"Let's Go Outback Tonight"

As many of us know, it costs a lot of money to attend a great school such as Molloy College. Therefore, I work as a waitress at Outback Steakhouse in Merrick during my spare time in order to save some extra cash. Being a waitress is a wonderful job, if you enjoy working with people of course. Being motivated, courteous, hospitable, and helpful are just a few of the common characteristics any waiter/waitress should possess. I have worked at Outback for the past four years and I hope to stay there part time for as long as I can.

My days at Outback started off as a hostess. After a few months, I moved into the take-out then eventually became a waitress. I still waitress today and I am currently training to bar tend. Working here means much more to me than just 50 % discounts on the delicious food. I have met many great friends and learned worthy values and work ethics from all of my managers. Anyone who works in the restaurant business knows exactly what I mean and understands what its like.

Important Vocabulary

waitress-(noun) a woman who waits on tables, as in a restaurant

delicious-(adjective) highly pleasing to the senses, esp. to taste or smell

worthy- (adjective) having adequate or great merit, character, or value

hospitable- (adjective) receiving or treating guests or strangers warmly and generously

courteous-(adjective) having or showing good manners; polite

helpful-(adjective) giving or rendering aid or assistance; of service

motivated-(verb) to provide with a motive or motives; incite; impel

Vocabulary Practice

1. The directions that my mom had given me were very _________ and precise.

2. The ________ looked so small, I could hardly believe she could carry that huge tray of plates.

3. Students at Molloy College are certainly __________ to become successful.

4. The boxer admitted that his opponent had certainly been a ______ competitor.

5. The chocolate cake was so __________, I just couldn't put down the fork.

6. The gentlemen who opened the door for me was very kind and __________.

7. The waitress was _________ and treated all of her customers with proper respect.

Grammar Point: Using Adjectives

Adjectives are often called "describing words" because they provide information about the qualities of something described in a noun, a noun phrase, or clause.

examples: intelligent, beautiful, helpful, kind, intersting

Question of the week:

Have you ever worked in a restaurant?

Dominican Republic

Traveling is a wonderful leisure activity which allows a person to experience different cultures first hand. The picture above shows the beautiful scenery of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. I am traveling here in just two weeks for a relaxing vacation with my boyfriend. We are going to stay at an all-inclusive resort for five days and four nights. Many of the engaging activities we are looking forward to include: scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, para sailing, and just relaxing in the sun. Fortunately, both my boyfriend and I speak enough Spanish to get by while we are visiting. This trip is my first time being out of the country and I look forward to learning more about the culture.

Important Vocabulary

traveling - (verb) to go from one place to another, as by car, train, plane, or ship; take a trip; journey

leisure - (noun) freedom from the demands of work or duty

cultures - (noun) the totality of socially transmitted behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought

beautiful - (adjective) having beauty; having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about, etc.

vacation - (noun) a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday

engaging - (adjective) winning; attractive; pleasing

para sailing - (noun) the sport of soaring while harnessed to a parasail that is towed by a motorboat, car, or other fast-moving vehicle, from which one often releases oneself to float freely.

snorkeling - (noun) the sport of swimming with a snorkel and face mask.

Important Places

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic- a republic in the West Indies, occupying the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola.

Vocabulary Practice

1. After the long rainstorm, a _________ rainbow appeared in the sky.

2. During my ________ time, I like to ride my bicycle down to the park.

3. When we go to visit grandma next week, we will be _______ by train.

4. I hope to see many colorful fish while ________ in the Carribean.

5. The classroom was very diverse and a lot of the students came from different ______.

6. During the holiday _______ from school, my family and I are planning a trip to Florida.

7. Reading can be a very _________ activity for book lovers.

8. I hope that I don't loose my favorite hat to the wind while ___________.

Grammar point: -ing forms of verbs

-ing forms are words that end in -ing

examples: drinking, eating, traveling, laughing

We use -ing forms:

• to add information to what is expressed in certain verbs and verb+ object combinations.
• when we want to use a verb after a preposition.
• as subjects and complements.
• to list activities.
• to add information to what is expressed in a clause.
• in continuous tenses

Question to think about:

Have you ever traveled out of the country before?

If so, where was your favorite place and why?