Notes from the Park Bench

Makes me feel young again

2008-09-25T16:14:33Z

Went to Hough's - my local non-smoking pub last night after work for $3 Dead Guy night. When I walked into the bar - still in my Concourse digs - I was greeted by whistles from a trio of twenty-something ladies. One was making eyes at me. M, the bartender chuckled, "drunk girls," as he handed me my beer and started my tab. I glance over at the girls, and they're making eyes at me, whispering and giggling. They call M over and he starts making 4 red headed sluts and takes them to the ladies. I can count. I'm not dense. I know where this is heading.

One of the ladies grabs the spare drink and walks my way. I smile and shake my head. As the very pretty brunette approaches, I nonchalantly lift my left hand, so that the light catches my wedding ring. "Oh...," I hear from behind. I turn around. "You're my dare," she smiles, then pouts, "married..." She hands me my shot, points my face towards her friends, holds up my ringed hand by the ring. We toast and down the drinks, and I get a kiss on the cheek for being a good sport. Before I cashed out with M, I bought the ladies a round for making my day.

I feel good!

Karaoke's tonight. Address on the linky. All you Pittsburghers are welcome to join me. First round's on me

In other news, work is going very well. I'm getting great stations, making good money and not closing every shift.

The Beverage Manager's been on me to come off of the floor one weekend night during the holiday season and help sell wine. We're still haggling over money, but I'm very interested.

More later. I have to go study

I know it's getting close to The High Holidays...

2008-09-22T20:25:08Z

Helene's Yahrtzeit is tonight. Going to Maariv Services to recite Kaddish.

Even after eight years, I still miss her.

Fuck You, Verizon. Hello Comcast

2008-09-09T15:31:20Z

For the past couple of months, our Internet access has been spotty. I've spent countless hours talking to Verizon DSL's outsourced, overseas tech support to no avail. Every time I called when my service was out, by the time I navigated their automated system, my modem was connected (yes, tech savvy readers, I know it's actually a gateway/bridge, but they keep calling it a modem despite the fact that it does no modulating or demodulating), and I was on the 'net. They could find no problem. We rebooted all of my systems, we switched my network around from PPP to bridge mode on both my "modem" and wireless router, I bought a new wireless router, and I installed brand new line filters on all my phones. Still, no steady access. They connected me to their customer service to schedule a techincian fisit, and they told me that it would cost me $130! WTF???? I pay for their Guardian Plan line protection and they charge me for Modem protection. Where does the $130 figure in????

Last night, I got a text message from Michael telling me that the DSL works fine when the phone is off the hook. (another) WTF??? The point of DSL is so that I can still use my telephone while connected to the Internet. I've been using DSL since around 2000 via several providers from Earthlink (Verizon) to Speakeasy (Covad). My year is up, and I'm not satisfied, so I called Comcast.

Comcast is giving me their "everything bundle" which includes all movie channels, my HD service AND a HD DVR, phone and 6M Internet for only $160 (plus taxes) for a year ($210 thereafter). We're currently paying $230/mo for both, so we'll be saving ~60/mo for the first year, and paying the same next year. We keep our landline #, blah, blan, but the best part is that when we call Tech Support, we get someone in Pittsburgh, not someone across the country in California or halfway across the globe. They come Monday, and they handle all of the "back end" stuff, so I don't even have to tell Verizon I quit. fuck 'em!

Look out for flying pigs

2008-09-09T15:08:55Z

mystikbabe rode a bike... and liked it!

that is all

Cool things

2008-02-08T01:49:40Z

Michael's taking a robotics elective this trimester at City Charter High. This class requires some additional funding via bake sales.

As some of you know, I bake (when I have the time and energy). I'm actually very accomplished in the kitchen, and not just for a guy, thankyouverymuch. Michael's been having me make Pinwheel Cookies (see variations in recipe). I make a full batch of white and a full batch of chocolate dough, and I use 100% All-Purpose, Unbleached white flour. Just roll them out, put one on top of another and roll them up like a jelly roll, wrap in plastic and freeze for later use. Michael can then just slice what he needs and bake at 350 degrees for eight to ten minutes.

This is funny

2007-09-19T11:00:28Z

I'm not sure this is me, but a coworker found this on craigslist. Had to share.

Now that I'm remembering, I do remember some chicks whistling at me before when I was riding home one night. I didn't hear much, sinceI had headphones on.

It Still seems like yesterday

2007-09-05T12:39:38Z

Helene's Yahrtzeit is tonight. Seven years already. Nuff said.

_aqualung_ @ 2007-07-15T01:35:00

2007-07-15T05:35:43Z

You are 100% Pittsburgh.

Great job! There's nooooo doubt about it. You're from Da Burgh. You deserve a reward, so go have an Ahrn City or two. And GO STILLERS!

How Pittsburgh Are You
See All Our Quizzes

YouTubing

2007-06-20T08:47:56Z

Found these. Had to share;

This I can't embed, but it's worth a click

What a country!!!!

2007-06-18T19:56:24Z

At least in NY State.

Wife saw this on CNN. Had to share with the rest of you;

Home again

2007-06-12T13:35:56Z

We're back. Got back around 7:00 Monday. We had a great time. The falls were neat. I haven't been there since eight grade.

We were all pretty exhausted after the trip, but we all had things to take care of, and beds were a long way off.

Well, it's back to work for me. I work lunch at Sukhothai and I close tonight at Silk Elephant

Rochester Post

2007-06-11T01:49:04Z

Hi all. I'm in Rochester, New York. We went up with my dad for my brother David's graduation from the University of Rochester's Simon School of Business. He received his MBA in Planning and Strategy. I have other family in the area, and we made a mini-reunion out of it.

We got in around 1 PM on Saturday checked in, freshened up, hung out at my Uncle's with family. We went to dinner at an Aladin's. I'm not sure if it's the same chain as in Pittsburgh.. The food was the standard Mediterranean fare (which is mostly Greek despite the name according to my father - Arab Jews can be so picky). We returned to my uncles and hung out before heading to bed.

The ceremony was this morning. It was nice - long, but nice. David received his degree along with the rest of his peers. We have permission to slap him silly of he decided to pursue a PhD. He says the pain will be nothing compared to the torture he put himself through this time. Still we're all very proud of him.

Tomorrow morning we pack up the car and head back to Pittsburgh. My dad wants to detour by Niagra Falls for a short while on the way home. He still wants to beat Rush Hour Traffic in Da Burgh, so we should be back before well before six. I don't have to be back to work until Tuesday morning, and I *might* be picking up a shift on Weds at Silk Elephant.

Still, 3 days off in a row...

Belated Birthday Post

2007-06-11T01:21:51Z

Yes, everyone. It was my birthday this past tuesday. I worked both lunch and dinner shifts. Made good money too. One of my last tables was a party of five that spent almost $250.

After work, I met up with hopita at Murray Avenue Grill for our usual Tuesday night hanging out. She gave me this book as a present. It's neat reading.

For the most part, it was a good birthday.

I also got a copy of the new Dream Theater CD, "Systematic Chaos" and I downloaded Rush's new one, "Slings and Arrows" from iTunes.

I got an email from my Rabbi the next day wishing me belated B-Day wishes. I told him I turned 39 for the first time. If this is a crappy year, I'll be thirty nine again.

I don't believe THAT'S on the menu, Sir.

2007-06-09T11:04:13Z

I returned to weekend shifts at a small Mexican restaurant that I used to work at a year and a half ago because they have a patio and business is slow at my other night job.

I had a four top - regulars when I worked there before (that loved me) - last night that asked me if I had any P-O-T because they forgot theirs. I love these people. They always treat me great - both personally and tip wise. They give me wine and make me laugh (no one else could stand them). I was amused.

I told them that I didn't carry any on nights I don't bicycle to work

_aqualung_ @ 2007-04-22T21:45:00

2007-04-23T01:45:18Z

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Muahahahaha

2007-04-14T19:27:08Z

While mystikbabe was eating some Easter candy she got on sale this week at the supermarlet, I told her I was going to come home from work each afternoon singing a certain one hit wonder by Starland Vocal Band,

The candy almost came out of her nose.

I'm so mischievous.

Ibn't dat lub?

2007-04-12T04:21:34Z

Darian came home this past weekend with a nasty cold. Despite Melody's liberal use of Lysol in the house, I still managed to catch it. Feel like shit

Update Post

2007-04-07T18:41:36Z

Hey all,

It's been an interesting week.

Did my training at 1902 on Weds. Not what I'm looking for long term, but I could use the traditional dining experience again. 1902 is like Paparazzi, only cleaner. Silk E. is counter-offering with 6 shifts (Th. through Tues.). Silk is a little worried because I am top seller most nights, and they don't want to loose me - especially on the slower nights. I need to make a decision by Weds.
Got offered FT (M-F) at Sukhothai (downtown) for lunch. It's been fairly busy, and the money's been rather good. Sometimes it's too busy for one person and a little hard to handle. Thai Me Up on the other hand has been kinda slow. This is a tough one. I like them both, Another decision I need to make by Weds.

Saw the orthopedist on Friday. Got x-rayed. Everything's healing fine. Things still hurt (it's passover, so I'm not taking anything for pain), and my range of motion is still limited, but the bone IS healing. About fucking time.

Mystikbabe saw her doctor on Tuesday, She's healing nicely, and can resume work around the end of the month. We're not in much of a hurry.

Paid the city and state taxes. Juggled half a month's rent to do it, but they're paid. It's ice having cool, understanding landlords.

Beating a dead horse

2007-03-30T12:41:46Z

I posted this to the waitingtables group yesterday morning. It just goes to show that it's most likely time to move on, or at least demote Sile Elephant to "Secondary Status". I know it sounds cold, but given everything that's going on, the needs of my family, etc., It's probably for the best.

I went to 1902 Landmark Tavern in Market Square yesterday afternoon, filled out an application and I start Wednesday evening. It's a smaller and more pricey menu. If it works out, I'll be leaving.

it's been a long day

2007-03-22T02:23:40Z

Melody had her kidney surgery today. Her urologist fixed a blockage in her right kidney. It was a long procedure, and took over 4 hours. She was finally fully recovered by around nine, and we go to see her briefly. We would have stayed longer, but it was getting late, and there things to do around the house before collapsing.

Feel free to send her an ecard. She's in UPMC Shadyside Room P683. Send Thursday, since she's due to be released on Friday.

ttfn

If You'd Been Honest in the First Place...

2007-03-11T20:00:56Z

I'm x-posting to _aqualung_ and waitingtables, so some of you may be familiar with what's been going on. This rant is a continuation of this story.

The usual background: My main night job is at a Thai restaurant themed more towards Tapas and Wine service. I just returned to work last Friday (3/02) after 8 weeks recovering from collar bone surgery.

Before I went to see my doctor for my last follow up, I went and saw L, the new manager (also serves very PT at restaurant B). I asked him what my schedule would look like once I got released to work. He told me that I'd be looking at 3-4 shifts/week. I said I really needed 4-5, but if it would cause problems on the floor, that would be okay, and I could find something else for weekends. It was not a problem.

He told me that I was gone for a valid reason, and that people were put on slots I used to work with the understanding that I would be getting them back when I returned. He went on to tell me N and E (a.k.a Mr. and Mrs. Boss respectively) both want me back, and need me on the floor on weekends. Basically, the weekend shifts were mine again. Period. So I thought...

Friday or Saturday last week, L sits me down (as well as other senior servers) and tells us his "new plan" for the schedule. This involves rotating X servers into X-1 shifts on a rotating basis. None of us thought this was particularly fair, but we agreed to roll with it.

Tuesday, E calls me and tells me that they need someone they can "trust and rely on" on the nights that L was off in case N had to help out in the kitchen, run over to the other restaurant or just disappear (he IS the owner, it's his right). I told her I wasn't opposed, but we had to discuss the weekend issue, and I told her L's plan, and that not just me, but some other senior servers weren't very happy about it, since we feel we've earned the spots we're working. I also stated that the weekend shifts had to be a 'set deal' as 'payment', if I agreed

THAT was a mistake. NEVER go over your manager's head. NEVER tell E. She panics. Everything's an emergency. It's something I really have to work on. I'm so used to N and E managing for the most part, that I forget.

Tuesday night, L comes in to work on the schedule. He tells me that we need to talk. I'm a little busy, and I tell him I'll stop by weds when I'm off and have more time.

Weds Night arrives, and I go in. He's a little busy, so I wait and have a glass of the featured red wine with N and E. It's very grapey, but not unpleasant.

L finally calls me into the office and begins with the "team" lecture. You all know it, "A, you're a great server, and if I thought you could handle the floor on your own, I'd let you, but other servers are telling me you're not up to speed, and are threatening to quit if they lose 'their' shifts." I had three shifts; first cut on Monday and Tuesday and second cut on Saturday.

I was shocked! This was not the conversation I was expecting I was expecting an offer for more shifts, not less, nor was I scheduled on the days mentioned. I come in, I do my sidework, I push specials every shift, not just on weekends (like some servers). I even work with the regular bartender to sell nightly drink specials. I'm also competitive, and I try to outsell people, and it encourages others to sell more.

Also, L knew my needs going into this. If he had told me there was going to be opposition once Spring Break was over, I could have been interviewed, hired and been ready tostart training this week with no hard feelings. I even offered to do so, if he thought it was in the business' best interest.

We went back and forth. I was nowhere near as calm as I am now. My main argument was that I retained my seniority, and by right (I forgot his promise, but he might have taken y my acceptance of his "rotation plan" as a new agreement - who knows). His plan was to let some of the very part timers go, and put me in their slots on Thursday and Friday, but he wanted to give them two weeks notice (I can see it now from their POV: "Thank you. This is my last night. They're letting me go to make room for a server that just got back from a medical leave." One of the servers he's letting go is requested a lot). I ended up picking up a Sunday closing shift bringing up my total shifts to 4, but I left fuming.

Thursday after my lunch job, I went to a Downtown restaurant in our "Cultural District" and asked for the manager by name (one of the regulars at my Thursday lunch job know the owners and manager, and has been trying to get me to apply since before my surgery. He came in Friday, and I told him I went and used his name. He was cool with it). The first interview went well, and I'm waiting to hear about a second one.

Thursday, I also filled in for a server who was ill, and I was talking to another server who also works the bar on Saturdays. We were talking about the new servers and their abundance of shifts. I told her I where I interviewed. She blinked, so I filled her in. She told me that the people who are calling me "not up to speed" don't do their own wine service, L does (this was confirmed by another server). I got a ittle drunk, and replied to an email from L, basically telling him he's got a lot of nerve.

Friday I go in, and L calls me into the office. He wants to know why I was upset about the schedule. It was only going to be for two weeks. I reiterated that I could not afford the hit right now, I just got back to work. There is no reserve. It went back and forth and got very heated L had to tell me that if I didn't change my tone I was out. It was tempting.

I took a deep breath and finally him I was interviewing places for the Thursday and Friday, dinner shifts, and my prospects looked good. He blinked, I reminded him that I asked him before I came back if it was going to cause problems on the floor and possible effect service. It was never my intention to upset the balance. I wanted to avoid being here, pointing to his desk. He guaranteed me weekends, if he didn't thin he could follow through, then he shouldn't have promised them. I was trying to do the professional thing, and he wouldn't drop the subject.

He did a complete turn around, and started offering me my choice of slot for next Friday. I declined in order to pursue other career opportunities. He apologized over and over, and kept offering me Friday - even replacing a different server (one that doesn't do their own wine service). Still, I declined. e finally relented, and we agreed that I had leave to take this, and there would be a Friday shift waiting for me if the new gig didn't work out.

I'm Ba-ack

2007-02-26T14:26:19Z

What a long, strange trip it's been.

Saw the Ortho on Friday. Bone is knitting well, and the plate is holding, so he cleared me to work. I leave in a little over half an hour for Thai Me Up.

I'm really excited. I'm SOOOOOOO tired of sitting around. The shoulder still hurts, but it's muscular pain, and not in the bone. I can manage. I'm hoping for busy, but not crazy.

The downside is that I had to buy new pants because I gained a ton of weight while sitting around, and sustained physical exertion wears me out easily. Seven weeks does a lot of damage

4 Stitches later

2007-01-30T21:46:59Z

i feel so stupid.

I made some home made chili paste this afternoon, and I sliced my left thumb this afternoon while cleaning the blade to my food processor (the chili sauce was in the fridge by then, so there's no, i repeat - no "animal product"). Lli ran me to the ER @ UPMC South Side where I got four stitches. Yes, this is the same arm that was operated on. Well, I wo't be doimg dishes for a while

On an up note, the chili sauce is da bomb! It's mostly habenero with some jalepeno and others for character, 1 orange, 2 carrots, 1 stalk celery, 1/2 tomato, 1/2 onion, some salt, pepper, cumin, lemon juice and vinegar. Lots of flavor with a nice heat that slowly builds.

I'm ba-ack

2007-01-29T23:17:43Z

Feels good to use my laptop again. The power cord broke on Thursday. Luckily, I found one on Ebay for $27. Dell sells them for $80 (read: fuck that). This of course left me and mystikbabe fighting for use of the 'Nix box. We were nice about it. Adapter came in the morning's mail. I'm happy now

I also found CUPS drivers for my Brother MFC (printer/scanner/fax/copier). Now, we can print again from the 'Nix machine. It's about time too! I seem to have that problem. Everytime I buy a printer, there's never Linux drivers. Next step is SANE and PC-FAX drivers

_aqualung_ @ 2007-01-22T12:04:00

2007-01-22T17:41:47Z

i know, it's been a while since I've posted anything worthwhile, but typing with one hand is awkward.

That said, I'm healing nicely, abeit slowly. I saw my orthopedist last Friday. That was an experience. All that schlepping into Town and out to West Penn Hospital and back in that subfreezing wind for a two minute visit. He removed the few stitches, and reminded me to keep taking it easy. That is, keep the arm in the sling for at least another month. I go back Feb 23.

Aside from mystikbabe and the boys, hopita's been my lifeline to the real world. Witehout hopita, I'd probably've gone insane by now. A week an a half ago (the 13th), we went th the 31st St. Pub to see Battered Citizens' reunion show along with some other eighties hard core bands. Not typically my bag musically, but I went to high school with Greg, their drummer. I ran into people i haven't seen in 20+ years. Last wednesday, hopita took me to lunch. We went to an Indian restaurant in Garfield, an partook of their buffet. I had a good time. We ate, hung out and talked. She's also called a lot to see how I'm doing and BS a bitbefire bed. hopita, you rock!

Other than that, life's fairly routine. I get up, have coffee, breakfast and my BP meds. I brush my teeth, shave if I feel like it and shower. Then I kick back on the couch and take it easy. Sometimes I read for a bit, but mostly I watch TV. Recently, I've been watching my Robotech - Protoculture Collection - the complete 85 episode anime series from the eighties. This will help me get caught up while I anxiously await the release of the Shadow Chronicles DVD next month.

Today, I'm whipping up some curried vegetables and brown rice. It's pretty spicy since I added about a teaspoon of this homemade fresh roasted chili paste I made last weekend (mostly habaneros with some jalepeno, serano and arbol chilis). I'm waiting on the rice to cook, so I can eat lunch. I made around a gallon, so it should last a while.