lizardblog ( the blog of liz creech

October 30, 2007
A new journey

Thursday is a new day of a new journey. I am now officially employed by Chili's Grill and Bar. I will be a manager, for now, in the Richmond Road location. It is a bit scary and exciting too. Most importantly, it is a job.

This weekend has been emotional. A lot of crying has taken place. It got to a point where I was trying to pretend we weren't closing. It was kind of interesting to watch them take the signs down off the building. The people who take down the signs were there right at 3p.m. A team of corporate people came in to monitor things, that was weird. One of the guys asked me how long I had been there. After I told him he said, "It is almost like loosing a child, isn't it?". What did I do? I teared up. The guy apologized - it wasn't his fault we are all a mess - HA!

Today, several people made it all the way to the door before they realized we weren't open. One lady was upset because she had a 50$ gift certificate. I think, once she realized she could use it at the Chili's right next door that she was ok.

Anyway, I am kind of glad to be done with the closing process. Of course I will miss Macaroni Grill - A LOT!!

posted by Liz at 2:06 PM - permalink - -

October 23, 2007
Only 6 more days.

I have a business idea. I am sure someone has done it, but it just keeps popping up in my head. Leasing the Macaroni Grill building and using the parking lot as a for sale by owner used car lot. You would allow them to park the car in your lot for a fee and then charge them a percentage of the end sale price. Inside you would offer consultations on the car you are looking for - Consumer Reports, Car Fax, and Kelly Blue Book information. The only thing I would really have a problem with is the financing. I am not a big fan of people buying a car when they really shouldn't. That would be my downfall I think, not being willing to offer financing.

In general I think it is a pretty good idea. If I only had the know how and the money for backing, then I would be set for a job. HA!!

posted by Liz at 10:12 AM - permalink - -

October 22, 2007
Pulling an "Alan"

So, here lately I have been doing what I will call "pulling an Alan". I am not sure what he might think of that though - hee hee.

I have been rolling stuff around and around and around in my head. Trying to figure it all out on my own and trying to make things happen on my own. Letting the fears get bigger and bigger, and yet not really caring either. I am sure if you are on my site you know our situation. If not here is a brief synopsis: Alan lost his job, I started working full time, he is working on getting freelance business going, and I am on my feet 10-12 hours a shift and I am damn tired and my body is crying out - a lot! Then we found out they are closing the restaurant I work at. Next Monday is the last day. I DO NOT have a job yet. So, I am freaking out.

I do have A prospect. And it is in what I don't want to do - Food Service. You work way to much for way too little - in the management aspect of it. Seriously, if the option was still there to continue what I am presently doing I would make more than going into management. I would end up crippled, but I would make more money. At least I have one prospect - I have to keep thinking that way or I get a bit worked up. Well I see saw on it. I know God can and will take care of us, but I sure wish he would hurry up. I know all the cliches about God's timing and our timing and Him knowing best and what not, but that doesn't help a lot right now.

It would also be nice if everyone you apply to did what EKU did and at least sends you an email to let you know they filled the position. I had applied for a position there and I didn't get it - duh. I have applied to at least 10 jobs and been to 2 interviews. One was a pretense and the other I was just wasting time and one coming up tomorrow. But nothing from any of the others - nothing. I just don't get that part. I know things take time, but 3 weeks? Sorry, I try to stay up beat but right now, I just don't have much left. If any one knows me I smile all the time, and for the past 2 months and especially in the last 3 weeks I don't have many to pass out to others. I know things will change, I just wish God would pass out the sylabus before He starts teaching the lesson - Oh well.

posted by Liz at 9:46 AM - permalink - -

October 16, 2007
Only 13 more days

That is what I am thinking at this point - people can be DAMN rude when it comes to food. I have a little story that should appal you all.

Sunday I was in the role of shift supervisor and serving as the hostess, since the one we have didn't show up. I general this isn't a difficult job, but it can be stressful. Usually you have staff, according to the numbers, to cover what guests you usually have. Our circumstances are a little different in that we can't hire any more people and there really are only so many people that can work a specific shift, due to their availability.

We start getting busy and the servers can really only do so much, so you go on a wait - the highest time anyone had to wait was 20 minutes. I had just started the wait list and had about 4 people on it when an older couple with a teen-aged boy comes in. I tell them it will be 10-15 minutes. The lady raises her hand and starts counting the empty tables and says, "What about all those empty tables?". I tell her I don't have anyone who can wait on them for 10-15 minutes, they said something pretty rude, which in my anger I can't recall, so I look at them and said, "Why don't you just go find you a seat then and I might find someone to wait on you." I said it calmly and with a smile, but daggone it I was fuming - RUDE, RUDE, RUDE!! Times like that make me never want to be in the food industry ever again.

The funny thing is that I have a couple of pretty big leads for a job, and guess what they are in? The stupid food industry. You know, sometimes you just have to do something even if it isn't really what you want to do. I can't seem to be able get someone who wants to interview me for the jobs I would prefer. My resume leans heavily toward management and supervision, but I just really don't want to do it in a restaurant. Watch, I will take one of these jobs as a restaurant manager then get offered the job I really want - that would suck majorly bad.

If you all would just pray for me to discern what God has for me, what would be wise and most beneficial to my family. For me to stop leaning so much on myself and stop and listen to what God is saying to me. AND to not drive my husband mad and for his peace as well.

posted by Liz at 7:52 AM - permalink - -

October 12, 2007
17 Days to go

I have had the fortune of having a lot of my "regulars" come in recently. One so I can see them one last time, and two so I can tell them the bad news. There is one Dentist and a lady who works for him that come in quite regularly. He said he was going to buy the store and let me run it - Ha!! I told him to let the managers who are running it now do that and I would just join forces. I am sure that is not going to happen, but it is kind of fun to think about. Most people are just resigned to the idea of it. There were two ladies yesterday that spent their entire meal on the phone calling people and making plans to visit as much as they can before we close.

It is interesting, a lot of people ask me where I am going to go - meaning what restaurant. That they would assume that is all I can do is not very flattering. In my bid to redeem myself I make sure people know that I "have a degree" and that I chose this job for the flexibility and the amount of money you make for the little time you do it. Now, I just need to find someone who will hire me for a lot of money, well a lot according to me anyway.

Getting back into a regular kind of routine will be nice. Knowing things are going to go a certain way. It is a control thing for me. I keep thinking and thinking that God wants me to rely on him more, but it is REALLY hard not to. I do try, sometimes.

posted by Liz at 7:36 AM - permalink - -

October 09, 2007
More job stuff

20 Days and counting

The good news is that I have my first interview today, a full time position at a staffing business. I don't believe they will be offering enough though. Could be that God is really watching out for me and I will walk in there and get blown away at the offer - too easy, things just aren't usually that easy for us. I am not nervous yet, so that is good. All prayers are greatly appreciated.

posted by Liz at 7:47 AM - permalink - -

October 07, 2007
End of an Era

21 Days and counting. They let us know today, although I actually found out Thursday morning, that they are closing our store. October 29 at 3p.m. I don't even know what to think about that. I thought I had more time to find a job, but 3 weeks is it. It could be worse. That is our mantra since the news was given to us. It has been sad thinking all the things there is to think. All the great people I have had the benifit of knowing and working with. The decision was a business one according to the big people. Everyone seems to love us up there in Executive land, except for the fact that we don't really contribute much to the corporate big wigs. I guess the fact that we are up for sale had something to do with it too - the whole chain not just our store.

All prayers would be much appreciated!!

posted by Liz at 12:33 AM - permalink - -

October 02, 2007
Job Searching

We have a great horned owl living in the woods near our house. I have seen it. It is huge. This morning I got to hear it hooting. It is pretty cool if you ask me.

Yesterday I went to our great state's capital and got myself onto their hiring registry. There were several jobs that looked promising and I listed like 5, I only "qualified" for 2 of them and I am already pestering the contact people. I figure if I can get an interview I can get the job, I hope. What is interesting is that I picked the jobs according to what they pay!! I looked at pay then decided if I could do the job. I can, I can do anything - seriously. Not that I am that good but I just can do anything that isn't too physically hard. I am still a girl and my muscles don't work as good as they once did, but hey, these jobs don't require that. I am a little apprehensive, who wouldn't be? The challenge is getting the foot in the door. You all pray for me, ok?

I ran into an old friend on Friday, lunch time at the Macaroni Grill. Went through the whole meal without figuring it out. As I turned from the table to go get the check, I started cluing in. When I returned I asked the lady what her name was. She said, "Melissa". I said her last name before her. Then the light went on in her eyes as well. We were pretty good friends "way back when". It was very nice to see her. I got her email and plan on getting in touch with her today. Interesting.

posted by Liz at 6:59 AM - permalink - -

spiritual

> vine & branches
> vineyard central

blogs

> Garden Escapades
> Trish Hiduk
> Maryann
> Alan Creech
> The Vine
> Little Houses
> Amber Bishop
> Jody Nixon
> Laura Ogle
> Debi Warford
> Jason & Brooke Evans
> Eric Keck
> Beth Keck
> Pete Matthews
> Trudi Matthews
> Brian Phillips
> Bryan Sherwood
> Malie
> Kim Johnson

Homeschool

> vegsource homeschool
> discovery school channel
> saxon math and phonics

general interest

> john rosemond's affermative parenting
> lisa welchel
> thunderstruck
> Homestar Runner

gardening

> Kids Gardening

books i like

Here are some books I suggests if you are looking to homeschool or just for information. I gleaned a lot from them. Our church gets credit if you buy through these links.

In their Own Way
by Thomas Armstrong

Seven Times Smarter
by Laurel Schmidt

How to Talk So Kids Can Learn
by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

Teen Proofing
by John Rosemond