accident

my beautiful, perfect car is gone.
yesterday while driving back up to montana after a weekend in salt lake, i got cut off by a trailer. i am lucky to come out uninjured, but my car flipped. it was totaled. i ended up clear off the side of the freeway.
i am devastated.
pictures to come.

huckleberrying

just had to post about one of my new favorite montana activities:

huckleberry picking.

versatile.

tart.

delicious.

pleasing.

thank you, nature

love, melissa

let's go for a walk in the rain

lovely afternoon thunderstorms make for great walks. rachel, ben and i took advantage this past week...








we attempted to venture to kiwi (review found on the blog "femalefoodie" by brooke shoko), however, it was closed. rachel ditched out, but ben and i continued to venture on over to see miss shoko at one of her places of employment: Canyon Street Grill. Here are some photos of our delightful experience there:














and of course....









service with a smile. thanks brookie!

lately i can't get enough of....

"whether we like it or not"


















sam adams. he's good. check it.



















eminem. strange, i know. but for some reason i love his new cd

















bon iver. impeccable.

front dest duties

beginning at approx. 6:53 am

unlock door
turn on inside lights. turn off outside lights
clock in
....make coffee....bleh
sign on to computers
check email
check facebook
open blinds
take off sweater
answer phone
read employee communications book.....
take keys from outgoing customers
apply chapstick
continue to facebook

7:03 am

answer phone.
make more coffee
facebook, facebook
fill up an ice bucket
take keys
answer annoying questions
check clock. cry a little
put sweater back on
look at blogs
greet a customer...then a few more
facebook
shut the office door
give a breakfast recommendation

8:37 am

make a blog post
cofffffeeeeee
answer any questions as quickly as possible
print an invoice
stare out the window
look at pictures on my camera
facebook
spider solitaire
greet a customer
get up. shut door.
pull the days' departures
read my texts
answer phone call...then another

10:24 am

faaaccceeboookkk
put keys away
answer phone
once again, SHUT door
daydream
count the hours i have left...
look at schedule
contemplate suicide
count my cash
ice, ice, ice
damn coffee...
greet a customer

11:46 am

almost done
facebook
spider solitaire
traditional solitaire
send a text?
scratch an itch
recruit housekeepers to keep me company
online shop? perhaps
think about getting off
answer more questions
put away more keys
look at blogs. again.
shut. door.
take a reservation

12:34 pm

start to see the light
count the till
make a cash deposit
print balance report
print receipt of credit card machine
staple together
start to get anxiety...

1:00 pm

freedom.
and thats my short shift.

god bless...

Thanks Robert Frost

Fire and Ice

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

Just saw the movie. Enjoyed it for what it was. Love this poem.

July 14th...

...is the perfect day to wash your car.

yesterday i spent two hours scrubbing the outside of my cute little bmw. the sun was shining, the breeze was blowing, the scrubs were scrubbing, the vacuum was sucking, and my car is now nice and clean :)

this week made my life. here are some photos to show you the events which have recently transpired in the lovely city of west yellowsone:

MONDAY: bike ride through yellowsone national park

TUESDAY: horseback riding

THURSDAY: boating with lovely family i served

service

yesterday i had two experiences that i probably wont soon forget.

1) i was serving a table consisting of a young boy, a middle aged father, and an elderly grandfather. the elderly individual took me aside and pointed to a woman sitting two booths over. she had a young girl and boy with her, both under the age of about 6 i would say. the woman herself was probably in her 30s. the old man told me he would like to anonymously pay for the woman's meal. i told brooke and we both thought it was just the sweetest thing. after paying for her food he asked us to slip her an additional $20 bill and tell her to have a good day.

2) two stranger boys from provo (ahem) came into wild west later on in the evening. i walked passed one and he gave me a high five, acting like he knew me (he didnt).

they left without eating, and later came back with a lemon bar. they told me i couldnt have it unless i came and hung out with them after i got off work, however i explained to them my rigorous schedule, informing them that i had to work at 7 the next morning and would not be home until about 1 am. due to these demanding hours i probably wouldnt be able to play that night. they gave me the lemon bar anyway.

basically what i took from these experiences is that it seems to be my turn to perform an act of service. i will be making treats for the cooks and bartenders tonight :)

i love my best friend Tiana. im SOOOOOOO happy for her!!!!

Her wedding this week was beautiful. she looked GORGEOUS and SO HAPPY. im SO GLAD i was able to be there for her wedding!! Congrats T i LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

just need to vent about HOW in the WORLD im still living...

the past two weeks have been enough to drive me INSANE!! with Brooke and co-worker Doug out of town, i've had to pick up a few extra shifts at the restaurant. meaning tonight will be my 13th night of work in a row.
maybe i'm being a baby, but working from the hour of 5 pm until the hours of 12:30-1 am for two weeks in a row has taken its tole on me....
Plus
i of course have my morning job on top of that. so after going to bed at around 1 am i still have to wake up at 630 every tuesday-saturday morning, and this week sunday and monday as well.
every night while wiping tables, changing bleach water, sweeping floors and mopping i ask myself how i am still functioning. i swear its not normal...i have this fear that one day im just going to sleep through EVERYTHING. i feel like its going to take two full days of sleep in order to catch up. i am amazed and truly thankful i have not yet crashed...
however, i thankfully have the blessed opportunity to go home this week. its going to feel so nice to have a break and relax with my family and others that i miss dearly :)
lets just hope i dont fall asleep on the way there...

love, melissa

the solution:

cayenne pepper.

while searching for a cure for my sore throat, i read online that cayenne pepper helps. without even thinking about it, i ate some hot wings at wild west yesterday. within minutes the pain in my throat was completely gone. problem solved :)

daddy's girl

I just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my DADDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He's the best in the world.

LOVE YOU DAD!!!

Apple Cider Vinegar

So....

A couple days ago I awoke to a pain in my throat and neck. Some say I am likely to have swollen glands...? I've never had that before, but I'd say they are probably right. In an attempt to recover I have taken the following measures towards improving my circumstance:

1-A few cups of hot water with honey, lemon, and salt. Very soothing and actually tastes really good.

2-Gargling salt water in the back room and in between serving tables. Sometimes the cooks give me strange looks, but I explained my situation so they were no longer confused.

3-Sipping Apple Cider Vinegar throughout the day. Yes. I don't know if many people know quite how strong this stuff is...I imagine its close to what a shot of some sort of alcohol would taste like. The flavor isn't bad but I can only take a tiny bit at a time. I'm not sure how long I have to keep this up, but even if my throat doesn't heal by tomorrow I figure the Vinegar is worth it because according to the internet it has multiple benefits including:

-Weight loss, reduction of headaches, arthritis, weak bones, indigestion, high cholesterol, eczema, sore eyes, chronic fatigue, mild food poisoning, hair loss, high blood pressure, obesity, and even bad breath along with a host of many other ailments

With just over half a 16 oz bottle left, I begin my second day of the Apple Cider Vinegar regime. I'll keep you updated on the results.

If anyone has any other ideas, please...PLEASE let me know.

Love, Melissa

Rafting

Yesterday morning we went on a rafting trip with the workers of Wild West! The water was freezing but since I was in the back of the raft I honestly didn't get too wet. It was SO MUCH fun!!!! I love rafting. Afterwards we ate at the Corral. It was alright. I honestly love everyone that works at Wild West, I can't believe I only have two months left here!!! :(

p.s.- raspberry steamer...it's gonna be a good day.

my new obsession

ok, so those that know me well, know that im not much of a meat-eater. my diet usually consists of apples, peanut butter, wheat bread, almonds, granola, yogurt, chips and salsa occasionally, and salad. however...
when working at wild west i encourage myself to try new things once in awhile, mainly so i can give my educated and accurate opinion to customers.
one night i decided to try something different, and it seems that every time i work i cant get my mind off it...

BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA

man, bbq sauce with chicken on a pizza is delicious. im not much of a bbq-anything girl but for some reason this just gets me. i now recommend it to most everyone that asks my opinion. next time you are stumped at what to order at wild west, i suggest you give this a try.

Startin' my Day of RIGHT

You know those coffee commercials that show people slowly getting out of bed, tip-toeing into the kitchen in their pajamas, looking like they are hungover, or just had a very late/terrible night? then when they finally make it to the kitchen, they take a sip of freshly roasted steaming coffee and suddenly a broad smile appears across their face, music starts playing, and they look as if they can conquer the world? then the commercial ends with some comment like "drink such-and-such coffee and start your day off right"?
well, this morning the person in that commercial was me.
i woke up early (not by choice) and was having some issues while getting ready. when i got into my car to drive to work it was FREEZING. because i was cold, and it was earlier than usual, i talked myself into stopping at a little espresso shop on the corner just down the street from our apartment. ive told myself numerous times that i should try the place, and i decided today was the day. after waiting a few minutes for my fat-free, sugar-free caramel steamer and making small talk with the gentleman preparing it for me, i drove off, steamer in hand, sipping and feeling EXCELLENT. i am refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the world. i strongly suggest treating yourself to such beverages, especially on cold and seemingly hopeless mornings like mine.

cheers

invigorated

finally, for the first time since i've been up here, i attended a work-out class on my day off!
down the street from our apartment lies a little yoga and pilates studio. the class schedules are posted on the front door, and fortunately a strength and stretch class was held at a reasonable time in which i could attend. the class is held in a small carpeted room, and only 3 others attended other than myself, all of which were over the age of 60. however, the instructor was still effective. my butt and calves are comfortably sore and my biceps are killing me, but all in all i felt amazing after the class and plan to make it a monday ritual.

cowboys

you can't fully understand the nature of a cowboy until you are surrounded by not one, but many. as far as i know, there are 2 types of cowboy:

type 1: quiet, polite, frequently uses the terms please and thank you (with an occasional head nod), does his best to be well-kept and groomed. drinks beer out of a bottle. leaves a generous tip.

type 2: obnoxious, forward, constantly has a wad of chew lining his lower gum, dirty, a few missing teeth. skips the bottle (and PINT) of beer and goes straight for the pitcher. leaves no tip.

every thursday, friday, and saturday night after the rodeo, brooke and i have the privilege of serving these two types of cowboy (the after party is at wild west) until about 11-11:30 pm. its going to be a loonnng summer.

yee-haw!!

quote of the day

"if we almost keep the commandments...

we almost receive the blessings of the gospel"

boZeman

yesterday i had the morning off so i decided to take a trip to bozeman.

nothing in particular to pick up, just wanted to do something so my day wasn't a complete waste.
i ended up with way too many purchases (but some very worthwhile ones), including some vintage salt and pepper shakers i wanted for only $4.

what i learned:

-i love. LOVE. antique stores
-im not allowed to shop in bozeman unless its for groceries...or when i am a home-owner and need to decorate my vintage/antique-styled home

a few of my recent desires...

a loCket. to put a cute pi-chur in

more PICTURE frames. i recently found a box of old photographs. i want to put them in old frames on the wall.

Vintage saLt & pEpper shakers. Don't know why. Just know they'll come in handy.




50's SWIM wear. i think my body was made for this era of clothing.

2-Day Date

Because of my recently torn ACL, and my recently engaged friend Tiana, a trip to Utah was needed even though it has only been a week since I left.

I had an appointment to pick up my knee brace at 8:00 Monday morning at the doctor's office in Logan and the next day was Tiana's bridal shower in SL. In need of a driving partner, I asked our fellow Yellowstoners Jake, Sean and Drew if any of them would be interested in accompanying me. Jake said he needed to get some things from Bountiful, so what we referred to as our "2-day date" began Sunday after church.

We drove down to Logan Sunday night and stayed with Aunt Kristan and Maria. It's always a pleasure going to their house! She made us great food and provided us with great conversation :)

The next morning after my appointment we departed for Bountiful. Jake and I went our separate ways to complete our errands for the day and headed back up to West that evening, with a break for a picnic in Idaho Falls. Beautiful scenery and good sandwiches. Our night was topped off by a speeding ticket (ahem) and lovely music for the drive home. Thanks Jake!

aLready

burned


OUT!!!!!!!!!!

I'm feeling especially Aries today...

The spring equinox, March 21, is the beginning of the new zodiacal year and Aries, the first sign, is therefore that of new beginnings. The young ram is adventurous, ambitious, impulsive, enthusiastic and full of energy. The Arian is a pioneer both in thought and action, very open to new ideas and a lover of freedom. They welcome challenges and will not be diverted from their purpose except by their own impatience, which will surface if they don't get quick results.

They are much concerned with self, both positively and negatively - self-reliant but also self centered (sometimes) and concerned with their own personal advancement and physical satisfaction. Their immense energy makes them aggressive and restless, argumentative occasionally, headstrong, quick tempered, easily offended and capable of holding grudges if they feel themselves affronted.

In your personal relationships Arians are frank, direct and candid, and make enthusiastic and generous friends. You are liable to have a high sex drive and make passionate but fastidious lovers. There is, however, a negative side to your associations with other people. You can easily be irritated by slowness or moderation in your companions and, though yourselves sensitive, ride roughshod over the sensitivities of others. The intensity of your sexual urges can drive you to promiscuity and a Don Juan-like counting of conquests of the opposite sex. It can also trick you into early unwise marriage which may end disastrously. Arians are highly devoted to their children, even to the point of laying down their own lives, so that they might live. You will not find a more defensive and loving parent in all the zodiac.

Likes

• Action
• Coming in first
• Challenges
• Championing Causes
• Spontaneity

DISLIKES
• Waiting Around
• Admitting Failure
• No opposition
• Tyranny
• Other peoples advice ;)

car trouble

It wouldn't be a proper trip to Montana without some sort of setback in regards to my automobile.

On the drive up here, I was simply going along when suddenly the two-lane road merged into a one-lane road almost out of nowhere, due to construction. Once I realized the predicament I eagerly pressed on the brakes only to find a huge trailer on the right side of me, and huge orange cones on the left side of me. Panicking, I tried to refrain from hitting either. I planned to break until the truck passed me, but unfortunately I didn't have enough time or space and my left rear-view mirror managed to hit a cone on the left of me, and it popped the glass off.
I am very lucky that this was the only harm that was caused. When I got into town I took my car to the dealer and he estimated the price for a new piece of glass, and a back for the mirror on the OTHER side of the car (which I chipped off after hitting another car a few months back). For both pieces it will cost me about $250. Which is generous, because he is doing labor for free and giving me ten percent off. I probably bring the worst luck upon myself out of anyone I know...sigh...

here goes...

I'M BAAAACKK!!!!!
I arrived to Montana yesterday around 2 pm, welcomed by a brisk Montana wake-me-up breeze (and I thought Logan was bad). Every time I come here it feels as though I never even left. I'm looking forward to the adventures brought to me this summer through work, a new apartment, and new roommates.
Today was my first day back at the front desk of Hibernation Station and I'm mentally preparing myself for the experiences ahead of me. With working the desk 7 am to 3 pm Monday thru Friday and waitressing at Wild West 5 pm to midnight the same days, it's going to be difficult to not get burned out but I'm convinced I can handle it! The money will be worth it. I'm looking forward to some visitors also ;)
Since Facebook is now blocked at our front desk computers, I'm sure I'll be more thorough with my blog this year. I know you are all excited.