Stressing on the side.

July 8th 2010

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

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

Order up!

May 29th 2010

I saw my mother for the first time in a year. It was clearly evident that for years she has been taking care others, and neglecting the care of herself. She looked, and I use this word cautiously, "TIRED". I only say this because I see my mom and I want the best for her, not because I wish she had made different decisions. I understand that she has gone through a lot, but now that her mother has died she says things like " I don't know who to take care of now" "who am I suppose to help next?" I know she knows that "herself" is the person she really needs to help. But she has to be the one to make that decision right?

Claire, my sister, went into labor last night. I got to spend time with her husband, who is as red neck, local bread, right winged, as they come. As I was sitting waiting with him, his phone rang the ring tone goes " I AM BARACK OBAMA... BANG BANG.. (bullets hit the floor) " Yes.. as in shooting. Every time the family is together he always ends up having to go "do something" anything from the laundry to picking up a check. My sister was in labor 8 Cm dilated, and he left to run an errand. It's not my business, but really?

My father had sympathy pains while Claire delivered and after the baby was born. He paced holding his stomach, breathing deep, contracting. You would have thought he was having a child as well. I got to go see Claire first. I walked to the nurses station and asked if I could bring the baby to the room with her. She said "sure give me just a minute" She wheeled out a little baby boy and I started tearing up. We walked down the hallway and I was staring at him with joy. We walked into the room only to see someone else in the bed. I said "That's not my sister" The nurse went "Oh.. this is there baby! Sorry!" The baby wasn't even my nephew! I finally get in the room to see Claire and little Jacob. My other nephew, and my dad Bill join moments later. The nurse came in to give Claire a shot, my dad screamed in pain while Claire just sat there. He dramatically expressed how big the needled was.. over and over again. Little Jacob is really cute. I'm happy that he is a healthy baby!

Meanwhile, Mysty Meadows has been kicking my ass! From the 14 hour shifts to the amount of work that goes with it. I'm getting used to the tasks at hand, but I am not used to it being this slow. I came back to put some money in the bank, and pay off my car. I'm not making any money. No seriously.. very little money. I trust that it will pick up soon.

I had a meeting with the manager about "team work." I choose to help every other associate that I work with, because I think that we are a team. I learned that years ago. I think that's the only way a business can operate. She told the whole staff about it and I already see a difference in other people's work ethics. Rather than "complaining" about the laziness I saw in others, I'm going to come from love, and help them. In return, maybe they'll help me? Who knows.. all I know is that I feel good helping them.

Last night, I waited on a lady who was celebrating her 40th birthday. She was there with her husband having an intimate dinner. She was my first serenade song of the season! The lady told me that it was the most personable thing she ever had, asked me to record it and send it to her. Last year I was singing with two of the top ten best theatre directors in L.A. in theatrical performances. This year, in Farmville Pa to paying customers. Well.. here I just may get a bigger tip.

This is what I Resorted To~

KMS

Preserve my ego

May 25th 2010

Yesterday, I hit rock bottom. I had to walk into the Wal-mart to refill a prescription. What a zoo this super center is. It's insane how they have monopolized small towns. After wal-mart I headed up to Mysty Meadows. Gwen and Rob had a few days off. They took a "trip into the city" together. That's what people do here. Pittsburgh, "the city" as they call it, is an HOUR drive. It has very little traffic, and on country roads. Yet, people continuously feel that it is to far to get to. I'm sure I will hear all about there big "trip" when they get back. It was my final day of training. Craig, the naive, awkward boy who I initially trained was training me again. I had to really struggle with my ego. He was telling me how to do everything for wipe a plate to reminding me to smile. I wanted to burst and say "I'm not a fucking retard.. I know what I'm doing" However, he is very sweet and was coming from a good place. So I struggled through it and just said "Thank you". Another "ego" problem I am struggling with is the poor service skills, lack of team work, and well just shear laziness other associates have. If I'm hired to do a job, I'm going to do my best. Isn't that what I've been learning in training?

I must have done the work of three people last night. A new associate, Brendan, is young, slow, and in my opinion just not right for the dining room. I did all his side work and helped him flip his tables. Otherwise we would have been there until mid-night. ( we can't leave until all the work is done)

I got out of work at 11:00 pm. I had a voicemail from a california number. I found out that I had booked a webseries that I auditioned for a few months ago. In the moment, I screamed "FUCK" in parking garage. I called the producer back and let him know that I would not be able to take the role. He was understanding, and said he'd be in touch for future projects. Everything happens for a reason... right?

I woke up early this morning to drive to New Jersey with my dad. He is so excited that I am coming to my grandma's funeral. I didn't even have my eye's open before his rays of sunshine were bursting in my face and talking my ears off. I hadn't told my mom yet that I was able to get the time off of work to come to the funeral, and was planning on calling her. My dad was insistent to make it a "joyful surprise" when we arrive at the grave side service in the cemetery! I was thinking my mom would already have enough mixed emotions... she didn't need another. I decided to call and let her know. Getting ready to leave the house now. Seven hours in the car with big papa.

This is what I've resorted to!

~KMS

The Staff

May 23 2010

I had the first bathroom "situation" with my dad. I don't get how there are thousands of L.A. apartments that manage to get 2 bathrooms in them, but in my dads 3 story, 3 bedroom house, with a full basement.. he only still has 1 bathroom. At 6:00 am this morning I wake up for work. Wanting to quickly hop in the shower and head to my long day. Well, I clearly should have communicated this with old Bill. For some reason he was up showering on Saturday... bright and bubbly, cleaning his hair. As I paced back and forth waiting to use the restroom. Until I finally knocked "dad".. "OH JESUS.. you scared".. he screams while in the shower. I ran in used the restroom and left. I have still yet to get my shower.

I made it through my first double shift. I arrived at the Mystic Meadows Hotel at 6:30 am and did not get home until around 4 am. Let me just say.. that the nobody likes the breakfast shifts. We have 800 people who work at night and there were 3 who worked this morning! We usually will get a bunch of anxious golfers who just want to make there T-time! So they have to hurry in, eat and leave.

I worked with another associate named Craig. His first year was when I was there years ago. I trained him.. and now I was working under him. He is very shy, and naive. I could tell he felt a little awkward because I still know a lot about "how things work" and he is still.. well shy and naive. It got so busy they had me start taking orders. On my 2nd day.

After breakfast I got a phone call from my mother. My mother moved from her intermediate family a few years ago to take care of my grand-parents. Two 90 year olds. Over the past 5 years she has gone through an e-motional roller coaster of death and torment. She has lost not only most of her family, her own life. My grandmother, is 95 and is the last one alive. Still fiesty and kicking. Until yesterday morning. The funeral is scheduled for Wed. in New Jersey. I think I'm going to attend. Perhaps its the universe showing me another reason why I was supposed to be on the east coast this summer?

I went to my friend Gwens house in between shifts. She lives on the mountain, but not "on property" Gwen and I met years ago, but became very fast, close friends when I first worked for Mystic Meadows. I must have been to her place hundreds of times, but she still gets insecure about me coming over if it's to "messy". I understand the want to have your place to looking nice... but we're practically family.

Dinner shift starts at 4:00. When walking in I saw someone I went to high-school with "hey there's my celebrity" he said. ... If you really want to feel like a celebrity, live in a small town for a short while, move to L.A. do a couple of little projects and put them on your facebook. I should be writing a blog called "how facebook made me famous" Back to the dinner shift.

This is the more exciting shift where we have to be on our A game. Every head server has an assistant with them for there tables. I'm still in training.. so I'm assisting the assistant. I was the only seasonal associate ever to get the Food and Beverage associate of the month award for head server... and now I'm assisting the assistant.

Let me fill you in on a few of the associates I work with. First there is Bessie. She has been at Mystic Meadows forever. She is slightly older than everyone, slightly heavier, always in charge, and believes EVERYTHING she see's on the news. Her serving style is very professional, proper, and profitable. Next is Rob. Rob is an attractive, smart man. He has is also slightly older, but a little more educated. However, I think he is slightly "bi-polar" in the personality department. One minute he sweet as can be, the next he is just a bottled up rocket of anger... over nothing.. which he then takes out on other people. Rob and Gwen are dating.... I try to stay out of it. Oh did I mention that Gwen works there with Rob? Then there is Audrey. Audrey is a very sweet, beautiful young girl. I think Audrey has a lot of potential, but she is one of the many people who have stayed in the bubble of Farmville Pa, never left, and does not know that there are so many other options out there. She was raised a specific way, and I think in her head that is THE ONLY way. There are more "supporting" players and "guest" appearances that will pop up. I'm sure. I'm lucky to be friendly with all of them. They, on the other hand are not all friends. Audrey doesn't like how Rob treats Gwen so she feels that it's her problem, and gets stressed about it. Mean while, Gwen seems to happy and figuring out Rob for herself. I think they will eventually get married. Like most relationships, they have kinks, so they will choose to either work them out or not.

Service went smoothly.... Rob was upset because a lady bought a $30.00 glass of wine that we needed to comp off. She read the wine book incorrectly and thought that it was $5.00. She was looking at the table of contents... it said Page five! That's just one example of the people we have to deal with. Being that this beautiful resort is located in the poorest county in PA, we occasionally will attract some uncultured individuals. When that happens, we need to accommodate them. After work, on the weekend, the staff goes for drinks at "Harley's" a biker bar across the street. Gwen and Rob were already there, when I walked in with Audrey. I now felt torn going back and forth talking with Audrey and Gwen because they were on separate sides of the bar. I didn't let it ruin my time. As you read.. I didn't get home until 4 am! Oh the self control that I lack. " oh come on just have one drink" well.. don't need to twist my arm. Here's a toast to my Grandma!!

I made it home and into bed safely. Back to work tomorrow!

This is what I have resorted to!

~KMS