So lately I've been doing a lot of running in and out of doctors offices, this all started (not talking about July 2010...but) not too long ago! We can take it back to the 15th of June actually! Gary and I finished eating our lunches when my body just... died. I say 'died' because I couldn't move. I couldn't lift my arms. I couldn't carry my pack-pack (the brown back-pack that is always on me). I could not walk and I could hardly stand up even with Gary's help. See, this has happened to me before but that was like two years ago when I assumed I had diseCeliac ase and all the other fun stuff that comes with it...like a dead body from trying too hard to digest food too fast.
Worried as heck, Gary practically carries me out to the car and rushes us to the hospital. Well, the hospital is super expensive so maybe the urgent care center? We checked in and talked to the receptionist when she told us that we should go somewhere else to be seen. She said that what we had to get done would be considerably cheaper at a family clinic. We agreed and practically flew down the block to the same family practice I've visited so many times before for other health problems. Little did we know that all these health problems are related.
Almost an hour too late! The clinic was closed and we had to wait till Monday to be seen!
Well Monday rolls around and I called the clinic to make an appointment as soon as they opened and they were able to squeeze me in, in two hours! Gary called in sick to work to be able to be there for me which was awesome. I hate going to the doctors by myself! But boy, oh boy, have I learned not to take Gary to the doctors as my support system! Gary's all, "Mercedes, you just need to eat more fiber..." when the doctor more than just agrees with him, "You know Mercedes, Gary is right!" I'm like, "Don't tell him that..." his head doesn't need to be any bigger... Just kidding... :-/ but really.
So the doctor's and doctor Gary's orders were in mind and we're off to the Cost of Co! I was feeling much better than I was that weekend. Thank goodness. We loaded up on fiber, digestive gummies, and something else I can't remember. Whatever it was, it was important I'm sure!
Oh, it was Crystal Light. Cause every time I go to the doctor (and also talk to doctor Gary) they always say I'm dehydrated. So there we go.
For the next couple of days he was practically filling my throat with things that I couldn't stand! Mainly water! Yucky! But miraculously, I felt better. So I figured it was time to take a break from all the spoon-feeding and chugging water as a sort of reward for feeling better for once!
******************************
I was feeling super fresh, man.
So I kept the good vibes going and went to go get a hair cut! All thanks to my inspiration Julianne Hough on Safe Haven! She is so GORGEOUS!!! I wanted my hair to look just like hers! Unfortunately, mine isn't nearly as thick...or blonde... nor will it ever be. But it's short!
Gary didn't like it... He always told me that girls with short hair look like boys! I can see how he would think that but come on! This was no pixie hair cut! I was certain that my hair looked adorable! The girls at the salon even had to take a picture!! But no, our disagreement on that, and the new $15 shirt I bought, was enough to push both of us over the edge...
Things had been going so well...
On the outside...
We have a tendency to keep our feelings about each other on the inside.
Until one of us does something so incredibly stupid, it's silly, we just let it all go!
All that night my stomach was turning. I knew he would get use to the hair eventually, probably around the same time that it grows back out. ;)
The next morning I had a meeting with a therapist, after telling her how I feel and expressing all the feelings I should have said to Gary...she got the load all at once... she sent me to the hospital. Umm.. Yeah.
So I checked myself into the Emergency Room to take a psychiatric evaluation. I sat in the ER for hours while doctor after doctor rushed into my room. Quite honestly I didn't see what the problem was! After getting all of the first Doc's test results back I was reassured that I did not have Celiac disease, and my thyroid wasn't dying! Those were the tests from the first doctors appointment that week. So then these next set of doc's are asking me all these physical health questions and doing an EKG and everything else under the sun... They told me that I was 100% healthy! Sweet!!!
But wait.
Why do I get so sick all the time?
In comes the crisis counselor. He tells me I'm probably depressed, under a lot of stress, and in a not-too-healthy relationship. Add all of those up and you get one psycho chick who's getting sick just from her own nerves! Silly me! So Mr. Crisis led me upstairs to the Mental Health part of the hospital where I was stripped of all of my belongings and was treated like a child then left alone. I didn't need to be in there, I thought to myself, they've got it all wrong. There was one kid detoxing and another chick who looked super anorexic. I was just in an unhealthy relationship!! Time heals this one, I'm sure.
But then dinner came and I was all of the sudden more than pleased to stay the night! ...or two...
I called my step dad and he called my mom to tell her I was held hostage in the hospital and needed some feminine things... Leave it to Super-Step-Dad! He calls in when the phone was answered and put on speaker... He very proudly announces to just about the whole world, "I'm here for Mercedes number ****, I have her UNDERWEAR!!!" The whole department just burst into laughs!!! So even though it was after curfew, they had to let him up!
The place was chill, we all just ate snacks and hung out! 9:45 I decided to be tired so they gave me some sort of drug to help with my anxiety and one to sleep and it knocked me out numb!
Bright and early the next day my head was POUNDING!!! Never, ever, ever has it ever hurt that bad! I couldn't see anything, I was super dizzy, and my whole body hurt with a 100 pound ball sitting on the top of it all just killing me! A few mixes of drugs and a few naps throughout the day I was finally a little better. That was horrible. But the worst part was, they kept interrupting my needed naps for some stupid group thing!! Ugh.
******************************
I wasn't allowed to have my cell phone and since I was expecting a call (and honestly hoping that Gary had tried to get ahold of me since our last fight...I missed him so bad), they let me check my phone right in front of them. I did have a missed call! AND A VOICEMAIL!!!! I instantly jumped for joy not knowing what it was but desperately hoping it was my ticket out and.... It was! I accidentally listened to the message on speaker so everyone heard the job get offered to me!
I didn't know too much about it, but what I did know was that I would just be driving around all day! Ha, I can do that! I got the job! Yes!!
Since they didn't prescribe me anything, and since I guess I was there on my own will, I could leave! Ha, I wish I knew that sooner! I didn't really want to be there! It was nice though, just a small break from reality. An expensive break, I'm sure!
So just yesterday (Monday the 24th) I went to the first day of training for my new job. It was awesome! But the best part was (today) I got a better understanding of what I would be doing and what kind of environment this was. It is called Provo Canyon School and it is a mental health facility. As we practiced ways to communicate better and especially to listen, I came to a sweet realization that this is just what I needed.
This is where I can become better. I can become healthy. I can learn how to share my feelings and emotions with Gary without curling up my fists and blowing smoke out my ears!
This is perfect. :)
Things should be looking up from now on, I talked to Gary about the communication thing and he's willing to work on it with me. So now we're both learning, together. If our relationship can benefit from this that would be marvelous but if it doesn't...I think I might be able to handle it a little bit better than I have in the past. This is great! I definitely believe that Heavenly Father has a plan for us and as long as we keep him in our hearts, he'll lead us exactly to where we're suppose to be. :)
Thanks for reading this one! I know it's a long one but I think it's worth the read!
Happy Tuesday all!
-Mercedes Poole
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Not-Engaged-Bride-Zilla On The Loose!
I'll bet you're wondering what this one is about? Well "Sugar Lips", I know you're my number one fan so I'll let you in on a little secret... I'd like to call it, what I do when you're not around!
Way back when I was about 4 and playing with my Barbie's I ALWAYS had Barbie and Ken get married. I put the girl dolls in dresses and would do their hair (only sometimes the hair melted from the curling iron ... lol) oh, so pretty for Ken or whatever else I would name the boy doll. His name usually came from the boy down the street who I had a crush on! Then they would walk down the isle... And then Ken would kiss the bride!
*18 Years Later*
I have the Pinterest app on my smartphone absolutely loaded with headliners such as "Great Style" "See You in White" "Dream Home" "Work It" and even an "I Miss You" for when the relationship is getting kind of rocky. I might not have everything sitting in a shed somewhere or even a hope chest full of my dream decorations.... But thanks to Pinterest and my mom working at Dillard's, I'm able to at least pin every idea or put the things I just so happen to stumble upon, on hold. You never know what you might find!
Yes. I am that girl. I went out to buy a wedding dress just barely a week after my boyfriend said the word, "Wedding." Turns out it was perfect timing! I got the dress of my dreams at a price my parents could afford! Unfortunately for me... that kind of drove him away for a few minutes... But I could not let us stop there! We were planning our lives together and I was NOT about to let this one get away! A few months passed and I was able to gather quite a few things. I have the dress, the shoes, the ring bearer pillow, the flower basket, the garders, the preserving kit, our Smash Book, picture frames, and the sleeves for the dress are coming tomorrow!
I'm not so sure that Gary approves of all this girly/frilly/shiny stuff. I think he's afraid that his man-card might be shrinking... This relationship sure is a strange one! I've asked so many married (old and young) guys about what they had a say for their weddings. The music was about it. Oh, and the color of their own underwear of course. Gary actually wants a say in everything about the wedding! We picked out the rings together, we both put in our say for the colors (he likes dark blue, I like a corally pink, and my dress is champagne), we haven't had any disagreements on the venues, and we already have our brides maids and groomsmen pick out! No argues on any of these. BUT we are having the hardest time thinking of a date! I would be more than happy with an end of September-early October wedding. He, on the other hand, would like to get married 5 years down the road! 5 years!!! We agreed on a date once upon a time, March 21st. So! Seeing as he's making this monstrous sacrifice for me... That, being getting married before he is financially stable. I'm thinking I should hold off on my September-October dreams. Which I'm okay with. :)
But still! March 21st is in just over 9 months!! NINE MONTHS!!! The clock is ticking! Today I was able to find both (Katie, the flower girl and little Mercedes, the one to hold my train) the little girls dresses which are ADORABLE!!! I have found our engagement outfits for a way good price! Once again, all thanks go to my mom at Dillard's for being able to hold these items and also to Gary for the approval.
Everything is falling into place! Gary just laughs at me when I tell him all this... Ha, he says, "We're not engaged YET!!" Well, I think he may have gotten a little frustrated with me when I handed him a paper that said, "Wedding Guest List" ... Maybe that was going a little too far... But hey! This all has to get done at some point! I'm not 100% sure that he's got the ring yet... It's definitely not on my finger! But that's aside the point! We know we're going to get married and unless he wants me to freak out at the last second because nothing is ready then I highly suggest he lets me get started!
Uh-oh. Bridezilla on the loose... Yikes!
Way back when I was about 4 and playing with my Barbie's I ALWAYS had Barbie and Ken get married. I put the girl dolls in dresses and would do their hair (only sometimes the hair melted from the curling iron ... lol) oh, so pretty for Ken or whatever else I would name the boy doll. His name usually came from the boy down the street who I had a crush on! Then they would walk down the isle... And then Ken would kiss the bride!
*18 Years Later*
I have the Pinterest app on my smartphone absolutely loaded with headliners such as "Great Style" "See You in White" "Dream Home" "Work It" and even an "I Miss You" for when the relationship is getting kind of rocky. I might not have everything sitting in a shed somewhere or even a hope chest full of my dream decorations.... But thanks to Pinterest and my mom working at Dillard's, I'm able to at least pin every idea or put the things I just so happen to stumble upon, on hold. You never know what you might find!
Yes. I am that girl. I went out to buy a wedding dress just barely a week after my boyfriend said the word, "Wedding." Turns out it was perfect timing! I got the dress of my dreams at a price my parents could afford! Unfortunately for me... that kind of drove him away for a few minutes... But I could not let us stop there! We were planning our lives together and I was NOT about to let this one get away! A few months passed and I was able to gather quite a few things. I have the dress, the shoes, the ring bearer pillow, the flower basket, the garders, the preserving kit, our Smash Book, picture frames, and the sleeves for the dress are coming tomorrow!
I'm not so sure that Gary approves of all this girly/frilly/shiny stuff. I think he's afraid that his man-card might be shrinking... This relationship sure is a strange one! I've asked so many married (old and young) guys about what they had a say for their weddings. The music was about it. Oh, and the color of their own underwear of course. Gary actually wants a say in everything about the wedding! We picked out the rings together, we both put in our say for the colors (he likes dark blue, I like a corally pink, and my dress is champagne), we haven't had any disagreements on the venues, and we already have our brides maids and groomsmen pick out! No argues on any of these. BUT we are having the hardest time thinking of a date! I would be more than happy with an end of September-early October wedding. He, on the other hand, would like to get married 5 years down the road! 5 years!!! We agreed on a date once upon a time, March 21st. So! Seeing as he's making this monstrous sacrifice for me... That, being getting married before he is financially stable. I'm thinking I should hold off on my September-October dreams. Which I'm okay with. :)
But still! March 21st is in just over 9 months!! NINE MONTHS!!! The clock is ticking! Today I was able to find both (Katie, the flower girl and little Mercedes, the one to hold my train) the little girls dresses which are ADORABLE!!! I have found our engagement outfits for a way good price! Once again, all thanks go to my mom at Dillard's for being able to hold these items and also to Gary for the approval.
Everything is falling into place! Gary just laughs at me when I tell him all this... Ha, he says, "We're not engaged YET!!" Well, I think he may have gotten a little frustrated with me when I handed him a paper that said, "Wedding Guest List" ... Maybe that was going a little too far... But hey! This all has to get done at some point! I'm not 100% sure that he's got the ring yet... It's definitely not on my finger! But that's aside the point! We know we're going to get married and unless he wants me to freak out at the last second because nothing is ready then I highly suggest he lets me get started!
Uh-oh. Bridezilla on the loose... Yikes!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Yeah. We're probably normal.
I live in an awesome home. No sarcasm there. I love everyone SO MUCH!! So, I ask myself; why am I only there every other three days? Is it because that's how long Gary and I can be together without getting in too big of a dispute or start to get bored with each other? Is it because I am trying to be independent? Or is it because life at home gets so rocky, so often?
When I'm around... It is drama-free. Most of the time. Make that about 60% of the time. We all get along, we all do everything together, we generally share the same views, and we generally don't step on each others toes... Probably because we don't like it when our toes are stepped on. Maybe that's just my view.
But then I leave for my usual couple of days and come back and someone wants to move out and someone else wants a divorce and another someone just got done crying from just one someone who usually can't keep their tone down oh, but it wasn't their fault.... Holy freak! When did all of this happen? WHAT HAPPENED??? And why can't any of this happen when I'm there?
I'm definitely the type of person to intervene. If two people are being stupid and both saying silly things that should have no relevance whatsoever in this life.... I like to step in. Sometimes it can be fun. You know, gotta laugh somehow!
The last time I can remember being able to cut-in (strongly NOT advised. EVER.) was just a few months ago. A simple misunderstanding, an act of jealousy and egotistical immaturity, turned into WW4759 in my family! I wish I could say I let things run their course but when two men that are so important to me (other than Gary) get in a heated discussion about nothing.... I just had to step in. Little ol' me didn't do any good between two large men easily both twice my size. Let's just take a minute and thank The Lord that nobody was hurt. Physically. As for me, my heart was shattered into a million pieces. These two men that I had looked up to so much in my life were acting like children towards each other.
I had to let them know how that affected my view towards them, and same with the family, mostly me though.
Aside from big boys fighting, what else does every fight need?
A victim.
Not just any victim! But someone who is really in the wrong but cries the loudest to cause more havoc. Someone who can't take the blame, never will take the blame, and will always play/become the victim. No names needed.
Through a weird series of apologies and awkward hugs I am proud to say that this family is (for the most part) back to normal. Well... That's what I thought. Till I got home tonight after yet, another one of my few day trips, everyone seemed normal. Almost too normal. They weren't talking to each other... But they weren't sad or mad. Not on the outside at least... I figured it's because their favorite show was on. One went to bed only saying goodnight to me, when the other says he has to go to the courthouse tomorrow. In all honesty I thought that one of his ex-wives had called him there. But no. He's going for divorce papers.
This caught me so off guard. He must be kidding. They seemed fine! They seemed good! And happy! Why, oh why do these things have to happen? That wasn't the only piece of news that caught me off guard. I learned that one of my old best friends was also getting a divorce. What is the world coming to? Why can't people just STAY IN LOVE??? Would it be better to never love at all? Family or friends? Is this all just a big miscommunication? Someone please tell me, is this normal? Is my family normal??? Is quitting normal? Or hiding ones feelings and emotions from their partner...normal? Is falling in and out of love so drastically...normal? Actually, what IS normal?
Questioning everything I've ever known...for the second time... I wonder, is it me? It must be. Does my family not fight when I'm around because I'll tell them that they are being inappropriate? Do I act the way I do in my relationships because of what I've seen or grown up with? Does everybody?
Someone tell me... Is this normal? .......??
When I'm around... It is drama-free. Most of the time. Make that about 60% of the time. We all get along, we all do everything together, we generally share the same views, and we generally don't step on each others toes... Probably because we don't like it when our toes are stepped on. Maybe that's just my view.
But then I leave for my usual couple of days and come back and someone wants to move out and someone else wants a divorce and another someone just got done crying from just one someone who usually can't keep their tone down oh, but it wasn't their fault.... Holy freak! When did all of this happen? WHAT HAPPENED??? And why can't any of this happen when I'm there?
I'm definitely the type of person to intervene. If two people are being stupid and both saying silly things that should have no relevance whatsoever in this life.... I like to step in. Sometimes it can be fun. You know, gotta laugh somehow!
The last time I can remember being able to cut-in (strongly NOT advised. EVER.) was just a few months ago. A simple misunderstanding, an act of jealousy and egotistical immaturity, turned into WW4759 in my family! I wish I could say I let things run their course but when two men that are so important to me (other than Gary) get in a heated discussion about nothing.... I just had to step in. Little ol' me didn't do any good between two large men easily both twice my size. Let's just take a minute and thank The Lord that nobody was hurt. Physically. As for me, my heart was shattered into a million pieces. These two men that I had looked up to so much in my life were acting like children towards each other.
I had to let them know how that affected my view towards them, and same with the family, mostly me though.
Aside from big boys fighting, what else does every fight need?
A victim.
Not just any victim! But someone who is really in the wrong but cries the loudest to cause more havoc. Someone who can't take the blame, never will take the blame, and will always play/become the victim. No names needed.
Through a weird series of apologies and awkward hugs I am proud to say that this family is (for the most part) back to normal. Well... That's what I thought. Till I got home tonight after yet, another one of my few day trips, everyone seemed normal. Almost too normal. They weren't talking to each other... But they weren't sad or mad. Not on the outside at least... I figured it's because their favorite show was on. One went to bed only saying goodnight to me, when the other says he has to go to the courthouse tomorrow. In all honesty I thought that one of his ex-wives had called him there. But no. He's going for divorce papers.
This caught me so off guard. He must be kidding. They seemed fine! They seemed good! And happy! Why, oh why do these things have to happen? That wasn't the only piece of news that caught me off guard. I learned that one of my old best friends was also getting a divorce. What is the world coming to? Why can't people just STAY IN LOVE??? Would it be better to never love at all? Family or friends? Is this all just a big miscommunication? Someone please tell me, is this normal? Is my family normal??? Is quitting normal? Or hiding ones feelings and emotions from their partner...normal? Is falling in and out of love so drastically...normal? Actually, what IS normal?
Questioning everything I've ever known...for the second time... I wonder, is it me? It must be. Does my family not fight when I'm around because I'll tell them that they are being inappropriate? Do I act the way I do in my relationships because of what I've seen or grown up with? Does everybody?
Someone tell me... Is this normal? .......??
Thursday, June 6, 2013
JOURNEY JOURNAL: Trip #2
This was basically spur of the moment. After getting into a reoccurring argument with my friend I decided I've got to get the freak away from here. I told my parents I was going to California to free myself for a few days... or weeks... they decided that I should take my sister just so I wasn't going alone. Of course they were concerned about my safety. They willingly donated funds into my account so that I could make it and have a good time with a full stomach and just like that, I was gone.
Day 1: Bon Voyage!!
We loaded up the Rav, took out the seats and made a bed with blankets and boogie boards. Time for take off! We were off to a good start at a perfect time of night. 7 pm. Just after we got in the car the rain started pouring. How convenient! It cleared up about an hour into the drive where we were passing super small towns with barely even a gas station in their posession. I was getting absolutely horrible gas mileage and didn't know why.. so we stopped in Scipio to put air in the tires and to our surprise, we found a petting zoo! At first, a peacock crossing the road caught our attention and led our attention to a zebra! A zebra in the middle of nowhere! Imagine that! All we could do was laugh when we figured out that this small town had a petting zoo but no air pump for my tires. Of course. That was about the time I quit driving. We had a 12 hour drive ahead of us and I was done driving! With Chelsey driving we were finally able to find air. Who would've thought that was so hard?? We jammed out to T-Swift and hearing all of her horrible luck with guys I could only think about mine. I was wishing so bad that my friend and I hadn't gotten into a fight the other night so I wouldn't have wanted to get away so bad.
We were basically starving right after that petting zoo adventure, but the plan was that we would eat when we got to St. George. We found a Village Inn to stop at around 11 pm. See, Chelsey and I are basically old people now. We usually go to bed around like 9. So 11 was super late for us and I'm sure you know what happens when it's super late! Chelsey said, "I should get a job here!" Without hesitation I said, "Yeah, Denny's is always hiring." Chelsey started to bust up laughing saying, "..this isn't Denny's..." hahaha good times.
Day 2: We've ALL Got The Munchies!!
After camping in the car at some rest stop, we were waking up with the sun! Chelsey drove there so I figured I could do a couple more hours to the beach. :) By the way, thank you Chelsey for driving the whole way (basically to and from Cali.) "Your destination is on your right." We looked around and saw nothing but big buildings, dirty people, and lots of cars. Hardly the San Diego we were expecting. The beach was nowhere. So I guess we just had to keep driving! Very irritated, we got back on the freeway and took a random exit which landed us right in the middle of this very cramped but still very adorable little neighborhood called Ocean Beach. We found 24 hour parking practically on the shore. Everything was perfect. The day was easily wasted away. We slept and showered on the beach which was... awesome. We were going to be beach bums for a whole week! Taking turns getting dressed in the back of the car we were ready for some exploring of the town we were planning on staying in. Looking back on this, I still think that a farmer's market was the absolute best way to get to know our neighbors. Our. Stoned. Neighbors. Everyone was high. Everyone. We ended the day with a large bag of Doritos and Oreos while waiting for the sun to set over the beautiful ocean. The place was crowded. Obviously this was an everyday event. Just as we're admiring the sunset and trying to keep our valuables from all the passing strangers, one stops by us. He was friendly... I guess. But isn't everyone friendly when they're completely stoned off their butts? He didn't have much to say to us besides speaking for the whole town he said, "We've all got the munchies, huh?!?!" And just like that... He was off! .........And so were we!
Day 3: Hobo's for sure!
My sister woke me up around midnight saying that she was exhausted and needed to stop driving. All I could think to say was, "Okay.." and she told me that there was a rest stop coming up that was closed. The next closest one was 100 MILES AWAY!!!! So mean, ol' Mercedes told her to keep driving! haha I was ready to go home, I wanted to get there... I just didn't want to have to drive. If it were up to me I would have turned the freaking car around when I got to Nephi! I'm such a pansy, I know.
It was hot the next morning. The sun was more than welcoming us into the new day. Time to drive. We stopped on what's basically the border of California and Nevada just to gamble. I've never done this before... I was so nervous! Let's just say that I didn't lose my money... And I really want to try again... No, I'm not addicted. :-/ It was too bad that Chelsey couldn't stay at the slots with me, turns out she was really good luck that day! We tried our hands at the scratch and win cards and yes... we lost all of our money with those! We won a few dollars here and there, don't worry! Time to gas up the car and we were on our way back home.
Wait. Back home already? Why? Oh, because we ran out of money (not including the money we had set aside for gambling) and I had a whole bunch of bills coming up. I was stressed and missed my man too bad. It was nice though, it was fun and we didn't even fight! So thank you Brandon Baker for donating to our Random Trip Fund, and thanks mom for letting me borrow your favorite daughter for a few days. But I do have to apologize, sorry we weren't gone longer! I promise to make the trip again soon!
Day 1: Bon Voyage!!
We loaded up the Rav, took out the seats and made a bed with blankets and boogie boards. Time for take off! We were off to a good start at a perfect time of night. 7 pm. Just after we got in the car the rain started pouring. How convenient! It cleared up about an hour into the drive where we were passing super small towns with barely even a gas station in their posession. I was getting absolutely horrible gas mileage and didn't know why.. so we stopped in Scipio to put air in the tires and to our surprise, we found a petting zoo! At first, a peacock crossing the road caught our attention and led our attention to a zebra! A zebra in the middle of nowhere! Imagine that! All we could do was laugh when we figured out that this small town had a petting zoo but no air pump for my tires. Of course. That was about the time I quit driving. We had a 12 hour drive ahead of us and I was done driving! With Chelsey driving we were finally able to find air. Who would've thought that was so hard?? We jammed out to T-Swift and hearing all of her horrible luck with guys I could only think about mine. I was wishing so bad that my friend and I hadn't gotten into a fight the other night so I wouldn't have wanted to get away so bad.
We were basically starving right after that petting zoo adventure, but the plan was that we would eat when we got to St. George. We found a Village Inn to stop at around 11 pm. See, Chelsey and I are basically old people now. We usually go to bed around like 9. So 11 was super late for us and I'm sure you know what happens when it's super late! Chelsey said, "I should get a job here!" Without hesitation I said, "Yeah, Denny's is always hiring." Chelsey started to bust up laughing saying, "..this isn't Denny's..." hahaha good times.
Day 2: We've ALL Got The Munchies!!
After camping in the car at some rest stop, we were waking up with the sun! Chelsey drove there so I figured I could do a couple more hours to the beach. :) By the way, thank you Chelsey for driving the whole way (basically to and from Cali.) "Your destination is on your right." We looked around and saw nothing but big buildings, dirty people, and lots of cars. Hardly the San Diego we were expecting. The beach was nowhere. So I guess we just had to keep driving! Very irritated, we got back on the freeway and took a random exit which landed us right in the middle of this very cramped but still very adorable little neighborhood called Ocean Beach. We found 24 hour parking practically on the shore. Everything was perfect. The day was easily wasted away. We slept and showered on the beach which was... awesome. We were going to be beach bums for a whole week! Taking turns getting dressed in the back of the car we were ready for some exploring of the town we were planning on staying in. Looking back on this, I still think that a farmer's market was the absolute best way to get to know our neighbors. Our. Stoned. Neighbors. Everyone was high. Everyone. We ended the day with a large bag of Doritos and Oreos while waiting for the sun to set over the beautiful ocean. The place was crowded. Obviously this was an everyday event. Just as we're admiring the sunset and trying to keep our valuables from all the passing strangers, one stops by us. He was friendly... I guess. But isn't everyone friendly when they're completely stoned off their butts? He didn't have much to say to us besides speaking for the whole town he said, "We've all got the munchies, huh?!?!" And just like that... He was off! .........And so were we!
Day 3: Hobo's for sure!
My sister woke me up around midnight saying that she was exhausted and needed to stop driving. All I could think to say was, "Okay.." and she told me that there was a rest stop coming up that was closed. The next closest one was 100 MILES AWAY!!!! So mean, ol' Mercedes told her to keep driving! haha I was ready to go home, I wanted to get there... I just didn't want to have to drive. If it were up to me I would have turned the freaking car around when I got to Nephi! I'm such a pansy, I know.
It was hot the next morning. The sun was more than welcoming us into the new day. Time to drive. We stopped on what's basically the border of California and Nevada just to gamble. I've never done this before... I was so nervous! Let's just say that I didn't lose my money... And I really want to try again... No, I'm not addicted. :-/ It was too bad that Chelsey couldn't stay at the slots with me, turns out she was really good luck that day! We tried our hands at the scratch and win cards and yes... we lost all of our money with those! We won a few dollars here and there, don't worry! Time to gas up the car and we were on our way back home.
Wait. Back home already? Why? Oh, because we ran out of money (not including the money we had set aside for gambling) and I had a whole bunch of bills coming up. I was stressed and missed my man too bad. It was nice though, it was fun and we didn't even fight! So thank you Brandon Baker for donating to our Random Trip Fund, and thanks mom for letting me borrow your favorite daughter for a few days. But I do have to apologize, sorry we weren't gone longer! I promise to make the trip again soon!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
No make-up? No problem!
Gary and I took a random trip to some Tuscan restaurant up in Salt Lake and immediately felt out of place! I mean, we felt like we fit in with the other customers...you know...you kind of feel welcome when the old lady across the isle from you keeps trying to butt in on your conversation. Who wouldn't feel welcome? But just not with the worker's there. Gary looked nice, fitted jeans, shirt with a hula girl on it... Basically a perfect summer's outfit! I, on the other hand was rockin' the fish-tail braid (done by Gary... Props.), my lace and striped peasant blouse with coordinating colored jeans... Not too bad, not too bad at all. One problem. I wasn't wearing any make-up. See, this wasn't an only occurrence, I NEVER wear make-up in the summer! I never thought anyone would care and especially not treat me badly because of it. I assumed that was the case seeing as everything else was fine about me. Sure, I may have a tendency to look about 4 1/2 years old without make-up... But that is aside the point. One's customer service shouldn't change because of how one looks! Especially when that server is depending on a tip!! Come on now.
This restaurant was definitely something different. We were instructed to find our own seats by the hostess. That was strange. Then it only took about 5 minutes for them to get us menus. Another 15 for water. Then we met our server. She looked us up and down, then again, probably to see what she was getting into. Immediately she left us alone and basically avoided us the rest of the day (we were there for a VERY long time waiting on food and servers...and rating our experience of course). Time after time she would walk past our table asking everyone around us how they were doing...stop to look at us...then keep walking.
Horrible customer service, RIGHT!?
Gary does this thing, he assumes that people are just going through a hard time and that's why they're grumpy or inadequate, so when I would love to cause a scene and take it up with the manager... He simply gives them a large tip as a pick-me-up. Usually.
I'm not sure if it was just how this particular lady was treating us but my self-esteem took a very intense nose-dive to the ground. It was obvious to Gary how I felt. I looked around at all the other people that were getting so much attention, positive attention. I wondered what the heck it could be! Oh, of course. The other ladies that were here were wearing about four inches of make-up on their faces! I'm sure their boyfriends didn't do their hair. And they all had gaudy jewelry on. And heels, not flip-flops. That's must be it. They are actually trying to impress people.
But it is SUMMERTIME for crying out loud!!!
After being there for just over an hour and a half (of straight waiting) she finally comes back with our check. I was thoroughly unimpressed with the whole restaurants service and, for some reason, had lost all confidence in my summer glow. Gary reached into his wallet to pull out a tip when out of jealousy and spite, I'm sure, I took the ONE DOLLAR that he had set aside for her and shoved it into my purse! She did NOT deserve this one dollar! She should just be grateful that I didn't cause a scene about what a bad word she was being!!
I put the dollar bill back, don't worry....
But still, that got me thinking. Were we treated that way because of how we looked? That must be it. I mean, the lady across the isle thought we were great company! This incident... It changes the way I'll look at people from now on.
I was sick with guilt the whole time just remembering back about a year ago when I was working at Dillard's. A couple came into the store about 5 minutes before we closed. I already had one register counted. I was not about to wait for them. They raced up to me as I took my time looking them up and down. The guy was wearing ripped jean shorts with a wife-beater on, ripped tennis shoes, and a very old hoody wrapped around his waist. His (assumed) wife was not looking very much more impressive. I told them that I could not help them with what they were doing and that it was crazy to find one missing shoe in the middle of this large sale AND find the box they go in. I was instructed to not waist my time doing that for anyone. They found it all about 5 minutes after we had closed. Sure it was late and I had already worked a 12 hour shift but that was wrong of me, I shouldn't have given up on them and had them do all the work they did by themselves...especially since they were about the only ones in the whole store. They complained to me about my inability to help. I assured them that everything was okay and basically that they would survive... It was because of the large sale that made everything difficult. They asked to speak to my manager, Dan. And they did. He called me a few minutes later, laughing. He described the couple to me, their anger, and the silly situation. What snobs we were being. After this wondrous guilt-memory had taken me over... And feeling the way I did from the server... I was appalled at my actions and decided to be done. I made a decision right there and then to NEVER treat anyone like they were below me again. And whoever you are, reading this, I urge you to do the same. Fact is, it doesn't matter where we shop, what we eat, how we choose to do our make-up (or not), or how we're dressed while we shop or eat out... We're still all children of Heavenly Father. He loves us just the way we are... And it's about time we learn to all love each other just the same. Thank you all for reading this!
This restaurant was definitely something different. We were instructed to find our own seats by the hostess. That was strange. Then it only took about 5 minutes for them to get us menus. Another 15 for water. Then we met our server. She looked us up and down, then again, probably to see what she was getting into. Immediately she left us alone and basically avoided us the rest of the day (we were there for a VERY long time waiting on food and servers...and rating our experience of course). Time after time she would walk past our table asking everyone around us how they were doing...stop to look at us...then keep walking.
Horrible customer service, RIGHT!?
Gary does this thing, he assumes that people are just going through a hard time and that's why they're grumpy or inadequate, so when I would love to cause a scene and take it up with the manager... He simply gives them a large tip as a pick-me-up. Usually.
I'm not sure if it was just how this particular lady was treating us but my self-esteem took a very intense nose-dive to the ground. It was obvious to Gary how I felt. I looked around at all the other people that were getting so much attention, positive attention. I wondered what the heck it could be! Oh, of course. The other ladies that were here were wearing about four inches of make-up on their faces! I'm sure their boyfriends didn't do their hair. And they all had gaudy jewelry on. And heels, not flip-flops. That's must be it. They are actually trying to impress people.
But it is SUMMERTIME for crying out loud!!!
After being there for just over an hour and a half (of straight waiting) she finally comes back with our check. I was thoroughly unimpressed with the whole restaurants service and, for some reason, had lost all confidence in my summer glow. Gary reached into his wallet to pull out a tip when out of jealousy and spite, I'm sure, I took the ONE DOLLAR that he had set aside for her and shoved it into my purse! She did NOT deserve this one dollar! She should just be grateful that I didn't cause a scene about what a bad word she was being!!
I put the dollar bill back, don't worry....
But still, that got me thinking. Were we treated that way because of how we looked? That must be it. I mean, the lady across the isle thought we were great company! This incident... It changes the way I'll look at people from now on.
I was sick with guilt the whole time just remembering back about a year ago when I was working at Dillard's. A couple came into the store about 5 minutes before we closed. I already had one register counted. I was not about to wait for them. They raced up to me as I took my time looking them up and down. The guy was wearing ripped jean shorts with a wife-beater on, ripped tennis shoes, and a very old hoody wrapped around his waist. His (assumed) wife was not looking very much more impressive. I told them that I could not help them with what they were doing and that it was crazy to find one missing shoe in the middle of this large sale AND find the box they go in. I was instructed to not waist my time doing that for anyone. They found it all about 5 minutes after we had closed. Sure it was late and I had already worked a 12 hour shift but that was wrong of me, I shouldn't have given up on them and had them do all the work they did by themselves...especially since they were about the only ones in the whole store. They complained to me about my inability to help. I assured them that everything was okay and basically that they would survive... It was because of the large sale that made everything difficult. They asked to speak to my manager, Dan. And they did. He called me a few minutes later, laughing. He described the couple to me, their anger, and the silly situation. What snobs we were being. After this wondrous guilt-memory had taken me over... And feeling the way I did from the server... I was appalled at my actions and decided to be done. I made a decision right there and then to NEVER treat anyone like they were below me again. And whoever you are, reading this, I urge you to do the same. Fact is, it doesn't matter where we shop, what we eat, how we choose to do our make-up (or not), or how we're dressed while we shop or eat out... We're still all children of Heavenly Father. He loves us just the way we are... And it's about time we learn to all love each other just the same. Thank you all for reading this!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)