Jogging

I jogged last night.  And it was an interesting experience for me.

First off, you should know, that right now, in Utah the temperature is about 15 degrees above zero, so, it's soooooooo cold.  So, that said, I didn't go jogging outside.

I decided that I would jog in my living room.  Interesting.

I scared two of my roommates, and they also laughed at me like I was an idiot.  One of them couldn't figure out what I was doing, and when I told her, she laughed for about five minutes.

Oh well.  It was worth it.  My calves burn like I lit a match in them.  

Dating

OK, so, there has been something that has been bugging me for a little while, and I kind of wanted to talk about it.

As some of you know, the theatre that I have been heavily involved with for the past couple of years just shut its doors forever. Now, that said, I have a LOT of free time on my hands now, and I don't know what to do with myself. The past few years have been spent running around like a chicken with it's head cut off, and now that is all gone. I feel like I don't know anyone in my ward, and kind of like an outsider, so I want to do something about that.

That said. . . let's move on to the real topic at hand. Girls asking guys out on dates.

Like I said, I feel like I don't really know anyone, and I want to rectify that situation. So. . . If I ask one of you on a date, it does not mean that I want to marry you. I know it can be scary when someone asks you out, and you start to wonder how interested they are, and you start to evaluate how interested you are, but I am telling you now, if I want to ask someone out, I'm gonna do it. And it has nothing to do with marrying you. It means that I talked to you, and something made me want to get to know more about you. And there are some things you just can't learn about someone in a group setting. They need to be learned one-on-one. :)

That said. . . I know I have been perpetually unavailable, but, that has now changed. And, I feel like a new person, and I welcome anyone who wants to ask me out on a date.

A Christmas Carol

Everyone, here is the press release from my theatre about A Christmas Carol.  I know that some of you don't live close, but, I would love it if everyone who can would come see my show.  It is FREE!  :)  Hope to see you there.  Please note that there are only 6 performances so please call to make a reservation.

Dear Friends,

Last week we announced the opening of "A Christmas Carol" for Nov 28.

However, we've lost our lease and will be leaving the building before the opening of "A Christmas Carol". Owners, Gavin and Sharilyn Grooms, have considered either moving or closing the theatre. We have decided to close. However, our last show "A Christmas Carol the Musical" will continue.  We will perform in the brand new 600 seat auditorium at Centennial Middle School in Provo. As a gift to the community the Grooms' have decided to make this a FREE event. The Grooms family are humbled and grateful to the community for their support that has made this experience and theatre successful.

We have decided to take on a new adventure in the state of Florida.

COME AND CELEBRATE WITH US THE TRUE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AND OUR FINAL PRODUCTION.

Please note the following changes below:

 

Center Street Musical Theatre announces our final production of "A Christmas Carol" -The Broadway Musical"

When: Dec 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 @ 8pm + Dec 20 @ 2pm

Where: Centennial Middle School

             305 East 2320 North in Provo

Tickets are FREE

Reservations are recommended. Please call 373-4485 .

www.csmtc.com

 

Thank you very much.

 

Sincerely,

Gavin and Sharilyn Grooms

Center Street Musical Theatre

Some More Thoughts on Proposition 8

So. . .   I've been keeping my mouth shut, but, I would like to step on a soap box for a moment.

My recent thoughts:

1.  I have heard a lot of people compare the issues with gay rights with the civil rights movement, and to me, they are not the same thing.  In my opinion, being a homosexual is a moral issue, being black isn't.  Now, I'm not saying that gay people are immoral, but, I am saying that being gay goes against my moral values.  Now, please note that I said MY moral values.  Please don't attack me because I have different morals than your own.

2.  I have also heard a lot of talk about how if we are following God's plan, we should love everyone, and let them do what they want, as long as it makes them happy.  OK, so, I do love everyone.  I am not trying to say that anyone is a bad person for what they believe, and I believe that God loves everyone.  But, I don't believe that we can turn a blind eye to something we find morally wrong.  Love the sinner, hate the sin.

3.  There has also been a lot of talk about how this has been a "peaceful" protest of Proposition 8.  And, that is a load. . .   I have seen many videos of people who are protesting Prop 8 where they have ripped items out of proposition 8 supporters hands, and thrown them down on the ground and stomped on them.  Now, to me that doesn't seem peaceful.  Now, I honestly don't know if there has been any violence on my side of the issue, so I'm not going to say there hasn't.

The honest truth is that these are MY opinions.  Get mad at me all you want, yell at me, tell me I'm a closed-minded bigot!  Whatever.  But, the last time I checked, this is the United States of America, and I am entitled, neh, legally allowed, to have my own opinion.

Proposition 8

OK, so I've been really trying hard to stay away from this topic, but, if you are a Facebook friend, I'm sure you've noticed that I've started posting things about it lately.  The more I read and understand it, the more I think it should pass.

First off, I think one thing that people need to know is that THIS IS ABOUT CALIFORNIA.  Of course, if it passes there, I'm sure it will move on to other states.  

In California, domestic partnerships have the SAME RIGHTS as actual married couples, so this IS NOT about gay rights.  This is about something much bigger.

Did you know that in Massachusetts they have started teaching children about gay parents in Kindergarten?  And, judges have ruled that parents have NO RIGHT to know what their children are being taught about it.  One man was sent to jail because he believed firmly enough in knowing what his children were being taught.  

If we don't pass Prop 8 in California, we may lose our rights as parents to decide what our children learn.  

Our churches might also lose their tax exempt statuses if they refuse to perform gay marriages.  

Guys, I have gay friends, and I love them to death, but this is not about their rights, as they have the same rights.  This is about making religious persecution constitutional, and I can't have that on my conscious.

Things I Would Never Do

As I looked around me this past week, I saw things going on around me that made me very uncomfortable.  And, I think part of the reason I am single is because these are things I would never do.

1.  I would never tell people I liked a person, and then go to his house to hang out with him and other friends, and cuddle with his roommate, in plain sight of everyone else in the apartment.

2. I would also never cuddle w/ 3 guys in one night, all of which I have no feelings for.

3. I would never throw myself at someone I had no interest in just because someone I know liked them.

OK, I think I'm done ranting.

Hiatus

So, I haven't posted in a while, and I thought it might be time.

I had some thoughts lately that I wanted to share with you about customer service.  I have worked in the food service industry, and also at Walmart and Blockbuster, so I know about good customer service.

Rules to follow:

1.  Listen to your customers!  ( They shouldn't have to repeat an order 3 times because you weren't listening).

2.  Train your staff to always be helpful, courteous, and knowledgeable.  (If a customer has to wait an exorbitant amount of time for food, they should know why).

3.  Take the extra step.  (If a customer wants to know where something is, bring them to it.  Don't just point.)

4.  Commit to quality service.  (If you work at McDonald's or Sizzler, you should still make it a point to have quality service.  People remember BAD service long after they forget good service.)

5.  Treat people with courtesy and respect.  (We all want it, you should give it.)

6.  Never argue with a customer.  (I know that the customer is NOT always right, but, if you argue with them, they are going to feel more wronged in the end.)

7.  Assume that your customers are telling the truth.  (Most people don't like to complain.  In fact, a lot will go out of their way to avoid it, so take their complaints the way they are meant.  They are unhappy.  Make them happy.)

On the flip side.

Rules for customers:

1.  Know Exactly What You're Complaining About And What Action You Want.  (Don't just say, "I'm unhappy.  What are you going to do about it?"  Have something in mind.  And, make sure it is comparable to the problem.)

2.  Never Demand To Talk To The Manager.  (A lot of times someone else can solve the problem.  And, if they can't, ask politely to speak to the manager.  People are more likely to want to help you if you're polite.)

3.  Address Letters To Individuals.  (No "To Whom It May Concern".  If you write it to a specific individual, they are more likely to get it.)

4.  Keep Your Expectations In Check.  (When shopping at WalMart, do not expect a Nordstrom's experience.  But, do expect good customer service.)

5.  Don't Just Complain. Praise, Too.  (Everyone likes compliments.  It make hard jobs easier.)

OK, I'm done ranting for the day!  :)