Jan 25, 2009

Work Update

Well things have a way of working out. Went out on an interview this morning and they called me and hour later and told me to come in at 10am tomorrow to start. This is more my speed. No buffet's, just a good old fashioned American Steak House. The owners are from New Jersey which means no more damn Yankee jokes. I felt like I hit it off with the owner and since she called me right back as soon as I got home, I have a good vibe. Everything isn't just for everyone, and I don't think I am cut out to be a buffet waitress. Not knocking it, but there is no challenge in it. To me it is more like being a glorified busgirl with the added joy of refilling beverages. I like greeting my customers and suggesting a nice meal, and than seeing the satisfaction of them enjoying it. That is what being a waitress is all about to me. So tomorrow begins day numero uno at Steakhouse. New days and new beginnings. That sounds like the beginning of a rather shitty wedding toast. We've only just begun and all that...so have a great night.

2129

These lyrics are poetry to me..courtesy of Alabama 3


When I saw you in the garden of Gethsemane
Drunk when you realised the plan
You fell into the arms of Mary Magdalene
The stain of stigmata on your hands
When the sky fell down on Calvary
I saw the light shining in your eyes

Cos you and me baby we were born 10,000 years ago
I know it sounds crazy but we got 10,000 more to go
We followed behind the sisters to La Hegera
Saw Ramos kiss like Judus on the wire
When they cut his hair and laid him out like Jesus
I know October '67 John Lennon lied
Sgt Pepper could not help us
When the flowers died I realised

Chorus
In 2129 I'm gonna meet you in a cantina in Carleta
I'm gonna put Bessie Smith on the jukebox all night long
When the Spanish sun comes up on our empty cups
Gonna take you dancing deep down into the dawn
One bright morning when we meet St Peter
I aint gonna give a damn if he don't let us in

Jan 24, 2009

Fired and Tired

Well, I have been smiling and tolerating insults all to help provide for my family. The head waitress and I do not get along, but I just kill her with kindness. Tonight she sent me on break but my station still had dirty tables so I went back to help clean it up. She started screaming, "What are you afraid I am going to steal your tip".. I said "whoa, you have been telling me to make sure my station is spotless so I just wanted to help clean up". This woman has been riding my ass since day one but I have just dealt with it. Yankee slurs and many others. I kept ignoring them. At the end of my shift she said "You can just take off tomorrow and if Sybil needs you she will call you".. I have been in the business for 25 years. I know what that means. I said "Karen, are you basically telling me that I am fired".. She said, "pretty much". This girl has made every waitress cry. Except me. My one friend came out and said that she was dead wrong and felt very threatened by my age and experience. I constantly reassured this woman that I wasn't shooting for a head waitress job, just wanted to make a few dollars in my pocket and go home. After she basically let me go, I said ok, have a good night it was a pleasure working with you. I have an interview tomorrow at a steakhouse, which is way more my speed than a buffet. When you waitress at a buffet, you are a glorified bus girl/beverage girl. So wish me luck at my interview tomorrow. I have been sucking up all the bullshit for almost a month now, and I must admit I actually feel a sense of relief. I literally have been biting my tongue. Pam is on the phone now telling me to call the owner and explain my side of the story and let her know exactly what happened. I think I might do that, not ask for my job back, but just let her know that I felt attacked by her head waitress. So that is all for now. I am out of steam.

Jan 22, 2009

Working girl blues

Blisters swell on my heels
The bones in my back ache so loudly they are starting to play their own tune
The tip money swells in my apron
Enabling me to put decent food on the table for my family,
who I am not spending much time with these days
One man's SSI check just doesn't cut the mustard in these economic times
When my head hits the pillow at night, I am not the vamp I once used to be.
I am sound asleep in 15 minutes
I save the sex appeal for the early morning hours
The checking account is building
As is our peace of mind
The weariness is starting to become worthwhile
Endurance is building
Personal pride is growing
Maturity is teaching me that there will always be tradeoffs in this life of mine
One table, one plate at a time.

Jan 20, 2009

Passing the ball or the buck

Well, tonight we have a new president. I somehow feel that the Republicans have passed the ball to the Democrats knowing the game is losing at this point. Let's hope President Obama has the ability to have some game strategy. It seems to be the American way, pass the buck when the mess gets to huge. Multi-crisis's everywhere you look. I still don't understand who would even want the job of president of any country. I believe it takes a human with a rather healthy ego. My idea of change is to live a simple life. Not be wasteful, conserve my resources, stockpile medications, water, and yes, duct tape in case some disaster does befall our nation. I always keep a surplus of antibiotics in my home. I am not a paranoid person, just trying to make decisions for the well being of my family. I am sure the people of Gaza wish they would have enough medical supplies and water. Now they are reliant on humanitarian aid. I am at an age in my life where I know the main resource I have to rely on is myself and my family. I hope President Obama follows through with his promises. Especially the health care issue. My doctor was speaking with me last month and he said he thinks the healthcare will happen, in my lifetime. Imagine that? I will just sit back and wait. I can't get caught up in the hoopla of speeches. I am of the era that the proof is in the pudding, which is plentiful in my pantry. I prepare for hard times by stockpiling my pantry. I prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I keep all the people who read my ramblings in my prayers.

Jan 18, 2009

Elderly and useless

Yes, I am referring to my other half. I think he is resenting my full time job. We moved down here so he could enjoy his retired years in a peaceful place. Right now I am keeping this job so we can bank money. I only have one day off a week. His only hobbies are the dog and the tv. I try to encourage him to write. I have given up. I truly believe it is something you have a passion for or you don't. Rather simple. I have noticed that no matter what age you are you need to feel a sense of purpose, a reason to wake up. I am watching my aging my mother sitting on the couch, just like that woman in the depression commercial. She has been retired one month and is now falling apart with all these new aches and pains. SSI screwed her over royally. Her first check doesn't start til April. They had originally told her December. I can swing the bills on my own, but I do understand how she feels. Everyone wants their own money in their pocket to buy what they need without asking, She is without health care until they start her medicare. She is frustrated and feels helpless for the first time in her life. She has worked her whole life and had great healthcare. Now going to the doctor is a struggle. People who have never had to deal with governement agencies are in for such a rude awakening when they retire. Hours spent on the phone. Tons of paperwork. Keeping track of your money becomes a full time job. Maybe it is because I am still in my 40's I am thankful for the fact that I do have a job and a house that I can afford to live in. I have two freezers full of food. My bills are up to date. That is good enough for me. They should have some sort of class to prepare people before they retire on how to muddle through the redtape and paperwork. Kenny gets depressed and shuts down because that is his way of coping. My mother is a screamer when things don't go her way The government has a way of making you feel powerless, They keep telling her that her case is deferred. That is not a straight enough answer for her,It is heartbreaking to watch a woman who,up until December, worked 40 houre a week. She could manage her money. Those days are gone temporarily. Her spirit is broken and I am watching her sink deeper and deeper into our couch. Thank God she has us to carry her through this time. To see whow we treat our elderly in this wonderful country of our is heart-wrenching.

Jan 16, 2009

These bones ache

It is 26 degrees outside this morning. See what I get for bragging. Everyone in my home is sick, except for Baggy Pants. I think because we wake up and the temp. is so low and than by 11am. it warms up to the 60's and 70's our bodies are having a hard time adjusting. Cough syrup and balled up tissues abound in the house. Plus, I am trying to accept the fact that I am not 25 anymore and must be careful about my health. Aging is a fact of life, not a pleasant one, but than again, not so bad. I am enjoying my 40's just for the wisdom and knowledge I have aquired. The job is getting easier, and I am slowly gaining acceptance. I am learning I draw more flies with honey than vinegar. That is something that you only learn with age. My tongue has little bruises on it from biting it so frequently but I am still employed. Ironically, this restaurant is the best gig in this little town. Most of the girls I work with have un-employed boyfriend who sit home and drink beer and wait for them to get off work with their tip money, to buy more beer. If you are a waitress and have your own place, the men flock looking for a place to lay their heads and maybe find female comfort and a place to feel like a man for a few minutes. Praise God, I am glad I am married. I can't fathom dating in this day and age. If my spouse should pass before me, than I will become a spinster with her dog, and be quite content with that. Time to blow the nose again and throw a lidocaine patch on the tired old back. Wish me health, and I will never brag about the weather again, I promise.