It's officially traveling season. The resort has got so much busier over the past twelve days. Here's what's been happening: Last week the inspector's came. They are the people who rate the Hotel to see if it is going to be awarded the Fifth Star... or not. One of the qualifications is dining in the lounge. I have started serving in the lounge. It is the same menu as the restaurant, but a little more casual service. The lounge is huge, with up to 16 tables and can hold up to 200 people. For some reason or another, I was the only server on that night! Of course, right when the inspectors come, 10 other people sit at the same time. I was mentally prepared, calm and ready. When training for this, they said one of the most important things was "making a connection with the guest" That is something I am good at. When they get there, it seamed every staff member FREAKED OUT ON ME!! My manager was yelling at me for my poor preparation... it was one thing after another. I literally had to take a moment and breathe. Now, these inspectors are professionals! Asking question after question about drinks, wine pairings to food! I did the best I could, was really friendly. However, I feel I told them a lot of "MY" opinions. and what "I" liked... rather than saying "our most popular item is" or "our guests like"..... that is something they like to hear you say.... crazy I know.
After service was done I had to sit with my manager and go over detail to detail what had happened so she could email it to the general manager and all the managers the entire resort. I'll admit, I was nervous, but I thought I kept my cool.
The next day I went to Human Resources to weigh in for my fitness challenge. I lost 6lbs since my first weigh in. After weighing in, the director suggested that I go and take a Stress Management workshop. The workshop was starting shortly and I had the time, so I decided to go.
The teacher was very sweet. She passed out a worksheet that had a very big cover on it saying HOW TO HANDLE STRESS AT WORK!!! She went through deep breathing exercises, how to rub your head, shoulders, etc. I told the small circle of people that I learned "We create our own stress" so.. something really doesn't have to be stressful if you don't want it to be. The teacher loved that!
When walking back to my car, I walked by the inspectors. I was not in uniform and off the clock, however they remembered me from the night before. They took notice to the worksheet in my hand and asked what I was doing? Really nice! I simply said the "resort offers workshops for the associates and I just came to experience one." we'll see how that flies.
Fourth of July weekend was busy as can be. It gets difficult because there are large parties, demanding people, and we must maintain a "YES" attitude and a never say "NO" mentality. Mr. Decarlo came to visit and brought his entire family. He writes the books for hospitality. It is him who critics the "never say no." he is known to make or break a hotel, although he has nothing to do with the rating. He is a very nice man, but he certainly will test your level of patience to the utmost degree. Imagine it's 11:00 am, you're shift is about to end in you've been up since 6:00 am, you have to be back to work at 4. and here comes Mr. Decarlo with 24 people.. wanting to eat! He does it on purpose, trust me, it's his job. Let's just say, lots of people were like that.
It's so funny to hear all of the servers tell the stories of guests, sending food back, discounting bills, getting stiffed on a check. We go above and beyond to being nice, and have to use the proper words.. and all of our subconscious are just cursing like crazy!
Things at home have been going well. I asked my manager to put me on 6 days a week, explaining I came home to work here, not work for my dad. Its not that I mind helping, its just that I feel it's a constant, and then when I do something, it's not right or he didn't want it done. I mean.. he wants his dishwasher loaded a VERY specific way. I was putting bowls in the other night and he said "those don't go there... they go like this" I appreciated it.... but it's all still a little twisted for me.
I was on another episode of a T.V. show Tue. night. Some people from work and friends said they had caught it.
Last year on the 4th of July I was in Hollywood Ca performing to a sold out show in a world premiere musical and doing the original cast recording.
This is what I have resorted to
~KMS
