Is this thing on?

Hello readers...


Well are there even readers anymore? I never had many but lately, my page feels like a ghost town. Let me know if you're still reading.. I've always been a sucker for other people's praise.


I quit my job.

A student without a summer job. AKA my biggest nightmare. There was just too much going on at that place and I felt it was best for me if I resigned. So I did.

Getting a new job is not likely as I am moving to a new city for school in just over a month.

Things will work out..

Stay tuned.

xoxo

- A

Prankster Prince

My last post was pretty glum but I actually have a funny story about the restaurant today.

So everyone was shocked when we saw a paper posted on the staff bulletin board about a new promo going on that was promoting baked potatoes. This is confusing because we don't even have potatoes in the kitchen. Everyone was confused and annoyed that they would be doing this type of promo. My friend (who is also one of the managers) and I had gotten the message sent to us at the same time of a picture of that post and we thought it was super weird because we don't even have potatoes in stock.

Word got out that this was all a big prank created by one of the managers yesterday. Some were in on it and some still don't know it's fake. It's created a bit of fun in the atmosphere.

My friend had called me and told me that she overheard staff laughing about it and discovered it was fake and I was shocked that the manager would do this. Little did she know that my friends and family know me as the Prankster Prince (shout out if you ever watched the childhood cartoon Recess). I prank everyone. Never would I do something that I wouldn't want done to me but I thought she deserved to have a little taste of her own medicine.

I worked the lunch shift today and it was very quiet so I thought it was a good time to do it. I made sure she could see that I was about to take a table's order and when I finished, I went to her and said

"Hey I up-sold three baked potatoes and I can't find the button on the computer to ring it in"

And she burst out laughing. The bartender didn't know I was lying and they were in stitches thinking that I actually fell for it. She told me to go tell them it wasn't real and they chuckled the whole time I walked away.

I hid for a couple minutes and went back to the manager with watery eyes and started crying saying

"I told them and they got so mad and started freaking out. They asked what kind of management tells their staff about false promotions and they are making a huge scene" - I was full on crying at this point.

She jumped up and said she is going to go talk to them and I could tell she felt SO BAD. Halfway to their table I had to grab her and tell her it was all a huge prank. The whole staff watched the entire thing play out and they were talking about it all day.

Everyone was shocked that I could cry on cue and while I played it cool, I was shocked too.

Hope this made you laugh as much as it made me!

xoxo

- A

Can I get you another refill?

Well I am officially a University graduate!

Wait, when did that happen?

One minute I'm bitching about all of the assignments and exams I have and the next I am writing my last exam ever. Time flies when you're a starving student.

In September I will be starting a College program that's 2 years long so I'm not exactly done being a student. I will be moving to another city (about 2 hours from my hometown) which means a lot of $$$ on rent and tuition.

Which brings me to the main reason why I've written this blog. I am going back to the place that made me start writing a blog in the first place.

As much as I hated the job because of the high level of anxiety, I am really grateful that they took me back with no issues.

Here's to finishing my undergrad and starting a new chapter!

xoxo

- A

A day late and a dollar short

So if you are familiar with post-secondary education, you must understand that the month of November is when all of the school fun stops because you are just being completely bombarded with assignments and midterms.

This semester is not holding back. Every time I feel like I got a bit ahead, I realize that there is no such thing as being ahead, but just 2 steps away from the monster that is chasing you and hot on your trail.

Work is good. I wish I was working more than one three hour shift a week. I did that at my old place and usually took home around 80 dollars a shift. I seem to average 50 at the diner which just isn't cutting it.

I have a bit of a funny story for you that I've been trying to find time to write about. A couple weeks ago I was changing and refilling the little bottles of hot sauce that we keep on the tables at the diner. One had been clogged so I aimed it at the sink and squeezed it as hard as I could. Like a complete idiot.

Of course it came out and I was squeezing the bottle so much that it splattered all over the place and hit me in the face, eyes, pretty much my entire upper body. I literally finished my shift splattered in hot sauce. My skin was burning (I took the time to wash it out of my eyes at least) and a customer had the nerve to laugh and call me a chicken wing.

Let's just say when I came home, my roommates became hysterical over my bad luck and poor decisions.

Anyways,

These last couple of weeks have just felt like two steps forward one step back. At least we are slowly getting closer to Christmas break. I finish exams really early this semester so I will get to enjoy the Christmas season without being covered in hives resulting from school stress (true story).

If you are in school, it sucks but just keep going! We are in the darkest part of the tunnel but when the light begins to show, you'll forget how far down you were.

and if you're a server. I hope you at least have a funny experience because even serving can suck your soul dry sometimes.


xoxo

- A

I'm not sorry for being new

Hey readers,

I hardly enjoyed the week off. I spent it procrastinating and stressing about the assignments I have due this week and am now left with that mess to clean up. But that's not what this blog is about. I worked another shift at the diner today, which may be my 4th shift there (I could be wrong). I am still a baby at this place and the menu is huge.

I had a table of 6 come in that looked my age. I was on top of serving them, but when it came to taking their orders, I had to ask other workers the questions that my customers had. I told them that I am still very new (and when I do that, customers are usually super kind and patient) but these people were rude and actually made me feel a bit stupid.

One of the girls who paid for 2 bills didn't even tip me and when it happened, I felt pretty shitty about myself. Obviously they didn't like their service.


And then it hit me.

F*ck you.

Seriously. I'm just a student whose busting her ass in school full time, working and volunteering. I put my all into my job but I am also very new and I know I do my best. So f*ck you if you don't see that while I might not have been the best, I was truly trying my best.

You can keep your 10% tip.


I just don't give myself enough credit sometimes.

xoxo

- A

My Toenail is Black o.0

So I have only worked one shift at the diner so far because I went home for the last weekend and have been waiting for my next shift next weekend. I've been super excited until I dropped my laptop the other day and it hit the base of the nail of my big toe and it instantly turned the nail black and it was all bloody...

I can hardly walk on it and all I am worried about is how I am going to work this weekend! I have been looking forward to it this whole time and I can't even wear close-toed shoes right now. Here's hoping that I can by Saturday!

Other than that, nothing new has happened. School has been consistent and boring so no new funny stories. I just wanted to leave a little update for my loyal readers.


xoxo


- A

Nothing

Well the restaurant didn't even email me back. Isn't that always lovely.

I just wish they didn't avoid it so much and just address it. It seems a bit unprofessional to me, but who am I to complain?

I actually got an interview on the spot today at a mom and pop place down the street from me and she seemed to really love me. She gave me a piece of the menu (an all day breakfast menu) to have memorized for Saturday. It sounded like if I did a good job with it, she would take me on. Little does she know she was talking to a person who memorizes 15 pages of brain function review notes three days before an exam. It's in the bag. I've already memorized about 75% of it in the few hours of having it. I am just nervous about not making enough money in a little diner like that. I don't know how busy it gets but when I was there at noon, there were 2 tables. It's better than nothing and I truly loved it there. I always had a dream of serving at a little diner like that (don't ask why, I have no idea) so it might give me different things that the chain restaurants didn't.

I'm cautiously optimistic.

The Blonde (whose blog I absolutely adore, by the way) asked me to expand on me having my mother quit for me at my old job, and I thought it'd be a good story so here goes!


I had only been getting one shift a week at the restaurant and I experienced anxiety when working because I just couldn't get better. I kept getting weeded every shift and I knew that the staff saw me as a weak link. Well, I had been secretly evaluated one night and my manager very nicely told me that if  I don't get my act together in two weeks, i'd get canned. I spent the next week until my next shift driving myself ABSOLUTELY CRAZY. My anxiety about going back after they affirmed my thoughts about them thinking I sucked became too overwhelming, I missed classes and just kept inside my room.

Finally, the night before my shift, I called my mom at like 2 in the morning having a huge breakdown. The only thing that soothed me was her telling me to just quit. I didn't need the stress and my parents would help me financially. So the next day, I begged her to call them and quit for me. She had picked me up that morning and brought me back to my parents home (so my real home) so I was there when she did it. She got the asshole manager that was so rude to her and she lost her mind on him. She asked for the owners number and got into contact with her. She pretty much just said that I felt cornered and wasn't really given support even though I have diagnosed anxiety. The owner talked it out with my mom and my mom got me my job back (even though I didn't want it at the time though I would appreciate it later). It's not like my mom begged her, the owner told her that she totally understands and wanted me to come back if I wanted to.

Long story short, while that ended well, I think it ruined my chances of coming back.

Pray to the server gods that I get this job readers!

xoxo

- A

Who needs self-respect anyways?!

Ugh I've reached an all new low today, my friends.



So I spent the afternoon handing out resumes (I moved back out for school on Saturday) and it was so depressingly unsuccessful I did something stupid. It's like when you get super drunk and call your ex and beg them to get back together with you even though they broke up with you. It's just sad. Well I emailed the restaurant I worked at last school year and pretty much did the same.

When I had reached out to them at the beginning of August, they hadn't responded to my email, which I knew was a bad sign. I still called them a week later and pretty much told them I was interested in coming back blah blah. He had told me that they did more summer hiring than they anticipated so they might not be taking people back. He then said he'd let me know by the end of the week.

I sordove knew that was bullshit. I won't lie. I was a pretty shitty server when I was there. In my defence, I had little experience before that job and I only got one 3 hour shift a week. I had a really hard time developing any skills because I just wasn't doing it frequently enough. I even had a huge mental breakdown and had my mother quit for me on the spot. Which she did. And then the owner called and talked it out with my mother and they said that if I still wanted my job that I could take it. So I did and I finished up until summer.

So I totally understand why they wouldn't want me back. I'm not stupid. What I have described for you demonstrates how terrible I was there. BUT I HAVE CHANGED!

Working at my summer job made me a boss server!

So anyways, the end of the week came and I didn't hear from him. At this point I was a little irritated that he wasn't just being honest so I emailed him and just told him to let me know his decision and within the hour he emailed me back and rejected me.


I emailed him again today like a pathetic loser when I was feeling hopeless about finding another job. I acknowledged that my attempt seemed desperate but really told him how much I appreciated the job and that if he gave me a chance (if there was a position available), that I would work so hard to show him my improvement.


I feel like such a pathetic, clingy loser and I just needed to let it out. So thank you for reading, and feel free to judge me hahaha.

I'll let you know how it goes,


xoxo

- A

Hakuna Matata

Hello readers (does anyone still read my blogs anymore?),

These last couple of weeks have been pretty uneventful but that was exactly what I've needed. I have been resting, relaxing, seeing friends and family, cleaning up my room and getting ready to move out for school and catching up on Pokemon Go (don't knock it till you try it).

I feel ready to start school. I feel refreshed and eager to get back into a learning environment. I finished summer school with great marks so I feel pretty good about myself.

I got an email today from my University and found out that I made the Deans' List for this last year. I have always been a pretty average student so this was really exciting. My parents and siblings were super happy for me :).

So far we still do not have a roommate for the vacant room BUT I know someone looked at the house today and liked it so we might not get what we want and have the room stay vacant. I mean, at this point, I just have to stay positive and go with the flow. I am naturally very pessimistic so I have been trying to work on it. From what I hear, this person seems normal and respectable so that's good at least.

In terms of employment - I am still a bum! As soon as I move out on Saturday, I am hitting up all of the restaurants in my area. I know it's super late to be applying but hey, I got a job last year and I had applied at the beginning of October so hopefully the serving gods will be looking down on me again.

I hope everyone has been enjoying the last couple weeks of summer and are mentally preparing for the very busy labour day weekend!

xoxo

- A

The Holiday Tipper Strikes Again!

Tonight was mayhem as we were disgustingly short-staffed but that didn't stop me from getting the holiday tip once again!

Three women were sat in my section during the crazy dinner rush. They didn't strike me as anything as they seemed somewhat unkept. I honestly did not expect much from them. They were't waiting long but my manager greeted them anyways. I could tell he knew them (so they were regulars). I had taken their drink orders and before I had brought them back he had gotten their all you can eat salads. I knew he wasn't doing this because he thought I wasn't getting there in time. He was just being friendly with them because he knew them.

After I thanked him for taking care of them while I was getting caught up on other tables trying to pay he said "make sure to take awesome care of them because they will give you a fantastic tip". So I did. They were very sweet and patient anyways so it wasn't like it was difficult.

I genuinely enjoy waiting on people who are friendly and easy going. So if you go to a restaurant and you're service is bad... maybe you're an asshole.

Or maybe you just have a bad server.

Getting off track here...

So it comes time for them to settle up and their bill was 40 dollars. When I looked at the debit receipt it read:

Tip: $60.

Almost shit my pants. But then they told me that half was for the manager because he was wonderful. But still, 30 dollars on a 40 dollar bill is an AMAZING tip. I was so grateful.

So my message is this: never judge a book by its cover. Seriously. The nicest people come in all forms. And nasty people do too. Remember that.

Tomorrow is my last day at the restaurant and I must say that I am a little sad to be saying good bye to the staff. I have really grown to love a few of them.

xoxo

- A

When You Get a Really Awesome Table

I know it's tacky to post twice in one day but the world will go on, right?

On Monday I worked a split and ended up pre-closing because someone called in sick. Near the end of the night I had two older women maybe in their early 30's who were just hilarious. Whenever I would go over, they would always talk to me and not in an annoying way when all you're thinking is "I couldn't care less and have other tables". I actually had a great time serving them.

They had both graduated in psychology (what I am in) so we were talking about careers and whatnot, including funny stories. It was just hilarious. The other servers noticed how much they were laughing with me and said they wish they had tables like mine.

I could sense my other table starting to get annoyed because they weren't getting any attention for like 5 minutes (boo hoo) so I paid them out and wrapped up with the two ladies.

It made me feel like more than a server. When I'm serving, that's usually all I feel I am being recognized as. Not a young woman, or a scholar, or a human being sometimes. They reminded me that there was more to me than just getting drinks and taking orders.

I doubt our paths would cross again since this is my last week but I would love it if I ever ran into those two down the road.

xoxo

- A

The Fire Alarms Interrupted my Open

So today was the dreaded open-over-dinner but it really wasn't as bad. DEFINITELY not as bad as last night so I was pleased. I went in a little early because I like to take my time opening. I like to move slow and do my thing.

I was just about finished when he fire alarms all went off. This has never happened. There was only about 6 of us including the kitchen staff so we all grabbed our stuff and sat outside. The rest of the plaza had done the same.

Is it absolutely terrible that I was hoping that I finally got my wish and that the place was burning down? LOL.

So terrible. I know.

We waited for about 15 minutes and all made jokes about having the day off but sure enough we had to go back in and get on with the day.

Everything was fine and at a comfortable pace. I made 100 bucks in 7 hours which is crazy because yesterday, I made 100 in 3 and a half hours. I'm happy either way. I have 2 days left of my 6 day stretch and I'm not feeling too bad.'

I had a few great tables too. They were easy to serve, super pleasant and seemed to enjoy having me take care of them for the night. It left me feeling good about myself.

There has also been gossip flying around the restaurant. I feel like that happens everywhere though. It's a little juicy and a guilty pleasure of mine to hear what's been going on. Unfortunately, I'm friends with both groups that are having the issues so I'm team Switzerland. I'm trying to stay out of it but sometimes my mouth starts moving before my brain tells it to shut up lol.

I hope your Saturday tips rock tonight!

- A

I Gave Table 11 a Shower

Well it finally happened.

I was dropping four waters off at my table and didn't think about how I was taking them off of my tray (rookie mistake) and my tray flipped and the water dumped all over me, my table and my customers.

This was the first time I have ever done that and I was already close to being in the weeds and I just wanted to melt into a puddle. They were super nice about it. They were foreign and spoke so softly and proper with their accents even after the spill. Of course they still had their menus so everything was soaked.

The father was really nice about it, but the mother looked at me like I was a cockroach and it made me feel almost ashamed. I know it isn't good but I pretty much avoided them as much as I could for the rest of the time I have been there.

I have been so stressed with school this week that I go into work extra-stressed and I feel like bad things just keep happening to me, like I can't catch a break.

The other night, my one table had a huge chunk of spaghetti stuck together and it took forever for the kitchen to fix it, then someone stole one of my dishes for another table so it took double the time to make the thing that someone else took. I was so angry I took the time to hunt them down and give them shit for not reading the ticket. I had four seniors with a grandchild and they were trying to nickel and dime everything and had a bunch of MOD's on their senior meals.

I just need a break. I am officially halfway through my summer break which means I am halfway through working there.

My your trays be balanced and your modified dishes be made right the first time,

- A

Still New? That's alright! You Can Pre-Close This Weekend!

So I think the title says it all...

I just saw the schedule for next week and I was shocked to see that I will be pre-closing one night next weekend. It might be because a lot of people have booked the long weekend off but I still am confused because we all know I pretty much suck at serving. I get stressed when I have 4 or more tables (I know, don't judge me) but the restaurant I am working at is very demanding in terms of refills so I have been told that 4 tables there is like 6 tables in normal restaurants. I think it's also important to note that I have been no later than the third server cut during my shifts so a pre-close seems like a big jump.

Sometimes I wonder why I stick with serving. I hate going to work everyday and feel EXTREME anxiety leading up to shifts. I am a weak server and know it along with everyone else but I keep trying to stick with it. Why do I do it to myself? The money is great and I am a student but at what point will I think my mental health is worth more than a big tip?

Maybe once I graduate and get a job? Who knows! This world is big and crazy and full of surprises.

Thanks for reading this ranty blog,

- A

Can You Work Tomorrow?

So I have been surviving the dreaded graduation season.

This week has been crazy. I work 5 shifts this week (2 which are doubles) and have 3 papers due at the end of the week. I am just about to start the first paper that is due tomorrow night. Upon sitting down to start working, my manager texted me and asked me if I could work at noon tomorrow (on top of my dinner shift). I find it hard to pick up shifts because I am also trying to balance school but they are constantly asking me to pick up shifts and I feel like every time I say no, they get a little angry.

So here I am, stuck between a rock and a hard place. Pick up a shift and give up time to do my papers or piss off my employers and get my homework done?

I just wish things could run smoothly but that never seems to be the case.

I hope your enjoying your week, friends!

- A

Tuition, Rent and Double Shifts

Hello readers (hopefully?)!

I have decided to start blogging about my experiences as a university student trying to put myself through school by serving tables. I got the motivation to start blogging after having a nightmare of a shift (I contemplated leaving half way through from the stress) and turned to the internet to read about other servers horror stories.

A little history about my restaurant career...

I had started off as a host in a busy restaurant when I was 17 or 18 years old and had began serving tables 2 years later. 2 years down the road, I continue to serve while living away at school and now, while I have returned home for the summer. I had gotten this serving job because my best friend was a server there and assured me that they would hire me for the summer (it was so hard to find a serving job that would only take me for 4 months) so I could not decline. I have just finished my third year in university and while I continue to do summer school, I am serving and volunteering. 

When my friend told me she could get me the job, she warned me that it is incredibly stressful, knowing that I have always struggled with severe stress and anxiety while serving. I assured her that it was probably no different than the other places I have served and that I would probably be used to it.

I could not be more wrong.

So here I am, almost half way through the summer. I have 2 and a half more months at this restaurant and I wonder if I will make it to the end.

If you are still reading (bless you), I feel like it is because you can connect in some way. This blog will be about my stressors, horror stories, successes and other general stories surrounding life in the restaurant in an attempt to maintain my sanity. 

- A