I biked into work today on my little 3-speed bike. Only it’s not little and I think the cute basket alone adds 10 minutes to my ride when there’s a strong head-wind. And by strong I mean any sort of breeze. Basically, I need to get in better shape. I almost didn’t wear my helmet this morning because I was so upset by our union meeting last night, but I caved at the last minute because if there’s one thing I learned from AmeriCrap, it’s safety first.
Union meeting. Ugh. As some of you know, I’ve been actively annoyed with our union situation as of late. It’s so hard to talk about without feeling like I sound really greedy, but getting a raise once in awhile would be nice. With our union, the basic problem is that the top folks (over 50% of our union) move further away from us at the bottom (under 20% of our union). This is too boring and frustrating to talk about here.
But guess what? It happened again! I had an interview two Saturdays ago for a server position at Vin Santo, a really great, small Italian family-run restaurant in Middleton. I thought it went really well — we laughed a lot, talked about all sorts of stuff, she gave me a menu to take home, blah blah. She called me about five days later to tell me that she’d hired someone else, but would give me a call if that didn’t work out. I was fine with it because, truthfully, I don’t want to make a second career out of waiting tables and she made it clear that they want someone long term. I didn’t really know how I should handle it had I been offered the job because while I wanted it, I didn’t want to screw them over by leaving when we got a raise here (which, of course, isn’t really going to happen given the Union debacle — isn’t this such a symbiotic post?). At Sundance, or a corporate place like that, I don’t feel that guilt. But at a smally, family-owned restaurant where none of the chairs match and look like they may have been salvaged from Ogg Hall before the wrecking balls came, I feel more responsibility. Ok, so my point is, when she called to tell me they went with someone else, I was mostly relieved.
And then today I checked Craig’s List and, guess what, Vin Santo is looking for a server.
life and puppies 
that’s because it didn’t work out with the other person they hired and then they just re-posted. it’s how restaurants work. they’re too lazy to go back into their files. i’ve never seen any manager do it.
now, let’s not ever bike without a helmet, ok silly pants? it’s not an option. i don’t really care what kind of state you’re in, got it?
and yes, it seems most unions have similar problems. my dumb actor’s union does this same thing, except it’s more like the top 10% segregating us lowly struggling actors. as for feeling greedy, you simply shouldn’t. it’s not about greed. it’s about what you’ve earned through hard work, and what you deserve because of that, and necessity. plain and simple. life is hard enough. you shouldn’t have to wait tables as well as work for the state.
’nuff said.
thanks, babe.
ben said he received our econ stimu moolah, so should i put it towards the cc, save it or buy a new camera? or a combo?
i’m not angry that he got it, but i don’t understand why. i did the taxes (not that the irs knows this), but my name was on top and so was my address. blah blah.
I really, really hope your union gets a raise for you. You guys definitely deserve it.
I also think the restaurant people probably were too lazy to go back in their files. Or, it’s like a test – do you REALLY want the job? They’re making you call them!
Ugh. Union. My boss just came in and asked me if there was anything he could do (he’s, of course, management) and I asked him if he was thinking along the lines of horses’ heads or something. He said no, he was thinking more in terms of making the work environment pleasant, which of course it already is. Anyway, then he suggested I write an op-ed article for the paper or the Wisconsin Lawyer. Oh dear. Talking money is so ugly, though.
Anyway, maybe it is a test, but I’m not falling for it this time. After calling Otto’s all those times, I’m done looking so desperate. I am only willing to look as desperate as an attorney with six years’ experience, a full-time job seeking a second job serving people food can look. I don’t call twice.
I interviewed last week for a legal writing instructor-ship at the UW, so maybe the stars will align and I can have that job (since I really, really want it and think it’d be so great) and stop embarrassing myself all over town. I can just embarrass myself within a smaller radius.
Thoughts on new blog look? Kinda hard to read, I think. Just looking for a change.
Nevermind. I already changed it back. As you can see, I’m trying to up my comments so it looks like this blog is super popular and comment-worthy.
Egads, an op-ed piece? Not that it wouldn’t be warranted, but cripes, who wants to be the one with her name on that? Talking money is ugly, and there certainly are lots of folks out there who think all state workers already have it too good!
On the subject of blogging, I totally got sucked into the line of articles that ran from this post, maybe you’ll find it interesting as a blogger (who, no matter what you read in these articles, should not stop blogging):
http://blogs.jsonline.com/fishoutofwater/archive/2008/05/26/nyt-story-on-blogging-overexposure-and-well-the-world-today.aspx
My precise thoughts are there in print, in your first paragraph, SH.
Does anyone have an SLR camera? I want one. Is that bad?
Now I am engrossed in the Emily Gould madness Sara sent out…which is bad because I spent a good portion of the day researching cameras. I think I’m going to buy one with my stimulus check! I feel it’s really the patriotic thing to do. And I’m going to buy it at the Camera Company, keeping the dollars at least somewhat local. Oh, hoor-ay!
I’m always so amazed at what a wacky place NYC is if you happen to fall into certain circles. Just bizzare.
I even went and looked up the ex-b/f’s story on the NY Post’s website! Got totally sucked in.
How did you look it up? Just Joel and maybe Emily Gould in the Post’s search? I’m going to try that.
Sorry about all the weird blog changes, I’m experimenting!
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05232008/entertainment/the_dangers_of_blogger_love_112227.htm?page=1
Ok, why is this so fascinating? Did you see her on LKL with Jimmy Kimmel hosting? I know she mentioned it in her NYT article, but she really came off as AWFUL. Her facial expressions are just scary.
I haven’t seen the Kimmel thing – it sounds painful!
This all even made Althouse’s blog! I have no idea why I am fascinated.
You have to watch it. It’s awful.
Now I’ve guiltily sunk into listening to the McGreevey divorce trial on cnn. Oh, Kate. Get to work!
Ok, now I’M totally sucked in. About to read the ex bf’s story. The Kimmel interview was just awful. Just excruciating.
Wow. That Kimmel interview was not what I expected – I thought she was going to be all caught off guard and stammer-y, but actually, I think she’s just a bonehead. And giggling at stuff that isn’t funny. She didn’t quite strike me as someone who’s really good at effective sardonic zingers.
I know! And all that eye-rolling and weirdness. I can’t believe she got in the “town car” afterwards and said, “I’m not sure that went great.” Um, it was AWFUL.
She acted like a 13 year old- mortifying. I loved when they pointed out that even US Weekly attempts to tell the truth and checks facts. She’s s moron. I can’t believe she had a bf who stayed with her for 6 years. She’s a nightmare.
What’s embarrassing is that in the same sentence in which I called her a “moron.” I had a spelling/ grammatical error. It’s a good thing I’m not a journalist.
I would call that mistyping, not a spelling or grammatical error. And certainly not eye-rolling and giggling and general weird facial expressions.
I bought my camera and it is the best thing ever! Get ready for some new — and super boring — pics!
Somehow i missed the point. Probably lost in translation 🙂 Anyway … nice blog to visit.
cheers, Nightmare.