Weird day today.

We have an online scheduling system. You can send a message out to ask for shifts, you can release a shift to pick up, etc. I grabbed a shift today for server, but a glitch gave me the host shift. I showed up dressed for host when they expected me to serve. A whole lot of mess, other people called out, I ended up serving in the bar area which I've never done before.

The bar area is half/half bartender and a server. With the games today, everyone wanted to be there to be able to see the TVs. After the night server came in, I was helping the host with to-go's and seating while my tables finished up and I did my sidework.
A couple insisted on sitting at a certain table - bartender's section. I brought them over, and bartender scolded me, "You see this table has menus still and the bar is full, why are you seating me?"
I told him they wanted that table and I could ask someone else to take it. It just made me feel very small.

Today was good and bad.

Two contradicting stories.

I'll start with the bad news.
Last night, a coworker had a party of 15-ish. Normally she's all over it, she loves the big bills and hopefully big tip. But this table was horrible from jump, stopped every server that walked by to complain, etc. Poor R kept coming into the kitchen with recooks, saying she was going to scream or cry or both. Then, (of course) they're asking for a manager. I don't know what was said or decided, but they ran out on a $200 tab. R went back to the table, and all of their food was mostly eaten even after all the complaints, and they even left some of their kids' jackets in their rush to run. I don't think they called the cops, God knows why.

But, the good news. I always read this, and have now seen it happen.
One of our girls has gotten a second job - I don't know if she's leaving, or just doing both, but she'll be cutting her hours. A table of her regulars gave her a $1000 tip the other night. She came into the kitchen crying, and I don't blame her.

I don't know what I'm doing.

My corporate place gave me a hell of a run-around when I decided I didn't want to be manager. So, I applied to a bunch of other places - I have to pay my bills, right?

I'm not officially on the schedule again, picking up shifts when I can, but I had an interview today at a place I think might be a better fit and they really want me.

But, funny story from tonight - a guy came in with a stolen credit card to pick up a to-go. When they run the card, it comes up as fraudulent so my manager calls the cops and stalls the guy. He waited for almost an hour before giving up and leaving, but police caught him in the lot. I'm not sure what happened after that, if they took him in or not. But honestly, you steal a card and come in for take-out? and you know the card is stolen and wait for that long?

Just kidding.

Management (or at least the training) was not for me. I don't know if it was the program or myself, but I was too overwhelmed and felt that I would be unhappy doing it. I have too much respect for the company and for myself than to work in a position I wouldn't be my best at. I didn't like the cooking and prep in the back of house, couldn't imagine getting the hang of all the paperwork and line checks that go into opening, and if I'm in the front of the house I want to be serving, not doing table visits and dealing with complaints. I felt disorganized and always in the way, asking stupid questions I should know the answers to.
I told them exactly that, and that I was flattered that I was picked to be moved up, and they were totally understanding that it was not for everyone. I'm kind of hanging in the balance right now, they said they would try to get me back on the serving schedule at my old store ASAP, but I'm not really sure what my options and next steps are.
I'm back on the job hunt, because serving at this location just wasn't quite paying the bills and I'd need a side piece. I kind of feel like a failure, but Boyfriend made me feel better, because he told me it takes a lot of courage to start something new, and even more to admit you don't want to.

I like to have knowledge about the menu.

But I haven't eaten everything on it! I don't eat meat, and I feel like a real heel when someone asks me how the ribs or a steak are. "oh, I don't know, I'm a vegetarian."

I usually stick with, "it's one of our most popular" or "I've never had any complaints!"
I try to be straight with my customers, and they usually appreciate the honesty. I tell them I've never had it myself.

I still think it's strange to ask, "is this good?" or something like that. You might like well-done steaks while your partner likes them rare, sometimes people put a lot of salt on their food and some people have dietary restrictions. I love pickles, my best friend hates them. How can you ask a blanket statement such as, "is this good?" and expect your server to know what your tastebuds enjoy?

Moving on Up

I've been promoted.

I know I love my customers, although I complain about them constantly.
They want me to be an Assistant Manager, which means after my training, I will not be serving anymore. I'm really nervous because it's going to be looong days and training out the ying-yang.
Oh, but the money will be so good. I can't wait to pay off all my debt.

I feel so good and so appreciated that they recommended me; and everyone agreed that I was a good choice. Good news is, I'll probably have better stories when I'm dealing with the complaints!

Okay, so the drama.

The other day, I'm minding my own business, and I hear/see a lady screaming in the front of the restaurant.
The story goes: she and her dining partner were blocked in by our delivery truck. The dining partner (coworker, husband?) ask the driver to move, and he does. He waits for 5-10 minutes and they don't return to move the car. So Driver moves back, he has to finish his delivery and go on to his others. 

The lady comes out and immediately tears into Driver. "All I did was go to the bathroom, WTF you  effing this and that," etc. So Driver tells her, "okay. You asked me to move, I did. Then you disappeared. I would have moved a second time, but you caught an attitude, so nah I'm gonna finish my job."

Lady comes back in to the restaurant, our assistant manager says he'll talk to Driver, who tells him the same story and, "I'm going to finish unloading, if you want me to move, call my boss." Since technically, we are not the boss of Driver, we only employ the delivery company.

So. While AM is doing that, our GM comes out to talk to her and she again immediately says, "this is fucking absurd, I have to get back to work, etc etc," just losing her mind. GM is trying to tell her they're working on a resolution and please stop yelling and cursing. She walks out and calls the police and the Department of Transportation, who both tell her she's insane and wasting their time. 

Finally, truck gets moved. But she's not done. She comes back in to tell my GM he's a POS who sucks at his job (and believe me, that's the cleaned up version). 

He follows her out and tells her: "Real fucking mature. I was trying to have a conversation with you and tell you we were fixing it - you screamed and cursed and walked out. Go fuck yourself, I hope you're late enough to lose your job."

My First Trainee!

I went to a coaching workshop last week set up by corporate for team members to learn how to effectively train new hosts/servers/bartenders in the "brand style." I got to meet people from other stores in the state, and spend 8 hours roleplaying and practicing the "compliment sandwich" - a compliment, constructive criticism, another compliment. It was actually pretty fun, but the hour and a half drive either way and sitting in a conference room all day left me absolutely beat.
So I have a few "homework assignments" before I'm an official trainer, such as teaching my GM how to do basic stuff to show I can be an effective coach, but they threw a trainee at me anyway and I feel really good about it. It was nice to be able to go through everything, tell her the things I felt I didn't learn in my training, just set her up for success! She told me yesterday she had to work with someone else on a day I was off, but she was so glad to be back with me because that's where she started and she felt most comfortable. Her validation is on Monday, wish us luck!

Later tonight or tomorrow, I'll write a post about how my GM cursed out a lady yesterday and it was the greatest day of my life.

What I wish people understood about restaurants.

Just because there are empty tables, does not mean you don't have to wait.
I was reading some random restaurant reviews, like I do, and one was 1-star because, "we had to wait even though there were five empty booths."

We have specific sections, and servers have specific tables.
The table you "need" may be in a closed section. We would have to pull someone from their other customers to run over and take care of you. Which we will do, as soon as we can.
If you want the service you *expect* (and I think you're the type of person who needs 100% attention), you might have to wait ten minutes so you can be seated with a server who has the time and resources to give you the standard of service the restaurant, the server, and you, expect.

a complaint and a compliment.

With school starting, we've lost a lot of people. The schedule is weird, everyone is working many days in a row and not their usual shifts. I worked my first night since I started and it was bananas.
I walked in to them changing the seating chart and everyone running around. Fine, I'll run food and clean tables until my station clears. But then - I get triple sat. I ran to the big table, got their drinks and they were ready to order. Did all that. Went to the other table (three ladies), told them I was really sorry and thank you for your patience.
They told me, "we didn't know what was going on, we were sat first, we didn't think you were taking care of us."
I told them, "I'm very sorry, I wasn't sure who was here first, but now that they're taken care of I can focus on you ladies!"

They ordered (cheap of course), and I kept an eye on them as long as they were there. Refills of Diet, etc. They were always fine, never complained about their food or said they needed anything. I thanked them again for holding on as I brought their check.

When they left, they told a manager it was the worst service they ever had. That I had to check back with them three times for their order, and still mixed it up. He gave them nothing because it sounded nothing like me (I always write everything down) and they just wanted something - which he didn't give them. And of course 0 tip.

I had a table next to them that told me they had heard them complaining and didn't understand. They said the service was great (and complimented me to the manager) and the food was perfect.

It all evens out.

I guess he liked it.

So he put a ring on it!
My work husband, I was so worried about the attraction one year ago, is now going to be my real. life. husband. He remembered the beautiful ring I noticed back then when we first started dating, and saved for it. Gave it to me while I was vomiting and at my worst, carsick and dehydrated.
Goes to show, Dear Reader. You never know when you will find your soulmate, and sometimes the universe works in mysterious ways.

A pleasant surprise.

Today was a weird day. I walked in to everyone running around, the kitchen backed up, because there were a bunch of larger parties. I get sat with one table, once they're taken care of I start doing what I can to help my coworkers. Run food, bus tables, the usual. I'm still not really getting sat because my station can't accommodate the bigger parties, so I'm just doing busywork.

I'm cashing out my one table, with my MOD because they have a coupon, and as I'm walking through the kitchen again (I have not been away from my station more than five-ten minutes) he stops to ask if 43 is mine. I say yes, and he tells a couple says they've been waiting for 20 minutes with no service.
I said, "That can't be possible! I've only been away from my section for as long as I was with you!"
He says, "I know that was an exaggeration, just get over there and tell them I grabbed you to take the table. You're not blaming anyone and it sounds like you're doing them a favor."
Verrrrry clever.

So I'm not looking forward to this. The exaggerated wait time means they're going to be difficult. They're rolling their eyes, but I grab their drinks and their order and tell them I'm very sorry, I'll take care of them. Of course, I mess up their order. 
Completely my fault, I hit the wrong button on the POS. They're rolling their eyes again, I get the right order out and of course have it comped. At this point, I was going to take care of their check if it wasn't because I was so embarrassed.

Okay, so I've run their card and I can tell they're still aggravated, but they're all boxed up and ready to go. I give them the receipts and a pen to sign and tell them again, I'm very sorry. She hands me a cash tip, which was about 20% on the bill before the comps, and says, "I know it wasn't your fault."

I was really, really shocked. I told her the order mess-up was my fault and I was sorry again, I hope they come back soon. And you know what, I meant it.

I figured it out.

I'm making the same per-hour tips as I did at the diner. You know, like 40 in 4 hours. But I honestly feel, throughout the day, that I'm making nothing.
The reason is, I'm making the same tips, just on higher bills. At the diner, I was grateful for a five because the bills were only 15-20 for two people. Now, I have a two-top with a $50 tab giving me 5.
So, I'm making the same money because the tips are the same - but my percentage is way low. I know it's not me. That's all I keep telling myself, "I know it's not me."

"So.. what's your REAL job?"

I think I've posted about this before. People seem to think of servers as servants, obviously, and there must be something else for us.

A few weeks ago, a customer had stopped me to give me his rewards card and I ran it. He had hidden his credit card to pay behind the check slip and I simply didn't see it. He asked me for his card back and I said I didn't receive one. So, already knowing where it was, he pulled it out and said, "are you going to college or something? Probably Biology."
Whatever that means, I laughed it off and said, "hey, close, it's Anthropology." He responded, "I could have guessed." Again, whatever that means. Dude probably didn't even know what Anthro is.

So for the 4th I'm with my mom and some friends who ask about the new job. One of them is pretty concerned if I graduated and what I'm doing now.
My mom snaps back, "Exactly what she's doing."

Well, that was new.

Okay, so I've never worked in a place that sells alcohol before. I've also never worked corporate before. You might be able to see where this is going.. I had to cut someone off today.

A man and his girlfriend came in today for lunch, ordered cocktails. The man finished his before I had their order, maybe 10 minutes, and ordered another. I probably shouldn't have even given him the second so quickly, but I didn't even think twice and they were sitting and eating. They finished their appetizer, their meals, and he ordered a different cocktail. When I was going to put it in the computer, I realized it hadn't even been 45 minutes since his first.

I know when I was hired, it was dug into my head to always check ID and be careful when serving liquor. So I asked my manager to double check, I wasn't sure what the time frame was when serving cocktails. She said no, don't give him another.
So I went to tell the guy that according to policy, I couldn't give him another right now, but if they wanted to sit a little, maybe order something else, they were welcome to hang out and enjoy the company and another cocktail in a bit.
"Are you serious?"
"Well, what if I cash out with you and go sit at the bar?"

I told him that probably wouldn't work, my manager was right there and she keeps track of the cameras so she would know he came from a table (kind of trying to hide the fact I had said something, also just kind of nervous and unsure what to say). Well, he didn't like that. He wanted the manager at his table, come to find out he wanted her to SHOW him the policy that he couldn't have another drink.
So she's in the office, trying to find the appropriate paperwork to print out, and he's at the kitchen door every time I come and go, saying how he wants to see the policy, he wants his receipt, and more "are you SERIOUS?!"

I was actually kind of nervous at this point. This is a big guy, pissed off, hovering around in my station so I'm actually embarrassed going to my other tables. Finally, I gave him his change and receipt ($10 change from a $100 bill, the book empty when he left), and the manager showed him the paperwork, although he still said he was going to book a BIG complaint.

Luckily, my manager, as I was cashing out, told me she had my back and I had done everything right with that table, from double checking the drink timing to cutting him off.

Run-in with an old customer.

Today, I guess Sunday is a family-type day, we had a bunch of big parties. I didn't take the 9 or 13, but I only had a few that were less than 4. I took one of 6 out of my section because that server hadn't arrived yet, but right next to my own couple tables.

I go and start to get their drink orders, as I do I recognize one man from my old diner and immediately regret it. He just needs attention. So I grab all their drinks and tell them, "I'm just going to check on my other tables so they're okay and I can focus on your order, guys."
Only two checks, Diner Man and his wife, and then I guess somebody's daughter/husband and their two kids on another. I take their order, DM's wife literally replacing or getting on the side everything on her sandwich. I saved the order pad to show my boyfriend when I got home, her little section was just full of small scribbles and cross-outs. Of course they give her the wrong onions, but that turned out alright I guess, she took both home.
So as I'm trying to clear out my station so I can make sure I'm there for when the food comes out, I see DM talking to my manager. I don't think anything of it, maybe they know each other. After it all comes out and I get them settled, my manager comes to me and says, "What happened at table 10?"

Me: Uh.. ?
Manager: Well, he came to tell me they waited 30 minutes for their food and they didn't see you once in that time.
Me: (explains I recognized him and I probably shouldn't have taken the table at that point knowing how much attention he would need) I mean, I was walking by them, I was peeking at their drinks, no one needed refills or anything, what was the problem?
Manager: (checks the computer, their food had taken 20.) Well, it's not just after their food, you need to constantly be checking. And he wants a ginger ale.
Me: Did they need something?
Manager: No.. they just didn't see you.

Now, this is a tie for my favorite manager. I think he knew the guy just wanted something to complain about but needed to say something. So the guy gets his ginger ale and a refill (not free) before they leave.

So they're done. Keep in mind he is the ONLY person that complained about anything and the rest of the table was super understanding at the *wait* (20 minutes for 6 people in a full restaurant) and found me delightful.
I bring the checks, he opens his and says, "Well, you're going to take the ginger ale off my check because I had to wait so long for my food." Allllright. I take the checkbook back and say, "okay I'll grab my manager to do that," and he stops me saying "WAIT, don't you NEED my CARD?"
Like I was being silly for assuming he would want a correct print-out before he handed me his payment. Then he had me stand there for a good 30 seconds while searching his wallet for the card. And after he had me run his card, double-checked the ginger ale was off.
He gave me 15%, the other check gave me 20%, it worked out. And my manager didn't say another word.

I mentioned it to a coworker and she said, "Well, what are you supposed to do besides refill drinks if you have to? Just go over to say howya doin?"

Some people just want to complain, I don't get it. Why not enjoy time with your family instead of worrying about how long your food is taking? I would understand if I felt someone was looking for a reason not to leave a tip, but this feels like whining for the sake of whining.

Otherwise, today was a great day. I worked with good people. My tables were great and understanding and I'm really getting the hang of my timing. And my foot/ankle is holding up which I am so thankful for because this is the work I enjoy.

One step at a time.

I've been having those server dreams again. This time, I can't get the orders in the computer because my swipe card doesn't work and no matter who I grab (manager, GM, even more higher-ups) they can't figure it out and keep leaving me on my own and I have a horrible customer following me around telling me what a shitty job I'm doing.
I think I'm feeling very overwhelmed because I know I'm a great server, but I just can't quite get my timing yet with adding the computer in. But, as with anything, it's one step at a time. You may be overwhelmed with tables and feel like you'll never catch up. You may not be able to get this customer out until you chase down your manager to key in a coupon, but it WILL END. My server mantra has always been one step at a time, keep moving forward.

Get that refill. Get that order in. Forgot a ranch? Grab it while you're running past the bar to get that Corona you also forgot. The shift will be over soon enough, especially if you're running around, and then you can take a breath, a sip of water, and that pee break you've been holding in for 2 hours. You might be suffocating for 30 minutes, but it always ends! That's the beauty of it!
Just remember to keep a smile on your face, apologize to the customer (even if they haven't actually been waiting that long, if they see you're a little overwhelmed but still committed to them they're likely to be more understanding if they have to wait for something else), and just take that next step forward.

You know how some people just take up a lot of space?

I don't mean physically, like overweight or anything like that. They just have.. a big presence and you can tell they figure they think they always have the right-of-way? We'll call her Miss Big (the boyfriend just caught me typing and made a Sex and the City reference, so we'll stick with it).
She comes off nice enough, asking for favors and calling you honey baby sweetie. But really, she's just using you to get all the work done so she can bother the host stand to triple seat her and just go around making the money. "Can you follow me baby?" "Do me a big favor and take this to 43?" I'm sure you can picture it.

Well, she's a stickler for sidework though I never see her doing any (squeaky wheel gets the grease and all that). So every time I'm trying to leave, I ask at least two or three people, "how's the kitchen look? do you want me to stock anything? I'll double check silverware one more time." And it's always, "No no everything looks good just get on home I'll see you later!" I never ask her because it's always "go grab one more box of straws, you need to do silverware."
I was opener last week which means I give out the sidework AM shift, and a new girl asked me what should be done. She was a host before, so she's known Miss Big. I told her I just checked the silverware, we can just go through the kitchen but we should be good. Miss Big starts talking to her in Spanish right in front of my face! I asked when she walked away, and New Server Girl said, "oh she just told me to double check the silverware." How rude is that?

Anyway, I don't know if she doesn't like lemons or is just lazy, but she's always on me about the damn lemons! One day last week I had opened and been there late, I had been clocked out twenty minutes just waiting for my boyfriend to pick me up. I go to leave and she's on me about the lemons. The silverware. Another girl said "just GO HOME it's fine." Apparently after I left, Miss Big said "well, now YOU'RE going to have to do her work."
So today as shift lead I give out the sidework again. I gave a girl I like an easy one, took an average one for myself so I didn't look like I was trying to be sheisty, and just distributed the rest to whoever was there with no thought. I noticed we're running low on lemons and checked to see who had that today... guess who? I didn't even say anything to her just let her see it when she saw it. Accidental revenge, but still felt pretty good.

Well, this sucks.

I never got stiffed at the diner. I mean, eight years and maybe 3 times. Now, it's like a once-a-shift occurrence. When I got hired, the GM told me this store has a pretty bad tipping average. I mean, I'm averaging 15% on checks that are three times diner prices - I mean, 30 or 40 dollars for two people at lunch and they're still leaving that same 5. I know it's not me. I mean, yes, I'm still learning the ins and outs of a new place but I'm a good server so I know it's not me.
I'm just putting in my dues right now, I think. A bunch of people got hired with me, some hosts moved up to server, they're just figuring out the schedule and who is going to stick. But they are giving me 4-5 days a week, so they must like me.
Soon, I'll write about the lady who I do not like.

I get it now.

When I worked at the diner, we tipped out the busboys on our tips. We didn't make money, they didn't make money.
I got the concept of tipping on sales, but I didn't realize what a dent it actually made in your pocket if you're making big sales with small tips - or worse, stiffed. That's what people mean when they say they have to pay to wait on you when you don't tip.
My first table today, very pleasant, took my drink recommendations, smiled, said please and thank you. Paid with a credit card, crossed out the tip line, nothing on the table. I was really upset, I couldn't think of what I did wrong. I eventually figured.. I did my best, they might have just been looking for a reason not to leave a tip. Then I got a 10% tip, they were obviously just cheap.
But what really got my goat was the couple with the coupon. They got the complimentary app, he only ordered soup and salad, and she ordered the most expensive seafood dinner. The coupon took off her entire entree, about 20 dollars. Of course, he tipped on the discounted amount like I hadn't been refilling their iced teas six times each. That was just depressing.

Anyway, not that I would have ever tipped any less than I do (generously, obviously, I know the game!) but I didn't realize the effect this different way would have on my own pocket. PLEASE make sure you always tip before any discounts or coupons. Just.. please tip in general.

Training Complete!

I have taken menu tests, I have shadowed for 5 days, and I passed my "mock serve" with a manager.
I didn't even get to serve their fake food, she stopped me and said, "Don't worry, you're approved, I think you're adorable, I just want to work on the name-drop upsell portion."

I was completely overwhelmed my first day of training, I've only used handwritten checks and thought my trainer was performing magic, but once she gave me her swipe card and I started greeting tables, taking orders, and putting them into the computer it was just gravy.

So after 8 months of unemployment, at least 4 on the job search.. I'm back in the restaurant and couldn't be happier. Tonight is my first night on the floor alone and of course I'm scared to death but I'm so excited! I will certainly take notes for you, Dear Reader, to hear about the crazy people that exist in our world.

Officially employed!

I'm in the system now. I start my orientation and training in a few days. Blondie's gone corporate and she's super excited. Let's make some money and have a whole different set of stories.

Two down!

My interview at the seasonal place was... weird. She took my picture, asked if my tattoos were offensive, if I had allergies. I'd love to work on the river but I guess it's just not practical. It's only seasonal, they won't train me to bartend. So I have a second meeting with the GM at the first place tomorrow morning, hopefully we'll schedule some training because I checked my savings today...

One down.

I had an interesting interview at a local corporate place. Some questions I wasn't prepared for, but the interviewer was cute and sweet and informative and said she would set me up with a second by next week with the GM. Told me I would be a good fit, gave me a lot of insight for training and policies and moving up in the company. I wouldn't want to be a manager, I love to be on the floor, but server to bartender is my goal.
I have another application on Saturday, a local, seasonal place so I'd be done at the end of summer. But now I'm feeling like which should I choose?! Maybe I should have limited my availability at the first so I could do the opposite at the second. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, the second might not even want me, and then what happens in September? I'm back on the job hunt again.

Possibly a new venture?

Hey y'all!
Still on the Job Hunt, but I have two interview/application situation appointments coming up. Both serving positions, so hopefully I'll have some new stories for you soon as I go through the training process. Both restaurant/bar so what I'm really hoping for is to be trained as a bartender, which is what I've always wanted to do. Fingers crossed!

How petty do I want to be?

Well, the old job doesn't want me back. I was cleared to work, ready to go, Bossman texted me to work a Saturday night and I was all over it. Customers were hugging me, asking where I'd been, glad to see me back, slipping me twenties, the whole nine. I worked 6 hours, did my sidework, told the Bossman my foot was getting tired how long did he want me to stay?
"Okay, that can be your last table." And I lucked out. They were in a hurry, knew what they wanted, in and out.
And I worked HARD that shift. Show him I'm ready to work, show myself that I can. And I can! I was so nervous I thought I would drop a coffee mug on my first table, but by the third I was back with trays just like riding a bike.
WELL. Even though the other part-owner left after I had to, even though they had to put on more servers - three to my one - some of the girls (and I do mean girls) were talking some shit. "She better not expect her same hours back, she's just a pet," etc.
I know I've written about this before, but when did coming in and doing your job become a bad thing? I didn't expect my old hours back. I couldn't handle my old hours even if they gave them to me! But I was promised my job back, I know they're hiring, and I didn't get any hours. I took my key in and asked if I could use them as a reference.

So the question is, when I see my customers out and about, do I tell them that place screwed me over or just tell them it didn't work out?

Is Texas Roadhouse Screwing Over Servers?

Is Texas Roadhouse Screwing Over Servers?

The Bitchy Waiter has shared a receipt from a Texas Roadhouse server. I'm sure you've all seen the helpful "great service, 20%: $10, average service, 15%: $7.50" etc, etc. APPARENTLY, Texas Roadhouse uses their cows to do their calculations and while it says 20%, the calculation is for 10%!

Now, I place little - but some - blame on the customers. You would think most people would look at a fifty-dollar tab and realize $5 is NOT twenty percent for the great service they received, but maybe you've had a margarita or two, you're laughing with your friends pulling out your card, and you don't. This handy-dandy tip (no pun intended) on the receipt is wrong, so just double-check, dear readers!

Well, now I don't want to go back to work.

I've been spoiled. I sleep late, Work Husband comes over and helps me with household stuff and taking the dog out. And now I'm back to driving, so I have freedom!
But... money. My savings won't keep forever! I'm in no rush to go back just because it does still take me a little to get going with the foot and I don't want to re-fracture anything. And I guess my schedule could use a little more structure so I feel more like an adult.. my birthday is in two weeks and I guess I really thought I would have it all together by now. We'll see. They've definitely invited me back, it's just a matter of when.

Well, I'm old.

I'm very very close to going back to work. I'm pushing the foot, I'm about to put a down payment on a new vehicle.
Work Husband Now Boyfriend's manager has asked about me, and we have discussed my applying at his restaurant. But - they use computers! I don't know that I could learn it! Am I so stuck in the Stone Age? ...Pen and Paper Age?

Also, they would probably (rightfully so) schedule us for opposite shifts - really put a damper our love life.