In the Out

I hear this phrase about twenty times a day. I haven't used it yet, because I'm new, and I like to do everything the right way -- at least for now, until I get more comfortable! On Friday night, I worked my first shift at Belinda's Dining Room(the restaurant in the Westmark Inn where Steph and Kyle are also employed). As in any new job, there was lots to learn, and I've been doing nothing but learning since then! Even though I've served before, every restaurant is different - computer systems, ways of stocking cups and plates, rules about polishing silverware and glasses, and then, there's the kitchen. I am constantly comparing everything at Belinda's to the restaurant I worked at last summer, The Fat Dog. The kitchen at The Fat Dog was tiny - just one averaged sized room. The kitchen here is enormous, with different rooms for storage, a separate spot for the dishwasher people - and there are very specific rules about where and which way you can walk in the kitchen. The in and out doors, for example -- technically, you are supposed to use the "in" door to go in to the kitchen, and the "out" door to go out. This seems pretty simple to me. However, you probably save about seven seconds if you go in to the kitchen from the "out" door, and to make sure you don't run into anyone, you shout, "In the Out!" I'm sure I'll get up the nerve to use it sooner rather than later, especially when I start serving lots of tables. Right now I'm at about three, which isn't too bad for my third day of work! I served a total of five tables today, and it all went fairly smoothly. Of course, I'm not completely familiar with the kitchen yet, and at one point I had food waiting there for probably five or ten minutes. Thinking it was someone else's, I just left it there, and went to the table to say, "Sorry about the wait, it should just be another few minutes." Then I got back to the kitchen, realized it was actually mine all along, and rushed it to the table. "Sorry for the wait," I said again, and the sweet lady replied, "Don't worry, it's not your fault." HA! Little did she know... oh well. I'm learning.

Not only am I comparing kitchens and methods to The Fat Dog, I'm also sort of subconsciously comparing people as well - both customers and staff. The people I serve are generally friendlier and more grateful for things, and their tips are . The serving staff is great. I can relate to these people.. I understand them! Almost all of us are in or have just graduated from university, so that's one thing we have in common -- most of us have also traveled great distances to be here. I don't have to ask them to repeat things or ask them what they mean by that. Don't get me wrong, I loved my British experience last summer.. but there is just something about Canada and Canadians that I love.

Ooh. The best thing about working in the dining room is the food. It is amazing, people. Today for breakfast, I had whatever I wanted from the buffet(eggs, fruit, muffins, croissant, hash browns). For lunch, Kyle made me the special, which was prime rib with vegetables and potatoes. So good! And for dinner, I ate leftover salad from last night's buffet. I love my job. What isn't cool, though, is the amount of waste that happens. Every day we throw out perfectly good, fresh rolls. They look so good, I wish I could take them all and save them for later - food is pricey up here! Maybe I can protest, or devise a plan...


Let me tell you about Dawson City. As Steph and I drove in to town for the first time, she warned me that it wasn't a "first impressions" town. I think she was right... though it's hard to explain why without seeing it! It is different from any place I've ever been. For one thing, all of the roads are unpaved, which I like - it reminds me of home. The town is surrounded by tree covered mountains, tourists are constantly walking around, everyone is SUPER friendly, and it's always light out... you can't just look out the window and say, "Hmmm, it must be getting late." No no. At 10:30pm, you'd swear it was 4:00pm. It's crazy, and I love it! You don't have to worry about not enjoying the better part of the day because you're working... it doesn't matter when you work, there's always sun to be soaked up(or rain, for that matter... it seems to rain once a day here or so).

The neatest thing about the town is that it looks like a scene from a Western movie. Every store has adopted this theme - they're all about preserving the "Gold Rush" feel.

Life at Cindy's house is great. I haven't actually met Cindy yet, but she and her husband Kevin are coming home on Tuesday. I have made fast friends with her two dogs, Grace and Mercy, who are hilarious. Steph, Kyle and I hang out here whenever we have time off together - tonight we watched Supernatural(Cole and Mary, aren't you proud?? Em and Mandy... sorry). The other day I went on a walk by the Yukon River(4th largest in the world) and at the end, I literally had to stop, close my eyes and take it all in. The scenery is breathtaking, and the air is so clean.. it actually smells GOOD. I wish you could all be here to see what I mean.

There you have it, people. My life in a nutshell. I think there is going to be a young adults Bible Study on Saturday nights, which I'm excited about. From there we're hoping to plan some youth events. We're not exactly sure what's going to happen this summer in this department. Prayers are appreciated! :)

Oh, one more exciting thing. I have met up with at least three other people from MTA/Sackville, which is great. I enjoy seeing the familiar faces. One of them works in the kitchen - his name is Brad, and he is awesome. Yay Sackville!

*Hello Jesus. Thank You again for bringing me to this glorious place. I love it. Thank You for all of the people I've met here. I pray that You will help me to love them like You love them, Lord... but for that I will need immense strength! I know You can provide it, though, Lord. Thank You for who You are and for being so awesome - my rock and my redeemer. Thank You for Your many, many blessings. Please help me to do my best at work and to be a shining light for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.*