2nd shift was rough Wednesday. I was unusually clumsy; I burned myself three or four times and cut myself once. But Brian was there to help me out. We'll sign up for a trip to the movies on Friday, and he's promised to show me archery on Saturday. Maybe we'll squeeze in some tennis too.

The concert was pretty awesome, but I'm still regretting wearing those cute heels on stage! My feet have yet to stop aching. I didn't get a lot of sleep between friends, family, and band work, but Scarlett and Newton had fun, so it was worth it. It felt so strange to be so close to Jasper and yet so far, though. I want to go back so badly - it's definitely been my favorite place to live so far. ( Key West and Virginia following close behind it. )

A big thank you to Mom for the box of treats she left with me. I shared a portion with a bunch of my buddies.

It's only a few days to the concert now. I've been put on swing shift, 9:30 to 6:30, all week, working the salad bar. It's not hard work, it's just the little details that trip me up. Bo, my instructor, said it would be fine for me to run a early shift on Friday; that means I'll go in at 8, like a regular trade day, and leave at 3:30 - plenty of time for headcount and last minute packing. Brian and Scarlett are equally excited to go - we're all craving a night out like a fat kid craves cake. Today, though, I have an ESP, which is basically a general maintenance and upkeep for my track record. I don't think I'll be graduating to a silver card yet, my dorm score is still too low for it, but I can't wait to see how Bo's graded me. I got to know him and a lot of my other teammates a lot better during Camp Crew in Texas, so I feel more at home in the kitchens. I haven't studied for my ServSafe test in a while, though, so I hope I'll have a chance next week.

Wishlist again!
-Blank address labels. It's troublesome to ask dorm staff to print up a label if I want to send a box.
-Japanese Cherry Blossom from Bath and Body Works. My first bath set is nearly gone; I use the body wash, lotion, and body spray. I'm good on perfume.
-Cherry Blossom reed diffuser oil. This might be harder to find, but the girls love the smell.

I'm a little nervous. It's been a while since I performed on stage, and I'll have a friend there cheering me on. I want to do my best, but what if I've lost my touch?

I've decided second shift's a rough but worthwhile shift. I may take it more often in the future. I also want to make sure I'm ready for when I finish the program; a lot of people go on to advanced training in California. I know one interview question is whether you speak the language of your chosen cuisine. To that end, I'm going to save up for Rosetta Stone Japanese for my computer, and work with my friend Rachel as well.

With people leaving so often, it feels so hard to make and maintain friendships. I wonder if I've been forgotten as quickly by other people as I've forgotten some of the first faces I met when I arrived.

I forgot to do thank you's in my last blog, I think... So! For my big black bag, which I have used every day so far: Thank you Margaret! For fresh stamps: Thank you Grandma! For tasty treats: Thank you Mom and Dad, Linda and Grady, and Uncle Tony! For everyone who is thinking about me while I keep working: THANK YOU!!! I'll be able to come home for a visit soon, for a little better than two weeks. I miss everyone bunches!

New wishlist!
-Melaleuca Lip Conditioner. My stick is running low.
-Melaleuca Toothpaste. FreshMint (blue), not SpearMint (green). The gum was super tasty too, but I'd prefer the breathspray.
-New palette of eye makeup. I can't go around looking like a diva every time I choose to pretty up; gotta save some for stage :P

Camp Crew was less work than I expected, but oh my gosh, the climate! I can live with the 90 degree days and the 20 degree nights, but it was so freakin' dry! My nose bled every other day, and I was half sick with the temperature changes. I even lost my voice for a while there. But when I got it back, everyone kept asking me to sing each morning. One firefighter actually gave me a dollar for singing; I was so embarrassed!

I still feel very discombobulated after the breakup with Alex. I was working so hard to make a future with him possible, so now I feel like I have to recalibrate my entire plan for myself... I'm just happy we've stayed close. He really is the best thing that's ever happened to me.

To anyone who didn't hear it from me before, Happy mOther's Day!! I LOVE YOU BUNCHES!