Compliments to the Chef

I work at one of my college's culinary services, McGlynn's Sports Café. Since it's located in the same building as our fitness center and gym, it makes sense that the decorations are sports-related: jerseys, sports flags, golf clubs, tennis rackets, and other sports memorabilia. We serve burgers, subs, soup, some grocery items, and things like that. It's the only other place on campus to eat besides the main cafeteria in Gorecki, and it is great for getting a quick bite to eat.

I've worked at McGlynn's since my first year at CSB. I have been in a few different positions, working on the deli line making subs, the grill area making burgers, chicken strips, fries and other fried foods, and working in the preparation area making sandwiches, salads, dressings, pasta salad, and other food to sell in packages for easy grabbing for students. I've worked at McGlynn's for quite a while, and I feel like I've really gotten to know how most things work, and I think I'm good at both the preparing of food and customer service sides of things. But it is nice when a stranger compliments you on your work skills! And here's where the lesson for today comes in...

Yesterday I was working on the deli line, making subs and wraps. Twice people I was making sandwiches for complimented me on my sandwich making skills! Not only were these customers happy enough with their sandwiches, but I was pleasant enough for them to want to tell me they were pleased. So everyone involved was happy! After finding out some customers were happy with the way I made their subs or wraps, I continued the rest of my shift cheerfully. I know my work ethic for the day benefitted, as I felt more like I could tackle any problems would care to come my way. In fact, work was especially busy yesterday, and even though I was on the deli line, I helped out with the huge dish pile and stayed 15 minutes after my shift ended to help the deli line with a rush of customers.

Its such a pleasant feeling to be complimented. It benefits all involved, and even those not immediately involved. I'm sure my boss noticed my cheerfulness, and other customers hearing the compliment are probably more likely to come back to McGlynn's since others were pleased. So, don't be afraid to compliment someone today! See how it brightens not only their day, but others' days as well!

With simple happiness,

Oh, Simple Happinesses!

Hello, I'm back! It's been a growing experience, this last year. I studied abroad, went through my first break-up, and am learning to live everyday like an adventure. There were definitely some real ups and downs (quite possibly the higher of highs AND my lowest of lows, actually), but its the painful experiences that make us realize just how lucky we are, right? I have realized just how important it is to continue to take joy in the little things, in simple happinesses. I also realized how much I love writing blog posts; this site is like a public journal where I can share my adventures with you all virtually! Its a great way for me to connect with friends, family, and even people I don't know, and hopefully my brightness and happiness will help you all look at the world in a positive way! So, in the spirit of this blog, let's talk about some simple happinesses that have occured so far this week for me...

Simple Happiness #1

Yesterday was Monday. On the SJU  campus, Alquin Library kindly provides free coffee and a treat (usually mini donuts or mini scones, yum!) for students that come into the library. I love it when my 9:40 class at SJU lands on a Monday, because I walk right by the library on my way to class. And who can resist free coffee and a cranberry scone on a Monday morning?!

Simple Happiness #2

I go to the College of St. Benedict (an all girls college), and we are connected with the University of St. John's (an all boys college). While we are technically seperate colleges, all classes are co-ed and we share most of our clubs. Basically, we are a double college. The major difference between us and other colleges is that we have seperate campuses, boys on one campus and girls on the other. Anyhow, now that I have explained that! We have a bus system to take us between campuses, called the Link. One of our bus drivers likes to ask a trivia question to each busload of kids that he takes between the colleges. This morning, after my 8 am at SJU, I was finally the one to answer the trivia question! The question was "What is the term for buffed leather?" and I answered "Suede." So, I was rewarded for my brightness with a dum dum sucker... Ironic, but incentive!

 Simple Happiness #3

Alright, so this isn't necessarily a happiness, but it is a good lesson in optimism and humor! Last night I was walking back to the bus after my printmaking class (this will definitely be a topic of a post or two, as it is a simple happiness in itself!), and I was texting one of my best friends, my roommate here at college, Breanna. Anyway, since I was clearly not paying enough attention, when I hit a patch of ice, down I went! While my initial reaction was anger at my hurt pride, hurt hand, and snow-covered belongings, I quickly realized the humor in the situation. I mean, it is a safety hazard just to text and walk at the same time in MN! (P.S. - we probably shouldn't text and walk at the same time, but this is coming from a girl who frequently walks with her nose in a book!)

So, what do you think guys? Life can have some pretty horrible moments, but it is worth to look on the bright side and enjoy the little things!

With simple happiness,