so that explains it…

living alone is a really lovely, but drinking wine, alone, in your apartment takes a lot of courage. But so does making that statement. Now, you paint a picture of a crazy cat lady sitting lone in her flannel pj’s getting drunk and picking at her dead ends, let me just say: i don’t have a cat, and they’re not flannel.

I’ve been in my new little apartment since July and it’s had its ups and downs. I’ve felt a lot of independence in really surprising ways. I really like the idea of being gone an entire weekend and be able to come home whenever I want, knowing that everything is exactly how i left it. Very strange. And exhilirating.

Consequently, I have been traveling a great deal! Not off to Costa Rica or anything, but just around the Midwest. I have this lovely advantage of having family and friends all over the place–in the midwest. Some could see that as a minor, landlocking, setback to true exploration…and I must admit, there was a time when I believed that to be true. However, I’m learning as each season comes around once again, that there are some definite perks to this beautiful area. Cheeeeese.

Went home last weekend. Super fun. Got on the combine for the first time in 5 yrs. Something I never thought I would voluntarily do. When I had to help my dad farm in high school, and junior high, and grade school, I wanted to kill myself. Literally. I would eventually just sit in the truck and nap and listen to classic rock on the radio (because that was the ONLY station besides country that I could get in) and watch the clock. But, I thank that for my awesome affection for monster ballads. I really enjoyed myself. Genuinely. Just spacing out and listening to the corn come in…I thought back of how many years I’ve done that in the past. It was a nice, familiar feeling..looking down at the dark red, dusty carpet in the combine cab….No radio. Nope, not that high tech. Just the sound of the corn.

 

 

 

The all nighter…

There’s something glamorous, almost seductive, about the all nighter to me. Livin’ life on the edge. That’s how I roll.

Am I really wasting my precious time drooling over graduate programs’ websites when I can’t even pull myself together enough to do my undergrad work?

Priorities, Taylor, priorities!

Onward!

 

FASHION! in southwest missourah!

today i discovered the romper in the public setting. and yet, i wasn’t startled. here’s how it was done:

-the girl was thin, tall, and had perfectly paired accessories.
-her hair was worn in an effortless bun that wasn’t too uptight & ballerina, but high enough to make her cheekbones standout
-she had a nice vesty-jacket-thing that took away from the shape slightly, so it wasn’t the first thing you noticed.
-she wore a black belt to accentuate her waste, but it simple enough to not come across to overpowering

and THAT, my friends, is how, it is, done!

I’m not saying FASHION is only for the perfect body type, but there are some pieces that are only meant to be worn by certain body shapes, and i feel the romper is a prime example.

Other ways to rock the romper:

1.

• A cute vest, maybe jean material,

• camel-colored flip flops,

• light jewelry. we’re talking maybe a long gold necklace or a large ring. but not both

2.

• a white jacket and pumps or wedges
• the messy bun
• big sunglasses
• bangles

3.

• a big, floppy hat
• gladiator sandles
• chunky, copper or pewter bracelets

any other ideas??? agree or disagree?  i’d love to hear them!

 

back home…ish

So i’m visiting this blog on March 1st, 2011 and I can’t believe its been 2 years. I switched to a tumblr blog because it worked well with the interesting little delights that I discovered across the internets…but, then again, oh lovely wordpress, there is something to be said about having a blog than doesn’t greet you with 80 different peoples’ ideas as soon as you open the dashboard.

there is something calming about the wordpress site. its neat. its organized. it has so many options. its structured in a way that requires me to think, if that makes any sense. My brain has to function more than hitting a “REBLOG” button. also, its less overrun by indie bird girls that want to own dress shops and take pictures.

Have user-friendly social networking sites made us less intelligent? Now that’s a burning question.

Now, don’t get your hopes up. Just because I’m in this lovely little catastrophe waitress corner with 3 S’s instead of 2 does not mean I will be giving any amazing insight or profound thought. This blog will probably still consist of my usual rambling and ranting and raving about god knows what. I really don’t deserve more than one place on the internet. But enough of that. I must reflect.

Okay, so 2 years later and here I am, back to square one. Trudging my way through school (that i hate, but its getting paid for) and working harder and harder but with no specific goal. I have this little thought that one day I will give some direction to my writing. Maybe I’ll give a voice to something I care enough about enough to stop talking about myself for one second? Or maybe i’ll eventually put all this self-reflection into a tightly bound book? Typed up. Nice and neat. Maybe I’ll even include the really good stuff that I wouldn’t dare put on the internet. Yeah…that self-deprecating narcissism would sell like hot cakes. No doubt.

catastropheHRgirl is a work in progress. Writing about the corporate world isn’t as fun. Its easier to find the little joys in life and in people as a cocktail waitress. Making jokes at the expense of people and the weird things they do when they’re out for drinks is harmless fun. However, in the corporate world, I may be setting myself up for quite a battle. After all, there is an image to uphold and maintain in the rat race, my friends. I wouldn’t want to indulge too much information of my fellow colleagues and threaten our company’s 3 page, single-spaced, Social Networking & Online Activity Policy. oh, the horror!!

So, until then, I’ll use this little space in the world to discuss the day to day of my day-to-day. I really liked my writing style from my posts back in 2009. It has been quite a while since I put that much free thought and emotion into organized (well, what I consider to be organized) thought. There must be something about this blog. This very blog itself. There is something inspiring in this sacred little combination of 1′s and 0′s. Like I lit a little candle back in 2008 and it has flickered through all the storms I’ve put it through, refusing to be abandoned.

I’m a very lucky girl. I’ve been through a lot in my short 22 years on this earth and although I have a lot ahead of me (hopefully), I have a feeling that the things I’ve learned to this point will stay with me and age to a ripe perfection, eventually being the perfect insight and perspective that I need to do the right thing or share my experiences with the right people. Until then, it will be interesting to see how it all pans out. 2 years ago if someone were to ask me where I’d be in March 2011, I would have never said “still in school and working in administration for a multi-specialty care organization of 37,000 employees while juggling a serving job, a boyfriend and a cat on the side”…but I suppose that just proves that I am not in complete control.

And I’m okay with that.

 

I switched to tumblr.

http://catastrophewaitress.tumblr.com/

 

firsty firsty thirsty?

1. Who was your FIRST prom date?
Jesse Scribner…but I’d like to say Gabe Hedger.

2. Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
every once in a while…he’s a good guy.

3. What was your 1st alcoholic drink?
I think a drink of a beer one time when i was little…but champagne on new years

4. What was your FIRST job?
babysitting if that counts…but lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons at Sullivan Civic Center
5. What was your FIRST car?
the Ford Taurus…the “cliTaurus”…yes, my friends and i called it that. classy.

6. Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
chase…..weird.

7. Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
my mom cuz she was calling me to wake me up…and failed.

8. Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Miss Zimmerman. She was so sweet but she cried a lot. Which is weird.

9. Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
My mom’s friend took us on a little plane ride over decatur when i was like 7. It was pretty cool.

10. Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk?
Probably Jessica Brandenburg…and no, never.

11. Where was your FIRST sleepover?
My babysitter and basically second mom, Laura, had a slumber party for me for my birthday when I was 6. I remember we watched scary movies and I ate a giant pixie stick. I also learned that Dennis Rodman was changing his name to “orgasm” and I didn’t know what that was.  weird things to remember…

12. Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
the girl at starbucks when I was ordering coffee.

13. Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time?
my sister, Tammy. I was the flower girl. I had a purple dress that I loved..and I wore it constantly when I played dress up.

14. What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
Jumped out of bed so I wouldn’t be late for work.

15. What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
Neil Diamond when I was in my momma’s belly.

16. FIRST tattoo?
not…yettt……or ever….still thinking on that one..

17. First piercing?
ears, age 8. Then i was trying on fancy earrings before I went to the beach one day so I took them out and they closed up. poo.

18. First foreign country you’ve been to?
Canada. Lame.

19. FIRST movie you remember seeing in the theater?
Alladin

20. When was your FIRST detention?

oh wow…got a lot of those. Um…i think Mr. Brunner’s class for talking or something.

21. What was the first state you lived in?
come on feel the illinois…girls rock your boys…

22. Who was your FIRST roommate?
Laura Mizes, freshman year. Or Nicole V in journalism camp. yeah, i went to journalism camp. what up.

23. If you had one wish. What would it be?
self-actualization…my sister said that when she filled this out. I’m sticking with it.

24. What is something you would learn if you had the chance?
piano. to drive a stick shift. and italian.

 

happy valentime’s day…

to all the lovas out there…and the lova’s lovas….and the lovas’ lova’s lovas…

Sooo many reasons to love Jorma Taccone. And Gnarls Barkley.

This weekend is so interesting already. I waited on nothing but couples tonight. I know it wasn’t valentine’s day…this was the string of people that didn’t want to actually go out on the big day…but the night before. And they were cheap cheap cheap. I guess valentine’s day is really a day for assholes. That never take their girlfriends out for just any reason–so they feel obligated to take her out at this time. But don’t worry, they won’t sweat it too much. They’re just stiff the server to save some extra cash. I’m not bitter or anything…

I think my favorite table was around 8. Two 17 years olds that split a $15 pasta, drank water, and ate 3 baskets of bread. The girl was tall and still akward. Kinda pale. And wearing a black dress which made her look even paler. And her shoes were that cheap shiny plasticy heel. She had no product in her hair and it was split down the middle, straight, and about to her shoulders-all one length. Adorable. You could tell she had personality, but she didn’t really feel comfortable.

The boy was kinda cute in a 17 kinda way. He had a little vest on and some cliche black framed glasses and a lip piercing. He was all decked out in his little outfit. I could hear him saying “I don’t take myself too seriously…but it took me 2 hours to get ready”. He had way too much product in his hair, however. He should have given some of it to his girlfriend. zing. I thought it was really weird that he didn’t know what to order for like…10 minutes. I think he was nervous. It was cute. And they held hands. barf.

Some tips for guys on Valentines’ Day:

-Order for your date. It’s cute and gentlemanly. Or at least let her order first.

-Don’t drink water excessively. Its noticeable.

-Don’t text underneath the table. Its also noticeable. And ungodly rude. It reminds me of when adolescent angry teens come in with their parents and spend the entire time texting.

-Don’t put your phone on the table. It’s rude. More than likely you will get a call or text and of course you will answer it and that is also rude.

-Don’t check out the servers. Even when you are standing at the bar waiting for a table, you’re not safe. We will catch you. And give you the stink eye. Not to mention the fact that it is tacky to check out a server…while you’re on a date with your girlfriend/girl-friend/wife/ho/main slut or whatever.

-Don’t stiff the waitress. Or tip poorly. It makes you look really cheap. 20%. Come on, meow.

-Don’t pay so much attention to your date that it makes the server feel awkward to even bring you your food. I understand that this is your little time out together, and you want to make the best of it…but eye fucking her from across the table is just….awwwkkkwwward.

-Don’t get your date drunk. She’ll probably do something stupid. Which will, in turn, make you look stupid. And creepy. Wine gets girls drunk. Fast. Unless they’re fat.

-Don’t talk about how great the food and service is if you are only going to leave a 10% tip. Your compliments don’t pay my bills, sweet pea.

I love my job.

 

deluxe cushions with matching colors..

okay…first things first.

this website made me like the movie “snatch” even more than i already do. And brad pitt.

I slept til like 3 today. Goooo. But still…good day. Went to work. Hosted. I never host anymore and it was really weird. It made me so nervous. I love serving but I can’t stand hosting. It stresses me out so much. I think its because I know as a server I always get so pissed at the hostess cuz of the dumbass way she seats tables….to say the least. Gary Pinkel (pinkle??) came in tonight, and it was like Wayne Newton was eating at our restaurant. A little old lady literally came up to me and said “Is that who I think it is? Gary Pinkel?”.

Tonight was Morven’s little birthday shindig. Her birthday is Monday, but we celebrated tonight. I got home from work around 10, and there were a bunch of people at my house playing Apples to Apples. I’m so bad at that stupid game. I love it though. I usually just spend most of the time entertaining myself with the little comparisons that I make. So…I guess I have tooooo much fun–so I lose?? Well, that is what I”ll say in my defense.

Hannah and Seth and I stayed back so I could finish a glass of wine before we headed to the bars. Tonic was packed and we dind’t really feel like waiting to get in. And plus….it was Tonic. We decided to make the brutal walk downtown worth it and head over to Eastside. Sadly, we missed Voices. We stayed for the last band…Ch…I forget the name…Cascades! That’s it. We weren’t really digging ‘em. I dunno, maybe it was my mood. Or maybe I just didn’t like them. I think I just dind’t like them. I was bored.

Hannah, Seth and I walked over to Jimmy John’s and got some sweeeet sammiches. By the time we had walked back to the house I had forgotten about mine…so it was pretty exciting when I found it in my purse. Then I talked to some of Morven’s friends when they got home from the bar. Turns out I knew her friend Ben indirectly through this girl Layla that I worked with at the lake. Small world.  Then Morv puked in the sink.

I”m really excited about tomorrow. I”m going to the bookstore to buy some books, and I have to do homework. That’s it. A great day off. I totally love having Sundays off. I hope that continues. And I’m looking forward to cartoons next Saturday. What a great week! Beginning to end. I have a hair appointment this week too. Yay! I think I want to put black in my hair…and I can’t decide..keep growing it out or go shorter…thoughts?? What else what else…. class class class. But exciting class. My yoga class on Tuesdays is soo sweet. I feel like I have learned so much already. Oh yeah..and the classes actually in my major are pretty sweet too. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltzin and Scouts play this week at Mojo’s. That will be fun stuff! Hannah and I had so much fun at the last show. I love Hannah. She’s so shy and quiet but secretly goofy…it was so fun to see how much fun she was having at the last show.

Alright Alright Alright…off to bed!!

 

things i thought about today…

So I’ve been thinking a little bit about a lot of everything…and its about time I kinda vented. Wrong word. Myeh…hmm…err…wrote some stuff down. There. Simple as that. Not venting. Just thinking to myself outloud. Without opinion/input of others…because that just adds to the  equation that is my thoughts.

• I’m cold  a lot. Both in a literal and metaphorical sense. My house is freezing. I’m always wearing dumb robes and sweaters and sweatpants and blankets and i never want to get out of bed. My mom thinks I’m too irresponsible for a space heater…and she’s right. I leave my CHI on all the time. Thats not good.
• Sometimes I don’t listen to really really good music just because I was listened to an opposite, yet, equally good album at the exact same time. But then like a month later when I get sick of that band I can just listen to the one I forgot about. Its awesome. I rediscovered “in a safe place” by the album leaf and “peel slowly and see” by the velvet underground this week. treasures.
• i’m a fuckin nerd. but i like to laugh at myself so its kinda convenient.
• I’ve changed so much in the past couple years but when I’m by myself I catch myself thinking the same things I’ve always thought about certain ideas, issues, etc. Sometimes rewarding, sometimes wtf.
• I spend too much time on the internet.
• My days and nights are horribly mixed up. Serious note.
• I should spend more time by myself. But like…with phone, facebook, myspace, twitter, stumbleUpon, wwtdd.com, and TLC or VH1 or Bravo all off. If that’s possible.
• The other day when I was walking to class I dind’t know what to do with my hands. I felt awkward.
• Tonight I waved goodbye to one of my tables. They felt awkward.
• I have some really badass friends and I think I forget that sometimes.
• I really want to go to Lawrence to see E and J for E’s 2nd birthday.

• I miss Angie and Lauren. The two sisters I know the least who have the strongest influence on who I am today. Or at least I think.

I ordered Pickleman’s tonight. It was soooo good. The delivery guy (the pickle-man?) was so cold and I felt really sorry for him. I was so tired from work tonight. I seriously don’t know why I’m up. I think it is just because I know I can sleep late tomorrow and it will be jussst fiiiine because it is Saturday. I miss Saturday cartoons. Like, Looney Toons. Not Tiny Toons. Gahd how do you spell looney tunes? luney toons? They used to spell it right before the show. I was right the first time.

Okay…thats enough for tonight. I”m distracted.

 

next semester..

for some reason this post secret post card made me really excited about going back to school full time next semester. i can’t wait. i’m so glad i took some time off to really appreciate what i’m doing and why i’m here. i’m going to be super busy, but thats how my life usually is when i’m feeling good about things…so i guess thats alright.