::]:: Draft of a Letter to Be Sent to Kam Found in the Chinky Journal ::[::

No Date - No Time - probably written Spring of 2002

Kam--

Not sure what time of the night it is, I'm to lazy to bother with my glasses and peering over at the clock all I do know is that its pretty early in the morning. and I can't get to sleep. I had this problem last night as well. It most definitely affected my performance at work tonight.

The first time in a long time that all I really had to worry about was waiting tables. Didn't have to go run and make drinks, worry about keeping people busy, or guests from grumbling. All I had to do was serve food and I did fairly well - yet this was the first time in a looooong time that not only did I make a mistake in the order but that I'd made such a horrible series of mistakes in the order. I was, however, easily floored when they still tipped me very well.

I'm often surprised by the entire process of tipping in general. The randomness by which your customer would judge your performance. The food being made incorrectly is the kitchen's fault. The music being too loud and the lights too low is not my fault either. Still all of this is a factor in how much some person wants to give me. Then again, a smile, a wink, and some pleasant conversation can mean an impressive tip as well. Then there are the folks that well tip just to round out the cost of the bill on their credit statement. For example the check maybe $19.63 and they will write in $1.47 on the line for the tip to get $21.00 on their monthly statement. {I am so guilty of this still - but I round over the 20%}

Nonetheless I really enjoy this job. I really don't get paid all the well esp. after considering my hours spent there. But the satisfaction that I get from entertaining my guests and even my co-workers is payment itself. Just like all those thankless hours spent on a production or show where you won't see a dime for your work. I would even do my manager's position for my previous rate but we needed share that info with my manager.

Well, dearest cousine, how has life treated you these last few months? How's the hubby and darling little cottage. Nana told me that she has a copy of the wedding video. We're going to watch it together when she comes back from visiting Hedda in California. I can't wait to see it. It all seems like such a dream now or feels like so long ago. I can't wait to hear my speech too.

Where were you guys on Sept. 11? Its such a common question now; my story is feeling so rote now. The patriotism shown lately is so overwhelming - either so emotionally dramatic or so sickly sweet & melodramatic. I always say that I'm actually quite glad that I was stuck in London during that period. All the flags and flag-waving is getting to be to much for me. Not that I don't love my country. But sometimes I have to question if this is true patriotism or is this person flying a flag to show pride or because they're worried that other Americans (esp. if they look if Middle Eastern descent) won't consider them dangerous enemies? Did this person put that "God Bless America" bumper sticker on to display support or unity? Or is it only because everyone else is doing it?

I thought this was a timely entry b/c I'm so NOT sleeping right now... and that I've painfully have decided not to go with mitten and MK to the London Exchange..