Don't Cry For Me Argentina

s mentioned in a previous blog post, I am not longer working for Rumbi Island Grill. What's that you ask? Where will I be going?

Well, I am going to work for a concept called The YardHouse.

I am both nervous and excited about embarking on this new adventure. I am ready to be a little fish in a big pond again and going to work for this concept can certainly take care of that.

However, talking about the YardHouse is not the main purpose of this particular blog entry, we'll get to those details later.

Rather this entry is for my now former team members and co-workers. I'll start with my FOHers

AMANDA ANNE: You darling, are a BEAUTIFUL girl. You are INTELLIGENT and funny. I've had the opportunity to watch you "grow-up". We were lucky enough that your dad let you work for us at the TENDER age of 15 and now, here we are, 2 years later, and you're entering the NAVY. You will do an amazing job at serving our COUNRTY, that I have no doubts about. You FIGHT for the things that you want, although sometimes they might not be the things that you NEED (but you'll learn that with age). Amanda, if there is one thing that I want you to fight for, it's YOURSELF. Figure out the things are REALLY important to you and DEFEND those but don't let your TEMPER or EMOTIONS get the best of you. Go after the things that you really DESERVE and settle for NOTHING less.

ALEX: You weren't an employee of mine for very long, I knew you as a guest first! You are very PEACEFUL and CALM. From me to you, don't forget to let your FABULOUS personality shine through in every situation that you are in, it's what got you the job at Rumbi and I'm sure will get you MANY more. Trust YOURSELF and remember, it's okay to MISTAKES (in fact, most people expect them, that's how you learn!) Believe in yourself and others will believe in you!

AMY: I haven't know you very long either but from what I've observed, you are a very determined person. That determined spirit will take you far. Continue to "press on TOWARDS the goal!" (ooo, and the post card from Scotland, I still have it! It's my fav!)

BRITTNEY: Where do I begin with you?!? We met at Starbucks and at first, I thought you HATED me but then as time has passed, that's clearly not true! And while not much time has passed since we've "really" known each other, GIRL, I've seen you go through quite a bit of STUFF. First, you were a "damsel in distress," literally crying in the dinning room, and so we rescued you (and that was the best day EVER!)  Secondly, you had to ENDURE one of the most miserable months of being sick. After just those few things, I've come to know you even more and I am CONSTANTLY blown away by you! You have an enormous HEART and are so generous! You challenge me EVERYDAY, whether you know it or not, to put a smile on my face, no matter what! I always have a great time with you, talking "big girl talk" or just giggling like little school girls! Loves you!

DARIAN:  OOOO Darian. You APPRECIATE my child-like heart, need I mention the silly bands or Disney movies?! You could QUITE possibly be one of the coolest young ladies I've EVER had the pleasure of knowing. You are always joking around and having fun, you have a "California girl" way about you. As with a few of the other girls, I've seen you go through some stuff, as well. Remember when you THOUGHT your car was stolen?!? And then there is the whole topic of boys and girls and people SWITCHING schools. Drama, drama, drama. But in the midst of that RUBBISH, you stayed focused and VIRTUALLY unmoved, and for that girl, my hat is off to you! You are going to accomplish GREAT things with your LIFE and I hope that I am around to see that happen!

JACQUE: I started working here you leave the first time! You come back and it's a whole new world!  I've enjoyed the time that we have spent together. You WANT to learn and while you may not be in one place forever, you certainly want to do your BEST at what you are doing, that has been SELF- EVIDENT over the past few weeks. Keep up the GREAT work! You have faced some MASSIVE trials in the past 2 years and I've been there to watch you and your reaction to situations. These things have caused you to grow up and mature and in a sense "re-define" yourself. I see you, now, as a young lady who is learning what the IMPORTANT things in life are. As you figure those out, you are learning where to PLANT your feet on solid ground so that you can stand FIRM to defend those things. DON'T back down from those things and continue to plant those feet, but remember-be teachable, there's a balance! Thank you for all the laughs and great conversations that we've had!

LUIS: You like?!? You have to be the FUNNIEST person I've ever known! It has been great to watch you step up! You've really become a MAN in these past few years but this last year, in particular. Continue to LEARN! If you find yourself GROWING weary or bored, ask for a NEW learning experience. You are only going to go as far as you ALLOW yourself to go. You are YOUR biggest obstacle, right now. You have so much MORE to bring to the table (or offer) than you REALIZE . You have a great heart, Luis, guard it. Don't let people rob your joy! Be happy because you are who you are and don't let that be based on anything other than that, my love!

SARAH: I am so happy and BLESSED that Pastor Dan brought you into my life! You are a joy to have around. You DILIGENTLY seek after the heart of God and I am blown away by your FAITH. You are great example of what it means to be the "hands and feet of Jesus." I've had the honor of watching you ESTABLISH yourself as young woman. In the past year, you've moved to Mexico, went to Scotland, and now you are EMBARKING on a new adventure, by moving into your own place! I'm so excited for you and for the things that God has for you. Sarita, continue to be "a light in a dark world," it is an encouragement! Your faith INSPIRES!

Speed Racer (Flash): ummm....i worked 2 shifts with you. So not much to say but make sure you listening to Spoken!

B.MADD (Powder Puff): I'm sad at you and the fact that you weren't there to WITNESS my last day. It was not long ago that I WALKED into Starbucks and fell in love with you! You are peanut butter to my jelly, soy to my iced coffee, and new york to my tourist! I was always ELATED to work with you. You were always so APPRECIATIVE of the things that you were experiencing in the moment. If there is one MAJOR thing that I have learned from you, it is, just that. Enjoy everything that you have in your life and enjoy the moment you are in!

Eric: Last but not least. I could write a WHOLE blog entry about you. When we met, I knew virtually nothing about this industry, and while I'm still a PUP, I've certainly come a LONG way and that is thanks in part to you. You brought me under "your wing" and raised me up. You saw something in me, that I couldn't even see in myself. I've learned so much from you in the past couple of years ranging from business to a vast array of subjects. Thank you for taking the time to TEACH me and make a SOLID investment in me and in my life. I would not be where I am today without some of your MANY contributions to my career. I know that I am DIFFICULT at times (as are you!), STUBBORN, would be more appropriate, but as "iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." You have been there to support me, especially when I was in a "dark place". But you were PATIENT and waited for me to BOUNCE back. While to me, these two little words seem INSUFFICENT, I know that me simply writing about you in this blog and mentioning just a few things, that it means a lot to you. With that, THANK YOU!