life

So I think I need a break from the public at large. I've just really been getting frustrated with people. This statement mostly applies to my coworkers but is not limited to them. I'm just tired of the pissing and moaning and self pity. I just want to smack people and say, "TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND GET SERIOUS WITH LIFE!" It sounds harsh, but it's just so frustrating to spend all my time with people who put themselves in sticky situations and then go, "well, i don't understand why this happens to me?" Then they say well what do you think and then get mad when I don't tell them what they want to hear. Sigh

Other than that....

Technology

Sometimes it really bothers me that I am so reliant on technology.  If I'm in my house I am never more than 10 feet away from my computer or cell phone.  While I'm out, I check my phone excessively, afraid I may have missed an important phone call or text. All this technology is supposed to make life easier because you can access almost anything from almost anywhere, but quite frankly I think it makes me more stressed out.  Before I had a cell phone I didn't need to talk to people.  If they needed to speak with me they had to call the house and leave a message.  Now, they can get a hold of me anywhere and if for some reason I am not available they get irritated because "why aren't you picking up your cell phone?!" You can't hide anymore. I'm not sure how I feel about that. 

The reason I bring this up is because while I was having lunch at Friendly's today, I saw a man who comes into Friday's a lot.  I don't know anything about him other than he likes Jack Daniels Chicken and he loves tea.  I'm fascinated by him even though there is nothing extraordinary about him.  He's about 40 years old and always well groomed.  He always wears khakis and sneakers and was probably picked on as a child for being a nerd.  And he always reads.  He has never had company for lunch.  He always comes in by himself and reads and has lunch.  He usually drinks 3 to 4 mugs of tea and just sits and reads.  He fascinates because of his simplicity.  I have never seen him on a cell phone or pecking away at a laptop. I have never even seen him look at his watch.  I don't know his name because he never pays with a credit card. He never seems to be in a hurry and just always seems so calm and relaxed.  You don't see many people like that anymore. I enjoy him. 

What?!

Tonight, for the first time in my life, I was left absolutely dumbfounded and utterly speechless.  Yes, I know.... I, I who always have a clever remark or witty comeback, was speechless. 

Before I start my tale you will need a little background....

In October of this past year we had a new server come to Fridays.  Well, she was actually part of the opening crew from 2 years ago but for some reason or another was fired and then rehired in October.  Picture a girl who looks like Tela Tequila only 3 feet tall, about 30 pounds heavier, and homelier. I was in charge of training her, but clearly she felt like she should be training me. At one point she hand me a tables order and demanded that I run it out to the table. I said, "what's the matter are YOUR arms broken" and then she looked at me and said, "well I'm busy right now." Doing what? I don't know. Later on that evening I sat down with her and two other trainees to go over there book work and she could not be bothered to even pretend to pay attention.  At that point I told her she could leave because there was no point of her sitting there if she wasn't going to make an effort. 

The next day she called into work and said she wouldn't be coming back afterall because her boyfriend had just gotten a promotion and he would now be supporting her. Lovely.

So I told that story to tell this one. Tonight, the lovely young lady that I have just described came into Fridays with two of her friends (the only two she has I would imagine) and sat in the bar area. At one point as I walked past she says to me, "hey I know you." I replied, "yeah I know you too.  You're Marifay right?" She then says, "yeah, and from what I remember you were really bossy and thought you knew everything".....pause, "You can go now."

WHAT?!

This is a girl that I have spent maybe 3 hours of my life in the presence of and not only did she come to this conclusion in a short period time, but has dwelled on it for the last 6 months and felt it necessary bring up tonight. Clearly I made a lasting impression on her.

The thing about this is that I was even really offended by her comments because I don't know or care for this person in the least and it makes no difference to me what she thinks of me.  The thing that got me though is who has the audacity to say that to someone who is little more than a stranger. I mean seriously... Who does that?

It was at this point that I was speechless. I mean, what do you say to that?  Feel free to send me suggestions. 

"Everyone's a little bit racist sometimes"

You may not realized this if you haven't worked in the service industry, but whenever you walk into a restaurant, you're being judged. As soon as you walk in the door you are being sized up by the staff and they can tell more about you than you probably know. 

As a server I can look at a group of people walk in the door and not only tell you how they tip, but on some occasions, how they like their steak cooked and what kind of salad dressing they use.  Some of these assumptions are based on race, but they are also based on age, sex, and your general attitude. So not only are we racist, but we are also agist and sexist.  I wish that this wasn't true, but unfortunately most people perpetuate the stereotype we place on them.  Once in a while people surprise you, but for the most part we know what's coming. I might get into more detail later, but for now we'll just leave it at that.

Now let's discuss tipping. Servers make $2.83 an hour. In some places it's not even that much. That means that they rely solely on their tips.  If you don't plan on tipping 20%, then you can go to McDonald's. 

Alright, that's enough for now. I have to go to work and wait on the public at large.

It Begins

So at Hummer's request I have started a blog. I guess this is the beginning of what might someday be my autobiography.  I mean, let's face it; I know way too many crazy people and have too many ridiculous stories to just let them go undocumented.  So for the sake of posterity I bring you my blog.

Today was an interesting and somewhat non-eventful day.  I called out of work for the first time in approximately 4 months. There was no particular reason other than the fact that my job is sucking the life out of me and has made me an apathetic and sarcastic person... well I was both of things already, but it hasn't made it any better.

Anyway, I went to the mall instead where I had a conversation with every sales person that crosses my path. Now, it was not m intention to talk to all of these people but I seem to have a sign (If you see it let me know, because I can't find it) that says, "Please talk to me and tell me your life story." I had a very nice conversation with a Korean woman about how she still needs to improve her English, but I only understood about a third of what she was saying. Then I had a chat with a gay ma at Pac Sun about how my ass is too big for their jeans and finally I was followed into a dressing room in Victoria Secret by the sales woman who could not wait to tell me about the amazing underwear I had walked right past. I don't know what it is about me, but people can't get enough.

That's enough for now... many more stories to come!