strange words

I come across a wide variety of guests on my job. Some are incredibly rude and make me feel insignificant while others put a smile on my face. Here are some kind words, if not a bit strange, that have stuck with me:

As I was seating and handing out menus to a family- mom, dad, and son- the dad looks up and said, "You have the most gorgeous smile. It just beams." I looked from him to his wife and son and back to him and smiled nervously, "Thank you. Enjoy your meal."

After a man had finished his dinner, he walked passed me and told me, "You have the coolest haircut. Really." I smiled and glanced at his incredibly muscular arms about to rip through his t-shirt, "Thanks. Have a good night."

My favorite compliment came from a man who first said to me, "Hello, Gorgeous." as I sent him and his friend to a table for dinner. On his way out he stopped by the host stand, looked at me, and said, "Has anyone ever told you that your eyes are like the valley in the morning?" I glanced at him a bit embarrassed and replied, "No. Thank you."

I may not be the best at taking compliments, but when there is a problem with bookings or a couple who is mad about not getting placed at a window table, I know what to say.

I can't say that I really enjoy my job. I go to work and watch as the hands on the clock at the front desk creep from minute to minute and hour to hour. I look out the window as the shadows change across the canyon. I daydream about hiking or holding a job where I am fighting to conserve and protect the planet. I'm not ready for a career, but I am ready for a job in my field of study. I am too passionate about the state of the environment to just seat people by the window. I want to volunteer with the cleanup effort in the Gulf of Mexico and along the coast.

Photo taken by Chris Graythen of the Gulf Oil Spill

But here I am, at the Grand Canyon. I live for my days off where I can hike and explore and I live for the possibilities of what may come next.