Hollywood Cliche

I'm living the Hollywood cliche -a waitress that longs to be a writer. When I was trying to decide what to name this blog, I thought about "From the Mind of your Lowly Waitress"-- not because I feel servers are "lowly" but because they can certainly be treated like they are. Another name I was going to call it was"Waiting for Life" because it would seem those that are serving are waiting for life to come and bite them in the ass. Many don't feel that waiting tables is "it." They started waiting tables while they: went back to school or decided what they really wanted to do with their life or while they waited for something better to come along. I understand. It's easy to get stuck, good money, cash in your pocket, not stuck behind a desk, there are alot of perks.

I know what it is to feel like, I'm "just a waitress" when people ask, "What do you do for a living?" I usually follow up with "But, my passion is writing and I'm working on a screenplay....etc...) What do we care what the guy next to us thinks about our job? Nothing is good or bad, it's only the labels and the way we've decided to perceive them. I recently had a good friend of mine get fired from the restaurant. It was a blessing in disguise as most things we think are "the worst thing that could happen" when it was acutally just what she needed. (It always is) She was not a happy server. She wanted out, but didn't have a shovel. She would've stayed there forever. This was the kick in the butt she needed - now she plans to go back to school and pursue her real dreams! I'm so excited for her.

Life- isn't it really all about perspective? Sure we are servers - but without us there would be no restaurants, without servers there would be no place for people to come and enjoy the long loved tradition of eating together and enjoying eachother. People have all sorts of jobs, auto mechanic, executive, gas station attendant, stay at home mothers, business owner. Why do some hold a higher prestige than others? I'm hear to bash the "I'm just a waitress" or "I'm just" anything at all, you are not your job. You are an amazing infinite being! You don't need to define yourself by a title. Yes, I'm a waitress. I'm also a wife, mother, sister, friend, Account Executive, a writer, a dreamer, a taxi driver, I'm not just one thing and I'm proud of all things. My grandmother retired from waitressing. She loved it and loves to share her stories of how she took care of her customers, her friends. Take pride in what you do, whatever it is you do, do it the best you can, You're not "just" anything, your YOU and that is enough. That is amazing!

The Perfect Meal

I can tell alot about someone by what they order. In fact among servers, when speaking of a customer we don't use their names, rather what they usually order -- Some people simply should stay home and cook - you know who you are - you want your eggs poached for "three minutes" not a second longer, you want your potatoes "crisp but not too crispy", your bacon "medium, not too crispy, not too soft" Sheesh! This isn't the Three Little Bears and I don't have much patience for goldilocks!

For some there is just no pleasing. No matter what you bring, they will search, and always find something to complain about. We have a special complaint department for these kind of folks (A hand grenade with the number '1' on it). You can't please everyone, but we do try. The other day "Fred" came in - took his usual seat at the counter. An old boxer in his prime, now in his 80's, he has a big heart, rough exterior, and defined taste buds. He's also the same Fred that brought in a fart machine one day ( I concealed it in my apron and walked by other tables in the restaurant- the looks were hysterical! --Fred was giggling like a school boy! ) This is also the same Fred that I reserve the "Complaint Department grenade" for. Today he orders a waffle. Not too well done. With strawberries on top, "make sure they are good fresh ones, I don't want any crap strawberries." Who does? and water.

I serve him breakfast - do a quick check. Waffle looks good, berries pert and pretty. After a moment I come by to fill his water - I fill it too full. "I like my water to here," he says, showing me an invisible line 3/4 of the way on his glass. "No problem," I say as I pick up his glass and drink from it until it is down to his invisible line! I set the glass back down in front of him. "That should do it," I smile. He laughs hard! (as do those seated near him) He compliments me on a job well done. (Of course, I bring him a fresh water.) I guess today, Fred will skip his trip to the Complaint Department. Perhaps sometimes good laughs are even more important than the perfect meal.