30 Day Challenge: Day 9

Post Some Words of Wisdom That Speak to You

“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” ― Lao Tzu

I’ve always really enjoyed Lao Tzu and the Tao Te Ching. This quote in particular really speaks to me right now because I’m so worried about my future. I’m currently in a situation I don’t want to be in and I am trying desperately to change it. Over the weekend, I applied to nearly 30 jobs. I really hope I get some interviews soon because I’m not sure how much longer I can deal with being absolutely miserable at work. I have so many dreams and so much ambition, but I constantly feel like I’m going to end up stuck in some awful, dead-end job. It’s been impossible to find a full-time job at all, let alone one in my field. Here’s to hoping that something works out.

What are some quotes that speak to you?

Also, if anyone would like to do this challenge with me, it can be found here.

30 Day Challenge: Day 8

Share Something You Struggle With

Something I struggle with is anxiety and it affects me on a regular basis. Over the years, I’ve held a number of different jobs and, while my tasks have changed, my response to stressful situations has not.

As a server, I can feel very overwhelmed. This happens when I either have a large party or many tables at once. If I feel rushed or if I’ve forgotten something or if things simply aren’t going smoothly, I can’t help but burst into tears. I have to completely remove myself from the situation and I end up in the back or locked in the bathroom.

At 25 years old, this is incredibly embarrassing. People will tell me to grow up or not to let it bother me. But it isn’t that simple. Rationally, I know it’s ridiculous to get upset over the fact that it took me two more minutes to bring a guest their Pepsi, but in that moment it feels like the end of the world to me.

My eyes fill with tears and it becomes physically difficult to breathe.

I wish I knew how to keep this from happening, but I don’t. I’ve tried yoga. I’ve tried breathing exercises and meditation. But nothing seems to work.

What’s something you struggle with? What’s your coping mechanism?

Also, if anyone would like to do this challenge with me, it can be found here.

Waitressing Woes: Tipping Your Server

As many of you know, I’m currently waiting tables while I look for something more permanent. It’s not the best job right now, but it’s something.

I’d like to share a few things with you guys. Especially if you’ve never worked in food service before.

Most servers make around $2.34 hourly (that’s actually what I make). This means we live off of our tips. Literally. Maybe tipping 15% was acceptable 20 years ago, but it’s really rather insulting today. If you can afford to go out to eat, you should be tipping your server at least 18%, if not 20%.

We are on our feet all day, running around to make sure that you have a wonderful dining experience. I do not get a break during my shift, even if I work a double. If it’s busy and I order food, I usually have to wait at least 30 minutes to take my first bite and then periodically nibble while I check on my tables.

Today, I had a $117 table and a $70 table both stiff me completely. That is not okay. I went home with $40 in my pocket when it should have been closer to $75. This is the money that is paying my loans, my car insurance, putting gas in my car, and any other expenses I may have right now. Some days, I actually go home with less than that.

When you stiff a server, you are the person we talk about negatively for the rest of our shift. While this job will not be my career, it is for many others. People with families and expenses just like you. In America, we tip our servers. If you’d prefer not to, we’d prefer if you stayed home and cooked for yourself.

Does anyone have any server stories to share?

 

30 Day Challenge: Day 7

List Ten Songs That You’re Loving Right Now

1. Dark Necessities – Red Hot Chili Peppers
2. If It Ain’t Love – Jason Derulo
3. Work From Home – Fifth Harmony
4. Cake By The Ocean – DNCE
5. SOMEONE LIKE U – Dalshabet
6. Hot Pink – Exid
7. On My Mind – Ellie Goulding
8. Unicorn Wizard – Ninja Sex Party
9. Cypress Grove – Clutch
10. A Warrior’s Call – Volbeat

What have you been listening to lately?

Also, if anyone would like to do this challenge with me, it can be found here.

30 Day Challenge: Day 6

Five Ways to Win Your Heart

1. Bring me food.
2. Take long walks with me.
3. Sing with me (loudly and badly).
4. Travel with me.
5. Embrace my silliness/weirdness and don’t be afraid to be silly/weird, too.

Also, if anyone would like to do this challenge with me, it can be found here.

30 Day Challenge: Day 5

List Five Places You Want to Visit

1. Thailand
2. France
3. Belgium
4. Costa Rica
5. Scotland

Where would you like to go?

Also, if anyone would like to do this challenge with me, it can be found here.

30 Day Challenge: Day 4

Write About Someone Who Inspires You

I was supposed to write this post yesterday, but I honestly had a difficult time with the topic. I don’t recall a time in my life that I’ve ever had a “role model” or someone I necessarily looked up to. Of course there have been people who have helped me to become the person I am today (my mother, my teachers, my friends). However, I wouldn’t necessarily put any one individual on a pedestal.

So, instead of writing about someone who inspires me, I’m going to write about something that inspires me.

Music

Anyone who knows me knows that my life pretty much revolves around music. I listen to music every chance I get: alone in my room, driving in my car. Wherever. Whenever. It has the ability to completely alter my mood and it is something that I crave.

I spent four years in college as a radio DJ and, during that time, I was introduced to so many new artists and genres. I had the opportunity to interview some of my favorite musicians and attend numerous concerts that I will remember for the rest of my life.

I also have friends who have referred to me as a human jukebox because I will burst out into song if I hear something at a bar or in a store. My tastes are not limited to any one particular style and I truly believe that this is something that has helped me to become a more well-rounded individual.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that almost everyone likes some form of music. Therefore, I feel like I can relate to a range of different people because of it. My mom raised me on classic rock. I played cello in an orchestra from elementary school through college. The radio station I worked for played all heavy metal all the time. Pop music. Hip hop. Electronica. I like it all. Well, except maybe country.

But there you have it. Music is my inspiration.

What’s yours?

Also, if anyone would like to do this challenge with me, it can be found here.

30 Day Challenge: Day 3

What Are Your Top Three Pet Peeves?

1. Lateness – Personally, I always arrive about 15 minutes early for everything. Additionally, I absolutely can not stand if I have plans with someone and they show up late (even if it’s just a few minutes). This is, by far, my biggest pet peeve and even thinking about being late for something makes my head hurt.
2. Throwing away food – I don’t understand how anyone can throw away perfectly good food. Especially now, working in a restaurant, it hurts when I see people throw out items like seafood or steak. That stuff is so expensive and it’s such a waste!
3. Bad drivers – My road rage is pretty fierce due to bad drivers. Whenever someone doesn’t use their turn signal or cuts me off, you’ll probably be able to hear me screaming my head off.

What are some of your pet peeves?

Also, if anyone would like to do this challenge with me, it can be found here.

30 Day Challenge: Day 2

Write Something Someone Told You About Yourself That You Will Never Forget

Last year, when I was working at a small non-profit museum, my boss sat down with me one day to talk about my performance. During our conversation, she told me that I am a “people pleaser” (and she couldn’t have been more right).

I’m not exactly sure why I feel compelled to make everybody happy all the time, but I do. I definitely have a somewhat irrational fear of having someone angry or upset with me. So, even I don’t agree with something someone is saying or don’t want to do what they ask of me, I’ll still probably say “okay, sure!”

It’s frustrating because I’m constantly feeling conflicted internally. Here’s an example:

The other day, I went out with several coworkers for a drink. They had made a joke (at my expense) that I felt hurt by, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell them how it made me feel in fear of upsetting them. It wasn’t until another coworker I had expressed my upset to confronted the others, and they apologized profusely to me.

Why couldn’t I just tell them to knock it off? Rationally, I know I should have just used my big girl words to tell them to stop. But I couldn’t. I wish this wasn’t a quality I possessed. However, I seem to be stuck with it. At least for now.

What’s something about yourself that someone has told you?

Also, if anyone would like to do this challenge with me, it can be found here.

30 Day Challange: Day 1

List 10 Things That Make You Really Happy

1. Having long phone conversations with friends (not texting)
2. Dancing in my room
3. Getting dressed up for the Renaissance Faire, theme parties, etc.
4. Going to museums by myself
5. The smell after a summer thunderstorm
6. Eating ice cream (any ice cream, any time)
7. Crisp, autumn weather
8. Sitting on the floor at a book store and thumbing through new age books
9. Getting a card or package in the mail
10. Experiencing good concerts with good friends

Also, if anyone would like to do this challenge with me, it can be found here.