The Weekend

This weekend was interesting (for lack of a better word).

I worked over 14 hours at Noodles and Company. That is normally about how many hours in a week I work over four shifts, not two.

While I greatly appreciate my GMs thoughtfulness of giving me a lot of hours before I am gone for a week, I would have appreciated a few less.

Yesterday, I woke up with searing pain in my right knee. I have had issues with it since high school, and it seems the recurring pain will not likely go away anytime soon. Besides my knee pain, my back was incredibly sore. I was not looking forward to work, but hoped that it would at least be a slow morning.

Boy, was I wrong.

Our opener was a no show. I rolled in at noon, two hours after an opener is supposed to show up. I noticed she was not there and was frustrated, then I noticed the line to the door. The manager quickly had me count a drawer, since I was the only experienced cashier scheduled. I stood for the next 45 minutes to an hour in one position, asking the same questions, "Parmesan or Feta," "Is that for here or to go," "Can I get your name for the order," "Would you like to add a side soup or side salad for a little over a dollar extra?" I imagine this was a little taste of what hell must be like.

The opener shift is always 10am-4pm. I was scheduled 12-3pm, 4-8:30pm. I was supposed to run front from 4-5 by myself, and she was supposed to run it from 3-4. However, since she didn't show another girl and I were asked to cover her time and shift our breaks around so we could be okay up front. My break changed to 3:30-4:15. I am actually quite surprised I got this break, since I figured I'd probably end up working straight through my full shift.

Thankfully, for my shift on Sunday I wore my knee brace. However, I am still sore this morning and have a slight limp. I'm thinking it will probably not be the best day.

As much as I love to rant about my job and write about all of the negative aspects, I really like working at Noodles. Granted, I don't see myself spending forever there, but I have bonded with my coworkers and it has slowly become quite enjoyable being there. (Plus the discount is nice.)

Also...we're hiring! If you live in Saint Paul and need a job, completely disregard the above statements, and apply! :)

Spring Break 2015

I realized I never gave the full scoop on what went down Spring Break 2015.

Honestly, most people would probably consider what I did for break boring. I didn't go anywhere cool or exciting. I went home to Green Bay.
This was really nice for me. I had not been home since December 29th, so it was almost three full months since I had last been there. It's crazy realizing next year I'll probably only be back for Christmas during the school year.
Anywho, here's what happened Spring Break 2015:

Friday: March 6
Trevor and I left Saint Paul around 4 pm. I drove for part of the way, but my knees get irritated from long drives, so it was only for about an hour and a half. That gave Trevor time to finish typing up a paper he had to finish for that night.
When we arrived in Green Bay we stopped at Smart Cow. While we're in Saint Paul, we discuss how we need to find a new froyo place to go to. But it always go back to how nothing will ever beat Smart Cow. So we made sure to stop first thing back in town. Then we brought Trevor's things to his place and watched an episode of Bob's Burgers. By the time I got dropped off it was about 10:45.

Saturday: March 7
Originally I was going to see Kammerchor, a choir from CUW, at Pilgrim. But I decided against it. I headed down to CUW around 4 pm and made it down at 5:30. It was so great being greeted by my friends there! We walked to the bluff and went all the way down the stairs and back up.

Then we headed to the Nest for dinner. After dinner we went back to their room and played Quelf and Cards Against Humanity. It was probably one of the weirder groups I have played CAH with..they took out a lot of the really funny cards due to inappropriateness. But we made it fun nonetheless. After games we watched Baby Mama, which is like my all time favorite movie. After that we all went to bed, clocks had to spring forward an hour and I already knew I wasn't going to get enough sleep!

Sunday: March 8
Karlee and I woke up early to go to church. I have missed that beautiful chapel. If you are ever on campus, be sure to visit the chapel because it is breathtaking. The others met us for brunch afterward at the cafeteria. I forgot how delicious CUW's food is. And now they have a waffle maker and iced coffee machine! Why did I leave that place?! After stuffing our bellies full we headed to Lion's Den Nature Preserve. We went there last year and it was fun to take my camera along and get shots now that my photography has improved.

After some fresh air, we went to Goodwill. I got some good deals! I purchased two new books, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and a Hillsong CD for right around $8! Emma then suggested that we go get shamrock shakes, which I am always game for! After MickeyD's, I headed back to Green Bay.

Monday: March 9

Monday was the day of appointments. I had a dentist appointment and an eye appointment. I hate the dentist. But I love my hygenist. Claudia is the best. And she knows Trevor's family really well, so she was asking me all about the wedding. My eye appointment is enjoyable as well. My eye doctor really cares about his patients and takes time to get to know them well. After finally making it home, my family and I went to Pizza Ranch! We walked in the doors, and Trevor came out from in back and very bluntly asked, "What are you doing here?" Not the sweetest welcoming. At least Alexis was excited to see me!

Tuesday: March 10

Trevor and I treated ourselves to our favorite Mexican place: Margarita's! We then had our first session of pre-marital counseling! It went quite well, at least I would say it did. After leaving Pilgrim, we visited Lambeau field. We explored the newly renovated pro shop. And dang. The Lombardi Trophy statue is quite impressive.

Wednesday: March 11

Wednesday was my free day. I left it open in case I needed to just sit and do homework, which never happened. In the morning, Trevor and I went and shot photos for a band playing at Washington Middle School.

Later in the day I had another dentist appointment.. I tell ya, I hate the dentist.

Thursday: March 12

Thursday was ladies' night! I got to see some old friends from high school again! It's crazy how time flies by. I had a wonderful time with some lovely ladies. If you want more of the details, go to Rae's blog. She's got the inside scoop. But I will add in that I drank two full size Arizona Raspberry Iced Teas and have probably never peed so much in my entire life.

Friday: March 13

Friday was an exciting day! Ana and I went on a photoshoot! We first headed to Josten Park. I wasn't sure what type of shots we'd get, but I was satisfied.

Our photos downtown, however, were even better. These photos are honestly my best work thus far. I love working with Ana. She is so easy to direct and she makes my job so much easier!

After we were done shooting, she dropped me off at Fonferek to help Trevor and his friend Eddi shoot a music video. We were there forever. I was cold and hungry. You can sure bet I complained a lot. 

Once they finally finished, Trevor and I met Bekah at Cup O Joy to see Loftland! It was one crazy dance party. They're super good live. Trevor is there newest fan girl ;)

Saturday: March 14

We left Green Bay at a decent time and made it back to Saint Paul with enough time to hit up Mall of America. I have never been so disappointed in my life with Charley's Subs. They let me down. I wanted a chicken california sub, but their grill was broken! However, I did get an adorable top and the comfiest sweatpants in the world from CottonOn.

Sunday: March 15

The final day of Spring Break. Always a sad day. We went to church and then headed to my aunt and uncle's for lunch. We had burgers and good conversation! I love their insight on life and wedding planning. My uncle is hilarious. And Trevor loves their dog Wrigley! I'm so excited to babysit for them April 17&18! The evening concluded with me working a shift at Noodles & Company.

All in all, I had a lovely break. I got to see so many friends and have a lot of laughs.

Work

I work at both Noodles and Company and an after school program called PLUS Time.
I work at Noodles on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
I work at PLUS Time on most Tuesdays and Fridays.
So yes, Thursday is my night off from work. Why Thursday? Because I have a night class on Thursdays from 6 to 8:50.

This week at Noodles I am scheduled 24.5 hours. At PLUS Time I signed up for 6 hours.
I am absolutely exhausted!

I am currently writing this during my break at Noodles, in an attempt to sort of de-stress. Is that even possible?!
Today I work here from 12-2, 3-8:30.
Tomorrow I'll be here from 11-4, 4:30-7.

It's just a rough week.

At least my bank account will look a little nicer...

The Compliment

There are a lot of diverse people that I work with at Noodles & Co. Our store is right off a bus station and metro train station-so basically anyone can get there via public transportation.
One of the guys I work with is an older African American man. He has a fascinating accent, in my opinion.
He talks down to a lot of my coworkers. Many of them dislike working with him. He takes his time in front of house and is a bit slow if he's on the line in back of house. Along with this he has a bit of a short temper with some of my coworkers. There have been multiple occurrences of him raising his voice at someone who has worked at Noodles much longer than he has.
However, for some reason, he likes me.
Yesterday he was filling in stickers for food in back and I was filling bags up front. He asked me if I am the way I am because of how I am raised.
            side note: everyone there found out I am a pastor's kid and treats me like I'm the most innocent girl in all of existence because of it. extremely annoying.
Anyhow, I was not sure how to answer this question. I mean how does one know how much how they were raised has impacted them?! I said I don't know. But then he said, so it's just who you are? I just kind of shrugged my shoulders. He told me how he really enjoys working with me because I keep things calm up front. I may not talk much but I still keep things under control. In addition to that he told me he appreciates seeing someone working with so much motivation and who gets things done.
Coming from a guy who does not particularly get along with all of his coworkers, I took this as a great compliment.
I'm glad someone has been noticing the continual work I am putting in at Noodles.

A Bit Frigid

Oh, Minnesota.
Your winter has finally come.
Yesterday, (when I finally did wake up) it looked like I was trapped in a snowglobe.

I also had to get to Noodles & Co for work. I took the Metro from Trevor's apartment and made it barely on time due to a slight delay.
We were so slow that I was sent home an hour and a half early. Due to the awful weather, we had super low sales.

This morning when I woke up I checked to weather.
A lovely -2 degrees. Felt like -24 degrees. wut.

It felt great to walk outside with Trevor to McNally where he had a studio session.
Ugh.

Well I knew the winter would eventually come. And let's face it-Midwest winters are never kind.

Alone

Well yesterday after classes began my Thanksgiving break. Crazy to think we have an entire week off!

During my week off my plans include:
-eating a lot of poptarts
-homework
-cleaning our apartment
-enjoying the peace and quiet of being alone
-snuggle with myself under my electric blanket

Trevor decided he wasn't going to go home for Thanksgiving, and we had already decided holidays were happening together this year. So that meant I was staying here during my week off. This is probably good, so I actually get my necessary homework done.
Today at work I brought my Ed Psych book and did homework during my hour off (I worked 12-3, 4-8). All my coworkers probably think I am a nerd now. Oh well. I have so much to catch up on and get ahead on..It's enough to drive me insane!

The End is Near

I just looked at my calendar.
It freaked the hell out of me.
Only like a month left of this semester..only 3 weeks of actual classes.
I take my MTLE next Monday--I am terrified!

So much is coming up so quickly.
School + 2 jobs + wedding planning = STRESS!

At least Ana is coming to visit in a little over two weeks, that will be awesome to take my mind off of everything coming up!

Work

Well I'm officially not the newest employee at Noodles!
Today, a woman was actually asking me questions, it's her first week there and I seemed to know what I was talking about.

Yesterday I worked at PLUS Time from 3-6 and was then picked up by my aunt to babysit my cousins. I watched them from 8 pm- 1:30 am. This morning my Noodles shift was 11 am- 2 pm. And I head back for a 4- 8 pm shift. Tomorrow I work a split as well.

I'm getting so exhausted from working so much. However, this coming week I don't work Tuesday or Thursday, which will be nice to have a little bit of a break.

The money is much needed. In case you did not already know--weddings are expensive!

Pizza Ranch and Noodles and Company

Pizza Ranch and Noodles and Company are definitely two different worlds.

My favorite thing about working at Pizza Ranch: my co workers, the owners, the environment in general.
My favorite thing about working at Noodles: I get paid $8.25/hr.

I strongly believe that your favorite part of your job should not be the amount you are paid. However, that's really all I like about Noodles.

Noodles has challenged me in a way that Pizza Ranch did not though. I am meeting a lot of different people through working there. Everyone has such different backgrounds and it is quite the struggle to be the white, pastor's kid that goes to a private college. And yes, I have been asked why I am not living with my fiance yet. The only girl there that knew I am a pastor's kid popped into the conversation to say, "Obviously because she's a pastor's kid and can't do it before she's married."

In my senior year of high school, I took an advanced biology course. We discussed how we would be faced with the topic of creation versus evolution throughout our lives. In the class we were taught both sides. Yes, I learned about evolution at a private, Lutheran school. However, part of me feared the day I would actually face the conversation with someone who really, genuinely believed in evolution.

Sunday I faced that fear. We did not discuss it much, but it was brought up about how a co worker's friend went to a private Christian college for pre-med. She feared the friend would not be accepted into medical school because of "false" science classes, meaning they not only taught evolution, but also creation. I told her about how my high school taught evolution and she seemed to lighten up a bit about the topic, since I flat out stated that I believe in creationism.

It was amazing to me that I had the opportunity to take a stance on my beliefs. I did not know how awesome ti would feel. I did not talk much about my faith, but the fact that I told her I supported creationism shows that I do believe in God.

At Pizza Ranch, I do not know that I would ever have a conversation like that. For one, there is not ever much down time where you just stand around and talk with your co workers. At Noodles, that happens quite frequently.

Despite the fact that I do not like working at Noodles very much, in general, I think that God has definitely placed me there for a reason. For a reason more than just to be able to afford a wedding in August. I am excited to see where Noodles takes me and what I am pushed to do as God's servant.