Gore and catgut available at the Rose and Crown!

I haven't blogged for a while but it's only because I've been pretty busy. I've been working and when I'm not working I've been trying to learn the menu. I've already taken the pre-service test (and passed) so now I have to spiel menu items to three managers and a chef. It means I need to know every one of the items we serve and what goes with it and descriptions. I like studying (which is fortunate) but I'm really struggling because I'm working to a timescale. I've told management I'm ready to spiel on Thursday which gives me two days off to learn everything. I can now do all the appetizers and most of the entrees. My way of remembering things isn't exactly PC but it really helps. For example, our herb roasted lamb is marinated with garlic, olive oil and rosemary which I remember by thinking GOOR (gore). Also, I think of CATGUT when I'm describing the chicken because it helps me remember Canola and olive oil with whole Garlic cloves and Rosemary and Thyme. It was originally COGRAT (Canola, olive oil, garlic, rosemary and thyme) but catgut makes me laugh and I remember it better. If Disney knew I'm describing their menus with words like gore and catgut, goodness only knows what they would think! Still, if it works, I don't see any problem with it!

I've been ER'ed the last two days I've been in. That means "Early Release" and it happens when we have too many people at work and not enough to do. I probably shouldn't have taken todays as we don't get paid for ER's but it is so tempting. Imagine working in a 90 degree heat where you're standing on your feet the whole time and there's very few guests so alot of the time you're just standing there. Now imagine someone says, "hey, do you want to go home?" Trust me, even though the little voice in the back of your head is saying, "you need the money", the rest of you is picturing a cool blue swimming pool and the chance to jump in it! I think today will be one of my last ER's though as I had something I actually wanted to do (menu study). I need to start realising money has to come from somewhere so if I don't have any plans, I need to work. Still, we won't get ER'ed once we're in service so I may as well enjoy it while I can.

I'm heading to the bank in a little while to arrange online banking. I'll be taking my "cheat sheets" with me so I can study the menu on the bus. I've made some cards with the menu items on so I can carry them around and learn "on the go". I should definately be ready for Thursday at this rate.

The only other bit of news is Hurricane Ike. He is a massive catergory 4 hurricane and right now he's just to the south of us battering the hell out of Cuba. He's been a bit erratic and last night, people feared he was going to come barrelling through Florida. They called for a mandatory evacuation of the Florida Keys and Bush declared a state of emergency for Florida but it looks like we may be lucky this time. As my little map shows, he's going to bypass us and head off into the gulf but nothing is certain with storms as dangerous as these. Everyone is keeping a very close watch on Ike, as well as all the other storms that will form behind him (at the moment, Josephine and Kyle). I know alot of people are excited to witness a hurricane and I've actually had people wishing for Ike to come our way but they have no concept of the raw power in these storms and the damage they can cause. I'm hoping they won't have to find out but it's a very active season this year. We're not even at the height of Hurricane season yet (that's next week) but we're already up to the letter L (that's 12 named storms this year). Well, all we can do is wait and see and deal with things as they happen. I personally think Ike will miss us (though I pity Cuba) but they'll be others. Don't worry though, I'll keep you up to date.

Relaxing and Chillin' before work!

The last couple of days have been quite busy. We've done alot of computer training. We all had to pass the RVP (Responsible Vendor Program) before we could start. It's just about the age restrictions on alcohol and things like that. I scored 95% so I passed with no problems. Everyone did except for one guy who misunderstood all the questions. He re-did it and passed.

We were told that moving up to server is a priviledge that we have to earn. You can earn quite alot of money from tips in a service position so I've made my mind up to learn the menu as fast as I can so I can move up. It's not easy. You have to learn the name of the item, the prices, the allergy information and the ingredients. Then you have a test about menu knowledge and you have to do a menu spiel to three managers and a chef. Luckily, I thrive on study. I love learning things and actually regret the fact that homework stops when you leave school. I would love to help my little sister with her homework but she never asks. I wish she would. Oh well.

It's my day off today. I started with a swim this morning and then a group of us went over to Hollywood Studios (the new name for MGM). We managed to catch the new High School Musical show and had a bit of a dance. It was great! Rhys and Lauren P. had a proper groove. Little did they know I recorded it (hee hee!)

Tonight is our "Throw In" though we're not allowed to call it that. It's a meet and greet. We get to meet all the other UK cast members which sounds great. However, there's normally some kind of initiation. In the past, they would throw poop, sick and pee over the new arrivals. Luckily Disney found out and clamped down on it. I can't believe anyone would think that was fun! It's disgusting. Still, while it won't be pee, something is going to happen. The really annoying thing (for you guys) is I can't tell you what happens! I'm pretty sure we end up sworn to secrecy. I only hope it's nothing too bad.

I'm spending the rest of today catching up on washing and sorting out of paperwork. I'll also give it another shot at menu learning. So far I know three of the appetizers and I'm confortable being questionned on them. However, there's seven appetizers! Then all the entrees, mains, desserts, kids menu and cocktails. I'd better get cracking. Wish me luck!