Gee, I'm Glad It's Raining

Anyone else know that song from Earnest Goes to Camp? Yes, I know how ridiculous that sentence sounds when reading it out loud. It's the one somber moment in the movie as Earnest stares longingly out the window of his cabin. He's singing to his pet turtle. Man, I've gotta watch that again. My high school friend, Sam, and I used to sing that together. Mainly because he's the only other person (besides Zach) that I've met who knew it. Wow--how's that for way too much information? Can you tell I've had my cup of tea this morning?

But truly, it is raining. I'm sitting in my pajamas sipping a huge cup of green tea and feeling extra thankful for the holiday. See, I'd been prepping myself mentally to work today. I typically work Mondays and since Starbucks is open this fine Labor Day, I just assumed I'd be the one spilling, err I mean, serving the coffee. But alas, I got the day off and for that I couldn't be more relieved.

Anyway, back to our normally scheduled programming. I started to write this morning in continuation of my last "update" posting. In the meantime, I should tell you about the 2 silly things I saw on pinterest.com (aka: the best time waster EVER). First, is a pin/recipe for gluten free play-doh. Now, please correct me if I'm wrong. But isn't a gluten allergy strictly dealing with the consumption of wheat? Are you going to make that recipe with the plan of your kid eating it (because you know they will) or are you making it because it has the words gluten free in it and that makes you feel better? The other curiosity was a pin for taco quesadillas. Admittedly, I also clicked on it to read the recipe.....until I realized that I already KNOW the recipe. A taco quesadilla is just like a regular quesadilla. Right?! I've seen different words put in front of "quesadilla" to make them sound intriguing. Apple/Brie, Bacon/Chicken, even Pizza. But taco quesadilla is direct repetition. I've gotta stop there, because reading back I sound a little nutso. I just thought I'd give you a peek into the mystery world of my brain. I find little things to keep myself entertained. It's a wonder I'm not an only child.

OK, promise to continue the update later. Now it's time to go snuggle my favorite new born baby burrito, Allie Joy Johnsey.

The Latest

I've had an on-going list of ideas of write about. I've put "blog" at the top of numerous to-do lists. And then the days run together and here we are a few days in September. In 11 days I'll be 30 1/2. Can it be true? Maybe this is a theme. Can there be blogs based purely on procrastination? I feel like that is the opener to each of my posts. An excuse to where I've been and why I haven't been writing. No more of that now. On with the chlorophyll (more like bore-ophyll). *Last sentence is a quote from Billy Madison although I am often the only one partaking in the giggle after I say it. So sue me.

WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING:

-Since I posted an update, I've gotten a job at Starbucks. I thought this would fit perfectly with my school schedule, give me something to do during the day (besides celebrate no-pants-weekdays all by my lonesome), and give me adequate access to delicious caffeinated and highly sugary drinks. What I didn't take into consideration is the udder exhaustion that comes from waking up at 4:00 to stand on my feet all day. I've been getting home feeling like I have mono and crashing hard. I didn't take into account that this is my hardest semester yet and I have 4 classes and a lab to finish before December. That said.....I've turned in my notice. My last day is next Saturday and I'm counting down the minutes. These few months have provided some entertainment (mostly laughing at myself) and from others, but I just can't operate like this for much longer. I'm not sure what comes next for jobs, but am trying to trust that God knows what I need and will provide.

Anytime you're having a sad day, just think of me smiling at a customer as they leave and telling "You're wonderful" only to realize I meant to say "You're welcome". Or me filling up a cup of oatmeal for a customer's order only to have a freakish arm spasm that causes the oatmeal to fly across the floor and splat in a cat-barf pile for everyone to work around. Yup, that's me.

-I've also been helping out with PushStart Kitchen (aka, Zach's new cooking adventure). I've been his server on Friday nights so Cristina doesn't have to rush out of her office to get to the studio in time to serve and entertain 10 strangers. I'm getting better at pouring water without picking up the cups, although I don't trust myself with the wine bottles yet. It has been really fun to get to work with Zach (makes it pretty easy since we share a brain) and see all of the positive recognition he's been getting. TBS sent a film crew to tape one of his dinners for a show they are airing in December. And another film crew came over from Birmingham to film an entire episode of a show they are going to pitch to different TV Networks....all about Zach and Cristina. I just saw the promo trailer they finished this week and it looks so great. Even has some bluegrass tunes in the back which I think sets it apart from the other typical food shows on TV right now. Added bonus? I'm in that first episode. Sara had reserved the entire table for that night, so she and I are sitting around the table with her friends as he is serving up dinner. Last weekend he and I traveled over to Birmingham to do a private dinner for 30 and we're heading down to Destin in 2 weeks to do a wedding reception for 40. Now I just need a wealthy investor to come along so I can officially become his personal assistant. Can't you imagine those office antics now?

-School has started again, as I mentioned earlier. And it is a brain buster. I ugly-gried through my Thursday night last week. And while I attribute most of those waterworks to horomones, I do realize that I am close to being over my head in this language business. We're officially working on simultaneous interpreting which means I'm signing as a person is speaking (or vice versa and speaking as someone is signing) without breaks or pauses to catch up. Gotta put my game face on to make it through this semester....although I think I've said that about each semester so far. It's hard to believe that this time next year I'll be done. Heck, this time in 9 months I'll be done. My classmate, Hannah, and I have started referring to this program as our ASL baby. Get it? 9 months? I'm hoping it flies by quickly.....and that someone throws me shower. OK, that last part is a joke.

Now, I was going to make this a multi-category post including other things going on. But since this one has already stretched so long. And since the pizza man just knocked on my door. And since I just found Grease on ABC Family Channel. I think I'll end here.

Happy (long) Weekend.