Chicago!

Since graduating last April I had set a goal move to Chicago, and on this weekend I made it to the Windy City! I choose to relocate to Chicago for the young professional city-goer lifestyle. Growing up watching Sex in the City I envied Carrie Bradshaw, she was independent, searching for love and had a fabulous time with her girlfriends exploring all the treasures the city had to offer. Although it is highly impossible to live Miss Bradshaw’s lifestyle, she was a write who lived on a once-a-week columnist salary in a decent size apartment, socialized with the elite and strutted down 5th Avenue in Christian Louboutins, I knew I wanted more than South Florida had to offer. I on the other hand will be working 40 hours a week, living in a tiny studio, only socializing on the weekends and in hand my discounted designer handbag. Chicago will bring challenges, opportunity, new friendships, maturity and maybe a BIG of my own. For now, I’ll enjoy my 89 cent Campbell’s Soup, a view of many rooftops and if I stand in a certain spot in my studio I can see Lake Michigan in the distance and bright future in the horizon.

I Don't Take Orders Anymore

Tonight was my final shift serving food and I couldn’t be more relieved! After almost five years behind a bar in a college town, taking orders from most of the time grumpy retirees and faking laughs and smiles, I can finally say sayonara! As any server knows you learn to have patients, time-managment and self-control in the restaurant industry.

I worked in a well-respected restaurant that provides a polish-casual dining experience. Our food is consistent, accommodating and our beverages top-tier and if their was ever an issue it would be taken care of immediately by management.

Here are a few things that drove me crazy:

1. Telling me NOT to rush you before I even introduce myself. 

2. Campers.

             

3. When one guest orders waters for the entire table and then they are unused. 

                          

4. Guest that walk in 10 minutes prior to closing. 

         

5. Scammers. We know who you are and your tricks!

6. Other servers tables requesting something from me or physically grabbing me to get my attention as I am obviously preoccupied. Advice: If you stop me, ask for your server and I would find them, or if I am not busy I’ll ask the guest if there is something I could get you. This is especially annoying when you return with the item requested and their server had just brought the item moments before. 

7. When religious folks leave a business card of their parish in the check presenter. 

8. When guest disapprove that we don’t have something specific on our menu, like a baked potato side. I’m sorry, I didn’t create the menu, I am not corporate, nor do I make executive decisions in the restaurant. Order a side item listed on the menu, please! 

                                      

9. Uncontrolled children. Teach them manners so they grow up to be respectable adults.

10. Poor tippers. Mostly foreigners. Especially guest that tip with kindness and not money. It’s like thinking someone likes you and then they don’t leave you their number.

A joke courtesy of one of my tables: “What’s the difference between a Canadian and a canoe?” “A canoe tips!”  

My opinion on tipping: 18 to 20% always.

    

I recommend the movie “Waiting” for anyone that dines out frequently and/or works in the restaurant industry. It’s pretty accurate with some exaggerated scenes for comedy, but an overall great movie! 

                       

Please remember, be kind to your servers! 

Love, an ex-server! 

First to the Dance!

Friend Zone

Today I stumbled upon MTV's series "Friend Zone", a nerve-racking show were one person in a best friend relationship (boy and girl) reveals that they have stronger feelings than a friendship for the other person. This show is great for television but in reality it's a stab to the heart.

Here some advice... if you fall for your best friend:
1. Don't end up in the "friend zone". Once in the zone it's terribly hard to escape with out loosing what you have.
2. If you are a girl and you do fall for your best friend chances are more on your side that he has some feelings for you too. Most guys don't hang out with girls without having other intentions. It's in their DNA.
3. If you are a guy, girls will befriend and not have other intentions. Sorry.
4. Don't express your ever-dying love for your best friend drunk. You'll regret it in the morning.
5. If you have an ever-dying need to reveal your secret, ask your friends opinions first, they'll hopefully give you their honest advice.

New Adventure

Next month I will embark on my next adventure, the real world! I’ve had some up and downs since graduating college last April but I’ve learned what I don’t want in a career and where I want to be in the next five years. This is my time, I am in my twenties, independent, ambitious, full of excitement and curious of the opportunities and challenges that will come my way. I recently accepted a marketing job in Chicago and am about to leave my precious, cozy bubble of South Florida and take full advantage of this once in a life time experience!

The One Minute Manager

Just finished the book One Minute Manager by Kenneth H. Blanchard Ph.D. and Spencer Johnson M.D. The book tells a story, recounting three techniques of an effective manager: one-minute goals, one-minute praisings and one-minute reprimands. I recommend the book and believe it is very beneficial!

Healthier Me

I’ve joined the bandwagon and signed myself up for the 24 Day Challenge with Advocare. The challenge has become all the rave among my friends and they have seen great results in a short period of time. The challenge consist of supplements, nutrition, monitoring your water intake and exercise. There are two phases of the challenge. First, the Cleanse Phase which helps remove waste, preparing for optimal nutrient absorption. Second, is the Max Phase where you’ll give your body the best tools to achieve your next weight-management goal. 

I am only on day 2 of the challenge and what I have learned most is portion control and consuming water is key. The water recommendation is your body weight (pounds) divided by two, equals ounces of water you should consume per day. (1 cup = 8oz.) Food portion recommendations is 1 serving of protein at 4 to 6 ounces. 1 serving of vegetables, raw or cooked at 1 cup or 2 cups of leafy greens. 

Foods to avoid: Soda, Alcohol (which is a toughie), Creamy Sauces, High-Calorie dressings, Sugar, Fried Food, Processed Food and White Flour.

Foods that I love that are on the list of suggestions: Chicken Breast, Eggs, Fish (Salmon, Tilapia, Cod) Asparagus, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Spinach, Green Beans, Salad Greens, Tomato, Whole Grain Pasta, Fruit, Low-Fat Cheese, Hummus, Edamame and Avocado (in moderation).

As you can see Advocare prepares you for success, but it is up to you to reach your desired goal! I hope I can stay focus, eat healthy and exercise daily, in result reach my goal of loosing some weight. I also hope that after the 24 Day Challenge I continue the healthier lifestyle to keep the weight off and remain confident!

What It's Like to be 20 Something

What it’s like to be 20 something as told by Mean Girls, Girls and Bridesmaids. This article posted on BuzzFeed really captured how I feel as a 20 Something woman just trying to figure out life but afraid to leave my youth behind, in a comical way of course! 

What It's Like to be 20 Something

DIY American Pride

I found an adorable pair of American flag high-waisted shorts at Ralph Lauren but were out of my budget for possibly wearing them only once. I decided to be creative and design my own pair. I purchased Goodwill “mom jeans”, an American flag at Michaels and 1 yard of No-Sew adhesive.

             

(Left: Ralph Lauren $125, Right: DIY $14.50)

Directions: Before cutting the jeans, try them on and mark exactly where you want to begin cutting. Then, cut the No-Sew adhesive in half. Use the iron to attach the adhesive to the American flag fabric. After the fabric is attached to the adhesive lay the adhesive over the shorts and trace the outline of the shorts. After you cut around your tracing, peel off the paper backing of the adhesive and iron on the fabric to the shorts. I decided to not distress the shorts but if you’d like to rough them up I’d suggest using a razor blade and a cheese grater. 

New Year, New Resolutions

This year I decided to ring in the New Year in Chicago with friends from college. We spent the evening at the Palmer House Hotel at their New Years Eve Soiree where they had a top-shelf open bar and hor d'oeuvres in several ball rooms with different DJs. After midnight we went to an after party at the Hard Rock with another open bar and live entertainment. The evening totally exceeds my NYE expectations!

Now that I have fully recovered from all the excessive partying, I've decided to set a few resolutions for myself for the new year and I hope I will reach my goals. 

1. Move to Chicago - Since visiting friends in 2011 I have fallen in love with the city and after graduation this past April I was determined to move. Long story short, I got caught up in a job close to home and lost track of my dream. Now that I have cut ties with my former employer I can refocus my motivation. 
2. Stay Healthy - In November a friend and I began working out regularly visiting the gym and going on bike rides. I also started coaching soccer for girls under the age of 8 and they constantly keep me running. This year I want to focus more on maintaing a healthy weight and avoid late night munchies. 
3. Love my Job - I find it really important to love your job. I'm new to real world and believe I'm lucky enough to have a fresh start to find a career I'll enjoy. 
4. Travel - Although my parents may disagree, I don't think I traveled enough last year. I love discovering new places and learn about different cultures. I hope 2013 brings new experiences and I learn from my adventures. 

Wish me luck!