"Said woman take it slow
It'll work itself out fine
All we need is just a little patience"
Guns 'N Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin wrote and singer Axl Rose whined this aptly-named song "Patience". It was a beautifully played acoustic ballad released in 1989. Now, although I am taking the love song completely out of context for this blog post, these lyrics are more than appropriate, and here's why:
The other day I discovered the local Chevy dealer McElveen only about a mile down the road from the apartment and I decided it was time to get an oil change. I just got my last one back in April but I suppose two separate trips from Michigan to the Edge of America will really rack up those miles. Anyhow, I was playing a popular game on my phone while sitting in the waiting room and, before I knew it, CNN had recycled it's stories and I realized I'd been there for over an hour.. I never had to wait this long while getting a simple oil change with a requested, complimentary car wash, not even at the 3rd party service shops. As I tried to kill fat oinkers with flying squawkers using only a slingshot on my smart phone, I witnessed various sales and service representatives and even mechanics passing in and out of the waiting area. After a while, the sales clerk apologized for the extensive wait and informed me that he would go check on the status of my oil change. One cup of coffee and two cups of buttered popcorn later, the same gentleman explained that a communication error had occurred and that they were just starting to work on Henrietta. I sipped through another cup of coffee and one more cup of popcorn before I was approached by a service manager. I heard the good "S" word once more along with a more detailed explanation of the wait and I received a sincere handshake along with the key for my HHR. Now, I've always agreed time is money, for the most part. At risk of contradicting that statement, however, I do believe patience really is a virtue. From start to finish, I rolled out of the parking lot with a smile on my face and the satisfaction of receiving a free oil change and wash after waiting two and a half hours. Not a bad deal if you ask me!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
"Kiss My Grits"
LIFE
I will start by admitting that I have caught myself actually speaking with a southern accent, especially when I'm at work around all the hillbillies.. Yep. Yuh spend so much time makin' fun of 'em by imitation and it becomes a second language, almost naturally. Alyssa and I have also had grits for the first time. Nothing special, really. They taste like cream of wheat. It's good! Anyhow, lemmy get to this post right quick <-- WHAT??!???>
WORK
I've officially decided to leave the Food & Beverage industry. I have put a two weeks notice in with Little Caesar's -- and on the very same day they decide to start making me an assistant manager.. My last day there will be June 23 (I think) and the only connection I can foresee myself having with F&B are the beautiful, ripe tomatoes I will be growing, hopefully sooner than later! Why the dramatic loss of interest? Well, I've been hired in as a delivery rider (not driver) for Lowe's and I'll sum it up by saying I've already received overtime for this "part time" position. I felt it was unfair to keep missing shifts and calling in to Little Caesar's, so I just left. Plus, Lowe's offers a plethora of great benefits and other incentives as well as promising opportunities for career advancement, even for those "part timers" such as myself. At the very least, I'm getting a LOT of exercise hauling refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers, and more, on and off of trucks, in and out of peoples' homes. This has become quite beneficial with the Weight Watchers program, as Alyssa mentioned in her post a few days ago. I'm also getting to know the areas in and around Mount Pleasant and getting some great ideas of places to look for our first home!!
FUN
Ever since we moved here, Alyssa and I have both heard from neighbors, colleagues, and passers-by about the Riverdogs.. They are a Minor League Baseball team and we got to go to our first home game against a team from Greenville, SC. The play-by-play announcer was annoying and unoriginal but it is the closest thing we have to any major sports franchise without having to travel a few hours to Columbia, Charlotte, or even Atlanta. Their stadium is called "The Joe" which I refuse to acknowledge, save for this rant, because I will always know Joe Louis Arena as "The Joe" and the official home of the Deeeeetrrroooooiiiit Red Wings! Actor Bill Murray, who lives in Mount Pleasant, apparently owns a part of the Riverdogs and can be seen at games on occassion. Additionally, it has come to our attention that many other celebrities have homes or vacation spots in and around Charleston such as Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Reese Witherspoon, and Bruce Willis and most noteably in the Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island areas. They even have their own private airport... I've already delivered to some of those areas and, although I am unimpressed, I am a bit envious of these large castles. I digress. Many players for the Riverdogs have been drafted to play for the Yankees, which means it made for a great game! We won 6 to 4 and I caught a free shirt for Alyssa when they were being thrown out into the crowd.
Perhaps I can catch a "Great Clips Foul Ball" (sponsorship) at our next Riverdogs game!
MEDICINE
Did I mention I am in the delivery department for Lowe's? Oh, right, I did.. Well, that means I get to meet very interesting people and the places they live. I've begun asking a tiny mental list of regular questions to some of the customers. I would ask about places to go and eat or things to do and see. I met a group of retired teachers who recommended Locklear's Fine Seafood in Mount Pleasant. The entire experience was phenomenal! Our host was polite as he sat us to our booth. Our waitress Tabitha, who grew up in Mount Pleasant but sounded like she moved from up north, was very informative but even more so attentive to our needs; she even admitted that we were her only table at the time so check ups and water refills were quite frequent! Tabitha also answered each and every one of our picky questions in regards to health, reduced-guilt, and other Weight Watchers-related inqueries. We were able to order substitutions (i.e. oil instead of butter). After browsing the selections, we each decided to start with a cup of Locklear's award winning She Crab Soup. Similar to a clam chowder, this cream-based delight was full of crab meat and vegetables and we both agree with all of the food panels and judges to award this apetizing soup! Next came our house salads with ranch. The mixed greens and veggies were fresh and the creamy dressing has easily become a favorite for both Alyssa and me. Alyssa ordered the Pasta Locklear: sauteed shrimp and veggies over pasta with parmesan cheese. I ordered the blackened swordfish with rice pilaf and fried okra. Both entrees were marvelously delicious and I will just let the next two pictures share the rest because, after all, a picture is worth a thousand words, is it not?
DEATH
Lastly, I am officially a murderer.. Apparently, I planted Gabriel in the Topsy Turvy incorrectly and I neglected to remove the non-biodegradable pot. This caused poor flow of nutrients and subtle root rot to occur. As such, I bought Monty!
He is the same species of tomato plant, Big Boy, and he came in a biodegradable pot. I wasn't prepared to accept a double homicide of vegetation, however, and I removed the pot and label. This should allow the water and soil to reach the plant and produce much healthier buds. I just planted Monty yesterday, so I will try to provide an update of his status in just a few weeks!
CLOSURE
That's pretty much it, for now.. I've recently downloaded a 3D design and engineering software to assist me with some inventive ideas I have. I've already said too much..
Stay clicked for more updates!
I will start by admitting that I have caught myself actually speaking with a southern accent, especially when I'm at work around all the hillbillies.. Yep. Yuh spend so much time makin' fun of 'em by imitation and it becomes a second language, almost naturally. Alyssa and I have also had grits for the first time. Nothing special, really. They taste like cream of wheat. It's good! Anyhow, lemmy get to this post right quick <-- WHAT??!???>
WORK
I've officially decided to leave the Food & Beverage industry. I have put a two weeks notice in with Little Caesar's -- and on the very same day they decide to start making me an assistant manager.. My last day there will be June 23 (I think) and the only connection I can foresee myself having with F&B are the beautiful, ripe tomatoes I will be growing, hopefully sooner than later! Why the dramatic loss of interest? Well, I've been hired in as a delivery rider (not driver) for Lowe's and I'll sum it up by saying I've already received overtime for this "part time" position. I felt it was unfair to keep missing shifts and calling in to Little Caesar's, so I just left. Plus, Lowe's offers a plethora of great benefits and other incentives as well as promising opportunities for career advancement, even for those "part timers" such as myself. At the very least, I'm getting a LOT of exercise hauling refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers, and more, on and off of trucks, in and out of peoples' homes. This has become quite beneficial with the Weight Watchers program, as Alyssa mentioned in her post a few days ago. I'm also getting to know the areas in and around Mount Pleasant and getting some great ideas of places to look for our first home!!
FUN
Ever since we moved here, Alyssa and I have both heard from neighbors, colleagues, and passers-by about the Riverdogs.. They are a Minor League Baseball team and we got to go to our first home game against a team from Greenville, SC. The play-by-play announcer was annoying and unoriginal but it is the closest thing we have to any major sports franchise without having to travel a few hours to Columbia, Charlotte, or even Atlanta. Their stadium is called "The Joe" which I refuse to acknowledge, save for this rant, because I will always know Joe Louis Arena as "The Joe" and the official home of the Deeeeetrrroooooiiiit Red Wings! Actor Bill Murray, who lives in Mount Pleasant, apparently owns a part of the Riverdogs and can be seen at games on occassion. Additionally, it has come to our attention that many other celebrities have homes or vacation spots in and around Charleston such as Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Reese Witherspoon, and Bruce Willis and most noteably in the Kiawah Island and Seabrook Island areas. They even have their own private airport... I've already delivered to some of those areas and, although I am unimpressed, I am a bit envious of these large castles. I digress. Many players for the Riverdogs have been drafted to play for the Yankees, which means it made for a great game! We won 6 to 4 and I caught a free shirt for Alyssa when they were being thrown out into the crowd.
 |
| From Jun 13, 2011 |
Perhaps I can catch a "Great Clips Foul Ball" (sponsorship) at our next Riverdogs game!
MEDICINE
Did I mention I am in the delivery department for Lowe's? Oh, right, I did.. Well, that means I get to meet very interesting people and the places they live. I've begun asking a tiny mental list of regular questions to some of the customers. I would ask about places to go and eat or things to do and see. I met a group of retired teachers who recommended Locklear's Fine Seafood in Mount Pleasant. The entire experience was phenomenal! Our host was polite as he sat us to our booth. Our waitress Tabitha, who grew up in Mount Pleasant but sounded like she moved from up north, was very informative but even more so attentive to our needs; she even admitted that we were her only table at the time so check ups and water refills were quite frequent! Tabitha also answered each and every one of our picky questions in regards to health, reduced-guilt, and other Weight Watchers-related inqueries. We were able to order substitutions (i.e. oil instead of butter). After browsing the selections, we each decided to start with a cup of Locklear's award winning She Crab Soup. Similar to a clam chowder, this cream-based delight was full of crab meat and vegetables and we both agree with all of the food panels and judges to award this apetizing soup! Next came our house salads with ranch. The mixed greens and veggies were fresh and the creamy dressing has easily become a favorite for both Alyssa and me. Alyssa ordered the Pasta Locklear: sauteed shrimp and veggies over pasta with parmesan cheese. I ordered the blackened swordfish with rice pilaf and fried okra. Both entrees were marvelously delicious and I will just let the next two pictures share the rest because, after all, a picture is worth a thousand words, is it not?
 |
| From Jun 16, 2011 |
 |
| From Jun 16, 2011 |
DEATH
Lastly, I am officially a murderer.. Apparently, I planted Gabriel in the Topsy Turvy incorrectly and I neglected to remove the non-biodegradable pot. This caused poor flow of nutrients and subtle root rot to occur. As such, I bought Monty!
 |
| From Jun 16, 2011 |
He is the same species of tomato plant, Big Boy, and he came in a biodegradable pot. I wasn't prepared to accept a double homicide of vegetation, however, and I removed the pot and label. This should allow the water and soil to reach the plant and produce much healthier buds. I just planted Monty yesterday, so I will try to provide an update of his status in just a few weeks!
CLOSURE
That's pretty much it, for now.. I've recently downloaded a 3D design and engineering software to assist me with some inventive ideas I have. I've already said too much..
Stay clicked for more updates!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Jelly Balls!
There is a LOT to talk about!! Brian will be updating tomorrow or the next so there's not a whole bunch to throw at you at once.
BEACH
Brian and I went to the Washout at Folly Beach this weekend. He heard from a colleague that this was one of the best places to be on the beach. We packed a picnic and headed out. Folly Beach is about 30 minutes away (with traffic). No paid parking, vacation rental houses hoisted on stilts, and miles of sand. The water was like bath water, but we went in only to find a rocky floor. Meh. Oh, and did we mention that it's the best place for...surfers? Yeah. We went out on our boogie boards and I swear...almost got my head chopped off by a surf board!!!!!! Okay...not really.
Do you see...in the bottom right corner of the picture? The grey-looking thing? Totally a Jelly Ball.
They usually look like that just when they have washed on the shore. They are jellyfish without the tentacles--completely harmless, but gross. At least, to me!
We weren't feeling too hot about this area--I knew I was going to cut up my feet sooner or later (I know, I'm so lame) so we started our picnic and left to go to Isle of Palms!!
We packed little pizzas and watermelon! We love IOP the best. More sand space, smooth floor, very chill!
BIG NEWS
Brian and I started Weight Watchers!!! It has only been 2 weeks, and in the first week we already lost some weight! Brian lost 11 pounds and I lost 3! Can you believe it? Brian lost 11 pounds!!! LOL! I'm happy about my 3 pounds too; I know it's a lot easier for guys to lose weight faster--I'm just really happy for him! We will update about our weight loss through the blog. The only trouble we are finding is either 1) we cannot get up to our allotted points (weird, right?) and 2. the cost of eating healthy is EXPENSIVE!!! We're trying to get produce from the grocery store, but we're going to go back to the Vegetable Bin just as soon as we get a chance. We realized that Weight Watchers teaches discipline with food. How much we're eating, when, what...It's a good thing, and I think we can really stick with this!!
TEACHING
I was watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution the other night and he was trying to change the way some public schools feed their kids, which, I couldn't be happier to see. The...THINGS some kids are eating in the Charleston Public Schools are just...atrocious. Sometimes you cannot tell what is the potato and what is the meat! Even if they serve any kind of fruit, it is always bruised and spoiled. Those poor kids...half of them don't even eat! And you know some of them don't even get dinner.
Anyway, I subbed at the school I will be working in this fall. They have a beautiful, large salad bar with vegetables that they grow from their own garden. Holy cow, RIGHT? Along with hearty main courses-- one day I had fish sticks and boiled potatoes and the other, turkey meatball sub with corn! REAL STUFF, PEOPLE!! And the kids enjoy it!! There is always fresh cut fruit, oatmeal, yogurt, orange juice, and granola (all Kosher). TEACHERS EAT FOR FREE! WOO HOO! I am so excited for THAT!
I am ALSO excited because...the principal is making sure that I GET A SMART BOARD IN MY CLASSROOM!!!!! These SMART Boards are interactive overheads--they are touch sensitive and are wonderful for highly kinesthetic learners, or...you know...children that can't stay in their seats (most children :) ). I love using the SMART board---especially for math! (Learn more here: http://smarttech.com/)
DOWNTOWN
Speaking of school, we went by the College of Charleston where I believe I will be getting my Masters in Science and Mathematics Education.
It is the "Oldest Municipal College in America" or so said the plaque.
It is such a beautiful place to walk into and it is SO tucked away!!! That's probably the main building, and all of the other parts of the college are in houses that have been preserved by the city right in the downtown area!
Look out for Brian's post! He'll be talking about the Riverdogs, Locklears, his job, and more!
BEACH
Brian and I went to the Washout at Folly Beach this weekend. He heard from a colleague that this was one of the best places to be on the beach. We packed a picnic and headed out. Folly Beach is about 30 minutes away (with traffic). No paid parking, vacation rental houses hoisted on stilts, and miles of sand. The water was like bath water, but we went in only to find a rocky floor. Meh. Oh, and did we mention that it's the best place for...surfers? Yeah. We went out on our boogie boards and I swear...almost got my head chopped off by a surf board!!!!!! Okay...not really.
Do you see...in the bottom right corner of the picture? The grey-looking thing? Totally a Jelly Ball.
They usually look like that just when they have washed on the shore. They are jellyfish without the tentacles--completely harmless, but gross. At least, to me!
We weren't feeling too hot about this area--I knew I was going to cut up my feet sooner or later (I know, I'm so lame) so we started our picnic and left to go to Isle of Palms!!
We packed little pizzas and watermelon! We love IOP the best. More sand space, smooth floor, very chill!
BIG NEWS
Brian and I started Weight Watchers!!! It has only been 2 weeks, and in the first week we already lost some weight! Brian lost 11 pounds and I lost 3! Can you believe it? Brian lost 11 pounds!!! LOL! I'm happy about my 3 pounds too; I know it's a lot easier for guys to lose weight faster--I'm just really happy for him! We will update about our weight loss through the blog. The only trouble we are finding is either 1) we cannot get up to our allotted points (weird, right?) and 2. the cost of eating healthy is EXPENSIVE!!! We're trying to get produce from the grocery store, but we're going to go back to the Vegetable Bin just as soon as we get a chance. We realized that Weight Watchers teaches discipline with food. How much we're eating, when, what...It's a good thing, and I think we can really stick with this!!
TEACHING
I was watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution the other night and he was trying to change the way some public schools feed their kids, which, I couldn't be happier to see. The...THINGS some kids are eating in the Charleston Public Schools are just...atrocious. Sometimes you cannot tell what is the potato and what is the meat! Even if they serve any kind of fruit, it is always bruised and spoiled. Those poor kids...half of them don't even eat! And you know some of them don't even get dinner.
Anyway, I subbed at the school I will be working in this fall. They have a beautiful, large salad bar with vegetables that they grow from their own garden. Holy cow, RIGHT? Along with hearty main courses-- one day I had fish sticks and boiled potatoes and the other, turkey meatball sub with corn! REAL STUFF, PEOPLE!! And the kids enjoy it!! There is always fresh cut fruit, oatmeal, yogurt, orange juice, and granola (all Kosher). TEACHERS EAT FOR FREE! WOO HOO! I am so excited for THAT!
I am ALSO excited because...the principal is making sure that I GET A SMART BOARD IN MY CLASSROOM!!!!! These SMART Boards are interactive overheads--they are touch sensitive and are wonderful for highly kinesthetic learners, or...you know...children that can't stay in their seats (most children :) ). I love using the SMART board---especially for math! (Learn more here: http://smarttech.com/)
DOWNTOWN
Speaking of school, we went by the College of Charleston where I believe I will be getting my Masters in Science and Mathematics Education.
It is the "Oldest Municipal College in America" or so said the plaque.
It is such a beautiful place to walk into and it is SO tucked away!!! That's probably the main building, and all of the other parts of the college are in houses that have been preserved by the city right in the downtown area!
Look out for Brian's post! He'll be talking about the Riverdogs, Locklears, his job, and more!
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