NOW THAT'S NOT FUNNY

Observations and Explorations

I think it is a fair statement to say, "not everyone has had the opportunity to wait tables." On the other hand, it’s also fair to say that the majority of us dine out.

I waited tables for many, many years, on and off. I'll also admit that I like to dine out as frequently as possible.

The following link is to a story I think is well worth reading – it’s humorous, but there are lessons to be learned, too.

As you read the following true-life adventure, I want you to ask yourself a few questions:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/25/dining/25note.html?pagewanted=1&incamp=article...

Who in the story do you relate to the most, the waiters and waitresses, or the patrons?

What kind of restaurant patron are you?

Are you a "Camper", which is slang for restaurant patrons who linger forever at tables? Or are you a "Verbal tipper", which are people who offer extravagant praise in lieu of a 20 percent tip?

Are you someone that is interested in having the experience of being disappointed?

After you read the story, my hope is you will be kind enough to e-mail me your thoughts and comments about your dining experiences, either as a waiter, waitress, or patron. With your permission, I’ll add the best of your contributions to this entry.