Check out Youth Advance! St. Albans Episcopal Youth Group's new weblog -- hosted by Aaron Dowdy!

Just got off work. I say that a lot don't I? Had another wretched table (Aaron, am I misusing wretched too? I've never checked to see if the majority of my big words are in context since no one calls me on it ;-) They asked for a wine list. I left for a couple of minutes since most people don't like having a waiter hovering. I came back a bit later, asked them if they'd chosen a wine, and the man said, Yes a long time ago. It went downhill from there. They mysteriously wanted both bottles opened at once. Then as I poured it, no one would tell me if they wanted any, but would get irate if I poured them wine that they didn't want. Then another lady brought in a bottle of wine and didn't want to pay the corkcage fee, and she wanted me to chill it for her, and she wanted an ice bucket for the table. Needless to say, they also didn't tip. Lovely people. Not everyone is that horrible (I almost wrote aweful, but I caught myself....really trying here....). I had a nice family who's little girl is taking voice. She's probably 13 or 14 and her last two pieces were: "O Mio Babbino Caro" (not too bad--I can sing it fairly easily) and "Un Bel Di" (yikes -- for those of you that know nothing about opera, Marjorie Owens could probably sing it, but I never would -- and if any random people are viewing this who don't know Marjorie -- check out the Houston Grand Opera website). Anyway...I smiled and told her that was "ambitious," which amazingly enough is exactly what VC said when I sang "Rejoice Greatly o Daughter of Zion" for my Baylor audition......hmmmmm....

I went to church this morning. Twice actually. Got the word last night that I was responsible for the anthem at 8:00 service at the Presbyterian church. So I got to sing and accompany myself (and my sister) on "Breathe" which I love, but my youth group never got into... anyway. I got in the car and dashed off to the 10 o clock service at St. Mark's Episcopal. Ahhhhhh....frighteningly enough the Episcopal church felt more like home than the Presbyterian one did. Maybe I should just be confirmed. Seems like a drastic step though -- I haven't covered ALL of the denominations yet. (To date I've been to or been influenced by: Puritan, Lutheran, Nazerene, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and a brief stint as a Pentocaustal, short lived though). I don't think God is denominationally tied, so why should I be? Maybe I'll be quaker next. Doesn't that sound cool? Or menonite and wear the plain dresses and the cunning little bonnets. Hmmm.....

I have no topic for this. I've just had an impromptu gathering at my house, or rather my hot tub. I made the mistake of lamenting to Manuel (one of the chefs) that my feet hurt, and I planned to go home and soak myself. He asked if he could come, and the next thing I know, I've invited half a dozen people to hot tub. 4 show up, plus my sister and myself. The boys brought corona. My mother was not impressed of course, but she didn't mind too much as long as my SISTER DIDN"T HAVE ANY. I didn't let her. You're welcome. (I know you're reading this Dad) I tried one. With lime. Not bad. Made it last and hour and forty five minutes. I'm not a fan of beer in general. Smells funny. It was fun -- probably not a party in the sense that they are used to, but at least I got to know the restaurant staff. Interesting that in a party of servers, cooks, and cocktail waitresses, the cocktail waitress knew the least about alcohol. Well, I would be a teetotaler if it wasn't for strawberry daquiris. Very tasty. Much better than corona -- even with lime. Maybe salt would help. I have the feeling that everyone is going to think I'm a lush now. I'm really not. Too much of a lightweight. We had a wine tasting today for the new house wines, and I had to ask Juan to finish my glasses because I sure as heck couldn't juggle orders with nearly a glass of wine under my belt. I dont' think I could walk with a glass of wine under my belt, much less get any for anyone else. Speaking of which -- let me put in a plea for all of the servers everywhere. Please tip generously. We work really hard, even when things are going slow. That usually means we're busy. We don't work for the wages, we work for the tips. It makes our day. On behalf of waitresses everywhere, goodnight. I have to serve BBQ tomorrow.

I've finally found a movie with Hugh Grant in it that he actually acts. Well, that goes to far. He acts exactly the same as he has in every movie -- but it's palatable this time. Sense and Sensibility. Very Good. Emma Thompson. Alan Rickman. You can't miss!

Oh, and my current total of "books I've bought since I've been home" is 27. Someone stop me......

I found a new book. Shocking I know. It's called the "Father Brown" series, by G. K. Chesterton. Check it out. And if you can't find it (it's rather out of print) then borrow my copy. Combine Sherlock Holmes with the Mitford Series.....that's what it's like. A must read! That's all for now....

I just heard from a friend that Mrs. Anders passed away. This woman and especially her family are amazing, and deserve recognition -- even if only here. Mrs. Anders had Multiple Sclerosis for almost two decades. Her husband is one of the bravest, most selfless man I've ever met. He raised both of their children, worked more than full time in a job that required hours of driving, and spent the rest of his time taking care of his wife, who quickly regressed to the point that she couldn't move, speak, or eat. She was determined to survive long enough to see her oldest daughter graduate. Crissie graduated in 1999. Crissie is to be married in September, and her son Chad graduates in 2003. I can't think of anything more to say in tribute that won't sound trite. They all are an amazing example of how hardships bring out the best in people.

More work nightmares. I was followed around today by a duo of 6-year-olds who decided my name was "Room Service." "Where are you going room service? Whatcha doin'?" They told me all about their day and learning how to swim, and how they got to see the horsies. I finally got away from them by pretending to join them in a game of 'run-around-the-room-screaming' and then making use of the nearest exit. Strange children.

The inevitable has happened. For all you music majors out there, do you remember how you had to learn to play "Happy Birthday" in 5 different keys. And we all thought, "yea right -- when will I be in the middle of a happy birthday emergency." Tonight our pianost took a break, and they wanted me to try to play it. She saved me just in the nick of time. Darn it, the music school wins again. One point for the list-of-hoop-jumping-activities-that-have-no-basis-in-real-life-club.