Update.

A week or so ago, I wrote about the truck driver that complained I hadn't taken care of him.
He came in last week (I wasn't there) and apologized to the hostess! He told her, "I was out of line, I'm sorry if I was rude," etc. I was super surprised and really not expecting that.

I guess there is some good left in this world! Or someone told him he was a dick.

Nosy Rosie.

When you go out with a member of the opposite sex who pays for you, do you check the tip if you have a chance to do so surreptitiously? Does it affect your opinion of them? Would you call someone out on a really bad tip?

I went out for drinks with a boy the other night and he paid the check while I was in the bathroom, which I thought was sweet (and I hope it didn't look like I timed it cause I just really had to pee), and then he went to the men's room before we left and I looked in the checkbook. It was like, 40%! I don't know if he expected me to look and wanted to impress me or what, but it certainly worked!

Sorry, I haven't been brushing up on my ESP.

So on Mondays, I'm by myself for two hours. It's normally fine, I can handle a lot.
At the time, I have a three-top, a deuce, two singles, and I had just gotten a big to-go. I make sure all my sitting tables are served and happy, and I go about wrapping up the to-go, getting all the accoutrements, adding the check, whatever.
One of my single guys around the corner comes up to the register and angrily demands his check. He had a small bill and I did it in my head and told the hostess, as my to-go had just come in and I had a few more things to put together. I hear the customer and hostess having a bit of a heated conversation, so after he left I asked what the hell this one's problem was. We get a lot of truck drivers from New Century and they are almost always rude and cheap, entitled 'regulars.'
Apparently the conversation went like this:

Customer: I guess coffee is a hot commodity around here, I only got one cup.
(Keep in mind I asked if he needed anything when I delivered his food, and did the necessary check-back)
Hostess: Well, why didn't you ask for another cup?
Customer: I shouldn't HAVE to. The service was lacking a bit today.
(wtf?)
Hostess: We don't know what you want unless you ask, sir. And as you can see, she's a little busy.
Customer: Busy? There's four tables here!
Hostess: She's by herself and is also doing a big to-go.
Customer: She doesn't look THAT busy.
Hostess: Well, she is. She's wrapping up a big to-go right now, and they take time. You know, I really don't have to explain it to you.
Customer: Well, I'll be back to talk to the OWNER.
Me/Hostess: Have a great day!

Oooookay dude.

Damnit, Christmas.

At least once a year around this time, I get a table that pays with a gift card - doesn't take a cent out of their wallet for the lovely meal and service I have provided them with. Seriously, this bitch is bubbly as hell and I try and make you happy, I do.
And THEN, the douchebags don't take a cent out of their wallet for a tip. I will remember you, middle-aged couple. I will remember your faces, and I will be cold to you next time you come in.

A very stark contrast, two weeks ago I had a deuce who did it RIGHT. A table in my station slipped me a twenty and said, "please put that toward that couple's bill, try and wait until we leave."
So I did. As I dropped the check, I pulled out the twenty and told them someone wanted to pay for some of their meal. They were flattered and excited, and tipped me a ten on a not-quite-thirty-dollar tab.  It was a pleasant surprise for this jaded little waitress.

Back to work..

Vacation was lovely. We had dinner in the Eiffel Tower, visited 16 casinos, went on the roller coaster, met the Thunder Down Under, had fancy cocktails and extravagant dinners.

Now... back to reality. Taking orders, pretending to care how you're doing today, getting shitty tips, and doing sidework. Ugh.