Hi Everyone,
Do you all remember the last story I told about the couple who were arguing with each other, never ate their food, and left without paying for their food? Yah, well, the story doesn't end there. My manager later told me how the epic ended. Apparently, they came back in 45 minutes after I left work to get their food and pay for their bill. Of course, my manager informed them that their food had been thrown away because they had been gone for about a total of 1 hour! They told my manager that they had been outside smoking and fully intended on coming back in. Keep in mind, that I had waited about 20 minutes after they left to leave the restaurant myself! Plenty of time to smoke a cigarette...don't you think? Anyways, they ended up ordering their food again (this time to-go) and paying for their new meal.
My take: I do believe that the couple must have worked things out in their relationship. And I am glad that they were able to work their problems out, but I do wish that they hadn't brought their problems to my work. Look at how much trouble it caused for themselves, for Red Robin (who purchased their 1st meal), and for myself. I maintain that restaurants are not the place to work out relationship issues! And I must admit that I initially felt like an idiot for trusting him to return after smoking a single cigarette, so I was extremely relieved to have found that my trust in his character did not prove to be entirely wrongly placed. I acknowledge it wasn't the best decision on my part, but, what the hay, making the best decisions that night wasn't a popular choice for anyone involved in this epic of a drama.
The End.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Serving Changes
Wow! "Serving Changes" I just felt that title drop into my mind from my heart, and my fingers just typed it out faster than I could decide if I wanted to use it or not. It's a perfect title, really. But where do I begin?I don't know, so I'll just begin!
There are A LOT of changes that Jonathan and I have experienced with the move we made from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma. Yes, we are still in the same country, but sometimes it's hard to believe that simple fact is even true. The one thing I didn't really expect to be that different was serving. I mean it's the same job right? I thought that would be my easiest transition in coming here...I mean serving food is a pretty straight forward job right? Right? Haha...silly me. You see...even within a large company like Red Robin there are a lot of variations among the restaurants. The menu is mostly the same with the exception of a few regional variations, but, as with anything, it is the people that make the difference. So here's my story.
It was my last table of the night. They were a young couple who claimed to be servers themselves. I looked forward to talking to them and laughing with them about "server stuff." The laughing never happened. After the couple placed their order for an appetizer and burgers, I take note that they are arguing with each other. It becomes obvious that the young man is confronting the girl about some issues in their now precarious relationship. Their appetizer arrives...they won't look at me. The onion rings sit for 10 minutes before the girl eats one. The burgers arrive...nothing more is eaten for another 30 minutes. I check on them...they still won't look at me. About 50 minutes after they first arrived, I notice that the girl has left the table(presumably, to use the restroom), so I take the opportunity to offer to-go boxes and their check. The man accepted the offer and even requested to-go drinks and offered me his Red Robin Royalty card with which he had a free burger towards his meal.
As he handed me the Royalty Card he said, "I would like to go outside and smoke, is that okay?" Thinking the guy just had a really rough night and was stressed and, also, that the girl was in the restroom, I respond with..."Yah, that's fine. I have your Royalty Card, so I'll know you be back!" Anyways, I wait another 15 minutes, before realizing the guy wasn't coming back and the girl wasn't in the restroom and that I had been left with a $25 check! Thankfully, my manager did not make me pay for their meal, but he just as easily could have. I don't, honestly, believe that the two came in with the intention of not paying. I think it was a bad decision made by the guy who just broke up with his girlfriend, but it was still wrong. He must have thought that since she wasn't his girlfriend anymore he shouldn't have to pay for her meal! Thanks, Buddy! Moral of the story: Don't discuss relationship problems in a restaurant, it's just rude and provides opportunity for you to make terrible decisions. So, yes, the people make the difference in a restaurant's atmosphere, but let me tell you that people everywhere have one thing in common: They are all crazy!
Also, I love how the Spirit gave me these thoughts about serving. You see, serving changes the one who serves and the ones who are served. It makes me think of how Jesus, the son of God, chose to be servant of all. As a matter of fact, Jesus has a lot to say about serving others. The first thing that comes to my mind, though, is the story found in John 13:3-17. It shows the heart of our Lord and Savior that He came to serve us...out of love, and He shows that the person who also serves others in love are happy. How awesome is it that Jesus set such an example of humility when he washed his disciples feet? The best leaders are those who live a life of service to those they lead.
There are A LOT of changes that Jonathan and I have experienced with the move we made from Pennsylvania to Oklahoma. Yes, we are still in the same country, but sometimes it's hard to believe that simple fact is even true. The one thing I didn't really expect to be that different was serving. I mean it's the same job right? I thought that would be my easiest transition in coming here...I mean serving food is a pretty straight forward job right? Right? Haha...silly me. You see...even within a large company like Red Robin there are a lot of variations among the restaurants. The menu is mostly the same with the exception of a few regional variations, but, as with anything, it is the people that make the difference. So here's my story.
It was my last table of the night. They were a young couple who claimed to be servers themselves. I looked forward to talking to them and laughing with them about "server stuff." The laughing never happened. After the couple placed their order for an appetizer and burgers, I take note that they are arguing with each other. It becomes obvious that the young man is confronting the girl about some issues in their now precarious relationship. Their appetizer arrives...they won't look at me. The onion rings sit for 10 minutes before the girl eats one. The burgers arrive...nothing more is eaten for another 30 minutes. I check on them...they still won't look at me. About 50 minutes after they first arrived, I notice that the girl has left the table(presumably, to use the restroom), so I take the opportunity to offer to-go boxes and their check. The man accepted the offer and even requested to-go drinks and offered me his Red Robin Royalty card with which he had a free burger towards his meal.
As he handed me the Royalty Card he said, "I would like to go outside and smoke, is that okay?" Thinking the guy just had a really rough night and was stressed and, also, that the girl was in the restroom, I respond with..."Yah, that's fine. I have your Royalty Card, so I'll know you be back!" Anyways, I wait another 15 minutes, before realizing the guy wasn't coming back and the girl wasn't in the restroom and that I had been left with a $25 check! Thankfully, my manager did not make me pay for their meal, but he just as easily could have. I don't, honestly, believe that the two came in with the intention of not paying. I think it was a bad decision made by the guy who just broke up with his girlfriend, but it was still wrong. He must have thought that since she wasn't his girlfriend anymore he shouldn't have to pay for her meal! Thanks, Buddy! Moral of the story: Don't discuss relationship problems in a restaurant, it's just rude and provides opportunity for you to make terrible decisions. So, yes, the people make the difference in a restaurant's atmosphere, but let me tell you that people everywhere have one thing in common: They are all crazy!
Also, I love how the Spirit gave me these thoughts about serving. You see, serving changes the one who serves and the ones who are served. It makes me think of how Jesus, the son of God, chose to be servant of all. As a matter of fact, Jesus has a lot to say about serving others. The first thing that comes to my mind, though, is the story found in John 13:3-17. It shows the heart of our Lord and Savior that He came to serve us...out of love, and He shows that the person who also serves others in love are happy. How awesome is it that Jesus set such an example of humility when he washed his disciples feet? The best leaders are those who live a life of service to those they lead.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Serving...Again.
Okay, Okay. So it has been a long while since I last updated this blog. Well, that's life. :) I have to admit, though, that I miss writing in general; therefore, I have decided this would be a good place to start writing again. So, I hope you will find what I choose to share here on this blog with you both entertaining and meaningful. Later this week, I will post my first "real" post in which the format will be pretty consistent with what I have posted in the past. As for today's post I am going to attempt to bring everybody up to date with my life and why I am serving...again.
1. I married my best friend, Jonathan, this past January.
2. I quit working at Pizza Hut in January.
3. I started working at Red Robin in January.
4. I quit working at Red Robin in July.
5. We moved across country in August to attend a Bible school.
6. I wanted to never have to be a waitress again when I began the job search at our new location.
7. God changed my heart and mind...and in the process I was humbled.
8. I began serving at Red Robin (Again!) in September.
Welcome to the updated status of my life!
Final thought for today: Although, I had hoped never to be a waitress again, I am not disappointed in where following God has brought me. As a matter of fact, being a server allows me to meet and influence people all the time! What better service than to be able to show Christ's love? As a matter of fact this scripture will be my motto as I continue in this career choice(and any other vocation I find myself called to): "Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23 AMP
1. I married my best friend, Jonathan, this past January.
2. I quit working at Pizza Hut in January.
3. I started working at Red Robin in January.
4. I quit working at Red Robin in July.
5. We moved across country in August to attend a Bible school.
6. I wanted to never have to be a waitress again when I began the job search at our new location.
7. God changed my heart and mind...and in the process I was humbled.
8. I began serving at Red Robin (Again!) in September.
Welcome to the updated status of my life!
Final thought for today: Although, I had hoped never to be a waitress again, I am not disappointed in where following God has brought me. As a matter of fact, being a server allows me to meet and influence people all the time! What better service than to be able to show Christ's love? As a matter of fact this scripture will be my motto as I continue in this career choice(and any other vocation I find myself called to): "Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23 AMP
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Beautiful voices, eyes...and crazy guys.
Wow! Sometimes I just wonder what a guy's point is in being entirely ridiculous...When I answered the phone today I simply expected to take a person's pizza order, but, then again, many say you should "expect the unexpected." And the unexpected is what caught me by surprise today. I don't necessarily mind when customers call me by certain endearing terms...such as sweetheart or hun, but certain endearments are not meant to be used in such casual ways. Examples of inappropriate endearments towards absolute strangers: Love, Babe, Schnookums, Baby. I mean really? It's just awakward. So Joshua ordered today and he called me "sweetheart" first...not too bad. But then he called me "babe"...that's a little worse. And then...he finished off with "Love"...that's just awful! You don't know me! You don't love me! Don't call me that! But, of course, I maintain my "phone voice" and just hope it turns out to be an old man I was talking to and, maybe, he'll act
totally normal in person. No such luck. 15 minutes later, Joshua walks in the door. He's tall, a little chunky, tattooed up and down his arms...even his neck, and knuckles...and he's as happy as can be. He was confident, maintaining eye contact as much as I would let him,(I'm convinced he just wanted me to see his eyes, because they were a brilliant blue...beautiful eyes) and he tells me what a beautiful voice I had over the phone...and how my face is just as my beautiful voice led him to believe, prettier actually, than he had imagined. And tries to insist that he's not usually so forward...but really? You expect me to believe that? I mean, I know I'm not ugly...and I know my voice is not terribly annoying...but, do I believe that I stopped you in your tracks? No...I believe that you are just looking for a girl whose desperate enough to fall for such advances...Sorry, Josh, it's not me. So, I think I handled it well...I thanked him saying this "Thank you, everyone needs a compliment right?" And I continued with his transaction as fast and calm as possible...hurrying without trying to let him know how flustered he was making me...Well, he left with as many compliments flying as he came in with...as happy as he was when he came in...if he didn't get my phone number, at least he got to have fun and had his pasta and breadsticks to console him. After he left, I dodged into the back and burst into laughter...I just was glad I didn't laugh in his face. Goodness, what would make a person
say such things? I'll never know...So, yes, My beautiful voice led me to meet a man with beautiful eyes who is also a little bit crazy. I love my job...people are the best.
totally normal in person. No such luck. 15 minutes later, Joshua walks in the door. He's tall, a little chunky, tattooed up and down his arms...even his neck, and knuckles...and he's as happy as can be. He was confident, maintaining eye contact as much as I would let him,(I'm convinced he just wanted me to see his eyes, because they were a brilliant blue...beautiful eyes) and he tells me what a beautiful voice I had over the phone...and how my face is just as my beautiful voice led him to believe, prettier actually, than he had imagined. And tries to insist that he's not usually so forward...but really? You expect me to believe that? I mean, I know I'm not ugly...and I know my voice is not terribly annoying...but, do I believe that I stopped you in your tracks? No...I believe that you are just looking for a girl whose desperate enough to fall for such advances...Sorry, Josh, it's not me. So, I think I handled it well...I thanked him saying this "Thank you, everyone needs a compliment right?" And I continued with his transaction as fast and calm as possible...hurrying without trying to let him know how flustered he was making me...Well, he left with as many compliments flying as he came in with...as happy as he was when he came in...if he didn't get my phone number, at least he got to have fun and had his pasta and breadsticks to console him. After he left, I dodged into the back and burst into laughter...I just was glad I didn't laugh in his face. Goodness, what would make a person
say such things? I'll never know...So, yes, My beautiful voice led me to meet a man with beautiful eyes who is also a little bit crazy. I love my job...people are the best.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Long time no see?
Yes, I know it has been waaaay too long since I've posted...and hence I wonder if I should even start posting again. But, if I didn't do it now I may never, and I would hate to say that I just stopped something for no good reason.
So speaking of seeing...has anyone ever seen something odd enough on paper or coin money to spark your interest? And after finding out the oddity didn't add any extra monetary value to the object still find it entirely interesting? Well, I've been looking at the money I receive as tips with a more critical eye...A few days ago I decided to rifle through my money before depositing it to see if there was anything noticeably different. And I actually found a 20 dollar bill which seemed to have the serial number raised similarly to that of Braille...after some research(thanks to Google!), I understood it was simply because it was over-inked and it didn't make it any more valuable than face-value. Still it was interesting to me, however. And then when I found that information, I also discovered something about $20 bills that does add value to them. Some of the new $20 bills are printed with stars next to the
serial numbers...these bills are worth usually at least a couple dollars more than normal bills. They are called "Star Notes", so now I am on the outlook for these. I also came across today a 2006 $5 bill. And, honestly, nothing caught my eye about it, and I can't explain why I decided to look up the new $5 bill design. But I did, and I found out that they started printing in 2008. So why do I have a new design $5 bill...from 2006?!?! Well, it is a commonly known mistake, but it doesn't make it worth anything?! I don't know why...maybe because it is too common of a mistake? Anyways, I keep my eyes open still...for silver notes, wheat pennies, star notes...and anything else I find...it makes my job a little more interesting when I come home and find that my 1 cent wheat pennie...is actually worth 15 cents, not a bad return, huh?
So speaking of seeing...has anyone ever seen something odd enough on paper or coin money to spark your interest? And after finding out the oddity didn't add any extra monetary value to the object still find it entirely interesting? Well, I've been looking at the money I receive as tips with a more critical eye...A few days ago I decided to rifle through my money before depositing it to see if there was anything noticeably different. And I actually found a 20 dollar bill which seemed to have the serial number raised similarly to that of Braille...after some research(thanks to Google!), I understood it was simply because it was over-inked and it didn't make it any more valuable than face-value. Still it was interesting to me, however. And then when I found that information, I also discovered something about $20 bills that does add value to them. Some of the new $20 bills are printed with stars next to the
serial numbers...these bills are worth usually at least a couple dollars more than normal bills. They are called "Star Notes", so now I am on the outlook for these. I also came across today a 2006 $5 bill. And, honestly, nothing caught my eye about it, and I can't explain why I decided to look up the new $5 bill design. But I did, and I found out that they started printing in 2008. So why do I have a new design $5 bill...from 2006?!?! Well, it is a commonly known mistake, but it doesn't make it worth anything?! I don't know why...maybe because it is too common of a mistake? Anyways, I keep my eyes open still...for silver notes, wheat pennies, star notes...and anything else I find...it makes my job a little more interesting when I come home and find that my 1 cent wheat pennie...is actually worth 15 cents, not a bad return, huh?
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Why?
Why do people do the things they do? Like...why does this couple come into the restaurant, walk rudely past me to a table I remember them sitting at before, stand at the table, snap their drink and salad order at me as if I'm in the wrong for not knowing what they want before they say it? Why do they stare at me when I'm asking about their meal as if I shouldn't speak unless spoken to...then when they speak to me seem upset that I didn't anticipate their need? They treat me as if I was created to serve them...and it is an angering thing to realize that. If I didn't know that I was of value, regardless of my occupation, they would make me feel like a second-class citizen for being a waitress.
And why...do two young women order $30 worth of food, which we all know they'll never be able to eat it all...and then leave a tip of $2? You can't tell me they don't know the custom of tipping 10-20%.
Why...do people blame me for the policies put in place by the company I work for? It's not my fault extra cheese is $2 more...or that ranch dressing is 50Cents(even when purchased with wings)...or that Stuffed Crust is ALWAYS $2 more...or that a certain pizza was discontinued...or that the coupons only save you 50 cents? On that last note, if you were willing to pay 15.99 for a large pizza and wings when you had the coupon, then why do you get upset that the day you decide to order it...the wings are on sale making your meal cheaper than expected?...oh, and then you decide to not buy the wings because you can't use your coupon?! Why can't you order the cheaper meal today...and save the coupon for another day!?
And why do people cut you off in the middle of the greeting that you HAVE to say...immediately begin ordering...and then get upset when you ask them to repeat their order after you tell them you have to take their name and phone number before placing an order?
And why do people get upset when you say their name wrong?...It's not my fault someone else entered your name in as Dee in stead of Bea.
Why are people so ridiculously crazy?...Why do I think you'll have an answer? Why won't I just stop writing this post so I can get enough rest to deal with the whys that I'll be asking myself tomorrow when some more customers do strange things?
And why...do two young women order $30 worth of food, which we all know they'll never be able to eat it all...and then leave a tip of $2? You can't tell me they don't know the custom of tipping 10-20%.
Why...do people blame me for the policies put in place by the company I work for? It's not my fault extra cheese is $2 more...or that ranch dressing is 50Cents(even when purchased with wings)...or that Stuffed Crust is ALWAYS $2 more...or that a certain pizza was discontinued...or that the coupons only save you 50 cents? On that last note, if you were willing to pay 15.99 for a large pizza and wings when you had the coupon, then why do you get upset that the day you decide to order it...the wings are on sale making your meal cheaper than expected?...oh, and then you decide to not buy the wings because you can't use your coupon?! Why can't you order the cheaper meal today...and save the coupon for another day!?
And why do people cut you off in the middle of the greeting that you HAVE to say...immediately begin ordering...and then get upset when you ask them to repeat their order after you tell them you have to take their name and phone number before placing an order?
And why do people get upset when you say their name wrong?...It's not my fault someone else entered your name in as Dee in stead of Bea.
Why are people so ridiculously crazy?...Why do I think you'll have an answer? Why won't I just stop writing this post so I can get enough rest to deal with the whys that I'll be asking myself tomorrow when some more customers do strange things?
Monday, May 9, 2011
Pocketful of Change
So, today, I made a big decision on how I'm going to start saving up some of my tips so that I don't have all of it so readily available to spend. So, what's an inconvenient form of money? Coins, of course. Actually, one of the girls I work with gave me the idea of saving all of my change...she said she would do that if she were a waitress, and I started wondering if that wouldn't be a good way for me to save a bunch of money really fast! So, yes, as of today...I will be saving all my change. But, of course, today was also the day someone tipped me $3 in coins! The disadvantage of not exchanging coins for dollars is that coins weigh an apron down sooo much...and then your pocket starts a rendition of "jingle bells" every time you walk! Oh, and I also wanted to discuss the idea of leaving cents as part of a tip. My boyfriend believes it's offensive to leave change, but as a waitress I think it's pretty awesome when people leave dollars and then whatever pocket change they have or even when they pay with their credit cards and round off the charge to even dollars by leaving you cents. Jon's logic is that when you leave change you're insulting their quality of service. My logic is, at the end of day, you are going to have a few extra bucks in your pocket...if a bunch of people leave you a few coins...and the more money the better! In conclusion, a pocketful of change is a wonderful thing!
I have to rant about something ridiculous now. What makes a person think that because they are 30 minutes late to pick up their pizza that we are responsible for it and have to make them a new pizza?! Yes, somebody actually convinced themselves that we were at fault for trying to give them a 30 minute old pizza-thirty minutes after we told them it would be ready. The conversation went like this:
Me: That'll be $12.72, please.
Him: Is the pizza cold?
Me: Umm, no, we've kept it in the warmer for you.
Her: What do you mean you've kept it in the warmer? I know that that pizza has been sitting for thirty minutes. I wanna see it before we pay for it.
(At this point I think I raised my eyebrows really high in a "Seriously?" kind of way. But, of course I show them the pizza...she reaches across him to feel the pizza...decides it's not good enough...even though it is still warm! And demands I make her a new one.)
Me:Okay, ma'am, but it will be a little while until we can have another one.
Her:Yah, ten minutes right?
Me:Ten minutes at least...
Her:That's fine. We'll wait.
So...yes, I go tell my manager what had happened...she was very upset that a customer was so ignorant as to think we were responsible for the state of their pizza...when they were the ones 30 minutes late! And demanded that when they came back, that she speak with them. Well, anyways...these people seriously wanted to take us for everything we had. The lady came inside the store the next time to pick up their pizza...and begins to complain to my manager about the state of the pizza we tried to give her... saying that she was told it would be ready at 12:30, when in fact my manger was the one who told her 12:15..and still they didn't show up until 12:45...not to mention, the lady herself told me that "she knew the pizza had been sitting for 30 minutes. Well, anyways...I'll let you come to your own conclusion when I share these facts: The lady took her new pizza, 2 crayon packets, a huge huge huge pile of napkins, 2 doggie boxes...supposedly because we didn't have plates...and then had the nerve to ask "What are you guys goin to do with that other pizza?" My manager responds "We'll donate it to a charity like we do with all of our pizzas." Obviously, the lady wanted a 2 for one special...People are crazy!
Speaking of crazy: I had a table of two guys...and they were strange. I went to get their order, while one guy ended up being in the restroom. So the other guy orders, but couldn't tell me the answer as to which kind of wing the other guy wanted...so he jumps up and heads towards the restrooms and begins to shout into the men's room the question. No response. He then realizes his friend had ended up in the ladies' room! So he starts laughing, shouts through the door the same question...and beings to make a huge scene about the guy being in the wrong bathroom. I was standing at their table watching it all happen...and my face turned red for their embarrassment! I was just glad there weren't any ladies in the restroom when that man went in there. Crazy people!
I have to rant about something ridiculous now. What makes a person think that because they are 30 minutes late to pick up their pizza that we are responsible for it and have to make them a new pizza?! Yes, somebody actually convinced themselves that we were at fault for trying to give them a 30 minute old pizza-thirty minutes after we told them it would be ready. The conversation went like this:
Me: That'll be $12.72, please.
Him: Is the pizza cold?
Me: Umm, no, we've kept it in the warmer for you.
Her: What do you mean you've kept it in the warmer? I know that that pizza has been sitting for thirty minutes. I wanna see it before we pay for it.
(At this point I think I raised my eyebrows really high in a "Seriously?" kind of way. But, of course I show them the pizza...she reaches across him to feel the pizza...decides it's not good enough...even though it is still warm! And demands I make her a new one.)
Me:Okay, ma'am, but it will be a little while until we can have another one.
Her:Yah, ten minutes right?
Me:Ten minutes at least...
Her:That's fine. We'll wait.
So...yes, I go tell my manager what had happened...she was very upset that a customer was so ignorant as to think we were responsible for the state of their pizza...when they were the ones 30 minutes late! And demanded that when they came back, that she speak with them. Well, anyways...these people seriously wanted to take us for everything we had. The lady came inside the store the next time to pick up their pizza...and begins to complain to my manager about the state of the pizza we tried to give her... saying that she was told it would be ready at 12:30, when in fact my manger was the one who told her 12:15..and still they didn't show up until 12:45...not to mention, the lady herself told me that "she knew the pizza had been sitting for 30 minutes. Well, anyways...I'll let you come to your own conclusion when I share these facts: The lady took her new pizza, 2 crayon packets, a huge huge huge pile of napkins, 2 doggie boxes...supposedly because we didn't have plates...and then had the nerve to ask "What are you guys goin to do with that other pizza?" My manager responds "We'll donate it to a charity like we do with all of our pizzas." Obviously, the lady wanted a 2 for one special...People are crazy!
Speaking of crazy: I had a table of two guys...and they were strange. I went to get their order, while one guy ended up being in the restroom. So the other guy orders, but couldn't tell me the answer as to which kind of wing the other guy wanted...so he jumps up and heads towards the restrooms and begins to shout into the men's room the question. No response. He then realizes his friend had ended up in the ladies' room! So he starts laughing, shouts through the door the same question...and beings to make a huge scene about the guy being in the wrong bathroom. I was standing at their table watching it all happen...and my face turned red for their embarrassment! I was just glad there weren't any ladies in the restroom when that man went in there. Crazy people!
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