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%