Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Buon Giorno!

Hi everyone! It's been so long since I've actually posted here. Things have been crazy, but it's all getting ironed out and seems like all is well!

The kids are back in school and for the most part it's been a smooth transition. Elliot seemed to have some trouble last week. Lots of tears in the morning. He was SOOO excited to be starting first grade. Apparently it didn't really hit home that he would be gone all day until Day Two. I know he said he missed me, but more than anything, I think he just wanted to be playing with his stuff. I tried to tell him it wasn't really ALL day, just til the afternoon. I don't think he bought it. Each day got a little better and this morning he mentioned not wanting to go, but there were no tears. It's an adjustment for all of us. I finally told him that even if he stayed home, Mommy had to go to work. He thought about that for a while. I swear you can almost see the gears turning in that kid's head!

Claire and Kate have slipped back into their routine without incident. For the most part the friends are the same and the workload is similar. I don't expect any real problems with either of them. Christian is really ready for Kennywood to close if you can believe it! He has had his share of Kiddieland for one summer! He is only working on the weekends now and some of those are spoken for with band commitments. I'm not entirely sure what his plans are for Fall employment, but I'm a little tired of nagging so he's on his own. No money, no driving. Simple. He has a very heavy workload with almost all AP, college prep, classes. I know he CAN do it, but he's not the most self-motivated kid I know. For example, guess when he finished his summer reading and writing assignments? Yep. The Saturday before school started. I seem to remember Keith doing the very same kind of thing at Edinboro. "Sorry. I can't go out tonight. I have to write 35 journal entried by 7 AM." Genius by birth, slacker by choice. Christian does get it all done, though-I've got to give him credit. It's much like his driving...he doesn't do things (i.e. brake) as soon as I'd like, but he manages to avoid catastrophe.

Work has been interesting. Last week I started training with the servers at Bravo! Italian Restaurant even though I'll be hostessing. My manager wanted me to learn the menu since I'll be doing the To Go orders on my shift. The down side to this is that Bravo! has a huge menu and each item has a thousand ingredients. The up side is that I got to taste everything they make! Their food is amazing. For as much as I like their pasta and more traditional Italian dishes, their meat and seafood is unbelievable. Everything from the grill is great. I tasted every single dish and I can honestly say that it all tasted different (you know how sometimes everything tastes the same?) and I liked 95% of it. The 5% that I wasn't crazy about I would still eat any day of the week given the opportunity. And the desserts...don't even get me started. One word. Cannoli.

I am probably older than most of the people working there, but I don't think they necessarily would guess me to be as old as I am. There is a lot of turnover in the restaurant business so unfortunately most of the host staff is only slightly more experienced than I am. As a result, we have new people training new people and it's a bit messy. There is no one way to run the seating board either, so that's problematic. I like to do things in an orderly fashion, so it's killing me to just fly by the seat of my pants, but I have adopted a "keep your mouth shut" policy at work (except for the cannoli, of course). I don't intend to be a doormat, but there are enough people there that complain and gripe all day long and I don't need to be one of them. I've been a bit sheltered for the last 15 years (those of you in a clergy family are probably saying, yeah right!!). People are so angry and mean and impatient and miserable! My word. I can't imagine getting so upset because you were seated at a table near a plant or under a light or because you didn't have enough ice cubes. Good service is very very important, but to get angry about such things?! Personally angered? Geeze.

But, for every person that is negative there are many that are helpful, pleasant and appreciative. This week I've been helped so much by employees and guests alike. I am constantly asking for help with things at work. Apparantly it doesn't make any sense to look for Chicken Alfredo when the guest orders Chicken Alfredo. It's much simpler to order Chicken Woozie. Of course. Silly me. Gotcha. And don't even get me started on the salads! Do we really need to have six different kinds of lettuce and greens in a thousand different combinations!??? Some of them are free with a meal, some are discounted, some have a surcharge. Uggh. But anyhow, someone is always willing to answer my dumb question and set me straight. Did you know that you can actually order something at Bravo! that isn't even on the menu? Shhhh. Don't tell anyone. Please!

I like work. I like seeing the people and I like making their experience an enjoyable one. A lot of the service tips they pounded into our heads make perfect sense to me. Maybe it's a Mom thing...anticipating someone's needs or going the extra mile. That's what makes it such a nice experience. I keep busy and always find something to do like bussing tables or resetting other tables. There's always something that needs done and why shouldn't someone do it. I can always go right back to "my job". (And I hate that, too....it's not "my" job.) People really appreciate what you can do to help them out and the servers get really really busy. They are actually in the spotlight, so I don't mind getting drinks or dropping off dessert menus. And afterall, don't they have to tip out to me??! I took a drink order from an elderly couple expecting an order for water or soda, maybe coffee. Is that ageist? Sorry. Anyhow...they ordered these rockin' bar drinks that I had no idea how to even ring in. I was just honest with them and they got a real kick out of it! Maybe I made their day a little funnier. I usually just admit what I don't know (a lot!) up front instead of pretending to know it all.

Well, those are my thoughts for this week except for two things.

One, I must have the most wonderful husband in the world! He had dinner ready every night that I was in training, filled out FOUR SETS of school emergency cards and papers and even picked up groceries and school supplies. He has just been fantastic. If I had to come home and make dinner those first few nights I would have passed out. It's very weird to not share lunch together after 10 or so years of eating lunch together. I know he'll manage, but he's adjusting, too.

And two, God bless anyone out there, including my sister, who actually makes a living doing this! It is hard, hard work. It is physically challenging (the dinner size lasagna with its oblong dish and charger weighs almost 20 pounds!) and mentally stressful. The floors are slippery, the doors swing both ways (can you imagine?!...don't ask) and those knives are sharp. So, next time you go out for a nice meal, be good to your server, compliment the chef and be patient with the hostess!

88 comments:

Brett Probert said...

Is that swearing in Italian?

Prettybird said...

No, Brett. It means "Good Morning" or "Good Day". For Italian swear words, see me after class.

r

Keith H. McIlwain said...

Your husband must be AWESOME.

Randy Roda said...

Glad you are enjoying your work!

Greg Cox said...

Read this while humming the Godfather theme - it's pretty fun.

Prettybird said...

You people are so weird.

r

Greg Cox said...

Alright now, you've been working long enough. Come back to the real world and post a blog for cryin' aht lahd.

Brett Probert said...

'an 'at.

Greg Cox said...

Do you sell pizza cutters?

Brett Probert said...

Buon Postio!

Greg Cox said...

Au Bon Pain?

Brett Probert said...

If you don't soon update this, it is going to be Buon Nuovio Yeario.

Greg Cox said...

Prettybird! Did you fly south for the winter?

Brett Probert said...

Honk Honk Honk. I'm honking you on. Don't honk us off.

Greg Cox said...

I'll take an order of Shrimp Fra Diavlo with Capalinni please.

Greg Cox said...

Oh, and a chopped salad too please.

Greg Cox said...

On Friday, I had an awesome Tournado of beaf and Crab Cake with mixed veggies and garlic mashed potatoes. Oh, and Lobster Bisque. Awesome!

Brett Probert said...

...and a diet coke.

Greg Cox said...

No, just water for dinner. But we did have coffee and Creme Brule for dessert!

Brett Probert said...

Sounds good. Who all went?

Greg Cox said...

Just me, Tracy and half of Cranberry Township. Should have gone!

How is the location where you work, Prettybird? Crowded?

Brett Probert said...

Prettybird...someone asked you a question. Are you going to answer Greg?

Brett Probert said...

ANSWER HIM! IS YOUR LOCATION CROWDED?

Greg Cox said...

I can't believe that it is already Friday and I have to make another choice of where and what to eat.

Any suggestions?

Greg Cox said...

Oh Where, Oh Where, could the Prettybird be, Oh Where, Oh Where could she be?

Greg Cox said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Robin and family. Not that you're listening, responding, or posting. But nonetheless, Happy Thanksgiving.

Brett Probert said...

YO ADRIENNE!

Brett Probert said...

Robyn,

I know you don't read this too often so I thought I would bring you up to date. The Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons were great. We were so blessed to be surrounded by friends and family. I preached a message series in January about the Beatitudes. It seemed to go over very well. Easter was great...can you believe it is 2008? So now that Spring is here we are looking forward to summer. I guess we'll see you at Annual Conference. I am glad we don't have all those General and Jurisdictional Conference elections this year! Talk soon!

Greg Cox said...

Hey - you should check out Chris's blog site. You can make up your own Grinchy Name! It's pretty cool. You could use it on your name tag at work!

Brett Probert said...

So Robyn, how was Elliot's graduation from high school? Time flies, doesn't it.

Greg Cox said...

How do they say Happy New Year in Italian?

Brett Probert said...

Buon Newvio Yeario. Everyone knows that.

Greg Cox said...

Happy Wednesday Moring to you, Robin. Two hour delay in WJH?

Brett Probert said...

You're asking her?!?!? On this blog?!?!?! Can't you see that Prettybird's Nest is on a 2 Year Delay?

Chris said...

wOOt?

Chris said...

What the blog is wOOt?

Chris said...

What the blog is wOOt?

Chris said...

wOOt, I said it again.

Brett Probert said...

You don't know? Please click here:

http://www.m-w.com/info/07words.htm

It just so happens to be "word of the year."

Some people...

Brett Probert said...

In Italian, it is w00tio.

Brett Probert said...

Wow...40. Make that 41. Way to go prettybird. You have an awesome readership here...and such an engaging blog. Keep up the great work. Or should I say, start the great work again.

Greg Cox said...

I wonder if she has this thing turned on to receive the comments on email or if she is just oblivious to the whole banter.

Brett Probert said...

She best not be oblivious...I'm wasting a whole lot of valuable time doing this.

Brett Probert said...

r,

thanks for bringing the newness of a fresh-fallen snow to my life today.

Brett Probert said...

...in the words of the immortal Pink Floyd: "hello (hello, hello) is there anybody in there?"

Brett Probert said...

...just nod if you can hear me...

Brett Probert said...

...is there anyone home?

Greg Cox said...

Relax (relax, relax) its just a little pin prick.

Greg Cox said...

The'll be no more, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Brett Probert said...

r,

Congrats. You have reached the 50 comment mark. Buon Jobio!

Greg Cox said...

It's like a golden anniversary of sorts - not many people reach the 50 mark. We could call this your golden blogiversary.

Brett Probert said...

True indeed.

prettybird, buon golden blogiversario!

Greg Cox said...

Red Robin, yum.

Renaye said...

I have to tell you guys how IMPRESSED I am with your new "blog" vocabulary. First there was the blogorrhea and Phillips Milk of Blognesia and Disinblogtant (my personal fav) but now, Brett, YOU have added italian with buon golden blogiversario. Way to use you God given talents! Good job. ha.

Brett Probert said...

Renaye,

I'm just trying to operate within my gifts. Clearly, God has blessed me with the Spiritual Gift of Blog Commentary, and I just want to use it for the Kingdom. Thanks for the encouragement. Also, I am clearly gifted in foreign languages and have picked up Italian very quickly on Robyn's blog.

Greg Cox said...

Renaye, I think that should read . . . Buon Jobio, Brettatio.

Brett Probert said...

Yeah, Renaye...sheesh.

Brett Probert said...

Isn't it nice that prettybird kinda lets us use this blog post like our own public email clearing house.

Greg/John/Chris/Jeff: Are we still on for Kings tomorrow at 7:30? Let me know by posting here. Thanks.

Brett Probert said...

Hey guys...great time this morning. See you on the 28th.

Also, if you guys get any inside scoop on appointments or anything, please just post them here on prettybird's public email clearinghouse forum. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Oh yeah, and if you want to keep your identity secret, just click the "anonymous" button.

Chris said...

Prettybird, since you are such a great listener, and seldom - if ever - interrupt, I need to talk.

You see, I have a group a "friends" that I meet with and none of them wished me a happy birthday. I'm so sad.....

Thanks for listening! You are a great friend!

Brett Probert said...

Chris,

Not that I care, but is it your birthday?

Chris said...

Brett, I was not talking to you. I was talking to Prettybird. She listens first and then she..... well, I guess she listens some more. And then some more....

Hey! I'm being ignored!

Brett Probert said...

Chris: Well I was going to wish you a Buon Birthdachio, but now I just think you're a bungholio cornelius.

Anyone else in prettybird's chat room right now?

Greg Cox said...

Happy Bon BirthdayO to Chris, Happy Bon Birthday0 to Chris,
Happy Bon Birthday0 to Chris,
Happy Bon Birthday0 to Chris.

Greg Cox said...

And had we known in a timely fashion, we may have even paid for your breakfast.

Greg Cox said...

You wouldn't have even had to say thank you - or whatever they say in Italian.

Chris said...

Thanks GREG.

Brett, are you going to send your email to me?

Brett Probert said...

Chris: Here's the deal. I tried TWICE and it came back rejected. Please use: brettprobert@hotmail.com.

Also Greg: did you update your address book? Very nice private email too, by the way. Why not just post it here on prettybird's public chat room?

Brett Probert said...

Chris, if you want free breakfast on your birthday, maybe you should think OUTSIDE YOURSELF AND WRITE A CRUMMY THANK YOU NOTE ONCE IN A WHILE!!!!! (sorry to yell)

Brett Probert said...

BREAKING NEWS!!

APPOINTMENT

Anonymous said...

Ooops...almost forgot to log out there.

APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Keith McIlwain is moving to Shinglehouse Charge in the Kane District. Congrats Keith.

Brett Probert said...

That was close.

Greg Cox said...

Please Pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg

Greg Cox said...

Sorry, I was supposed to add that to my blog.

Brett Probert said...

Don't worry...this blog belongs to everyone. Prettybird flew the nest.

Brett Probert said...

She rocks in the treetops
All day long.
Hoppin' and boppin' and singing her song.

Greg Cox said...

All the little birdies on Jbird Stret, love to hear the Robyn go tweet, tweet, tweet.

Chris said...

How long... how long can we sing this song (and post without response) at the 'Nest?

Chris said...

The big 80!

Greg Cox said...

Second Verse, same as the first.

Chris said...

Er... ok.

How long... how long can we sing this song (and post without response) at the 'Nest?

Anonymous said...

PRETTYBIRD WAKE UP... THERE ARE SOME NEST INVADERS... WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHERE ARE YOU? COME RESCUE YOUR NEST............

Brett Probert said...

How long...we sing this song?.?.?.

Brett Probert said...

Apparently, for a while.

Chris said...

Hey, when are we going to get together for coffee?

Greg Cox said...

Anytime y'inz want to. Er - was that just for Brett?

Chris said...

Are we still posting here?