Fame is a Vapor

June 26th 2010

I've had quite the event past two weeks. Everything from messy children, whimpering fathers, "celebrity" sightings, and being as busy as a I can be. The resort has started to get very busy lately which is great, only that two weeks ago it was busy with children. Now, don't get me wrong, I like kids.. to a point. But lets just say, time and a place honey! Those little nuggets don't need to be running around a fine dining restaurant licking the windows, throwing mac n' cheese on the floor, and spilling milk all over the table!! We have plenty of other "kid friendly" outlets they can go to, AND day cares available should they want to get a full dining experience. I mean.. it's like waiting on Octomom. We see we have a reservation for 10 people, it's pretty exciting, potential for a big bill/big tip. Then 2 adults and 8 little children come in... and I mean toddlers! I can understand a mature eight year old.. I even knew how to cut a steak at that age.. but not one over five! That's a mess waiting to happen!

To top that off, I got stuck SA'ing (server assisting.. STILL) for the worst server there, Tim. Tim kind of looks like a heavier version of Vince Vaughn, with a pie shaped face. He is REALLY nice. But his skills... lack. I swear I never see him through the whole night, he forgets to set his tables, he forgets courses, he doesn't clear settings, he doesn't clear at all! He leaves so much shit on the table it makes my job 10 times harder! I spend half the night running around looking for him so I can communicate with him what needs done to help set us up for success. All I want to do is help him, while trying to help the guests. Not so easy.

WEEK TWO

This week we had a corporate buy-out. The one hotel on property can be bought out. A famous Pittsburgh Hockey Player bought out the hotel and hosted a golf tournament. We were so busy setting up buffets. I had to be at work by 5:30 am! It was so interesting to see how excited everyone was to see the "famous" sports stars. Everyone from Pittsburgh hockey, baseball, and football players were all there. Some other team players were there too. Sports are very big in the Pittsburgh area. I never got into it, I knew about two people. Even the kitchen staff was coming out just to take a peak at "The goalie who won us the NHL" or "The coach of Notre Dame." In Los Angeles I would see/work with famous people all the time and have similar reactions to some, It's funny how subjective it can be.

Meanwhile back at home. It was family reunion prep time! I was working every day and would come home and here's my dad. "Kyle I need you to clean your room"... my room was spotless. No seriously.... maybe there would be a hair. He wanted me to FUMIGATE my room in bleach! I understand that I'm living at home and there will be "consequences" but, I don't think my dad understands that he to, has some consequences. Another chore came up and my father said, "I need you to move this coffee table and the dining room table." Now, we teach my little four year old nephew to ask nicely and say please. I'm constrained enough living here, so I VERY calmly and nicely said to him "Dad, for me, could you please consider asking me rather then telling me, I know that I would be much more motivated to do something if you could please try to do that" Exact words... It was my attempt to better communicate with him, and build an even stronger relationship. He screams "NO! I DON'T HAVE TO CHANGE MYSELF FOR YOU! THIS IS MY HOUSE!!!" ... I ran to my room crying like I did when I was a child. Attempt failed.

The family reunion went well. It was so wonderful to see my only living grand-ma, my cousin, aunt, uncle, mom, brother, sister two nephews, and of course my dad. Tons of local inbreds were there referring to me as a strong "football" player type... I smiled through it all and did my best to "get to know" everyone. Towards the end of the night three of my girlfriends came over and we drank the night away and danced on the back porch. We had a wonderful time reminiscing about old times.

The following tuesday just about all the family had left, and we had another party at the house. A season premiere party for a T.V. show that I worked on earlier this year. There was one scene that I guess you could say I was "featured" in. First time I saw myself on T.V. It was pretty neat.

My hours have cut back now at the resort because the buy-out is over. It should pick up after July 4th.

The fitness challenge is going well. Just got a hot romania personal trainer! He's really helping me with lifting weights!

Been crying about L.A. to my manager, who lived in L.A. for 1o years and "gets it". I miss the beach, the hikes, the sun, the different air... but if I look at the big picture, I guess I'm not missing much right now... right?

~This is what I have resorted to~

KMS

Another Outlet

June 13th 2010

At Mysty Meadows resort there are 12 Restaurant Outlets. As you know I work in one of the nicest, busiest, more expensive ones. From time to time we get moved to another we get moved to another one of these outlets. This week I was moved to the slowest, cheapest restaurant on property, The Shack Pit. It's a Barbecue restaurant that serves only beef, chicken, and pork bbq. When someone orders a sandwich you have to ask.. "what type of meat would you like?" Try saying that with a straight face.. it ain't easy. I also worked in the Banquets outlet this week. Working banquets is fun, but is WAY different than working in a restaurant. It usually constrains me working in any other outlet, its like starting a new job all over again.

I started finding outlets for myself as well. The resort is having a health and fitness challenge, inspiring associates to get in shape. I've started running and weight training. I will keep you posted with how it goes.

I got to spend a lot of time with friends this week. I even took a "big trip" in to the city to see "The Girls". I've really started to appreciate where I am. While driving to Pittsburgh, I took notice to the country roads that lead me there. I have driven on these roads thousands of times its amazing what you miss when you really aren't present. Had a great time in Pittsburgh, they all look fabulous and are doing wonderfully.

Last night I went out in town, that was quite a different experience. You see, when I was in high school i was the first male cheerleader this town had scene in 25 years, it was one of those in the local news paper ground breaking kind of things. Well.. that's how everyone knows me... people I don't even know will come up to me and say "do a cheer!" etc.. Really?! This was almost 10 years ago.. we're still making fun of the male cheerleader? It really gives me a sense of "fame"... meaning that strangers know my first and last name, my business, and are randomly talking to me about it. It's funny to be in that situation.. I'm very guilty for going up to celebrities.

I haven't seen or talked to my sister in days. I should really call her. My mom was in town this weekend and she and my father surprised me and had dinner at The Resort. My Dad wanted to meet everyone and even spoke to all the tables next to him. My mom just wanted to eat the chicken. It was a lovely visit. Have many more hours to work this week, will take notes for interesting stories!

This is what I have resorted to!

~KMS

Service with a Smile!

June 4th 2010

It's amazing how rude people can be. I understand that you are going to get the occasional guest that may want that extra touch. I mean, they are spending thousands of dollars to stay at a luxury resort. However, there comes a point when someone is just plain rude. I seemed to have many "rude" guests lately. I had a table the other day that was so picky... they could have written a new menu! Other tables we're laughing because they were giving me such a hard time. I'm going to offer a little advice. If your server asks if you need anything, do your absolute best to see what you need at that time, if you continuously ask them for something every SINGLE time they come back.... it's HIGHLY exhausting.... and you're not the only one's they're taking care of!

Another thing, if you are sitting in a restaurant and notice that you are the last couple sitting in there, have finished eating/drinking and it's late... consider that the restaurant is closed and you may want to move to a bar. I had a table stay 3 hours after we closed the other night.. just talking and typing on there computers! Imagine.. we close at 9:00 and I didn't leave until 1:00 am! Due to our style of service, we can't say anything to them. At Mysty Meadows... the customers/guests are ALWAYS RIGHT! They can get whatever they want, if we have access to it... If they want a dessert that they had 2 miles a way at another outlet.. we will have to run and get it as fast as we can with making it look like no effort!

Now, picture having to wait on someone that you really don't like. One of my best friends, Nia, ex-boyfriends came in. Tom and Nia were together for about 2 years and he treated her terribly. It really has nothing to do with me, I just didn't like how he treated my friend. What did I do? Went above and beyond to provide good service! I got to know the new girl he was with, and even gave him a complimentary dessert!

Prior to working that evening, I had to go to train out different outlets on the resort. While there I ran into a girl I went to high school with. Like most high school kids, I went through difficult times. My difficult time consisted of a guy friend of mine claiming I touched him inappropriately, beating the pulp out of me, never clearing the air with our families, or resolving the issue, and then he tragically dies in an accident. So every time after that, the family would see me, and be reminded of this horrible person who "hurt" there son/brother while he was alive. Well.. after years of therapy.. I'm better.. because I know the truth. In any event. His sister works at The Resort. Luckily she works in a different outlet, however we tend to move around, so there is a possibility that I will work with her. We acted like we didn't even know each other. As well we should, it has been almost 10 years, she doesn't know me.

I got to spend some quality time with Claire, Jacob, and Justin the other day. I took the 4 year old Justin to the playground while Claire tried to pump her very large breasts! I had a good talk with her about reality. I think it's finally starting to sink in a little more. She has been using my parent as crutches for years, and eventually crutches break. My mom has spoke up and said she is "taking care of herself" and refuses to come home and help her. Which I totally support. Bill has to deal with Claire and her absent husband EVERYDAY.. I think he's reaching his maximum. I do feel for my sister, but it's obvious that she is a little slower, however I think the new baby is a big wake-up call for life.

I got yet, another phone call and job offer for a gig in L.A. A friend of a friend is producing a sketch comedy T.V. show and she wanted me to come in "at least read for it, if not just do it" Again.. must put on a smile and remember I am here for a reason.

This is what I have resorted to!

~KMS