Gone Summer Gone

I had no idea it has been a month since my last post!

Working in a hotel is bar-none the best experience I could ask for. The empowerment within Fairmont is unbelievable. You really feel like you are an important part of the team, no matter what you are doing.

My pre arrival initiative is now in full swing, and I must admit I am an upgrade queen. I am making close to $4000 extra a month for the hotel solely through my emailing guests prior to arrival. ChaChing!

I have been given my share of angry guests too. But its all character building and I am learning every day how to handle myself in hard situations. Such as being hit on, asked for dinner, being yelled at, cursed at... All part of a days work.

BUT... on a different note, Harry Potter comes out tomorrow night! I cannot put into words how absolutely over the moon excited I am to see it on Thursday night. Crissy, Pops and I are going together. I might have to go twice, or thrice while its in movies.

Summer is almost gone, but at the same time it has just started. Dan got back on Saturday and I cant wait for boating Sundays and BBQ's. and CUPMATCH.  August is just around the corner, and it will not be one to be missed.

I promise to be more diligent with posting... even if it is only a quick note, its better than nothing!

Friends and a Home.. Always

This weekend was one of the best in a long time. Every time I go back to BCS, its like I am going home. Teachers, students, and faculty change, but the feeling remains steadfast. I would give anything to be 17 again for a week. Run through the student centre to rugby practice, sit and talk for hours with Ben about absolutely nothing, mud slide with the Gillard girls... Or just listen to the song birds every morning when I wake up.

To have a place so special that it brings tears to my eyes is a true blessing. I can solemnly swear that BCS was the best 2 years of my life. The hardships I endured, the successes, have moulded me into who I am today. With a heightened understanding of love, family, and friendship, I want to think of myself as a compassionate person because of BCS.

The true test of what BCS did for me is in the friends that I have. This weekend was like any other we would have had at the Lion. The bridge of friendship jumped right over the 2+ years I had not seem some people to make it feel like it was only yesterday. I sat out on Max's porch last night and we talked for hours. Not everyone is fortunate to have a friend like him and many others I have from BCS. We share an unconditional bond of love that I know will never die.

Family. My second family. I am sitting here wondering, does everyone feel this? Or are some of us oblivious to the godsend of having phenomenal friends? When was the last time you spoke to your old best friend... all it takes is a phone call. 

What is a friend? A single soul in two bodies.

Can you feel it? 

To travel = to be irrate

Yesterday was NOT a day to remember. It started with me getting up early to go into work before leaving for Canada for my brother's graduation. There were a couple loose ends I wanted to tie up to ensure those WOW moments for our guests would really pull through. Upon arrival, I realized I had forgotten my passport. Great. Speed all the way home to get it after teaching, speed back to the airport, and jump on the plane. Buckle up, the plane rolls back. For me, the roll back of a plane is like a switch. Sleep. Peaceful.

Turbulence. Usually I am a solid character with it, but seeing as that Air France flight just recently disappeared over the Atlantic, I was a little apprehensive about flying. And of course, due to not so wonderful weather, we had many violent shake and bumps. My smashed against the window numerous times, so much so the lady sitting next to me became concerned. Finally I fell asleep to the all amazing Viva La Vida.

Customs in Toronto. No Problem. Squeezing my 24 of gingerbeer into my checked bag... not so easy. Find out my flight wasn't until 7pm, BUT get bumped to the 4.30 flight. Fantastic. Arrive in Montreal, get to the bus station with 10 minutes to spare. Of Course. there is a line of 50 people waiting to get tickets and Of Course, my interact card doesn't work in Canada, so no express ticketing for me. Fuming, I was, as I watched the 6:30 bus pull out that I definitely should be on.

Agitated and exhausted from the entire ordeal, I get my ticked for 8.30, sit and wait. Waiting leads to thinking. Wonderful. I forgot Dad's belt. I'm as good as road kill when I tell him. Get on the bus, get to Sherbrooke at 10.30.

Arrive at BCS this morning. It was all worth it. 

x3 a week!?

After reading one of Sadie's more recent posts, I realize that I too am not yet a successful blogger. It was May when I posted last! I went to Scoops the new ice cream store just up the road from my house. Simply put.. WOW. I had green tea ice cream which was undoubtedly the most amazing ice cream experience in my life. I am going back... probably tomorrow. 

I ran the Bermuda Day 1/2 Marathon on the 25th. I have never been so hot in my entire life. Im going to run again next year and really crank it out. The crowds of people on the street are so encouraging, even though you are dead tired. It really shows you how Bermuda can come together, encourage and celebrate as one big family. No other place in the world do you have your entire country out on the road celebrating together... With Trinidad being an exception. 

This month is going to be super crazy work-wise for me. Im on the grind 24/7. Thats the way it is supposed to be! And with that its off to work. I still have 2 more posts to make this week, lets see if I can pull through!

Working Girl!

My first two weeks of work at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess have been a whirlwind! Within the first 2 days, I was triple sheeting beds, helping an elderly man find his wallet, and changing up nickels for a man who couldn't use them back in the states. But really, a nickel!?

I must say that I am extremely enthusiastic and proud about my new job. Im learning things in the back of house that you would never think about in a flawless check in or check out. Doing room discrepancies is also fun. Walking the floors and getting to know other employees is such a key part of front desk, because without a good relationship between housekeeping and the front office, there is not much hope for the hotel! Because lets face it, dirty rooms don't equal happy guests.

Our pre-concierge efforts have just began on Thursday. I sent out about 100 emails to guests arriving in 2 weeks to confirm their arrival and arrival times. This way I can ensure that their rooms will be ready on time to make their check in even more enjoyable. Having guests feel important and cared for is vital to success in our industry. I cannot wait to get my project up in full force. Booking spa appointments, dinner reservations, reconfirming room types and other events that make Bermuda another world. 

As a treat for all my hard work, I have a four day weekend! Running the Bermuda Day derby on Monday, hopefully I will be ok by the end of it! Until then my avid readers....

20 years of motherhood

Just a little jitter I had today..

The second Sunday in May marks a time for appreciation. A day to reflect on the most influential person in all of our lives: our mothers. Some have lost them, some still have them. Either way they are the epitome of our existence. But why do we only chose one day to acknowledge everything our mothers have done for us? 

Think about this. How many days do you wake up every morning and do something simple, like make coffee for your mother? How many times do you tell her you love her each day? Appreciation does not have to come in extravagant gifts and gold, sometimes the simple things in life mean more than words can say. So the next time you really want to make someone, and not just your mother, to know that you appreciate them, try it. No one will be left disappointed.

Simple is simply what everyone needs, but few achieve. Keep it in mind before breaking the bank.

Manic Monday!

I am officially a Fairmont Employee! Work starts next Monday, and I cannot wait. Work all day, lunch at Miles with... oh too many options.. Emma, Erica, and anyone else who wants to join! 

What is more exciting is that my orientation is with Mr. Randy Horton. Cannot get luckier than that I don't I think. And working like a real adult for a year! 

On another front, muma and I have started the redecorating process in my room. Sue Kempe had all my new linens ready for pick up today, and my bed looks gorgeous. White with blue seashells, starfish, and other things. Blue pinstriped sheets. Stunning. Im also going to get a new shower, with new tiling and the whole 9 yards! Papa doesn't know yet, but he will love it (hopefully!).

Its off to dinner with muma, a full update will come soon from my adventures at Hamilton Princess!