Training at Starbucks

So on Friday (4th December) I started my training to become a Starbucks barista.
To be fair though, on that particular day, we didn't really do much, it was all paper work and regulations on COSHH, Health & Safety, and Fire Safety. Easy to say, the 6 hours that I was there seriously dragged. Lucky for me though, there were two other really nice girls who are training there. I was so happy that I wasn't going to be alone. I honestly think that was like my main worry about going into this shop and doing the training. But yes, luckily I wasn't alone.

So Saturday came around and it was time for some actual training, rather than just reading through booklets and answering thee most obvious questions. I was so nervous though, and I don't really know why. I've always worked in customer service like in bars and shops, but for some reason, this felt different, like there was some pressure on me. It was okay though, because for most of the day I was doing the cafe, which was just essentially clearing tables and tidying up (which I've done at like 4 of my previous jobs) which was nothing I couldn't handle.
Saturday wasn't a very good day for us to start our training though, purely because it was a Saturday, and the shop is based literally right on the high street in the city centre. So me and Shannon (one of the other girls (Zahra didnt turn up because she was ill) doing the training who I actually get on with really well) basically just did all we could to help. I was kind of manning the dishwasher, and making sure the "bar" had enough mugs and plates, and Shannon was running around making sure the cafe was nice and clean.

I guess I should kind of talk about the staff who work there. But that's simple, they're all absolutely awesome. They were all so welcoming, and friendly, and even though I've only been there a few days, I really feel like I'm going to miss them.

Sunday isn't worth talking about because I was only there for like an hour.

Monday, ahhhh...Monday, Monday, Monday. This was actually the first day that I met the manager for this particular store, and to be honest, I kind of had the pre-conceived idea that he was going to be really horrible; but I was pleasantly mistaken. He was lovely. The first thing he did was help us all finish off any unanswered questions in our paperwork, and we were doing that for about three hours, which then took us to lunch time.
I didnt have anything for lunch, because I had no money on me, so I just drank lots of water and chain-smoked for about half an hour. Got rid of the hunger pains.
After lunch was our time to try and make some drinks. I was TERRIFIED. I have never made barista style drinks before, they've always just been instant..or alcoholic. Ha! I was on the "bar" with Chris, and keeping in mind this is the first time I had met the bloke, he was really reassuring, and talked through literally everything for me. After half an hour or so of watching him make the drinks, it was my turn. and oh my god, it was SO MUCH FUN. I was so proud of myself, I really felt like I had picked it up quickly and was capable of doing most of it on my own. Other than the frappucinos, we haven't got that far yet. I'm dreading that part though, they literally look so confusing.
Being on the "bar" made time go so quickly, because before I knew it, it was time for me to leave. Before I did though, I had to sort out my hours for the rest of the week:
Tuesday (today) off
Wednesday 6:30 - 2:30
Thursday 12:30 - 8:30
Friday 9:30 - 5:30
Saturday 7-3
Sunday off
Safe to say I am not looking forward to tomorrow and Saturday. I have to get up at 3:30am to get into work for half 6. Ugh.

So yeah, this is basically how my days are at the minute, lots of training and learning new things. Its awesome. I'm actually loving it.

 Emily.
 

Starbucks!

I have my first day of training tomorrow!!!! 😄😄😄

Gaming day

It's cold and miserable out today, so lots of gaming is to be done!
Dragon Age Origins it is ☺

Xo.

I'm back bitches!

So I'm well aware that I have been absent from here for a very long time, but that is going to change.
I promise.
Later on in will add a little life update post and tell you all about it.

Xoxo.

Emily

New outfit of the day page has just been posted.

Go check that shizz out. I felt good about what I was wearing today, so I just HAD to post it.

Today was not a good day...

...for a few reasons.
The main two being, 1 - I had to sell my tickets to see Europe and Black Star Riders on Thursday. Absolutely gutted is an understatement. I was supposed to be going with my mum, but she's ill. And then work put my down for a close, which I wouldn't have been able to get out of. I have been waiting literally months for that gig to come round, then as it does, shit goes down the pan, and I have to miss out.
2 - tonight I missed Wednesday 13. One of my favorite bloody artists..and why could I not go? Oh...because my mum was ill and I had no one else to babysit. Ugh!! Literally been sooo upset all day, and I've been a complete dick about it. I've been mean to Azzy, mean to my mum saying that babysitting doesn't take a lot and all she would have to do was sit there cos Jace would be in bed. I've been so fuckin agitated all day, and I haven't liked it. I don't like being a bitch, and I don't know I'm doing it until I've upset someone. And lately that someone is always Azzy *sigh* he doesn't deserve it. Its just, I've been waiting like 4 years for W13 to come back to Norwich, and when he does finally come here, I can't go for stupid fucking reasons. Surely someone can see what I'm getting at, and why I'm so upset and angry?

Anyway, I have a headache, so just gonna keep this as a short post for tonight. Talk to y'all soon.

Ciao fo' now ❤

The last few days....

...have been pretty hectic at work, especially with the lead up to mother's day...

Yesterday, was really bloody busy, like, I literally did not have 5 minutes to just go outside and chill out to have a cigarette..as much as I wanted one. I was initially on a 11:30 - 4 shift..which got changed to a 5 finish, which I didn't mind, I like to help where I can.
It got to half 5 pretty quickly, and I was putting away all the clean glasses, because there was like 5 oor 6 trays that needed putting away. So my intention was to put all those away before I went, because I know how annoying it can be when there's lots to do, and people just leave you in the lerch and you're bombarded with glasses, clean and dirty. But every time I went to put out some clean glasses, more customers would come swanning in through the doors, and I would have to serve them. I hate it when I'm in a rush, and the customer is being really awkward, cos I've only been there a few weeks, so I still don't know the ins and outs of everything..so then I have to find one of the managers which just wastes time, and then I have to go through their order..blah blah blah.
But yeah, as I said, literally every time I went to put glasses out, someone else would just come walking through the door.
Anyway..I finally managed to sneak away, although by this point, it was nearly half 7, and I hadn't let Azzy know that I was going to be this late. I knew he would be worried about me, and I couldn't get in touch with him, because my phone had died, no one else had their phones on them, and I wasn't allowed to use the work phone because I was calling a mobile, which is pretty god damn stupid if you ask me...I may have to have words with them about that.
When I did finally get home...I got a right bollocking. Literally in floods of tears with Azzy shouting at me..... but I won't continue with this bit, as its rather personal.
We were okay in the end :)

Today...OH MY GOD. I have literally never seen a restaurant so busy!!!!
It took us an hour and a half to get through a queue of people, and that was only at like midday, so we had just only just opened!
Today was absolutely manic, every member of staff was on, expect a few, so we were well on force today. It was brilliant. It was pretty unbelievable just how busy it was to be honest. 5 or 6 times I got called onto the restaurant floor to help clear tables of plates and glasses, and that's not even what I was meant to be doing today. I like going on to the floor sometimes though, I've never done it before, so I'm totally not used to it - being on the bar is my safe place - but it just feels nice to be doing something different for a change. Its bloody hard work on the floor though, literally do not get to stop, its just constant walking backwards and forwards - I guess it is like that on the bar too, but thats no a veryh big space so that doesn't really count - around a big area....wow it sounds really boring put like that. Haha.
Work goes so quickly though, its awesome!!
I did a 11 - 7:30 today, and it seriously only felt like I was there for just a few hours.
We had an auditor in today as well...I won't go into too much detail there, cos that bloody woman makes my blood boil. Not even joking, she's had something against me since the very moment she saw me...well, I should say, since the very moment she saw my tattoos...fucking dick. UGH! Excuse my language. I just really despise her..She walks around like she bloody owns the place, and she doesn't!! She's always got such a bitchy look on her face, and walks as though she's poke a hot poker up her arse.
She was sitting at one of the tables earlier doing one of her stupid little charts, and I had to walk past her with a massive tray of glasses...most of them still had drink in them...the temptation to just "accidentally trip" was immense....but, alas, I had to control myself. And I tell you what, the amount of control I had to have not to pour those glasses over her stuck up little head was second to none.
But thankfully, seven thirty came around fairly quickly, and I was able to leave. Yay.

So right now, I am at home, curled up on the sofa with a ros spritzer, while the mister cooks me tea. Lush.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Slacking

Right, so I know I've been slacking with my posts lately, I apologise, all I've been doing lately is working, and when I do actually have a night off, its been spent with the mister.
At this precise moment in time, I'm suppose to be at work on a late shift, but I had to call in sick cos my body just did not like me when I woke up this morning, and I've been feeling absolutely horrendous all day.

But yesterday, the Azzyface and myself went on a little adventure :)
My mother had the little Jace monkey for the day, so for the first time in nearly a year and a half, we actually had the day to ourselves, and as much as I missed Jace, it was bloody lovely.

So we went for a meal at me work place yesterday, cos they do a bloody lovely carvery, and OHMYGOD, it was soooo gooooood! Like, they have 4 different meats on, so it was so hard to choose one. I had to decide between gammon, pork, turkey, and beef....I went for pork. Mmmm...roast pig. YUM. And then, I piled my plate up with little sausages, roasties, a mahoosive yorkshire, turnips, mash, brocolli, and cauliflower cheese. I ate soo much. I had such a food baby when I left, but it was all good.
We had a pint with our meal, we had Strongbow Dark Fruits - which I had NEVER seen on tap before I started working there, and it seriously tasted so good. Like, it tasted lush anyway, but after trying it from the tap, it kinda makes you realise how tinny the can really made it taste. £3.80 for a pint, can't grumble really...you go into the city centre and pints are £4+ its absolutely ridiculous. No wonder people drink shit loads at home before they go for a night out.

Just strolling through Mousehold Heath

So yeah, after our loooovely meal, we decided to go for a little walk into the city. I saw little..it was like an hour and 20 minute walk...luckily the weather was bloody beautiful, so we took the walk slower than we normally would have, and just spent some quality time together...

We didn't really do a lot around the city, mostly we were just enjoying the time we had to ourselves. We did take a little detour into Ann Summers though...but that's nothing you need to hear/read.

Until next time readers...
Mwah! ♥

Work, work, and more work.

I am literally f*ckin' shattered. Not gonna lie, I love my new job.. Like absolutely adore it, but I have just done 34.5 hours in 3 days. Ugh.
Yeah, so I realise I haven't posted anything in a few days, and that would be the reason why. I have had basically no time to myself, no time with my Azzyface and little Jace-monster, but I am now currently in day one of my 2 day break... Which I am so ridiculously thankful for.

Thursday.
Wednesday, I went for my induction Wednesday, which took what seemed like forever. It did take a hell of a long time though. I got there at 3pm, and didn't get out til about half 6! All I was doing for about 2 and a half of those hours was reading a shit tonne of papers and doing little tests about said papers. I was quickly losing the will to live xD haha. But it all went good, my employment was confirmed, and I was given my uniform, which is actually pretty nice. Just a shame about the tie and apron colour... they're burgundy. Why? Just, why? I also got my shifts, and that's when the excitement kicked in.

Friday.

So the next day came around ridiculously quickly, and I pretty much jumped out of bed when my alarm went off at 8am..which is very unlike me, I am not a morning person.. I think it is the worst time of the day. But I'm learning to live with them now. Its only taken 23 years. 
So I went into work, totally nervous by this point, and completely running on adrenaline, and I was faced with people I hadn't met yet, and then the nervous tummy pains kicked in. The manager, Iain, then came down, and explained to me what I would be doing for the day... "bar training", well, less training, more getting me used to the tills. I've been working on bars since the day I turned 18, so I'd say I know what I'm doing when it comes to pouring/mixing drinks.
I got my first glimpse of the till just 15 minutes into my shift, and my gut told me to run. It was all so much to take in! Like, all the carvery options, food screens, which had like 6 different types of menu (ie traditional, grills, burgers, etc.), then there was the "light bites" menu, kids menu, hot and cold desserts, kids desserts, drinks, hot bevs, all the tables... and then, after scouring your way through that, and after taking the payment, there was the job of the receipts. Like, not even kidding, every single carvery order comes through as a single ticket, so the lady, Wendy, then I was being shown by, literally had like 15 tickety receipt things come out of the till. What a waste of paper, like seriously. Then...then came the receipts we have to staple together and put on a little spiky thing to keep with all the other receipts. Its all just so much paper, its insane! Poor trees. 
After 4 and a half hours, I had a 2 hour break. I had to get my stepdad to pick me up though, cos I had to go round his/my mum's to use their phone to call HMRC, because I don't have a landline, and there was no way I was using my mobile to call that bloody place. Did that once before and ended up with like an extra £21 on my phone bill. Wasn't good. Especially as mum pays for my phone. Got the angriest phone call from her because of that.
But yeah, I got all my details for the HMRC sorted, then I had to go back to work for like another 4 and a half hours, and not gonna lie, it went so ridiculously quickly. I picked up how to use the till really bloody quickly, and it was very fastly becoming like second nature.
Home happened at 9 o'clock, and I tell ya what, I hadn't worked in nearly 2 months, and I think that was obvious.. I completely flaked when I got in, and just wanted to go to bed...but didn't, cos I wanted to spend some time with the Mr, as I knew I wouldn't be seeing him much the next couple of days.

Saturday.

Saturday came around, and I did not want to get out of bed, but I knew I had to...eventually. Ha. I didn't have to be at work til 12, which is better than the 10am start I had Friday. 12 is much more acceptable for me. 
I went into work a little bit early, and felt so confident, but also bricking it at the same time cos I was down for doing "floor training".. So like waitressing, clearing tables, relaying tables, taking drink and dessert orders on the handhelds when needed. I get so nervous and clammy when I have to approach people, I don't know why. I guess with the fact I'm used to being behind a bar, I expect people to come to me for things. I don't know. Anyway. I was more than relieved when Olivia, one of the assistant managers, told me she wanted me behind the bar because we were short staffed. Obviously being short on staff isn't a good thing, but that day, it was for me. I think learning quite a few new things in a short space of time would have really confused me, and I would have ended up epically failing at something, and I'd probably drop plates, then fall over, and break my face or something. 
So, on the bar for 12 hours, with only a half hour break...that was the most fun thing I have done in my life I have to say, especially when I was left on the bar a lot on my own, cos the guy I was working with was "ill", I still think he was hungover, and he kept going to the toilet to be sick. Olivia, Iain, and Kev (the other assistant manager) were fuming with him for leaving me on my own so many times. But I think I impressed them with how quickly I had picked the bar/till up, and how comfortable I was doing it. And the fact I was upselliing the post mix drinks and the carvery... I love surprising people. Ha.
12am came around, I had done the bar close, on my own, which took me roughly 2 hours... it was such a god damn chore. I had to restock the fridges, clean about 300 glasses, sweep/mop the bar floor, clean the fridge doors, clean the glass washer, sort out the patio for glasses/bottles/ashtrays, empty the bins (Which took like 5 journeys, because the main glass and general waste bins are outside)..stupid idea if you ask me. So yeah, I was expecting to leave about 12, oh no, the girls Sam and little Wendy (a different Wendy to yesterday) were still cleaning the restaurant/dessert/coffee area, and being the nice person I am, I stayed behind and helped them so they could get out quicker. It was good fun actually, they're both absolutely lovely people. It was absolutely pissing it down when we left, and I felt really cheeky in asking, but I asked Sam if she could give me a lift home, I explained I didn't like asking, because I'd only known her like 36 hours, but she said she was more than happy to help me out. Bless her.

Sunday.

Well, I crashed when I got home from work Saturday night. I was absolutely exhausted. I could barely walk, my thighs muscles from where I was bending to put the glasses away, were so frikkin tense (still are), and it was so hard to walk. Me and the fella had a bit of a barny.. I think we were just so stressed, and we just went at each other's throats. Its understandable, I mean, we're in this completely different routine now.. I'm working a hell of a lot, and he has to look after Jace on his own all day. Its a proper shock to the system.
Sunday was pretty much the same as Saturday to be honest, another long day, spent all on the bar, which I really wasnt fussed about.. I actually really enjoyed it. And we actually managed to be all finished by midnight. It was such a quick 12 hours, it literally felt like I was only there for about 6 or 7.


I'll post again when I next get the chance, but honestly, there probably won't be anything exciting as I'm working 42.5 hours this week. But if anything fun or/and interesting happens...you'll know.

BAILEYS

I HAVE BAILEYS.
My mum gav me a litre of Baileys today as a kind of congratulatory thing for getting a new job. I bloody love that woman!  ♥
I've already had like a quarter of the bottle in the space of an hour. Its all good though. Its fine. Happy days. 

 

Today's not so exciting city adventures.

Right, so, today we had to go on the hunt for white shirts and black trousers. I am absolutely awful to shop for because of my size. No, I'm not fat, I'm just insanely tall for a girl. I'm 6'3". And as you can imagine, getting women's trousers to fit a 35" inside leg, is pretty impossible if you can't afford to shop in places like Long Tall Sally (#lifegoals)...but I did it!! Well, nearly. After rummaging through the fabulous Primark, I found some plain black, slim fit trousers, which are 34" long, and they were only a fiver!!!! BARGAIN
. So yeah, now came the hunting for the shirts, and I got really frustrated after about 15 minutes, cos all the shirts had short sleeves, and I need long sleeves to cover my tattoos..but no..girls are apparently only allowed to wear short sleeves. Bastards.Up to the men's department I went, and alas, I found some. They were only a fiver too! Today was totally my day when it came to bargains.
But oh my god, I saw thee best onesie in Primark today, its a Batman one - unlike the one I already have - but it was Batman's armour one! I did a little sex wee, I have to admit. Ha.
Then we went to Burger Kiiiiing, to try their new long rodeo burger...well, the boyfie did, I stuck to my usual big king. Both so cheap! £3.79 for a meal! And they're so bloody tasty! Oh man, I'm making myself hungry now, not cool.

So yeah, clothes and food. Now that I think about it, today wasn't all that bad.

Awesome news! And OOTD.

I HAVE A JOB.
I'm literally so duper super excited right now. I would make a video, but I'd probably end up hysterical and wake the little monster up.
But finally, after 6 interviews this week, I can finally say I am employed again. It was so out of the blue as well. I literally only applied for the position last night, got a phone call this morning, and less than 12 hours later, leave with my rota for the end of the week. So god damn chuffed right now. I really didn't think I would get it, the restaurant is really rather posh, I mean, c'mon, its called Castle Carvery for god sakes. Just means I have to cover up my tattoos as best I can and take my piercings out...but that doesn't bother me too much :)
Already dreading my weekend though, Friday: 10:00 - 14:30, 16:30 - 21:00 Saturday: 12:00 - 0:00 Sunday: 12:00 - 0:00 I haven't worked in nearly 2 months, and the longest shifts I used to do were like 8 hours, I'm gonna be feckin' shattered when I'm done, but luckily I have Monday and Tuesday off to relax and maybe have a drink or two.
Aaaaaand, another brilliant thing about where I'm going to be working....one of my best friends works there!! Gonna be so much fun!! Gonna miss my little munchkin lots though, but does mean I'll be able to buy him nice things now :)

Right, outfit of the day:

hoodie - Primark, tshirt - Amazon, black highwaisted skinny jeans - Primark, boots - Shoe Zone

my Pacman/Batman collaboration tshirt.

"It's simple, we kill the pacman", my boyfie's parents got me this for my birthday at the beginning of the month, and I have to say, I think its one of the best items of clothing I own.

New boot boots!!

They're only from Shoe Zone, but oh my goodness gracious me, they're so bloody comfortable, and oh so cute! Look at that lil platform! I have a right thing for chunky heels at the minute. They're definitely the way forward.

My playlist

I have this playlist I go to which I consider my "comfort zone", if ever I'm feeling like shit, or I've just had a bit of a rough day, this is my happy place. Some of the songs are a big "fuck you" to everyone/everything that has pissed me off, and others remind me how lucky I am to still be here and have certain people in my life. There's a certain song here, "Five Minutes" by The Defiled, I recommend it. Its such a beautiful song.

Outfit of the Day - 23/2/15

Heyyy.
So, today I thought I would do an "Outfit of the Day" post, because I didn't get any exciting footage one my travels today, and I really didn't want to bore anyone who may stumble upon it and watch it. So I thought to myself earlier, "ya know what? I actually quite like the way I look today, I'm gonna share this shit." I took a few pictures, and only 2 of them were alright, one more so than the other one to be fair. Ha.   

Aaaaand here it is...

shirt -Primark, vest - Banned Apparell, shorts- Mango Bango

Excuse my face, I rubbed my eyes earlier when I was sleepy and forgot I had makeup on, so it kinda went EVERYWHERE.

I don't know why, but I wear shorts literally all year round, I think subconsciously it may have something to do with the fact that I've always considered my legs my best feature.

And I don't know if its just me or not, but I always feel the lumberjack shirt gives such a casual, slouchy feel, but always quite smart at the same time depending on how many buttons you do up. I love this shirt though, its so god damn comfy, and I think it was only like a tenner or something. Bargain.

Hoping when I start getting some money coming back in I can do some Primark hauls, and maybe some charity shop hauls too..they're always good for a bargain.

Get Ready With Me vlog

So, I started filming a "get ready with me" video, had the camera all set up so all my makeup and hair doings could be seen. And something was niggling at me, so I checked my camera after 20 minutes, and turned out it had run out of space after 4 minutes. What an epic fail. So instead of a video, you can have a couple of pictures of the finished product.

Taking a trip into the city

So today, the fella, little monster and I had to take a stroll into the city. From my flat, the city is about an hours walk, yeah, it's about 3 miles, so I don't really think an hour is that bad for how far it is. At least there's some nice scenery..

Plumstead Rd East

I love walking this road, I think its Plumstead Rd East, but don't quote me on that. Its such a lovely walk, especially in nice weather, especially with the sun streaming through the tress. And there's always SQUIRRELS!! Squirrels with big chubby cheeks in the trees. They're adorable, and totally make my day.

Anyway, back to the point.

We had to go into the city today because I needed to get a black shirt for my work trial at Rocco's tomorrow night. I tried on all of Azzy's black shirts, and even though they fit, they made my chest-al region look really low and droopy. Was not a good look!!

About 40 minutes into the walk, we come to my favourite part of Norwich..

Norwich Cathedral

Literally adore this cathedral, its so god damn beautiful! There are a few cathedrals in Norwich, but this one beats the others hands down. Especially at night, with all the ground lights illuminating it. Its pretty majestic to be honest.

So we made it into the city about lunch time, and as always, I'm hungry. I swear, everytime I go to the city, my stomach just starts talking to me, and then it hurts, and I need food. Azzy hates me for this, because it means spending money. Went into Primark, its a Saturday, it was <b>not</b> a good idea, especially with a pushchair. But needs must and all that jazz. One thing I didn't like about shopping for a black shirt, is that the women's shirts, were all short sleeved!! I need long sleeved you stupid shop!! Argh!! So, up we travelled in the elevator to the men's department. Stupid when a woman has to get a bloke's top. And why are men's sizes so confusing? I don't know what bloody neck size I am. F sake. I finally found a shirt, the label said £6, but ended up having 50p off it. Winning! Ha.

KFC lunch boxes

Time for fooooood!

I love KFC waaaay too much.

The day I decided to try something different.

Okay, so right about now I feel like a bit of a pleb. After hours and hours of watching Helen Anderson's video's on youtube, I've got this crazy idea into my head that I want to try doing some blogging/vlogging myself. The only problem is, I'm a bit shy. I can write and write for days, babbling on about random things here and there, but when it comes to talking out loud...I freeze.
So I'm hoping over the next few weeks/months, I can turn my phone onto video, leave it somewhere that has decent view of whichever room I am in, and then catch one of my ramblings.

In my blogs/vlogs, I shall be sharing with you what an average day is like for me, my regular makeup routine, reviews and ratings of what music I'm listening to, films/tv programmes I'm watching, and what its like to have a young child, plus more...

Seeing as this is my first day, and all I've been doing is setting up my sites/accounts, I don't actually have any videos for you, but tomorrow my partner, little monster and I are going into the city - which is always eventful, so hopefully I will have some footage from that to upload.

So, I'm going to get back to my wine now and I'll keep you all posted.

Emily

"Let's do this!"