.comment-link {margin-left:.6em;}

Chasing The American Dream

February 04, 2005

WAITRESS REVISITED

I saw her. I grinned. I decided to play a game. I sat at the same table knowing I’d get her again. I made up my mind, I’d be on my best behavior. I watched her carefully. I was trying to read her face to determine what kind of day she was having? Facially, she appeared pleasant. “Hi guys, how are ya, drinks today?” Hmm, she’s in a good mood today. I asked her how she was doing? She smiled and said, “Good thanks,” like she was surprised someone would even bother to ask her. Off to a good start.

Drinks came timely and she took our order. We asked her how was the Tomato Basil soup? She rolled her eyes and said it was incredible. So I told her I’d have the combo based on her recommendation. Another smile. Her mood was completely different from last time. Food came out on time. The soup? Well, I’d say it was OK. A bit above average, but nothing spectacular. I didn’t bust her chops about it though. Anyway, I found out her name {Kim} so I worked it into the conversation. I told Kim to have herself a wonderful day. She smiled and said, "Thanks, you too." The tab was $30; I tipped her $6. All’s forgiven.

posted by Plantation at 2:43 AM

14 Comments:

  • 1. This confirms it: you are a glutton for punishment
    2. Why would you bust her bollix over what the soup TASTES like? It's the chef's fault, no?

    By Blogger (S)wine, at 7:18 AM, February 04, 2005  

  • You are good... I can never remember a face. Even with horrible service, I'll forget unless someone I'm with reminds me.

    Maybe she was having a bad day last time. She may have even been having a bad day yesterday, but your good attitude and questions probably pepped her up :)

    By Blogger Unknown, at 7:44 AM, February 04, 2005  

  • I'd give you points for trying. Let's just hope she didn't have a great memory and decide to spit in your drink. ;)

    By Blogger slow poke kate, at 9:56 AM, February 04, 2005  

  • Aww, good for you! Something good will come your way because of it. Maybe in the form of a female...

    By Blogger Mrs. Architect, at 10:05 AM, February 04, 2005  

  • Allison makes me laugh. "Yous guys" really aim low on your "good deeds" list. Leave a hefty tip...something good will happen in my life. Not! I think The Ol' Man might be looking for something on a slightly grander scale.

    How about donating to the Tsunami Fund, Yo!

    By Blogger (S)wine, at 10:32 AM, February 04, 2005  

  • The tsunami fund...yeah thats a good thing to do, but you know, Indonesia (which was the country hit hardest) is a member of OPEC! They are a SUPER oil rich country. It's just too corrupt! I used to live there and I just have a hard time giving money to them when they have their own.

    By Blogger Mrs. Architect, at 11:02 AM, February 04, 2005  

  • I was just thinking about this yesterday, as I said good night to the security guards on the campus where I work--eye contact and a smile goes a long way for people in service professions where people take them for granted; I think that kindness is genuinely appreciated, and underutilized.

    By Blogger Esther Kustanowitz, at 11:26 AM, February 04, 2005  

  • I should've put some kind of sign after my comment to indicate it was tongue in cheek--but I hate emoticons.

    RE: Indonesia being a member of OPEC. (rubbing hands deliciously; you have now entered my realm). In May of '04 Indonesia's status as the member of this "cartel" became jeopardized. The previous month, February, it became a net importer of crude oil for the first time, thus raising questions about its status. The move came at a time Jakarta was playing a leading role in presenting the public face of OPEC to disgruntled oil consumers facing oil prices at 14-year highs. The reversal was caused by Indonesia's difficulties in attracting oil and gas investment as its fields declined and as its domestic demand increased.
    Indonesia is not the only oil producer facing a decline in reserves. Barclays Capital in a recent report said: "We have been using very downbeat forecasts for non-OPEC growth this year, with no net growth forecast outside Russia for a second year and for the third year of the past four."

    Purnomo Yusgiantoro, the energy minister and the current president of OPEC, said he was confident Indonesia's status as a net importer was temporary and that it would be a net exporter again by the end of this year.

    Also...I think anyone who has lived or visited Jakarta, will tell you that Indonesia doesn't even come close to profiting from its oil exports (when it exports) like, oh...say Saudi Arabia or Kuwait does.

    And also...the people who have been affected by the tragedy won't see shite from the gov't. So, I'd say that being charitable to this fund is actually not a bad deed. Certainly better than leaving 20% on some food bill. Yes?

    Sorry for being a space hog, PT.

    By Blogger (S)wine, at 12:12 PM, February 04, 2005  

  • ELO rocks my world!

    By Blogger slow poke kate, at 5:38 PM, February 04, 2005  

  • Plantation was right. You are quite a smart cookie, Robo. I'm very impressed! I guess it all comes down to what each person's opinion on giving is, and what it means to them. I think a tip is a *great* (look pt, I did it for the first time!) way to "give" because it isn't necessarily reqired or a set amount. Besides, you could not pay me enough to work in any sort of industry with food and the public mixed together and sometimes, good service or bad, I just like to make someone's day by leaving a super generous amount. I figure if they are working in that environment, for the most part, they can use it.

    By Blogger Mrs. Architect, at 5:59 PM, February 04, 2005  

  • Allison, I--too--am extremely interested in this shite cartel we call OPEC. Believe me, when I was writing for NPR in '92, one of my pet peeves was this godforsaken alliance which is about as evil as a hundred Enrons put together. I would always ask for assignments covering OPEC. But I know that Indonesia is at the bottom of the barrel. Yes, the govt. reaps all the benefits, but they (Indonesia) are almost inconsequential as an oil-producing country in the world market. It's as if they're the token 3rd cousin or something. The bastards are the Saudis.

    I hate OPEC with a passion, that being said. We can put a man on the moon in 1969, we can send all kinds of rovers to Mars, probes to Saturn and its moons...but we can't make cars run on hydrogen? Can you say: Oil Company lobbying?

    We'll never get rid of the internal combustion engine. Not in our lifetimes. We'll always have to depend on OPEC.

    Like my rant?

    By Blogger (S)wine, at 8:24 PM, February 04, 2005  

  • Amanda, I'm still doing naked cartwheels around my neighborhood.

    Now, if someone would write "ELP Rocks My world" then I'd put on a feckin' pink tutu and plie my ass down the street to Harris Teeter and back.

    By Blogger (S)wine, at 8:32 PM, February 04, 2005  

  • NIGHTLY ROUNDUP:

    Jewels, nice dig. I won't hurt you, don't worry.

    LX 1. a glutton for punishment. Yes.
    2. Why would you bust her bollix over what the soup TASTES like? She recommended the soup, said it was outstanding. If it ain't good, don't recommend...

    GFF, Amanda,& Allison, & Esther, E's You all are right. E says, "kindness is genuinely appreciated, and underutilized." Funny she mentioned a security guard. Quick story. Christmas Eve, dad and I took in a nice dinner. Afterward, we walked to the parking lot. There was an old African-American guy sitting on a chair staring into space. He was the security guard. Dad walks right toward the man (I'm confused), puts his hand in his pocket and flips the guy a $20 bill and says, "Merry X-Mas to you and your family." That was the epitome of my dad. This was how he treated people. He didn't have to explain it to me. What a great lesson learned. Man, I miss him...

    Allison & LX, want me to set up a chatroom for you 2?

    Amanda & LX, how did ELO come up again?

    Night all. Tomorrow's post is gonna be a lulu..

    By Blogger Plantation, at 10:07 PM, February 04, 2005  

  • LMAO at Amanda! You silly girl... YOU rock my world! (You too PT)

    By Blogger Unknown, at 11:28 PM, February 04, 2005  

Post a Comment

<< Home