cool winter scene (no pun intended) "Winter had a bad hair day"
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Transitions...
So... how did I get here today?
I'm sitting here in the front of Coffee Table, a local gay coffee house located in the Short North. Sitting here I ponder why a large portion of the people I have met so far in Columbus (since last winter quarter) are either drug addicts, pathological liars, never have any money or have some sort of emotional problem. Now, that all sound arrogant or what have you but it is true.
So why am I not in the same boat? More importantly, what exactly is wrong with me because I am none of those things (I swear!). The answer, I really don't know... Maybe it is because of dumb luck, maybe because i'm just too damn smart...
I'm a 24 year old college student. I didn't start college until I was 22 for 1) I didn't have the money to, 2) I was depressed almost to the brink of ending it all and 3) I just didn't see myself in college (which is most likely due to the depression). Yet here I am... in college... well not right now cause of the quarter break.
Academic life started in Cincinnati, Ohio at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. I went there not only for the "art scene" but mostly to "get away." To get as far away as possible from my childhood home (Delaware, Ohio).
Down I went, with a 10k loan from Sally Mae (which my parents got for me). Moved into an apartment in what is called the "Gas Light District." The little neighborhood is full of college bound people, both young and old (mostly older gen.). It has more of a little town filled with niche shops and alternative stores (like IGA). It has several hospitals and of course the main University of Cincinnati. My apartment was nestled on the side of all of this, which was only a mile away from Cincinnati State. Well within walking/biking distance because I didn't have a car (still don't btw and it is a choice not a punishment).
Well I attended the school for a year and a half. Most terms (5 in all per year) I took at least 4 classes and got pretty good grades (mostly a straight As). At the same time I was looking for a job because I was only living off my savings (around 10k, which was something I earned, the loan was separate).
Couldn't find one... Well a year goes by and i'm slowly running out of funds. I did eventually find a job at a data entry company but could only work there for two terms (about 2 weeks). The work week was 8hrs and 7 days, which would interfere with school and that was not an option.
I also found a job at a Pier 1 but they gave me like 3 hours a week and it took an hour to get there and back and I wasn't making any money so I quit.
After all of this (about 6 months later) I headed out of Cincinnati for good. For one, the apartment complex wouldn't fix my shower (which breaks the lease) and two I didn't have any more monies.
Back at my parents house, sitting in my old room, I plotted what my next move would be. The new strategy was, apply to OSU and if accepted (which I was) move to a dorm for a few months while I try and find an apartment and a job (didn't find either until around August...).
I talked with my advisors and set a course onward into the VISCOM major. Shortly there after I moved into Jones Graduate Tower a few days before winter quarter started.
The first quarter killed me. I almost failed my classes and i'm just now starting to recover my G.P.A. Dunno what it is.. the classes are harder or maybe the teachers are different here.. I dunno... but i'm working on it.
Doesn't matter, I suppose, in the long run; though I try and be a well rounded student regardless. I should partake in a few more extracurricular activities but Id rather just work and hang out with people I know...
Anyway, it turns out that you need to take an entrance exam to get into the major... well I didn't find out about it till a few months after I started classes... meh...
See, had I known, i'd already done the exam and hopefully got in so I could continue on this year instead of waiting a year.
There is a benefit however.
If I get in this year (please!), it gives me time to take a few classes that I still need (science classes and I think a literature course). Then i'll have maybe a few months before I have to start again (which I really really need). I'm burnt out... it happens.
Well for a new years resolution I decided to drop out of OSU and start at Columbus State come spring 2008. It will be a nice change I think and will launch me into getting a degree a heck of a lot faster then the speed I was going at OSU.
I wonder, looking back on this in a few months if i'll hate myself...
Well, I have this written so I can look back and i'll remember why I changed my mind.
I'm sitting here in the front of Coffee Table, a local gay coffee house located in the Short North. Sitting here I ponder why a large portion of the people I have met so far in Columbus (since last winter quarter) are either drug addicts, pathological liars, never have any money or have some sort of emotional problem. Now, that all sound arrogant or what have you but it is true.
So why am I not in the same boat? More importantly, what exactly is wrong with me because I am none of those things (I swear!). The answer, I really don't know... Maybe it is because of dumb luck, maybe because i'm just too damn smart...
I'm a 24 year old college student. I didn't start college until I was 22 for 1) I didn't have the money to, 2) I was depressed almost to the brink of ending it all and 3) I just didn't see myself in college (which is most likely due to the depression). Yet here I am... in college... well not right now cause of the quarter break.
Academic life started in Cincinnati, Ohio at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. I went there not only for the "art scene" but mostly to "get away." To get as far away as possible from my childhood home (Delaware, Ohio).
Down I went, with a 10k loan from Sally Mae (which my parents got for me). Moved into an apartment in what is called the "Gas Light District." The little neighborhood is full of college bound people, both young and old (mostly older gen.). It has more of a little town filled with niche shops and alternative stores (like IGA). It has several hospitals and of course the main University of Cincinnati. My apartment was nestled on the side of all of this, which was only a mile away from Cincinnati State. Well within walking/biking distance because I didn't have a car (still don't btw and it is a choice not a punishment).
Well I attended the school for a year and a half. Most terms (5 in all per year) I took at least 4 classes and got pretty good grades (mostly a straight As). At the same time I was looking for a job because I was only living off my savings (around 10k, which was something I earned, the loan was separate).
Couldn't find one... Well a year goes by and i'm slowly running out of funds. I did eventually find a job at a data entry company but could only work there for two terms (about 2 weeks). The work week was 8hrs and 7 days, which would interfere with school and that was not an option.
I also found a job at a Pier 1 but they gave me like 3 hours a week and it took an hour to get there and back and I wasn't making any money so I quit.
After all of this (about 6 months later) I headed out of Cincinnati for good. For one, the apartment complex wouldn't fix my shower (which breaks the lease) and two I didn't have any more monies.
Back at my parents house, sitting in my old room, I plotted what my next move would be. The new strategy was, apply to OSU and if accepted (which I was) move to a dorm for a few months while I try and find an apartment and a job (didn't find either until around August...).
I talked with my advisors and set a course onward into the VISCOM major. Shortly there after I moved into Jones Graduate Tower a few days before winter quarter started.
The first quarter killed me. I almost failed my classes and i'm just now starting to recover my G.P.A. Dunno what it is.. the classes are harder or maybe the teachers are different here.. I dunno... but i'm working on it.
Doesn't matter, I suppose, in the long run; though I try and be a well rounded student regardless. I should partake in a few more extracurricular activities but Id rather just work and hang out with people I know...
Anyway, it turns out that you need to take an entrance exam to get into the major... well I didn't find out about it till a few months after I started classes... meh...
See, had I known, i'd already done the exam and hopefully got in so I could continue on this year instead of waiting a year.
There is a benefit however.
If I get in this year (please!), it gives me time to take a few classes that I still need (science classes and I think a literature course). Then i'll have maybe a few months before I have to start again (which I really really need). I'm burnt out... it happens.
Well for a new years resolution I decided to drop out of OSU and start at Columbus State come spring 2008. It will be a nice change I think and will launch me into getting a degree a heck of a lot faster then the speed I was going at OSU.
I wonder, looking back on this in a few months if i'll hate myself...
Well, I have this written so I can look back and i'll remember why I changed my mind.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Tonsillitis
A friend of mine recently found out that he has Tonsillitis. I wont say who but I never had this problem so I looked it up!
Essentially it is an inflammation and infection of the tonsils (lymphatic nodes) which usually show itself as a swelling with mucus and white pustules on them. Essentially the lymphatic system helps the immune system by trapping foreign bodies and allowing the white blood cells to do their magic. The tonsils sit on either side of the back of the throat.
I'm my understanding, when humans were evolving, we were eating raw meat at one point so we needed to have a strong immuno-defense in the mouth/throat as a preemptive strike to protect our bodies. I.E. So we don't get sick. Neat!
Below are several links I found on the subject on WebMD:
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tonsillitis-topic-overview
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tonsillitis-treatment-overview
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tonsillitis-cause
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tonsillitis-what-happens
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/understanding-tonsillitis-basics
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/understanding-tonsillitis-treatment
Essentially it is an inflammation and infection of the tonsils (lymphatic nodes) which usually show itself as a swelling with mucus and white pustules on them. Essentially the lymphatic system helps the immune system by trapping foreign bodies and allowing the white blood cells to do their magic. The tonsils sit on either side of the back of the throat.
I'm my understanding, when humans were evolving, we were eating raw meat at one point so we needed to have a strong immuno-defense in the mouth/throat as a preemptive strike to protect our bodies. I.E. So we don't get sick. Neat!
Below are several links I found on the subject on WebMD:
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tonsillitis-topic-overview
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tonsillitis-treatment-overview
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tonsillitis-cause
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tonsillitis-what-happens
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/understanding-tonsillitis-basics
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/understanding-tonsillitis-treatment
Friday, November 30, 2007
Spaghetti Warehouse Chronicles...
Today at work really wasn't a big deal, mostly things went very smoothly. There was a bit of confusion but nothing really devastating..
Well one thing that happened tonight has sparked me into wanting to go in when I work tomorrow and walk to Holly (one of the managers).
A group of 6 people came in and I was going to take them to one of the beds in section A. Another group of 4 (i think) came in and was to be sat by Chris.
Well I start heading back and people were following me and I turn to look behind me and I saw that the group Chris was to take was actually following me and the other group was still at the podium.
OOPS!
Happens every once in a while, no big deal. I simply told the group that was following me they were supposed to follow Chris and I waved to my group to come over.
Then we both took them on up.
Well, coming back to the host podium, Chad (and older guy, one of the hosts that has worked on in off for a while there) grabbed me by the arm and said something along the lines of "Don't leave your customers behind."
Well #1 You don't grab your co-workers like that.. it is inappropriate and unlawful.
#2 He isn't a manager so if I really did something wrong, he isn't the person to correct me.
So, i'm going to take it up with the manager that was there at the time it happened.
I'll see how it goes...
Well one thing that happened tonight has sparked me into wanting to go in when I work tomorrow and walk to Holly (one of the managers).
A group of 6 people came in and I was going to take them to one of the beds in section A. Another group of 4 (i think) came in and was to be sat by Chris.
Well I start heading back and people were following me and I turn to look behind me and I saw that the group Chris was to take was actually following me and the other group was still at the podium.
OOPS!
Happens every once in a while, no big deal. I simply told the group that was following me they were supposed to follow Chris and I waved to my group to come over.
Then we both took them on up.
Well, coming back to the host podium, Chad (and older guy, one of the hosts that has worked on in off for a while there) grabbed me by the arm and said something along the lines of "Don't leave your customers behind."
Well #1 You don't grab your co-workers like that.. it is inappropriate and unlawful.
#2 He isn't a manager so if I really did something wrong, he isn't the person to correct me.
So, i'm going to take it up with the manager that was there at the time it happened.
I'll see how it goes...
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Spaghetti Warehouse Chronicles...
At Spaghetti Warehouse, a host, answers the phone most of the time. Answering questions, fixing reservations, etc. When we get a carry out order request we usually page the front bartender to take them.
Well today it was Scott and he was busy doing something in the kitchen so I went ahead and took the order.
During the order I heard Morgan, rudely, yell at me saying that I wasn't to do that (she isn't a manager, she is just a host like me). I've taken several orders over the phone and i've never really had a problem. If I have a question, I simply ask the customer to wait and I run off and ask a manger, server, or whomever I think who could answer it.
I'm not sure what Morgans problem was but it wasn't mine.
After that I was about ready to head off to take the order to Scott the phone rang again and I answered. It was another customer asking if we would accept a reservation for 10 people in about 30min or so. So after I got the information. I put them on hold so I could go ask a manager. Well as I was taking the information down Chris yells "Hello?! A manager!" I just looked at him and went back to what I was doing... because I knew what I was doing.
Well as I got ready to go, Morgan complained again about me taking an order and slammed her hand down on the podium. I simply told her that I take them all the time.
So, I run off, find Dianna (who is the head manager) and ask her about the reservation. She said to take it, so I run back to thepodium and as I get there Morgan answered the phone reservation so I told her that Dianna said to take it.
Then I ran down to the bar and Scott was there (didn't see him in the kitchen) and handed him the order...
So much drama for a few simple phone calls...
Well today it was Scott and he was busy doing something in the kitchen so I went ahead and took the order.
During the order I heard Morgan, rudely, yell at me saying that I wasn't to do that (she isn't a manager, she is just a host like me). I've taken several orders over the phone and i've never really had a problem. If I have a question, I simply ask the customer to wait and I run off and ask a manger, server, or whomever I think who could answer it.
I'm not sure what Morgans problem was but it wasn't mine.
After that I was about ready to head off to take the order to Scott the phone rang again and I answered. It was another customer asking if we would accept a reservation for 10 people in about 30min or so. So after I got the information. I put them on hold so I could go ask a manager. Well as I was taking the information down Chris yells "Hello?! A manager!" I just looked at him and went back to what I was doing... because I knew what I was doing.
Well as I got ready to go, Morgan complained again about me taking an order and slammed her hand down on the podium. I simply told her that I take them all the time.
So, I run off, find Dianna (who is the head manager) and ask her about the reservation. She said to take it, so I run back to thepodium and as I get there Morgan answered the phone reservation so I told her that Dianna said to take it.
Then I ran down to the bar and Scott was there (didn't see him in the kitchen) and handed him the order...
So much drama for a few simple phone calls...
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