It's finally here, we pack it all up and give it away, we won't need it.
Hold back a tear, all the furniture is gone, there is no where to sit.
The home returns to a house as our things disappear.
Packing day has started, our move out date is near.
We still have a week left until that dreaded day.
No more taking naps, no more places to lay.
What will we do, where will we go?
I don't have a clue, I just don't know.
On to something new,
Where's the toilet paper at!?
I have to poo
:)
Sorry for anyone reading. I had to make some poetry. This was fun! Thanks for the memories.
Cheers,
Thomas
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Man Night
It's 7:55 on a Sunday night. Dan, Nathan, and I are all waiting eagerly for the last member of our abode to trickle in before the clock hits 8 o'clock. Shane walks in just in time for the epic theme of the best show on television to begin. Bum! bum! buduh bum bum, buduh bum! Its Game of Thrones night baby!
It is times like this that I will miss college. Not often do you get the opportunity to have solid bro time over a TV show and drink some cocktails after a long day of work and school.
I finally have savored the moments when we are just relaxing and kicking it. I see all these freshmen walking around talking about dumb little things and become nostalgic. I am finally that guy talking to young kids about enjoying the moment.
I enjoyed my moments at BU, it's been sweet, for certain.
It is times like this that I will miss college. Not often do you get the opportunity to have solid bro time over a TV show and drink some cocktails after a long day of work and school.
I finally have savored the moments when we are just relaxing and kicking it. I see all these freshmen walking around talking about dumb little things and become nostalgic. I am finally that guy talking to young kids about enjoying the moment.
I enjoyed my moments at BU, it's been sweet, for certain.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
My dream job-- Disney
You know when you have the perfect moment of enlightenment? Where you find the place that fits your personality and you begin to desire working there. You may acknowledge that it won't be your first job, or your second, or maybe even your third, but you know you'll get there eventually.
My dream job is Disney. Preferably in some sort of social media/publicist/PR fashion in which I can spread my happiness and joy for life to as many people as possible.
Ever since I learned to speak I liked to talk to people, especially when I wasn't allowed- class, detention, nap time in kindergarten. I've always loved to make people smile or laugh. Not just at me but about anything in particular.
I believe I can be creative and fun and still do a job with passion. When I was in 8th grade at St. Thomas School my teacher challenged us to make a product that encapsulated our individual personalities. We were given a week to complete the product and in Thomas-like fashion I woke up on the morning it was due and began my assignment. With about 30 minutes until the arrival of the bus to school I grabbed an Axe spray can (those were really cool then (2006)). I painted the entire thing with white out, it was the only available "paint". When the can was completely dry, I took a blue marker and wrote "ThomaKraft Happy Spray". Needless to say, the teacher was incredibly impressed and gave me full credit- spoiling me forever to believe that procrastination is good.
Ever since that day my mom has called me "Mr. Happy" for all my crazy antics. I hope one day that I'll be able to put that happiness to test at "The Happiest Place On Earth".
My dream job is Disney. Preferably in some sort of social media/publicist/PR fashion in which I can spread my happiness and joy for life to as many people as possible.
Ever since I learned to speak I liked to talk to people, especially when I wasn't allowed- class, detention, nap time in kindergarten. I've always loved to make people smile or laugh. Not just at me but about anything in particular.
I believe I can be creative and fun and still do a job with passion. When I was in 8th grade at St. Thomas School my teacher challenged us to make a product that encapsulated our individual personalities. We were given a week to complete the product and in Thomas-like fashion I woke up on the morning it was due and began my assignment. With about 30 minutes until the arrival of the bus to school I grabbed an Axe spray can (those were really cool then (2006)). I painted the entire thing with white out, it was the only available "paint". When the can was completely dry, I took a blue marker and wrote "ThomaKraft Happy Spray". Needless to say, the teacher was incredibly impressed and gave me full credit- spoiling me forever to believe that procrastination is good.
Ever since that day my mom has called me "Mr. Happy" for all my crazy antics. I hope one day that I'll be able to put that happiness to test at "The Happiest Place On Earth".
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Why is Spotify so cool!?
This is not what I usually do. My blog is not about reviewing products or services. But Spotify Premium is ENCHANTING. They have amazing amounts of music and you can listen to whatever you like, when you want! I've downloaded about 200 songs in a little less than a month and only pay $10 a month. People spend that much on Starbucks- in ONE day. AND you can't keep Starbucks forever, only for like 15 minutes and its either cold and terrible or swarming the small intestine.
I have no idea why I spent all that time and money on iTunes. Maybe its because Apple is enchanting to my lifestyle. Well as Music goes, Apple needs to get it together. They are losing core customers.
I just realized this sounds like one of those spam emails that are overly excited about a particular company. Believe me, though, this is for real. Promise.
Cheers to you, Spotify. You had me at hello.
P.S.
Sorry that I didn't write about college, or my house, or my sickness, or my life really. I had to evangelize for them. They deserved it :)
I have no idea why I spent all that time and money on iTunes. Maybe its because Apple is enchanting to my lifestyle. Well as Music goes, Apple needs to get it together. They are losing core customers.
I just realized this sounds like one of those spam emails that are overly excited about a particular company. Believe me, though, this is for real. Promise.
Cheers to you, Spotify. You had me at hello.
P.S.
Sorry that I didn't write about college, or my house, or my sickness, or my life really. I had to evangelize for them. They deserved it :)
Thursday, April 10, 2014
That point in the semester..
You know that one week when everything seems to fall apart in the semester? For the last two years I've gone through the first 3 months of the semester feeling like everything is okay, and then one week everything seems to just crumble and I start scrounging for time to study and time to sleep.
This phenomenon has not just affected my sleep/study ratio but its now starting to affect my cleanliness. I have piles of folded laundry that are clean just sitting in random places in my room. I guess when I look at the piles I just think, "Well not going to waste time on that!" I have neglected some of the dishes for a couple days and its probably annoying my roommates, although I have the feeling that the same sort of feeling is upon them as well.
Hopefully, this is just a passing phase after 10 days of being ill, and that after this weekend my room and life will be back in order. For now, I'll live with my computer sitting on a notebook and two textbooks, on top of old receipts and stray papers.
Here's to leaving the house before seven with no nap in sight!
(Because really, who doesn't want a nap?!?!)
This phenomenon has not just affected my sleep/study ratio but its now starting to affect my cleanliness. I have piles of folded laundry that are clean just sitting in random places in my room. I guess when I look at the piles I just think, "Well not going to waste time on that!" I have neglected some of the dishes for a couple days and its probably annoying my roommates, although I have the feeling that the same sort of feeling is upon them as well.
Hopefully, this is just a passing phase after 10 days of being ill, and that after this weekend my room and life will be back in order. For now, I'll live with my computer sitting on a notebook and two textbooks, on top of old receipts and stray papers.
Here's to leaving the house before seven with no nap in sight!
(Because really, who doesn't want a nap?!?!)
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
My struggle continues...
Someone must be playing some strange, detestable game on me. As soon as I get back to Peoria after my adventures in Mexico, I get a cold. Now, I can live with a cold. Even a little cold that lasts a week can be easily conquered. This has turned into a Herculean-sized challenge to overcome.
My constant battle since Saturday has been (without going into too much detail): Wake up to a unstoppable cough with a throbbing sore throat and a severe case of the chills. Often, I've awoken in a cold sweat from the sleepless night's struggle. It doesn't appear to end. I actually can't remember what it feels like to be healthy.
Its funny because all I want is what I was trying to escape from by going far away for Spring Break: Routine. It is a safety net as well as a dampener of the spirit. We want both comfort and excitement. This illness has separated me completely from the comfort of waking up and knowing exactly what I need to do for the day. On the other side, it hasn't given me any of the rejuvenation that the lack of routine can so easily inspire.
In my desperation to reel myself away from the depressant that has been this flu/cold/miserableness, I wish I could wake up tomorrow with a clear path for what needs to be done. Sadly, I think I'll be on the couch with the tissues and pajamas.
My constant battle since Saturday has been (without going into too much detail): Wake up to a unstoppable cough with a throbbing sore throat and a severe case of the chills. Often, I've awoken in a cold sweat from the sleepless night's struggle. It doesn't appear to end. I actually can't remember what it feels like to be healthy.
Its funny because all I want is what I was trying to escape from by going far away for Spring Break: Routine. It is a safety net as well as a dampener of the spirit. We want both comfort and excitement. This illness has separated me completely from the comfort of waking up and knowing exactly what I need to do for the day. On the other side, it hasn't given me any of the rejuvenation that the lack of routine can so easily inspire.
In my desperation to reel myself away from the depressant that has been this flu/cold/miserableness, I wish I could wake up tomorrow with a clear path for what needs to be done. Sadly, I think I'll be on the couch with the tissues and pajamas.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Living In the Moment
I was sitting there next to the pool. The temperature, Im sure, was over 85 degrees. It was at the threshold of really hot where one goes from being pleasantly comfortable to being wrought with sweat and incapable of finding the best spot on the chair.
"Tom", my brother exclaimed to my slight realization that I wasn't taking a nap at home. "What time is it?"
"2:07." I replied back. As I pondered the time and the remaining hours of sunset we had left in the day, I thought of what I would be doing in Peoria, were it not Spring Break. I'd either be reading, have pleasant conversation with a housemate, or dreadfully studying. In that singular moment I realized how incredibly happy I was to be sitting their doing nothing but enjoying the breeze and perfect sunset that shroud the magnificent Mexico sky.
We barely ever truly live in the moment. It takes practice. Often years of vacations and adventures to TRULY appreciate them. Without this focus on the present these adventures can be lost to single memories of that one time I visited that one place.
At 2:07 last Wednesday afternoon I thought hard and precisely of a week in advance and how I would forever attach that time and memory to my memory bank for all time. I won't forget it now. I know what I was doing, what I was feeling, and how to keep smiling while it lasted.
That time is over now and it is time to focus on new adventures, mostly unplanned. No doubt about it, though, to smile and live in the present is the greatest adventure of all.
"Tom", my brother exclaimed to my slight realization that I wasn't taking a nap at home. "What time is it?"
"2:07." I replied back. As I pondered the time and the remaining hours of sunset we had left in the day, I thought of what I would be doing in Peoria, were it not Spring Break. I'd either be reading, have pleasant conversation with a housemate, or dreadfully studying. In that singular moment I realized how incredibly happy I was to be sitting their doing nothing but enjoying the breeze and perfect sunset that shroud the magnificent Mexico sky.
We barely ever truly live in the moment. It takes practice. Often years of vacations and adventures to TRULY appreciate them. Without this focus on the present these adventures can be lost to single memories of that one time I visited that one place.
At 2:07 last Wednesday afternoon I thought hard and precisely of a week in advance and how I would forever attach that time and memory to my memory bank for all time. I won't forget it now. I know what I was doing, what I was feeling, and how to keep smiling while it lasted.
That time is over now and it is time to focus on new adventures, mostly unplanned. No doubt about it, though, to smile and live in the present is the greatest adventure of all.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Cancun lessons far beyond sun-bathing
(exhale)
I really couldn't remember how to spell an exhale noise but I gave it my best shot (hehe). I've been in Mexico since Sunday with my younger brother (a freshman at Indiana University) and my eccentric mother, Theresa.
We have been staying at a behemoth of a resort in Playa del Carmen, 50 minutes south of Cancun. Its been a blast on top of being one of the most exhausting vacations of my life (I've travelled through Ireland, Singapore, England, Australia, the Rocky Mountains.) I know about tiring and amazing vacations.
I have encountered great relaxation, but also great humanity. From my observations the majority of the employees at the resort are brought in and told where to tend the needy people that insist on incredible service but neglect adequate tipping.
I've seen, so far, how far a dollar can stretch and its power (ethically or not). I now know the difference a one dollar tip and a five dollar tip can make on a person. A one dollar tip is an acknowledgment of adequate service. My experience this week tells me that people give one dollar tips when they are confused as to the correct amount of tipping required. How do you tip when the bill is not reflected at the end of a meal but rather at the beginning of the vacation when you are asked to pay a lump sum "all-inclusive price"?
One dollar is typical. It says, "I acknowledge that you are hear, heading to my every need and that you are probably not even paid an adequate wage.
A two, three, or four dollar tip lies somewhere in between adequate service and PHENOMENAL service. All these tips are understandable. Making it absolutely known to the person that their service performance is essential to their experience is eye-wateringly-satisfying. (thats not a word but go with me).
A five dollar tip makes it very clearly known that I acknowledge your humanity and understand the hard work you have been putting in to deserve a lifestyle far greater than the one placed in front of you.
Nothing brightens a persons day more than acknowledging their pure humanity. I wish I could tell them how grateful I am for their incredible service but it would take them away from what the do best. Sometimes a bright smile and handshake will do. For now the five dollars and a smile is the best I can do, Ruben.
I really couldn't remember how to spell an exhale noise but I gave it my best shot (hehe). I've been in Mexico since Sunday with my younger brother (a freshman at Indiana University) and my eccentric mother, Theresa.
We have been staying at a behemoth of a resort in Playa del Carmen, 50 minutes south of Cancun. Its been a blast on top of being one of the most exhausting vacations of my life (I've travelled through Ireland, Singapore, England, Australia, the Rocky Mountains.) I know about tiring and amazing vacations.
I have encountered great relaxation, but also great humanity. From my observations the majority of the employees at the resort are brought in and told where to tend the needy people that insist on incredible service but neglect adequate tipping.
I've seen, so far, how far a dollar can stretch and its power (ethically or not). I now know the difference a one dollar tip and a five dollar tip can make on a person. A one dollar tip is an acknowledgment of adequate service. My experience this week tells me that people give one dollar tips when they are confused as to the correct amount of tipping required. How do you tip when the bill is not reflected at the end of a meal but rather at the beginning of the vacation when you are asked to pay a lump sum "all-inclusive price"?
One dollar is typical. It says, "I acknowledge that you are hear, heading to my every need and that you are probably not even paid an adequate wage.
A two, three, or four dollar tip lies somewhere in between adequate service and PHENOMENAL service. All these tips are understandable. Making it absolutely known to the person that their service performance is essential to their experience is eye-wateringly-satisfying. (thats not a word but go with me).
A five dollar tip makes it very clearly known that I acknowledge your humanity and understand the hard work you have been putting in to deserve a lifestyle far greater than the one placed in front of you.
Nothing brightens a persons day more than acknowledging their pure humanity. I wish I could tell them how grateful I am for their incredible service but it would take them away from what the do best. Sometimes a bright smile and handshake will do. For now the five dollars and a smile is the best I can do, Ruben.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
SPRING BREAK
Man oh man who doesn't like a little nine day break in the middle of the semester!? Not me, anytime I get to catch up on some reading and general chaos of not having a schedule for a week is extremely exciting for me.
This year I'm going to Cancun with my Mom and younger brother. Really looking forward to sitting on the beach and doing nothing as I please. I guess we'll throw in some Mayan ruins as well to make the trip "semi-educational".
The best part is just the feeling that I know I'm not forgetting anything. When I'm school, I always have the feeling that I forgot to do something like Neville in Harry Potter. I need a remembrall! But not next week. Next week is for family, relaxation and adventure.
Looking forward to it, but not enough to skip class today :)
This year I'm going to Cancun with my Mom and younger brother. Really looking forward to sitting on the beach and doing nothing as I please. I guess we'll throw in some Mayan ruins as well to make the trip "semi-educational".
The best part is just the feeling that I know I'm not forgetting anything. When I'm school, I always have the feeling that I forgot to do something like Neville in Harry Potter. I need a remembrall! But not next week. Next week is for family, relaxation and adventure.
Looking forward to it, but not enough to skip class today :)
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Peter Pan on Laura Avenue
We get so caught up in our busy college student lives that we forget to live with fun and happiness. Everything surrounding us demands our maturity, responsibility, and extreme daily schedule planning. Some of us stay young by playing video games, or telling stories of the past. My house celebrates youth by Nerf wars in the living room.
Since we were sophomores, the four of us have always relaxed by having a little Nerf competition. Whether that be Nerf basketball, Nerf "horse", or a full on Nerf war in the locker room or in the living room, we like to indulge in some pre-teen activities of our own.
There is nothing quite as unstressing as shooting little 4 inch foam darts at people across a dark room. It's invigorating and most importantly- extremely good at relinquishing the stresses of daily college life.
Cheers to living like Peter Pan and never growing up!
(If anyone wants in to our little Nerf party, let me know)
Since we were sophomores, the four of us have always relaxed by having a little Nerf competition. Whether that be Nerf basketball, Nerf "horse", or a full on Nerf war in the locker room or in the living room, we like to indulge in some pre-teen activities of our own.
There is nothing quite as unstressing as shooting little 4 inch foam darts at people across a dark room. It's invigorating and most importantly- extremely good at relinquishing the stresses of daily college life.
Cheers to living like Peter Pan and never growing up!
(If anyone wants in to our little Nerf party, let me know)
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Back to the Stone Age
I started to wonder where everyone was... Were they studying more than usual? It would make sense, after all the semester just started amping up with the arrival of the first wave of tests. No, this is unusual. Maybe I smell and they are trying to stay away from me. I became paranoid.
After a water main breaks and the Bradley campus and surrounding areas instantly feel as if they had moved to the Sahara we have run into another problem. I have confirmed with some people close to me and we decided that we would rather not have internet at all over REALLY slow internet. That being said, having no internet in the house for 5 days puts everyone a little bit (more like a lot) on edge.
I didn't smell after all! Just that thing we all can't live without, was instantly not working. THE INTERNET IS DOWN! Man's greatest tool is absent from our home, so the occupants must go on campus to get their daily intake of networking.
We went through the typical manly man: "I'm going to fix this myself! Who needs a professional technician!?" And on and on it went for four days until we decided to call the Comcast people.
Let me be clear. Next to the guy that works "lost luggage" at the airport, working the customer service lines at Comcast has to be the least desirable position in the American economy. Their is a certain place in heaven for the person that makes it through five years of that profession without raising their voice at obnoxious customers.
Now, to the gritty. It took me 15 minutes of her running diagnostic tests over the phone before she gave up and tried to tell me to contact the manufacturer of our modem while attempting to sign off.
"No, No, No!!!," I said. "You aren't getting off that easy!" Calling Motorola and trying to replace the modem would take at least two weeks, even if I managed to talk to a human being. I told the tough to understand lady from Comcast that was pretty terrible customer service and to just send a technician and sort this whole thing out. Well instantly she turned on the apologetic mode that must be ingrained in their DNA at this point. We sorted out a time for the next morning and several thoughts came to me.
How said is it that Comcast was just going to let me go? They weren't going to send someone to resolve the situation and attempt to make good service. No, they just wanted me to go away and make it someone else's problem (specifically Motorola). It took me complaining and telling this poor woman of the terrible customer service before she decided to give me what I deserved as a paying customer: resolution.
This behavior starts to become the norm for our society: complain until you get what you want. Sad but true. And while it my seem trivial, Comcast let it happen.
I hate Comcast, but damn am I glad to have the Internet back!
After a water main breaks and the Bradley campus and surrounding areas instantly feel as if they had moved to the Sahara we have run into another problem. I have confirmed with some people close to me and we decided that we would rather not have internet at all over REALLY slow internet. That being said, having no internet in the house for 5 days puts everyone a little bit (more like a lot) on edge.
I didn't smell after all! Just that thing we all can't live without, was instantly not working. THE INTERNET IS DOWN! Man's greatest tool is absent from our home, so the occupants must go on campus to get their daily intake of networking.
We went through the typical manly man: "I'm going to fix this myself! Who needs a professional technician!?" And on and on it went for four days until we decided to call the Comcast people.
Let me be clear. Next to the guy that works "lost luggage" at the airport, working the customer service lines at Comcast has to be the least desirable position in the American economy. Their is a certain place in heaven for the person that makes it through five years of that profession without raising their voice at obnoxious customers.
Now, to the gritty. It took me 15 minutes of her running diagnostic tests over the phone before she gave up and tried to tell me to contact the manufacturer of our modem while attempting to sign off.
"No, No, No!!!," I said. "You aren't getting off that easy!" Calling Motorola and trying to replace the modem would take at least two weeks, even if I managed to talk to a human being. I told the tough to understand lady from Comcast that was pretty terrible customer service and to just send a technician and sort this whole thing out. Well instantly she turned on the apologetic mode that must be ingrained in their DNA at this point. We sorted out a time for the next morning and several thoughts came to me.
How said is it that Comcast was just going to let me go? They weren't going to send someone to resolve the situation and attempt to make good service. No, they just wanted me to go away and make it someone else's problem (specifically Motorola). It took me complaining and telling this poor woman of the terrible customer service before she decided to give me what I deserved as a paying customer: resolution.
This behavior starts to become the norm for our society: complain until you get what you want. Sad but true. And while it my seem trivial, Comcast let it happen.
I hate Comcast, but damn am I glad to have the Internet back!
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
A fan forever
Okay, time to take some time to talk about myself and my journey to this point in my collegiate career. Many people know me as an athlete, a label that I am proud of. But, sadly, I am not one anymore. A heartbreaking diagnosis during my junior year left me without the opportunity to contribute athletically to the Bradley Cross Country and Track team anymore. I was told that I have supraventricular tachycardia. For laymen's terms: my heart will go from a regular "working out" heartbeat around 130 to over 200, instantly. As you can imagine this causes some problems in running a 5 mile race at the collegiate level.
I could be treated by going through a surgical procedure which would zap the pathway in my heart that causes the increased heart rate. The success rate is about 80% with a 5% chance of having the procedure go terribly wrong, in which I would have to go into open heart surgery and blah, blah, blah... Safe to say I wasn't going to risk that just to run in college. (I could have the procedure done if it ever became worse or I just felt like it was time).
If you have ever been on a team, in a discipline that you are EXTREMELY passionate about, and are told that you can't do it anymore, it is completely dismantling. I was extremely upset by the result and fell into depression for several weeks trying to adopt to college without the 20 hour per week commitment to athletics and specifically to Bradley University.
I watched my teammates, and specifically my classmates become stronger men and stronger athletes as they matured through the program. I had the opportunity to observe my team from a completely different perspective- I was now a fan, and I became the most passionate one I could possibly be. I've always been a good cheerleader but now I got to cheerlead for the people on campus I cared most about, without worrying about my own success. My path through athletics was over, but my team's path was just beginning to be paved.
I received the opportunity to be the manager for the team entering my senior year and was excited to help in any way I could. I saw Bradley Cross Country turn into a team and post the best result- for both programs- that anyone can remember. It was fun to watch and it was even better to see them wanting more. They didn't settle for the places they earned at the conference meet. They wanted more and were willing to work for it.
I had never wanted to be more part of the team than at that moment. I wanted to be sweating and exhausted by the morning's 12 miles of pain and focus. I couldn't experience it anymore but that is when I found what my strength really was. I was never the best runner on the team. I was never the worst but I always tried to have to best attitude. Now, in my new role, I could make everyone's experience a little better with a big smile and some loud words of encouragement.
I had realized what could make me happy while providing happiness for so many others. No feeling in the world is better than finding your value in it.
I still am jealous of the guys running around the concourse of the arena at 6 am but smile at the fact that I got to experience it while I could.
Make the best of anything you can. AND most importantly...
GO BRAVES
I could be treated by going through a surgical procedure which would zap the pathway in my heart that causes the increased heart rate. The success rate is about 80% with a 5% chance of having the procedure go terribly wrong, in which I would have to go into open heart surgery and blah, blah, blah... Safe to say I wasn't going to risk that just to run in college. (I could have the procedure done if it ever became worse or I just felt like it was time).
If you have ever been on a team, in a discipline that you are EXTREMELY passionate about, and are told that you can't do it anymore, it is completely dismantling. I was extremely upset by the result and fell into depression for several weeks trying to adopt to college without the 20 hour per week commitment to athletics and specifically to Bradley University.
I watched my teammates, and specifically my classmates become stronger men and stronger athletes as they matured through the program. I had the opportunity to observe my team from a completely different perspective- I was now a fan, and I became the most passionate one I could possibly be. I've always been a good cheerleader but now I got to cheerlead for the people on campus I cared most about, without worrying about my own success. My path through athletics was over, but my team's path was just beginning to be paved.
I received the opportunity to be the manager for the team entering my senior year and was excited to help in any way I could. I saw Bradley Cross Country turn into a team and post the best result- for both programs- that anyone can remember. It was fun to watch and it was even better to see them wanting more. They didn't settle for the places they earned at the conference meet. They wanted more and were willing to work for it.
I had never wanted to be more part of the team than at that moment. I wanted to be sweating and exhausted by the morning's 12 miles of pain and focus. I couldn't experience it anymore but that is when I found what my strength really was. I was never the best runner on the team. I was never the worst but I always tried to have to best attitude. Now, in my new role, I could make everyone's experience a little better with a big smile and some loud words of encouragement.
I had realized what could make me happy while providing happiness for so many others. No feeling in the world is better than finding your value in it.
I still am jealous of the guys running around the concourse of the arena at 6 am but smile at the fact that I got to experience it while I could.
Make the best of anything you can. AND most importantly...
GO BRAVES
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Starbucks Etiquette
For this weeks post, I wanted to change it up to go more in depth on what I was thinking this week that had to be discussed. Nothing in particular happened in our house this week outside of the boil-order which I might touch on next week. I suspect the lack of action was due to the speeding up of classes as we are already in mid-February.
A lot of college people visit Starbucks. A lot of people in general, as a matter of fact, visit Starbucks. Sometimes while working there on a lovely Saturday, I could be stuck at the window taking money for up to eight hours. As you can imagine this task can get obnoxiously redundant and it could make anyone go insane. I'm sure you know a person that has a very customized order and won't remove themselves from the premises until it is JUST RIGHT. Trust me when I say their are more of these people than I ever could imagine.
Instead of talking about customers that are often difficult to get along with I'm going to touch on simple drive-through etiquette, for your next visit to the world of caffeine. (Or anywhere you make an order)
1.) Number one is not a surprise, nor should it be. No one can tell me they really like being greeted with a frown and a passive attitude. I thrive on giving someone a good experience and I guarantee if you give it a shot I will make your day a little better, but you have to help me out. Always give me a smile. It will make you and I feel a little better. Plus, you're at Starbucks! How does that not make you happy?
2.) When I ask a simple question, you don't have to be overjoyed to answer it but please do. I say, "Hi, how are you today?" when the next person pulls up to the window and I probably get absolutely nothing 25% of the time. That hurts.
3.) Say please and thank you. When I say "Would you like a copy of your receipt?" You say either "yes, please" or "no, thank you". It really is that easy. And what bothers me is that people often come to the store with their children in tow. Be courteous and gracious, if not for me, for your children's sake.
4.) Understand that we are making hundreds of drinks that day and we are trying to make your experience a good one. Sometimes it takes a little more time. We don't just go and grab your drink of a counter and hand it to you. Their are a lot of moving parts to make it all flow and a person that can understand that and be patient makes my day.
5.) Lastly, if you have a great experience give a little tip. It could be just a little change, but I guarantee it will go appreciated. You don't have to tip every single time or when you have a mediocre experience. If you thought the experience was great and you noticed all the prople working hard to make you happy, give a little.
Thanks
Thomas (the happy guy in the window).
A lot of college people visit Starbucks. A lot of people in general, as a matter of fact, visit Starbucks. Sometimes while working there on a lovely Saturday, I could be stuck at the window taking money for up to eight hours. As you can imagine this task can get obnoxiously redundant and it could make anyone go insane. I'm sure you know a person that has a very customized order and won't remove themselves from the premises until it is JUST RIGHT. Trust me when I say their are more of these people than I ever could imagine.
Instead of talking about customers that are often difficult to get along with I'm going to touch on simple drive-through etiquette, for your next visit to the world of caffeine. (Or anywhere you make an order)
1.) Number one is not a surprise, nor should it be. No one can tell me they really like being greeted with a frown and a passive attitude. I thrive on giving someone a good experience and I guarantee if you give it a shot I will make your day a little better, but you have to help me out. Always give me a smile. It will make you and I feel a little better. Plus, you're at Starbucks! How does that not make you happy?
2.) When I ask a simple question, you don't have to be overjoyed to answer it but please do. I say, "Hi, how are you today?" when the next person pulls up to the window and I probably get absolutely nothing 25% of the time. That hurts.
3.) Say please and thank you. When I say "Would you like a copy of your receipt?" You say either "yes, please" or "no, thank you". It really is that easy. And what bothers me is that people often come to the store with their children in tow. Be courteous and gracious, if not for me, for your children's sake.
4.) Understand that we are making hundreds of drinks that day and we are trying to make your experience a good one. Sometimes it takes a little more time. We don't just go and grab your drink of a counter and hand it to you. Their are a lot of moving parts to make it all flow and a person that can understand that and be patient makes my day.
5.) Lastly, if you have a great experience give a little tip. It could be just a little change, but I guarantee it will go appreciated. You don't have to tip every single time or when you have a mediocre experience. If you thought the experience was great and you noticed all the prople working hard to make you happy, give a little.
Thanks
Thomas (the happy guy in the window).
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Roommate Incentives
I can only hope that when choosing to live with someone or someones that you believe you KNOW the person (however you define knowing someone). At our house, we try to keep things clean and tidy. You know, do your dishes soon after finishing a meal, taking out the trash, removing laundry from the machines, etc.
How do you incentivize someone that doesn't believe in those things? I've tried everything from the "act really clean and tidy yourself and maybe that will make them feel guilty" method to the- "Hey (insert name) it would be nice for you to pick up your trail of crumbs everywhere you go" strategy. Some people are just not incentivized like me but we have to do the dishes at some point.
Mind manipulation is a tedious and ofttimes unnecessary business to be involved with. However, when my stroll to the bathroom is interrupted with the unpleasant pile of last nights dinner, manipulation becomes a high priority activity in the house.
I sometimes make intentional messes in places that my roommate will see and (hopefully) be annoyed by and it works-to the point of him being annoyed. Then the worst happens- he retaliates by doing the same thing back!!
This madness never ends...
Ideas are welcomed and always enjoyed.
Thomas
Monday, January 27, 2014
Isn't it funny how friends come and go? I live with three guys I didn't know until Freshmen year at Bradley. This blog will follow my life in my college house on Laura Ave and the guys I live with. Currently my co-habitants are a vegan, a guy that wants to live in Chile and a guy named Dan. Together we are the G10 crew-based off our two years in the penthouse at Geisert.
My thoughts are ravaged with the nostalgia of being a former D1 cross country runner at Bradley living amongst current cross country/track runners- how our lives are the same and different, how hard it is to stay nice and the things I've learned with them. We watch a lot of movies, do some arguing about sports and convince each other what is the perfectly ideal temperature (somewhere between 64 and 70 degrees fahrenheit).
You start to realize some people won't be around in your life forever and I would assume when we all reach full adulthood (in the vicinity of 30 years of age) none of us will live in the same state. You try to gain as much from a person as possible while you are all contributing 300+ dollars to keep the heat on and the pipes (partly) working. Let us see what will come of the rest of the semester.
Cheers blogger-friends
Thomas
PS: I'm not going to introduce myself. I will let my conversation and blog tell the story
My thoughts are ravaged with the nostalgia of being a former D1 cross country runner at Bradley living amongst current cross country/track runners- how our lives are the same and different, how hard it is to stay nice and the things I've learned with them. We watch a lot of movies, do some arguing about sports and convince each other what is the perfectly ideal temperature (somewhere between 64 and 70 degrees fahrenheit).
You start to realize some people won't be around in your life forever and I would assume when we all reach full adulthood (in the vicinity of 30 years of age) none of us will live in the same state. You try to gain as much from a person as possible while you are all contributing 300+ dollars to keep the heat on and the pipes (partly) working. Let us see what will come of the rest of the semester.
Cheers blogger-friends
Thomas
PS: I'm not going to introduce myself. I will let my conversation and blog tell the story
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