Thursday, March 26, 2009

Oh the Frustration

As most of you already know, I am a server. Yes, I do have a college degree, but whoever said all you need to do in order to have a good career is go to college was a liar . . . okay maybe not a liar, just not a fortune teller. Back then (and by then I mean when my parents were my age) this degree would have gotten me a lot farther. Now I need experience too. COME ON!

So here I am, 25 years old, still serving tables, and once again living with my parents. (insert sarcastic tone here) Life is good.

Sometimes I feel like people use the state of our economy as an excuse. Don't get me wrong, it's a really good excuse, but sometimes people take it a little far.

For example, if you think you can afford to eat out, but then feel you can't afford to leave a proper tip, then you can't afford to eat out!

Lately I've been getting the worst tips I have ever gotten in the history of my serving experience. And yes, I know the economy is bad, but maybe you could've just gotten one appetizer instead of two, or maybe you shouldn't have ordered that second round of drinks. It's simple logic really.

Servers are not there for the minimum wage they are earning every hour. They don't "Love" what they do. They are there for the tips.

T-I-P-S : To Insure Proper Service

I'm not going to lie, I don't always give the best service. But when I do, it drives me insane to see that I was left 0 -2 dollars on a 60 dollar check. No, I'm not exaggerating here. This is my reality.

I'd have to say one of my worst experiences was yesterday. I had a party of ten. They were a fairly easy group, and I knew I could also add gratuity* onto the check. Unfortunately, when the time came, I completely forgot to get it added and I dropped the check. A few minutes later I realized what I had done and tried to calm myself down.

The check was 116 dollars. They gave me 93 in cash and 2 credit cards. On one they wanted 12 dollars, on the other $15. When I saw this I became even more enraged. I've had it happen several times before. Everyone puts in money and they just assume the tip is taken care of as part of it. So I specifically wrote on the check 93 + 12 +15 = 120.

Apparently this didn't phase them. They left no additional money. Even 10% of that check would have been $7.60 more than they left me.

The message I am trying to send today is this: Everybody enjoys eating out. There's just something about being waited on hand and foot that makes you feel special. However, none of this would be possible without servers, so YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THEM! Because once again, they are NOT doing it for the minimum wage.

* Just because I know gratuity will be added does not mean I don't try to give them the best service I possibly can.

Everyday

Everyday I think to myself "I really need to post today" so I sit there, and sit there, trying to think of what to say. I've even started a few, but quickly deemed them unworthy. Who knows if this one will even make the cut?

I often consider writing about my life as a server, but I think everyone knows how I feel about that.

I think about updating you on Penguin Palace, but, I have no pictures to show you.

I've tried posting about my thoughts on exercise, but then I get bored just typing about it.

Finally, I've tried posting about my recent obsession with "Frasier", but then I just feel pathetic.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Today

Who decided that if you aren't wearing green on St Patricks day you deserve to be pinched?

I'm not even Irish.

Why is green so important to these people?

What if I don't like the color green? Does that mean I have to go out and buy a shirt just for today?

I'm not really sure what is being celebrated today, nor do I really care. I'm pretty sure it's just another excuse for people to drink themselves stupid, only today they put food coloring in the beer.

Well I will have none of it!

On July 4th, we don't go around injuring people if they don't wear red white and blue. Okay, okay, maybe it's because it's asking a lot to wear three different colors, but still, what if I started a tradition where I kicked anyone who wasn't wearing those colors on that day.

It all just seems a little ridiculous.

I'm sorry if you are Irish and I have offended you.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Chicken on the Bone

Has reading my blog become a bore?

Have I let you down in some way?

Are things less interesting now that I live in Ventura?

My recent visitor activity is way down. So these are the questions I have been asking myself lately. I know you are all patiently awaiting pictures of Penguin Palace, but I can only do so much during my time off. For instance, I can visit San Diego. Which is what I'm doing right now.

I realize that the Palace should be my top priority, but it's been a rough ride and I sort of need a break from all the projects. Plus I missed San Diego, so I came during my two days off.

So far it's been fun. Caught up with some old friends, went bowling at Mira Mesa Lanes . . . my favorite place to bowl. And now I'm just relaxing at my sisters . . . you know . . . wearing her cat as my scarf, playing with the cat, cuddling with the cat . . . the usual.

So I'm sorry that my blog has gone down on your list of priorities, but I can be better, I promise, I'll change! Whatever it takes. Just tell me what I have to do to make this work.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Palace Update

I know most of you, if not all of you, are anxiously awaiting to see pictures of a finished Penguin Palace.

Well . . .





. . . Patience my loyal readers . . . patience.

My mother and I began the project last thursday. Thursday was the last day I had off from work. On friday and Saturday my mother worked on it while I was off dealing with needy cheap asses. When I got home I continued work on the palace.

We are almost there, but it is not quite ready for pictures.

And so, I will give you a reason to keep waiting, to keep coming back.

I will tell you a little bit about the Palace.

The walls are a magnificent blue. A blue you would only see in a place where penguins live.

Baseboards have been replaced. Some of you know what the old ones looked like, some of you don't. That doesn't really matter. All you need to know is that they look much better now.

Finally, a certain calendar, given to a brother by his eldest sister has been taken apart. Select pictures were then put into frames and hung on the walls of the Palace.

Oh it is a sight to see, I can promise you that. If only donations were being made, it would be finished a lot faster.

Make checks payable to cash please.