns making the employee lunch. Gotta give them credit for coming up with ideas!
Working with Millie is always interesting. She leaves me alone on the line and does other things, then comes and goes. She will come help if I get a lot of tickets in, but I have issues with her leaving me alone, then coming to help and telling me what to do. A little late for that don't you think? She reminded me that we were suppose to work together. I do remember that, it just doesn't always seem like it happens. I didn't drop any eggs this morning, lol. Poached eggs, eggs over easy, eggs over medium, eggs over hard, eggs scrambled easy, eggs scrambled medium, eggs scrambled hard, egg sandwiches, eggs Benedict, bolongoritos (eggs with black beans, cheese and sausage wrapped up in a flour tortilla), two pancake orders, three pancakes, mango pancakes, banana pancakes, two french toast, regular french toast and corned beef hash. Oh, my.... Like I've said before, breakfast seems to go on forever! We generally stop serving breakfast at 10:30am but we got an order for French toast at 10:55am. Millie was pissed-we had just finished putting all the breakfast things away. She had to make it anyway (by that time, she had sent me over to work pantry again as cliff was leaving at 12 noon).
Lunch was not very busy. It is sometimes difficult to serve the employees their lunch AND make food for guests. The employees get 1/2 hour for lunch, which is not much time, so you hate to tell them to please wait. Millie seemed to disappear quite often, not sure where, but I can't see leaving no one in the kitchen during the lunch time. She asked me if I was working tomorrow and I told her no, it was my day off. She said, then I will be working alone. I said Cliff is working and probably Carl (does no one check the schedule?!). She said, "he won't work with me, no one will work with me". That sounds kind of sad, but it seems they have all done it to themselves. She asked me how much longer I had. I told her it was my last week. She seemed shocked! But it's not like we haven't talked about my leaving before. Again, odd people here.
After I got off, I went to the beach for a while. There was a group of people there (sounded like they were from New York) who were loud. I was looking for peace and quiet, so I didn't stay long. I went back to my room and played on the computer a bit, then got ready to go out to dinner with Laura. She picked me up in her little PT Cruiser and off we went to Mafolie for dinner!
I would not be able to find my way to Mafolie. It sits right above the downtown area of Charlotte Amalie, hig on a hill. All the roads in St Thomas seem to wind, few straight roads here. The view from Mafolie is spectacular. I took several pictures and also took a picture of my from Laura McMurray (she works in the gift shop). Laura grew up here on St Thomas. Her dad decided the family should move here when she was 5 years old. Ten years later, her mother had had enough of the islanders and told her husband she was moving back to the States. Her husband did leave and move with the family, but apparently he did not decide this until the last minute! Laura has always wanted to come back, and she finally did. She is not sure how long she'll stay here, but she does seem to enjoy it. Of course, Laura is one of the most upbeat people I have ever met! Always a pleasure to talk to her.
We got a front row seat next to the window (if you can call it that, there really ARE no windows to speak of, just an open restaurant). The views are spectacular! Better than at Room With a View, that Michael and I went to. Laura had a Caesar salad and Fillet Mignon, while I had a Roasted Sweet Potato salad and Snapper Creole. Not bad food but as Laura says, the view makes up for so much! We had a great time, then it was time to leave. I took a cab back to Bolongo-a woman taxi driver not very happy to only have one fare. I found out from Laura that the reason none of the hotels on St Thomas have shuttle service is that the Taxi Association won't let them. Can you believe it? It's kinda like there own form of mafia!
We didn't order dessert at Mafolie, so when I got back to Bolongo, I went to the the kitchen and got a chocolate raspberry mousse I've been eyeing for a couple of weeks now. It is very chocolaty! They do not, however, make it in-house, it is another item from Sweet Street. Tasty now matter where it is from.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
"When the chips are down, bring on the cheese dip!"
Another early day. Me and Cliff setting up, Carl coming in at 8am. What we didn't realize until later in the day is that our dishwasher never showed up. You get so busy doing on the little chores that need done to run the kitchen, it takes a while to notice some things (like when you run out of dishes or the waitresses complain they have no cups!). No one seemed to know who was scheduled or why they didn't show up. Crazy!
I set up pantry and filled some orders until Carl came in to work (he gets there at 7:30am and walks around the kitchen but won't even talk about anything to do with cooking "because they don't pay me until 8-I don't care, come in early but stay out of the kitchen until you clock in). We had no bananas today, no Mango Banana Nut Bread and no papayas. I don't even remember getting an order from the warehouse, but I think they are closed on Sundays. Always interesting having to "86" something before you even start your day! I ended up doing most of the hot line in the morning. Just when I thought I was getting really good at flipping eggs in the frying pan (you need a non-stick fry pan, oiled and good wrist action), I lost an egg on top of the stove and had to start again, lol. At least it was only eggs! As long as the pan is not too heavy, I can flip most things in a fry pan with no or minimal loss. I don't feel too bad about that, cause it seems everyone loses a little of what's in the pan and don't seem to care. A large fry pan takes two hands for me to flip, the guys still need just one hand. Ah, well, larger hands, more muscles does have some advantage. Being able to multitask is definitely a plus in the kitchen. Of course, I spent some of the morning scrubbing pots and pans and (with Carl) trying to figure out how to run the kitchen's automatic dishwasher. It is not your typical home dishwasher. Not only do you need to flip the power switch but there is something under the sink that gets turned on. We had to ask the dishwasher from Iggie's to come down and show us how to work the automatic dishwasher! Multitasking again!
At about 10am, I told Cliff I needed a break. I made myself an egg sandwich, got a cup of coffee and sat down for a little while. I actually did feel better by the end of the day, having eaten something while at work. I can't believe I actually have to MAKE myself eat, lol. As you all know, that has never been an issue with me! I still am tired at the end of 8 hours on my feet all day on concrete floors, but at least I wasn't exhausticated!
I showered, then was walking to go sit on the beach, when I saw very few empty chairs and a bunch of noisy kids running around. Back to the pool area I went and found a nice quiet corner that was part shade and part sunshine. The temperature only got up to 79 today but the difference between 78-79 and 80-81 degrees here is amazing! The 70's feel so much cooler for some reason. I spend a couple hours reading at the pool, soaking up the rays, then came back to my room to change.
I stopped in the gift shop to see Laura. The two of us are going to Mafolie tomorrow for dinner. They also apparently have a spectacular view of the city, the food apparently is sometimes on sometimes off. It is Laura's favorite restaurant so I am glad to be going with her.
I had dinner at Iggie's tonight. Steak Caesar Salad. I sat at the bar and met up with Matt, the other intern here. Apparently while camping on St John with "Big Matt", the boys went out to the bar for drinks and ended up closing the bar. Matt was walking with a glass bottle in his hand, when he slipped on a rock and fell. The glass bottle broke in his hand and cut his left ring and little fingers. The tendon was severed in his little finger. He is in a brace and scheduled to have surgery on it Tuesday, here on St Thomas. The night it happened, they went back to the campsite, cleaned it up, went to bed and took the ferry back to St Thomas the next day where he took a nap, ate, THEN went to the ER at the hospital in Charlotte Amalie. Must be a guy thing!
I am trying to get a good night's sleep when I know I have to work the next morning. I start at 6:30am tomorrow setting up with Millie. Cliff comes in at 8am tomorrow and works til noon. Not sure why they are doing that to full time staff (actually I do know-they want to save money by having me work 8 hours because they don't have to pay me!) but that does not seem wise as I am due to leave in a week and the other staff will continuing working at the LG. Oh, well, you can never tell with management (having been one, some things are on a need to know basis and I guess we just don't need to know!).
It is slightly easier getting through the days as I know this is short term. I have resigned myself to the fact that I will be working the LG days whether I want to or not, so I might as well accept this fact. And singing and humming help, crazy as that sounds. And interestingly enough, I think most of the people (islanders) think I am ok. If nothing else, my mama raised us to be polite kids, and I am that, lol.
Another early day. Me and Cliff setting up, Carl coming in at 8am. What we didn't realize until later in the day is that our dishwasher never showed up. You get so busy doing on the little chores that need done to run the kitchen, it takes a while to notice some things (like when you run out of dishes or the waitresses complain they have no cups!). No one seemed to know who was scheduled or why they didn't show up. Crazy!
I set up pantry and filled some orders until Carl came in to work (he gets there at 7:30am and walks around the kitchen but won't even talk about anything to do with cooking "because they don't pay me until 8-I don't care, come in early but stay out of the kitchen until you clock in). We had no bananas today, no Mango Banana Nut Bread and no papayas. I don't even remember getting an order from the warehouse, but I think they are closed on Sundays. Always interesting having to "86" something before you even start your day! I ended up doing most of the hot line in the morning. Just when I thought I was getting really good at flipping eggs in the frying pan (you need a non-stick fry pan, oiled and good wrist action), I lost an egg on top of the stove and had to start again, lol. At least it was only eggs! As long as the pan is not too heavy, I can flip most things in a fry pan with no or minimal loss. I don't feel too bad about that, cause it seems everyone loses a little of what's in the pan and don't seem to care. A large fry pan takes two hands for me to flip, the guys still need just one hand. Ah, well, larger hands, more muscles does have some advantage. Being able to multitask is definitely a plus in the kitchen. Of course, I spent some of the morning scrubbing pots and pans and (with Carl) trying to figure out how to run the kitchen's automatic dishwasher. It is not your typical home dishwasher. Not only do you need to flip the power switch but there is something under the sink that gets turned on. We had to ask the dishwasher from Iggie's to come down and show us how to work the automatic dishwasher! Multitasking again!
At about 10am, I told Cliff I needed a break. I made myself an egg sandwich, got a cup of coffee and sat down for a little while. I actually did feel better by the end of the day, having eaten something while at work. I can't believe I actually have to MAKE myself eat, lol. As you all know, that has never been an issue with me! I still am tired at the end of 8 hours on my feet all day on concrete floors, but at least I wasn't exhausticated!
I showered, then was walking to go sit on the beach, when I saw very few empty chairs and a bunch of noisy kids running around. Back to the pool area I went and found a nice quiet corner that was part shade and part sunshine. The temperature only got up to 79 today but the difference between 78-79 and 80-81 degrees here is amazing! The 70's feel so much cooler for some reason. I spend a couple hours reading at the pool, soaking up the rays, then came back to my room to change.
I stopped in the gift shop to see Laura. The two of us are going to Mafolie tomorrow for dinner. They also apparently have a spectacular view of the city, the food apparently is sometimes on sometimes off. It is Laura's favorite restaurant so I am glad to be going with her.
I had dinner at Iggie's tonight. Steak Caesar Salad. I sat at the bar and met up with Matt, the other intern here. Apparently while camping on St John with "Big Matt", the boys went out to the bar for drinks and ended up closing the bar. Matt was walking with a glass bottle in his hand, when he slipped on a rock and fell. The glass bottle broke in his hand and cut his left ring and little fingers. The tendon was severed in his little finger. He is in a brace and scheduled to have surgery on it Tuesday, here on St Thomas. The night it happened, they went back to the campsite, cleaned it up, went to bed and took the ferry back to St Thomas the next day where he took a nap, ate, THEN went to the ER at the hospital in Charlotte Amalie. Must be a guy thing!
I am trying to get a good night's sleep when I know I have to work the next morning. I start at 6:30am tomorrow setting up with Millie. Cliff comes in at 8am tomorrow and works til noon. Not sure why they are doing that to full time staff (actually I do know-they want to save money by having me work 8 hours because they don't have to pay me!) but that does not seem wise as I am due to leave in a week and the other staff will continuing working at the LG. Oh, well, you can never tell with management (having been one, some things are on a need to know basis and I guess we just don't need to know!).
It is slightly easier getting through the days as I know this is short term. I have resigned myself to the fact that I will be working the LG days whether I want to or not, so I might as well accept this fact. And singing and humming help, crazy as that sounds. And interestingly enough, I think most of the people (islanders) think I am ok. If nothing else, my mama raised us to be polite kids, and I am that, lol.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
"There's no problem that friends cannot confront combat, plot against, ignore, make fun of, drown in chocolate sauce or run over with a car". -little book of inspirational thoughts
Up early for work. Me and Cliff, 6:30am. At least he let me set up the pantry station by myself today. Clif came in at 8 (8a-12p). He took over the pantry station, Cliff and I did hotline. Although I worked hotline kind of by myself, with Ciff jumping in at times duplicating some of the things I was doing or had done. That was frustrating! I forgot to sing today-it is calming (although I feel kind of crazy talking about it, lol).
Breakfast seems to last forever, the afternoon went a little faster. I can fry different styles of eggs in two different pans, on the griddle-make French toast and waffles, fry corned beef hash and fry an egg for an egg sandwich all at the same time!! A restaurant owner I met a few months back called what the people who work breakfast and lunch line in bars and lower end restaurants, "flip and burn". I do feel that the people on days at the LG overbook things. I try to cook good food, even if I am making the same foods every day. I want it to be food I would eat myself. It is a constant struggle. And I now understand how orders get mixed up, especially when the restaurant is busy. The waiters and waitresses sometimes pick up the wrong order, or the cooks get confused about who gets what in which omelet, etc. It does take brains to keep everything straight!
I baked my peanut butter cookies this afternoon, then took them to the baby shower they had for Sheila (due in one month) and her boyfriend Josh. Sheila is Laura's daughter-Laura that works in the gift shop here at Bolongo. They had what they call pinwheels as snacks (flour tortillas filled with turkey and beef, rolled up then sliced. There was also fruit and cheese trays-Cliff helped with that, he was very excited about helping with them.
After the shower I took Janee's car and picked up bother her laundry and mine. I finally found out they charge 0.86 cents a pound to wash your clothes. Unfortunately, my blue Bolongo beach cover up is now almost white. I don't know what they do to accomplish that. The flower picture on the front of the cover up is still exactly the same. This is the second time this has happened. I guess the moral of the story is to do your own laundry. If it gets messed up, you can only blame yourself!
I am spending the evening "at home". For some reason I am exhausted and have been since I started working all days. By the end of the day, my legs hurt (my feet are fine thanks to Crocs), my back hurts and I feel like I need a nap. I don't know if it's all physical or if it is a combination of physical and emotional (with the sometimes volatile atmosphere in the kitchen). I stand sometimes for 8 hours straight, on concrete floors. Standing still for long periods of time is rough. I noticed today I have gotten stronger. It takes less effort to carry heavy pots filled with food or lift a pile of plates onto the shelf. That's a plus, lol. Anyway, lamb tenderloin and mashed potatoes with green beans for dinner, then just relax and read. I work again tomorrow! My last week of work!! Can you tell I'm excited? LOL
Up early for work. Me and Cliff, 6:30am. At least he let me set up the pantry station by myself today. Clif came in at 8 (8a-12p). He took over the pantry station, Cliff and I did hotline. Although I worked hotline kind of by myself, with Ciff jumping in at times duplicating some of the things I was doing or had done. That was frustrating! I forgot to sing today-it is calming (although I feel kind of crazy talking about it, lol).
Breakfast seems to last forever, the afternoon went a little faster. I can fry different styles of eggs in two different pans, on the griddle-make French toast and waffles, fry corned beef hash and fry an egg for an egg sandwich all at the same time!! A restaurant owner I met a few months back called what the people who work breakfast and lunch line in bars and lower end restaurants, "flip and burn". I do feel that the people on days at the LG overbook things. I try to cook good food, even if I am making the same foods every day. I want it to be food I would eat myself. It is a constant struggle. And I now understand how orders get mixed up, especially when the restaurant is busy. The waiters and waitresses sometimes pick up the wrong order, or the cooks get confused about who gets what in which omelet, etc. It does take brains to keep everything straight!
I baked my peanut butter cookies this afternoon, then took them to the baby shower they had for Sheila (due in one month) and her boyfriend Josh. Sheila is Laura's daughter-Laura that works in the gift shop here at Bolongo. They had what they call pinwheels as snacks (flour tortillas filled with turkey and beef, rolled up then sliced. There was also fruit and cheese trays-Cliff helped with that, he was very excited about helping with them.
After the shower I took Janee's car and picked up bother her laundry and mine. I finally found out they charge 0.86 cents a pound to wash your clothes. Unfortunately, my blue Bolongo beach cover up is now almost white. I don't know what they do to accomplish that. The flower picture on the front of the cover up is still exactly the same. This is the second time this has happened. I guess the moral of the story is to do your own laundry. If it gets messed up, you can only blame yourself!
I am spending the evening "at home". For some reason I am exhausted and have been since I started working all days. By the end of the day, my legs hurt (my feet are fine thanks to Crocs), my back hurts and I feel like I need a nap. I don't know if it's all physical or if it is a combination of physical and emotional (with the sometimes volatile atmosphere in the kitchen). I stand sometimes for 8 hours straight, on concrete floors. Standing still for long periods of time is rough. I noticed today I have gotten stronger. It takes less effort to carry heavy pots filled with food or lift a pile of plates onto the shelf. That's a plus, lol. Anyway, lamb tenderloin and mashed potatoes with green beans for dinner, then just relax and read. I work again tomorrow! My last week of work!! Can you tell I'm excited? LOL
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
"All you've got is all you can give and that will ALWAYS be enough".
I was off today. Slept in and I'm still tired! Made my own breakfast in the LG kitchen, talked to friends, spent time online, read some, then went to the beach for a couple of hours. It was a beautiful day until about 3pm, then got cloudy. Lunch was at Iggie's. Chuck was my waiter. He was all upset because one of the iguana kept walking into the water, then would get washed back up on shore. He said he'd never seen that behavior in the iguanas. I've seen one of the iguana fall into the pool and seen them scramble to get out, so it doesn't seem that they really like water. I don't know......
I've been reading a new book called "Bakewise" written by Shirley Corriher. Apparently she is the scientific guru of the cooking and baking world. She was a chemist early in her life but also a food enthusiast. She has also written a book called "Cookwise". Both books help you look at recipes to see if they will be successful or are poorly written and also gives tips for successful cooking and baking as well as recipes. She writes well and I've enjoyed it so far.
I decided to try one of the recipes from my new book. She also recommends refrigerating all your cookie dough up to 36 hours. She says it improves the taste and the texture of the dough. I decided to try her Peanut Butter cookie recipe, although I do not have toffee pieces, but don't think they'll be missed. Mix 1 cup of chunky peanut butter, 3/4 cup of white sugar, 1 large egg and 1/2 cup of toffee pieces. Drop by Tbsp onto a parchment line baking sheet, bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes, cool two minutes on the baking sheet, then remove to a cooling rack. It was interesting to watch the texture of the peanut butter while I was mixing. I put it in the fridge and will bake them up tomorrow afternoon. No flour in them. The flour and eggs are what provide the protein and leavening. In this recipe the egg provides the leavening in this recipe. The dough tastes good, so the cookies should taste good. I'll let you know!
Dinner was late (Chicken Caesar salad), as the LG was busy, so I waited until things died down a bit. Richard and Katarina were there with some out of town guests. Richard for some reason has started calling me "Ape". Interesting choice and certainly not a nickname I would choose, but I have decided to let it go. Bob, the Materials Manager from my old job, calls me "A" (still), and that I can live with. No real nice way to shorten April! One thing I didn't do today was pick up laundry. Janee had the day off and I'm tired of paying for taxis! Taxi drivers control a lot on this island and pretty much charge what they want. I guess this will be short term though, thank goodness!
An otherwise early night, it's another 6:30am start time tomorrow!
I was off today. Slept in and I'm still tired! Made my own breakfast in the LG kitchen, talked to friends, spent time online, read some, then went to the beach for a couple of hours. It was a beautiful day until about 3pm, then got cloudy. Lunch was at Iggie's. Chuck was my waiter. He was all upset because one of the iguana kept walking into the water, then would get washed back up on shore. He said he'd never seen that behavior in the iguanas. I've seen one of the iguana fall into the pool and seen them scramble to get out, so it doesn't seem that they really like water. I don't know......
I've been reading a new book called "Bakewise" written by Shirley Corriher. Apparently she is the scientific guru of the cooking and baking world. She was a chemist early in her life but also a food enthusiast. She has also written a book called "Cookwise". Both books help you look at recipes to see if they will be successful or are poorly written and also gives tips for successful cooking and baking as well as recipes. She writes well and I've enjoyed it so far.
I decided to try one of the recipes from my new book. She also recommends refrigerating all your cookie dough up to 36 hours. She says it improves the taste and the texture of the dough. I decided to try her Peanut Butter cookie recipe, although I do not have toffee pieces, but don't think they'll be missed. Mix 1 cup of chunky peanut butter, 3/4 cup of white sugar, 1 large egg and 1/2 cup of toffee pieces. Drop by Tbsp onto a parchment line baking sheet, bake at 350 degrees for 9-11 minutes, cool two minutes on the baking sheet, then remove to a cooling rack. It was interesting to watch the texture of the peanut butter while I was mixing. I put it in the fridge and will bake them up tomorrow afternoon. No flour in them. The flour and eggs are what provide the protein and leavening. In this recipe the egg provides the leavening in this recipe. The dough tastes good, so the cookies should taste good. I'll let you know!
Dinner was late (Chicken Caesar salad), as the LG was busy, so I waited until things died down a bit. Richard and Katarina were there with some out of town guests. Richard for some reason has started calling me "Ape". Interesting choice and certainly not a nickname I would choose, but I have decided to let it go. Bob, the Materials Manager from my old job, calls me "A" (still), and that I can live with. No real nice way to shorten April! One thing I didn't do today was pick up laundry. Janee had the day off and I'm tired of paying for taxis! Taxi drivers control a lot on this island and pretty much charge what they want. I guess this will be short term though, thank goodness!
An otherwise early night, it's another 6:30am start time tomorrow!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Up early again! It was Millie and I opening. Me setting up Pantry, Millie setting up the hot line. I was cutting up fruit after I got my dishes ready, when I realized I didn't put the bacon in the oven like I did yesterday. So I stopped cutting up fruit and did that. I had all the fruit sliced and diced and the station set up before Carl got there. It takes a while to peel cantaloup, honeydew and pineapple. The watermelon keeps it's rind (not suremthe logic there, but oh, well) and is cut into wedges. Diced fruit is used to make fruit cups and fruit sundaes (using yogurt, not ice cream). Sliced fruit is used for the "Carmen Maranda" fruit plate that gets two slices of each of the four fruits, plus pina colada yogurt and granola. When I asked Millie what she wanted me to do, first she said hot line, then she asked where I wanted to work. I told her I will work where ever she wants me to, I just like keeping busy at work. I think she thinks she has me all figured out-I don't think so!
Hot line seemed to go better today, but then again, we were not crazy busy. And I started putting the order ticket with the food to try and keep thinks straight. Millie kept coming over to check on me, I think SHE likes hot line best! I started humming to a tune that came on the radio this morning and found it made me feel better, so I hummed all day! Kind of put me in my own Zen space! Carl left at noon-raced out the door! After that, Millie had me take over the Pantry. Lunch was not very busy. I did a lot of cleaning! I have a hard time doing nothing at work. I always think of everything I could be doing elsewhere. Just as we were wrapping everything up, I got six orders for sandwiches! Unpack what I need, then repack. Oh, well, Murphy's Law in action!
I gave Stephanie her cake. Hope she likes it. She gave me $15 for doing it, which more than covered the cost of supplies. Like I said, hope she likes it. It was not a fancy cake-hard to do that with company supplies and not get into trouble.
After work and a shower and some ibuprofen (I have been feeling my age of late what with standing on concrete for over 8 hours), I went to see Laura in the gift shop. She was looking at jewelry from Sergio. He is a Guademalan who now resides in the States (North Carolina)-quite a character. I guess he used to be the activities director at Bolongo (!) about 8 years ago. He makes bracelets and hairpins out of bicycle spokes and beads. He calls his jewelry line "Spoken For". Cute! He asked me if I wanted one of his bracelets-free! He said he gave them to Bolongo employees as a promotion to get the bracelets out there and only asked that I tell people the bracelets could be bought in the gift shop. They are stainless steel. Mine has a green and dark blue bead on it. They are nice looking bracelets. After he left, I chatted a while with Laura. I like her-always in a good mood, friendly and hard working.
I went back to my room, then talked myself into making the treck to Epernay. It is a Wine Bar and Restaurant that Jordan and I found while exploring Frenchtown during the Holidays. We met a girl named Asia, who had recently moved to St Thomas to be her boyfriend who is one of the co-owners of Epernay. I think she liked me because I was from Reno and she was from Vegas and I had been to all the places she talked about. Anyway, I asked my waitress tonight if Asia was going to be there tonight. The waitress told me Asia had left February 1 to go back to her family. She was not coming back. Too bad, but I know romance doesn't always work out. So I had a glass of wine, some tuna tartar, truffle pomme frites and a strawberry and young greens salad dressed with vinaigrette. Very tasty! While I was sitting there, two couples came in and sat by me. One of the young men was waxing poetic about items on the menu. One of the hound women didn't know what truffle oil was. The young man proceeded to tell her that pigs in France found truffles underground, and then they took the truffles and squeezed them to remove the oil. Where did he go to school?! I didn't correct him, just listened and chuckled to myself.
I took a taxi back to Bolongo. It's been a long day, so I think I may go to bed early! I have tomorrow off. Not sure what I'll do, but it should be something fun!
Hot line seemed to go better today, but then again, we were not crazy busy. And I started putting the order ticket with the food to try and keep thinks straight. Millie kept coming over to check on me, I think SHE likes hot line best! I started humming to a tune that came on the radio this morning and found it made me feel better, so I hummed all day! Kind of put me in my own Zen space! Carl left at noon-raced out the door! After that, Millie had me take over the Pantry. Lunch was not very busy. I did a lot of cleaning! I have a hard time doing nothing at work. I always think of everything I could be doing elsewhere. Just as we were wrapping everything up, I got six orders for sandwiches! Unpack what I need, then repack. Oh, well, Murphy's Law in action!
I gave Stephanie her cake. Hope she likes it. She gave me $15 for doing it, which more than covered the cost of supplies. Like I said, hope she likes it. It was not a fancy cake-hard to do that with company supplies and not get into trouble.
After work and a shower and some ibuprofen (I have been feeling my age of late what with standing on concrete for over 8 hours), I went to see Laura in the gift shop. She was looking at jewelry from Sergio. He is a Guademalan who now resides in the States (North Carolina)-quite a character. I guess he used to be the activities director at Bolongo (!) about 8 years ago. He makes bracelets and hairpins out of bicycle spokes and beads. He calls his jewelry line "Spoken For". Cute! He asked me if I wanted one of his bracelets-free! He said he gave them to Bolongo employees as a promotion to get the bracelets out there and only asked that I tell people the bracelets could be bought in the gift shop. They are stainless steel. Mine has a green and dark blue bead on it. They are nice looking bracelets. After he left, I chatted a while with Laura. I like her-always in a good mood, friendly and hard working.
I went back to my room, then talked myself into making the treck to Epernay. It is a Wine Bar and Restaurant that Jordan and I found while exploring Frenchtown during the Holidays. We met a girl named Asia, who had recently moved to St Thomas to be her boyfriend who is one of the co-owners of Epernay. I think she liked me because I was from Reno and she was from Vegas and I had been to all the places she talked about. Anyway, I asked my waitress tonight if Asia was going to be there tonight. The waitress told me Asia had left February 1 to go back to her family. She was not coming back. Too bad, but I know romance doesn't always work out. So I had a glass of wine, some tuna tartar, truffle pomme frites and a strawberry and young greens salad dressed with vinaigrette. Very tasty! While I was sitting there, two couples came in and sat by me. One of the young men was waxing poetic about items on the menu. One of the hound women didn't know what truffle oil was. The young man proceeded to tell her that pigs in France found truffles underground, and then they took the truffles and squeezed them to remove the oil. Where did he go to school?! I didn't correct him, just listened and chuckled to myself.
I took a taxi back to Bolongo. It's been a long day, so I think I may go to bed early! I have tomorrow off. Not sure what I'll do, but it should be something fun!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
"Take every chance to relax, to hope, to heal, to dream, to play, to give, to receive...to love."
4:30 in the morning comes awfully early, as my father used to say. Although I slept til 6am, I still was not quite awake for work at 6:30am! It was Millie, Carl and myself today. Cal disaster! Carl didn't come in until 8am so Millie had me set up the Pantry station-no buffet today. I was getting ready to take food out of the reach in, MIllie said, NO! Get your dishes first! Ok.....got my plates, got my sundae glasses for the fresh fruit sundaes, THEN took out the yogurt, fruit, smoked salmon and cream cheese that goes in the cold portion of the station. I made sure there was also granola and capers out. At 8am, Carl showed up and Millie had me move over to hot line. I'm not sure if she wants me there so I can work and she can do whatever she wants, or if she thinks I do a good job or what. Interesting though. It started to get busy about 8:30-9am when we got about 12 tickets within a 15 minute period. Tickets that sometimes had up to 8 orders on them from 8 different people! Mille came back over to help me finally but it went down hill from there. She gets every bit as flustered when things get hectic as Cliff does. Carl just stood around telling us how unorganized we were and that I should not be listening to anything the waitresses say. Cliff pits the ticket with the food he puts up under the warmer. Millie just pits the food up. The waitresses then come in, see an order that looks like theirs and just take the food that's up there. Which means, orders put in late, sometimes get food first if they take someone else's order. Pretty much chaos and short tempers. I thought Millie and Connie (a seemingly unhappy waitress) were going to have a knock down drag out fight! Lori from HR has told me that is their nature on the island, to fight one minute then sit down and eat lunch together like nothing happened. Ni can't quite agree with that. I feel the atmosphere in this case is very destructive and certainly from my standpoint, very uncomfortable. Calgon take me away!
Carl left at noon, things quieted down some. I still had the hotline, Millie did Pantry. She and Cliff still watch me do things and correct me or just take over and make whatever I was working on. Oh, well, only a week and a half left!
I talked to Janee when I came in and asked her how the chocolate torte went over. She said it was so flat, she trimmed off the top crusty layer and sandwiched two pieces together as one piece was too thin. She said the taste was great-she tried it and loved it. She suggested the pans we used were too big and that caused the tortes not to rise as much as they should have. Makes sense, because the finished torte is made to collapse on itself because it has no flour to give it structure. Something to remember for the future. It is entirely gone, so it couldn't have been that bad!
After work, I showered, mailed myself a package filled with cookbooks so I didn't have to cart them around the country. Then I went on the Heavenly Daze sunset cruise. That is something I will miss. I love to sail and you see beautiful sunsets here. Sigh...
I had a light dinner when I got back. I ran into Bill and Ann Leslie (the birthday Bill) and they told me how much they appreciated the cakes I had made (although I found out one of the staff took one of their cakes-the culprit admitted it to me!). They sure are nice people. Ann had a stroke several years ago and never quite got all her mobility back, but she does all right. She does not have any speech problems. Bill sure is crazy about her, which is nice to see. They gave me a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream and another $20 with a nice note. And speaking of money, I stopped by Iggie's before going back to my room and James gave me an additional $34 for last night! He collected $3 from all the wait staff so I got a part of their tip money. Nice of all of them to think of me!
Looking back over the last three months, I can't say I regret coming to St Thomas. It has certainly been trying, the work hard and certainly not glamourous and not like any of the reality cooking shows you see on TV. The island is beautiful, the weather lovely this time of year (that equates to being here when it is not hurricane season, lol) and the ocean peaceful and calming and a lovely shade of turquoise. I have met some nice people here, even if sometimes that was over shadowed by the not very nice people. It has helped me discover what I don't want to do, which can be almost as important as knowing what you DO want to do. It has reminded me how much I love to bake and how
much I miss baking. And of course, I had a chance to see Suzanne and Pat, and see a little more of the Caribbean than I have in the past. But I am ready to return home, get back to family and friends and to start working on a new career. This last week or so will go quickly.
4:30 in the morning comes awfully early, as my father used to say. Although I slept til 6am, I still was not quite awake for work at 6:30am! It was Millie, Carl and myself today. Cal disaster! Carl didn't come in until 8am so Millie had me set up the Pantry station-no buffet today. I was getting ready to take food out of the reach in, MIllie said, NO! Get your dishes first! Ok.....got my plates, got my sundae glasses for the fresh fruit sundaes, THEN took out the yogurt, fruit, smoked salmon and cream cheese that goes in the cold portion of the station. I made sure there was also granola and capers out. At 8am, Carl showed up and Millie had me move over to hot line. I'm not sure if she wants me there so I can work and she can do whatever she wants, or if she thinks I do a good job or what. Interesting though. It started to get busy about 8:30-9am when we got about 12 tickets within a 15 minute period. Tickets that sometimes had up to 8 orders on them from 8 different people! Mille came back over to help me finally but it went down hill from there. She gets every bit as flustered when things get hectic as Cliff does. Carl just stood around telling us how unorganized we were and that I should not be listening to anything the waitresses say. Cliff pits the ticket with the food he puts up under the warmer. Millie just pits the food up. The waitresses then come in, see an order that looks like theirs and just take the food that's up there. Which means, orders put in late, sometimes get food first if they take someone else's order. Pretty much chaos and short tempers. I thought Millie and Connie (a seemingly unhappy waitress) were going to have a knock down drag out fight! Lori from HR has told me that is their nature on the island, to fight one minute then sit down and eat lunch together like nothing happened. Ni can't quite agree with that. I feel the atmosphere in this case is very destructive and certainly from my standpoint, very uncomfortable. Calgon take me away!
Carl left at noon, things quieted down some. I still had the hotline, Millie did Pantry. She and Cliff still watch me do things and correct me or just take over and make whatever I was working on. Oh, well, only a week and a half left!
I talked to Janee when I came in and asked her how the chocolate torte went over. She said it was so flat, she trimmed off the top crusty layer and sandwiched two pieces together as one piece was too thin. She said the taste was great-she tried it and loved it. She suggested the pans we used were too big and that caused the tortes not to rise as much as they should have. Makes sense, because the finished torte is made to collapse on itself because it has no flour to give it structure. Something to remember for the future. It is entirely gone, so it couldn't have been that bad!
After work, I showered, mailed myself a package filled with cookbooks so I didn't have to cart them around the country. Then I went on the Heavenly Daze sunset cruise. That is something I will miss. I love to sail and you see beautiful sunsets here. Sigh...
I had a light dinner when I got back. I ran into Bill and Ann Leslie (the birthday Bill) and they told me how much they appreciated the cakes I had made (although I found out one of the staff took one of their cakes-the culprit admitted it to me!). They sure are nice people. Ann had a stroke several years ago and never quite got all her mobility back, but she does all right. She does not have any speech problems. Bill sure is crazy about her, which is nice to see. They gave me a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream and another $20 with a nice note. And speaking of money, I stopped by Iggie's before going back to my room and James gave me an additional $34 for last night! He collected $3 from all the wait staff so I got a part of their tip money. Nice of all of them to think of me!
Looking back over the last three months, I can't say I regret coming to St Thomas. It has certainly been trying, the work hard and certainly not glamourous and not like any of the reality cooking shows you see on TV. The island is beautiful, the weather lovely this time of year (that equates to being here when it is not hurricane season, lol) and the ocean peaceful and calming and a lovely shade of turquoise. I have met some nice people here, even if sometimes that was over shadowed by the not very nice people. It has helped me discover what I don't want to do, which can be almost as important as knowing what you DO want to do. It has reminded me how much I love to bake and how
much I miss baking. And of course, I had a chance to see Suzanne and Pat, and see a little more of the Caribbean than I have in the past. But I am ready to return home, get back to family and friends and to start working on a new career. This last week or so will go quickly.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
I started off the day in blissful ignorance, sleeping in a little, talking on the phone, reading, dealing with the policy on my scooter (little did I know that the policy I got from Progressive is only good in Colorado!) and spending a little time on the beach (the sun was very hot today).
I got a call about 3:30pm from John, the GM at Iggie's asking me if I would work the all you can eat crab night tonight. Ugh! My first reaction was, no, I don't get paid for working extra. He said, "well, I can't make you do it but I would appreciate it. I'll give you $20 for doing it (6-10:30pm). I reluctantly said yes, but it made me cranky! All you can eat crab nit at Iggie's (which I've done before but not by myself) means you stand out on the stage outside the bar (when they have bands or parties, this is where the bands play) and cook frozen snow crab legs all evening. The crab is served with island rice, a small corn on the cob, a piece of corn bread with a smear of honey butter, a lemon wedge and melted butter. The rest of the food is made earlier in the day, so only needs to be dished up. The waiters and waitresses put in the number of crab meals they need, then I dish it up for them and they walk out to the stage to pick it up. I can't believe how much people can eat!! James (one of the managers) had to go to the warehouse three times to get more crab! AND---it was karaoke night at Iggie's!! Oh, my! Who told these people they could sing? And hear I was, a captive audience! I will admit that some of the people sounded ok. Like the girl who did a rap song. She just looked odd because she had on a long island-type dress but sounded and moved like she should have been wearing urban chic! There was one older guy who sang at least four times, doing old Frank Sinatra numbers. There were two young girls who could NOT sing, who sang a duet, as well as a young black couple who sang "Endless Love" to each other. Amazing! It was still going on when I left at 10:30, lol.
So here I am, it's almost 11:30 and I'm not sleepy. I work at 6:30am the next two mornings. And I promised Stephanie, on of the morning waitresses at the LG, that I would make her a cake for her first anniversary (now she wants mango). I am going to fudge a little, so I use as few Bolongo supplies as possible (all cleared through Janee), and start with a yellow cake as a base. The recipe sounds good, so I think it will all work out. Less than two weeks and counting!
that tomorrow.
I got a call about 3:30pm from John, the GM at Iggie's asking me if I would work the all you can eat crab night tonight. Ugh! My first reaction was, no, I don't get paid for working extra. He said, "well, I can't make you do it but I would appreciate it. I'll give you $20 for doing it (6-10:30pm). I reluctantly said yes, but it made me cranky! All you can eat crab nit at Iggie's (which I've done before but not by myself) means you stand out on the stage outside the bar (when they have bands or parties, this is where the bands play) and cook frozen snow crab legs all evening. The crab is served with island rice, a small corn on the cob, a piece of corn bread with a smear of honey butter, a lemon wedge and melted butter. The rest of the food is made earlier in the day, so only needs to be dished up. The waiters and waitresses put in the number of crab meals they need, then I dish it up for them and they walk out to the stage to pick it up. I can't believe how much people can eat!! James (one of the managers) had to go to the warehouse three times to get more crab! AND---it was karaoke night at Iggie's!! Oh, my! Who told these people they could sing? And hear I was, a captive audience! I will admit that some of the people sounded ok. Like the girl who did a rap song. She just looked odd because she had on a long island-type dress but sounded and moved like she should have been wearing urban chic! There was one older guy who sang at least four times, doing old Frank Sinatra numbers. There were two young girls who could NOT sing, who sang a duet, as well as a young black couple who sang "Endless Love" to each other. Amazing! It was still going on when I left at 10:30, lol.
So here I am, it's almost 11:30 and I'm not sleepy. I work at 6:30am the next two mornings. And I promised Stephanie, on of the morning waitresses at the LG, that I would make her a cake for her first anniversary (now she wants mango). I am going to fudge a little, so I use as few Bolongo supplies as possible (all cleared through Janee), and start with a yellow cake as a base. The recipe sounds good, so I think it will all work out. Less than two weeks and counting!
that tomorrow.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
"You never know what good things will pour in when the heart is open to life".
I was up at 7am (or lat least trying to be up by 7am) and got ready for work. I had a cup of coffee and a granola bar before going in. Millie and Cliff seemed surprised to see me. Does anyone look at the schedule?! Millie had me working hot line, although she still doesn't seem want to let me flip omelets. There were Eggs Bebedict, egg sandwiches, omelets, French toast and pancakes to make. then a short break to put away the morning foods and get out the lunch foods. I was sitting ate the large table outside the kitchen along with Millie and a couple of the waitresses. Millie was talking about how she and Carl did not get along. But she said "I can leave April on the line and she will work hard and knows what she is doing". It was like I wasn't there, lol, giving me a back handed compliment. At least they were nice words about me! Lunch was not very busy interestingly enough. However, as I was serving up staff lunches, a man walked in with flowers! For me! They were from Jordan! They are beautiful! :-). I had them sitting on the counter but Millie made me take them to my room. Oh, well. soon everyone knew I had flowers-news travels fast.
Janee and Ryan came in early today to prep for Valentine's Day. They are running an abbreviated menu tonight. I brought out my chocolate tortes, wrapped them, then put them in the walk-in. As for my little cakes from the large muffin tins, I trimmed the tops so they sat flat upside down, cut them in half, filled them with sliced strawberries flavored with Chambord (a raspberry liquor), then frosted them like little cakes using cream cheese frosting. I had to put them in the fridge because the frosting was getting too soft. We'll see what they look like later. I put half a strawberry on top, but may need to do a little something else to dress them up so they don't look like little blobs, lol. They taste good though! Alexis, one of the day bartenders wanted a taste-they got her vote. Millie tasted them, by helping herself, but had no comment on them. I don't seem to impress her much, lol. It was overcast when I left work, so no beach time. I guess even Paradise has it's off days!
Janee asked if I was going to eat at the Lobster Grille tonight. I was assuming they were going to be busy, so didn't even think about it. I did end up eating at the LG bar, it's the easiest way to stay out of the way. She told me to order the lamb, which I did-it was great!. It came with Roasted Rosemary Potato Stacks and green beans.
Not much else happening today. I have tomorrow off, so I am hoping the weather will be nice.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
"Never stop being curious".-little book of Inspirational Thoughts.....
I woke up late his morning, feeling tired and achy. Even coffee didn't help! I spent some time on the beach, then had lunch at Iggie's. I talked with my sister, Janell, then with Betty, then rested for about half an hour.
I was at work by 4pm (at Iggie's). There was some prep to do-pulling the pork apart from the pork butt roasts, weighing out and bagging the sliced calamari, making 2oz and 4oz crab cakes (all weighed) then pressing Panko onto the outside of the crab cakes, thawing and marinating chicken tenders and thawing cod for the fish and chips. And in between all this, making Caesar salads, salads for the mahi mahi, chicken wraps and plating desserts. For some reason everyone seemed to want the Mokie Jumbie! The Moki Jumbie is two large brownies, three scoops of ice cream, whipped cream and Hersey's chocolate syrup drizzle. The wait staff thought these got bigger as the night wore on, but I told them it was easier to scoop the ice cream once it had been out awhile, so the scoops were fuller scoops, not necessarily larger. They didn't quite agree with me! It was a busy night up til about 9pm. I asked John if I could leave about 9:30pm so I could get started on my cakes. He thought that was fine. This was my last night at Iggie's, but I don't think anyone realizes it.
I walked down to the Lobster Grille. Ryan, Drew and Judy were cleaning up. Ryan and Drew are like little boys when they get together. The topic of discussion was Seinfeld (the show). They asked if I liked it-I said yes but that everyone on the show was crazy! Their reply was yes, but do you like it? Oh, brother! I gathered all my ingredients and my pans and commenced to mixing and melting. I made two flourless chocolate tortes, then mixed the dough for yellow cake. Since the LG does not have small cake pans, I used extra large muffin to bake five little cakes. I will split them in half tomorrow, fill them with strawberries (and perhaps add a liquor for flavor) and cream cheese frosting, then frost them with cream cheese frosting. Sounds yummy-hope it tastes yummy, lol! I finished baking about 11:30-11:45pm. Ryan told me not to leave the cakes cooling in the kitchen over night. One, because the kitchen never really cools off and two, because we have furry friends that would find a way to get at the cakes (?!!). So, right now my room smells like a bakery, lol. The cakes should be safe here, unless April sleep walks and eats them, as Kasia said. I hope not!
I start my round of days at the Lobster Grille tomorrow, but don't start until 8am. The rest of my days start at 6:30am. Happy Valentine's Day every one!
I woke up late his morning, feeling tired and achy. Even coffee didn't help! I spent some time on the beach, then had lunch at Iggie's. I talked with my sister, Janell, then with Betty, then rested for about half an hour.
I was at work by 4pm (at Iggie's). There was some prep to do-pulling the pork apart from the pork butt roasts, weighing out and bagging the sliced calamari, making 2oz and 4oz crab cakes (all weighed) then pressing Panko onto the outside of the crab cakes, thawing and marinating chicken tenders and thawing cod for the fish and chips. And in between all this, making Caesar salads, salads for the mahi mahi, chicken wraps and plating desserts. For some reason everyone seemed to want the Mokie Jumbie! The Moki Jumbie is two large brownies, three scoops of ice cream, whipped cream and Hersey's chocolate syrup drizzle. The wait staff thought these got bigger as the night wore on, but I told them it was easier to scoop the ice cream once it had been out awhile, so the scoops were fuller scoops, not necessarily larger. They didn't quite agree with me! It was a busy night up til about 9pm. I asked John if I could leave about 9:30pm so I could get started on my cakes. He thought that was fine. This was my last night at Iggie's, but I don't think anyone realizes it.
I walked down to the Lobster Grille. Ryan, Drew and Judy were cleaning up. Ryan and Drew are like little boys when they get together. The topic of discussion was Seinfeld (the show). They asked if I liked it-I said yes but that everyone on the show was crazy! Their reply was yes, but do you like it? Oh, brother! I gathered all my ingredients and my pans and commenced to mixing and melting. I made two flourless chocolate tortes, then mixed the dough for yellow cake. Since the LG does not have small cake pans, I used extra large muffin to bake five little cakes. I will split them in half tomorrow, fill them with strawberries (and perhaps add a liquor for flavor) and cream cheese frosting, then frost them with cream cheese frosting. Sounds yummy-hope it tastes yummy, lol! I finished baking about 11:30-11:45pm. Ryan told me not to leave the cakes cooling in the kitchen over night. One, because the kitchen never really cools off and two, because we have furry friends that would find a way to get at the cakes (?!!). So, right now my room smells like a bakery, lol. The cakes should be safe here, unless April sleep walks and eats them, as Kasia said. I hope not!
I start my round of days at the Lobster Grille tomorrow, but don't start until 8am. The rest of my days start at 6:30am. Happy Valentine's Day every one!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
"It's not the journey or the destination. It's the seat mate".
I got to sleep in today, don't have to go to work til 4pm. Looks like today and tomorrow will be my last shifts at Iggie's. I will be working the day shift at the Lobster Grille my last two weeks here. It's only two weeks, right?
I finished my online class called "Starting a Home Business". It had a lot of good advise in it. I'll be starting another class tomorrow. Although I need to figure out how to make three cakes before Monday. I am making a Chocolate Torte (flour less) served with Chambord Chantilly and garnished with raspberries (provided we can get them) for the Valentine's Day Special Dinner. Janee wants two tortes, which makes good sense. Anne and Bill, whom I met today, the same Bill of the birthday cake, asked me to make another cake for them. I said I'd love to although they would have to go through the proper channels seeing I am only an intern here. I told them I was thinking of a yellow cake filled with strawberries and frosted with cream cheese frosting. Bill said he'd get right on it, lol. Nice people from New York State. Apparently they have been coming here every year for quite some time! After that, I picked up my laundry and went to work.
When I got to Iggie's at 4pm, I was tasked with making two fruit plates for the wedding party. The wedding took place under the arch on the beach. A tent (with no sides, just the roof) had been set up west of Iggie's on the beach so they were apart from the restaurant. Jeff was pretty much doing things a la minute or last minute. Not what usually happens with banquet. I cut eight honeydew melons, six cantaloupe, two watermelons, and three pineapples into squares, triangles and spears (the pineapples). Then put them artfully on a huge platter as an appetizer. It was served with Pina Colada Yogurt dipping sauce. The second fruit platter was even bigger and was served as part of the dessert course. There was coconut milk dipping sauce to go with that. Janee helped with some of the prep and left instructions for Jeff on what to serve and how, since he's new at this. I also made Caesar Salad for 56 (the size of the wedding party and guests)! And in between doing the tasks I had to do and Jennifer and Mary working the line (they fried up crab cakes, spring rolls, fish and chicken for the wedding party), we all had to fill orders that came in through the restaurant from the regular guests. We were busy all night. I was tired and hot when I got off work! I came back, took a shower, talked to Jordan, am writing on my blog, then it's time for bed. A long day.
We will see what tomorrow holds..
I got to sleep in today, don't have to go to work til 4pm. Looks like today and tomorrow will be my last shifts at Iggie's. I will be working the day shift at the Lobster Grille my last two weeks here. It's only two weeks, right?
I finished my online class called "Starting a Home Business". It had a lot of good advise in it. I'll be starting another class tomorrow. Although I need to figure out how to make three cakes before Monday. I am making a Chocolate Torte (flour less) served with Chambord Chantilly and garnished with raspberries (provided we can get them) for the Valentine's Day Special Dinner. Janee wants two tortes, which makes good sense. Anne and Bill, whom I met today, the same Bill of the birthday cake, asked me to make another cake for them. I said I'd love to although they would have to go through the proper channels seeing I am only an intern here. I told them I was thinking of a yellow cake filled with strawberries and frosted with cream cheese frosting. Bill said he'd get right on it, lol. Nice people from New York State. Apparently they have been coming here every year for quite some time! After that, I picked up my laundry and went to work.
When I got to Iggie's at 4pm, I was tasked with making two fruit plates for the wedding party. The wedding took place under the arch on the beach. A tent (with no sides, just the roof) had been set up west of Iggie's on the beach so they were apart from the restaurant. Jeff was pretty much doing things a la minute or last minute. Not what usually happens with banquet. I cut eight honeydew melons, six cantaloupe, two watermelons, and three pineapples into squares, triangles and spears (the pineapples). Then put them artfully on a huge platter as an appetizer. It was served with Pina Colada Yogurt dipping sauce. The second fruit platter was even bigger and was served as part of the dessert course. There was coconut milk dipping sauce to go with that. Janee helped with some of the prep and left instructions for Jeff on what to serve and how, since he's new at this. I also made Caesar Salad for 56 (the size of the wedding party and guests)! And in between doing the tasks I had to do and Jennifer and Mary working the line (they fried up crab cakes, spring rolls, fish and chicken for the wedding party), we all had to fill orders that came in through the restaurant from the regular guests. We were busy all night. I was tired and hot when I got off work! I came back, took a shower, talked to Jordan, am writing on my blog, then it's time for bed. A long day.
We will see what tomorrow holds..
Friday, February 11, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
"The best way out is always through". -the little book of inspirational thoughts...
Another early morning. Cliff thought he was going to be working by himself, so was surprised to see me. He said Carl was coming at 8am. They have been short since Roy quit, though I'm not sure why they haven't hired someone else. We set up the buffet-scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fried potatoes with onions, sliced fruit, pina colada yogurt ( they take plain yogurt and put pina colada mix in it), granola and various bread choices. After Carl got there, I went over to the hot line to help Cliff (who insists he likes working with me). It was busy and things were made worse because the computer system was down. So the waitresses had to hand write everything. Unfortunately, they each have their own short hand and not every bodies handwriting is good. Cliff was so upset with them! Fortunately, and for some unknown reason, I understood most of the writing and what they meant. (could it be all those years of reading doctor's handwriting?) the other unfortunate thing was that while Carl finished stocking the pantry station and made the employee lunch, he did not do anything else in the not quite four hours he was there, so either Cliff or myself had to go over and fix orders for the Pantry. At one point one of the waitresses got angry that I messed up her order. She had told me she had two Bolongo Specials but when I looked at the tickets, her name was not on the check, nor was Bolongo Special on it, so I missed it. She went on and on and I finally said, "look, I made a mistake, I'll fix it, but I am not going tom argue with you about this". She kept insisting she was trying to make a point. This group tires me out! The computer finally came back up but not til lunch was also mover. Lord, please don't let them put me there tomorrow! I am scheduled to work at Iggie's for the next two days, 4-10pm. From what I hear, Iggie's is hosting the wedding dinner for any apparently obnoxious wedding party from the States. Should be interesting. Something nice did happen today. The wife of "Bill", of the birthday cake Bill", stopped by the kitchen to thank me and gave me $20!! That was very kind of her! She asked for another cake, though, and I had to tell her she needed to talk to Lisa, the GM. Who'd have thought!?
It was raining when I got off work. I borrowed Janee's car to take my laundry in to be washed. She told me she hadn't put gas in it for a long time, so she gave me some money for gas. Easy enough to do! I'll pick it up tomorrow. Not sure what I'll do tonight. I am thinking I'm hungry! All I had to eat today was a banana and a half of a chicken salad sandwich, we were so busy! Of course I do have lamb chops from the other night at Oceana-those would be good.
I am taking the weekend to think about the job offer at SCOR. I talked with Anne the other day and it is a firm offer if I want it. It would be in Pre-Admissions, Thursday one week, Thursday/Friday the next week, from 8:30am to 5pm. Good salary. That would still let me work at finding either a job as a personal chef or start up my own business. Decisions, decisions.....
Another early morning. Cliff thought he was going to be working by himself, so was surprised to see me. He said Carl was coming at 8am. They have been short since Roy quit, though I'm not sure why they haven't hired someone else. We set up the buffet-scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fried potatoes with onions, sliced fruit, pina colada yogurt ( they take plain yogurt and put pina colada mix in it), granola and various bread choices. After Carl got there, I went over to the hot line to help Cliff (who insists he likes working with me). It was busy and things were made worse because the computer system was down. So the waitresses had to hand write everything. Unfortunately, they each have their own short hand and not every bodies handwriting is good. Cliff was so upset with them! Fortunately, and for some unknown reason, I understood most of the writing and what they meant. (could it be all those years of reading doctor's handwriting?) the other unfortunate thing was that while Carl finished stocking the pantry station and made the employee lunch, he did not do anything else in the not quite four hours he was there, so either Cliff or myself had to go over and fix orders for the Pantry. At one point one of the waitresses got angry that I messed up her order. She had told me she had two Bolongo Specials but when I looked at the tickets, her name was not on the check, nor was Bolongo Special on it, so I missed it. She went on and on and I finally said, "look, I made a mistake, I'll fix it, but I am not going tom argue with you about this". She kept insisting she was trying to make a point. This group tires me out! The computer finally came back up but not til lunch was also mover. Lord, please don't let them put me there tomorrow! I am scheduled to work at Iggie's for the next two days, 4-10pm. From what I hear, Iggie's is hosting the wedding dinner for any apparently obnoxious wedding party from the States. Should be interesting. Something nice did happen today. The wife of "Bill", of the birthday cake Bill", stopped by the kitchen to thank me and gave me $20!! That was very kind of her! She asked for another cake, though, and I had to tell her she needed to talk to Lisa, the GM. Who'd have thought!?
It was raining when I got off work. I borrowed Janee's car to take my laundry in to be washed. She told me she hadn't put gas in it for a long time, so she gave me some money for gas. Easy enough to do! I'll pick it up tomorrow. Not sure what I'll do tonight. I am thinking I'm hungry! All I had to eat today was a banana and a half of a chicken salad sandwich, we were so busy! Of course I do have lamb chops from the other night at Oceana-those would be good.
I am taking the weekend to think about the job offer at SCOR. I talked with Anne the other day and it is a firm offer if I want it. It would be in Pre-Admissions, Thursday one week, Thursday/Friday the next week, from 8:30am to 5pm. Good salary. That would still let me work at finding either a job as a personal chef or start up my own business. Decisions, decisions.....
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
"LOL, is not the answer to everything. But most things."
Up early today to work days at the Lobster Grille. I worked the hot line today for breakfast and lunch. Frying eggs, making pancakes, French toast, Eggs Benedict (and I got to make the Hollandaise), corned beef hash, egg sandwiches, etc. Lunch was Turkey Reuben's, hamburgers, French Dip, chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches, French fries, chicken tenders, and conch fritters. We were busy but I had time to make oatmeal raisin cookies. Although they almost didn't get made. Millie told me the brown sugar was hers to use for mango sauce! She found an extra bag of brown sugar so let me finish my cookies. Oh, my....I almost cried to think I couldn't bake any more! I leave in two weeks so I let it go, I can bake when I get home!
Michael left today, :-(. I took him an oatmeal cookie before he left and we said our good-byes. We had a nice time while he was here. It's nice having friends around! I am ready to stop wandering I think!
Spent a quiet evening, read a little, watched "Clash of the Titans" and will go to bed early as I work at 7am again tomorrow at the LG. Oh, boy!
Up early today to work days at the Lobster Grille. I worked the hot line today for breakfast and lunch. Frying eggs, making pancakes, French toast, Eggs Benedict (and I got to make the Hollandaise), corned beef hash, egg sandwiches, etc. Lunch was Turkey Reuben's, hamburgers, French Dip, chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches, French fries, chicken tenders, and conch fritters. We were busy but I had time to make oatmeal raisin cookies. Although they almost didn't get made. Millie told me the brown sugar was hers to use for mango sauce! She found an extra bag of brown sugar so let me finish my cookies. Oh, my....I almost cried to think I couldn't bake any more! I leave in two weeks so I let it go, I can bake when I get home!
Michael left today, :-(. I took him an oatmeal cookie before he left and we said our good-byes. We had a nice time while he was here. It's nice having friends around! I am ready to stop wandering I think!
Spent a quiet evening, read a little, watched "Clash of the Titans" and will go to bed early as I work at 7am again tomorrow at the LG. Oh, boy!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
"The tide always turns". -the little book of inspirational thoughts
I had today off, so Michael and I went for the breakfast buffet at the Ritz-Carlton at 10am. I never knew there was a Ritz-Carlton here, and when we took a taxi there, I understood why. It is off on it's own little peninsula so is off the beaten track if you are headed west to Red Hook. The view and the facility are absolutely gorgeous! My first reaction was, "WOW"! I don't have that reaction much any more, lol. The buffet was in their fine dining restaurant, Blue Waters. NO comparison to Bolongo Bay's breakfast buffet! The Ritz had a hot egg station-you could get eggs any way you wanted, including omelets. They had a separate baker's rack off to one side that had multiple breads, muffins, bagels, English muffins and coffee cakes to chose from (although I told Michael if you want the best and freshest choices you should be one of the first people at the buffet-I told him not to eat the Bolongo breakfast buffet yesterday). They had butcher block tables down a center isle from the egg station that had sliced fruit, lox and cream cheese, oatmeal, sausages, bacon, mushroom and eggplant frittatas, as well as one or two other things I can't remember. It was all nicely displayed and they used nice serving pieces. Bolongo uses some chaffing dishes for hot food. The Ritz used chaffing stands but they had Dutch ovens with a round metal disc at the bottom to help keep the food warm. Very interesting and obviously it works for them.
After breakfast, it was a short walk to the spa. We were greeted by Carolie, a tiny little black girl, so friendly and warm. Michael and I looked at fleece jackets that were for sale at the front of the spa-I'll be going to DC from St Thomas but left my winter coat with Jordan and Janell when I left LA-so I will need something to wear. None really to my likeing. Then it was off to the women's locker room to change into a robe. The same woman-Jennifer-who did my massage, also did my facial. The massage was wonderful! That was first. When you start off on your stomach and have your face planted in the small head ring at the top of the table, you tend to get some nasal congestion. When Jennifer asked me to turn onto my back, one of the first things she did after I was settled, was to put two dots of some menthol ointment at the base of my nose. My congestion cleared right up! Ingenious! While I was getting my massage, Michael waited in the "tranquility room" for his noon appointment to get his hair cut. After my massage and facial, that's where I waited for my manicure and pedicure. The colors are muted, there are curtains that can almost enclose each chair so you have some privacy, there are foot stools to prop your feet up on and the cover you with light blankets while you wait for you next appointment (or just hang out, lol). They also serve tea and water all "natural".
Lily did my mani/pedi. Nice work! I now have pink toes and pink nails! Then it was back to Bolongo to get ready for dinner.
We took a cab to "Room With A View", a restaurant at Bluebeard's Castle. A portion of the original castle still exists and has been worked into the main body of this resort. Apparently it used to be the nicest resort on the island, but has fallen into disrepair. It is under new ownership and is being remodeled. The view is great, the food-not so much. Oceana offered better food and better service. Room With A View had a larger wine list, but that was about it. I had a Caesar Salad and Flounder Thermadore. The salad was good, the fish, over cooked. Michael had Curried Scallops and Snapper in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce. Not bad. He had Coconut Flan for dessert, which he liked. I thought it had a metallic after taste to it. I ordered Apple Strudel with Vanilla ice cream. Neither had much taste, so I left them, though I hate to waste food! As we left, the waiter came out to talk with Mike. Apparently, he did not think we had left enough of a tip because he wanted to know if we had a problem with the service. Michael had a short talk with him, then the waiter went back inside. I don't think I'll be going back there.
Back to Bolongo again where we walked a bit, then sat at one of the tables outside of the Lobster Grille and chatted. Michael leaves tomorrow afternoon. I work days the next two days, so he will be on his own. It has been so nice having him here. He has been very generous to me which is greatly appreciated! I only have two weeks left here, then I leave. I am sure it will fly by! I have been offered a per diem nurse job when I get back to Reno-being the fill in Pre-Admit Nurse at SCOR three days a pay period. I am going to think about it over the weekend. At least it would be some income while I decide what culinary avenue to pursue. Lots to think about!
I had today off, so Michael and I went for the breakfast buffet at the Ritz-Carlton at 10am. I never knew there was a Ritz-Carlton here, and when we took a taxi there, I understood why. It is off on it's own little peninsula so is off the beaten track if you are headed west to Red Hook. The view and the facility are absolutely gorgeous! My first reaction was, "WOW"! I don't have that reaction much any more, lol. The buffet was in their fine dining restaurant, Blue Waters. NO comparison to Bolongo Bay's breakfast buffet! The Ritz had a hot egg station-you could get eggs any way you wanted, including omelets. They had a separate baker's rack off to one side that had multiple breads, muffins, bagels, English muffins and coffee cakes to chose from (although I told Michael if you want the best and freshest choices you should be one of the first people at the buffet-I told him not to eat the Bolongo breakfast buffet yesterday). They had butcher block tables down a center isle from the egg station that had sliced fruit, lox and cream cheese, oatmeal, sausages, bacon, mushroom and eggplant frittatas, as well as one or two other things I can't remember. It was all nicely displayed and they used nice serving pieces. Bolongo uses some chaffing dishes for hot food. The Ritz used chaffing stands but they had Dutch ovens with a round metal disc at the bottom to help keep the food warm. Very interesting and obviously it works for them.
After breakfast, it was a short walk to the spa. We were greeted by Carolie, a tiny little black girl, so friendly and warm. Michael and I looked at fleece jackets that were for sale at the front of the spa-I'll be going to DC from St Thomas but left my winter coat with Jordan and Janell when I left LA-so I will need something to wear. None really to my likeing. Then it was off to the women's locker room to change into a robe. The same woman-Jennifer-who did my massage, also did my facial. The massage was wonderful! That was first. When you start off on your stomach and have your face planted in the small head ring at the top of the table, you tend to get some nasal congestion. When Jennifer asked me to turn onto my back, one of the first things she did after I was settled, was to put two dots of some menthol ointment at the base of my nose. My congestion cleared right up! Ingenious! While I was getting my massage, Michael waited in the "tranquility room" for his noon appointment to get his hair cut. After my massage and facial, that's where I waited for my manicure and pedicure. The colors are muted, there are curtains that can almost enclose each chair so you have some privacy, there are foot stools to prop your feet up on and the cover you with light blankets while you wait for you next appointment (or just hang out, lol). They also serve tea and water all "natural".
Lily did my mani/pedi. Nice work! I now have pink toes and pink nails! Then it was back to Bolongo to get ready for dinner.
We took a cab to "Room With A View", a restaurant at Bluebeard's Castle. A portion of the original castle still exists and has been worked into the main body of this resort. Apparently it used to be the nicest resort on the island, but has fallen into disrepair. It is under new ownership and is being remodeled. The view is great, the food-not so much. Oceana offered better food and better service. Room With A View had a larger wine list, but that was about it. I had a Caesar Salad and Flounder Thermadore. The salad was good, the fish, over cooked. Michael had Curried Scallops and Snapper in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce. Not bad. He had Coconut Flan for dessert, which he liked. I thought it had a metallic after taste to it. I ordered Apple Strudel with Vanilla ice cream. Neither had much taste, so I left them, though I hate to waste food! As we left, the waiter came out to talk with Mike. Apparently, he did not think we had left enough of a tip because he wanted to know if we had a problem with the service. Michael had a short talk with him, then the waiter went back inside. I don't think I'll be going back there.
Back to Bolongo again where we walked a bit, then sat at one of the tables outside of the Lobster Grille and chatted. Michael leaves tomorrow afternoon. I work days the next two days, so he will be on his own. It has been so nice having him here. He has been very generous to me which is greatly appreciated! I only have two weeks left here, then I leave. I am sure it will fly by! I have been offered a per diem nurse job when I get back to Reno-being the fill in Pre-Admit Nurse at SCOR three days a pay period. I am going to think about it over the weekend. At least it would be some income while I decide what culinary avenue to pursue. Lots to think about!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
"It's a rare person who can take care of hearts while also taking care of business".
I was up at 7am and picked up Michael from his room-156. He has a much nicer room than I have!! Though the layout is pretty much the same. We ate at the Lobster Grille. I am sure we (I) will be the center of a LOT of gossip. April, being with a man other than her "husband" Jordan! I have learned over the years that people will think what they will, no matter what you say. Oh, well!
We took a walk after breakfast, then went back to his room and both did some computer work as well as a lot of talking, catching up. We had lunch at Iggie's-splitting their Spinach Artichoke Dip and a Caesar salad. There were three iguanas that showed up at Iggie's for lunch! No one seemed frightened by them, but they got quite close to guests, hoping to get some food, lol. Michael took a nap after that and I went back to my room and rested for a bit. I made reservations for Oceana restaurant in the Frenchtown district in Charlotte Amalie. I had been there before with Jordan for cocktails but we didn't eat there. They have a fantastic view of Frenchman's Bay. And they use tablecloths! A fine dining restaurant, lol. As an appetizer I had Tuna Tartar with homemade potato chips. Michael had Cream of Asparagus soup. For entrees, I had Mustard Crusted New Zealand Lamb Chops and Michael had Grilled Tuna. Everything was very good! Dessert was a trio of three ice creams for me (peanut butter with chocolate chunks, guava Ginger and strawberry-all house made). Michael had a Meyer Lemon Terrine (a lemon mousse really, very light and tangy). We shared a bottle of French Burgundy-quite nice! Michael had me do the tasting when the waiter opened the wine. The waiter wanted to decant the wine but I did not think it needed it, so we didn't. Michael had asked me to chose the wine, but I couldn't make up my mind, lol. So he chose. Good choice! Then it was back to Bolongo.
Tomorrow Michael has arranged a "spa" day for me-manicure, pedicure, massage and facial at the Ritz-Carlton! What a nice surprise!! He thinks it highly unlikely that I have had any pampering since I got here and he would be right! What a dear friend he has been over the years. Dinner tomorrow is at "Room With A View". I am also looking forward to that dinner!
I was up at 7am and picked up Michael from his room-156. He has a much nicer room than I have!! Though the layout is pretty much the same. We ate at the Lobster Grille. I am sure we (I) will be the center of a LOT of gossip. April, being with a man other than her "husband" Jordan! I have learned over the years that people will think what they will, no matter what you say. Oh, well!
We took a walk after breakfast, then went back to his room and both did some computer work as well as a lot of talking, catching up. We had lunch at Iggie's-splitting their Spinach Artichoke Dip and a Caesar salad. There were three iguanas that showed up at Iggie's for lunch! No one seemed frightened by them, but they got quite close to guests, hoping to get some food, lol. Michael took a nap after that and I went back to my room and rested for a bit. I made reservations for Oceana restaurant in the Frenchtown district in Charlotte Amalie. I had been there before with Jordan for cocktails but we didn't eat there. They have a fantastic view of Frenchman's Bay. And they use tablecloths! A fine dining restaurant, lol. As an appetizer I had Tuna Tartar with homemade potato chips. Michael had Cream of Asparagus soup. For entrees, I had Mustard Crusted New Zealand Lamb Chops and Michael had Grilled Tuna. Everything was very good! Dessert was a trio of three ice creams for me (peanut butter with chocolate chunks, guava Ginger and strawberry-all house made). Michael had a Meyer Lemon Terrine (a lemon mousse really, very light and tangy). We shared a bottle of French Burgundy-quite nice! Michael had me do the tasting when the waiter opened the wine. The waiter wanted to decant the wine but I did not think it needed it, so we didn't. Michael had asked me to chose the wine, but I couldn't make up my mind, lol. So he chose. Good choice! Then it was back to Bolongo.
Tomorrow Michael has arranged a "spa" day for me-manicure, pedicure, massage and facial at the Ritz-Carlton! What a nice surprise!! He thinks it highly unlikely that I have had any pampering since I got here and he would be right! What a dear friend he has been over the years. Dinner tomorrow is at "Room With A View". I am also looking forward to that dinner!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Not a lot of sleep last night. For whatever reason, I woke up at 3am and couldn't go back to sleep, so I read. Had an early breakfast (where I was told to "take it easy" on the fruit I took because we were busy-whatever that means), then worked on my online class. I did manage an hour and a half poolside. One of the iguanas spent so e time walking around my beach chair. He was a vivid shade of light green-not sure if I've seen him before!
I went to work at Iggie's at 4pm. On my way there, another big iguana was getting ready to walk up the stairs while I was walking down the stairs. It was pretty funny-me on my side, he on the other side (at least I assumed it was a he). Like ships passing in the night....
Mondays are not that busy. I guess lots of people recovering from Super Bowl parties! Not really much prep, just made a few sandwiches and salads. No dramta tonight for which I am happy. Sometimes when we are slow, staff bickers with each other. Most uncomfortable. Michael showed up at Iggie's about 7pm for dinner. I got to spend a few minutes with him. He looks good and we were glad to see each other. It was a long trip, so he decided to go to bed early tonight. We can catch up tomorrow. At 8:30 we were SO slow, I asked John if he minded if I left. He said it was ok. What a relief!
I am meeting Michael for breakfast in the morning. Not much else to report, other than Roy resigning from days at the Lobster Grille. Too bad! He was a nice guy. I guess he is moving back to Hawaii, where he came from. They wanted me to pick up more hours on days-Janee told them no I couldn't. I had a glass of wine with Janee after I left Iggie's. We had a nice chat and it was nice spending some time with her. I'd like to do something nice for her before I leave, to thank her. I'll have to think on that one!
I went to work at Iggie's at 4pm. On my way there, another big iguana was getting ready to walk up the stairs while I was walking down the stairs. It was pretty funny-me on my side, he on the other side (at least I assumed it was a he). Like ships passing in the night....
Mondays are not that busy. I guess lots of people recovering from Super Bowl parties! Not really much prep, just made a few sandwiches and salads. No dramta tonight for which I am happy. Sometimes when we are slow, staff bickers with each other. Most uncomfortable. Michael showed up at Iggie's about 7pm for dinner. I got to spend a few minutes with him. He looks good and we were glad to see each other. It was a long trip, so he decided to go to bed early tonight. We can catch up tomorrow. At 8:30 we were SO slow, I asked John if he minded if I left. He said it was ok. What a relief!
I am meeting Michael for breakfast in the morning. Not much else to report, other than Roy resigning from days at the Lobster Grille. Too bad! He was a nice guy. I guess he is moving back to Hawaii, where he came from. They wanted me to pick up more hours on days-Janee told them no I couldn't. I had a glass of wine with Janee after I left Iggie's. We had a nice chat and it was nice spending some time with her. I'd like to do something nice for her before I leave, to thank her. I'll have to think on that one!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
I think I finally caught up on my sleep-I slept until almost 10am! I ate breakfast, then spent a couple of hours at the beach, ate lunch at Iggie's (a BLT), worked on my online class, then it was time for work. I went in a little early as I knew we would be busy with the Super Bowl. I guess they want me to start coming in at 4pm instead of 5pm anyway when I work Iggie's.
When I got there, everyone was going crazy! They were trying to set up for their special superbowl buffet (brats, hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken wings and BBQ pork) but were behind. Someone called Janee to come down from the LG to help. Janee was a little irritated at Jeff, because she had offered a week ago to come and help with the set up for the Super Bowl party (she has been doing all the banquet work for the resort for five years) and Jeff had refused her help, saying he was on it. Needless to say, they had words, everyone had words because tempers were short. It was most unpleasant. I sliced tomatoes, red onions and lettuce to use as condiments for the buffet. I worked Pantry and even with the buffet, we were really busy! Everyone wanted wings and other appetizers mainly but I did make a lot of salads and chicken wraps and club sandwiches. Jeff got into an argument with on of the waitresses, Alleyne, about her not picking up her orders. It was quite loud and they were both angry. She would leave and then come back in the kitchen and argue with him some more. At one point, John, the GM of Iggie's told Jeff he would take care of "his waitresses". I asked John, our new dishwasher, "Aren't you glad you work here?". He laughed. We made it thru the evening. ESPN was playing in the kitchen, so I heard, rather than saw, most of the Super Bowl. The Packers did win! Made me want to call my Aunt Lorine and ask if she was happy!
I got off at 10pm, came back to my room to shower, talked with Jordan, then headed back to Iggie's to watch the rest of the game and have a drink. Richard, one of the owners, pulled me aside to talk about the game. My new best friend, lol. I also saw Lisa, so asked her what "Bill" had thought of my cake. She told me that she had put in the nightly report that Bill and his guests loved the cake and ate all but two pieces, leaving those for the staff. Made me feel good! You want both positive and negative feedback on your food so you know if you need to change things for the future. A late night, but at least I don't have to be up early! Michael comes to visit tomorrow. And I work at Iggie's from 4-10pm, then have Tuesday and Wednesday off. Yeah!
When I got there, everyone was going crazy! They were trying to set up for their special superbowl buffet (brats, hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken wings and BBQ pork) but were behind. Someone called Janee to come down from the LG to help. Janee was a little irritated at Jeff, because she had offered a week ago to come and help with the set up for the Super Bowl party (she has been doing all the banquet work for the resort for five years) and Jeff had refused her help, saying he was on it. Needless to say, they had words, everyone had words because tempers were short. It was most unpleasant. I sliced tomatoes, red onions and lettuce to use as condiments for the buffet. I worked Pantry and even with the buffet, we were really busy! Everyone wanted wings and other appetizers mainly but I did make a lot of salads and chicken wraps and club sandwiches. Jeff got into an argument with on of the waitresses, Alleyne, about her not picking up her orders. It was quite loud and they were both angry. She would leave and then come back in the kitchen and argue with him some more. At one point, John, the GM of Iggie's told Jeff he would take care of "his waitresses". I asked John, our new dishwasher, "Aren't you glad you work here?". He laughed. We made it thru the evening. ESPN was playing in the kitchen, so I heard, rather than saw, most of the Super Bowl. The Packers did win! Made me want to call my Aunt Lorine and ask if she was happy!
I got off at 10pm, came back to my room to shower, talked with Jordan, then headed back to Iggie's to watch the rest of the game and have a drink. Richard, one of the owners, pulled me aside to talk about the game. My new best friend, lol. I also saw Lisa, so asked her what "Bill" had thought of my cake. She told me that she had put in the nightly report that Bill and his guests loved the cake and ate all but two pieces, leaving those for the staff. Made me feel good! You want both positive and negative feedback on your food so you know if you need to change things for the future. A late night, but at least I don't have to be up early! Michael comes to visit tomorrow. And I work at Iggie's from 4-10pm, then have Tuesday and Wednesday off. Yeah!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
"In the seed is an apple you can't see yet".
After not sleeping well, I went in early to work at the Lobster Grille because I didn't want Cliff to start work by himself. I told him Janee said we should have a breakfast buffet. Cliff didn't want to do it (he hates putting out food for a buffet-says it's a waste), but after checking to see how many guests we had (126), he decided it was a good idea. I ran through a list of things I had to do working the Pantry and he HAD to come over and show me the proper way to do everything-even how to cut the fruit (slices)! I set up my station, he came over and changed it. I told him not to worry about me as he had much more to do, but he seemed in his element and wanted to do everything. I almost lost it when he told me how to use the peeler to shave the carrots for a salad. I asked him-"Don't I get to use my imagination?". He seemed taken back. I said I had been "shaving" carrots since November and sometimes I just wanted to do things differently. At least he let me finish making the salad the way I wanted to. Oy vay! Millie, who came in to work extra for a few hours, was the same. For a while I was convinced that I was being punished, lol, but you just have to let it go.
We weren't terribly busy for lunch, so I was able to start working on making dark chocolate ganache for my layer cake and make Vanilla Buttercream frosting without putting in overtime. I put ganache in between the layers, then glazed the entire cake with ganache, then frosted and decorated it with the Buttercream (so much better tasting that frosting made with shortening). I did not have a small tip to use for writing "Happy Birthday Bill" so had to use a ziplock bag and cut a small hole on a corner then used it like a piping bag. I took pictures so I'll add then later. AND, the important thing, one of them anyway, is that it tasted good. Now we'll see if Bill likes it, lol. His birthday dinner takes place at 6pm.
After I got off work at 3pm, I showered, then went and sat on the beach by myself for a while to unwind. I am still reminded of the saying "you can stand anything for short periods of time". I only have three weeks left, I can do this! While I was sitting there, all by myself, one of the large iguana came ambling by, stopped for a bit and we both were sitting there contemplating Bolongo Bay. It was kind of cute, lol. Tomorrow, I work at Iggie's from 5-10pm. Super Bowl party at Iggie's tomorrow so I think we'll be busy.
Don't know what I'll do for dinner tonight but I should decide soon! Choices, choices, lol. I decided on the LG-and had Lobster Pie with rice and asparagus. Very good. While I was sitting, eating at the bar, it started to just POUR rain! It came down steadily for half an hour. It rained this morning while I was at work, but I never knew it, lol. I am back in my room and hoping for an early night and a good night's sleep. I could use it.
Tomorrow I go to work at 5pm at Iggie's. It's Super Bowl Sunday so we will in all likelihood be busy. Packers vs. Steelers. My aunt asked where my Packer spirit was and I guess if I would have to choose one team, it would be the Packers, lol. GO Packers!
Friday, February 4, 2011
I was up fairly early for me. I got some breakfast (Roy called in sick at the LG so they were busy), did one of my online classes, then set off to bake my chocolate cake layers for Bill's birthday celebration. Who is Bill you ask? A guest here at Bolongo. Lisa had come to me asking me if I would bake a birthday cake for him as she knows I like to bake. Lori the "Romance Director", asked me if I could make wedding cakes, small ones. I said I probably could, but I was leaving soon. Several people asked me why they didn't know sooner that I was a baker and I had to tell them I have been offering to bake whatever they needed since I got here. Janee, however, does not want people getting used to things baked on property when I was just the intern passing through and not a permanent employee. She did not want people to expect her to continue baking once I left. Understandable. I also made chocolate chip cookies while I was waiting for my cake to bake. They were also a success, lol. I will make frosting tomorrow for Bill's cake for dinner at 6pm.
While I was mixing and baking my cake, Richard came in and said hello, then hugged and kissed me (my hands were full trying to pour the batter into my pans) and apologized for whatever he had said the other day that had offended me. What a surprise! Not fifteen minutes after that, Paul came in to get something for lunch, teased me about finally getting comfortable in the kitchen (I was wearing a t-shirt and short and a long white apron) and said he had not seen me around. Then HE came over and gave me a hug and a kiss and apologized for his brother, Richard. He said Richard did not know the "deal" Paul and I had and that he wanted me to eat where ever I wanted to and to read where ever I want to read and to please enjoy my last weeks here. Then invited me to go on his boat at some future time and come for dinner. Another surprise! I have no idea if those two things will come to pass, but both men made nice gestures.
I was at work at 4pm, but Lisa was in Richard's office, so I cooled my heels by drinking a ginger ale at a table near the restaurant office and talked with Betty-just checking to see how she was. When Lisa came back, she had a meeting with Denise, the daytime LG manager, which was private, so I continued to cool my heels. At about 5pm, Lisa showed me what she does not get ready for the night by looking at the reservation book and seeing which servers she has working, then divides the restaurant into sections and makes assignments. One of the servers didn't show up at 5pm (he apparently makes money golfing, has a few drinks, then comes to work) so Lisa and I helped Ish (short for Ishmael) get the tables set up. They get sprayed down with a cleaner, wiped, then set with silverware, water glasses, napkins, salt and pepper shakers and given a small no burn candle. There are 23 tables (plus another large one used only occasionally). Then Paul was talking to Lisa, so I wondered around a bit. Raven, who sometimes plays hostess, was there tonight, so Lisa was actually a manager and I followed her. Lisa also showed me the computer programs they use to figure out how many meals they sell and how much liquor is sold. We also unpacked the liquor delivered today from the warehouse. Apparently no one had checked it and then put it away, so we did. Lisa also told me she makes her rounds of the tables after people have been there 30-45 minutes so she can make sure everything was ok and to see if there are any problems. It also gives her an idea of how close they are to being done so she can turn the table over (and get a second seating in). I played hostess a bit while Raven talked to Denise. Raven now lives on St John and has a charter boat job that pays her so much more money than the LG, that she will stop working at Bolongo except for special occasions. She loves to sail. I know the feeling! It wasn't too busy. Lots of older folks so they eat early and take longer to eat! One guest, Shivonne, who is a local, had a reservation for 6:30pm, didn't show up til 8:30 for what she said was an 8pm reservation. The reservation was for 2 people and when I went
to seat her and her husband, she told me another couple was joining them, so we had to quick make up another table. Unfortunately, the other couple didn't show up until almost 9! Janee finally asked Lisa to talk to them about ordering dinner because it was costing money to keep everyone here late. By the way, when I first saw Shivonne, she reminded me of a black Jackie Kennedy in the 1960s, lol. All she was missing was the pillbox hat! She even had the little pageboy haircut!
Lisa let me go about 9:30pm. It was a pretty good night all in all. I did find out before I was done for the evening, that Roy called in sick again so it will be just Cliff and I tomorrow. Janee did come back through and let me know Millie would be in at 8am to help get us get through the morning rush and to help make the employee noon lunch. So busy day tomorrow!
While I was mixing and baking my cake, Richard came in and said hello, then hugged and kissed me (my hands were full trying to pour the batter into my pans) and apologized for whatever he had said the other day that had offended me. What a surprise! Not fifteen minutes after that, Paul came in to get something for lunch, teased me about finally getting comfortable in the kitchen (I was wearing a t-shirt and short and a long white apron) and said he had not seen me around. Then HE came over and gave me a hug and a kiss and apologized for his brother, Richard. He said Richard did not know the "deal" Paul and I had and that he wanted me to eat where ever I wanted to and to read where ever I want to read and to please enjoy my last weeks here. Then invited me to go on his boat at some future time and come for dinner. Another surprise! I have no idea if those two things will come to pass, but both men made nice gestures.
I was at work at 4pm, but Lisa was in Richard's office, so I cooled my heels by drinking a ginger ale at a table near the restaurant office and talked with Betty-just checking to see how she was. When Lisa came back, she had a meeting with Denise, the daytime LG manager, which was private, so I continued to cool my heels. At about 5pm, Lisa showed me what she does not get ready for the night by looking at the reservation book and seeing which servers she has working, then divides the restaurant into sections and makes assignments. One of the servers didn't show up at 5pm (he apparently makes money golfing, has a few drinks, then comes to work) so Lisa and I helped Ish (short for Ishmael) get the tables set up. They get sprayed down with a cleaner, wiped, then set with silverware, water glasses, napkins, salt and pepper shakers and given a small no burn candle. There are 23 tables (plus another large one used only occasionally). Then Paul was talking to Lisa, so I wondered around a bit. Raven, who sometimes plays hostess, was there tonight, so Lisa was actually a manager and I followed her. Lisa also showed me the computer programs they use to figure out how many meals they sell and how much liquor is sold. We also unpacked the liquor delivered today from the warehouse. Apparently no one had checked it and then put it away, so we did. Lisa also told me she makes her rounds of the tables after people have been there 30-45 minutes so she can make sure everything was ok and to see if there are any problems. It also gives her an idea of how close they are to being done so she can turn the table over (and get a second seating in). I played hostess a bit while Raven talked to Denise. Raven now lives on St John and has a charter boat job that pays her so much more money than the LG, that she will stop working at Bolongo except for special occasions. She loves to sail. I know the feeling! It wasn't too busy. Lots of older folks so they eat early and take longer to eat! One guest, Shivonne, who is a local, had a reservation for 6:30pm, didn't show up til 8:30 for what she said was an 8pm reservation. The reservation was for 2 people and when I went
to seat her and her husband, she told me another couple was joining them, so we had to quick make up another table. Unfortunately, the other couple didn't show up until almost 9! Janee finally asked Lisa to talk to them about ordering dinner because it was costing money to keep everyone here late. By the way, when I first saw Shivonne, she reminded me of a black Jackie Kennedy in the 1960s, lol. All she was missing was the pillbox hat! She even had the little pageboy haircut!
Lisa let me go about 9:30pm. It was a pretty good night all in all. I did find out before I was done for the evening, that Roy called in sick again so it will be just Cliff and I tomorrow. Janee did come back through and let me know Millie would be in at 8am to help get us get through the morning rush and to help make the employee noon lunch. So busy day tomorrow!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
"If you have no regrets, you need to get out more".-little book of inspirational thoughts on life and love...
I spent most of the morning trying to get my various electronics to work. I think they are all fixed now! Yeah! I tried to take a sailing lesson but learned what happened to the couple that got stuck yesterday-they lost a rudder! So no sailing for anyone. Lee says maybe tomorrow. I went to the beach and sat and read a book, nothing technical. There was a woman sitting one chair over that asked about my iPad. We had a long talk-her name is Susan and she is from Cleveland, Ohio. She and her husband are retired professors from one of the junior colleges in Cleveland. They have been coming here for 15 years! They love it here, but don't live here and she acknowledged that it would be far different living here. Right now, they still enjoy it. I came in, showered, then went to pick up my laundry. Janee let me use her car. There do not seem to be any speed limits here. Amazing!
I went for an early dinner at the Lobster Grille. I sat at the bar next to Gloria, who is one of the morning waitresses and works part time in the gift shop. She was just there relaxing and dishing on everyone! Amazing what people will tell you after they've had a little alcohol! I had a half order of Curried Seafood Stew with pita toasts. It was good, but I was very full! Gloria asked me to have another glass of wine and sit with her. I had another half, but then had to go-I was tired! And I can only take so much dishing! I went back to my room to relax. I think it's going to be an early night.
I work the front of the house with Lisa tomorrow at 4pm. And I need to bake a birthday cake tomorrow. I was going to try to bake some cookies this afternoon, but the kitchen was partially flooded because one of the drains was backed up, so I thought I should stay out of the way. It was a mess!
I spent most of the morning trying to get my various electronics to work. I think they are all fixed now! Yeah! I tried to take a sailing lesson but learned what happened to the couple that got stuck yesterday-they lost a rudder! So no sailing for anyone. Lee says maybe tomorrow. I went to the beach and sat and read a book, nothing technical. There was a woman sitting one chair over that asked about my iPad. We had a long talk-her name is Susan and she is from Cleveland, Ohio. She and her husband are retired professors from one of the junior colleges in Cleveland. They have been coming here for 15 years! They love it here, but don't live here and she acknowledged that it would be far different living here. Right now, they still enjoy it. I came in, showered, then went to pick up my laundry. Janee let me use her car. There do not seem to be any speed limits here. Amazing!
I went for an early dinner at the Lobster Grille. I sat at the bar next to Gloria, who is one of the morning waitresses and works part time in the gift shop. She was just there relaxing and dishing on everyone! Amazing what people will tell you after they've had a little alcohol! I had a half order of Curried Seafood Stew with pita toasts. It was good, but I was very full! Gloria asked me to have another glass of wine and sit with her. I had another half, but then had to go-I was tired! And I can only take so much dishing! I went back to my room to relax. I think it's going to be an early night.
I work the front of the house with Lisa tomorrow at 4pm. And I need to bake a birthday cake tomorrow. I was going to try to bake some cookies this afternoon, but the kitchen was partially flooded because one of the drains was backed up, so I thought I should stay out of the way. It was a mess!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
"Do what you love---it's what you were meant to do". --the little book of inspirational thoughts on life and love
I am actually posting this today, Thursday, as yesterday seemed fraught with all type and manner of technical difficulties! I spent part of the morning online and on the phone trying to get my data plan fixed for my air card, which allows me to get online through AT&T anywhere and without free WiFi, etc. Bolongo has free WiFi in the Conference Room and near the bar area at the Lobster Grille, but not in guest's rooms. I upgraded to a larger data plan but something went amiss. It works now though! My iPad read "No SIM" and would not let me get on the Internet. I talked with Jordan to see if he had any suggestions this morning and ended up rebooting the iPad with good results. And my phone intermittently told me it could not access mail or the Internet, so it was quite a frustrating day! I thought I might get a sailing lesson in yesterday as I saw a couple go out while I had lunch at Iggie's (a Taco Salad), but saw the jet ski go out and have to bring them back in. Once they got the couple safely back to shore, I saw they beached the Hobie Cat-no more sailing. I didn't go down to see what happened but will try again today. The thought of going out into deep water is kind of scary, but then again, I don't want to NOT have done something in my life just because I was sacred. I guess we all have moments we are scared of something or someone. It is not always easy to over come those fears.
So I worked on my online class in the Conference Room on the Resort's free WiFi and got two lessons done. Too hot for the beach. About 7pm I decided I wanted to sit down like real folks and eat at the Lobster Grille, so asked Lisa, the General Manager, if that was all right. Of course, as soon as I got to the entrance at the LG, about six groups showed up to be seated! Not good timing on my part. I let them go first and waited until Lisa was free before asking. I ended up sitting at the bar next to a guy from Cincinnati, Ohio, named James, who spends about half his time
on St Thomas and half his time in Cincinnati. It was nice to hold an intelligent conversation with someone. He apparently has a building and bonding business. There is a lot of building going on here. St Thomas is beautiful but I don't think I'd like to live here for months on end.
I am actually posting this today, Thursday, as yesterday seemed fraught with all type and manner of technical difficulties! I spent part of the morning online and on the phone trying to get my data plan fixed for my air card, which allows me to get online through AT&T anywhere and without free WiFi, etc. Bolongo has free WiFi in the Conference Room and near the bar area at the Lobster Grille, but not in guest's rooms. I upgraded to a larger data plan but something went amiss. It works now though! My iPad read "No SIM" and would not let me get on the Internet. I talked with Jordan to see if he had any suggestions this morning and ended up rebooting the iPad with good results. And my phone intermittently told me it could not access mail or the Internet, so it was quite a frustrating day! I thought I might get a sailing lesson in yesterday as I saw a couple go out while I had lunch at Iggie's (a Taco Salad), but saw the jet ski go out and have to bring them back in. Once they got the couple safely back to shore, I saw they beached the Hobie Cat-no more sailing. I didn't go down to see what happened but will try again today. The thought of going out into deep water is kind of scary, but then again, I don't want to NOT have done something in my life just because I was sacred. I guess we all have moments we are scared of something or someone. It is not always easy to over come those fears.
So I worked on my online class in the Conference Room on the Resort's free WiFi and got two lessons done. Too hot for the beach. About 7pm I decided I wanted to sit down like real folks and eat at the Lobster Grille, so asked Lisa, the General Manager, if that was all right. Of course, as soon as I got to the entrance at the LG, about six groups showed up to be seated! Not good timing on my part. I let them go first and waited until Lisa was free before asking. I ended up sitting at the bar next to a guy from Cincinnati, Ohio, named James, who spends about half his time
on St Thomas and half his time in Cincinnati. It was nice to hold an intelligent conversation with someone. He apparently has a building and bonding business. There is a lot of building going on here. St Thomas is beautiful but I don't think I'd like to live here for months on end.
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