Don't Hate...appreciate.

Hello, y'all. Hope you are enjoying this awesome spring weather!

Instead of venting today, I want to talk about the people who have actually made my day.

Last summer, a older man was seated in my section. He told me he was waiting for his family. He ordered a martini and two starters. When his family arrived, they ordered drinks and one more starter. I swear, our smoked salmon dip is almost as addicting as Diet Coke for some people. Anyway, they were super friendly throughout the whole meal, not to mention they all ordered high priced steaks and a rack of ribs for everyone to share (which results in a lovely bill).

Because I have the ability to have a conversation with anyone, I was working my magic at their table. I had a beach trip coming up, and I figured since they were a nice family, maybe my charisma would impact my tip! So, I started talking to his daughters....it was obvious that they were "daddy's girls." They were in college, and we casually chatted about rush because they were both in the same sorority....BINGO. So am I. However,  one of them had a serious illness. (I had NO idea until a few weeks ago.) Overall, it was easy-breezey and actually pleasant....I dropped them bill, said my good-bye speech and hoped for the best. That was it. The hostess came to clean the table and set up for another round.

You see, when hostesses clean the tables after the guests leave, they fold the receipt and write our names on it. Well, this particular hostess came straight up to me with huge eyes and said, "How much should a person tip on $209?" (That was the price of the bill). Normally I would just double the tax and say about $50. She asked me to guess how much they left me. Usually, when we play this game, the answer is either A) nothing or B) not enough.

So I guessed $40...she said "higher." $50? "Higher." $70? "Higher." $100? "Bingo." Who the heck would leave a $100 tip? I was elated. I knew I charmed them and all...but I didn't expect such a generous return! It's safe to say that I didn't stress too much about tips for the rest of that slow Wednesday night.

Now, a few weeks ago, a woman was seated in my section during a busy lunch. She was waiting on her brother. When he arrived, I knew instantly that it was the selfless tipper. I didn't know if he remembered me, so I didn't say anything. I debated on telling him thank you or even hugging him when he left....but at the end of the meal, he found me instead.

He explained to me that one of his daughters was very ill when I waited on them in the summer. Their entire family thought I was so kind and friendly when I was talking to them, especially when we were talking about sorority stuff....which is weird because I could go on about that for days since it was my life for four years! Anyway, she was struggling with brain cancer. He said I brighten their evening with my personality and interest in their lives.

It's amazing how little things can go such a long way. Now, that huge tip really doesn't seem so important. And neither do the generous ones he leaves me every time he comes in and asks for me. What's important is that kindness, friendliness or even a simple smile has the ability to make someone's day. Every time I think my days as a server couldn't get any worse, I remind myself that there are people in the world with bigger problems than mine.

Always at your service,
86 sense

Check out other service industry blogs...

I have included a few service industry blogs that I find entertaining, and unfortunately, true. Although my stories are a bit "G-rated" and not too harsh, these people have no filter. One thing I have learned from these blogs is that there are people out there who have it worse than I do at times!

http://www.igotstiffed.com/
*This is one so funny, but again, has no censor! I submitted my blog to them, and hopefully they will post it. If not, I am going to comment like crazy on other storys...while always including my link :)

http://waiterpay.com/blog/
*More informative rather than enteraining. This is geared more towards service industry workers rather than those who just like to laugh.

http://waiterrant.net/?p=1597
*This is just one post; however, if you go to the homepage (http://www.waiterrant.net/), read the archives. Obviously, this blogger got a book deal out of his stories. Ah, the power of social media!

http://www.stuckserving.com/

http://www.stainedapron.com/


Oh, and for the record...remember my Valentine's Day drama? Well, this past Saturday I worked six hours, not 15 hours, and made more than I did on Valentine's Day. See something wrong with this? Much love for people with restaurant etiquette.

Also, is the new font color and style easier to read on your computer? Please comment!

Promise to update soon. I am buried under mounds of research, midterms and laundry.

Always at your service,
86 sense