dust yourself off and try again

So, I really expected a bit of a different response when I stood up to read in class the other day. Kat-Spleen, you’re right, that was a Dr. Morris question. And very necessary. “What’s the point? Why should be want to read this or give a shit?” I guess up until you asked that question, it seemed to me that I was getting to the point, but in the meantime, I was entertaining, wasn’t I?

(By the way, I don't know if Kathleen is subscribed to my blog, but if anyone is confused or offended by my calling her "Kat-Spleen", don't be. Ask anyone who has had Bleach for WRI 100-or maybe for any class- about the first day of class and having to recall out loud EVERYONE'S name. Bleach gave her that name, which I love. I hope she does too :-)

I tend to take things to the extreme sometimes. Hopefully, no one takes that personally. It’s just me. So I started anew with this piece. I didn’t throw the other one in the trash. There are still two cuts of it on my flash drive (the only one I can find :-P). They will wait there in case I need to go back for something... I don’t know that I will.

This time I am cutting out the whole travel of the dollar bills. Actually, I’m not attempting to make use of lyric, or circle around any ideas. I’m sticking with montage, however; I quite enjoy the snapshots. I haven’t gotten too far yet, and I know I am really late in the game to be starting from scratch. Ah, it’s kind of what I do. So far I like it.

When I asked the question the other day, “How far toward Fiction can a CNF get?” Well, Matt, thank you so much for you quick, simple response... that that decision is up to me. With this re-write, I find I am being so, so very close to the truth of things I know of the casino in which I work. I won’t name names or places. If I do use propers, they are fictitious, but still completely representative of two huge parts of my life... work and motherhood.

I am hoping to express exactly what my point is with this new piece. I've never been over imaginative to the point of creating complete fiction, at least I don't think; there are always some elements of my own truth showing through. I probably exaggerate a bit on the character based on myself and my situation. And I imagine the finer details of the other character, based on details coming from first hand acquaintances.

I hate to think I am getting all the ideas for this essay from classmates and Dr, Morris. I suppose that's just another way we learn here at KU... at least for NOW. (Thanks Corbett.)

And speaking of GOP saying "FU" to KU.... I dropped off some of my Essence copies at Global Libations last night. Got into a talk with the little hippie chick working there. When I told her about the op-ed and that I'd probably send it to Harrisburg, she was like "Oh yeah, the Patriot. That's all anyone reads. I'm from there." Ok so that settles it for me. Let's see how Boss Man Corbett takes the editorial whoopin' from this non-traditional. He might be a few peoples' boss, but not mine. AND I've learned in Leadership class that not all managers are leaders... how well do YOU think he even MANAGES Pennsylvania? Did anyone have their op-eds published anywhere? What about the CNF? I know I shouldn't have all my eggs in one basket with the first CNF, but I think "A Public Space" would be a really nice place :-P a good fit. But damn, I still need to have my piece published from last term. Any ideas on where to send a a creative anonymous profile of a lesbian who has dealt with the same issues straight women deal with, and then some?

montage plus ?

The ideas I got in class the other day were good ideas, no doubt. However, integrating lyric with montage is a bit harder than I thought. Several of my snapshots are in a way talking around an idea, sort of. They're thoughts, though I never specifically say who's thoughts. I think this can be inferred. So far I have a few snapshots, though it seems like a long way to the end of what I am trying to say. I know I said in class that I think and write in metaphor all the time, but lyric feels so much more different that I realized. It reminds me of charades or something, giving the hints, dancing around the answer. Being a bit vague is difficult when the statement that I want to make is so very clear in my mind. Anyway, so far...
______________________________________________

one

Snap! You steal that which holds my brothers and I together; you send me off into the world with only a few of my family. To the others, I wish you luck.

Oh! This confinement is worse than before. Shoved into a dark space, you’re causing me to fold; you take my strength for granted.

two

“So dear, where do you want to go tonight? I’m thinking we should try that new Italian place in the casino. They advertise it as ‘rustic’ Italian. What do you think that means?”

three

Where am I? This place is stifling; I can barely breathe. I sweat.

four

“Honey, the reservation is for seven o’clock. Would you just turn into the valet area already?! It’ll take forever to find a spot on our own…Come on! It’s worth a few extra bucks. We knew that we were coming to the casino, that we’d spend a little more than we usually do on Friday…we can afford it.”

five

I think I see a light. Yes. Yes. Oh, a weight has been lifted. Wait, wait. Where are you taking my brothers?! Please stop…

A few more of my brothers have been freed. Or have they been taken elsewhere to be further tortured…

Under cover of night again. I sweat. A few of my family are still nearby.

six

_____________________________________

That's as far as I got. I'll probably use parts of the other piece I posted. I hate to keep putting chunks of my essay on here, but I don't think that many people are looking anyway. And honestly, I need help with this one, if I intend on using montage and, especially, lyric.

montage

So I have to say, the assignment give in class today seemed pretty difficult for most of us. Though most of the ones read aloud seemed decent. I struggled with my quote "If a man doesn't stand for something, he'll fall for anything." It wasn't until after class that I realized what I wrote wasn't that bad. It actually led me to some ideas for the composition conference; I'm really excited about it!

I, also, started working on the next assignment, and the first part of my montage came with ease. It was amazing. But I am sure that the same thing will happen with some of you. A new style of writing will be easier to adapt to when you can work your interests into it.

Labor issues are the generic social concern I have this semester. I've decided to write this last assignment as a montage of a typical shift in my restaurant. Hopefully, it shows the kind of work we do, and the types of guests we serve. And the tables that make or break our day, as tips go. Below is the first part. See what you think...

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



“Yes, sir. The wait will be about an hour…OK, what is your name? OK. It could be ready sooner. We’ll give you a call on your cell phone.”
An hour for a table. Huh. This place better be good.
*
“I’m here, I’m here,” I say, hurrying past the line of early bird guests and past the hostess desk. Ugh. Early bird. Cheap, sometimes even free, three course meals for guests who have all day to waste away their money in a slot machine, and yet they don’t have the 10-20 percent tip on what they would have paid, if not for that damn coupon.
*
“Can we sit at a different table? These chairs are too low. I mean, I’d need a booster. Hahahahaha.”
*
Oh sure, sit where ever you like. What’s the fuckin’ point of us having a hostess, or having sections?! “Anna, I’m sorry. They wanted to move. Can you get to them?”
*
“No, I’ll just have ice water with lemon. Can I also have some Sweet and Low? Oh, and they said we should show these tickets to you.”
*
“Mike! What the hell?! You spilled cab on me! UGH! I need another one. In a clean glass.” God, this is not my fuckin’ night. Ketchup. Iced tea. Now red wine. What’s the point of having this awful uniform laundered anyway? I used to think it was flattering. The apron is the worst thing about it. Used to be bright white, now stained by coffee grounds and open pens. It just doesn’t stay put around my waist, so uncomfortable.
*
“Do you have bread or rolls or something? Do you have olive oil?”
*
“Well, I am glad you enjoyed everything. Come see us again…Thank you and good luck!”
I wonder how they tipped me… Damn it! Blue card. Wish I could shout that awesome “Waiting” line… “Here! I think you need this more than I do!”
*

Feedback is welcome!

onto my next rant about cheap.....

OK kids, so the next segment of my labor and wage concerns series is in regard to the treatment of tipped employees in this country, though I'll likely still to PA laws....maybe.

The bulk of my research will be regarding the food and beverage industry. Let's face it, as college students, this issue relates to all of us. You have either worked in the industry, been a patron or both. Fast food is a bit different. These folks get a better hourly wage because they don't earn gratuities. I have never worked in fast food, though I feel those guys deserve as much respect as any of us - usually. However, the sector of employees with which I am most concerned are the tipped employees.


For those of you who don't know, I work as a server at St. James Gate, Irish Pub and Carvery in the Sands Casino Bethlehem. The minimum hourly wage in Pennsylvania is $2.83 for a tipped employee. I recently contacted the United States Dept. of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (Wilkes Barre office). I spoke with a woman there who informed that as long as the combination of my hourly 2.83 and the average of the tips I earn in a night are $7.25+ per hour, then my employer is within compliance to the federal law. Let's just say, I couldn't live if I was only making $7.25/hr... but thankfully, I make decent money from my dinner shifts - usually. So I guess I'll say, what the casino pays me is sufficient and compliant by federal law and so I won't aim to fight that one too much. (However, what the casino/state taxes me is quite another matter.)

The next part of my rant is not concerning what the casino pays me, but rather, what you grant me as a tip... Did you know that 20% is pretty much the standard tip for good service in a restaurant or bar? Some might say 15 or 18; I find those tips acceptable. Ten percent is not acceptable! At the casino in particular, we have to acquire RAMP certification (Responsible Alcohol Management Program) and either a gaming or non-gaming license from the state; these things cost us money. I wouldn't expect everyone to know that. Here's another fun fact, when the restaurant is busy, we don't get a break. Not to sit, not to eat, not to smoke, not to pee! When all my other servers have full sections, there is no way they can possibly watch my section while I run to the cafeteria... But wait! There's more! I can eat in my restaurant... if I pack something and if I have time, IF. Or I can order something, if the kitchen isn't too busy...but I have to buy my meal, at full price. Not one dime is discounted. So, I serve. Sometimes I bring a yogurt. Sometimes I get a minute to run to the ladies room. Sometimes I can step out in the hall to return a call to my daughter. Most times, I can't.

Did you know that I make sure your table and chairs and floor are clean? That I make sure your silverware in clean and wrapped securely in a clean, black linen? Did you know I make sure there are no lipstick marks on your wine glass? That your gravy or salad dressing is on the side? Did you know I pressed this individual carafe of coffee just now at your table, just so that it would be hot and fresh? I could go on, but I digress. Honestly, it's not that I mind doing these things. In fact, for the most part, I quite enjoy what I do. It was my decision to become a server eight years ago. I've been at the casino I will accommodate you as well as I would were you a guest in my home. And I'd expect the same. A clean glass, a fairly clean floor around my table. If you'd like ice in your merlot, I have no problem with that. I make sure I have clean hands, I pop a few cubes out of the tray and into your glass. Relax. And did I say I digress before... now I digress :-) Can someone tell me of some ethical ways of making the public aware of what their tips should be? I actually had a woman tell me one night she was afraid to complain or send food back... like Waiting... Can you imagine if that really happened? It doesn't. At least not in my restaurant.

This is what I have for now. I am currently trying to figure out how to get a better hourly wage for flex time. This is a personal issue with the casino. I'll keep you posted...

Find the Missing Pieces

Wow, so I slacked on this K’nex experience/project more than I thought I would. I think it slowed me down learning I wouldn’t actually get to go and check out the plant operations. Turns out all I really needed to do way play. And WOW was that ever the main idea of my piece…that helping the American economy and creating more American jobs really could be as simple as a child’s play!

I liked the idea of playing with a K’nex rollercoaster set and turning a bit of that into a metaphor for what the K’nex Company itself has done for Montgomery County, for Pennsylvania and for the United States. The Rodon Plastics family really does offer a broad line of children’s’ toys. And seeing as the world is so overpopulated, so many of those being children, why shouldn’t we entertain and educate our children with products made in our country, helping our own economy and workforce?

K’nex really are pretty cool toys. It was unfortunate that in the few places I checked, that they didn’t offer more variety of products—especially considering the proximity of the Lehigh Valley to where K’nex are made in Montco. I like the Thrill Rides line I don’t recall Legos ever having anything that actually moved or worked on batteries… then again, it has been quite some time since I really, really played with any type of blocks or motor-skill toys.

We haven’t actually finished our rollercoaster yet. I told my Zoe that we would work on it tonight. It will be a bit slower with her, as the kit is recommended for 7+ age children. She’s smart though, and when I am able to guide her, she enjoys it. We both do. Again, coming back to one of the metaphors used in my piece…building a strong, successful American company can be virtually child’s play. With a little time and patience, with strong leadership and teamwork, love and support, likening a company to a family of individuals who will support each other and push on through good and bad. (Was that a run-on? I really do need to pick up “Sin and Syntax”! I usually speak in run-ons as well….ask my boyfriend…)

I submitted the piece entitled “Find the Missing Pieces” the other night. I had found a magazine (?) during the going-out-of-business sale at Borders (BOOOO). I sort of question it being a magazine as it is pretty thick and it only comes out quarterly. Ah, but my Essence only comes out once per year so… Anyway, this publication is pretty cool and a non-profit out of New York: “A Public Space”. This issue I picked up has literary op-eds, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry…plus a TON of ads for conferences and speakers. (Want to start feeling and acting more like a writer? Come to one of these conferences with me! Seriously.) The magazine has a bit of a creative, but edgy vibe to it that led me to turning my piece into one huge jumble of metaphors. It was fun. I’m not sure if my piece is as long as they would like; they don’t really mention length requirements in the submission guidelines. I just tried to judge based on the non-fiction pieces in this issue… They warn you it will take time to hear back, but you can log in on their website and read editorial comments, if any are made. I’m excited. I hope my work is accepted. Hell, I wouldn’t mind interning with them, either :-)

K'nex

So I had seen part of a show on the History Channel about American companies. I've known about K'nex since about 2000. I was working in a daycare and the father of two little girls was somewhat of a bigshot there. So I've known a K'nex plant was somewhere close in Montgomery County; I didn't know the company was headquartered in Hatfield!

http://maps.google.com/maps/m?source=mog&gl=us#ll=41.981952,-73.602905&z=9&saddr=Kutztown,%20Pa&daddr=Hatfield,%20Pa&ttype=dep&dirflg=d&view=result&ac=t,

A huge company so nearby, I love it!

http://www.knex.com/About_KNEX/

I called K'nex today. I was told they don't typically do tours; I guess the plant isn't set up that way. I was transferred to a voicemail for their PR person. Hopefully, I'll get a call back. I had introduced myself to the receptionist and on the PR voicemail as a student and writer at Kutztown University; I hope I don't get ignored just for being a student...

welcome

This blog will contain information and stories pertaining to labor issues, and quite often, the concerns of tipped employees. I am sure there are many of you who will read this blog who will see both sides of these issues. Hopefully, I don't get too angry up here on my soapbox :-P