Would you look at that? It’s Wednesday-Friday again! I am honoured that Rochelle chose my picture for this week’s prompt. Should you be inspired to write a little 100-word story with a beginning, middle and end, please do so. And click on the frog below to add your link. Or, just go take a look-see at other stories…
The Wait
The snow hadn’t stopped all day. They’d be lucky if half their reservations showed up. While she wouldn’t have minded being told to stay home, she looked forward to a quieter shift – one in which she could take the time with each customer. When the place was full, there was the incessant buzzing of multiple conversations, interspersed with loud hoots and laughter from those who acted like they were in their own living rooms. The clink of glassware, the clatter of cutlery against porcelain just added to the cacophony.
Some thrived on this energy. She, just realised, no longer did.
It takes a lot of energy to do her job – sometimes it just cannot be summoned up. You have written such a great description, Dale, of a busy buzzing hive of a place where a “worker bee” is frustrated by not being able to give the attention she would like, and is therefore reflecting on her future.
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I know. I don’t want to go back…
(And am looking for potential options!)
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Dear Dale,
I raise my glass in a toast to better things on the horizon. I understand. I used to enjoy crowds…hate them now. I love this up close and personal story to go with your stellar photo.
Shalom and lotsa placid hugs,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I raise mine to yours L’Chaim! There is a side of it that I do enjoy, the interaction with the patrons but the whole other? Not so much. Glad you enjoyed!
Shalom and lotsa peaceful love,
Dale
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What is all that white stuff outside? 😊
Nice photo, though.
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Was taken in February… And one of two snowstorms where all the reservations cancelled 😉
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I remember when you posted this photo (or something similar).
I can understand how it could be exhausting. Good luck with the options!
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I think I posted it when I took it, without a story to go with it. Never thought Rochelle would choose it for FF!
Ugh. I’m no longer enthralled with it, to tell the truth.
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Well, at the time it illustrated what was going on. And it is a really good photo for a prompt!
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True enough! And thank you!
I just wish the FF participants had more imagination. I dunno if I can read another 20 stories on empty restaurants because of Covid-19… Ugh. The lack of imagination these past three weeks has been mind-numbing.
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Hahaha.
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😉
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Ah, you take me back to my bar-tendering days. Always happy to whizz around on a busy shift, but equally happy to spend time with the customers when trade was quieter. I guess if I did it now, I would prefer it quite 🙂
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Much prefer when I can schmooze with the guests, myself… When it gets too crazy, you feel like an automaton. No thanks. I think I’ll start looking for something else… you know, a certain cottage industry-type thing 😉
Oh! An idea just came to me!
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And I’m grinning. I think I know where your thoughts are turning. 🙂
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You do, do you? Well dang it… I’d hate to be predictable!!!
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Oh well, I could be wrong… 🙂
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Haha! Right. But you’re probably not 😉
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🙂 Now you’ve teased my curiosity 🙂
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Now it’s been hyped up waaaay too much!!
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Lack of alternative stimulus 🙂
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LOL! 😉
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Could it be something with cakes etc????? Just wondering…..
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Cakes? Not necessarily but not impossible.
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I mean: catering from your own home?! That’s what my little sis wanted to do, until she realised that she loved baking, cooking and standing in the kitchen for hours when she catered for family and friends but not so much for paying ‘customers’…..
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Gawd NO. Been there, done that. And I would have to work myself to the bone to survive financially.
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Exactly! So, it’s dog training then 😉
I always said that one day in the future I’d train guide dogs for blinds and now I’m pretty much in a position to need my own guide dog – -OR maybe I volunteer to be a guide human for blind dogs???? 🙂
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Definitely not. I like dogs… just not that much.
No volunteering. That doesn’t pay the bills.
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A lot of sadness here, Dale
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Indeed…
Time to restart once again…
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Yep, I’m glad I have a job where I get to mostly sit in solitude and don’t have to deal with people! Although even I am getting a bit bored of the empty building I work in at the moment, can’t wait for some colleagues to come back from lockdown! 😉
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Yeah. I kinda wish I had a job where I could keep working, even if from home. Mind you, seeding just my kids’ faces is getting old 😉
Good thing I see others during my walks/runs….
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The awful thing is that people generally don’t make that much noise in their own homes. It’s all about the social pressure to be seen to be having a good time
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I know. Drives me insane both as a patron and as a waiter. That one person who drinks too much and must be the life of the party… Ugh.
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Apart from the lovely photo and your charming story (depicting so well how you felt about it, and rightly so…. – there had to be an end to it!), I was struck by your sentence: ….. hoots and laughter as if they were in their own living rooms! I have (sadly? NO, I’m by nature a joyful, often a bit loud person) never ever thought to be quiet in a restaurant. IF I am in good company, I feel free to show my joy and exuberance – and I’d bloody hate it if I felt that the staff and owners did think we had to treat their place like a morgue or a temple. and now, that we speak of that, we WERE in one of those places, nearby Monet’s Garden in Giverny where not only did we pay an absolute fortune for a very nice and very tiny lunch but although there were no more than maybe 8 tables out of some 20 used, we were the only couple who had the occasional loud laugh at something. WE had a great time, nobody was drunk, but it lacked warmth, charm and the stellar service of the delicious little portions couldn’t warm our hearts. Something to think about – or not, as we decided not ever to return there and get more for our buck somewhere maybe less exclusive but warmer in reception and service. And I’m WAHAAAAY over 100 words, as usual!
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There is a huge difference between enjoying yourselves, laughing and clinking glasses and screeching or cackling in what always sounds a cry for “Look at me!” and disrupting all the other patrons who can no longer even hear their own conversations. The tinkle and burst of laughter is a wonderful thing. When you jump in your seat from the neighbour’s yell is no fun.
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Boy, that sounds like some stag nights in Torquay, UK….. NOT pleasant!
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Fine dining restaurants and stag nights do not mix…
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The only loud noise in a restaurant that really bothers me is someone talking on a cell phone as if he were in a private place. Oh, and a screaming child whose parents apparently are used to it and ignore it.
Good-natured laughter? Wonderful. But I understand your sense of it being time to consider your next option. I did that. I retired in August last year, and do not regret it for a moment. Anyway, I was already sheltering in place when we were told to be safer at home 🙂
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Oh yes. Even in a mall or on the street someone who talks on their phone for all to hear drives me nuts. Uncontrollable kids is a pet peeve of mine.
Yes. Good-natured laughter is lovely. I have been home since March 13th and you know what? If I could stay home forever (but be allowed to travel around) I would!
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Yup. I like it. Although I think I have more than a few years on you, and travel doesn’t have the appeal it used to have, I like it at home!
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They say “You don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.” But for a lot of people now, they never knew what they could have until suddenly they lose what they did have. Now they have peace & quiet; clean air, etc. Methinks others, like yourself, won’t want to go back to the way things were.
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I know I am far from alone. I was already iffy about it before I left for my vacation. It just became solidified upon my return. Sigh. Starting over. Again.
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I suspect some diners feel the same as the wait staff. Fingers crossed your next ‘gig’ provides something a bit more peaceful.
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I not only suspect, I know. You can tell when they keep looking back at the rowdy ones.
Yes, it will be!
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Sometimes it takes a break away from the job to realise you need to reinvent yourself. Great photo and story. 👏🏻
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Indeed! Call it a silver lining to the thing that brings this.
Thank you very much!
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You described the environment perfectly. When I was a server in college some nights I just wanted to scream, “Shut up,” to enjoy that brief moment of silence just before the brief moment of employment was over.
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Oh God yeah. This forced removal from that environment has just confirmed that I no longer want to do it
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You have to watch this Laurel and Hardy film,https://youtu.be/PeWBwbOu_b4
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Oh! I have bookmarked that for after supper. Thanks John!
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Ton of laughs about noise.
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I keep going back and watching another 5 minutes 😉
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Hope you had a laugh.
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I did. Had to stop last night – way too loud!
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I can understand her side of things completely. I’d go stark raging gaga in that kind of environment
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It can be pure hell… You get home and your ears are buzzing like you just came home from a rock concert …
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I wonder if she will get used to a quieter day… or if she needs a longer break.
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I think she needs a permanent break 😉
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Good description of a watershed moment in a person’s life.
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Thank you, Lisa.
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You’re welcome, Dale.
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Nicely put. I sympathize with her.
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As do I 😉
Thank you.
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Oh, I can relate. Back in the day I used to work part time as a waiter for a banquet house. Lots of weddings and parties. After a while the noise and behavior of people got to me. I did it for a few years but when I was done, I never looked back.
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I LOATHE working banquets. At the golf club if I had the option to work the restaurant or the banquet, I always chose the restaurant. Last year was the best as I was working the bar… Then I didn’t mind helping out during service but if I could avoid it…
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People lose all sense of common sense and manners with a few drinks and the ability to “perform” for others. If it weren’t for the people I worked with it would have been awful. I did it part time but even then it was 2-3 weddings a week.
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I very quickly realized this wasn’t a tale, but a real-life experience – so you told it well! Good luck on the next frontier. 🙂
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Let’s just say it was a combination of … yeah, you’re right. No fiction here.
Thank you, Frank! I’m sure you’ll be in the loop no matter where I end up!
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I’m confident that your resourceful nature will come through. Of course, COVID isn’t helping.
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I’m sure it will.
We don’t use that kind of language here…
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Of course you understand that I don’t speak Canadian.
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Just as much as you don’t “understand” sarcasm…
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Yep – and being away from blogging, I’m not even sure what you are talking about. Scarcism? No idea.
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Ummm…nkay…
If you say so.
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I wouldn’t lie … Before shutting down I was working with Marc to try to learn more about it – after all, it is complex. Not sure how much progress he’s made. He also seemed very befuddled.
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Uh huh…
Yes, I did see your exchanges on the subject. He still claims ignorance.
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He’s only telling the truth. It’s complicated stuff.
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He says: We’re still plugging away, but it’s damn near impossible to master
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…. and if he can’t master, I have no hope.
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Well… I am sure he will fill you in, should he manage to.
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It may take a lifetime.
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It may… if you guys are such slow learners…
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It’s like trying to learn Russian and Chinese while climbing My. Everest.
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Good grief. I think you might have exaggerated just a smidgeon.
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Oh no … Not at all. Could even be an underestimation.
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Right then. My bad.
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Q,
It’s one of those things, that when a person knows it’s time to move away from something that used to roust them, then it’s time. The waiting, as Tom Petty once opined, truly is the hardest part. The knowing is easy.
One hundred words, based on a true story.
To next chapters.
B
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B,
It is. Sometimes they know but then fear what lies ahead. Sometimes they are lucky and the decision is forced upon them, giving them the kick in the pants they needed.
Yep. No fiction here…
Q
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Between a kick in the pants and a a pain in the foot, there are signs that should never be ignored.
It can be melancholic, or it can be exciting. Choose the latter, it keeps you young. 🙂
Not a hint . . .
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Yanno? You might be onto something…
And I always choose the latter…
None.
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I do believe I am . . .
The latter is like choosing C on a multiple choice exam. It usually works out well.
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You are.
And right… ummm… when in doubt, choose C and hope to hell the average is good.
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It didn’t work for me in school but hey, maybe things have changed since?
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Hahaha! I seriously doubt it…
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Shout out to Frank while I’m at it!
We’re going to take the Rosetta Stone course on sarcasm . . .
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Buahahaha!!
Do let me know how that works out, would you?
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It’s going to take a while since we’re novices.
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Uh huh… Well still. Do keep me posted
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On it
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Sweet
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😘
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😘
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Dale, this is another excellent tale, as per your usual! I enjoy your stories so much.
Ronda
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Thank you so much, Ronda. Glad you enjoyed.
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Sounds like she needs to move on. Nice take on the photo prompt.
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That she does! Time for a new challenge!
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I am one of those very quiet people. No matter where I go, restaurant, sporting event, concert, my mom’s house, I am always next to the loudest possible people. I can relate to your protagonist.
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Sooo annoying! I have been part of a loud table and when I see it is too much so, I end up shrinking away…
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if anything, it’s a beautiful noise when folks are enjoying themselves. they tend to be repeat customers. 🙂
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ALL the customers at this restaurant are repeat customers… Most of them have class. Some, not so much.
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Sometimes a quite environment is better and away from such distractions. But, if she can handle that long period of quite then its up to her and find out if she much prefer quite or people around. Excellent write, Dale.
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Let’s just say that this perticular she has come to the realisation that this scene is no longer her thing…
Thank you, Charlie.
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Fair enough. Some scene isn’t for others.
You are welcome my good friend. 🙂
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🙂
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I wouldn’t be able to take it. I have a hard enough time being in a loud restaurant, let alone working and keeping a happy face. Well, I hope “she” does find another option that appeals to her energy instead of drains it…
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I did it for a while.. That time is now to come to a close
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A good friend of mine, who works in the restaurant industry and has probably held every position other than owner (though she’d done the work of some, for sure) at some point, and still manages to juggle many hats to feed home-staying New York, would probably nod at every word and agree, viscerally.
I don’t think she thrives on that energy anymore, either. It is what it is, but there’s no craving for it.
I’m sending this to her. … 🙂
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There is a time where this is fun and exciting and you thrive on the electricity. I’m just done with working my tail off for peanuts, in the end. Especially where I worked prior to this situation.
Awwww… How kind are you?
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I think people in the restaurant industry are not paid nearly enough. Period. There is no good reason to not make a living wage in any job one holds, let alone when people work so incredibly hard and on their feet for long hours to serve others.
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Sometimes it comes as a revelation, sometimes it just creeps up on you but it definitely come and hits you like a sledgehammer. Follow that realisation 💜💜💜
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Indeed… I tried the restaurant to see the difference with the golf club. In this case it was way too much like the golf club. The patrons are all regulars ! I’m definitely following my realisation. 🧡🧡🧡
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Excellent 💜
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🙂 🧡
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Indeed. I have friends who work in the service industry, including in the restaurant business – and I know many who waitress and tend bar and clean tables and take orders — and none of them are paid sufficiently. Let alone these days. This is not a new realization for me, but perhaps it is becoming clearer to others, and hopefully this can bring on change.
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It is way worse in the States than here, though. Here, the minimum hourly wage for service people is $10.05 – plus their tips. I know you guys can be as low as a couple of bucks…
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Yes, in some states. In NYS it is now illegal to pay less than minimum wage, but then there are some who take the pay out of the tips … which is a whole different kind of wrong. …
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No kidding. I’ve heard of that. I am not crazy about the way I’m (was) paid. It was only advantageous when there were few customers… the rest of the time, I felt I was being screwed
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Yeah … it is such hard work and all too often not rewarded fairly (or not fairly enough). I’d be happy to pay more for eating out if it means the staff was fairly compensated.
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I hear you…loud and clear.
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It depends on the place but yeah, some are truly not paid enough, or get screwed out of their proper share.
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True. There are places that pay reasonably and compensate appropriately, but there are too many places that do not, and with little enforcement. My friends had to endure employers who did not pay them, who held on to tips meant for employees, who delayed salaries “because they didn’t have the cash” (yeah….I know), and who paid hourly ‘wages’ that were no wages at all (i.e. all tips, which were then also not paid on time) … Granted, there are also many decent owners, it is just that people don’t always know the reality of wait staff in places they go to, and should not assume it’s all okay. XOXO
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This is how I feel about my last job. At least at the golf club I didn’t feel like I was being screwed over.
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Good. No messing with you or I’ll come at them with my cane … 😉
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Haha!
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😀
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“It’s so beautiful,” she said before a sip of her Chardonnay. “Don’t you think?” Sam turned to me then, waiting for a response.
“Yeah, sure,” I mumbled, toying with the calamari that I wasn’t sure was real or was pig anus. The dipping sauce was good though.
I looked out at the fresh snow that was lightly laying another layer of white on the outside world, and turned back to the dining room. The waiters were beginning to light the candles at each table. Our server was approaching our table.
“Listen,” I started, “ummm … we need to talk. Now.”
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That was great! Why don’t you just link up your fabulous story (that puts mine to shame) directly?
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There is no shame involved in people sharing their stories. Stop it!
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Well, I love what you did!
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I tried to share it. It’s there on the Green Frog page, but not quite right.
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You need to write a blog post and put the URL…
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I did that, but it doesn’t have my profile picture on it like everybody else’s. And I couldn’t figure out how to post a copy of the picture prompt in my blog post. (Actually, I could have figured it out. Just didn’t have the patience for that tonight.) 🙂
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You have to upload your picture 😉
As for including the picture, you just have to save a copy to your files and insert it into your post…
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That’s what I figured. Next time!!!
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You bet!
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I think we are learning the downsides to volume models in business–full planes, concerts, theme parks for example. Nothing wrong with toning down the frenzy a bit. Quality over quantity.
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I hear ya, Andrea…
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And I love what you did with this … the thing that works … until it no longer works anymore. The pleasure in quiet moments and real interactions with the customers … instead the never-ending rush.
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Thank you, Mark. It’s definitely how I’ve been feeling lately. This forced break has been a confirmation of what I’ve been ruminating on since I started there (after a mere month…)
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We all need these times to ruminate. I’m struggling with whether I made the right decision to retire — I’m worried about whether the work and income I need will materialize — but, ultimately, I desperately needed to end the stress that was my day job. I made the right decision, as did you!, just need to put in place the things needed to ensure continued security and stability.
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I think you made the right decision and it’ll just be a reorganizing of what you still find necessary and what is not. This crazy thing we are living has shown a lot of us that we need a lot less than we thought we did.
I didn’t make the decision; it was made for my by the closing of the restaurant, However, I don’t want to still be available when (if) they reopen. So. Yeah… I’ve got me some soul searching (and job hunting) to do. Thankfully my government is helping me out financially till then…
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Yeah. It’s amazing what other countries are doing for those harmed by this as compared to the minimal level of help the U.S. government is providing.
And I agree, it would be wonderful if people could recognize they simply do not need all they’ve convinced themselves they need as a result of this.
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Of course, come tax time next year, it’s gonna bite us all in the ass but if we’re smart, we will plan for that…
I like to think more of us will recognize that the simple things bring much more joy. I know, rose-coloured glasses…
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I imagine the busy working environment would grow old quick. Might be a personality thing. Such realism captured.
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It does. And yes, I have the personality to do it and while I’m in the fray, it’s okay… but after… meh…
Thanks, T!
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Sounds like it’s time for her to hand over the reins.
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Indeed. And is what she plans to do 😉
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Look in the little corner… you’ll see me quietly smiling and raising my glass to changes! 😉 clink clink!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
ps I’ve always wondered why some people feel an urge to make noises when in public places! 🙄
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Oh hey! Hi there Marina! Do come in! (So weird/sad, I am watching the news where I just learned one of our helicopters crashed off the coast of Greece as I am answering your comment.)
🥂 xoxoxo
PS I don’t know why some people feel the need to be such a centre of attention. Ugh.
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I just checked… NATO just confirmed that 5 are missing and one died. It crashed on Italian FIR, off Greece. So strange and I don’t think there’s bad weather or strong winds… So sad.
IKR!
clink
xoxoxoxoxoxo
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I know. It’s our shitty helicopters.
Clink!
xoxo
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🙄….
Clink xoxoxo
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I understand the feeling of wanting to move on, but not being sure where to move. Good luck figuring that one out! I do know that if I ever make my way back to restuarant staff again, it needs to be in the kitchen. The front of the house has no allure for me nowadays. Good luck!
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I think the ideal for me would be to own an airbnb where I could cook AND entertain 😉
I’m rather good at front of the house, to be honest… the hours are a killer, though. My feet are not impressed with the whole thing 😉
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Oh yes. So. Many. Hours.
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Yeah… I’m no longer of the age to want to give all. of. my. time 😉
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Sounds like it’s time to change jobs.
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That it is!
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Congratulations, Dale, for knowing the way you wanted to go when you came to a crossroad.
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Thank you, Ina. It’s one thing to know, it’s another to actually find an alternative!
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True, but that is where the adventure enters! I love watching two of my sons, who were in precarious situations in their jobs caused bu the covid-19 environment, struggle on and arrive in new places that are a better fit. I agree it is scary, though.
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Yes indeed!
I am looking forward to what lies ahead
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Ha! Some more autobiography!
Your prose reflected the smart and comfortable atmosphere of the restaurant in your picture – very nice! I hope you manage to find a more congenial job quickly.
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Yeah, I know… I suck at fiction 😉
Thank you, I’m glad that came across and thank you. I sure hope I will!
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Change is scary and recognising when you need a change is brave and wise. Good luck! I taught in busy active classrooms for years – nowadays I’m back to the quiet self I was a a child. I don’t regret teaching at all but semi-retirement (writing, gardening…) feels like coming home to myself.
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Thank you! I am so ready for retirement or part-time work… if only I could afford to!
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I’m so glad you’re out of that business. You seemed tired a lot of the time, but still willing to do your job with a smile. Thanks for sharing some of your personal story. Lish
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Yeah… well, until I find something else, I am sort of still in the business (assuming my restaurant reopens one day).
However, I am already on the hunt for something new.
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At least you have time took! Thank goodness. I hope you find a sweet spot. Lish
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There is that! It is one of the many silver linings of this situation.
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Beautiful shot Dale… rich and pristine.
Nice write, with an important realization at the end.
You’ve made me think; Stop The World, I want to get off!
Cutlery clatter is bone wracking.
I was lousy at waitressing. I was the only one who owed money at the end of shifts. ⚡️💥
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Thank you. It was just before the restaurant opened for the evening crowd, which was next to nil.
Thank you. It made me think, too.
The cutlery is half bad. It’s the loud cackles of those who can’t hold their drink nor their manners that gets my goat.
The thing is, I’m actually quite good at it. But it is very hard on my feet and back. so… NEXT!
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Next is good! We might have to get through C19 first!
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No kidding.
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Sounds exhausting but rather fun too.
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It can be. Both.
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Sounds like someone needs a new job with adventure to back it! Actually, I don’t mind crowds so much, the more the merrier. It’s a stimulus thing for me. I get a charge out of it. This is a really nice pic, Dale. The color and lighting are super! Hope the food was as good as yours if not better (but, then again, what could POSSIBLY be better than yours, yes?) 😉
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Yep. I’m done with serving. Most times I have fun but it’s hard on my feet. Crowds don’t bother me, either. Glad you enjoyed the pic. The food is really good and their clients are all regulars, which is a good sign. My cooking’s fine but not restaurant quality! 🙂
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Well, I gotta say it was a super good-looking photo. I had the same problem in the TV studio. Too much standing. I sat down a few times, but I had enough. And footwear can be a problem, not so much in comfort, but for professional style.
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Well, I am glad you liked the photo. Tell me about the footwear. If another tells me to invest in good shoes, Imma sock it to ’em! I have gone through five pairs. I am now listening to my feet who are yelling at me to switch!
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Well, footwear for waiters and waitresses, to me, was always elegant and I’m sure not comfy on the tootsies, but they looked great. It’s just too bad they can’t invent a comfortable shoe that lasts long and looks elegant. Although, with this quarantine, I’ll just bet you someone has — since he or she had the time! 😀
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I actually have a nice pair that is functional as well… however. I’m done. My left foot is a mess and keeps telling me that it is not pleased with me.
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I wonder what lies ahead? Perhaps somehing exciting and big.
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I wonder too! I sure hope so!
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So well done, Dale! I could feel the energy of a loud and buzzing place from your writing. 🙂
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Thank you, Robin. So glad I got that across. 🙂
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Good side, bad side! Good job.
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Thank you, Eugenia!
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I think we all crave the quiet sometimes. I’m not sure I’ll like it when everything is so busy again in the future. Great story. I worked in a hotel restaurant years ago. When it was busy we’d pray it was quiet but when it was quiet the time would drag. Maybe a steady flow is best x
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I know what you mean Cathryn! Glad you liked.
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You captured the mood well here Dale. I can sympathise with you, I’ve also reached that stage where the background noise in a busy place is just too intrusive. Hopefully, something else will turn up for you.
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Thank you, Michael. I’m sure something will.
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