Blisters & The Bowen Kings

Hello all!

So I've had what seemed to be an eventful Sunday so I'm going to share whether you like it or not.  As I'm writing this I want it go on record that my right hand is practically one giant blister and my right eye can barely open because apparently I have some sort of an eye infection.  This picture's not really clear enough to see all five blisters but I can tell you holding trays and refilling drinks with open blisters is no fun at all.  

Apparently I need to correct my grip.  

This.. AND an eye infection?  What the heck is wrong with me?  I woke up with my eye welded shut with pus.  Now I have to ditch my audition because my eyelid looks like a plum is sitting on it.  I know right... boo frickity hoo.

Anyway.. headed to work.  My first table was a party of 8.  This is good.  In the server world 18% or 20% gratuity is not always guaranteed unless you're white so whenever we see a party of 6 or more we slap on that grat without a moments hesitation, sit back and let the tips roll in.  This is unless they're white because sometimes they actually tip more that 20% and in this case we have to feel them out because adding grat might actually diminish your chances of making more.  Anywho, you don't care about that.  Well this party wasn't just any ol' party.  This was Bruce Bowen's party.

  For those of you who do not recognize this man he is the original "Kobe Stopper."  Unlike Ruben Patterson who's the lame, self-proclaimed "Kobe Stopper."  He's the real deal.  But honestly, who can really stop Kobe..  He probably came to eat his sorrows away after being pulverized by the Lakers.  In any case, I was admittedly star struck for a minute then realized wait, I'm supposed to hate this guy. After all, Spurs are really the only team I hate in the NBA.  But as I was serving him, something dawned on me.  Despite how I feel for him when he's wearing that stupid jersey, in a shirt and tie he's a lovely person.  This was the moment I realized, much like in acting, I hate the player (character) but not the person (actor).  Ahhh..  It all made sense.  So I looked past his unfortunate life as a Spur and carried on.

Nearing the end of my shift, having been practically stiffed by a Japanese couple straight from the motherland ($210 w/ $5 tip)... (aside)  A reminder for those who dine out, even with the worst service PLEASE try not to tip less than 10-15%.  Otherwise the server actually ends up paying for you because at the end of the day his total sales is what he bases the percentage of his tip-outs to bartenders, bussers, runners...etc.  So if you ring up their sales and don't tip, we pay out of our pocket to tip them out.  And honestly we do think the worst of you and hope we never see you again.  C'est la vie. (aside done)  

My final table were The Dap Kings.  

Immediately, I didn't recognize them but in my afterthoughts I realized I served an excellent group of musicians.  They're a funk/soul band that stays away from anything digital and keeps it real with an impressive horn section.  As of now they're the band for Sharon Jones who performed at the Club Nokia right above us.  You might know them best from playing with Amy Winehouse in her hit single "Rehab" in addition to playing on almost all her songs in her Back to Black album.  And you know despite the whole stigma with musicians/artists/celebrities being partying drunks, most of whom I've served drink water or iced tea.  These guys included.  Bummer for me but good for them!

Well that was my day in a turtle shell.  I'm off to see The Wrestler and from what I've heard and read I'm expecting to be blown away.  Otherwise I'll probably rant about it again.

Have an excellent week errbody and stay sexy!

**UPDATE

My eye seems to be doing better.  No longer a plum sitting on it rather a cherry tomato now.  Aww.. Jenny.  Thanks for your concern!

currently listening::  How Long- Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings

currently touching::  My eye.