a grandfather taking his granddaughter on a date
this was precious. seriously. they had a dessert and enjoyed a great moment together as well (or at least i hope that was his granddaughter). In any case, shortly after seeing them I started to think about having little excursions with my granddaughters out places one day– just one on one. Let’s hope that I can keep myself healthy to see the day.
first dates
oh yes… this is my favorite. and i love watching them too (although I would probably melt myself too). the guy usually is all nervous and the lady — extremely beautiful. i mean, the guy scored big by taking her to this kind of restaurant in the first place, so in the words of Hitch, all he’s got to do now is “not mess it up.” I’ll usually make a stop by and chat with them as I refill their water or take their plates, just to help the guy out a little.
old couples
my favorite are the funny old couples… they usually come in a double date or something. I’ll spend most of my time just laughing with them — seriously, i love older folks — especially the ones who love life. I just like how they have come all this way, drive a simple Buick and live a joyful life together… the wife is usually always smiling because of the joy in their relationship (next time I’m going to ask them for tips on what makes their relationship last for this long).
boring couples
man… not just boring… i mean… lame boring. you’ve seen this too, i’m sure, but how can folks just eat dinner and not utter a word to each other. i mean, granted… one or two couples probably had a loss in the family or something (and i know that would shut me up), but i know that most of them just lost the flame — no beuno. this really is a tragedy and is really hard to see.
little children
kids are pretty rare at this place, but when they do come, they are absolutely beautiful, precious and incredibly adorable! I’ll usually stop everything I’m doing and spend some time talking with the parents (who love to talk about their kid). I don’t usually hit the normal chit chat junk, but really strike some good conversation.
drunks
you can tell these folks anything, and they’ll laugh — seriously. except this one time when i walked into the private dining hall and they were telling jokes. “Hey… i got one” I say and I confidently proceed to tell them my best joke… but… well… i only got a pity laugh! I mean, how do you take that… they’re supposed to laugh at anything and they didn’t laugh at my joke — i guess my jokes involves, i dont know.. THOUGHT. They then proceeded to tell me another lame joke and they all bust out in laughter again (yeah.. weird).
beautiful women
ok, i’m not going to lie — i don’t think an hour can go by without seeing at least two completely beautiful women. Or as a good friend of mine says, “insanely beautiful.” What really breaks my heart is that after talking with them and just seeing that they have based their life on dumb stuff. Seriously though, it really doesn’t bug me that much.
other “couples”
need i say more? i think i finally discovered how a lady feels when a guy checks them out — since working here, i’ve felt this four or five times :: full body shiver ::. It’s hard for me to see someone living a lie like that — it’s a good mirror to myself though, because how many things am I living that is a complete bogus lie, ya know?
Christmas music (singleness awareness music)
I love Christmas music and I’m so happy that this restaurant didn’t go the “Happy Holidays” route. But seriously… why is it that every time I hear this stuff, it reminds me again of how single I am… especially with the snow, and the first dates, and the beautiful ladies, and the little kids… sheesh. Trusting in the Lord, trusting in the Lord, trusting in the Lord… I honestly love being single right now so i can pursue my dreams (and believe me… folks have tried to set me up), but man… this music doesn’t help!
ladies night out
ok, i think more ladies go out together in style than guys. I’ve asked why they’re out and it’s either to enjoy the evening, or to exchange Christmas ideas, or recipes, or whatever reason they’re out. it’s still fun to see when a party of twelve come in just for fun.
proposals
ok, so i’ve yet to see on up-close, but hopefully i’ll see one in the next week or so.
romance
i take notes off this stuff… although it’s rare, there are some guys that come in that want to make such a beautiful impression on their someone to just sweep them off their feet. i really like accommodating these requests (although they’ve been few).
i gave my two-week notice saturday… yeah, i’m going to miss this place.
Two questions:
1) what are you doing now that you are sending in two weeks for?
2) what is this rant about singleness when the word on the street is that you are “friending” someone?
…and of course you miss having me around. I’m amazing.
man you are so funny Erik! I love reading your thoughts… and boy, you do have romance on your mind I can see… but how can a single person not, right?! I like the thoughts on the grandfather taking the granddaughter out… my first response was, “awww!!!” and yes, you are going to make an incredible father and grandfather! I look out into the world and it hurts my heart the way I see such few fathers actually being the daddys they were meant to be… so it makes my heart so happy when I see men who will really be men…and of course, dads.
so you’re moving to Florida eh?! wow… we need to talk. or email…whatev.
you’re wonderful Erik! I know some woman out there is so longing for you to come and sweep them off their feet. : )
Oh…all that stuff makes my heart melt…hahaha..I LOVE watching people in public…I see some of the same stuff in the hospital. I walked in once in the early morning on a pt and her husband sleeping in her hospital bed together, all curled up with his arms around her. They had just gotten the word that the chemo wasn’t working, and I guess he didn’t want to leave her the night before. Needless to say, tears came to my eyes, I quickly left the room and let them sleep. I love moments like that when you just see that pure love between couples, married a short time or long. It’s beautiful, pure and touching. Nothing better.
Wow i like all of this. Why are you leaving? What are you doing now?
I have the same questions. So what are you going to be doing? and where? rex
remember to pray ALL ways..
that’s really sweet, erik… i definitely laughed out loud several times, i like your perspective.
what r u going to do now?
Peace out
Tara
i really enjoyed reading this!
THIS post is a five-star post…very good, very real…
so do you mind me getting nosy…
why are you leaving?
it sounds like a great place…
Put those life lessons into practice and you will be the greatest…friend…boy friend…fiance…husband…father… and grandfather ever!
~Skyla
Erik, I am glad you had such a good time working at the restaurant. So the word on the street is that you have a special friend? Interesting, I am sure this will spread like wildfire in the wide world of Xanga…lol. I agree with you, I really like being single but it is hard to go to things alone and constantly deal with people “setting” you up. I personally think that the thought of a relationship is much better than actually being in one…well at least right now. Don’t worry Erik, time flies and before you know it you will be up to your elbows in famliy. I pray that everything goes smooth as you take these next steps in your life. I also know that you will be comforted and guided along the way
. Until we meet again…
i loved this post… and just like everyone else… I want to know what you’re doing next? 🙂
and i’ve been meaning to tell you this for a few days… I am SO jealous that you got to see Tara and I didn’t. not fair.
🙂 well, have a wonderful weekend.
Romance…. it’s a beautiful thing. A little advice from a happily married woman… When you do find that beautiful, godly woman that God has waiting for you, just remember that when the dreamy romance part seems to fizzle away the unconditional LOVE is still there. Know and speak each others love languages, respect each other always, And tell each other EVERYTHING! That’s the only way to keep it going! It takes a lot of work, but it is SO worth it!
Until then, enjoy being single!
P.S. Is it true? Are you really moving back to Florida?
Son
I enjoy reading your post, and in reading I read all types of relationships you have seen, but I need to ask you…….
Have you had the opportunity of seeing a Mother and a Son out to dinner or lunch? This is too is precious. Perhaps one day you will catch a glimpse of a Mother’s adoration, and agape love. Perhaps you have.
Mom 🙂
I hear that about the “singleness awareness music”…
Hi there! Mucho gracias para el elogio (that’s SUPPOSED to mean ~ Thanks for the compliment…but when it comes to writing in Spanish, I never get it right) ANYWAY ~ I love that picture. I actually remember the day that pic was taken ~ because I was being a little stinker and was in major trouble ~ you can ALMOST see that naughty little glint in my eye… haha ~ good times, great memories!!
~Great post!! Sounds like you’ve really witnessed some special things while working there. The grandfather/granddaughter one really got me …how special! And the old couples ~ aw.. is that beautiful or what? Amazing writing!! ~ You have great day! I‘ll catch you later!! ~M~
Well, my curiosity has been peaked, but I will refrain from asking any questions. I hope you are doing well in whatever you are doing. I’d definitely like to hear from you sometime soon if you get a chance.
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas [if I don’t talk to you before then]…
miss seeing you, friend.
Yeah, sorry about that all. I really wasn’t meaning to open up a big can of worms or anything. Unfortunately, I can’t email you right now because my dad has put up so many security things on popups that I can’t even email from my Teen Mania account on our computer. Actually, it’s pretty comical (and annoying, and wonderful. I really hate popups sometimes). In any case, I just wanted to apologize for perhaps being a little too nosy and saying whatever I feel like saying in a rather public place.
I hope you are having a really wonderful Christmas, Erik. I saw the pictures on Josh’s site of you guys being gangsters. Highly amusing.
Are you going home at all?
Merry Christmas, Erik Herrera! 😀
i loved this post, erik h.
hey erik will you turn your music down a bit, there are other people in the offices!…remember that a year ago coming from the other side of the wall..well I went to kimmies wedding last weekend..she looked so beautiful and happy…i hope all is well and i wish you a merry christmas and happy new year!
Thanks again for picking me up from the airport and for dinner. It was good seeing you! Merry Christmas!
~Alana <><
Hey! How are you? Great things that your aware of at work. Oh yes…HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Actually, you were exactly right. I am, in fact, holding a “beware of dogs” sign. I thought it was pretty classic.
Hello! hey, hey, HEY…i worked hard for my site name ~ I sat in front of my computer wracking my brain for like five WHOLE minutes!
seriously though, ever noticed that all the really good site names are already taken?..bummer deal! ~ oh well!
~ what’s up for you during Christmas? Holidays are usually pretty family-ish for us ~ we have a lot of fun! ~ hoping you have a Merry Christmas!! ~M~
Geesh…I was doing the Xanga boost thing and at least 3 of your entries popped up, but I can see why! I like what you have to say.