Make my day...

Bring on the virtue.

What's up ladies and gentlemen? The Great One is here in full effect. I am off from work today and tomorrow and I look forward to enjoying these two beautiful days away from P.F. Chang's!
As I expected, we took a quiz in Money and the American Imagination this morning based on the novel Daisy Miller. I felt as though the book was a pretty easy read; definitely short for a novel. I got five out five points on the quiz! Congratulations to ME! That is exactly what I wanted to do and I went into class and did it. Perfect scores are always positive things. Reading assigned text for classes can really take a one a long way, can't it? Professor Lenard also returned my essay on Sister Carrie; I got 13 out of 15 points for the essay. Not a bad score at all if I do say so myself. Professor Lenard seemed to fancy my work, as she commented,

"Bryan, I like your essay!! I think it may have been a bit stronger if you'd narrowed your focus to one character. Believe me, I like what I see here! Check errors, but an all-around nice job, Bryan!!"

Very encouraging comments on her part. Everybody loves G.T.!

Today has been a virtuous day for The Great One thus far, and it is sure to get even better as I am off to Howell to visit Jaime in a couple hours. Who knows what we might have in store this evening? Perhaps we'll go out to dinner. If there are enough people, maybe a night at Bar-A in the cards as well. A trip to Starbucks for some coffee certainly would not be a fate worse than death. Or maybe the two of us will just stay in and watch a movie or television. Anything can happen, but whatever happens is sure to provide us with a nice evening. Tomorrow night, I'm off to Hoboken with Jaime to celebrate April's birthday. I assure you, it will be quite a celebration! A night of bar hopping and club hopping like no other. Tomorrow night, The Great One once again returns to North Jersey!

Last night I was on call for work at 3pm and I was asked to come into work at 5pm. I decided to send the managers an email requesting that they reduce my availability. The end of the semester draws near, along with the outdoor weather and end of the school year. Doing a summer internship and graduating shortly after, I will not be here for much longer. Therefore, I opt to enjoy my remaining weeks here on campus with my friends. I choose to enjoy the outdoor leisure activities that come with the warmer spring weather. The spring weather appears to be coming in this direction. Over the past couple days, I have felt some minor changes in temperature indicating that the warmer weather is well on its merry way. Also, if I am going to finish this semester effectively and on top, I must give myself a better opportunity to do so than I have been doing. I will still be working at Chang's, but a day or two less per week than has been the case for the past few months. That place will make you sick if you are there two many consecutive days at a time! The course-related aspect of my life is once again running smoothly for the time being, so it is in my best interest to keep that momentum going strong for the next five weeks.

In other news:

My Facilities Management and Hospitality Controls professor, the renowned and well-liked Donna Albano, will not be completing her duty of teaching this semester. She is taking a leave of absence due to an operation that she must have done tomorrow. As a result, she will be off her feet mending and relaxing for a couple months. I pray her operation is a successful one and wish her all the luck in world. As a class, we will all miss her presence.

That pretty much covers everything. Be sure to have a wonderful day, be safe, and come again soon for more updates. Definitely much more to come.

1 love.

Peace.

Thursday, March 31, 2005 | posted in | 0 comments [ More ]

Post-exam thoughts and feelings!

Earlier today I took the 2nd exam for Facilities Management and I felt as though I did really well. I might have gotten tripped up on one of the open ended questions, but for the most part I believe I was successful in my efforts to get a good grade. There were a couple multiple choice questions that I had to guess the answer to, but when I checked the textbook after the test was over, it turned out that I had guessed the correct answers!

Prior to taking the exam, I made note of the fact that this 2nd exam would a success for yours truly. We will see what the result is within the next couple days. God willing, my score will be as high as I expect it to be. Establishing a goal, preparing one self to achieve that goal, and ultimately accomplishing what one had intended to do is one of the greatest feelings in the world. It gives one such a sense of accomplishment...

Jeremy is reading all of this and none of it comes off as a suprise. You heard it word for word at lunch today, didn't you??

Today is a rainy day, but were are supposed to get some really nice weather later this week. I heard the temperature is supposed to increase as high as 65 degrees! Wouldn't that be nice? Due to preceptorial advising, classes are not being held tomorrow. In addition to that terrific news, I do not have to work tomorrow. I get a free day all to myself. It has been quite some time since I actually had one of those.

Believe me... I will take advantage of my free time the maximum capacity.

Tomorrow night was supposed to be a concert here at Stockton that featured Gavin DeGraw, but he bitched out and according to Pedro Santana, associate director of on-campus housing, "he made a very unprofessional decision and put his fans last." To replace McGraw, Stockton is bringing in Drop kick Murphey's, Jem, and Michael Tolcher. My response: "Big whoop!" I do not listen to any of their music. I was not even going to attend the concert in the first place.

Perhaps Anna, Jhon, Ray and I can make another trip to Target tomorrow night. I am due for another 12 pack of Cherry Coke (greatest soda in the world).

Monday, March 28, 2005 | posted in | 0 comments [ More ]

A successful all-nighter! "Sassysandals got sandals."

As challenging and tiresome as it appeared to be, The Great One has made it through an all-nighter of school work. Moments ago, I completed my four to five page essay due in about four hours for Money and the American Imagination based on Sister Carrie. *applause* We are finally done with that book... *an even greater applause*.

Tuesday was a really fun day. The Great One went to Nwing for dinner, accompanied by Jhon and Brian. Anna and Ray were also at dinner. Afterwards, Jhon, Ray, Anna, and I decided to go to the liquor store. We also went to Target for party supplies; Anna was planning on throwing a surprise birthday party for Erin. We spent a decent amount of time in Target. I was on a mission to find Cherry Coke. Sassysandals got sandals. We also went to Dollar Tree, where I bought Spicy Cajun Pringles for $1.00 as opposed to paying the $1.89 Wawa charges for them. Great time at Anna's last night in celebration of Erin's birthday.

Yesterday I was on call for work at 3pm and they told me I had to come in. The moment I walked into to the dining area of the restaurant, I realized how dead it was. After about an hour had passed by, I also realized that none of the scheduled employees for the evening had called out sick. All of the server assistants who were scheduled to work were present in the restaurant. What the hell did I get called in for? Better yet... one of the server assistants was scheduled from 12 to mid, which means he came in at noon and was scheduled to work until approximately 8 or 9pm (middle of the dinner shift). Around 6:45, the one manager decides that he's going to cut the man because the restaurant did not need six server assistants!
Basically, they called me (somebody who was on on call and apparently did not have to be there) in just so they could cut the man (who was scheduled to work a mid) much earlier than he should've been cut. Yeah, that will be the day that I work a mid and get cut at 6:45! They cut him because they claimed they didn't need six server assistants on the floor. I totally agree with that. The problem is... they should have kept the employee who was scheduled to work the mid until 9pm and left me the hell alone! What they did made absolutely no sense.

The Great One does not mean to complain or sound like a whiner (I know I sound like one right now), but something about that situation doesn't seem quite right to me. Spending too much time at a place of employment will eventually make you sick of the place, regardless of how much money you are making. On top of everything else, I do have school work that I am responsible for as well.

Nonetheless, I still made a little bit of money and managed to get cut relatively early at 10pm. I need to sit down with one of the managers and review the total number of hours that I have worked since November 29, 2004. Once I reach 400 hours, I can start my summer internship. I do not have to wait until the official start time in June, which is awesome.

Today should be a pretty nice day. Jaime is coming down for the night. We're going out for dinner tonight and renting a movie afterwards. At 2:30, there's going to be a Hospitality Management guest speaker at TRLC. Students in Donna's classes who attend the lecture will receive extra credit in one of her classes. Nuff' said. I will definitely be at the lecture. After that, I am heading back to the apartment for a nice little nap before Jaime gets here. These all nighters eventually catch up with you at some point during the day.

That is all for now. I still have to study for Monday's Facilities Management exam, which will be a success. Everyone have a great day. 1 love.

Peace.

Thursday, March 24, 2005 | posted in | 0 comments [ More ]

A respectable day!

Pretty decent day I am having today, I must admit.

This is the second day in almost two weeks that I do not have to work. That is definitely a good thing. I have plenty of money, both in my pockets and my bank account. That is another situation to be happy about. Professor Lenard chose not to quiz us on Sister Carrie today, which was a beneficial decision for me on her part. Donna is collecting the case studies for Workplace Diversity on Thursday rather than today.

These are all positive things that have happened to me on this respectable day. My plan is to be productive and get some work done. Right now, I have three goals on my mind and they are the following:

• Finish collecting manager's names, phone numbers, and addresses for the survey project in Hospitality Control.
• Finish reading and reviewing Sister Carrie in preparation for the essay that is due on Thursday in Money and the American Imagination.
• Read some of the text for Facilities Management and begin studying for next Monday's exam, which will be a success.

So... I was driving to the Wawa on White Horse Pike last night to get a sub, a Redbull, and some iced tea. I noticed a sign on the one door (which was locked) that said, "Please use the other door." I walk over to the other door and enter the store, noticing that all the shelves had been moved around and boxes and equipment were obstructing my path through the store. Apparently there was a custodial staff doing a thorough cleaning of the floors. On top of all that, the man doing most of the cleaning gives me a dirty look and tells me to come back later!!!

It was bad enough the douchebag was preventing me from making the quick purchase I had intended to make, but he chose to get moody about it as well??? That's not very good for business, now is it????

"Go hump a doornob, retard! I'll simply go to another Wawa!"

Meanwhile, 10 other people besides me came into the store and were told to wait until the floors the were done. They all stood there waiting to make their purchases as these fools took their good old time moving the shelves around the store. They were making more of a mess than cleaning the floors. Eventually, I left to go to another Wawa (there's one located on practically every street in every town in South Jersey). Soon enough, I purchased my goods and made my way back to the apartment. The nerve of some people...

Anyway, there is no time like the present to get my ass in gear and do some work. Perhaps I will take time out of my schedule tonight to chat with up and coming heavyweight contender Calvin Brock in the Boxingtalk chatroom. Also appearing in the chatroom will be Former Three Division Champion James "Lights Out" Toney, who is challenging John Ruiz for the WBA Heavyweight Championship on April 30.

Everyone have a nice day (hopefully it is a decent for you as it is for me) and be safe.

Peace.

Tuesday, March 22, 2005 | posted in | 0 comments [ More ]

Holy Week, six more weeks of course work, and more!

Holy Week has begun and classes are once again back in session. The Great One is here in full effect and I am ready to finish this semester, which only has six more weeks left, on a high note. The six weeks that are left in spring semester 2005 are the final six weeks left of course work for your's truly. As most students are sad to be back at class, I see it as a minor relief because there will be a little more balance between class, work, and fun.

This morning in Facilities Management, Donna informed the class that the 2nd exam (Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8) will be administered to us a week from today. That gives me a solid week to prepare for that exam. I will make the necessary preparations to succeed on the 2nd exam. My first exam was anything but a success due to the fact that I was unable to study for it, suffering from an upper respiratory infection that just wouldn't quit. The time has come to represent and exercise that brilliant brain of mine. Time to show what that powerful mind of my is truly capable of. It will all be on display next Monday. This exam will be a completely different story. Ya'll heard it here first!

Last night I went up to Howell to see my beautiful girlfriend Jaime. We met Jaime's friend Jackie (who works with her at Kohls) and her boy friend Sisxo at Applebee's. Jaime and I ordered nachos as an appetizer. We didn't order entrees, but we did end up getting some drinks. I had a Mudslide, while she drank something that resembled a strawberry daquirie (the exact name of the drink escapes me). As the three of them talked about their experiences at Kohls as well as the various employees who worked with them, I sat back and acknowledged just how much they all enjoyed their jobs. Some people do like their jobs, which means that I may yet find a place of employment that I enjoy working at to some extent.

P.F. Chang's is really just a part time job that I have during my senior year of college. I am doing this for my professional experience and money to pay my bills and occasionally purchase luxury items. At certain times, the job brings me so much grief. Other times, albeit very few, I have so much caffeine in my system that of all the unpleasantries that come with being there float over my head. I do not mean to nag or whine, but I must speak what is on my mind. If life, there are ups and downs, twists and turns, and good and bad. We must be prepared take the good with the bad at all times. However, with both good and bad days to be expected, one can only hope that the job I have years down the line will be more pleasing to The Great One.

Tonight I am scheduled to work at 5pm, but I am not closing. Thank God for small favors.
At this moment, I do have to eat lunch and give Jaime a ring. She is going for her interview at Rider University (where she plans on going to Graduate school). I want to give her a call and wish her luck. Everyone have a great day, be safe, always remember to come again. You can learn a thing or two from and about me! 1 love.

Peace.

Monday, March 21, 2005 | posted in | 0 comments [ More ]

So tired...

It is 8:45 am and I am so tired right now. I'm just waiting for my work uniform to finish drying in the laundry room. Last night was not bad for a Saturday night. I was in a pretty decent mood for the most part. Pepped up on caffeine and candy, I had the energy to get through such a busy evening.

We had nine server assistants on last night, so I only made about $60 in tips. I made $74 in tips on Friday night, taking home a total of $134 when I left the restaurant last night (five and a half hours ago to be exact). This is really sad. Here I am talking about my job again, but my job is all I have been doing lately.

Later on tonight after church, I will be driving up to Howell to stay with Jaime for the night. I realize that I'm going to see her pretty late at night, but I have not had a chance to see her much in the last two weeks due to the ridiculous schedule that slugs from work put together for me this past week. Driving up to see her at 9pm and staying at her place for the night is better than nothing. Jaime and I will probably get some coffee at Starbucks and rent a movie.

That is all for now. Time to grab my uniform and head back to work. Take care, be safe, and have a nice day. 1 love

Peace.

Does anyone have about five or six Redbulls to spare??

Sunday, March 20, 2005 | posted in | 0 comments [ More ]

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Coming to you one hour after the conclusion of the day...

I almost forgot today was St. Patrick's Day! The Great One happens to be 25% Irish, but I did not eat corn beef and cabbage for dinner. Instead, I shared a pizza pie with my mother. Am I bad, or what???? My Irish ethnicity did come to the surface when I went to Rock Hard Liquors and purchased some Heineken and Yuengling. St. Patrick's Day is all about enjoying the lusheries, especially if you're Irish...

Tonight was a marvelous evening of leisure activity. Knowing that The Great One had made a marvelous return to his old stompin' grounds, my boy Billy G came over for a visit. We ended up watching The Grudge, which I thought was a pretty good horror movie. We watched the movie with my mother and uncle and I really enjoyed it. I guarantee you they come out with Grudge 2 within a another year or so. If they can come out with a sequel to a movie that was as horrible as The Ring ( a movie that made absolutely no sense), they can make a sequel to The Grudge.

Seeing Bill is always a pleasure, especially after considering the fact that I never see the man enough to begin with. I do keep in tough with him quite a bit via instant message and phone conversations. He is one of my best friends and I want to hang out with him whenever I am in town.

We took some time to reminisce about our times at Discovery Zone when we were seniors in high school. While drinking bottles of Yuengling, we made a toast to those memories as well as the time when we were tinting the windows on my Beretta. Who could forget the red Beretta that I pimped in high school????

Considering the circumstances that I have faced throughout this entire week, one can not ask for a day than the one I had today.

Today was a tremendous day and I am pleased that I had the ability to hang out with my beautiful girlfriend Jaime, my boy Billy G, and my family all in the same day. The Great One truly could not have asked for anything better than that today. Those are the people that I need in my life during the one day that I have off from work in this seemingly long week of spring break. This day was a blessing from God and I can only ask for more of them in the near future.

Big ups to my family, Jaime, Billy G, and my almighty God. A special big up to this wonderful day, as well as the people who made this day so enjoyable for me. These are the moments of clarity reminding me that there is something more than just the stressful environments I can confront when being overworked at my job during spring break. Thank you God for this beautiful day.

Time to depart. Take care and be safe. 1 love.

Peace.

Friday, March 18, 2005 | posted in | 0 comments [ More ]

Through it all, I remain on top!

Greetings, ladies and gentlemen! Hopefully you're all enjoying spring break. So far, every single day of mine has been spent at work.

Tomorrow I am on call at 3pm. For the main reason that I want to see Jaime before heading up to Dtown on Thursday morning, I seriously hope I do not have to go into work tomorrow. Aside from that, I am just sooooo tired of being there every single day. I have not done anything else this week besides going to work and busting my ass. Having a couple days off would be lovely.

Looking at this whole situation on the bright side, I have been making quite a bit of money. I am proud to announce that I also won a contest at work tonight. The contest stipulated that the first server/server assistant who could accurately describe the incredients in Almond Cashew Chicken (entree of the week this week)would receive a "Good for No Sidework because of Superior Food Knowledge."

Great for me!

I rattled off the ingredients, as well as the method of its preparation, to the manager like it was my job, and I am not even a server! I believe I am going to use the ticket on either Friday or Saturday night. Knowing how late non-closers can potentially be held by managers on a Friday or Saturday night, using the ticket at that time (when I do not have to close the restaurant) will help me get out for the night much faster. After one gets cut by a manager for the night, sidework (not always easy work) can sometimes take up to half an hour for one to complete. For that reason, I am delighted that I won this contest (which wasn't even a "contest", if you follow me ).

I have decided that I need to do something fun and exciting this summer. Jaime and I have discussed the possibilities of going on a road trip (possibly to Virginia Beach). The Great One is long overdue for going away on vacation. I definitely want to fly out to California in August to see my friend Scott. After hours and hours of busing tables, buffing silverware, and polishing plates, I begin to think about the enjoyable activities (the better things in life) that I would like to plan in the near future. At this moment, all I can do is finish college and begin my summer internship after I complete my professional hours at P.F. Chang's.

Where is the summer internship going to be? That still remained undecided. The internship could happen in North Jersey. It could also happen in South Jersey. South Jersey has Atlantic City, which has various resorts and casinos. Conducting my internship down here could be advantageous to me, but it could also be more expensive if I have to pay rent for a summer house. Doing my internship up North allows me to stay at home and enjoy the benefits of free room and board. This decision is not an easy one, but one that I must make within the next week or two. Regardless of which alternative I ultimately choose, I will end up doing a spectacular job. I do a great job no matter what I do. Managers at P.F. Chang's are asking me to do my internship there. That is power and it opens yet another door for your's truly.

Due to previous experiences at the restaurant, chances of that happening are slim to none. However, I would probably consider interning at P.F. Chang's if they provided free housing for me throughout the summer. That is the only way they would get me to intern at their restaurant, and I must say, I would be more than deserving of the free housing. I am a tremendous asset to their business; an extremely handsome young man ( with a mind like a steel trap) who quickly turns tables and knows the ingredients of entrees better than most of the servers do. They do not want to lose somebody so valuable and important. We, the restaurant staff and myself, both know this for a fact.

Through it all, working during spring break and suffering from a burning desire to see my family and beautiful girlfriend, I still rule.

• I will make plenty of money, as I am doing right now.
• I will remain a valuable and powerful force at P.F. Chang's (regardless of whether or not anybody wants to admit it).
• I will finish my business with the restaurant. I
• will begin and complete my internship this summer.
• I will graduate from college.
• I will make the necessary preparations for the GMAT, take it, and get a very high score.
• I will be very successful in my efforts on that test. It is then that I will gain a substantial amount of power.

I kid you not. I speak the TRUTH. This will happen. Gamble much? Bet your house on it, and you shall have a CASTLE.

Time for bed. Have a good night and come again soon for more updates.

Peace.

Wednesday, March 16, 2005 | posted in | 0 comments [ More ]

Does the work ethic need improvement?

What's the good word ladies and gentlemen? It has been a few days since there has been an update, but I can assure you there is plenty to talk about.

So we had one beautiful day on Monday, when the temperature rose as high as 63 degrees! What the hell has happened since then??? Is there some vengeful, supernatural force that feels the need to severely punish us for each nice day we have??? For every one nice day there is, 10 to 15 freezing cold days immediately follow. Is that really the way it's supposed to work?

Anyway...

Our evening in Atlantic City two nights ago was superb to say the very least. In fact, the past two days have been wonderful. Jaime ended up staying with me on campus for another night after our evening in Atlantic City. There is much to talk about as well as pictures to show from last Tuesday night. If I was to combine that with today's thoughts and occurences, this individual post would be massive. Therefore, expect a separate post pertaining to our festivities in Atlantic City, which has already been identified as "The Celebration of Life," either later this evening or tomorrow afternoon.

Today we had a quiz in Money and the American Imagination and I totally blew it. Why did I do so bad?? I did not finish the readings that I was assigned days ago. Fortunately the quiz was only worth five points, which does not totally kill my chances of earning a high grade in the course (I can still get an A). The fact is that I did not finish the reading assignment and that is why I did as poorly as I did. At that moment, I discovered that I am an extremely intelligent and knowledgable young man with a work ethic that needs significant improvement. It is true that I am a hard worker at my job, but it is my work ethic at school that needs to be straightened out.

About two weeks ago, I actually had one day that I was very proud of. On that day, I wrote down three or four things that I needed to get done and I completed each of those tasks. I really need to use that particular day as a model for success on a daily basis. I have a daily planner, but very rarely do I ever use it. I recently started using it and will continue to do so from here on out. Here are a few things that I need to do today. My goals, in no particular order, are to:

• complete Chapter 6 Facilities Management reading and homework
• continue reading Sister Carrie (for Money and the American Imagination). I do not read books with titles like that for my own pleasure.
• do a load of laundry
• enjoy the Thursday night chicken bar
• attempt to clean the apartment
• begin the next set of case studies for Hospitality Control

Spring Break begins for The Great One tomorrow at 12:35. For the most part, I will be working throughout the entire week. I will also be making money at a time when so many others are spending it. Nonetheless, I will probably be returning to D-town for a day or two whenever I get the chance. The fact that I have spent two and half weeks in D-town throughout the past seven months is shocking. I really have not been up in that area very much at all. Hopefully I have time away from work to go home for a day or two. Regardless of whether or not I have to work next week, the fact that I am getting away from class for a week is going to be relieving for me. I need to some time to relax, earn a little money, see the family, and chill with some friends.

That is all for now. At this point, I need to get some work done in an attempt to complete those goals listed above. Everyone have a nice afternoon and check back either later tonight or tomorrow afternoon for the aftermath of our fun times in Atlantic City last Tuesday night!

Until then... take care, be safe, and bundle up in this ridiculous cold weather.

Peace.

Thursday, March 10, 2005 | posted in | 0 comments [ More ]

I spy, with my observant eyes, a beautiful day outside!

Spring is well on its way ladies and gentlemen! When I walked outside to go to my car this morning, I noticed one hell of a change in the weather. For the first time this year, I did not need to wear a winter jacket outside. Granted I was wearing a sweater, but the fact that my face was not frozen numb within three minutes of being outdoors was quite a relief. The bright sun and warmer temperatures definitely put me in a terrific mood to begin the day. Thank you God.

I am feeling pretty good about myself right now. Tonight I am working at 5pm, but thankfully I do not have to close. As a result, I will get home early enough to do some school work and perhaps a load of laundry. I still need to read Sister Carrie (I read about 16 pages last night and fell asleep) and Chapter 6 for Facilities Management. The homework for that chapter is not due until Friday, but it never hurts to get a head start. Procrastination is such a bad habit; one that I can not afford to undertake.

I may have to work tonight, but tomorrow night it's party time at Trump Plaza and the Showboat in Atlantic City baby! After working all of these hours, going to class, and doing excessive amounts of course work, I deserve a night such as the one I am going to enjoy tomorrow. Eating, drinking adult beverages, partying, and a moderate amount of gambling describe the events that I will be enjoying tomorrow night with good people.

I also need to start working on my tax returns A.S.A.P. I am dreading that as I do every year, but it needs to get done.

The time has come for me to get some lunch at NWing before getting ready for work. Everyone enjoy this beautiful day and be sure to come again soon. The updates just keep coming and you do not want to miss anything. Plenty to cover within the next few days! Take care and be safe...

Peace.

Monday, March 07, 2005 | posted in | 0 comments [ More ]

From a stressful work environment... to feeling at ease after mass.

There must be a God!

This weekend went by relatively fast. I went into work at 10am today and worked until about 6pm.

Immediately after being released from work, I drove straight to mass. How do you like that? This is the second week in a row that I have been able to attend mass. I am extremely pleased about my recent opportunities to do that. May this be the case for a very long time! Next week I am once again scheduled to work at 10am on Sunday, which will enable me to attend mass for the third week in a row. Mass is such a relaxing and relieving activity. Every time I go to mass, I make some prayers and it seems as though my prayers are being answered to some extent. One must never underestimate the power of prayer. I always feel stronger, happier, more comfortable, and at ease after mass is over.

For the most part, the restaurant was pretty slow today and we only had two reservations during the lunch shift. For the server assistants, however, the day felt rather busy. Try to figure this one out...

How the hell are the managers going to schedule 13 servers and just two server assistants for a lunch shift??? Is it just me, or does anybody else see the disparity between the number of servers and server assistants? On top of everything else, the other S.A., who was scheduled to come in at noon, showed up almost an hour late. As a result, I was the only server assistant in the restaurant for approximately three hours. Server assistants definitely deserve more respect than what they receive.

Some servers will actually try to take advantage of the server assistants. As I was working stock/float (polishing the silverware and dishes and restocking them at the side stations), servers were coming up to me asking me to bring the dirty plates, glasses, and silverware back to the dishroom. I thought to myself, "How are they going to ask me to do something so simple while I'm polishing clean dishes that desparately need to be placed on the tables with the clean silverware???" Tables that are not set are tables that guests can not be seated at. Unseated tables do not earn any money for anybody working in the restaurant. Atleast to me, it is common sense. However, I am also a genius... I am not totally sure about some of my co-workers...

The point is: it does not take a genius to figure out that one can not set a table without polished plates and silverware. I can not polish the clean plates and silverware if I am constantly being asked to do certain tasks that the servers can easily do themselves.

Obviously we were short on appetizer plates as well as entree plates. If the servers keep coming to me with such absurd requests, I am unable to polish the plates and silverware. Therefore they do not get placed on the tables and the servers lose customers as well as money. The servers are supposed to take the dirty plates and silverware to the server assistants who are busing tables, not the server assistants who are polishing and restocking silverware and plates. Some of the people in the restaurants (especially some of the servers) need to start thinking before making such tactless requests.

Oh well... The physical labor of such a job is enough to drive one insane at times, but I made some pretty decent coin this weekend. On Friday night, I made $53 in tips, as well as $61 last night. I still do not know what I made today because I am supposed to claim that money tomorrow. In terms of making money, this weekend was pretty solid.

Enough about work already! The Great One is really looking foward to Tuesday night. Jaime and I will be spending the night in Atlantic City with Caroline, April, and a few others. Courtesy of Caroline and her complimentary room, we will be staying at Showboat. We will also be going to the Rainforest Cafe at Trump Plaza for dinner. Expect pictures, expect a post describing the nature of this evening, expect it all baby! I'm ready for some fun, as Dr. Seuss was once quoted as saying, "Fun is good." For the first time in almost a month, I will have the privledge of enjoying some cold adult beverages. Lord knows it has been long enough since I had that type of fun. Good times are in the very near future and I am absolutely thrilled about it.

For most of my spring break, I will be in P-town due to work. Hopefully I will be heading up to D-town for a couple days during the break. It all depends on how many days I am scheduled and which days they are. I also plan on spending some quality time with Jaime during that week.

Tonight I plan on reading Sister Carrie for Money and the American Imagination as well as Chapter 6 for Facilities Management. Maybe this week I'll start the homework a little sooner so I am not cramming like I did last week on Friday morning.

That is all for now folks! Have a great evening, an even better week, and be sure to come back soon for the latest news and information. Anything that has to do with The Great One always qualifies as not-miss material.

Take care and be safe. 1 love.

Peace.

Saturday, March 05, 2005 | posted in | 0 comments [ More ]