Chillaxin'

Forced Smiles...

I've been unable to write about last Saturday because of the pain it caused me... you can ask Mallory about it. We went out and had fun in New Brunswick (home of Rutgers University) on Friday night and planned on going to the Jersey shore whenever we felt like it on Saturday. After all, from South Orange to Long Branch Beach is only 45 miles, just an hour drive. It was to be a relaxing day on the beach. No stress. No worries. Just sun and sand....

We rolled out of bed around 11 and left at noon, deciding to grab food on the way. All was good the first 10 minutes. Then, we pulled onto the Garden State Parkway. All three lanes were packed. Like bumper to bumper in the movies when there is an alien attack up ahead packed. I'd never seen anything like it!! We had to pull off and get gas and the stations were packed. We didn't dare try to use the restroom- the line was 20+ people gone! Luckily, we hadn't eaten so we didn't need a restroom. Unluckily, we were starving and didn't want to risk getting off the road to eat. I could go on and on about how extravagantly boring this car trip was but I'll sum it up instead: 45 miles, 3 hours, annoying GPS lady (aka Pam).

When we finally got to Long Branch Beach, we were starving and just stopped at McDonald's. Classic standby for speedy substance when flavor and health are not issues. After taking 5 minutes just to take my order (no, I didn't order that much!), they still had to remake my sandwich 2 more times. Third time really was a charm. Or a curse, however you would like to look at it. Mallory decided to keep it simple with a number 8 and drink. The lady decides to add another sandwich that the manager has to come take off. I mean really people? I know McDonald's isn't fine dining but this was ridiculous.

Next, we needed cash for the beach so we went by a Bank of America where the ATM was out of order. No worries, there's a bank across from McD's. Oh wait, the door to the ATM room is locked. Okay, well, how bout this other ATM. Again, that third time shit. Then we get to the beach and had to park. Circle the lot once... "Full Lot", "Full Lot", "Monthly Lot", "Full Lot"... Twice around and we found one. It is three o'clock in the afternoon when we finally get to the beach which we still have to pay to lay on and of course parking was still full price too. Needless to say, we did not leave that beach until near sunset.

Once we did lay upon the sand, Mallory and I finally did calm down. And it was a lovely day. Not too hot with the breeze off the Atlantic which is FREEZING by the way! I could've laid there for hours but, of course, we did get there at three. I am such a beach bunny.

Moral of the Story: Leave early on Saturday mornings for the shore. Never ever even attempt to go anytime after 9 am! It's mental suicide!!

Sunday, I came back to the Andersons' home and into my little room. I love having my own space. And dinner, and cable, and cats, and space... Yay! I've mostly piddled around the past couple of days. It's hard to run around and do things when you don't have much money. Hence the job I started today!

Yes, I had my orientation at Planet Hollywood. There were five of us training and one trainer. We talked about ourselves and it turns out 3 out 6 of us were from Missouri (crazy!). The 4 other girls were aspiring actresses and/or dancers and the one dude is pursuing his DJ career. A little cliche if you ask me. Then there's me. I explained I had a BA in international relations and would be pursuing a career in some sort of international organization. A couple mouths dropped-hehe. As for the restaurant, I think I'll like working there. I found their standards a lot like Olive Garden which means I know what I'm doing. There's a lot to memorize of course, but I'll study and figure it out. They seem to have that professional, well run restaurant, with colorful people and a fun atmosphere. Should be an experience within itself!

So step one to Callie's "Up and Move to NYC Plan" is complete. Find a job. Now, I just have to make money, get a place in the city, get a part time internship at the UN (or similar org.) while still working full time at P.H., then getting a big kid job at the UN (or similar org.), and make a difference in the world. It'll be a cinch!

Hope all is well with everyone! I miss being at home and I love reading your comments!

Peace Love Pirates!