Spanish, Salsa, and Compliments

Have had two good days at work so far this week. Had Monday and Tuesday off. Wednesday, I had the opportunity to use some of my Spanish skills. An interview was being given to a guy who spoke some English for a cook position. I had mentioned to my manager before how I'm pretty decent with my Spanish. "How good?" Well, it was good enough for this interview. That was fun to help out one of our head cooks, Matt. The last time I remember truly translating for someone was probably May of 2009, when I was helping relay some information to our bus driver in Ecuador.

Went on a bike ride after work, my usual 10-mile trip around the lake and back. Past one family who was just entering from the opposite end of where I start, so of course I passed them again. Some little boys with a lady. As i come by again, I pass the one boy who was struggling more first. I said, "these hills are tough, huh?" "Yeah," he says as he's walking his bike. He did say "have a good day" back with a smile on his face. "Didn't you pass us once already," the lady asks. Yes, ma'am. I loop all the way back around. "Wow, " was all she had to say. haha

Came home, showered up, and then I decided to experiment with a little fresh veggie chunky salsa. Found a little inspiration online based on some ingredients I had laying around. Diced tomato, zucchini, green pepper, banana pepper, cucumber, little lime juice, little lemon juice, and a little brown sugar. Turned out well. Yu! Fresh salsa! Enjoyed some for dinner again on Thursday night, and I saved some for Friday. I made a very small container this first time, as it was an experiment.

Didn't get my buns out of bed for a morning run Thursday. Didn't get the greatest night sleep, but no worries. I've been doing really well, and a day off is good. :-) Plus, I remembered to wear my pedometer to work on Thursday (new pedometer compliments of my birthday present from Karena), and I logged in about 1.3 miles just walking around all day serving tables. That was actually about my guess. Could be more, actually. It was off a bit on my run the other day, so I'm still tweaking it.

Thursday was a slower day than Wednesday at work, and I had a bunch of single party tables and some interesting orders. I did have the pleasure of serving a young couple, who happened to be vegetarians. They told me this was their first time ever at an Egg and I. They were really friendly, and after they left my lead server asked if I saw the note I got. He said he hung it up on the bulletin board in the kitchen. Headed back to find this, compliments of my young vegetarian couple. Nice little compliment that brought a giant smile to my face.

I also helped one other lady that morning who seemed to be in a bit of a rush, and as I handed her the check just before she was going to ask for it, she told me she was very impressed with the service today and thankful for it. She explained how she had waitressed for a time in her life, and on this particular day the great service was very much appreciated. That was also cool to hear.

Oh, and I walked out and noticed two guys in bright yellow button up shirts. Upon paying closer attention I realized they were wearing "Stock Auction Co. / Big Iron" shirts. I recognized the guy on the left, remembering working with him the summer of 2009 when I was employed by Stock Auction Co. I popped over, and he remembered working with me after reminding him of who I was. His name donned on me about 5 minutes after that, Mr. Lonnie Korus. One of those small world occurrences. Told Uncle Ron and Aunt Kristin about it. Was cool to see Lonnie, and he gave me a nice farewell on his way out.

I worked til close, headed to Hy-Vee for some fruit I saw on sale, came home, ate some of my fresh fruit for my late lunch, laid down, and sorta dozed for a bit. Sluggish afternoon. Did a 10-minute ab workout and now I sit. Hope to finish a book I am working on within the next few days, so I can reread "City of Bones" before the movie comes out. On to day 3 of 6 in a row at work in the morning. Have a few days off after that.

Also caught one of my friends from church down in American Samoa on instant messaging today, and I had a good chat with him. Many of them received the cards I had sent in the mail, which was good to hear. I had also had a little e-mail conversation with my good friend Lilian the other day.

Happy Friday, everyone! Hope you have a nice weekend. If anyone happens to be in Omaha, come see me at the Egg and I if you want Friday 8-1ish or Saturday or Sunday 8:30-2:30. haha Toodles!