clap your hands!

I realized today when I awoke, that I am happy every single day that I don't have to go back to Applebee's, everyday! I am really beginning to wonder why I waited so long to leave that place. This blog really only got an overview of the innards of the Bee's and if I had started it earlier in my Applebee's career it/and I probably would have evolved a lot more. But, instead this blog really helped me see that I don't need to be miserable to make money, no one does. 

So on that note, back to the grind... I start my new job today! What a fitting way to start off the summer. I have a feeling this may be last post. But, I am going to see how it goes this week and see if this blog is worth continuing. If not I may start again. Who knows!
All I know is I am happy, for now...


:)

Bad news is, we sing off key...

Before my life as a waitress, I used to spend a lot of time doing community theater. When I say a lot of time I mean basically, it was my life. When I wasn't on stage I was singing in a choir or at dance class. My life fully revolved around performing and I used to think I wanted to be a famous actress someday. I had big dreams of moving to New York and really "making it." Then one day I realized I wanted to be famous for all the wrong reasons and abandoned the idea. I wasn't an actress. I just like to tell stories and make people think differently. Theater helped me do that in the most direct way.


But the point of this post was actually about Applebee's. I know, I fooled you.
As most everyone knows Applebee's does something a little special for birthdays. 
I say special, but not incredibly unique. 
If you tell your server it is your, or someone at your tables, birthday they will get a crew together, come out of the kitchen clapping and singing and give you a free dessert!
Hooray...


Most servers despise this. Seriously, it is kind of grueling, singing and clapping over and over again all day. Not to mention trying to get other servers to come sing with you. AND you have to go make that free dessert yourself. To be honest, and most servers would agree with this, it is some of the worst news you could ever hear from your table.


But personally, even with all the annoying stuff that goes with it.
I love singing the birthday song. Love love love it. Wether it is my table or not! 
It is one thing I do miss a little from the Bee's. Probably because it was my one chance to actually perform again for an audience. As little and pathetic as it was. It was still something I don't get to do very often anymore. Maybe this is my que to get back into theater? We'll see. 

3 Regrets

I've decided, I only have 3 "regrets" from quitting my job at the Bee's. 

I say "regrets" because I try not to have any, about anything, but I digress...

1. 

Bad timing. I left a few days before payday and didn't get my last paycheck ... Also I'm too chicken to go back in right now... I don't do so well with confrontation, or people yelling at me, as you know.

2.

One thing that I had been waiting patiently for the whole time I worked at Applebee's was the day we went to a non-smoking restaurant. I have nothing against smokers, lots of my friends smoke, but I have to say I think it ruins food and I don't really want to work eight hours in second hand smoke.
Not only that, but if you work the smoking section you are rarely as busy as the rest of the restaurant. Mostly, it's depressing. You run your butt of for everyone else while you have only one table! A table consisting of one cranky chain smoking lady I might add.


 3.
I'm kind of poor right now...  but I'm working on it!


So that's not too bad. I also feel a little terrible for anyone I screwed over by not showing up that day but Buddah knows I did my fair share of covering for other people. I hope it wasn't too traumatic. But I'm sure the world of Applebee's survived just fine with out me and will continue to do so. 




Update.
While I was writing this, my fiancee handed me an envelope from Applebee's. "It's probably a bill for your uniform" he added. "I payed for my uniform!" I responded while tearing open the thin paper. Surprise surprise! My last paycheck!
$54.21


Now I can eat today! 

Ba-donck a donckers.

Good news!
It looks like I might have some prospective employment! My fiancee works at a local candy shop and restaurant called Doncker's. It is one of the oldest businesses in our town and makes some drop dead delectable foods. Anyways it looks like I'm going to be able to pick up some shifts behind the candy counter/ soda fountain. So basically, I'll be a soda jerk. Which is pretty much awesome.
Of course, I will be probably be taking a massive pay-cut... but money isn't everything right?
Right.
Plus I knew that when I left the Bee's.
So I haven't started training or anything but it is my understanding I will be making shakes and sundaes, old fashion sodas and floats and selling candy and toys. I'm kind of super pumped. I think I get to wear a little hat and maybe even an apron!? 
Score.

Oh no! My leftovers...

So I went out to eat the other day and as usual, I couldn't finish it all. Although the delicious mudslide "appetizer" probably had something to do with it. So I got the remaining food boxed to go, which I was really excited to have for the next day's lunch. But, me being me, I forgot to bring my leftovers home with me. There they were, sitting in a little box inside of a bag on an empty table. 

I hate when that happens. Of course that got me thinking about Applebee's which I still do all the time. It's hard to let go of something that you used to completely fill your head and life with.

But when I first started at the Bee's I was hired as a host. So I spent all day cleaning up tables and seating guests. At this time there were a few hosts that don't work there anymore that used to do this thing... it still kind of grosses me out to think of it. When guests would leave their leftovers, we would usually take them to the host stand and write the table number on the box. Then we wait for about an hour or so and if they don't come back for it (which people rarely do) we would toss it. 

But if it was something delicious, or easily accessible, like mozzarella sticks or chicken quesadillas these hosts would stick the box under the stand and whenever they had the opportunity just squat down in hiding and eat some!

I remember the first time I saw someone do this, I couldn't believe it. Although I totally understand being starving at work, I couldn't justify eating some stranger's leftovers. Who knows what they did to it... probably nothing, but you never know right?

So, I guess the point is, I couldn't help but picture someone else eating my food and it made me sad. 


 I still think about Applebee's more than I'd like to. Weird little memories like this one or the sudden fear that I am late for work will pop into my head on occasion. But I figure they will go away eventually. They're like my leftovers, most of which I wish I would have left at the tables. But there are some good memories too. I've made some lovely friends and learned a lot about working under pressure, so I guess I'm better for it. 

I miss paper.

Dear prospective employer,

Can't I just come in and talk to you about how great I am? Do I really need to fill out all these forms?

Love, Me

One thing I totally forgot about quitting my job was that I was going to have to fill out so many applications! The hardest part is trying to remember all my previous work info... dates and wages, stuff like that. But, I did do the smart thing and write all the info down and saved it on my laptop. Now  it's just a click away! Which comes in handy since a plethora of applications are online these days. (Ohh I just used the word plethora!)

I understand the advantages of going paper less, I do. But it is just like the Kindle, I have trouble accepting it. Maybe I like my hand cramping up as I finish my 16th application. Plus, how will I show off my pretty handwriting? And maybe I need to feel a book in my hands, and smell it as I turn each page  (Physically?!)

Could it be that I like not having 10,000 choices and I like being forced to suck it up and finish what I started!? Maybe I'm just stubborn but, I miss paper.

Back to applications...

I was also thinking, how awful it would be to have to check that little box that says you HAVE been convicted of a felony. Especially if it was something you did when you were young (MIP?) and have to write that on there now for the rest of your life!

Rough.

Anyway,

I've been applying at mostly retail places but my heart is softening back up to the idea of working with food. I've realized, it's not the serving, the food, the picky eaters or messy guests that get to me. It is the way the place is run, by who and how they treat me. I actually really like serving! It can be a lot of fun and really rewarding. So, I might apply at a couple of restaurants but I haven't decided yet.

Just enjoying my non-Applebee's life :)

I quit.

Yes that's right. I quit. 

After weeks of asking to not host anymore I was scheduled a hosting double on Saturday(the only host on a scheduled double I might add.) So, instead of doing the responsible thing and putting in my two weeks notice, I decided I didn't want to suffer through it only to make maybe ... 50 dollars? (Also, it was my Dad’s birthday, but that just added to it)

 So I put on my stubborn face and ignored my conscience. And it feels pretty good. Now, the hunt begins to find a new job! I'm not sure if I want to work in the food industry anymore, the money is good but it is soul crushing. I just don't think I can take it anymore. I feel like it is time for a change, and a new background!

Hopefully, I can still find a job with an apron.

Wish me luck!

10 minutes to blast off

I think maybe some people can't tell time?
Like, when a table walks in when it is 10 minutes to close on a Saturday night. 
So I give some people the benefit of the doubt and think maybe they just cant read the clock, or possibly the sign outdoors that says we close in ten minutes. And by the way, that means ten minutes.
It does not mean your inside before we lock the door, so now you can sit as long as you want and wait for 3 other people to show up (15 minutes after close) before ordering.
It doesn't mean you order 5 well done steaks.
It doesn't mean you get to yell at me across the restaurant just because you are the only table still here.
It does not mean you should order a dessert 45 minutes after the kitchen has closed and make me beg the cooks to still make it.
It also doesn't mean you tip $7 on a $85 dollar bill.


Thanks :)

5 places I'd rather be...

5 places I'd rather be than at Applebee's


1. The beach- Mmm, obviously.
2. At school -Yes I would even choose sitting in class all day.
3. Sleeping- I've got a thing for naps.
4. Reading/writing/painting- anything creative. Applebee's numbs my mind into strictly robotic words and actions.
5. Anywhere else. 

I guess that doesn't really reveal much that I didn't already know. 
I need a new job, this is clear. But what? 


Requirements/hopes for my new job


1. Close enough to bike to (not really a requirement but it would be great!)
2. At least 20 hours a week
3. Nice/respectful managers and coworkers (maybe that's too much to ask...)
4. A window? 


So that's it! 
Let the hunt begin