Last night. Lawdy 🥵

Completely understaffed, unprepared, and supercharged from the moment I walked through the doors after being dropped off because there was zero parking available. Even had the boss tell me she tried texting me to warn me that they were covered up and they were dying. Didn’t even wear an apron because there was never a moment that allowed me to grab one. …I don’t know how I survived that whole ordeal, but I know for sure I hit the cut-off-caring switch when I was left alone on the front line while tickets were continually printing and empty plates were waiting to be filled but I was too busy going from dropping chicken to slicing pizzas. My brain and body just went into self defense mode and instead of stress running rampant within I simply sighed and said out loud softly and slowly, “I can’t do everything…and that’s totally okay.” I slowed myself down because what was the point of rushing when I couldn’t get anything out on my own.

I love my job. I love my boss. But her lack of adequate scheduling fucked my crew last night. It’s not the first time and one of the main reasons I’ve made myself let go of the sometimes overwhelming need to be some kind of Wonder Woman in a chef’s hat that can save the day over and over again. I beat cancer…for now (knock on wood). Any other battle, especially a work related one where 90% of the environment consists of 12-17 year olds, is not a priority to me or my overall mental wellbeing. Why would it be when I know what truly matters in life. And that is why I’m so excited for my morning.

This morning I’m having a solo date with myself. On tap is a drive with my summer playing at an anxiety safe level with the windows rolled down. Also there will be flowers gifted to myself and a smoothie I don’t have to prepare. There will be a sampling of perfumes and clothes browsing as I have given myself the goal to splurge on myself in the “look pretty, feel pretty” category. I will not let my mind wander to my shift tonight or the failures encountered last night. I will fully immerse myself in the joy and peace of the moment I’m in so it carries over into the next debacle where I have to be the adult of everyone around me. There will be softness, forgiveness, and nothing but love surrounding me and I’m over the moon with excitement for it. It’s that wanted. …that needed.

Happy weekend to you guys. Here’s to the moments that actually matter in life and not getting hung up on the nonsensical bullshit that tries to break us. Say yes to flowers. Oh, and cake! I’m so buying myself a just for scuz cake because why the hell not 🥰

JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M

I am at a busy breakfast spot on a Saturday morning. Yet I did not have to wait too long for a table.

I love this place because the food is good and cheap, and the staff know me. Even my name! When a waitress came to the tiny waiting area (the place is small with only about 15 tables), she said, "Chris, I got you".

When I sat down at my booth, there was a new teen there, so I had to tell her I wanted coffee. But with the long-term staff they bring it without me even asking. And they are so good about the other stuff. If I order grits, I never have to ask for butter like at other places. And some places forget the grit spoon and I have to use my coffee spoon. Not this place! I got water and extra napkins without even asking, even though coffee is enough, and one napkin.

The only thing that annoys me is that when they are really busy, and they see that I am done eating and have finished my coffee, they kindly ask me if I could leave since they need my table.

Sometimes I order more coffee just to linger. I am usually chatting on here!

🛎 Order up!

Degbeme · 70-79, M

Well so much for my wishing you smooth day. If I jinxed you I am sorry. Get that cake.

PerfectionOfTheHeart · 46-50, F

@Degbeme Oh, what transpired had nothing to do with your well wishes. It’s 100% the holiday rush itself mixed with incompetent coworkers and pretentious customers. Not my first rodeo so knew what I was in for.