Why I do what I do-

This blog isn't simply about waiting tables, it’s about people. From them, for them, about them. I’ve been a waitress for almost 20 years! (I guess you could say it's in my blood, my grandmother retired a waitress! ) I haven't always been a waitress, I've had what people call "real jobs," too: Executive Assistant, Event Planner, Sales reps, and others, but serving has always been my favorite job and since I'm a writer, it's the perfect cliche. Writing is my true love, my passion and always my goal. (As a mother of three busy children, this isn't always easy.) So thats what I've done here, combining my true love with my first love and this blog is their baby.

I’ve worked in several restaurants during different phases of my life. For me, it is the ideal job, good money, flexible hours, discounted meals, not being stuffed behind a desk, but most of all people, people, people! Lots and lots of different kinds of people.

I've landed in the perfect café, a family owned neighborhood café in a beach city in California. I see a lot of the same faces each day. Some, I'm happy to see. Others, not so much. Being in my early thirties, I struggled with the fact that I was waiting tables (again! ) I swore I never would and somehow I felt like I was taking a step backward. Then to top it off, my seven-year-old daughter declares to her teacher and anyone else who’d listen that her life’s dream is to be a….doctor? No. Nurse? No. Veterinarian? Uh-uh. That’s right…..“a waitress! Just like my Mommy!” Gulp. That’s right honey, shoot for the stars. I was honored, of course, but I was a little nervous too…“Well, Mommy is a writer, honey.” If I say it enough will it be true??

It took me a little while to realize that it was okay for my little girl to want to be a waitress; why not? If she had as much fun as I do! It paid well, it was never short on entertainment - It boils down to one thing: perspective, my perspective. See, for me, when someone slides into one of my booths, for that time they are there, I have the power (and what woman doesn’t love power) to make or break their day. It’s amazing what a smile can do for someone whose having a bad day or a pat on the back or tap on the shoulder with a friendly, “Hey, How are you?” For some, this may be the only time they are asked that day. You, their waitress, the only one that cares. And I do care. How fortunate for me that I can make a difference in their day. That makes me feel good. Knowing they will leave a little lighter in their step, and a little fuller in their bellies.

I realize that may sound ridiculous to some - I know alot of servers and have been served by the best and the worst of them -- many who would rather be doing anything but taking that next order (and boy don't you know it!). For me, it works and it seems to me that people across the counter or sitting in my booths, certainly appreciate my attitude. Most, give it right back. I am always surprised by how open strangers are to me. Or perhaps it’s that I’m the open book, sharing my own life experiences with any who would ask.

I’m curious. I’ve always been curious. I love learning about new things and naturally as a writer, I am truly fascinated by people’s own stories. Isn't it amazing to find out that the person you've been serving every Tuesday the same d---med thing, was once a body guard for the president, or is a consultant on the Iraqi war, or was once a beauty queen and now has a seat in the Senate? You'll find some of those stories here, some of the most intriguing people I’ve ever encountered. My faithful regular customers that I also consider my friends. They make my job a lot more fun and definately more interesting. I'll share with you my insights, insecurities, experiences and simple observations. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy living it!

As Mark Twain said, “There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside the dullest exterior, there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.”

An African proverb states that “when an old person dies, a whole library is lost.” Perhaps, I can save a library or two.

Until next time - be kind to your servers - they are people to.

- Flo