Just One. Just Me.

So as I have alluded and shared many-a time, I do a lot of travel for work in the fall. It is taking me all across the Mid-Atlantic and into Ohio (anyone in Cincy? Or know anyone in Cincy?). It is allowing me to go back to my High School and be awesome and job having and success story type. Its allowing me to visit some college friends that have scattered and I would've had a hard time getting to if not for these opportunities. Unfortunately, that's only a couple days out of my trip. For the most part, its me, the car, the hotel room, and the one man booth.

Since I am now a "table for one" until life resumes some normalcy, I have taken to making it as amusing and fun as possible. Pretty much, I treat the staff like they are my besties. When I come in to the restaurant, I usually request that the host(ess) seat me with "someone fun"-for my benefit, and I would hate to scare someone who wasn't into the 45-60 minute new BFF situation (depending on if I get desert or not). The key to the server bestie is to ask them questions, starting out with the food- what they recommend, why or why not, do I really want an appetizer or not. Usually they realize you're a talker and fun, and they'll become talkers and fun too. They'll stop by the table, chat some more, and it keeps you occupied. It also gets your drink filled faster (helpful hint).

Sometimes, the host(ess) can be your new friend too! Last night, I went and got dinner at Friday's (of the TGI variety) and the host was very personable for just choosing where I was going to sit. So later, when he came back around, I asked him who was winning the Broncos/Colts game. Before I left, he came back with the score-and then when I was leaving and stopped by the TV to shake my head in disgust (sorry, hate the Colts!) we started talking. He held the door for me as I left, we fist pounded, and he told me I should could back and watch some more games and have some drinks. I just smiled and laughed-I won't be back again until next year, bestie!

Most of the time you'll get a fun experience. This might be limited to the big chain places though. I went to dinner tonight at a more local place, and while the food was good, the service was only so-so, and they sat a family right next to me in an almost empty dining room! We shared a back booth seat, and I was maybe about 2 feet away from them and their dinner. Practice smart seating, hosts!

This sort of interaction is pretty exemplary of who I am. I like to find connections with others, and make friends (even if it is just for a meal). I am the girl who will find out a servers name and call them by it. I will ask you how your day is going and then ask you to elaborate when you hesitate that split second before you say "alright". I like to cheer others up, make others laugh, and help people enjoy their lives a little bit more.
So as a mini gift to cheer up the days of those who maybe its just been a bit of a bummer, or to make you giggle (and don't worry, its not at me its with me, because I find this hilarious) I give you:

Me. In a shower cap. YESSS!!!

smooches.