life as we know it.

There have been many changes taking place since I last posted an entry.  First of all, the house is getting forclosed within the next 60-90 days.  We can stay here as long as we pay rent every month, and as long as there's a legitamate reason as to why we cannot move (i.e. illness, injury).  We could definitely say that I just had knee surgery, therefore I'm unable to move.  So, we're going to TRY to stay here...if it's possible.  But, if we have to move out, I just pray to the Lord that we can find somewhere affordable to live.  Another thing, I've had this reoccuring dream that I go to seminary school and that I build my own church.  I honestly think it means something.  I've had this dream at least 4 or 5 times that I can remember.  I know it means something because I prayed to God that he'd show me a sign in my dreams what His purpose for me is.  I'll have to do some more soul-searching to be sure that it is God's will for me.

My knee is doing a lot better.  I can get around a lot easier, and physical therapy is getting more and more challenging each and every time I go.  I've been going to church more often, which has dramatically helped me mentally and spiritually.  I'm so desperately trying to keep my head up through all of this mess.  I know that God will help me get through this... after all, He has helped me out through EVERYTHING that I've been through; and I'm so grateful for Him.

I'm also REALLY excited about Christmas.  I just love this time of year!!  I hope all of my readers are doing well also.  Thanks for reading!

Take care and God bless,
Cassie

I will make it through the rain.

Hello everyone!  I just thought I'd update everyone on what's going on.  I recently had surgery on my left knee to get my ACL reconstructed:  it was completely torn.  That was exactly two weeks ago.  The recovery is the hardest part; the surgery was literally a breeze.  For further reading, visit my recovery blog here.  I go into deep detail about every single day of my recovery and physical therapy.  There's always new updates there.  I haven't really been keeping tabs on my other blogs, mainly because I've only been focused on recovering lately.  It's taken up ALL of my time.  Literally.

This week has been really rough for me, though.  I got my staples taken out a couple days ago, and I lost my job.  It really sucks.  I got "terminated" because I needed a 3 month medical leave, and I didn't qualify for one since I haven't worked there for 90 days.  I can always re-apply, but it still hurt my pride a little.  I had never been fired before, so it's difficult for me.  I'm getting through it, though.  I'm really trying on finding an online job so that I can still bring in some money.  I don't ever want to be poor again.  It teaches you SO much about the little things in life- really, it does.  But, in my opinion, once you get dirt poor, you make sure that you never get that way again, unless it isn't in your hands.

I realized something tonight while I was showering.  These past two weeks have been hard on me because I've been letting them be hard on me.  I have literally been sitting around moping because I can't do as much anymore.  I'm normally extremely independent and self-sufficient.  That's why it's been difficult for me to have to swallow my pride and ask everyone for help.  Help putting on clothes, showering, and just doing the simplest things.  All of these things I've always done on my own.  Don't get me wrong:  It's perfectly okay to ask for help, but I feel like I've reached everyone's limit.

I need to be brighter, and start thinking more positively.  I'm a realist; I see things how they are.  But too much realism can lead to pessimism.  And I do NOT want to be a pessimist.  I'm typically an optimist, but I've been getting "kicked while I was down".  I'll make it through the rain.  I always do, and always will.

Thanks for reading.  You can read my vegan blog here.  I write reviews on vegan beauty products, food, and much much more!

Take care and good night,
Cassie

writing.

I just had a big epiphany.  More than likely, I'll be out of work anywhere from 3 to 4 months, depending on the progress of my recovery.  If, for some reason, I am out of work that long, I'm gonna need to find a work-from-home job or something.  Just another way to bring in some bucks.  Well, I'm constantly blogging.  Wouldn't it be nice to get paid to blog?!  I know, right!  Best idea, ever.  That's gonna be a tough one, though.  Most companies want an experienced writer.  I, am not.  Of course, I've written massive tons of english papers when I was in school... but right now, I'm not in college; nor do I have the professional experience that most companies prefer.  I would love to get paid to write, though.  I've always enjoyed writing, and frankly, I've always been pretty good at it.  I have a way of being able to write from many different perspectives, which makes for good story-telling.  That's what I should do.  I should write a book.  And publish it.  If it's good enough, and it gets published... I could make a percentage of the sales that it receives.  If it's good enough.  See, that's my issue.  There are so many wonderful writers out there; some better than me, some worse.  Although, I realize that's typical no matter what stage of life you're in, or what career field you're in.  There will always be people who are better than you, and you'll always be better than certain people.  That's just how it is.  I guess I feel a little insecure about it, since I was never a HUGE writer in high school.  My cousin, on the other hand, always was, and still is.  She roleplays a lot.... which, to me, requires a huge amount of exceptional writing ability; mainly because you have to be extremely descriptive in roleplays.  I don't want to roleplay, necessarily.  I want to just write.  About everything and anything.  This is going to take some work.  Mental work.  I know I can do it, though.  I've been though so much stuff that it's made me mentally metallic-like.  So strong, like metal.  Okay, that was a little lame.  Well, I'm off to figure out my next writing assignment.  Whatever it may be.  Wish me luck, everyone and as always, thank you so much for reading!

Take care,
Cassie

ATTENTION READERS!

Everyone, I have a new update!!!  If y'all want to continue reading about my recovery, I'll be posting more on my wordpress blog, which is A Vegan's Eyes.  The main reason is, I don't feel like bouncing back and forth within three blogs, continuously writing the same thing over and over.  It's just getting too redundant for me.

Thanks everyone for reading!!!

Cassie

Day 5 Post-Op.

Alrighty, today is the fifth day post-op and overall, I feel good.  Tired, but good.  I literally spent most of the day today sleeping.  It probably has to do with the theory that your body heals itself while you sleep.  Nothing new has really changed, per se.  Everything's about the same.  Just thought I'd update everyone and let y'all know how I'm doing.  Sorry for the short post, but my eyes are getting tired of seeing words right now  XD.

Have a nice day!

Day 3 Post-Op.

 

Today is the third day after my knee surgery.   My knee is still pretty swollen, as you can see in the pictures, and it's been pretty painful today.  Thank the Lord for Percocet.  I've been doing lots of knee exercises, as the orthopedist recommended.  I'm supposed to do them for 30 minutes at a time, and I've been slowly working my way up.  This morning, I was only able to do 20 minutes of exercises, and this afternoon, I got up to 25 minutes.  I still am wearing the huge knee immobilizer, and constantly icing my knee, so it won't swell and scar badly.

I honestly haven't felt too good today.  I'm not sure why, I just haven't really felt like myself.  Blogging has actually helped me out tremendously.  I can connect with people who have gone through the same thing that I have.  I've also been able to get lots of underlying emotions off of my chest.

I called work this morning, and told them that I may be out of work for 3-4 months, depending on my recovery.  They said that as long as I have a doctor's note stating how long I'll be out of work.  I set up an appointment with my orthopedist this morning for next Tuesday at 9:10am.  That will probably be scheduling physical therapy and removal of my staples.

Otherwise, everything's going fine.  I'm just trying to take it a day at a time.  Each day gets better and better.  I know that my recovery will go just fine.  Thanks for reading!

It's over!

The day that I've been waiting a week for is finally over.  I had my ACL reconstructed yesterday afternoon at Lexington Hospital.  The surgery actually went really well, and I didn't wake up during it (I was really worried about that).  Today has been quite challenging for me, though.  I'm a very independent woman, and I'm used to doing things for myself, but I've had to have help with everything today.  I'm supposed to see my orthopaedist in 10-14 days for a follow-up visit.  Afterwords, he'll probably set me up with physical therapy, which I'm anxious and curious about.  Right now, they have me wearing a knee immobilizer all night and day.  The only time I'm allowed to take it off is twice a day for thirty minutes for my knee exercises.

I just want to thank everyone for their prayers and support!  It all means SO much to me!!  Thanks again!

Have a safe, happy Halloween!

Cassie

tomorrow is the day.

In case many of you are unaware, I go in for my ACL reconstructive surgery tomorrow.  I have to be at the hospital tomorrow morning at 11:00am.  The surgery isn't until 12:30pm, though.  I am experiencing a combination of emotions right now:  scared, nervous, excited, anxious, and worried.  All of these are incorporated due to the fact that I have never had a surgical operation  performed on me before.  Honestly, I strongly believe that it's the unknown, or not knowing, that scares us as humans the most.  Since we do not know what to expect, we just automatically weigh it out in the worst possible scenario, scaring ourselves really.  I'm brave, and always have been.  I know that I'll get through this, especially since I have such loving and compassionate people around me who care about me deeply.  Thanks for all of everyone's support!

long time, no see.

I've had many new things happen to me since I've posted on this blog last time...  I've been vegetarian for a little over a month!  Yay!  There have also been some advances with me, physically.  My left knee has seriously been hurting really bad lately.  It got to the point two nights ago, where I couldn't put any weight on it at all.  My mom told me that I needed to go to the doctor, just in case something's wrong with it.  Well, something is.  I went to the doctor yesterday, and they did two x-rays.  The x-rays show that my knee is abnormal (great!).  There is supposed to be an even spacing between your femur (thigh bone) and your fibula (calf bone).  Well, mine aren't evenly spaced.  They're almost touching on one side, and really far apart on the other side.  Not good.  My doctor referred me to go to an orthopedist (bone doctor).  I'm really really nervous.  She thinks that there is some soft tissue damage, such as a stretched/ripped tendon or ligament.  If it's what I think it is, then my ACL's are probably messed up.  If that's the case, and they're torn, I may have to get surgery, which REALLY scares me.  I've never had surgery before and I don't know what to expect out of any of this.

All I know to say is, prayers are definetly appreciated and welcomed.  God is looking over me and protecting me right at this very moment and I know it.

That's just about all of the updates.  Because of all this, I'm prescribed to Mobic, an anti-inflammatory medicine that makes my stomach dance in not-so-fun ways.  Plus, I'm missing work.  Not good.  But, I do have a doctor's note.

Wish me luck!!!!

ATTN: EVERYONE!

Just to give all of my readers a heads up, I'm making a new blog. In case I didn't already mention this... today marks my third day of veganism. Therefore, I'm making a new blog to record all of my experiences and thoughts on this new lifestyle and diet. Thanks!

In Christ,
Cassie

a new lifestyle...

Many people may find this as a shock to them, but I have decided to become a vegetarian. In fact, today is my first day of it. I've eaten so far: mixed fruit, and soy milk. I was actually really surprised at how much the soy milk really filled me up. I've noticed that vegetarian meals (aka. veggie dogs, veggie burgers) are a little more expensive than foods that contain meat-products.

I've wanted to do this for a while, so I figured I'd give it a go! A lot of people don't support my decision, but for those who do: THANKS! It's ridiculous how much vegans/vegetarians get criticized for their food choices and their lifestyle. Veganism is a different lifestyle. But, for me, I know this will be easy. I've always eaten a lot of fruits and vegetables. I never really ate much RED meat... I hear a lot of vegetarians telling me that seafood is NOT meat. I don't really know.... I think that answer is going to require some more research. I'll get back on that topic.

I'll be working today from 1:30-10.

God bless!

repetition deepens the impression.

Well, there have been a few updates and changes since I posted an entry. Today I worked from 9:30am to 5:00pm. Man, it feels awesome to be working again. I absolutely love my job. I've learned so much so far. And, everyone there is SO helpful and kind. Today, I finished my online training courses, and I'm beginning to have detailed learning of each department, and their products. I keep hearing a lot of stuff over and over... but that'll help me remember it longer. "Repetition deepens the impression", was something a department supervisor told me today. It's very true, though. The more an more we hear something, the longer that it'll stay with us. So, work's going great.

Outside of work, there have been more advancements in my life. My case from the accident last year has finally been resolved. This means that I'll be getting my settlement on Monday. I'm really, really excited about it. The first thing I'm doing is putting half of it in savings, half in checking. THEN, I'm going to buy myself a nice little used car. I also need to do a driving course. I was thinking about doing it because it's their job to make sure you get licensed. PLUS, it lowers your insurance. That's always a good thing considering that insurance for people in between the ages of 18 and 25 is always the most expensive; since we're still new drivers, and we're more accident-prone than more experienced drivers.

So, that's everything. I just want to quickly thank God for everything He's given me. Gracias a Dios!

In Christ,
Cassie

yaaay!

Ok, so today at work, I finally got trained on a cash register. These cash registers at work have SO many buttons on them, so it was a bit confusing at first. However, I got it for the most part. There are still some transactions that are a little confusing to do, but I know that I'll get the hang of it. Checks are the hardest, though. I had a really really good day today. But, I do need to call in the morning. The manager forgot to put me on the schedule, so I need to call to get it. So far, I LOVE my job. It's so awesome and the people I work with are super encouraging and helpful. I'm extremely pleased with it though. That is the only update for now. Thanks for reading...if anyone reads my blog.

Cuidate!

interesting day!

As I sit here listening to the Backstreet Boys (yes, it reminds me of my childhood); I'm beginning to reflect on my day as a whole. Today was my first day of work. It was mainly orientation, but I also got some training at the Baby Registry desk. It was really cool seeing everything that goes on behind-the-scenes in a retail store. I worked from 10am to 12:45pm. I'm off tomorrow, and then I go in Thursday and Friday from 10-2. Training lasts for two weeks. I'm getting cross-trained in each department, as I previously stated in my last blog. After I got off work today, I went to the NEW Walmart and bought me a pair of khaki pants, a pair of black dress pants, and a new pair of comfortable shoes!! They're tan, and lace-less! To me, that's a new thing. I'm beginning to ramble, but whatever. I guess that's what most people do in their blogs...ramble.

Anyway, I'm really stoked about this new job. I'm part-time, but since it's seasonal (not my job, the season [Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanza time]), I'll get lots of hours... maybe even overtime? I definitely won't turn it down. I get sick days, and ETO (earned time off). Every five hours you work, you earn one hour off. It accumulates over the year. However, you can only use ETO that next year.

Also, there have been new advancements with my lawyers. Very exciting stuff!!

Cuidate!

i got a job!

Just to let everyone know: I got a job at Babies R Us yesterday!! It is only part-time, but it may work it's way to full-time. If not, I'll just get another part-time job. If need be. I start on Tuesday at 10:00am. I'm SO excited! I'll be a Sales Associate (it's the only entry-level position). However, they are going to cross-train me for each department. I think that's a good idea, because that way, if they need me to be on the sales floor, I can. If they need me to cashier, I can. If they need me restocking, I can!! I go in on Tuesday for orientation; I'm not exactly sure what that consists of though. I don't know if it'll be like Hyatt and have videos to watch. It may be as simple as giving me a uniform and a schedule and training me. The only reason I have to wait over the weekend until I start work, is because they run a criminal background check. This takes two or three days to process (this is what I was told). Therefore, by Tuesday, they should have my background check results in. And by the way, I have never committed a crime in my life. Thank you very much. I'm really happy, and I want everyone who has been persistently supporting me to know that I deeply appreciate it. I don't know what I would've done without my family and close friends always cheering me on. Some people never have faith in others, which causes moral and ethical dilemmas between the two. I'm rambling now... So I'm gonna go!

Cuidate!

first impressions last forever.

Today was a fun day. We went down to 5 Points (in Downtown Columbia) for an event that Courtney's school was having. It was a charity event. There was free food and drinks. I went to Loose Lucy's (a local hippie store) and bought everyone some tie dye shirts.

Anyway, the point of this entry isn't about going downtown. It's about the fact that I have a job interview on TUESDAY!!! I'm so freaking excited. It's at Babies'R'Us for a Sales Associate position at 2:00pm. I'm really excited. I'm going to make an awesome first impression. My mom always told me that first impressions last forever. People will always remember you based on your first impression. For example, when you meet someone new, they'll associate you with how you first presented yourself to them for the first time. Trust me, this is a true statement. People have even done it with me! And I'm known to make a pretty decent first impression. However, on Tuesday, I'm going to make a fantabulous impression. I need the job, and I want them to think well of me. At Hyatt, they didn't. So, I'm hoping that I get the job. I keep praying to God that He'll let this happen. I know he makes everything happen for a reason. He's looking over me and guiding me :)

Cuidate!

never good enough.

For those who don't know, and are curious; I quit my job. I know, it sounds so bad when I say it. However, I feel that I had EVERY reason under the sun to leave.
1) They treated my mom and I like we didn't know anything about anything.
2) The managers never recognized that we were actually trying to improve our MPR (minutes per room).
3) The managers told all of the other employees BEFORE they told us that they were going to fire us on the 30th, since we "weren't improving".
*I was improving greatly. I got down to 28 MPR, when 27 is expected of you. The managers began fussing over 1 minute. Yes, I am being serious.
4) Since all of the other employees knew before us, they started treating us differently. They ALWAYS talked shit about us behind our backs.
5) The managers even admitted to me one day that they didn't even WANT to hire us in the first place.

All of these reasons together caused me to leave. Luckily, it's still within the 90 day probationary period, therefore it won't look bad on my employment history. For me, going to work everyday, knowing that they're going to let you go even though you're improving, was really hard. I'm a strong person, and I can put up with a lot of bullshit from a lot of people. But, I felt like no one wanted us there, and that it was only a matter of time before they fired us anyway.

To be honest, I don't think housekeeping is really a career that I'd want to pursue anyway. Yeah, it pays good, but they (Hyatt, mainly) treat you like you're the scum of the earth. I only worked there because we needed the money; we still do. I'm avidly searching for a new job as we speak. I have some leads already. I know that I can find a new job. I'd rather get paid a little less, and get treated well as to get paid a lot of money, and get treated horribly. That's just me, though. It doesn't make work pleasant when you aren't getting treated properly.

Wish me luck, y'all!

decisions, decisions.

well, i have finally decided that i'm just going to look for a new job. i was so enthused about this job at hyatt place, but i don't know anymore. i found out that the managers told the other employees that they're going to let us go if we aren't sped up by the 30th. since then, the other employees have been acting really "awkward" around us. it's really difficult to explain. plus, the managers treat me and my mom like a piece of shit. literally. i'm not too worried about it since it's still within the 90 day probationary period. therefore, if they do let us go (which they may), it won't look bad on our part. i think of it this way: i need the money. however, i'd rather be treated decently and make a little less; than to be treated horribly, and get paid well. i've never been treated this way before. since i've been putting up with it everyday for a month; it's starting to really get to me mentally. i just don't know how to handle it.

i've already put in an application to walmart, again. maybe housekeeping really isn't for ME. sometimes, we just work certain places to tie us over until we can get a better job; knowing that the job isn't quite in our line of work. i knew when i started this job that housekeeping wasn't my cup of tea. but, we needed the money. we've finally gotten all of the bills caught up. that, in itself, took about a month :/

if anyone has any advice, or encouraging words; please share them. i could seriously use some motivation and inspiration right now.

cuidate!

keep truckin'.

I haven't had much time to post anything lately. Everything's been about the same except for the fact that my little sister started high school today. It really makes me feel old. I just graduated in June, but it seems like just yesterday when I started high school, yet it also seems like it was forever.

Work has also been going good. I am really trying my best to speed up, but I didn't feel good yesterday, so I wasn't too efficient. They're hiring for the front desk, so I'm trying to see if there's any way that I can switch from housekeeping to the front desk. My assistant manager has to ask the general manager about it; but he's in Charlotte until Monday. I guess that's good though, because that gives me time to weigh out the pros and cons of taking on a new position, and to make sure that I really want to switch. One thing that I'm bothered by is the fact that they have me working 10 days straight. When they first came out with the new schedule, they didn't have me scheduled for ANY days off. Had I not noticed it, I would've worked 14 days in a row.

Also, I love drinking green tea. It's the best. I just tried MINT green tea. It was the best tea I've ever had in my life :)

Cuidate!

back to work.

Tomorrow, I go back to work. I was off yesterday and today. I was supposed to be off today and tomorrow, but they wanted me to switch with another housekeeper, who had Monday off, but needed Wednesday off for some reason. I'm just hoping that they'll keep us. I've been SO worried about it lately. I know that God will help me. He's always looked over me, especially in my times of desperation.

I'm probably going to read the Bible today. Whenever I read the Bible, it instills faith in me. Part of me is really worried about keeping my job, but the other part of me isn't. The managers told me that they were willing to anything in their powers to help me speed up.

I'm done ranting and raving now.

Cuidate!

connected.

I'm just alerting everyone that reads my blog: I am connected. After not having cable and a ground line/home phone for over 3 months, we finally got it! I'm personally really super proud because it's the first bill that I ever paid. It feels like all this money I'm making, is ALL going to bills and groceries. Welcome to adult life, you may say. I now understand.

I'm a little worried about work, because it turns out, they only give you 2 weeks to get up to speed. They gave Mama and I 4 weeks to get up to speed, considering that we've never done housekeeping before. Well, it's been 4 weeks, and we're still not quite up to speed. They informed us that if we don't speed up soon, then they might have to let us go. This really worries me. When I worked yesterday, I busted my ass. I was the third one finished out of 6 houskeepers (that's good compared to normally being the last one done). I don't think they'll let us go, though. The assistant managers that spoke to us about this matter even said that they are willing to help us in any way to ensure that we speed up, because they don't want us to leave. The other housekeepers also told me that they really love working with us, and they'd hate to see us leave. So, yesterday, a lot of the houskeepers were saying that I do a better job than most houskeepers. Apparently, my work is more thorough than some of them. They were all giving me tips on how to improve. No one wants us to leave, it's just Hyatt policy. Hyatt is only allotted two weeks to get new employees trained. I think this is personally ridiculous, but I have to flow with it.

Since I did well, yesterday, I'm feeling pretty secure; espcecially since the assistant manager complimented me in his own little way. Cross your fingers and pray!!

Cuidate!

you never miss the water 'till the well runs dry.

I am so excited for many reasons. The primary, and most important reason is because my sister was finally allowed to come home. After so much legal confusion, and written documentations (ick...), the legal system allowed Courtney to come home under one condition: that my mom won't mess up again. Honestly, I don't think she will. We've all been missing her too much to fuck up this wonderful thing we have. In the words of my wise grandfather, "You never miss the water 'till the well runs dry". Such a true statement. I can't agree with it more now, than ever.

Courtney and I were never extremely close, which I will permanently feel is my fault. However, she's back! On Wednesday, August 5, we're going to get her registered for school. We also need to take her school supplies shopping. We'll be able to handle it though. I'm thinking in the winter, I might have to get a part-time job if the hotel gets too slow. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it :)

I also got a checking & savings account with Bank of America a couple days ago. I couldn't find ANYONE who'd cash my check. I finally sucked it up and decided to go to the bank. It was almost a sign. I needed an account, and the only possibility I had of getting my check cashed was at the bank. So, my check is on hold until August 7; hopefully sooner than that though. I get my debit card next week, probably. It'll have an earth on it. (It's so me!)

On Tuesday, I need to go to the DMV to get a South Carolina State ID, because I still don't have my license yet, due to whatever reason. But, my bank won't cash checks without a "valid" ID. By valid I mean not expired. My permit is WAYYY expired. Turns out, the bank wouldn't have been able to cash it anyways. Who woulda known?!

More updates as follows. Today, I'm going to get me a new pair of "working" shoes. The shoes I was wearing to work in, are coming apart. Literally. I need some comfortable shoes to work in that won't make my feet hurt bad like they have been. :/

Courtney's been spending a lot of time with Georgia since she's been here, which is fine. That means I can go do my "erranding" today, no questions asked. ;)

That's all for now. More Tuesday.

Cuidate!

finally.

I am finally off work. I am so tired. I worked six days straight. I was supposed to be off yesterday and today, but they needed me to work yesterday. For some reason, they originally scheduled two housekeepers to work yesterday; which is ridiculous. We have six floors. That would be three floors per housekeeper. That would've taken forever. I honestly didn't mind going into work on my day off, but it seemed as if everyone was in a grumpy/cranky mood yesterday. I don't know... maybe it was just me.

Nonetheless, I am so grateful to be off work today. I can finally have a day of relaxation and sleep!

But tomorrow is back to work!

Cuidate!

cellular device.

Today, I got my first paycheck at work. I only got paid for four days since I started working in the middle of the pay period. After I got my check cashed, I went to Target and got a pre-paid cell phone. They had a really good deal on unlimited minutes, but I don't know if I signed myself up for that (oops). Anywho, it's with Virgin Mobile. I get 1000 minutes every month, and for the minutes I don't use that month, it rolls over to the next month. I'm really excited because it's the first time that I bought myself my OWN cell phone. I had one before, but it was under my mom's plan.

I just thought I'd share my excitement!!!!

Cuidate!

working hard for what i deserve.

I've been working so hard lately that it's just ridiculous. Literally, I've been going to work everyday and busting my ass. Tomorrow, I get paid, and I'm really excited. It makes everything seem like it's worth it. I'll feel better once I start getting a steady check every two weeks. There are so many bills that need to get paid, and I need to start saving for an apartment, and figure out a way to go to Midlands Tech part time. I just want to continue working full time. I enjoy it too much!

Not many people really enjoy working hard, but I do. It makes me feel like I'm A) honestly earning my money, and B) doing something constructive. Even though being a housekeeper isn't an occupation that I desired to do for the majority of my life, I needed a job regardless. I'm just so gracious to have actually found a job. With my financial and family situations, a job was MANDATORY.

So, tomorrow's another busy day at work. I'll be working from 8:30am until 5:00pm, unless I have to work overtime. That is a possibility because we've been extremely busy lately. The summer season is the busiest for hotels, I've heard. Not only that, but I'm getting PAID tomorrow! It's been about two years since I've worked; since I was in school.

Another thing that I'm becoming more and more pleased with is the speed of my work. At Hyatt Place, you are expected to clean a check-out room (the guest has checked out) in 27 minutes. When you clean a check-out, you do a deep clean, which means that you clean the bath tub, the toilet, and the floor. The beds must be stripped and new sheets should be put on the beds. You also have to dust all of the room (the assistant managers inspect each room after you clean it). In a daily, or a stay-over room (the guest hasn't checked out), you only make up the bed, and replace all of the towels and shampoos. This should only take 15 minutes. Today, it was taking me about 35 minutes for a check-out and 15 minutes for a stay-over. According to a housekeeper that's been there for 9 years, that's really good for only being there for a week. I'm very satisifed.

Thank God for my boyfriend. Without him, my mom and I (yes, we do work together), woudn't have A) received the job in the first place, and B) have a ride to work everyday! Thanks Baby!

There will be another update tomorrow, I'm sure.

Cuidate!

hyatt place.

As I stated in my previous blog, I work at Hyatt Place. I just got a job there as a Room Attendant. Most people may say, "You can do better than that". I know; Jobs are hard to find with the economy as tough as it is. I applied to many places inquiring about an available position. The best part about this job for me is the benefits. After working there for 90 days, you're eligible for health insurance (which includes medical, dental, and vision). I'm really excited about it mainly because this is my first full-time job. When I say full-time, I mean an 8:30am to 5pm job. I get about two days off per week.

Hyatt Place is also willing to "promote from within". I want to open up my own restaurant, which is also in the hospitality field. Hyatt also reimburses funds for college (as long as you pass the courses with a C). It's just all so exciting for me. I feel like a nerd, but working is always good. I get my first check this Thursday; I can't wait!

This is where I work. Although, the other houskeepers aka room attendants say that it will take a while to get used to the work, I know that I can do it. No problem. I'm getting paid $8.00 an hour, which is WAY over minimum wage here. The minimum wage in South Carolina is supposed to be $7.25 by late July, I think.

Just thought I'd update on my excitement for work! I'm working tomorrow from 8:30 to 5:00!

Cuidate! (Take care!)

my first blog!

This is my first blog! I'm very excited about it. My name is Cassie, and I am who I am. I do not plan on changing for anyone no matter what. I really like meeting new people. I enjoy speaking Spanish, so you may occasionally see Spanish phrases and whatnot throughout my blog. I also avidly write poetry. I plan on making these readily available for those of you who feel like reading them. I am Spanish, and proud. (In case you see random references and/or pictures of Spain).

I've been through so much in my life. The only way I can truly cope with it is by expressing myself in numerous ways. Writing about it seems to help the most. I just got a job at Hyatt Place as a Room Attendant. It has so many opportunites for advancement and new oppotunities.

Anyways, there will be a "debriefing" later.

Cuidate!