Cheers to a Great Night

Last night was one of the best nights I’ve had in probably a year.  The people were all polite, the kitchen was efficient, and the tips were excellent.  The stars aligned and for once I have nothing to complain about and I don’t feel like stabbing someone with a fork.  Weird, right?!

One of my first tables was a guy in a wheelchair and his nurse.  He didn’t have legs and I didn’t realize until I served his food that he was blind.  That puts things in  perspective in a hurry.  There are others who have far more to complain about than I do.  He asked if we were still busy at breakfast and I told him we stopped serving breakfast about two and a half years ago.  He said, “Back when I had legs and eyes I used to come in for breakfast all the time.  I miss that.”  It made me want to cry because I’m sure he wasn’t talking about the breakfast.

Then a big group of people I recognized came in and I was disappointed that I wasn’t going to wait on them since it was Amber’s turn.  She told me I could have them and I was delighted.  It was The Retards.  Yep, I said it.  I love The Retards because I fit right in with them.  There’s usually about 8 developmentally disabled people and 2 handlers in the group and they are all full of “Please” and “Thank you”.  They are happy as hell, they don’t make a mess, they don’t complain, and they tip well.  Some of them have anxiety issues and don’t like certain things on their plates.  Others have patience issues and need to order and be served first.  I cater to all their needs because I understand them.  I have issues as well and I’m probably only a few IQ points away from being part of the group.  They tipped 22% of their ticket.

Then came a group of 11 people and I knew I’d have something to complain about with them.  I was already writing the post in my head, but I was wrong.  They were extremely nice and there wasn’t one bitchy person in the group.  Usually there is at least one in a big group of people.  They had a good time and enjoyed their dinner like it was a family dinner at home.  They didn’t make a huge mess, not even in the restrooms, and they tipped 25% of their ticket.  

I was overjoyed when it was time to do my paperwork and I realized how much money I made with so little effort.  Usually I have to put up with a lot of shit to make that much in that short amount of time.  In the winter I have to run my ass off and have at least one panic attack/total meltdown for half that much.  Waiting tables is such a gamble and one never knows how the night is going to end.  Maybe that’s what I like about it.

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My son is home and he hogs the computer.  I am way behind on reading everyone’s blogs, but I’m trying to catch up.  I know some of you are having bad times, so please know you are in my thoughts and prayers even if I haven’t left a comment.  Others are doing well and should have felt that mental pat on the back I gave.  Someday soon I’ll hog tie that kid and get some computer time. 

Until then:  Cheers & peace be with you.