Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts

Sunday, January 3, 2010

You think you know someone...

I got a new job.

I've worked in restaurants most of my life and yet my knowledge of food and wine is generally restricted to trying not to consume it. I've never been an adventurous eater. I'm really low end when it comes to food (I actually like grape jelly). I'm not fancy. I'm not a total country mouse, I mean, I know what a cheese plate is. I'm just saying that it has been a great challenge to try and educate myself so that I can sell this menu. This experience has caused me to come to a crushing and life altering realization...I am NOT a great server. All this time I thought I was. Turns out, nope.

I am a workhorse.
I am really sharp, I'm a prolific multi-tasker, I don't tire easily and I'm pleasant even when I'm in the weeds.
I am a great waitress.
I might even go as far as to say one of the best ever (and trust me I am aware of exactly how proud I should be of that).

I really suck at formalities and rules, exotic food, terroir and wine from every country. The whole experience has been unsettling.
It's like I don't even know me.

And that's not all. On top of all the stuff I have to learn (and act like I already knew) and the unsettling discovery that has created a fundamental shift in my whole identity...
There are NO UNIFORMS. Not even a dress code or color restrictions.

On the surface that could seem like a great thing, that is until you factor in the burden of freedom.

That, however, is a discussion for tomorrow.

Right now I have to go look up what pig trotters, ras el hanout, and lengua are.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Wanted: the strength of 10,000 men

Seeking confidence and strength.

Need a good outfit to go and confront my boss or, more accurately, the person who is below my boss and then possibly my boss. Need outfit to say "I'm serious about this" but not too confrontational right off the bat. Need outfit to be appealing but not sexy like "I'm trying to sleep with you to solve this problem." Need outfit to be understated but not dismissed. Need outfit to make me look strong but not fat; skinny but not frail. Need outfit to make me feel comfortable and possibly comforted depending on how this goes. Need outfit to have a layer to hide sweat marks. Need padded bra in case it is cold. Need outfit to say "I'm a professional hard working person that you will be sorry to lose" while at the same time say "I'm not afraid of you and I don't really care." Need outfit to hold up to the devil's stare.

Fuck, I really don't have the right shoes for this.