i survived june

Phew.

First off, i passed my WSET level one. (proud tiny achievement). In serious consideration if i should do my level 2 within this year. August again ,will be a busy busy month for all the hotels. Next exam will be around end Sept? Ahh time flies too quickly.

Well move on, second greatest achievement this year, managed to get thru to Semi final, for hotel's Ultimate Server Competition. Though i wasnt able to get to the next round, being a semi finalist was good enough. The experience part was overwhelming. Friends i met from other sis hotels, the friendship we built, and the working culture we shared. And cigar learning is fun, not!

I realised so much that i didn't know.. nonetheless.. all is over.

Will be on a week break next week, before gearing up for Edinburgh Fest. There comes the kaching kaching part. So much that i wanted to write down, i forgot most of the important bits.

This year itself has been real great experience, mostly work stuffs. So sad that all these will be coming to an end .. too soon!

Hello world

Hola. Long time ey! Completed one of the resolutions, (fuh, like finally!) Did my level 1 wset and results' out next weekend. All i need is a pass hence i can proceed to the next level. Coffee comp's over. Finally no more "art" class. Won nothing, but learnt something. A good espresso holds the sugar at least few seconds, if the one you have been drinking doesnt.. that means its not good enough. ;)

Hotel's ultimate server comp stage one due next monday (still untouched, i have 3 days left to come out with slides!)If i win, the price enough for me to get a first class to go home!

Busy busy will come to an end this month fingers crossed. Haven't been talking to most of the close ones. Time passes so quickly one guy friend is reaching this weekend. A good holiday i think i deserved ey? Can't wait ! !

you cant make up your mind mind mind mind mind
please dont waste my time time time time time
im not trying to rewind wind wind wind wind
i wish our hearts could come together as one

superman,not

Slept for 20hours, and that is still not enough. Woke up about an hourish in between because promised the best friend to do a catch up session. But that didn't last long. Too tired, and i fell asleep again while replying his message, with the mobile still in grip.

Weekend is always a night mare. Been doing this superman job the 4th weekend now. Morning in the hotel, night at the thai's. I am nothing , without the assistance of the caffeines. When you have overworked yourself, you just don't feel like doing anything except staying in on your days off.

There was this wicked case at work yesterday. At the thai's , i was taking care of Section A&B, this old couple at their 40s at table #A3, had a bottle of Chile's Santa Helena Chardonnay. The lady ordered not to pour their wine as they would prefered to do it themselves. (Very clever, avoid from paying service charges)

They had a starter to share, and the same main, with a side portion of coconut milk rice. When colleague was doing her table checking, overheard the lady complained about her rice, - less cooked and soggy. How can less cooked became soggy? They had eaten the rice, almost 3/4, only let us know it wasn't cooked well. How clever was that? A portion became two, with the price of one. Human with brains. Very very clever.

When colleague got them another new bowl of rice, I did the checking see if they are alright with that. (Infact they are they same thing from the same rice cooker!)

"How is the rice, is everything alright for you ?" I asked reluctantly

(Deep inside i knew this woman want free stuffs)

"It's overcooked now! " she commented with annoyed tone.

Tolerate no more, I told her directly, the rice is actually same thing from the same rice cooker.

She was obviously embarassed and kept quiet after. Wanted to state that other customers are fine with theirs but why only you? Managed to kept cool. Well that wasn't exactly a complain. More like wanting to get free stuffs by giving us a hard time.

I know, there is no point arguing with people with such skills. In the end, it doesn't bring us any good. That is why, we often surrendered, but not always. Not really impressed with such diners.

i dont know what i feel anymore

A very hectic April has ended. Hello may.

Met my ex colleagues for lunch, one of the guys is leaving home for good in a month time. Had yo sushi at Harvey Nichols. Posh, classy and they classified it as rich guys' place. (not the sushi, the place. the shopping mall.) Woke up an hour before, rush hour- put on the same dress that i wore last week for lunch with hakka aunty. Didn't bother to dress up since i was late. Sun was literally glaring, hardly open my sleepy eyes. Very pleasant afternoon with the ppl, at least the topics i have some interests on. Basically work stuffs, how the x work place has turned to- since i left.

Thanks heaven i left early :) and the right choice i have made. The only regret i have, why didn't i made up my mind way earlier. Walked through Marc Jacobs, saw the bag i like. This time they have white. One and only. Feel like it's time for plastic card to do some work , but managed to hold back the sudden urge. No i told myself. I just spent £320 on a bag 2 weeks back. Sadly that bag isnt mine. It's for the queen.

After they left, went down to the high street and did some solo shopping. Less than an hour, i got myself 2 dresses, 1 cardi and 1 trench coat. How magic. And they are all beige.

Another day has gone. How quickly.

The recent issues still on going, probably enough to drown me. Perhaps it's time to sort out a get away. At least to a place i can peace my mind and do some blue sky thinking.

bring it on

Pay day today. End of the month is usually the happiest for us, after long await, money is finally debited. Finished work at around quarter past mid night, they boys headed to Doctor's for couple of drinks, but not me. Very tempted to join but i had to stay in to do my homework given by the sommelier. Wine training tomorrow! Oh poo!

Month of April is about to end. This month itself hasnt been a smooth one. Too many things that i think i should brush up and work on after the coffee chat with Laura. But with the right attitude, everything is possible. And ya, next week onwards, i'll be assessed on my performance handling functions & meetings. I'm nervous and at the same time excited.. something different from staying on the floor.

Oh yes long weekend ! Will be going back to the ex work place do some part time shifts here and there.

So, have good one ya'll! x

baby waitress no more

Already lost count, how many days since i started this current job of mine. Almost the 4th month? Received a verbal news from the manager today. Not really an official promotion until i gotten the black and white. I'm touched and grateful at the same time. Ah, hard work does paid off. ;)

Oh yes, we had our health & safety training today too. New policies in house. 2 hours wasn't that bad. The first part of the training, I was really enthusiastic , but it didnt last long. Ended sketching the notes with James, and poking each other with the pen.

All in all, very informative. But when there are too many things to take at one, you ended forgot almost everything. Heh heh

A singaporean + malaysian , with chanel's watch, necklace, and bag.. ( i presumed its replica so did Lisa!) Lol. But hey she spent like a rich house wife in the hotel, which is a good thing. She had 2 bottles of reds tonight, just by herself. o.O A bottle costs 95 quid! Hmm we had a lil chat in our mother tongue..she suggested that i should get a position in Sg. Very tempted.

She waved at me as I was passing by her table.

"Where can get I "hokkien mee" in here?

I giggled, and said no where but home!

She sounded like she missed home alot, but its nothing compared to me, truth to be told. Well, at least she gets to eat again by this Friday. As for me?. long way to go matey. Sigh

It's getting late now. I better off to bed, and read myself to sleep.

p.s. happy birthday mum. i love you .

oh cheese me

My 3rd month in the Bistro now. I see a little achievement, at least the interests have blossomed quite a bit compared to the last job I had. Mostly because of the opportunity to learn and develop. That's the thing. Every employees' mindset are the same. Putting aside the salary, the thing that comes next is actually how they sfaff being valued. All they need is the motivation and enough room for them develop which eventually keep them growing, and to stay on.

Oh yes i shall declare now, i can finally make a nice velvety, smooth and filled with love and effort's cuppa of latte! Almost flat. But not for cappucino. Still couldn't do the perfect froth. As for this month, i have to master all the cheeses on the cheese board. 17 of them.

All i need is 17days. A cheese a day! Hopefully sooner or later i can upsell cheese without having to refer to the notes.

Also, I may have put on some weight. So don't be suprised. Oh, some kind of work's sacrifices.. You know, the cheese testing.

hello opportunity cost

5am, I know I should be sleeping now but I just don't feel like it. Few things running through the mind, I yet to make the decision. Things aren't that complicated, if you think lesser, not considering others' feelings.

Juggling between decisions is the greatest weakness in me. =/

Hmm

Nvm.

Back at work, there's a new guy came for his trial shift today. I think he's alright, at some point i felt he's cocky, trying to let us know (directly) he's good in something. That is how you outstand yourself, in the shortest time, to show how capable you are?

I think otherwise.

I believe actions speak louder than words. You don't have to say anything, people can still see it through what you do and how you do. I am pretty sure he will pass today's shift. Simple. Simply because he's a friend of the Assistant Manager. -end of story-

And today too, the Sommelier was asking the A.M if we still need another staff.

"I have a friend, a girl- very nice, a good girl, she worked in Italian and French restaurant before, and wanted to improve her english. She's Italian and came to UK to learn her English".

That's mostly what he said.

Upselling . Very good.

AM said , "get her to send her CV to me".

Sommelier replied " Thank you "

Some people had to go through the processes, waited to be shortlisted, interviews, only get hired. But these people can get a job with a snap of fingers. Easy peasy.

Spring '10

I have been really really busy! Did i say i'm loving this new job of mine, so much than i have ever expected? I'm giving my 101 per cent of everything. If you don't like your job, it leads you no where. This is true. Mark my words.

Received 2 awards last month. First- the best employee of the month. Second- the nominee for the Inter-Hotel Chain. I did not get that one, because i have only started 1.5 mth. It would have been so unfair if I have gotten it, compared to other nominees from other sis hotels that have spent so long in their respective hotel eh? Being nominated was already good enough.

No greedy.

Bottle of champagne, choc, cert and extra cash. 4Cs.

On holiday almost 10days now. Went downsouth to look for a uni friend of mine. Spent some quality time together, and stayed in Hilton with the equal amount of benefits but much cheaper. The comfy bed, the ok-not-too-good breakfast. But best amenities! Crab Tree & Evelynn. Too generous.

Haven't tried Westin's heavenly bed - but it's already in the "things to do before i die's list." One day i'm gonna dive in and see how heavenly it is.

Spoken to the mom dearest earlier. Asked bout my trip in London. Nothing much i told her, doing like the Londonists- theatre, afternoon tea, books and shopping. And i found a book which is quite interesting and i quite fancy the writer. Great sense of humuor. It's the 'Who moved my Black Berry'. Worth reading over a cuppa of hot choc, with sun or even jazzy back ground!

Oh, mom approached me bout the postgrad thing. I told her it's in the midst of deciding. Even though it's very tempting to stay back to finish up my studies, there is always ..a but. Too much to put into considerations. Thinking bout going back for good is like too real. How would everything turns up? Starting to get use to the life here, and going back to a place almost like a stranger sounds uncool. But i know things will be good no matter what. I still think too early to make up my mind now. Slowly but surely i will embrace myself with a final choice. ha.

It's april in a week time. Hope you have had a nice and joyous march!

More later. I promise.

i'm scandinavian, i don't tip.

Day 43 @ Bistro

I am not impressed with the "outsiders". Had their dinner in the hotel but couldn't afford a glass of wine. As funny as it may seem, they are just a bunch of smart ass trying to impress ppl, trying to act rich. Pretending like you're one of the gastronomes? Jesus christ. When you quoted you're on 5pm package, you're already "cheap" as how we labelled.

"I wondered why your rockets doesn't taste like the rockets i got from the local supermarket." he claimed when i presented the check.

o_O

I was amazed. First time having heard such "compliment". I smiled very fakely begging for explainations.

"Oh, maybe just me. But the foods wasn't as great as last time". "Btw, i'm scandinavian..i don't tip."

Honestly i do not want to sound rude, but they are already on the promo menu with £12p.p, thats one. Asking for service charge to be removed, two!. And hoping to get further discounts. THREE!!

Hello, if you want cheap foods, why didn't go to the kebab shop next door? Fish & chips only 3.99, and Subway - sub of the day 2.99! with different selections.

I don't get it. £12 for 2 courses in a hotel, and you still want it cheaper.

Someone please enlighten me.

Because the manager didn't want to offend them, all the extra charges and sides were removed, just the price of the mains.

Even we don't like you, nothing can be done because the hotel is practising the yes campaign. Yes- very stupid. Everything has to be yes.

Thank you sir. All the feedbacks were highly appreciated, and will be noted for further improvement. Thank you very much indeed. Have a nice evening. Hope to see you again.

Smile, keep smiling waitress.

When in real life, we must learn to say no, at work we must learn to say yes. How ironic?

3 days till pay day!

Day 41 @ Bistro

The usual mondays are heaven alike, but not today. 3 functions in the house. And they were all around the same time. Real hectic. First comes the big boys from the Chefs Federation. Everyone was tensed up. All were reminded how important their dinner is . It does makes me wonder, before it started, what would happen it there's uncooked foods, sth not up to the par., etc. You get what i mean? Lol. I know I was way too imaginative. Sadly, there wasn't any dramas. ha! Things went well, foods were great, service was excellent. So, 3 yesses!

Felt appreciated tonight, the other function- the guys on table #16 got us a round of drink from the bar. Compliments and thank yous really made my day. We made theirs successful, in return they didn't give us any hard times. Basically win-win. Too much of anything can make you sick but definitely not compliments. For the ppl in service industry especially.

Everyone on the floor left around 11ish. Love the idea how we gathered at the BOH, bottoms-up before we call it a day. Had crab toasties, monk fish, creme caramel, deep fried mars bar... and i'm happily stuffed. =]

it's cork

Day 26 @ Bistro

"Heya, our table is wobblying. Can you please do something about it?" demand the wavy hair lady.

"Certainly." i replied

*
At the pantry , trying to look for card boards/papers/boxes.

There was none.

Told Craig. And he said give him minutes.

Right.

The next thing, everyone burst into laughter. Real loud.

Poor boy. He meant Cork. But the accent somehow rather sounded like cock.

And the way he questioned Lancome

"Do you have any co(c)ks with you right now?"

LOL.

The agitated Lancome, "Why do you think i should carry cocks with me?"

Oh dear.

Now i have difficulty pronouncing CORK.

cork. corrk. corrrk.

Still sounds like cock. ;S

Nuff' bout the cork and cork.

*
Yay.
I got my very first compliment from the GM. Was on my own for Saturday lunch. It was hell-alike at the BOH. No delays (not that much), no complains, no wrong orders.

Phew. Was a good experience, seriously. Usually there are 2/more to help at the back.

Good feedback during the briefing.

" Well-done, u did great on your own." GM

Told ya, you wouldn't know who is actually watching. At least something was proven aye. The observation part i meant.

The thing i'm looking forward , is to pass my probationary period. Then i can enjoy the staff rates during my summer. And i'm sooo looking forward for it.

Oh god, is it Wednesday yet. I need a break please.

i'm knackered

Day 22 @ Bistro

Was at work from 12-2.30pm. Didn't get to rest during my split shifts, gotta complete the online training, which lasted bout 3hourish. And back to work again at 6pm-12am.

Next shift is at 6am, later. (It's 1.40am now)

Today's service was okay. Busy but not crazy. Still manageable. Running in and out, gotta be the runner and was needed on the floor to take some orders even though i was incharged on the BOH. Few complaints, creme brulee wasn't crunchy. The waiting time was longer than usual - so on and so forth.

A part from that, guess we did a great job despite we were under staffs. The part time girl Ally left home early, and there were only me, James, Lisa and Lancome. 2 in & 2 out respectively.

*
I think i'm still very poor in memorising the stuffs from the menu :(

Was taking the desserts order;

Guy A, "What exactly is Chocolate Pithivier?" he asked politely.

Owkay. I was like..."It is... hmm I'm afraid to tell you that i need to check with the chef. I apologise, I'm new here."

Guy A, "That's fine.."

"I'll be right back."

Went to pastry chef, then back to him. Explained the whole lot, he didn't want it. He wanted a pear tarte tatin instead.

Fine.

Guy B, "What vintage port do you do by glass?"

Owkay. Smile waitress, smile.

"Hmm good question. Port, yes we do port".

"By glass hmm I regret to tell you that i have to check with the bartender."

"Do you.. " and was I interupted.

"Yes, please check, I appreciate that." He grinned very fake. I totally felt that.

*
Poor menu knowledge. :( I will definitely do something about it, when i get a chance to think.

Time just flew by. By the time i realise, it was time to go home.. And so, day 22 has ended. I know i could be better as time goes by! :)

Tomorrow will be better than today! Gambateh waitress!

Almost 2am. Aye, later guys x

snippets of work unrelated. (i)

2 days off from work. Yay!

First day ; not really productive since i got up around 5 in the evening. Dinner with jo. Had chinese, and groceries shopping later. The usual stuffs- choc, milk, cereals, no B&J this time cause Haagen Dazs was £2.50 instead of £4. Regretted. Guess i'll just stick to B&J. No special reasons. Personal liking.

I miss Princes Street! Spotted some charms, tops from River Island. bags and sandals! Le sigh. All i can say is NO to shopping atm! Yes must fantasize myself enjoying the sun , laughing and chilling with the gf. Working hard to make the holiweek come true!

Yes we can. This time i am well determined! ;)

Trust me, life is too short. Appreciate every little things infront of you! And enjoy every single moments!

Seriously i miss home.my girls. him. her. them. every single one! Can't tell how much i am anticipating to be home. There is something very important that i have to do by this year end! And i mean it! Ha ha!

Afterall, i believe this year is gonna be a good good year. We shall see.

Yawns. Aye, time for bed!

Night all. x

I see February is coming!

Day 8 @ Bistro

My 2nd week in the bistro now. Things are pretty much going accordingly. The superior didn't give much pressure unless it's mega busy, I gotta be on my own without any shadows around. How sad.

Did AM shift last weekend. Quite like working in the morning as time zooms by quicker than night shift. And the best part, free breakfast!!!

Sometimes I do room service. Fun, fun. I loiter around like I am in Alice in the Wonderland. Met this Chinese/Asian guy again for the 3rd time today. Didn't expect it was for him, until he opened the door and we both were shocked. Haha. How funny, the first time - we met at the lift, I was looking down at the floor, and when the lift reached G, we bummed into each other. Second time, he dined in and sat at table #12. Guessed he's on business trip or something. He's always with some documents.

Now I know which room he's in. It's Schloss! cool! And it was funny to see him with short pants. Teehee. No, i didnt stalk! It just happened like that!

Today during service, Laura asked me something which got me thinking. Perhaps i should refer this to my ex-fb lecturer Mr D.

"Why do you use the tray to carry a bowl of soup that comes with an under liner?" In a simpler way, with under liner- no tray needed.

I always thought - be it a spoon, glass , anything - you do it with a tray.

The question that popped up- what's the function of the under liner? If i insists of using the tray, can I please not use the under liner? And since i'll be crumbing down the foods and wipe the mess off with sanitizer - i really don't see what's the purpose of it. Just like how coffee cup and saucer, they are meant to be together. No one ever separates them. Cheeky cheeky.

Okay great, time for bed! And before i go, here are the 2 work-related resolution i made early this year.

1) Be punctual, never know who's observing.

2) Don't be shy to ask about the 7wives and their husband!

Lol. Later x

13th Jan 2010

Day 1 @ Bistro

Started my shift at 4.30pm today. Met Laura & Lisa, both the Mgr & Asst Mgr. Both very friendly ladies. Was with Craig, the supervisor, brief me on the rules and regulations, health and safely etc. His accent can kill me. Tried really hard to catch every single words.

Was on the floor for abit, then BOH to do preps and polishing and to over see the running and services. Met the sommelier, Lancome. She is very pretty and the best thing to be friend with her, you get to taste different wines during working hours. Very cool. I know. Had only a double espresso's cup of Pinot Griogio. Was so worried that will turn into tomato.

Learned to make a nice and fluffy cappuccino. And work with the coffee machine. It's actually a manual one compared to those i've used before. It's double troublesome.

The pastry chef offered us 2 different desserts. Pear tarte tatin crumbles with home made ice-cream. And i forgot the other one. It's really sweet - i know working in f&b, thats the best part of it. You get to try new stuffs and free foods. :)

Also met James, the cute function guy. He takes care of the private function and over see the bistro& bar. Multitasks guy we called him. Will be working with him tomorrow as Craig will be having his day off.

Things are going pretty slow. Stress? A little..and very blur most of the time. Way way to go to catch up. It feels like getting back to Uni again, with homework and trainings to attend.

Finished shift at 12.15am, hotel cab sent me home.

Time will tell definitely. To look forward for a brand new day again.

9th Jan 2010

Be it happy or sad, all I can say is at every junctions of life , I am learning something. Last Saturday was my last day of work at Jas. They threw me a farewell dinner. Tho it was a simple one, I am really thankful for all their loves and efforts.

Definitely something not to be forgotten.

Even our ideas and perceptions were clashed most of the times, I understand this is how we deal with tolerance, and the rule of giving and accepting. I always ranted how much i hated their style of working, with notepad and pen, not awared how quickly they were when it comes to memorising & calculating. I still have way to go to catch up with the veterans. Or maybe we are too dependent of the technolody nowadays.

When comes to vitality, stability & punctuality - the gen Y still losing.

Perhaps these are the things I wasn't aware of . Working with them can drive you up to the wall, but when comes to problems solving - their ideas are always the solid ones.

Like the saying, the ripen the better?

They always commented, the youngsters these days are way too dependent and pampered. To a point, I agreed. We were spoon fed, and brought up in a comfy environment. Can't blame them. Right or wrong, I hope I don't carry this stigma to the future working places.

And so, I shall conclude this as the end of the first chapter; my life as a waitress.

I am all set and ready for the upcoming challenges. This time, a brand new environment in a uk hotel chain!

More stories to come. :]

au revoir

So the new guy is here. Buddying with him today, and tomorrow. Not easy. When you're way too bossy, people start saying things like you don't respect the elderly. But when you're too good to him, people will start taking advantage from you. Others said let him do it.. he learns nothing if you keep feeding him. Maybe I should just step back and watch. Sometimes being cruel is not necessarily a bad thing.

Sigh. This uncle is little shy, and he waits for instructions. I hope he survives well.

So the day is finally here, wee bit reluctant to leave. They have been really good to me. Acting like my mum and sisters. Taking care of me when i'm ill and cooks my fave dishes. ;(

Don't worry, i'm still good. I promise I must stay tough. ;)

china tea please?

"Excuse me", she snapped her fingers.

With my eyes rolling 180 degree, no chance to escape, i ran to her.

At the table, "how can i help?" I offered with my killer smile.

"Can i have some china tea please".

"Yes, certainly."

At the pantry, can't help, I burst into laughter.

LMAO! haha and the word china still echoing !

Hm I find this really fascinating though.

So people, watch out your words when you do your ordering!

...

Can I have some england tea then? haha.