I was noticing this week that people seemed to be a little excitable and emotions were running high and I realized a Super New Moon was upon us. If you follow me on Steemit, you'll remember my post about the full moon and the madness it causes. Someone reminded me in the comments that the new moon has similar effects. If you would like to read that post you can follow this link:
@the-witty-waiter/the-maddening-effects-of-the-full-moon
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The new moon also has similar maddening effects on us as well.
My week of work had me at my wit's end with drama, some good and some had me considering running off and leaving no forwarding address.
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The first experience was with a yearly regular customer of mine that was visiting with her husband and entire family. It's been a rough year for them because her husband had cancer and he had just finished with his treatments and received a clean bill of health. You could sense the relief and everyone was in great spirits while the wine and great food flowed forth. We joked around and shared a toast and took some photos of the whole group. At the end of the meal, my customer was hugging me and thanking me for the great time and service. She was so happy that she was in tears. Needless to say, my heart was warmed and I got a little teary eyed myself.
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The second experience happened while I was working with my party mentioned above. Another yearly regular comes in and is insisting that I serve them. I had talked to him the day before and he had mentioned that he was coming in but his last visit was less than satisfactory because of the server he had the previous year. I told him in our conversation that I had a large group already but I would see what I could do. Trying not to hog the good tables, I personally chose the server that would be taking care of his table since it was his anniversary. Nope, he was not having anyone but me, so I set about seeing to his party. Luckily, my other group was towards the end of their meal and I had the time to start this table before my next large group comes in. Unlucky for me, the server I picked to see about him starts having a fit because the table only wants me. In between me seeing about both groups, I now have to console a person on the verge of a tantrum by explaining that the man's determination has nothing to do with her. This is the point where I'm thinking of sneaking out the back door and never coming back.
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The third act to this saga continues with the other two servers I'm working with are playing around like they have no cares in the world. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy work when things are running smoothly and everyone's spirits are up but Dumb and Dumber are literally standing in the middle of a heavy traffic area of the restaurant just gossiping and laughing. One is throwing ice at co-workers and the other is fluctuating between acting like she's at a slumber party and prank calling the neighbors to acting like a total lunatic and berating anyone that isn't up to her standards. Incidentally, this server is also the slowest and laziest person on staff and the only reason she still has the job is because her cat died the week she was supposed to be let go. Drama is her middle name.
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By this point, the night is about half over and I feel like I'm on an episode of Candid Camera or I'm being punked by Karma. Something has to be in the air and sure enough, after a quick Google search, and downing a quick glass of wine and sneaking out for a smoke in between dinner courses, I realize it's not only a new moon but a Super New Moon. It's also Friday the 13th and I'm starring in my own personal horror movie. What unholy hell is this ?!!!
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At this point I hide in a corner for a few minutes and put up the barrier to beat away all the bad vibes. I take the first server aside and tell her she will be helping me out with the next large party for a split of the tip. I pulled the ice throwing server aside and let him know that if he doesn't get his ass in line that he will be going home immediately and won't be coming back. I then go to my co-manager and address the issue of the lunatic who is about to start a war with our kitchen staff in between braiding the ice throwing server's hair, figuratively speaking of course.
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This should give you some idea of what happens behind the scenes of your favorite eatery and the life of a full time server and begrudgingly part time manager. If you get great service, TIP WELL! If you don't, ask to speak to me and I will let them know why they got a crappy tip. Be aware of the Moon phases! It may keep you out of jail! Hopefully next week takes it easy on me. My birthday is coming up and it would be great if everyone could just play it cool. Peace!