Today, Dave and I dusted off the ol' Huffy and took Greta on her first bikeflag (bike ride) of the season.  With an extra 30 pounds in tow (Greta in her seat), we took to the mean streets of Aboite and enjoyed the glorious spring weather.  While on our journey, we saw a crayfish, one large dog, several fancy-schmancy nuevo riche homes, and several trees needing pruning.  It was pretty windy, which made the hills EXTRA fun for me (and my large fanny).  An hour and a half later, my legs are sore and Greta is napping.  We made two pit stops so Greta could enjoy a slide or two.  Thankfully, we are within bike riding distance to some great play areas at the local elementary schools.  Greta's elementary school, Deer Ridge, is less than a mile away.  It has a GREAT play area AND a recycling bin!  (You know what that means:  Coupons.)

On a side note, I started my waitressing job at Calhoun Street. I love the people that work there, I love the food, and the building is historic.  The owner, Ms. Donna, is fabulous and is NOT an alcoholic pscyho, like the last restaurant owner I worked for (at Longhorn in Bloomington).  Clearly, I'm not cool enough to work here, due to the major amount of tattoos, cool hair dos, piercings, and affinity for Hipster music.  I'm working on it.  I have decided to ONLY wear my Detroit shirts while working there.  If I can display my ties to the D., I will always represent.  And most importantly, I was trained by the owner's niece, Amy.  She happened to graduate from Dwenger with Dave's brother, Kyle, and remembers him as a nice person.  Not only is Amy super nice, but she knows the restaurant very well.  Sadly, some folks there take advantage of her outstanding work ethic and don't pull their weight.  This pisses me off, and I'm always one to say something.  Because, you are a representation of your employer.  I know how much work and sacrifice goes into running a restaurant.  If people knew the sacrifice, they'd work 100 times harder.  I like Ms. Donna, and I like what she is doing for downtown.  Therefore, I'm loyal and will work my ass off for her.  I would never want anyone to ever say I'm lazy, or have a questionable work ethic.  Doug and Pepe would be very disappointed.

I feel like the underlying theme of my move to Fort Wayne is INTEGRITY.  Since we've taken up shop here, I've notice a MAJOR lack in integrity in the people who are involved in the housing/trade industry.  NOT ALL, but many are lazy, unreliable, overpriced, arrogant about their ability/skill set, and untrustworthy.  I would categorize these things are "Characteristics that Deem One Lacking Integrity."  Something to think about.

I would say the phrase integrity runs though my head at least 10 times a day, usually after meeting some jack ass employer/person who is full of shit and sucks at their job.  I always walk away shaking my head.

Happy Sunday.