#4/52 Visiting the Bingo Palace

Well, I finally conquered my great fear of the unknown. I wandered over to the bingo palace today, bought myself a game set and dabber (called DaBoink) and sat myself down amongst a throng of overweight, blue-haired women and commenced playing. The ladies at my table were all very nice and happily answered all of my questions (such as, "So in lucky 7 does it actually have to be a 7 or can it be an L?") and even though I played 10 sets of games and won no money, I left with a pretty good feeling about that place. (For starters, it wasn't as smokey as I had thought it would be...in fact smoking is banned inside of the building. And instead of being filled with a bunch of old ladies, the place actually had tons of post-church going families...in fact the number of families to old ladies was almost even.) As I wandered out, I began to envision the theme parties I could throw with the bingo palace as the main attraction of the night. It would be awesome!!

# 3/52 Visiting the Stanley Hotel

Today, I drove to Estes Park to have lunch at the Stanley Hotel. I had been meaning to check this place out for ages. I mean, this is the hotel that Stephen King stayed in while he wrote "The Shining"... a book/movie that I have yet to read/see...but something that was often referenced while my friend Liz and I were traveling thru Greece. At the time we were traveling, it was the off season for tourism...and time and again, we found ourselves staying in virtually empty, swank hotels for pennies..Often, we were the only ones at the hotel...as the staff stayed at their own homes....This was over 9 years ago, and I still remember how strange it all was.

Anyhow, the Stanley was a pretty cool place...even more picturesque because of the falling snow. I enjoyed a peaceful lunch with one of the best cappucinos I've had in ages (and I'm a barista...what does that say about my cap making abilities?). And overall, I am very glad i went.

Next up...the bingo palace...I don't know why I am so intimidated (yet strangely curious) of that place.

hostessing

Friday night, I took over the role as hostess at the resturant. It wasn't brain surgery, but it was my first time to ever do it. And oh my goodness, it was so much fun. I had no idea that I would love being a hostess. I mean, I thought it would as simple as asking people as they walk in the door, "Good evening, are there four of you? Follow me please." Then seating them....but it turns out that it ended up being so much more. I mean, Friday was super busy, so not only did I have to seat people, but i also had to make small talk, deal with annoyed customers, run food, set tables, and help the bussers...it was a crazy night. But, I totally enjoyed it.

Of course, nothing can be as simple for me as just enjoying doing a job...there always has to be a touch of drama. And in this instance, it was the fact that my boss decided to chose that night to hit on me. I know i should be flattered or humiliated and feel the need to exclaim, "sexual harrassment." But, truthfully, other then being a bit annoyed, that this guy thinks I'm an insecure, silly 20-something girl who will go to bed with every guy who tells her she is beautiful, amazing, and intelligent, in the end, I'm more embarrased for him for being such a sappy jackass. The thing is, if it were just one night, I could chalk it up as a drunken thing...but not only was he sober... he called the next morning that i worked at the store to hit on me again. Oi vey. In the end, i will miss parts of this job....but definately not the drama.

Friday is my last day.

Going to Mount Rushmore

I woke up New Year's Day and realized, I had absolutely nothing on my agenda. So, I hopped in the car and headed north to South Dakota. I have never been to Mount Rushmore. I saw North by Northwest, and that had Cary Grant at Mount Rushmore..but other than living vicariously...I've never been. And now that I have gone, I will admit that it is a cool thing. But, not much different then seeing it on the big screen. And unlike in North by Northwest, one cannot get as close to the monument as Mr. Grant did. As far as experiences go, I am glad I did it...but now that i have a year long season pass to the park (it was included in the cost of admission), I don't really think i need to go back.