A Girl....

I had this sent to me a month ago by one of the chefs at my old work - a good friend of mine; Renee. I thought I would post it on here (lol I kinda need to delete it as Im running out of room in my text inbox) Thats bad I know...but there isnt a save option on this stinky old phone and my other phones is all filled up too!! Oh its just bad! Anyway... :o)

"A girl has strengths that amaze men. She can handle trouble and carry heavy burdens. She holds happiness, love and opinions. She smiles when she feels like screaming. She sings when she feels like crying, cries when she's happy and laughs when she's afriad. Her love is unconditional! There's only one thing wrong with her, she sometimes forgets what she is worth...."

The Good and the Bad

I had a really bad day on Tuesday - I hit rock bottom, or well feel over into a rock pool or something...Everything has just built up and this semester at Uni has been pretty stress free to be honest, I mean Ive only had one assessment that Ive had to hand in, the rest have all been online, or practical based and a few exams...ive actaully enjoyed this semester...! But just things with Uni, finances with work and other personal things just bult up and my pot lid started rattling and it just all spilled out - and I sadly took it out on a few people, one in particular...but then that pot lid has been sitting on for a long time simmering away and well its reached its boil...and pfft..lol....

I felt horrible a I tried to hide away in a public place - and I ran into a former co worker - one of the chefs whom I use to work with at the Hotel we were working at two years ago, and I was trying so hard to fake being happy but it didnt work on her and she came after me...I wanted to tell her how I was feeling but I couldnt because people were around me and I needed to get out of view from people...and I pulled away and walked off...I have since applogised to her and told her what is wrong..

I also need to say Sorry to Robbie...I really wish I could tell you truthfully about how I am feeling and what is going on, but I dont like burdening you with all my problems anymore - having said that I am here always for you and you have my 110% support for what your doing right now....

I was set straight late in afternoon by Big J....and he said some stuff to me that really hit a heart string...and I ended up not speaking at all to him but just crying...to which he wasnt happy I wasnt replying and I had to state I was on the train (I didnt want to be seen crying on the train...it would have been different if I had my sunnies on lol)

I think the only highlight out of Tuesday was apart from seeing one of my mates from one of my old work places, but watching Videos again in Intro to Hospitality - we were watching one on Virgin Galaxtic's Space Travel ....it seems that is all we do in that class haha...though there is an exam for it!! And I havent a clue how this paper fits in with all of the Diploma...is been pretty boring and we havent done much for it except watch videos and had the odd guest speaker in - thank god that out of all the guest speakers that my old boss wasnt one of them..! I can tell you if I ever do face him at Uni it will not be a pretty lecture to be sitting in!

That and the beautiful sunset I watched while I was on the train home - looking at it and knowing tomorrow will be a lovely day.

ANYWAY

On top of all that my shit day I had, I did have a good day today!

I was woken up by my baby nephew...my sister commented on the fact I hadnt woken straight up when she put him down on me, she said something about how I want a baby so much and yet I wont wake up....instead I snuggled up to my nephew in bed...then woke up as I had not just him but Eddie Bear was stuck in between us...and not just my sister but my mum and my older nephew were in my room too...so we had a bit of Aunty time...and said goodbye and it was off to the doctors for my mum and then to Uni...

I spent the car rides in the middle seat of the mini van with my nephew - as he requested for me to sit next to him...he is such a character...and I love him to bits...as I got out of the car at Uni he was yelling at me going BYE AUNTY!! I said to him Bye MICHAEL!! He then said YOUR FUNNY!! I said I love you Michael and said I love you too Aunty... I then said in return Miss you Mikey...he said to me I miss you too Aunty....he gave me a hug and kiss and then yelled out BYE ALEGATOR.....I yelled back Bye Crocodile...and he waved good bye and all the way around until he couldnt see me anymore and mum had driven past Uni and I had gone in...such an Awesome kid he is at times and I am blown away at his speech and the convos we now have....it was delayed but its there and Im proud!! Next step is getting him to write!!

Speaking of Writing - Robbie you would be amazed and at how much Meggie's writing has come along since she wrote you that letter two years ago with my help!!

I went to class and we sat there - Just the three of us, and the lecturer and her guide dog (no my lecturer isnt blind, though we did ask her on our first day lol....she breed guide dogs and her old girl is a retired bitch) I ended up switching off as I got lost hahah...I will figure out the sums and stuff later, I just need some exercises to work on and then I am fine...though the text book is to complecated to understand...

Once I finish Uni I walked down to Britomart and then decided to carry on walking up to the Viaduct Harbour, I walked as far as where the Vodafone building is...I sat in the sun...and looked out to the harbour just soak the rays and taking in the beauty of the day and watching some guy polishing his super yatch - Still Calm Waters....Blue Cloud Free Sky....Sun and light breeze....I then walked all the way round the viaduct and back up to Britomart where I caught the train home.

The only thing I missed today was my Camera...Ive had my batteries on charge and havent had it with me! I felt so empty...hopefully there will be another nice day next week and i will do the same walk and take photos...

Well enough rambling best get to bed!!

*waves to her wifey*

Guttered about the comps!

Monday saw me at another training session for the comps, and my mum had brought all the stuff I have so far into Uni and spent an hour or two with me while I set up my table for Gina....turns out she has very much a big imput on how the table goes....and Im already having to rethink some things...

I learnt last night, that I am not the only one doing the Innovative Table Setting class...there is another girl, and she actually knows me from GPK...haha as she works at Mint just up the road. She was wondering what happened to me...I tell you serious working for the place is like having a Tattoo its there with you for life regardless of if you have left or not! But I did learn some more interesting things about my old work...gee its so amazing what I am learning especially this semester at uni...people really do talk...and I have learnt just how well knowning but also how well not liked my ex boss is - and those that did somewhat think highly of him and have gotten to know me and learnt what he has done to me have become not so impressed with him...

ANYWAY....back to the comps.

I have found that it is one almighty tough squeeze on the table once everything is on there...and because I burnt the table cloth (who on earth turnt the iron up!??) and mum had to cut part of it off we now have to have a second table cloth underneath....as its not long enough! And Im going to have to probably eitherfind some super starch for the napkins or find something different for them all together as spray starch is not doing anything on the Poylester to stiffen them....I also have to get a new vase and candle as what I have its too big :o(

My main size plates are HUGE they take up at least half of the space and I am struggling to get all my train lines meeting up...its easy enough to do with out having plates on the table but because I have the plates there its a struggle! I can get my forks and knives parallel to each other but I cant get my dessert cutlery in line with them....then the plates have to be parallel and the glass pretty much everything..

This is starting to prove more difficult than it sounds and looks!

Check List for Innovative Table Settings

I sure hope my box is going to be big enough - and I sure hope no one touches it!! HANDS OFF MY BOX PEOPLE!! Yuh huh, you know its, its in the storage room at the back of the linen room....my name plastered all over....keep your mits off it! lol

Well my Box so far Contains:

1x Metal Wine Bucket (for polishing)
1x Cadday Tray Thingymabob
1x Mr Muscel Spray and Wipe
2x Chux Cloths
2x Tea Towels
8x Commis Cloths (aka Polishing Cloths)
1x Bar Tray
1x Pair of White Gloves (dont ask what for but aparently I need them)
5x High Ball Glasses
1x Baby Hurricane Vase (dont ask why Gina decided to put it in there)
4x Fish Knives
4x Fish Forks

(All of this is on loan from AUT)


What needs to go in the box:

4x Square Soup Bowls
4x Square Side Plates
4x Square Dinner Plates
4x Champage Flutes
1x Salt and Pepper Set
1x Hurrican Vase
1x Candle
1x Bag of Shells
4x Starfish
4x Baby Kite Bags
1x Box of Seashell Chocolates
4x Napkins
1x Table Centre Piece Cloth
1x Table Cloth

Still need to make/buy/get:

1x Small Bottle of Vinegar (for polishing)
4x Chair Covers
4x Menus
4x Place Name Cards
1x Theme Card


What I need to collect from Piko's Side Buffets:

4x Main Knives
4x Main Forks
4x Dessert Spoons
4x Soup Spoons
8x Entree/Dessert Forks
8x Entree/Side Knives


I also need to hand in my entrance form and fee!! First Day of training went well, i was admittedly stupid and decided hey I will get mum to take me into Uni, so I can get an extra hours sleep - but instead I got stuck in traffic for two hours - then we had a massive argument in the car....and I had a big melt down to Robbie via text....thanks Hunnie...what would I do with out you?? I dried my tears off and decided to attempt trying to track Gina down again which I managed to find her on my way out of the elevator...we together went down to Four Seasons for my training and we talked about ideas and what I have and what I need to get and what I can borrow...and stuff...

And its going well so far - I can not believe how much Ive spent already!!! O-M-G!! Lol....it better bloody pay off I tell you! One thing I have learnt, my god weddings must be expensive, Im only doing a four setting table setting, I cant even begin to imagine what hard work goes into weddings - just looking at the two I have done at work! WOW!!

Anyway - keep you posted as I go on...

Welcome to the World!!

Jacob Kevin Phillip Stevens

DOB: 22nd May 2009

Time: 5.27pm

Weight: 7lb 3oz

Welcome Baby Stevens!!!

My Bestest Friend Jade gave birth to another bouncy baby boy!!

RIP Anthony McAllister-Cram

RIP

Anthony Hayden Cameron McAllister-Cram

05th January 2007 - 23rd May 2007

Today is my best friend Shannon's beautiful Son's 2nd Anniversary.

I only met Anthony the one time, it was on Shann's 18th birthday which is only a few weeks before Anthony's Anniversary. I was blown away at how tiny he was hands and features were for his age...but then I remember he was sick. It was a stressful time for Shann and his family, and I remember the day he was born and how Shann texted me in a big freak out that he was a dad...I also remember the day he passed away in the hospital. I struggled a bit because I was so use to being with Shann, we would always be on the phone or texting if not that then we would be in person....so for me I had to try and learn to give him his space and time with his family and giving them space to grieve.

I remember the day of the Funeral, I was the first one at the cemetry, and I sat and waited in the car park for Shannon and his family to come. It was odd for me, as I was going to a funeral for my best friend's son, as well as for my ex best friend's son. Though I was there out of moral support for Shann, a part of me went out to my former best friend who sat on the opposite side of the chapel.

Anthony's funeral was my first funeral for a baby or a child, and it was extremely sad. Its something you shouldnt really have to go to. Everything is so small in size compared to an adult...the coffin, the grave....the herse looks so massive in comparison of the coffin size. And then knowing that a little life has ended so soon before it gets to experience anything...its extremely tough. It was probably the first funeral where I have actually cried at and had to hold hands with people...

Its hard leaving your best friend behind when they are hurting and in pain. But you have to suck it up and respect their wishes....and wait to be called on when they need you to come back...I remember after Anthony's funeral, in the evening going to see Shannon and his family, we had a little party in rememberance of him. I remember it because Shannon rang my work to say I wasnt coming in that he needed me, and my supervisor Maxine wasnt happy one bit about it...i felt so bad and wrote a massive letter of appology to her and gave it the next day....I think that was the day that me and Max became close (haha I use to think she was a major bitch but now I love her to bits)

Well to cut a long story short - I think I need to pay a much long awaited visit to my best friend's son's grave...and lay some flowers down for him, as I have not been since the day I shoved the soil onto his grave.

RIP Anthony - may your memory remain strong in your Daddy, Uncle Kammy and Nanny's hearts forever. Watch over them and guide them through their days....and remind them how much you love them and how thankful you are for the short time you had with them here....

Fly High Little Angel!

Not long to go..

Well not long to go now till this semester is finished - only TWO weeks. However I wont be fully finished when that comes, as I have an exam on the 5th, the 15th, and the 25th of June, then on the 5th of July I have the Culinary Comps, and in between then I will be having on going training most likely for the comps. So that leaves me really only with two weeks of real break before I go back on the 20th of July! I hate the first semester of the year....I guess one thing to think about is that come July I will no longer be a first year at Uni...I will be a seocnd year....YEA! Oh and that I will only have a year and half to go - Unless I can get some papers done during summer school to cut it down to one year.

One of the hard things is that I really want Luke to be at my Graduation, he is planning on leaving England in a years time, and to be down here by November next year when I suspect I will be graduating. However if I can get some papers done in Summer school this year, I will be able to cut out that whole extra semester I am currently facing, seriously I dont want to be at Uni any longer than I have to be....but if I was to do that, do some papers during summer school, it would be I would be graduating in July, meaning Luke wont be there for graduation. Its a gamble....but then what if Luke doesnt make it down at all or out of England next year for his OE?? Haha. Guess I will just have to stick it to taking each day as it comes.

Im so not looking forward to doing Accommodation Operations next semester - I just hope I bloody pass it the second time around, I feel better knowing that both Jude and Amal are repeating (lol Jude is repeating ALOT), I just hope my lecturer will be more helpful. You can really feel the tense air between us when we are in the elevator together or anywhere on Campus..! I also believe I have the same lecturer for Accommodation Management - GOD SAVE ME if I do have her for BOTH of those papers...!! How will I ever live and pass!?? Perhaps I need to sit down with her and my PL and talk to them about how I cant afford to fail this paper again or any papers I have yet to sit....and that I would appreciate if I could have extra tutorials on some of the content..I pray that there arent any massive assignments and if there are group ones that I get to be with my Indian boys hehehe...

This semester has been sooooo cruisey, that its gone by pretty fast and Ive just woken up now going what its over already?? It seems like only yesturday it was March the 2nd! This semester has been a bit more enjoyable that last semester - and I have to thank Robbie for that, with going out with him while he is working and I have breaks between class its taken half my bordem away...

A few results:

Food and Beverage Operations Practical:- 89.6%
Finacial Operations Online Assessment:- 73.9%

Poptarts and Bible Bashing

I got some goodies in the mail this week...I know I have been spoilt lately and once Uni and the comps are over I can relax for a few weeks before going back to Uni and hitting the boxes again. The downfall with going to Uni is that I dont find time to be creative and do my scrapbooking and stuff...all my money goes to Uni...it sucks and once I have completed this Diploma that is it...i am done with studying!! The only form of study I will undertake after this will be to get my General Managers Certificate and maybe some City and Guilds Exams if I can find someone in NZ who will actaully run the damn course (all very well advertising it...but not running it is another thing...its like faulse advertising in a way....)

But once Uni is done and duster and I have graduated....I am out of there and I am working...remember the only reason I went to Uni in the first place was to prove a point to my ex boss about how serious I was and because I was bored shit less and wasnt getting many hours and couldnt find anything else to do work wise...(once you work for my old work its like having a tattoo for life....its tanted your CV period...and they see that name and its like dum de dum dum DUM...I really wish I had learnt this BEFORE i went and worked there but given I have worked there I have learnt some stuff so Im techincally greatful)

Anyway - thank you to my lovely friend Michelle in California...your so great and thank you for satisfying my cravings for Pop Tarts!! And to Lyn D...I won a RAK on her blog for mothers day....thanks for the goodies you sent...

Now I will say this...given all this stuff I have greatfully been sent - I did do something Kind in return and put some credit on a mates phone...lol and funny story this he was telling me last night when he came over, that he went into the bank to find out where this money came from on his cellphone and he checked all his bank accounts and was lost...he keeps asking me why did I do it..I said its what friends do...he said he didnt like that as he doesnt know what to do now...i said you will find something in some way to do a kind deed to someone...it doesnt have to be in return to me...

Only this friendship with this mate is a highly stressful one and he is asking me to do things that could get me into alot of shit...with regards to being at Uni...and as much as I feel sorry for the guy and what is happening back home with his family and stuff - Ive had to tell him straight up NO to what he is asking me to do...

I dont need this stress - its starting to build up now and I can feel it - and I dont need it not with exams right around the corner!

Here's a funny thing today - i had a lady randomly come up to me on Queen Street and told me she was from the USA and was here for a few weeks and just arrived. I thought of she is wanting help thats cool I know my way around Auckland and other part of NZ and I know where the I site is and tourist stuff...she goes to me Im asking random people what I need to know about Kiwis...I said well we are friendly...she goes yea I learnt that your all very friendly...then she said what do you think of when I say Church or Christian....i said haha Im Wiccan...she goes ok...your working I said no im W-I-C-C-A-N she goes Ohhhh right...well ok have a nice day and thanks...i said ok..umm well I site is down that way and enjoy your time here...

Why am I always bible bashed? I wonder if I would still have been approached has I been wearing my greenstone that I had on on Monday when we had powhiri at the Marae...! People act dumb I think when they see my Pentagram and its always the christian who pull me up and talk to me about how I need to go to god and stuff and when I declear Im WICCAN they usually either shut up and walk away or they push even further....it kind reminds me of the time at my old work when i was bible bashed in the toilets...I think I actaully was still clocked on that day..

Walkies

Well I went back to the doctors - dont know what it was requested I returned in a week...I think it was partly to go over my test results...all which came back clear and negative and what not except my Iron which is just low (I had been sitting on the border line but have now just dropped below) and along with that my colesterol is high just a bit - dont know which colestorol I think its not an overly bad one...

I mentioned to my doctor about their pains I have been getting still in my stomach and how they have moved up towards the top - just belowe my chest. He checked me over and it was mentioned about my weight loss...yea Im getting just a bit bored with my weight loss...but he isnt to worried he said my loss hasnt been in a drastic way...

I was informed I need to start exercising and eating regular which will then help with my sleeping patterns...soooo while the weather was some what desent I gathered my neice and nephews up and the dog and went for a walk with them and my mum...

It was pretty good and me and mum havent been for a walk with the dog for a while now - probably since we had her vaccs done, which was before Sidney died I think...or probably around then or so..lol!!

I took some photos of the kids...and my nephew Michael is becoming the buddying photographer he is. He took a photo of his sister and I together...my niece Meggan then took a photo of me nad him together.

Innovative Table Settings

Here are some sneak peaks at what I have for my Beach Theme Wedding Table Setting for the Innovative Table Setting Comp in July.

I cant make up my mind on how I want my table cloths or which plates to us...Square or Circle. Or if I want the Duck Egg colour cloth on top of thr Taupe colour cloth or if I just keep the Taupe on bottom and make the Nakpins Taupe...I can also get a lighter Taupe colour in the same material I could use for Napkins...TO MANY CHOICES NOW!!

Ive made my mind up on the Candle and Vase for the centre peice though...

I still need to get cutlery for table d' hote and sand and shells and starfish for the centre piece, make name tags and maybe menus...Im not sure on the menus..and Napkins too...! Oh and glasses!

ATCs - Artist Trading Card Swaps - Part 4

My Vacation ATCs arrived today - I love it how Aunty Merlene sends parcels to me and they make it over here in time for when Im having a pooh-pooh day...in this case I am really guttered that I had to give my shift up at work, even though Bronwen said it was ok and everything will be fine and told me to get better...I still feel bad, as I havent had any work for over a month..and I was extremely excited about it...but she did say that things are picking up agian..so hopefully I will get something in the next few weeks as I am running low on money again.


Here is what I got back from the ATC swap....I love the ones with little road maps on theme, I also did something similar with a road map, on my part that was partly because I was the only one from NZ in the swap.


Merlene always as the best ATC Swaps ever...I have three lovely ladies whos ATCs I always love...and in a few of my ATCs I have done lately one of them has been in most of them...Im slowly getting addicted to these ATCs...hehe. I would love to do host my own swap but the whole postage thing is hard especially over seas. Im just fortunate enough that the hosts of the Swaps I have been in have paid for my return postage or I have had it covered by a lovely postage fairy..lol

Just waiting on one last ATC Swap to come now - Enjoy.

Bye Bye Piko and Four Seasons Restaurants

Well we have now finished up our Restaurant Service in Piko and Four Seasons Restaurants. I didnt get to have a chance at doing service in Four Seasons and even though I like the new settings in both restaurants, Four Seasons seems more homie feeling, very dark and warm compared to Piko which is light and cooler...but I actually enjoyed Piko...the cool thing with Piko is that it has a big window where you can see into the Kitchen (thats given your not seated to the left of the kitchen door..where you dont get to see an overly big amount of stuff in the kitchen. But I love it when you can see what is happening in the kitchen - its entertainment itself! Its one thing I would want in MEB - and after reading Gordon Ramsay's Playing With Fire autobiography, I learny how sucessful having a kitchen table can be. Basically this is a table that is set up in or near the kitchen and you dine and get to watch what goes on in the kitchen. I would have that or at least an open kitchen of some kind...

Our last service was pretty cool - both our lecturer and the lecturer for the chefs in the kitchen let us both run the place and put in no input so it was our restaurant for the night. I had invited my Father and Step Mother in for dinner and it was great pleasure having them there and being able to wait on their table - though nerve racking at the same time I will add!! My parents really enjoyed the whole experience and the meals too...I actaully think AUT is way better than MIT and the quality of food is so much better and higher in terms of standard and value for money...and I dont mean just price wise.

I dont see my dad much and the relationship I use to have with him inst what it use to be, and my studies are very important to me, and having him present and my step mum along with my mum are important and I have to have them ALL proud of me. It seems selfish in a sense not bringing my mother into the training restaurants for meals but then we have other things we do together...but this is my way of showing my dad particularly what I am doing with my life since he left. And they are proud of me....and my graduation from Uni next year will be a big affair for me where I will have all my parents there...and a few other people - and those who I want there but knowing numbers will be limited, I am going to have a big dinner somewhere...

I had one of the best texts ever the other day! The text message I die waiting for, from my HR Manager at work...whom I love to bits and get on really well with...and giggle like a little school girl with because we both have the same name and because Im still a newbie and dont know everyone who works there - they sometimes get confused with the two of us...which I think is just even more funnier than what we think it is having the same name..but yes I had two functions to do for 300 pax and I jumped at it, even though I had class, I was able to start later - it was meant to be three hours on Thursday and nine hours on Friday, sadly I had to give todays shift up and Im completely guttered at that, but I have conjunctivitis again and its contagious and well got to limit spreading it...so I only worked three hours on Thursday night at Opium which is my first time doing a function there....it was a cocktail party for the Writer's Convetion (tonight is the same thing), I was nervous as anything, I always am when I go to work...thats one thing about my new job, you dont know who you will be on with and if their is going to be anyone you know already on with you...fortunately all the functions I have done have had at least a couple of people I have gotten to know...or be familiar with..but there is still that little thing of first day jitters...getting use to the places you are at...as some of the functions and events they do arent always in the same place or at any of their venues that they own. One thing I love about going to work when I get called to do any functions is seeing my Boss at all the functions, he is there at the start and at the end...every function even when their is more than one at various locations, he is there at the start and at the end of them...he always asks how you are...compared to my old boss you never got that...he was only in to yell and scream at you and then threaten you...then left and your left walking on egg shells knowing he would be back in mins to do more yelling...try creating rapport with him never worked...

So I am nursing myself back to health this weekend - I will attempt to do some study, I should do something study I have an assessment next week and I have exams in a couple of weeks time...and I havent been doing much study...its bad..real bad...and I have had a good semester where i havent been overly sick until now...Where I have been hit with Conjunctivitis, Gingivitis and Aneamia again...fortunately I havent been hit with a winter cold yet...perhaps its because I havent been around a highly large amount of smoking...like I faced at GPK..I get pretty bad throat infections from Ciggarette Smoke....which is the reason why I stopped smoking, not that I was a big addict I only did it to fit in at high school...lol, but I have never really gotten sick from being around Robbie smoking....he is one of the MOST compasionate smokers ever. He will test the wind direction, and position both me and himself so that the smoke doesnt blow in my face directly, he will have his whole arm (or head lol) hanging out the window of the car...even if the weather is freezing cold and wet or what ever...so Im not faced with his smoke. The things he does to look after me...I dont know where I would be with out him :o)

~~~

An update on the culinary comps.

I have decided on two classes - Innovative Table Design and Barista Competion.

AUT doesnt have anyone to do training for the Barista Competion so I have been adviced to try and see if my work can help me with training and if they will allow me to represent them. So I sent a text to my HR Manager telling her about it and have emailed her information on the whole Comps...hopefully I will hear back about them..I will ask her later next week about it again. If worse comes to worse I will be happy doing just the one class...I can always attemp with the National to do more and there is always next year...!

Meanwhile I have finally come up with a theme for the Innovative Table Setting Theme. I am going to be doing a Beach Wedding Theme...and here is a little sneak peak at what I have in term of colours...these are going to be my table cloths.

Another Certificate on the wall

Here's something for my bestest friend to Congratulate me for....(I know the less "formal" slang spelling of Congrats he will probably use....lol)

I got my final results for Kitchen Operations.

Safe Food Handling and Contamination Prevention 100%

Final Practical 91.5%

Exam 75.7%

OVER ALL - 86%

Which is an A, I got the highest final mark in my stream...

Here is the certificate I got given in class for my Food Hygiene

More Happy Mail!

Nothing like a bit of Happy Mail to cheer you up when you've had a kaka day haha...! The weather is horrible, its raining and cold...and winter is on the door step literally almost.

Monday I went to the doctors, I was late by an hour due to being late out of class by any hour - its all Charles' fault....god he reallllly pisses me off! He asks some of the most dumbest questions I tell you, and not only that but he is slow to pick up things, he can be shown once or twice sometimes five times how to do something or what to do...and he still doesnt know....and he is like a bad smell...ok I know he is trying to learn, but I HATE having people hovver over me and watching over my shoulder while Im trying to do something...I know they are their I can feel them...and its the most horrible feeling ever....this invasion of your personal space in a way...I mean I dont have a problem with showing someone how to do something but I would rather be face on with them or at least know where they are...Charles he gets right up to you...you can feel him there...and I hate it!! Plus I havent forgiven him for how shit he did in the final practical assessment for Kitchen Ops, because of him coming in an unironed and dirty uniform I lost marks...

But before I get deeply into the bitches about Uni back to my health...that can wait till tomorrow night..!

I went to the doctors and I was going to find out why I have been dizzy and collapsing alot...I had my blood presure taken, which is low...Cam said its not to low and asked what it is usually as low blood pressure can sometimes cause fainting - I texted him saying what doctor said (Cam is my friend from high school...he was in my Biology class and it is with great gratitude I owe to him my two merits I got in that class...so glad I cultured and measured bacteria growth with him and Andrew than playing with Snails in a cardboard tube like Vivianne and Kelly did...but he is in Med School and he has been kinda following me sorta since he made me go to hospital last year when we suspected my Appendix was rumbling...it wasnt though after tests xrays and scans of it and my gall bladder..) My doctor sent me off for blood tests which i did on Tuesday, and I had a phone call today to say I am Aneamic again...ahhhh that results of not eating and being on a limited budget....gee thanks Dominque!! Your such a tight arse when it came to staff meals and to paying wages...no wonders your doing so crap and losing more staff and breaking many laws...

So yes I have Aneamia again...and I have Ginigivitis - I really should get this wisdom tooth pulled, but I dont want to die without all my teeth..

It was when I cam home that I found all my parcels waiting for me...

One from Merlene with the ATCs in it and some other goodies from Tuscon, Arizona and one from Fiskateer Lead Rebecca with more goodies...so some new goodies to play with eat and display..

ATCs - Artist Trading Card Swaps - Part 3

Oh oh oh!!! Remember my very first lot of ATCs I made? For Favourite Fairytale or Nursery Rhymes? Well I got them back today.....I have about four in the lot I got back that I love big time...(thats actaully not including mine..I actually only like three of the designs I made). But anyway moving along...here they are..

Im just waiting on my Grey's Anatomy and Vacation ATCs

New Template

I want a new template for on my blog - Im bored of this one, and the ones on here are just as boring.

I attempted to put a new template background on to only lose all of my blog stuff - links and what not...

I really need an expert or someone who knows how to work the templates on here..

Everyone's blogs I go on have such flash and pretty templates and backgrounds! I WANT ONE!!!

Auckland Junior Regionals

So I have dicided to enter the Auckland Junior Regional CulinaryFare Competions, which are being held at AUT University on the 4th and 5th of July this year.

Now, I have an advantage to the other Auckland Schools in that I got to AUT and know where things are and what not, know the layout and will have my training there....but this is my first time entering and I have no idea what I am doing, I have for years now wanted to enter this....and I am greatly upset and pissed off at my previous school I attended not allowing me to much, I was limited big time with alot of things....and for that I will never forgive George.

The Regionals are broken down into two sections Back of House (Kitchen) and Front of House (Restaurant) and I am going to be doing FOH. Both parts are broken into two parts. FOH is broken into Restaurant Service and Cocktail Compitions. There are eight classes in the FOH Comps, and they are NZD$30 per class, and I yet to register, my lecturers are always on and on about the comps and I have said everyday day to them that I am interested and Im still waiting for them to supply the paper work so I can register.

The fact they are pussy footing around with it is putting me at a disadvatage with my training for them, they are only two months away, giving me only 7 weeks to do training in, and training is only on friday....so I am going to go into class on monday and throw a big tantrum about it....

Im highly competive ok?? I will admit that, I dont like to, I try to act that I am not, and that all that counts is the effort you put in and that you have fun doing it - well to be honest for me, I have to be good, I have to be seen and heard and recognised, I need praisal and I need positive feedback. All I have been getting is negative after negative, critisim and badfeedback and comments about the effort I put into things, there is no regonition of my hard work. Like at GPK when I use to spend alot of time paying attention to details in my customers orders who had dietry needs - be they Diabetic or have an Allergy or Vegan...I always made sure everything was correct for them, timing of meals were prioritised (diabetics have to eat they need their meals up and out fast...

Anyway - these comps I HAVE to come out somewhere in a top position with something more than just a certificate in participation...all very well being able to put it on the good old CV but I want something to be able to boast about!! And to shove in the ex bosses face and say "Who's Shit now??"

Im think of entering two classes maybe three - these are the classes I am looking at

Class 9 - TABLE SETTING, CLEARING AND CRUMBING DOWN

Class 10 - INNOVATIVE TABLE SETTING
Class 11 - BARISTA COMPETITION

I dont feel overly confident on Wine Service or Cocktails - I havent spent alot of time behind bar thanks to my previous school I was studying at and my previous boss....I feel confident enough in table set up and service and the whole sequence of service, alone with setting a table to a theme....and making coffee (Advantage point being I know the machines we have at uni - they so better let me use the Fully Automatic, and not the Manual Machine...I know that will show my talent more, but I can product all my coffee at the same time using the Fully Automatic due to it having an extra head to the manual machine, and that you dont have to time each shot...plus set up is quick needing only milk and coffee beans - compared to cocktail with the all the booze and mixers you need and different glasses and ice blah blah...

Full details can be found on the Restaurant Association of New Zealand website.

Please help me come to a decision!!

Time To Say Goodbye

I just totally lost my whole blog entry when I highlighted it and hit something!! DAMN AUTO SAVE!! Sometimes you just arent that good!

Its been 6 months since my fat kitty Sidney died...and it was a tough time for me - It was a day I had vision a week or so before hand happening...and I refused to believe it when it did happen. I found it hard to bury my kitty, for the fact that all my life my mum was the one who took the cats to the vets to be put to sleep and my dad was the one who buried them - however with Sid he was killed straight out, so Mumma was out of the picture in needing to take him to the vets, but I wanted my Daddy to be there to bury him....and I rang and I begged for him to come and bury him but he wouldnt come....so I had to do it myself - I had my nephew Michael helping me bury him.....

Anyway - when he passed away Rob told me I would have to make a scrapbook page (lol you know me to well dont you Robbie hehe...) and so I have finally done that - of course I still need to do an actaul page of him (and all my other cats - the dogs I have done though!). But yes the layout of his funeral is complete, and my sister I thank for taking the photos from that day knowing I am a scrapbooker...

Now I know some people thinks it is very morbid, and I know someone commented on my taking a photo of my kitty when he was dead...and I couldnt care any less of what they thought - they are obviously scared and put off by death. It is part of life, it should be embraced. I have alot of friends fr0m high school who take hundreds of photos of their family funerals, and they have massive funerals the Pacific Islanders....but having said that my good friend and hair dresser also had alot of photography at her husband's funeral....(it is all part of her exhibtion in the Waves of Grief)

Anyway - this page came about based on a challenge set last weekend by Fiskateer Lead Rebecca for the Aussie and Kiwi members, it had to have something to do with Time in it...(as we live in a different time zone lol) and so this is what I did for the challenge - and I just read that I won the challenge...

That kinda makes me feel good - though I swear someone else would have won, they have such fancy and nice papers and lovely embellishments, stuff that not even my student allowance would be able to afford...

The joys of being a student...! You have to make sacrifices..

Week 7 - DONE

Week Seven is down, done and dusted, only 5 more weeks to go then I am free till July....but not fully free as I have some things I am going to be doing at Uni...

I started my Food and Beverage Operations paper this week and I ve learnt a few things already, ok I have done some of this stuff before at MIT, but this is semi like a refresher for me but I am learning some new and better things than what I did at MIT - not only this but I am expereincing more roles in the training restaurants than what I did at MIT - there I was only allowed to be a waitress, and I was also put on coffee duty shoved out the back out of site and in the wash up area again out the back, my lecturer I had for that Certificate wasnt very "nice" to me when it came to expereincing me and training me for the real world. And because of this, it is why I wanted to start out small when I left there than go into something big. One thing that pissed me off big time was him putting me out back when my parents came in, the whole point of me bringing them in was for my Father to see what I was doing and to be proud of me....and he didnt see that....I was never allowed to be Maitre D, Cashier, or on the Bar.

However things are completely different at AUT - and with two days down so far of service I have been on Bar and Cashier and I was Maitre D the following night, with a comment from my lecturer who knows my past lecturer at MIT saying that was wrong what he did, and if my parents or anyone I know comes in I will be assigned to their table to look after them. And so with this as Maitre D and we a few cancelled bookings on Thursday night we were left with only a table of three in Piko Restaurants (the other training restaurant where half of my class is - Four Seasons was full) so we spent half an hour trying to find people...I rang my father who sadly was busy but asked him to come in the following week..he informed me to call him back next week...I wont call him - I will call my step mum instead who I know does all the bookings and stuff for this kind of thing...

I am working in Piko (which use to formerly be named Truffles but with the revamp of the two restuarants they changed the name to reflect the decor and make it more contempory) - my timetable sees me in the restaurants for service at Lunch time on Monday and Tuesdays, with Dinner on Wednesday and Thursdays.....but only for three weeks. So I am there only for another two weeks.

I hate that both this paper and my Kitchen Operations paper are such short papers and we get such little pratical work, Im a big practical person, I learn better with practical things. Its like in finacial operations, I can do the sums and working outs, but when it comes to the theoractical components of why they have to be do and what they are....I flunk out...(funny enough I did get a realllly good mark for my exam, but then that is because I had Dane explaining to me what things were...)

So with that I am going to give a little bit of Promoting right here...

AUT's Piko and Four Seasons Training Restaurants

Located: Corner of Mayoral Drive and Wellesley Street in the Auckland CBD
Operation Days: Monday - Thursday
Hours: Lunch from 12noon and Dinner from 6pm
Cost: NZD$30 - three course meal (table d'hote menu)

To book a table contact Kay
Phone: +64 9 921 9932 between 8.30am - 4.30pm

If you say I (and you have to give my FULL name) refered you, I can get you a special discount of half price - two for the price of one.

Just remember these are training restaurants, and not only are front of house training but so is back of house in the kitchen. But they are both fully licenced restaurants opened to the public.