Living Simply

This blog has developed into a blog about living a more simple life, as well as minimalism. Hopefully it will give you ideas how to simplify your life and get the most out of it.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving





Another Thanksgiving alone, just our family. We tried inviting people over but they all had plans. Usually we get to spend it with my in-laws, but this year it just didn't happen. They had to be up north, and we needed to be here to work Wed. & Fri.

We had a turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole with those fried onions, corn, and garlic-cheddar biscuits. For dessert we had homemade apple pie, double layer pumpkin pie and eggnog - yes, I make my own eggnog, too.

I guess it worked out for the best - Jordan got some kind of mild sickness Wed. afternoon and it's good we didn't need to be anywhere. She spent most of the past 2 days on the sofa. Logan got to see some friends while they were off from school, and Adam did what he enjoys the most...playing RockBand on his Xbox.

Tim took a nap, spent time surfing the web, etc.
I got almost 100 pages read in my new library book...that makes it a good day, right?

Monday, November 23, 2009

A New Job

Last week was interesting. I got a call from the new owner of the tea shop located where Abbey Gardens, (where I worked last year), was located. She asked me if I'd consider working weekends for her, at least through the end of the year, then we'll re-assess in January. I wasn't looking for another thing to do, but we need the money for Christmas, and maybe the people there will end up in Moni's Monavie business, under us. I started this past Saturday.

The new place is called Front Porch Tea Cafe. It's very different than the old tea parlour. Instead of cluttered Victorian, it's wide open with a strong country casual feel. It's not about white glove service, it's about making guests feel like family visiting on the weekend or something. It's not lacy and girly like before either (although I didn't mind it a bit). Instead, it's actually male-friendly, painted in cranberry and other bolder colors - although the ladies' bathroom is pink.

The prices are lower, the menu choices are fairly different, and the atmosphere is kind of exciting because of the newness of it all. Having had 3 owners before in that location, there was always a struggle with "that's the way we've always done it", even if no one knew why. Now is the time for innovative new ideas and making contemporary changes.

The crew is like a small little family, and although I'm "the new kid", everyone was very welcoming and friendly. I don't want to work as badly as I want our business to take off - but in the meantime - I think I'm going to like it there.

I like that it was my choice, and I could see God's hand in all of it. It's nice working with Moni again, too. I'll have to grab some photos when I work this weekend.