What I've Learned From My Experience As A Server

Well, the day came and went faster than I could've ever seen coming. I am officially not working for Joe's Crab Shack anymore.

I'm not sure how to assess my feelings right now, because frankly I'm a little depressed it's all over and that I won't see some of those people again, but it's also very nice to know I can enjoy the rest of my summer again. However, today wasn't without it's own special craziness.

I went in to work around 1:30 PM for my 2 PM shift. I waited in the "fish tank" for a few and chatted up some of my friends about how the day has been going, and all of the sudden the restaurant got slammed. People were pouring into the restaurant and I was triple sat in a matter of moments. My friends and family came in to eat at my table for my last day and things went well for them and they really liked it! I was very happy.

However, as the night rolled around I was cut because of my hours. I had hit overtime and they cut me, realizing it was time for me to get off the clock. And just like that, I was done. I rolled my silverware, did my side work, said a few very sad goodbyes and left Joe's Crab Shack... for good. That's not to say I haven't learned anything from my own experiences there, and here's a few things I have picked up on from being a server.

1. Pick Your Battles

Is it more important for you to be right, or to have a job? One of the better servers told us this before our shift started. She gave us an example of a time when her and one of the managers got into a certain exchange of words. She basically told us that you shouldn't pick fights even if you know you are right in your own regard. Just go along with what they say. You need the money.

2. People Are Needy

I've learned this one the hard way. Sure, there are going to be those tables that run you like crazy, and there were. However, when it happens a lot, it starts to grate on your every nerve. People will run you for sauces and drink refills like no other. It's just something you have to put up with I guess.

3. COMPLETE Explanations Are Key

If you don't tell someone that their Shirley Temple isn't a free refill and you go ahead and ring in more, they are going to hate you at check time. This has happened to me multiple times. I learned that if you don't explain things to people fully, they won't get the picture and you will look dumb.

4. CONSOLIDATION

If you have so much on your plate that you want to get it all done quickly, consolidate. It makes life so much easier. Check on everything at once. This goes for life too. Never ignore any of your problems. Take care of them all at once even if it means little by little. Anything helps.

Finally, 5. A Little Dancing Never Hurt Anyone

At Joe's, whenever the disco ball starts turning and the lights start going, that means a dance is about to happen. That's when you drop everything and get ready for a little "Stayin' Alive." This goes for life too. Whenever these moments happen where you can just drop everything and have some fun, do it. Sure, people will stare and laugh, but that's the fun and bravery in all of it. And don't forget to have fun whilst dancing, otherwise, what's the point?

I guess Joe's did leave me with a few lessons I'm going to know for the rest of my life. Oh well, even though this job left me at my wits end and breaking point in multiple occurrences, in the end, it was worth it, dancing and all.

Video Update - 7/21/11

Catwoman: My New Comic Book Obsession

So, I think I'm obsessed.

I definitely don't normally think I'm obsessed with things like this, but this might be an exception.

I usually have bursts of obsessions. I get obsessed with things like Mortal Kombat, Final Fantasy, or a new video game instantaneously. I play the nights away and Wikipedia everything about the series and the like. However, sooner or later the drug-esque craving subsides and I drift on down to baseline once again. It's fun when it lasts.

This is different however. Let me give you some background first.

I've always loved Catwoman since I was a kid. I was transfixed on her as Michelle Pfeiffer backflipped across the alleyways in Batman Returns. It was awesome, I'm not gonna lie. She was always my favorite as a kid just because of all of her gymnastic capabilities. She was quick, nimble, and super sneaky.

I tried my hardest finding video games which let me play as her. But that was to no avail. There was one Game Boy game that had her in it that came out and long time ago, but it definitely was not worth it in the slightest. So, I figured I'd just settle with watching her.

That all changed with Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe. Catwoman was a playable character. I screamed. I immediately rushed out, rented it, and played as Catwoman. Her playstyle was quick and nimble, although she wasn't as "flippy," which made me kind of sad. Anyways, Catwoman has always had this spot in my heart as one of my favorites.

Recently though, she's definitely climbed up higher.

I've been getting all of the comics she's had. I've bought Catwoman inspired shoes. I've even got a Catwoman visual guide coming to me sometime next week. I'm also debating on posters for my dorm room. It's bad.

However, most of this is due to Batman Arkham City's release in October and The Dark Knight Rises. Both of these are featuring Catwoman in big roles. Arkham City is going to make Catwoman playable, and the Dark Knight rises features Anne Hathaway as the sultry villain. I have been scouring the internet for any news on Anne Hathaway's costume, as it's sure to be my wallpaper as soon as the promotional media of her is released like Bane's was.

Anyways, that's a look into my obsession. I love me some Selina Kyle. And okay, I'll shut up now. :x

~This is Deej, signing off.

My Thoughts On My Life Recently

Summer is halfway over. It's already flown so quickly I can't believe it.

I still remember walking back into my room after my commute from Austin. The nostalgia filled my lungs and I was ready to sit back and try to unwind from my emotional roller coaster ride I had back at the University.

I started out the Summer relatively rough enough. I was running around job hunting and trying to find some decent way to earn money. I went through several job applications and filled them out furiously, just waiting for a response back. That was the beginning of my Summer, just laziness and job searching. However, it was not free of drama.

I still was feeling bad about where I had been in the past few months. I was still clinging on to something that I was missing. I hadn't let go yet. I was wishing for something that would never happen. I still had a pain in my heart whenever I saw that person's name or whenever we talked. It still hurt.

This battle stayed with me for a few weeks and even as I was job searching. I felt lonely, as if I'd never find anyone. However, the cold air that I felt in League City finally set in. I realized what I realized in High School a couple of years back.

I was never going to find anyone in this town.

I could search and search to my hearts content, but nothing would come up for me. It would just cause more painstaking days for me that I would have to deal with... and I don't know if I'd want to put myself through any of that ever again.

So, as the Summer grew on through June and I started working, the drama and turmoil of my mind started to slip. I only found myself thinking about it whenever I'd go to bed at night or have any "down time" (as stated in an earlier blog post). My sense of desperation kept on picking away at me, and my lack of a computer for what is like 2 weeks now is not helping me in any way whatsoever.

However, after my long, hard night working the 4th of July at my job, running around on people's beck and whim, trying to grab drinks and plates and the like, I had a change of heart. You wanna know what I figured out?

I just don't give a F%#$ anymore.

I mean seriously. All of my life, I have been caring and caring, and it gets me nowhere. All soon to be 20 years of my life I have cared for everyone so much, and I haven't gotten any relationships out of it. I have been screwed over so many times and I have ended up crying so many times. I have been an emotional wreck more times than you can count with your fingers and toes. I'm sick of it. I'm sick of being so emotional.

Maybe I can't change that I'm emotional. Fine. Maybe I can't change that I'm always going to care about people more than they do about me. Fine. But I'm NOT getting stepped on any more. I'm sick of people using my feelings just so that they can feel good and better about themselves.

Basically, if you want to show me that you care, you can. But don't expect it from me so much anymore unless you reciprocate it. I'm through giving all of my love to "walls." I give and I give and I never expect anything in return. Which is a great trait, but once again, after 20 years of just giving my emotions away and never expecting anything back... I want at least a "thank you" or a "I love you too."

Am I entitled to that at all? Some of you may argue no. But I feel like I need to start being stronger in who I am. Maybe it's time to be that Sassy Gay Friend I was pretending to be for Halloween, so I wouldn't have to be so weak.

Who knows, world? My Summer has brought so many changes into my life it's crazy. I just hope now that I'm level-headed I can sift through them and start picking out the good ones and finally empty my mind of all of this melodramatic nonsense before school starts up again in the Fall.

Because I know that once Fall comes, it's Emotional Roller Coaster 2.0, and I'm ready to ride.

~This is Deej, signing off.