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

One Generous Tip Turned my Night Around

If you have been reading my blogs (or just my last one at least), you know that I am incredibly stressed with work and school right now. I worked a split today and my friend had said she wanted to work tonight to make money. I offered my night shift and told her how swamped I am with homework but she ended up saying she didn't want to take it because she thought it would be dead (AKA she would make no money). I was irritated but let it go. Today is also Canada day (as I am in Canada) and we all sordove expected it to be dead because people usually go away for the long weekend. It was pretty busy! I got a 10 top and three additional tables (which felt like death).

My party was so incredibly demanding and slightly rude when I was not able to bring them their bottomless salads and bread ASAP. I wish some customers would understand that they are not the servers only table. I was trying my best to get everything out because my other smaller tables were trying to pay and get out of there.

Throughout their dinner, the party started to ease up a little and they began being more polite and patient. I think they started understanding that I wasn't being lazy. I was actually very busy and doing the best I could. Their bill came to about $150 and it was on one bill. I had completed his transaction and had seen that he tipped me 25 dollars. Not the best but not the worst. I felt a bit defeated, hoping I would have gotten more.

I had left the table a mess for a few minutes while I tended to some new tables when the host came up to me and handed me a twenty dollar bill. I asked her where it was from and she told me it was from the party. They tipped me 30% (don't fail me now, mental math). I wanted to cry.

I have been so unbelievably stressed these last few days with work and school piling up. I have taken it out on my boyfriend and family and I've just felt so defeated. I am a poor student trying to pay for school and I was so grateful that they gave me such a huge tip.

I don't really know if there is a moral to the story...

- just keep pushing through
- do your best and don't beat yourself up
- love and be kind to yourself
- refill salads 10 times even when you want to scream

I guess all of those work.

I'd say enjoy your long weekend but I am sure you are working every day just like me ;)

- A