Fireworks

Last night I went to the fireworks for the first time since I began my days at the BK Lounge. I think that one of the only benefits of this job is that I have evenings to enjoy.

I forgot how exciting fireworks are. The lines, the busy traffic circles, the people, the cheap hot dogs (which I didn't eat), and the getting out after the pretty colours have burnt out in the sky.

The whole night was just awesome! We went with the girls from work (and by we, I mean Kait and myself), to the Hamilton Bayfront. I have never been there before, which is kind of sad considering I have lived in Hamilton (Ancaster) for two years now. We left at like 7oclock, which is a ridiculous for 10pm fireworks, but the whole parking thing was a foreseen issue, and so leaving early had to happen. We got to the Bayfront at 7:30 and after a debate about ladies rooms (ie. port-a-potties) and positioning of fireworks versus lawnchairs and syncronized music and men on stilts, we settled for a spot with a perfect view of all possible firework launching areas. And then we waited.

We waited.

We waited.

We waited a little bit more.

At about 8 oclock I found out that my friend was working one of the Ice Cream trucks in the Bay. And by one of the Ice Cream trucks, I mean one out of about 5 trucks spread out over a park which could easily rival Central Park in NYC. But, the benefit of walking all over a crowded Bayfront trying to find the Ice Cream truck with the Ice Cream man I actually know is that I get a bigger Ice Cream cone.

And then we waited some more.

Then, we just about lost Heather. We all assumed that the cute, fictional, Australian had whisked her away with his accent. Eventually she was found though, and the truth was that the line for the ice cream was really long.

Sometime, after waiting some more, taking photos with our heads together on a blanket, and tackling Kaitlin out of a chair, the sky got dark and the national anthem played.

And then, the most amazing fireworks show I've seen since Disney World. It could rival Epcot Centre.

The show lasted 15 minutes. 15 glorious minutes. The sky lit up in colours and more colours and explosions that would put the German Blitz on Europe to shame.

And when the sky became dark and the masses awoke from their patriotic dream, the fight to exit the park began. There were people, and headlights, and one peculiar little white boy (okay, he wasn't little, he was a skinny little 16 year old dressed in rags -aka 'gangsta' clothing) rapping to someting black. Picture a skinny little white kid rapping to goodness knows what. After the amusement of that wore off, and several other members of the mob agreed with my speculations about the rap music, we found the car.

And waited to get out..

And waited.

And flashed our lights at some men peeing in the bushes (they were turned around, and we would have covered our eyes if they weren't).

Finally we left, and returned home.

Happy Birthday Canada!

MCC: unchanging, and sadly so.

Word of the Day: huskey

Quote of the Day: "We nicky nicky nine doored a VP meeting!" Jessica Marshall

A little bit of my life

So, I promised pictures.

Remember when I said we had mice in the house? Remember when I mentioned the bit about chipmunks? Well, this little guy scared the crap out of my housemate this past week. She almost touched it, which is pretty gross.

His name is Alfred.

As you can see, the whole -caught in the mousetrap- thing worked well for it. Just in such an inconvenient spot. Jon, one of the guys who inhabited the dorm beneath ours all year, is on Security for the summer, and gladly got rid of Alfred. This involved a drastic hurling of both animal and trap into the backyard. To which he said, "See if that's still there tomorrow!"

The next few photos are of my room. I have a lot of clothing laying everywhere. Let's face it, I am moving out of Blue Castle in a week, and the necessity to clean up my floor isn't high on my priority list...especially since I spend all day cleaning.

And this was the day Kaitlin decided to climb out of her window and on to the roof of Blue Castle. It took a pretty sweet picture though!

And that is my life. It's been really hot working the last couple of days. Blue Castle is stiffling hot at night. We're working at 7am again this week. I don't mind it, surprisingly. My body is getting used to the early rise thing, and is less and less tired in the evening.

Kait and I biked to Chapters tonight. There were some lovely sales, and I finally invested in an iRewards card. I bought several wonderful books. I'll let you all know what I think of them when I finish reading them.

Wednesdays have also been instituted as Whopper Wednesdays. Pretty much the entire cleaning crew gets together for lunch and goes to the BK Lounge on Upper James. Today was really funny, because instead of asking the cashier questions about what to order, and how much things would cost, and what comes on the burgers, I got to answer all the questions. I loved it. Burger King is my namesake.

Off to bed now.

Word of the Day: whopper

Quote of the Day: Me: "I have a package on one side that's really heavy." Kait: "Uh, that's really awkward."

Disney and Faulty Contact Lenses

Big plans for this weekend. I have finished a week's worth of intense homework, finished 2 books, wrote 2 essays (on those books) and started off the week with a nasty case of the flu, which I later deemed as just exhaustion.

So, this weekend is going to be restful. I have no laundry to do, no pressing homework. I plan to clean my room (which has been incredibly neglected these last few days), maybe make a few cards this afternoon and tomorrow, and finish the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Peter Jackson did a wonderful job on those movies. For all the special effects, ability to follow the story line and well done interpretation of Tolkien's books, it's sad that they couldn't have remembered Legolas's contact lenses. Watch the movies again. Notice that in the Fellowship of the Ring, Legolas's eyes are brown. Then, watch The Twin Towers. His eyes are blue for most of that movie, except for one scene in Rohan. I wonder if they watched those movies after they were released and thought to themselves, 'ah, CRAP!'...

Last night Lauren, Kait, Hilbert and myself took a trip out to Swiss Chalet for dinner. It was cheaper than doing groceries. Afterwards, we hung out at Hilbert's place with Charl, Alex and Greg. We played this card game called 'Bang' (it involves shooting people...) and then enjoyed some conversation regarding the Disney vault. Good for laughs. And, of course, this little treasure,

I'm not a fan of Family Guy at all, but I have definitely had this sung to me in the DriveThru.

Word of the Day: positive

Quote of the Day: "I wish I could just break into the Disney Vault!" -Charl

Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes

I cannot believe how much it has snowed!

Lines from a lovely email that my friend sent me.

"I wonder if you like the Beatles. I ate a pancake this morning. I am almost a man."

Wise words.

Kristi visited today. It was fabulous. I think I am ready for Christmas break to be over.

Word of the Day: Chicken

Quote of the Day: "A Whopper by any other name would not be a Whopper." Greg

The Exchange

Yes, we accept U.S. Dollars. No, we do not do the exchange rate. Yes, you're going to get ripped off if you use cash. Oh, you don't WAAANT to use your credit card? (The exchange will be calculated on the bill when you get it back in the mail). Why don't we return USA Dollars with USA Dollars? Erm, let's think about this, YOU'RE IN CANADA!

I don't understand why it is that when American passers through take a trip into our good ole BK Lounge, they find the need to harass us cashiers about everything from not returning their change in USA dollars, to questioning why the prices are so high, to my all time favourite ,'You don't have Iced Coffee? They have Iced Coffee in the YOU-nited States, how come you don't sell it here?' I am so sick of answering these questions.

So here we go, the Universal answers.

One.

We do not offer the exchange rate. You're in Canada, get over it. You wouldn't go to Europe and expect to pay in U.S. Dollars, so suck it up. If you weren't smart enough to exchange your money, don't cry because you are spending your Abe Lincolns on fast food. Either that, or use your credit card, don't you have enough of those?

Two.

Why should we give you back American money in change? We don't do the exchange rate. If I was shopping in the States, I couldn't just pull out my Wilfred Lauriers and expect them to be taken. Nor would I expect to be given back Canadian change, because, by golly, most USA stores wouldn't have extras of that lying around.

Three.

No, no, NO iced coffee. Get over it. Tim Hortons is 2 minutes down the road. No, there's no Starbucks. Why not? Did you read the population sign on your way in?

Four.

Not all world countries drink their Iced Tea as literal iced tea. Here in Canada we have Nestea. Nestea IS sweetened. I would assume it's sweetened in the USA too. You're in a different country, adapt to the culture. Canada isn't just an extended US ofA.

Five.

Prices are much higher here. A whopper combo is $7.10. Seems ridiculous, doesn't it? Well, my dear American travellers, I thank you for contributing to our health care and schooling systems with your purchase of a triple whopper with cheese, bacon, large fry (because the poutine is too many calories), a side order of mozzarella sticks, and, wait for it...a diet coke. Oh, wait, did I say health care is paid for by whoppers? Hmmm, looks like taxes for hospitals isn't such a bad idea. Not to mention minimum wage is higher (which they all think is wonderful).

Six.

IT'S PRONOUNCED POO-TEEEN.

Seven.

No, I cannot accept U.S. Dollar bills over $20. No, that's a $50 dollar bill. Why don't I accept it? Fraud. You don't have that in your country? HA!

Eight.

The speed limit here is in Km/h. You weren't driving 120 m/h down the highway were you?

Nine.

Erm, no, that's the price of gas per litre. About 4 litres in a gallon. ABOUT 4 LITRES IN A GALLON. Yes, thank you, gas IS expensive here. Well, you know, if our government wouldn't sell it to you so that you could sell it back to us, there wouldn't be so much of a problem.

Ten (and this is my favourite).

C-How much is a quarter worth?

M-How much is it worth in the States?

C- 25 cents, how much is it worth here?

M- 15 cents.

C- Oh, okay. But are dimes and nickles worth the same?

M-Yes.

C-What about pennies?

My job is disheartening sometime.

MCC: 78

Word of the Day: Trivial

Quote of the Day: "Two fish sandwiches please. And make sure it's two fish sandwiches, otherwise I will be getting a divorce." Old dutch man that comes in.

Tweedledee and Tweedledum

Do you have those friends whom you can be a part from for a year or two and pick up exactly where you left off?

I discovered this week, that I have a few of those. Jon and Cliff were two of my dear friends in High School, and I had the priviledge of seeing them both this week. It reminded me of the good old days in the cafeteria, chugging back Coca Cola, eating breakfast, playing Pokemon... These two guys are great. Cliff is a bit of a joke. He's hard to take serious, and his sense of humour is often filled with profanity and crudeness, but he is so endearing. It took me a while, but I grew to love him. He was one of those guys that knew where you could get anything, (even though he had no interest in it), poked fun at himself, and laughed a lot. I found out today that he is going to be a policeman. Which made me laugh a little, because his persona was always the kid making fun of the cops. Think...Michael Kelso from 'That 70s Show'. That's Clifford Swift (his reasoning for becoming a police officer was actually that with a name like Swift, he had to do something with a title.) My advice? Stay off the streets. They'll give him and gun and tazor when he graduates. (just kidding...)

Jon, on the other hand, is a quiet, Christian guy who is really the opposite of Cliff. He doesn't know what he wants to do with life, and that's fine. I think he's just ready to give it all up to God and follow. Jon's been a really good influence in my life tha past few years, and I am thankful for his friendship. He's okay to let Cliff steal the show. Someday Jon will be up on a stage rocking out with his guitar.

I love them both, and it was so good to see them today. 3am and that's what I had to post.

On another note, I am going to Hamilton this weekend, so I won't be blogging again until Monday. I hope that you all have wonderful weekends. God Bless.

MCC: 49

Word of the Day: Sleep

Quote of the Day: "I was going to be a paramedic, but they don't give you a cool title or a gun for that one, and you have to save people's lives. I figured that entrusting lives into my hands would be more of a disaster than anything. So I decided to be a 'po-leece occifer'. -Cliff

Zorberts

I had to laugh to myself. I was getting washed up for bed and I noticed that the hair net I have to wear over my messy bun in my hair for work was still holding onto my hair tightly...some 3 hours post shift end.

My mom went to Goderich today to visit my 4 year old cousin for his birthday. The thing in our family is to give 'zorberts' to the kids. In case you don't know what a 'zorbert' is...

(zore.bert.): to press ones lips upon a body part, such as an arm or a stomach, and blow until it makes a sort of farting noise.

MCC: 36

Word of the Day: Zorbert

Quote of the Day: "I'm from LA *stunned look by me inserted here* -lower Alabama!" Customer in the BK lounge this evening.

Happy...

Turns out Joel had a birthday and he didn't bother to tell anyone. So, Joel, this is for you. Happy Birthday!

This morning I had to work the 6am shift at Burger King. It was a back shift, so I got to make all the yummy homestyle breakfasts and do all the prep work for the day. There's a lot that goes into a day at a fast food restaurant. So many temperatures to be taken, tomatoes to be cut, lettuce to be panned, onions to cry over, dishes to do, prep work to be done, buns to stock...the list goes on and on. I love the job though. Who would have ever thought working in fast food could be fun? Honestly, I think it is because I get to work with people all the time that it is just so much fun.

I'm really beginning to miss being at school. I love my job, but I do miss the academics and the social aspect. I miss my friends. It is weird being home where my groups of friends don't mix for very obvious lifestyle choice and distance reasons. But enough of that. Fall will come soon enough, until then, I should continue making money so that I can go back to Redeemer in the fall!


MCC: 10

Word of the Day: Mullet

Quote of the Day: "Mom, the hockey players can't hear you yell at them!"

The Way Things Work

Cute Story:

This morning in church I noticed that the second youngest child of the Pastor and his wife was now old enough to be in church. He was very excited, and dressed in the same cute blue polo as his older brothers. It was adorable. Anyways, when the pastor went up after the praise team had opened with a few songs, I heard the little boy say quite loudly to his mom, "Look! It's Daddy!" Surrounding congregation members smiled.

A little excitement in my own life?
Finally made management at the BK Lounge! Yay for a new uniform!

MCC: still 8- the 11 oclock news is disappointing me

Word of the Day: Myrtle Beach

Quote of the Day: "Look! It's Daddy!"

Whopper Wednesday

MCC: 3

Word of the Day: Whopper

Quote of the Day: "You're Bum is making gross noises!"

Life Lessons Learned

Ladies, I am about to share something profound with you all that may save you from the pain I have gone through. Gentlemen, this may also prove useful to you.

Tonight I decided to wax my legs. I have done it with the Veet strips before. They didn't hurt all that much and the results were not bad. A few hairs missed here and there, but not a bad job for the easier wax strips. As I went through my home cupboards tonight, thinking to myself, 'my my I have hairy legs right now!' I came across some Veet Wax that my sister had purchased last summer and used once. So, running my hand up and down my hairy legs, I thought, 'yes, this could work.'

I learned an important lesson tonight. Shave! For the amount of prep work needed for the manual wax strips, heating and cooling the wax and then ripping the strips off of my leg, it did not yeild the results I had hoped. AND IT HURT LIKE (fill in the blank)!!! So, for those of you who are 'wax virgins' I make 2 suggestions. 1) Stick to your razor. Shaving is less prep work, and quite painless. 2) Buy the Veet no wax strips if you still think waxing sounds like a good idea.

On a different note, I have a riddle. How many New Orleans' Pizza employees does it take to change an outside garbage? The answer: 2! Let's start from the beginning. Two of the girls that work in the Pizza place beside the BK Lounge went out to change the garbage in their parkinglot. Nosily, my manager and I watched from the Drive Thru window. They walked out, with their big yellow elbow-high gloves to change a garbage. A few seconds later, they turned around, walked back inside the restaurant, and re-emerged with 2 garbage bags (hmmm, who would have thought you needed those?). Okay, so now they were ready. Well, here's where it got fun. It took the two of them and their gloves to pull the garbage bag out, not because it was full, or heavy, but because it was garbage. The bag was only about the size of those black ones we use around the house..about as sturdy too. Once said bag had been pulled and tied, they proceeded to stick 2 new bags into the outside garbage. It was a little windy, we'll give them that, but their method was totally wrong. You never fully open the garbage bag until after it is inserted into the garbage bin, or else you risk it flying away like a kite. Can you guess what happened? Oh yes, flying bags. After a game of catch, they had managed to insert both new garbage bags, and then they had to put the lid back on. The two girls stuck the lid on so that it faced towards the lamppost that makes its home about 6 inches beside the garbage bin. Yes, we smiled.

Now, the next task was bringing the full garbage bag back to the dumpster. Ew, gross, there was a leak (make appropriate flailing arm gestures). When they had discovered this, the unlucky one who started to carry the bag away decided to drag it along the ground, only to have the bag rip open and trash begin to fall out. Riddle 2: How many girls does it take to clean up a parkinglot full or garbage?

We laughed and shook our heads.

Word of the Day: Ow.

Quote of the Day: "In one swift and decisive movement, remove the strip against the direction of hair growth."

Time

This is what my life has come to.

I am thrilled to announce that Strathroy's BK Lounge has the second best Drive Thru time in all of Ontario. That was almost the highlight of my day.

The most amusing part of my 8 hour shift happened around 3 oclock when the teenagers all got out of school. The kid driving his little black honda civic has the thing souped up, and the engine turbo charged and the wheels had really nice rims. Until he drove away in cloud of smoke, I noticed that one side of the car had the nice rims, and the other two wheels were rusting and rimless. I couldn't help but smile.

MCC: 2

WOTD: crumpled

QOTD: "Thank God it was before the YouTube!" John Goodman on Letterman

Pickles and Cheese

This has to be about the most disgusting thing ever. The smell of pickles and processed cheese under one's skin. One thing I didn't miss...

Withdrawl

Probably not spelled correctly.

I miss my friends.
I miss class.

Tomorrow I start work.

This blog is called BK for a reason. My namesake is Burger King.

Winding down at the BK

Last night was my last overnight at Burger King. The coffee didn't kick in until about 1am, at which point Paul's tunes started on the Blues Brothers. Considering I had this lovely caffiene high, and drive thru was temporarily quiet, dancing seemed appropriate. Paul Kovacs must be applauded for not laughing too hard at me. After all, I'm not a dancer. Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballroom, it's a foriegn language to me. So when I tell you that I'm jamming out to 'Soul Man' with moves relative to Carleton from the Fresh Prince of Bell Air, you understand that this was funny.

In my 2 years and 2 months employed at the lovely BK Lounge, I have never been one to act like a complete idiot. I often leave that for the self indulgiant flirty girls who seem to have to impress everyone. But, I figured, last overnight, who cares. So I was being a nut. Paul commented at one point in time 'I have never seen you like this before..' (which is true.)

To make a long story short, I was bringing some crutons up front from storage. You know, prepping for the next day, when my lovely soul man came on and I danced. My worn down shoes hit a nice soapy water patch on the floor and down I flew. I fell on my butt and just layed there, laughing. Greg, the manager working that night, and Paul both came running at me, yelling 'Britt! Are you okay?!' Like I had seriously injured myself. I couldn't do anything but sit there and laugh.

It`s 12 hours since that happened. My buttocks hurt. But that was one of the best moments I have ever had.