17/11/10
Errrf. I really should put “Have a nap” on my list today because it’s the only thing I know I’ll get done. I’m really tired today.
Following my challenging re-introduction to hospitality, I was absolutely rapt to be given another 5 shifts this week; it was a small boost to my confidence and confirmation that I was doing something right.
Well, so I thought.
My second shift started at 6.30 last night. I’d spent quite a bit of the day gearing up to go in well “prepped.” At home after lunch, I’d practised plate technique; walking around with 3 dinner plates, adding weight by piling them with random items from the kitchen and walking around at various speeds, dodging imaginary obstacles; fast moving waiters, aimless children and the sudden “push-my-chair-backwards-right-in-front-you” threat. I’d spent some quality time reviewing the menu online so I was more familiar with the dishes I was serving and browsed the wine list, as though I was choosing a bottle for myself.
I was wearing a pair of new black pants that fit me better than their 2-for-1 price tag might suggest; my shoes were black, my hair was up, my bra was white.
Arriving about an hour early, I found and ironed a smaller shirt, then spent some time wandering the restaurant trying to make some sense of the table numbers. 6.30: Bring it ON!
And so they did.
An event on the harbour created a busier Tuesday night than anticipated.
Un-booked customers started wandering in from about 7.30 and for the next few hours a constant flow of hungry, happy people; often in big groups, well primed to continue their night of drink, food and festivity.
Unsupervised, I quickly got into the throng of things, more confident at the pass; taking the time between “Order up!” to listen hard to the chefs as they presented their dishes. A senior waiter amused himself by playing “Quiz” with me, yelling out each time I passed him with plates on the way to a table.
“What have you got?”
“Dori, fried! Prawn, tempura! Sirloin well done!”
He’d give me the thumbs up as we crossed the floor. I was smiling. It was a good game.
Despite my concern about table numbers, I was working it out. My feet were obviously more familiar with the lay out than my head was and I’d find myself heading in the right direction before my brain had time to think too hard about it.
There was no aimless wandering, no smashed glasses and no customers forgotten.
The manager caught me on my way back from a table. “Lisa, can I have a word with you?”
What have I done?
“How do you think you’re going tonight?”
Oh shit. I know this line of questioning. It’s like X-Factor or Idol, when the contestant thinks they’re doing okay but everyone else thinks they’ve sung like crap.
“Good, I think. Enjoying it. Learning lots.”
“Yeah, you’re doing okay. This is a big restaurant and I know it’s been a while since you’ve worked the floor… “
Here we go here we go here we go
“I just don’t think you’re fast enough yet to handle a restaurant of this size”
I think I said, “Okay.”
“How are you going with table numbers?”
Read my blog.
“Good. Finding my way ‘round. Getting there.”
“Look, I know this is only your, what? Third or fourth night?”
“Second.”
“We have runners who are already faster and more familiar with the table numbers on their second night.”
Okay, tell me to go home now because right now, I’m over it.
I think I said; “Okay.”
“Don’t get me wrong, you’re a pretty girl…”
Oh you think I’m pretty. Thank goodness. My life is complete.
“…you’ve got a nice smile and you’re great with the customers and everything…”
Ah yes, I know this one too. It’s called “Kick, Kiss, Kick.” Here comes the kick.
“So, I’ll have a talk to (his manager), we might put you into one of our smaller restaurants while you get up to speed.”
Tell me to go home. I want to go home.
“Finish your shift…”
Dammit.
“… and come back for your shift tomorrow…”
Double dammit.
“… and then I’ll get back to you with some options.”
Dear Sir. I have studied the menu like you suggested. I have come in early to familiarise myself with the restaurant, like you suggested. I have made no mistakes, there have been no breakages (not from me at least), and I have provided our diners with the kind of service I would expect myself from this fine establishment. You said I would have training and I haven’t had any yet. You said it might take me a week, maybe two weeks to be confident in the restaurant. It has been nearly two nights and now you’re telling me, I’m not fast enough? That’s not fair.
You know what I said though. “Okay.”
The rest of the night went very slowly. I wanted to go home.
I signed off at 10.30pm and saw the Manager backstage; sitting with some of the kitchen staff in the loading bay. He didn’t say anything as I approached. Cue the internal debate.
“Don’t say anything. Keep walking.
You really should say goodbye. It’s only manners.
Ignore him. Keep walking and don’t come back tomorrow.
Is that really what you want to be remembered for?
Okay then, say something. Say, “Thanks for nothing!” Then keep walking.
You’ve made no mistake yet, make no mistake now.”
You’ve made no mistake yet, make no mistake now.”
I passed him. Turned back towards him. Called his name and raised my hand. I put on my best hospitality smile and delivered it loud and clear, “See you tomorrow.”
Well, today is “tomorrow” and this morning I’ve been struggling with whether I will go back tonight. My confidence is easily cracked at the moment. It happens when you’ve got something to prove and people don’t really know you.
I’m kind of paranoid that I’ll be watched all night. That’ll make me nervous and I’ll probably stuff up. Oh well. If I go in, I’ll make sure I go out with a big customer-friendly smile on my face.
The established wait-staff I’d already met were very welcoming and helpful last night. It’s like they saw me back and wanted me to do well. Trust me, if they don’t want you there, they can very easily make you look like an idiot.
If I do this last shift then all up I would have earned enough to pay for the boots and the pants and I’ll be about $20.00 up. Minus bus fares. HAHAHAHAHAHA.
Not laughing.
And then of course, I’m very interested in hearing what solution the Manager might come back with. Maybe if they put me in a smaller restaurant, I’ll progress faster. Maybe I’ll get more day shifts.
If I don’t go tonight, I’ll never know will I?
As I wrote in my last post, I am absolutely open to opportunity right now. Some will work. Some won’t. But as long as I keep creating the opportunities, I’ll get closer to the one that does.
The list continues. I’ve got a new job interview on Friday morning.
To Do
Cardio
Sieve SEEK – organise for job apps
Certs / admin to take to work tonight
Finish fitness CV for Friday
Find registration info Fitness Australia
Contact FA re: registration
Contact Marsh - confirm coverage
Renew PL insurance
W/c 22/11/10
Saved apps away?
Call Jackie, organise catch-up
Write it down. Do it. Delete it. Charge on.
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