How two weeks can feel like an eternity. Part I.

Well, worked sucked especially hard today. It was just so busy I can't even try to explain. The number of customers keep reaching new heights per hour, and for longer lengths of time too. It's just unbelievable how many people we serve each morning and afternoon shift. The evening numbers have risen also, but thankfully I'm not around for that slaughter. Plus the exuberant menu additions and allowed substitutions and general pickiness of the public makes it mostly unbearable. It was a God damn nightmare in no easier terms.

We had our first "somewhat" of a psychological breakdown today from a fellow cook. It was only a matter of time before someone snapped. At one point he screamed, "Why the fuck do they keep seating people!" I silently agreed within my own mind, but knew all too well why. The management doesn't give a shit if it literally kills us, or even if people aren't perfectly happy with their dining experience. They only see the $$$ signs, and that's the absolute truth no matter what anyone says otherwise. Everything comes there after.

He had a very good point though. The restaurant seats approximately TWO-HUNDRED and FORTY people. We were getting our asses handed to us, terribly, and they just kept seating customers. At several times each side had an easy sixty menu count items to make, sometimes more. The ticket flows never stopped. At many places, smart ones anyways, there will be a limit to how many people can get a table. If the kitchen is backed up, they won't seat any more customers until the kitchen gets back on its feet. Not here. Both sides of the kitchen were choking so viciously today that we never had a chance to get back on our feet; it was just impossible. We were kept at a solid maximum capacity for a solid eight hours. Ticket times were atrocious. Had we had even five minutes to regroup, everything would have went unbelievably better. But nope, push them in and out as fast as possible to get the $$$. Who cares if they had to wait or are upset, we got the $$$ and that's all that counts.

This poor soul of a co-worker became broken, and he was on my side cooking with me. He just starts randomly blabbing, aka freaking out, and didn't give a shit who was in listening distance. It wasn't anything new to me, as I've seen it before. I let him vent and slam things around and just kind of listened. When he appeared that he was finished, I told him, "It's okay man. We all feel like this most of the time. Go sit down on the curb, take your time, and enjoy a cigarette. Let your head clear. I've got this no problem." It was either that or watch him implode and leave forever. He honestly didn't want to because he knew full well that I was full of shit when I said, "I've got this no problem" but his brain was boiling over and he had to concede to my offer. He got really quiet like he felt bad for having to step away for a few minutes, and I'm sure he did, but damn, it gets to you sometimes, and in a really bad way. I could see this dude had met the point and thought I'd give him a quick solace. He finally took it after apologizing ten or so times and walked off the line.

He came back! Woohoo! And was in a much better place mentally. We proceeded to get pounded until after an hour past my scheduled time to leave. It was simply brutal and never ending.

On a happy note, I have a set day of resignation. I have blessedly come into an opportunity of which I won't yet mention, though am very exited about. Any exit from this realm of crap is positive, and this an excellent situation. I am traveling tomorrow to meet and discuss specifics of said circumstance and have the utmost confidence things will go my way. If things work out, this will be my final career path, and most importantly, I will love what I will do.

Let's regress back to my notice of self termination though. I thought it was disgusting and a bit humorous at the same time. There's a lot to the back story, though I'll just describe what I told the assistant GM whilst we were cooking away together the other fine morning. Well, a pertinent point is that the KM put in his notice the day earlier.

The morning is going normally bad and the assistant GM is scheduled to cook. When he gets there, he immediately comes up and opens the other side. This is quite odd as generally he'd try to do everything but, however not today. He opens the other side and says, "Turn your printer off and go have a smoke." WTF is going on here, wait a second, I know. They aren't sure if I'm aware that the KM set a date for departure or not. Well, I sure as hell do because we're friends, but I'm just going to act like normal with nothing out of the ordinary happening. I get ready to head off line and he stops me suddenly. He says, "Oh, I'm not sure if the back door is open, hang on.", he views that it is and continues, "Yeah the alarm is off so it must not be locked." I sander out the back and enjoy the morning breeze with my self-inflicted lung pollution.

I come back and things proceed into the norm. We both are cooking tickets and having small, basic chit-chat from across the line. He won't say anything, which I think is a very professional move on his part. It's none of my business what happens between employees and management, so that's great that he won't bust and spill the beans. I get sick of the charade and throw my fishing pole line out with a little bait attached. I boldly say, "I can't believe (KM) is going on vacation for ten whole days! Geeze, that sucks, I don't know if I'm going to make it." He smiles and says, "Yeah, but we'll get through it no problem. Me and Roy will be available so no worries." Okay, that's all I'm going to cast into the water. I'll just sit and wait for a nibble. Yup, you betcha I got more than just a nibble; I got a big bite. Hook, line and sinker. Damn I hate being cliché but it couldn't be more true.

The assistant GM 'casually' asks me, "So what would you do if (KM) ever decided to quit?" AHAHAHA, yeah I got you now sucker. I reply, "I don't know. I think about quitting everyday so I'd probably quit too. I'm not here for much longer anyways." He counters with, "Really? Why? That would mean you have an opportunity to move up." That really disturbed me. Firstly because they should know by now, especially with how unequivocally pronounced I've been, that I will never have nor allow myself a future here. Second of all, refer to my first point.

I inquire, "You mean take over the kitchen?" He says, "Yeah, you'd be an easy choice if that ever happened." I know my shit and would be a fantastic manager (not trying to gloat, really, I would be) but I'm an easy choice because there is no one else whatsoever. How many people verbally abuse the GM and assistant GM of a corporate restaurant semi-frequently and are rewarded for it? Yeah, none. I should have been fired weeks ago, but they can't. Not to beat around the bush I tell him, "If the job paid 100k per year, I'd still EASILY turn it down." He's blown away. Yeah, it sucks that bad buddy!

I then let him know that I'll be leaving a letter of resignation before the day is done. This guy goes into panic mode and drills me with questions, one after the other. I won't say anything other than I have a job interview that I'm sure I will get; and will accept. He possibly didn't see this coming, how I have no clue. Gahhh! I don't want to type anymore out tonight. It will likely be another twenty paragraphs. The day was so bad I am just wanting to eat and get a good night's sleep for my big day tomorrow. I hope you understand and will gladly fill in the rest of the story in a day or a few. I apologize and will see you all in another day in the life of a line cook.

How the mighty have fallen.

So I left work today and there was a message on my cell from one of my buddies. It said he was getting ready to take off for a couple of weeks for work. He's the one who is a private contractor and he's trying to finish up for the year, so he's taking on a ton of jobs in order to try to quit early this season. He wants to know if I'd like to go grab a bite before he leaves. I message him back that I will meet him after I get home and shower, and whatnot.

I finish with my tasks and check my phone and there are a couple of messages from him. The first one says, "Meet me here. t'.'t" I think that's kind of clever and something that basically defines his personality in a nut shell; a face and two arms holding up middle fingers. The next message was in the form of a photo. When I viewed it I was horrified. It was him sitting at a table in a restaurant. The picture had something else in it that made me realize undoubtedly where he was. Let's just say it was something like the golden arches that anyone would be able to figure out is McDonald's. Well this restaurant also has a trademark of sorts that I could never confuse; it was from my old restaurant. You're such a dick, I forget why we're friends.

I message him back a few vulgarities though concede to his 'random' choice. He's always loved the food there and fucking knows I don't really ever want to step foot inside that crap hole again, so it's a win/win for him. Why do best friends get so much satisfaction and happiness from the other's disdain? I'm not sure but it remains true when the tables are turned as well. Maybe it's just a guy thing but I also take any opportunity I can to embarrass the hell out of him too. It's just funny.

I figure, "Screw it." It's not like my boycott was going to last forever. At worst I'll have to say hi to a few people I used to work with, some of which I really liked anyways. So I just embark on the twenty minute journey into destiny.

When I pull up into the parking lot, I see a familiar face smoking outside by the front door. It was an ex co-worker of the kitchen from the not so distant past. First of all, what are the odds that the first human being I see would be him. Pretty good I suppose after how bad my day has progressed up to this point. Second of all, where the hell is that dick head that ninja stalked me last week? Why the hell doesn't he eat here? This guy is standing literally no less than two feet from the main entrance. If reincarnation is actually real, then I must have been the worst kind of being in my last life and am now atoning for my misdeeds.

I walk up and he spots me coming from the distance. He starts to smile and we do the usual greetings. The best part is what he tells me mid conversation. I ask him how the place has been treating him and he says, "Really good. I run the kitchen now." My brain slams on the mental brakes. Screeeech! Whoa, did I just hear that correctly? He's continuing on with some drivel that I'm not paying any attention to. I question him mid sentence, "Did you say that you're running the kitchen now?" He replies, "Yup!" That can mean only one thing; Gary has met an unfortunate outcome.

I blurt out, probably in a spastic demeanor, "That's great news, man! If anyone deserved it, you did! Congratulations!" I didn't really give a rat's ass that he was the new KM of this sinkhole, but did want to convey a bit of enthusiasm in order to make sure he would answer my next question. He says, "Thanks!" and is grinning from ear to ear. Before he can say another word, I strike. "So what happened to Gary?", appearing quite concerned. He states, "Unfortunately he was let go. He moved to (another state) and no one has heard from him since." I take in a large volume of fresh air and for that single moment, all is right in the universe once again. It couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy in my opinion.

For those of you that are wondering, "Who the hell is Gary?", go ahead and drift back a few months in posts. When I was working at that establishment, the mighty Gary had already invested two and a half years of his scummy bottom feeder life into the business. About a month after I began my tribulation within, he purchased a forty-thousand dollar car, I'm sure to deflect his looks and personality. Hmmmm, I wonder if he still has that sweet piece of machinery after being FIRED from his career? My satisfaction knows no bounds, truly.

I go in eventually and can hardly contain my upward mood swing. My buddy asks me why I'm so damn happy and I just tell him that I'll explain after we leave. "Drinks and the food are on me, my good friend." We have a mediocre meal and I notice that not a single other employee is familiar. Either a bunch more jumped ship or this is the new crew they managed to secure. Either way, I don't give a shit. So long as my nemesis has met, what I believed to be, his well deserved fate.

See you all in another day in the life of a line cook.

In homage to a conquered enemy I say; Good night to you, "Sweet Butter" Gary. Oh how the mighty have fallen. P.S. Suck it!

Happy endings are worth every bit of crappy beginnings.

What a day I had at work today. I was in a foul mood due to the fact that I knew I would be working with a newer guy. He is about as cool as they come personality wise, though job related, meh, not so much. To top it off it was only him and myself to hold down what would likely be a scene straight out of a horror movie. The nice thing is that I would enjoy working with him in general over another that I dislike plus they suck overall. Eh, how bad could it have been you ask? Well let me tell you.

It started out typical. I roll in and start doing my normal routine, behind per usual because the graveyard shift cook can't be bothered to do anything extra. I'll give you an example. One day last week he met me as I was walking up on line. He told me what a slow night it had been so the place should be ready for the day. He said I didn't have to stock anything except maybe cut some fresh peppers. I just smiled, all the while thinking, "Yeah right you dumbass. I already know what to expect." He heads out as his gruesome shift is now over.

At least that's how the two overnighters act. Like they were SOOOOO busy, when I can just meander over to the nearest computer and easily pull up their hour counts. Wow! You had a grand total of TWENTY-SIX people from midnight to when I arrived. That's four point three, repeating of course, people per hour on average! ARGGG! The madness! Holy crap man! I thought I was stressed out but apparently I'm just being a baby. One time he even asked me for a cig when I got there because he ran out a couple of hours ago. Shit, if I bring in two for the shift, I still don't run out. Blarg. Again with the ramblings.

So anyways. He is insistent that I don't need anything and jets. I, of course, don't buy that shit for a second. I was just polite enough to not say anything or check while he was still around. I open the very first refrigerated drawer. Hmmm, I work mornings, at a franchise restaurant known for its breakfast, and there are four eggs on line total. Yeah that should last me until I get off for the day. In that same drawer, ah, never mind, you get the picture. Everything is stocked and I'm good to go with four fucking eggs, four, did I type that correctly; FOUR! I can't begin to fathom what is wrong with these people, I just can't. And there is no bacon. I'm not sure what people think other people eat for breakfast at a popular franchise restaurant, again known for its delicious breakfast, but apparently it's not eggs and bacon.

The kicker of our conversation was when he told me, didn't ask me, told me, to change a deep fryer because he didn't think I'd be busy. This guy reminds me of Epstein from the other joint. No one tells me to do anything, because frankly, they don't have to. I do something because it needs to get done. And thank you for letting me know that I won't have any customers from about five minutes from now until I leave for the day. I wish I was clairvoyant too.

God damn Epstein, and now I've had the displeasure of meeting two, or they must be brothers or at least related. Ugh. I don't know. Imagine you go into your job and, of course there has to be some worthless piece of garbage that doesn't do shit, and they give you commands like some kind of higher up, when in fact, they are quite lesser than you in every imaginable way, all the while you know they don't do jack, but somehow believe in their feeble mind that they do. How would that make you feel? Pretty damn mad and downright disturbed at how dumb they are, no?

Anyways! =) So I go about my business as normal; stocking and cooking until the GM shows up for the day. He gets there and we do our normal "Hello" and yada yada. He informs me that the dishwasher just called in sick. Damn it, I don't mind doing dishes per say, but now we have to compensate for a body. Ugh, what's next? Well, five minutes later, what's next happened! The prep cook was also feeling under the weather, so yes, now we're down two bodies for the day. Oh my God! I was so down as I just gave up at that point. Why bother, nothing (and no one) ever works anyways. I go on with my routine only concerned with what is directly in front of me, simply depressed.

An hour or so later, Roy come trotting onto the line, but he's not in his shirt and tie anymore; he's now wearing a company logoed t-shirt. Well, this may get interesting. He asks me if I want to cook or prep. "Um, why?" I inquire. He says, "It's your call. I'm putting Jake (I don't know, let's call the other cook Jake) on dishes and either you or I can prep." Well this isn't a tough decision and I choose, "Prep." He tells me to go ahead and start and I happily do.

I make sure to keep an eye on him every now and again just to make sure he's okay. He was kicking major ass, I was really impressed. He must have finally put on his big boy pants because he was really tearing shit up. Several times I would just walk over and start helping him because there were a lot of tickets, and he would tell me, "I'm okay. I got this, don't worry I'll let you know if I need help." It was only one time that he actually took my help and I didn't even make him ask. If I see a co-worker in trouble I don't say some dumb shit like, "Hey! Do you need some help?" (Derp Derp) I just go over and help. It's easier on the ego. Buy yeah, he did fucking fantastic today. I'm now going to begrudgingly throw him a bit more respect, eh, we'll see, probably not as he'll ruin it somehow, and most likely in the immediate future.

I'm in absolute heaven in the prep area. I mean, there is a ton of stuff to do but the only real pressure you have is what you place on yourself; most of it being if you'll have enough time to get all of this shit done before the dreaded breakfast and lunch rushes hit. I just did it in simple stages. It was cake for the most part and this was the very first time I've done it in over five years now in this cesspool. God, I was loving it! The best part was I had so much more done than the other morons by the time my shift ended. Well I did stay a little late though didn't mind one bit. It was like having a day off to me. So stress free, (compared to the alternate) and another positive aspect is that you have a shitload of stuff to do concurrently that your mind never numbs for a single second. You always have something that needs to be done so it never gets dull. There are still time constraints but they are easily manageable if you aren't really retarded.

The reactions I received from a few girls out front were hilarious. One came back and exclaimed, "Oh! You are here! I seen your name scheduled on the computer and seen Roy cooking and thought, Oh shit!" I laughed and said, "Nah, I wouldn't do that. Maybe next week.", and I winked. We both chuckled and went on our ways.

Another server approached me somewhat cautiously and said, "I can't believe Roy is making you do this. You should be up there instead of him." I replied, "He can be my guest." She went on to ask, "Wouldn't you rather be up there than back here?" I told her smiling, "That's an easy answer..." as she suggested I would likely prefer to be cooking and I went on to say, "No way! I feel bad for actually getting paid back here. It's fairly easy going." She is blown away by that comment and retorts, "Really?! You have so much to do and everything at once." I just said that I preferred this. At least I get to take a damn drink of water if I want, or actually think about it, without having to worry that I'm on the brink of destruction. I guess they really can't understand how much shitter that is over this blissful tranquility. No one could unless they did both, I suppose.

Onward. He gets the assistant GM to come in and help him for three hours, over the most substantial times in the day. I even comment to my co-cook who is not minding dishes one bit, "It's odd how the two front of the house managers are cooking and how the cooks are prepping and dishwashing." Seemed strange but who cares? I'm loving it.

At one point I'm in such a good state of mind that I decide to fuck with Roy a bit, all in good fun. Well, I had another motive, but it was still just a joke. I walk up on line and ask him politely, "Hey. Could I have your keys to the back door? The lobby is full and I don't want to try to plow through all of those people." He's a bit scorned and says, "Yeah, it would be just like the girls to not let me know that we have a full lobby!" He is aggravated now and digging in his pocket. He starts fidgeting with the key ring and says, "It's either this key or this one that opens it.", and he passes the bundle off to me. I ever so innocently state, "Oh, Roy, I was just fucking with you and only wanted your keys to the door." I had such a lovely grin on my face at this moment. He actually laughs and says, "You dick. Make sure you lock it when you come back in." I think he's actually relieved they were not about to get curbed stomped with orders. Hmm, it's hard to discern. As I'm about to turn the corner off the line he yells out, "And leave my car alone!" Well now, I will at some point wish I had taken it and slammed it into the side of the building, but nah, not today.

I actually leave for the day in a GREAT mood. I can't believe it. I thought it would never be possible from the lowly depths of this hell I have become accustomed to. I'm thankful I was allowed a taste of the good life (as far as this soul-draining place goes) if even for just today. It's amazing what switching from one job to another, though similar in concept, can be like. That brings me to my other posts where I wanted to write a bit more about the whining prep cooks having it so much worse than a line cook. This has already gotten too long (who would have thought?) so I'll get on that next post.

As I wrote about before, this conflict has always been an issue. The one guy I had the pleasure of pulling up on line with me for a bit certainly changed his mind thereafter. There was another that was literally scared to progress after his initiation day and never wanted part of that again. If I focus and concentrate really hard, I'll post that story next time, in another day in the life of a line cook.

Random thoughts and sporatic musings.

Well, I had today off, and thankfully so because yesterday was just vicious. A beautiful Sunday morning and afternoon at the city's most popular franchise breakfast establishment, which also happens to be conveniently located one city block from the interstate exit. I always knew we received a decent portion of our business from travelers, but yesterday, as I was walking out to silence my demons, I would say that at least half of the parking lot was filled with vehicles with out of state plates. I guess it's no big surprise because of the prior statement and now I confidently know just how and why we do two hundred, and sometimes more, customers per hour during our busiest hours.

I don't know. There isn't anything new and exciting that happened yesterday in general, so I figured I write about the various interactions I sometimes have with customers. They aren't intentional mind you, just random occurrences.

The first one I already wrote about. It was that bitch who rammed me with the door when I was just trying to hold it open for her, so there is no need to retrace that path. I always clock in and out at one of the front computers located where people pay. Over the weeks here I've heard all kinds of things coming out of the mouths of customers. What happened I found a bit odd. There's probably nothing to it and it's just me being stupid.

The hostess asks a man, "How was everything today?" He plainly states, "My food didn't taste fresh." He wasn't tweaking out or anything, just conveying his opinion. Though I did want to kindly let him know where he was; a corporate franchise and not some upscale dining marvel of the world. Chances are that some part of what he ate came in frozen, thus not delivering that crisp and vibrant zing on the old taste buds. The strange part was when he noticed me. I'm not sure if he thought I may have prepared his subpar atrocity of sustenance, but he also added to close the conversation, "But overall my food was fine.", and he smiled. As the days went on I happened to notice a similar pattern.

The next time a similar exchange between vendor and buyer took place, the women looked at me before she answered. She said, "It was real good.", and gave me a big smile. Each and every time I have actually paid attention, it was never a bad statement. That made me wonder if it had to do with someone who may have cooked the food standing within an earshot, up close and personal. I imagined how I'd react if placed into the same predicament. Well, I wouldn't say anything bad in the first place and just chalk it up as a bad experience internally. Had that episode turned into a normal and ongoing thing, I would choose to eat elsewhere. But I honestly wonder if it's a deciding factor when being civil or rude. The person you "might" be insulting is less than three feet from you. I think so, but then again, who knows. Maybe they were being truthful. I just found it peculiar that they always looked at me first and then gave their answer, which turned out to be positive.

I don't want any patron to know I'm a cook here, and not because I think the work is beneath me or anything like that. It's a day's pay and an honest JOB and there is no shame in that what-so-ever no matter the line of work, period. It's just that there are usually three other cooks that may have prepared that customer's items, and I want no damn part in claiming those abominations were works of my own.

I often have verbal exchanges with people entering and leaving the restaurant when I walk out to smoke. If the door isn't unbolted and the restaurant isn't busy, I'll walk through and around rather than throw a temper tantrum. I always go into the employee parking lot, which isn't even company property, we just park there and go there to smoke. It's on the side of the building and customers rarely use it unless they are pulling something or driving a semi as these things would be hard to maneuver in the customer lot. When ours is filled to capacity, then people's vehicles spill over into the other.

Anyways...Normally I will initiate conversation with anyone who happens to pass me on my way or while I'm standing there. It's usually a smile and "Good morning." with a nod. Sometimes they stop and chat for a bit and are very friendly, and I enjoy that. The semi truck drivers are cool as hell. I've had more than one stop where I was, whip out a cig and light it up while we conversed. One dude had me rolling with some off the wall story about how he just came through an adjacent state and how stupid people drive, within the whole state, no matter if it was in cities or on the interstate. Just the way he was putting it into context was hilarious. I assured him that he would find it quite similar as he passed through ours also, to which he had an equal hilarious reaction. Another time a driver asked me, "Is there a (my restaurant's name) around here?" I turned my head to the right and looked up at the gigantic sign and said, "I think so or else I'm at the wrong place working." We both laughed and he replied, "Holy shit, I need sleep."

But yes, there are always the douche bags who feel the need to make others miserable because they have nothing better or meaningful to do in their lives. More times than not, I get ignored even after my salutations. Don't acknowledge the scummy low life restaurant employee there dickheads. I also had some old bitch yell at me as I was in my space enjoying a moment's peace, "You know you wouldn't have to be standing out here if you didn't smoke!" Yes there was a lovely scowl on her face as she remarked. Oh my goodness. Yes it sure is horrible standing here outside this pleasant summer morning. Wow, you sure showed me lady! I wanted to say, "You know you probably wouldn't need to walk with that cane is you weren't so fucking fat!", but of course I didn't. I just didn't even acknowledge her obvious disdain for my personal choice and tried to blow some smoke her direction out of the corner of my mouth. However, on this one particular occasion, which happened just last Tuesday or Wednesday, I forget which, some guy actually followed and harassed me. A little back story first.

We have regulars here. They come in EVERY day no matter what and at almost the exact same time. Most of them always have the same breakfast and are of no consequence to me. I'm glad they like the food and I've become adjusted to them gracing my presence on a daily basis. One older lady even waves to me from the pantry as she refills her own coffee. What a sweet old bird. Then there are the exceptions, and he now certainly is. Okay, that 's out of the way.

I happen to go out the front way for my smoke break and walk past a gentleman, who yes, is one of these regulars. I nod and say, "Hello." as we pass and he does the same. I guess I made the mistake of taking out my cigarette pack from my pocket in his line of sight. He takes this opportunity to stop me and say, "You know state law requires you to be XX feet away from the building and its entrances and exits." Fuck. Just mind your own business you miserable human being. I reply, "Yes I know. I'm going to the other parking lot." Now fuck off and leave me alone as now you've disturbed me a bit. I keep going on my way when I turn my head to see that this shithead is following me, almost trying to shadow me like a ninja. Yeah, I can see you walking behind and beside those cars asshole, you're not invisible.

I round the corner of the building, off company property, to my usual spot. I flick my lighter and my evil ritual begins. I get one fucking puff in when he appears magically from the other side of the structure. He takes no time to make sure that I realize I'm breaking the law. He spits out, "You're not XX feet away from this exit!" I reply, "And????" He declares, "AND!!! You have to move XX feet away from this door!" I just take a nice slow and long drag off of my demon stick. He seems to be getting upset at my lack of respect for our rules of government and again states, this time even louder, "You need to move further away!" I calmly tell him, "I will not." Now here's the thing. I know for damn sure where I take my smoking breaks is just fine and within our law, well at least I think so, but who cares anymore at this point since this is no longer about me polluting the air and is now about who's is going to win this argument.

He then threatens to call the police on me! I'm not trying to rob you, you know-it-all jerk! I'm trying to gain just a little piece of serenity and you're making that really difficult! I again calmly state, though am raging mad now, "WE need to be XX feet away from a MAIN entrance or MAIN exit and windows that open. This door is neither a MAIN entrance nor a MAIN exit and I don't see any windows back here. Feel free to call the authorities if you think your witnessing a horrific crime in progress." He walks off now apparently in the same mood as he decided to create for me.

When I go back in, he's throwing a fit to the assistant GM. He sees me and starts pointing his finger in my direction so the boss man would be sure to know who this degenerate culprit he was referring to was. Duh, I'm the only other male employee and the only person who just went to smoke. The assistant GM just looks at me as I pass to the back. I can hear this imbecile bitching about our state law and how he's has the mind to call the police. Jesus, please do so they can laugh at you too. About five minutes later the assistant GM comes back and says, "Wow! What did you say to (name/I forgot his name, fuck him anyways)?" I told him what happened and he assured me, "Don't worry about it." AHAHAHAHA! I wasn't going to but thanks for making me feel safe and protected just the same.

Now this goes back to what I was discussing before. Do you think he knew that I COOK HIS FOOD FOR HIM EVERY SINGLE DAY? I bet he does now, and especially so after he seen me casually stroll back into the kitchen. He has been there all the days I have worked up until yesterday, as far as I know, and never took it upon his duty to stalk me on the side of the restaurant again. Maybe next week, we'll see I suppose.

What if I was one of those cooks who does shit to food? Yeah, they are out there, believe me. God, and the deviant, would only know what he would be ingesting for the remainder of his visits. It really gives me the shivers thinking about it. It reminds me of that movie, I believe it was called Waiting. The line in the film was hilarious though equally true in a way, "Don't fuck with the people who handle your food.", as I believe it was. No matter how much you belittle or anger me, I just could never physically bring myself to do anything, ever. Though, I have met a choice few that had nary a second thought. Damn these ethics. I would likely be much happier.

Anyways, that was another long one a bit out of the norm but I thought it was worthy of a post. I suppose it happens to all of us wicked and satanic smokers. I know it's a disgusting habit and fully intend to rid myself of this despicable trend eventually. For Christ's sake though, if I'm OUTSIDE in a parking lot, deliberately out of the way, and you CHOOSE to walk near me, go fuck yourself if you feel the need to say anything. Sigh, until next time, in another day in the life of a line cook.

A simple and polite request ruined someone's day, and it wasn't mine.

It's so weird that I had an incident occur today, specifically after I posted about the whole department versus department attitude. To briefly reiterate, I am a believer in just getting the situation taken care of and who really gives a shit who was wrong. Just shut up and fix the problem so we all can get back to the normal insanity and use our precious time in a constructive manner. This occurrence happened on more of a personal level, I felt at least, and that's the way I was sure to keep it.

It's quite petty, yet again, but this waitress spoke to me in a tone that I certainly did not appreciate. It was about an hour and a half after I arrived for the day. I am busy as hell from when I get there until I leave. There is so much to get ready, especially for a Saturday service, and I try to be as prepared as possible for when the other cooks arrive, normally late or not at all, so all they need to do is quickly open the other side of the kitchen to provide me with some relief.

I try to have the opposite side all stocked and utensils ready to where they only have to basically walk on line and begin cooking. This is a huge benefit to not only me, but the customers and waitresses as well, because you know, we are then fully operational to the best of our ability to provide our required services. So yeah, anyways, I bust my ass solo to get this to happen every morning I work.

All I did was ask one server in particular a simple favor. Since at the time there were now six of them and only one of me, and I was getting hammered with tickets, I didn't feel it would be too much of a burden on her, that and she was the only one in the pantry as the others were too busy kicking my ass table-hopping and inputting multiple orders concurrently.

I say politely, "Would you please get me a glass of ice water, Brandi?" She say back to me, "OOOOOOOOOKAAAAAAY! Like I have time to do that, I'm busy!" Oh, well you didn't need to say it that way, but I suppose I understand. As the moments pass I notice she hasn't moved from the very point she's been standing in, but whatever.

I just say to myself, "Fuck it. Fuck the tickets. I need a damn glass of water.", and I go out to get one. As I pass her, I notice she's texting on her phone. I just sigh to myself. You asked for it baby girl. I know this is probably only a job your rich parents made you get over the summer, but I now feel it is my duty to teach you that there is some good that can come from being a decent person, and sometimes, even though you are very pretty, you're going to get a rude awakening by someone like me who really doesn't give two shits about you in general.

I don't give a fuck if your a twenty-something babe who is working on her Ph. D at our town's illustrious private college, I may have when I was ten years younger, but now I only really care that you are a self-entitled bitch that can't be bothered to grant the most mundane of a request to help out a co-worker, and at the very least, a human being. It's not like I said, "Hey bitch! Get me a damn glass of ice water, and right now!" Who knows though? That could have very well worked.

Anyways, I take a few slugs from the glass and go on about my business, hating every second. The more the minutes passed, the more disheartened and grumpy I became. Then there was this little ray of sunshine glimmering through the clouds. Brandi placed in her meal ticket. How much more epic could this get for me? I was just shifting  into my normal rage mode, when I began to smile a little inside. I was, of course, still all by my lonesome, cooking roughly ten/twelve tickets, and there was princess Brandi's rounding out the end of the line. And it was a fucked up cornucopia of modifications. I don't even know how she thought it wasn't out of the question.

As soon as I notice her eminence grace the panty, I gleefully call her over for a quick conversation. Smiling, I say, "Do you remember when I asked you for a glass of ice water and you were too busy?, as I move my arm in a motion as to present a member of royalty I go on to say, "Well now I'm too busy to cook whatever is on your food ticket." I grab the ticket off of the board, crumple it up, and bounce it off the pass and it tumbles to the floor right beside her.

This chick was pissed. OMG she was likely as mad as I am after a day's shift, but probably because some lesser creature had the gall to speak to her like that. Yeah sweetie pie, I'm here all day and this is just the beginning. She runs off out of the pantry, and what do you know, returns with the GM. AHAHAHAHAHA! Yeah, surely I'm in hot water now. My mood is becoming more enlightened with every moment.

I was finally not too lazy to recheck some recent posts and found out the I named the GM Roy. So, Roy comes marching back down the cooking line with Brandi meeting his pace, though from the other side of the pass. If I'm a dog's ass, the sun is absolutely shining on me at this moment, I mean, seriously, what is going to happen now? Am I going to get disciplined? AHAHA, really? What ever will this scary exchange of words become? I can't wait for him to open his mouth and I don't. Before he can say anything, I calmly and quietly tell him, so that dummy sever can't hear, "Don't say to me what I think you're going to say to me. She had it coming and I'm not cooking her food, period. I'll explain it later if you want but I'm starting to get behind." He replies, "Oh nah, I don't care what happened. I just want to know what she ordered so I can cook it on the other side and shut her up." I respond, "It was some messed up thing and I don't remember it all." He looks at Brandi and asks her, "Well, what did you want?"

Before she can answer I interject, "It was something stupid so why don't you pick the ticket up off the floor and show it to him." She's now in a pouty/pissy state and she finds the ticket and un-crumples it and hands it to him. As he's walking to the other side, I hear him start to tell her, "What is this? You can't do this. Void this ticket out and retype a new one in with all the charges if you want to eat." She says something but I can't hear as she's now too far away. She walks out of the pantry.

Roy comes back over and tells me that I can't cook tickets like this. I started laughing and said, "Um, well, I wasn't going to?" He says, "No, I mean with...just forget it." He walks away and I go on about my business, a bit more satisfied with how the morning has went so far; a meager two hours into a gruesome shift. To be honest, I really felt bad later, but I think it's still justifiable considering how she initiated the redemption. Had she been even a little polite rather than spewing that garbage from her mouth in our inaugural exchange, her day would have turned out much more pleasant, I'm quite sure.

She did her absolute best to keep her tickets off of my side. She nearly perfected it other than the fact that I go over and bail the other side out a bit here and there, which means, yeah, I'm probably going to end up with a few of hers. At one point I overhear her asking for a specific item that isn't up for her order via yonder, and shout out to her, "Here, just take this from our side and deliver it to your table. We'll grab theirs when it's done." She comes over, grabs it, and actually says, "Thank you.", as she hustles away.

Yet again, I make myself sound like an asshole, but I assure you I'm not. It just genuinely disgusts me when actions like this occur; and believe me, it's very accurate. I am definitely not misogynistic. I adore the female version of our species very much so and probably treat them better than the opposite in general. I'm a hater when it comes to ANYONE who thinks they are better on a BASIC level as another, and especially for no reason other than ego. If it had been a dude, he would have probably received several "fuck offs" sprinkled into the conversation as well as me trying to hit him in the face with the ball of a ticket as a fastball and not a reflection off a metal counter. We'll possibly get along very well tomorrow, at least I'll be civil, we'll see I suppose. Sometimes people just need a quick lesson in humility. Hell we all do, myself included.

Anyhow, the day went on in pure misery. Three, count them, three of our additional staff called in sick. One in general had the excuse, "Because I'm tired." WTF!? And that shit apparently was okay with our ever-knowing overlord. After our hellish shift ended, I inquired about that guy in general and jokingly said, "Well, no consequences equals no fear of repeat." Roy said that he will most assuredly be "written up". Fuck, whatever. That has never meant shit to anyone and never will. I think it goes into their file or something but who really cares when it's a horrific job, and temporary at that? Meh, I digress, once again.

If any of you think I went over the line, Lord knows I'm due for a mental break at any time, please feel free to let me know. The whole ordeal is quite accurate, however, maybe some people feel that I was being a "doodie head". It won't bother me if someone thinks I was being a jerk, and maybe if so, it will help me re-evaluate some of my decisions. Maybe environment does dictate psychological and physiological behavior, and the nature vs. nurture does have significant merit. Do any of us ever stop developing as individuals? Way off tangent, so I'll end this here.

I have found a nice job and investment opportunity but am not sure on what to do just yet with all of the other things happening in my life. I'm here for a little while longer, at least, and have made a deal with my current restaurant employment. I'll possibly post some details next time. See you all again, in another day in the life of a line cook.

Interpersonal competitive restaurant mentality. Teamwork? Yeah, right.

In all of my years working in this field, there has always been a bit of a competition between the servers and the cooks, preparers and cooks, servers and preparers, etcetera. I'm not really sure why because I think it's just plain stupid. The first thing is the needless arguing over who is correct and who is wrong. Shit happens and people make mistakes and especially when it's so damn busy you can't think straight. I often overhear other cooks and servers arguing about some food item that isn't right in some way or another. The thing that gets me is both of them are never wrong. I mean, who really cares, unless of course it's a ongoing problem with the individual.

Some servers are just plain dumb and some cooks are just plain dumb. They both are human and to be quite honest, I don't believe there is a shortage of idiots anywhere you look. No debate there. What gets to me is when I can hear the two different sides of the restaurant arguing about the most miniscule of things.

For instance, just last Sunday, a server comes back to the other side of the kitchen and lets them know that the customer is not happy because their omelet doesn't look like the picture on the menu. She says that there are not enough mushrooms on top like in the photo. First things first, it's the customer being picky, neither fault of you two opposing forces. Throw some mushrooms on the grill and steam them for thirty seconds, place them on top of the omelet, and voila, problem fixed! Nope; just can't be that easy.

Instead, the cook is offended and goes off tangent on how there are mushrooms already showing in the presentation. The server states that the customer doesn't think so and chimes in that we should really make the items just like the pictures show. First of all, you both are retarded for even having that exchange. The cook for being so almighty that, God forbid, a picky customer wants some more mushrooms on his/her omelet. Does it really matter? Just fucking do it and go back to the chaos in front of you rather than bring your side to a halt. Your food normally looks like shit anyways and you should be happy no one else has complained about your "works of art".

Secondly, shut up you over bearing drama queen. Yes, I understand that you are the one who takes the brunt of the customer, but was it really necessary to say that? I mean, do you really believe that the photo was taken after some burned out cook placed that onto a plate and someone just happened to take a photo? It should look similar, true, but exact, no fucking way you clueless moron. Hell, those are professional photo shoots, believe it or not. Blarg, I digress.

So yes, now you're both blathering idiots, getting each other worked up for no good reason at all and just wasted three minutes of everyone's precious time, and the problem is still right in front of both of you. Chances are you two are now "pissy" with each other and will be for the rest of the shift. So unnecessary.

An easy solution to this obviously unimaginable dilemma would be;

Server, "The customer says there aren't enough mushrooms on top like the picture shows."

Cook, (Laughing, shit, I know I would) "Alright, give me thirty seconds to steam some."

Thirty seconds pass, OMG!

Cook, "Here you go.", as he places them on top of said item.

Server, "Thanks!"

Boom! Back in business and no one missed a beat. The customer is satisfied and all is harmonically balanced once again. It's almost like Occam's Razor follows the exact opposite path in this industry. What is the simplest route to solve this problem? Correct the issue by making the item look more like the snapshot on the menu. The easiest way would be the aforementioned verbal exchange including actions. Hell no! Let's have a time wasting debate, then, and only then, come to the inevitable, and coincidently, exact same solution.

Since we're on the sever versus cook topic, I will let a little story be known that happened a few weeks ago. First and foremost, the servers adore me and I reciprocate fully. I know how hard their tasks are and they are witness to me doing absolutely everything in my power to make sure everything stays kosher from my position to the next. Yes, I can be a real dick here when I get pushed too far, though I never take it out on anyone whom doesn't deserve it, and normally don't even say a word if it's no big deal.

This one server, let's call her "Tiffany". She is not very bright in this world of work, though possibly in another field. I doubt it, but hey, who know? It's just me cooking with six servers (wow, big surprise) and it's the beginning of what will be a horrific Sunday service. A cook called in sick and one is running late, (wow, even bigger surprise) and she approaches me, as I'm struggling to keep my head above water, drowning in a magical waterfall of tickets.

She says to me in a fluster, "Hey! I messed up and need this item instead of this one." I won't divulge said menu item names as I still would like to keep some anonymity. I think to myself, because I'm dying here man, "Ugh, of course you do!", though only say, "Okay, give me a minute." I swap out some food I'm currently preparing on other tickets to correct her mistake as fast as possible, and then I can re-drop the items I used and will still be done in time for the proceeding tickets. One hiccup isn't that big of a deal.

Within two more minutes, Tiffany again comes to the pass and tells me, yet again, that she messed up that same item and now needs this specific thing instead. Oh my, you're really pushing it here but I just let her know I'll fix it again, and to give me another minute. I fix the mistake and send her on her way posthaste. Now I'm a bit behind because I had to stop twice and reconfigure a few orders to make sure she, and her customers, received what was necessary. Shit happens, and the almighty Beefcake is not immune to being wrong either, so I understand, though considering the circumstances, (six waitresses and one cook, another calling in sick and an additional that hasn't shown up yet) this really did not need to happen.

The kicker of the situation is that a bit later when I actually had help and I made a slight mistake, yes, on one of the very same server's tickets. I caught it before I even pulled the ticket and it was almost finished. She was standing at the pass looking over her copy and asked where said item was. I said, "I missed it. Sorry. It will be up in like thirty seconds." This bitch retorts like a princess on her throne, "Why isn't it up now?", as she taps her fingernails on the pass. Really!? You of all people are going to take that snotty tone with me after what just occurred a meager hour ago? Yeah, I was not rolling over for that. I was fucking mad (another shocker!).

I stayed calm though yelled out looking over the pass, "Everyone! Come here please!" The servers who were in the pantry gathered. I stated out in a nice, though firm tone, "We all make mistakes, right!? How many times have I belittled any one of you for making an error? NEVER! I expect the same courtesy when it happens to me!" Most of them are baffled until they hear Tiffany say, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything by it." To which I replied, "I don't want to hear that shit and I don't deserve it." Problem solved and I have yet to have anything but amicable exchanges between the two of us since then. Yeah, I know, I'm such an asshole for not wanting to be treated like a piece of garbage and spoke up in my defense.

I adore the serving staff here and have at any place I've worked. I fully comprehend the crap of human existence they have to wade through day after day. But at least give me the same consideration and respect as I do to you. Seems so simple, no?

Okay, that rant is over and I will likely post about the whole prep cook versus line cook in the next writing. It's about basically the same train of thought. Why can't people just sometimes, not always, place themselves in another's shoes and maybe try to imagine what it's like? Too much to ask I suppose.

Anyways, the purple people eater manager story wasn't that good when I reflect on the situation. He really never did mess with me in any way, shape or form. There were two times where I could see him watching me from my peripheral vision, and when I noticed him approaching, I just walked off the line like I was going to get something out of the walk-in cooler.

However, a few days after, he was back and accompanied by the Vice President of the entire corporation. Yeah, I thought that was really odd too. What the hell is a high level executive from a huge franchise like this doing coming to one of the lowly establishments in such a small city (under 100k in population)? I know exactly why. This place is a gold mine. It's likely one of the most profitable stores they have. No matter what, people keep coming back, and mostly because we are the only niche restaurant within hundreds of miles. There is no actual competition within the area or surrounding locations.

Anyways, let me tell you, she was a bitch from the only thing I heard her say when she was standing not even two feet from me. I was looking directly at her and was hoping she would meet my eye contact, though never did. She was spouting off on some microscopic retardness and looking at the purple dong of a regional manager like it was his fault; and it was after all, because he was in charge of this store too. After she had her little hissy fit, she marched off the cooking line and I never had the displeasure of seeing her again for the entire day. Probably lucky for both of us. I may have been fired and she may have received a glob of lesser than her majesty's spit on her shoes. We'll never know, I suppose.

And guess who was the only employee within reaching distance of her, hell, even in audible distance; yup, me. The KM had just happened to walk away when she approached. I on the other hand, had tickets to cook and didn't give a flying fuck what some VP of a restaurant I hate working at thought of me. The KM laughed like hell after he returned and I told him what she said. I poked fun of her stupidity loudly and he finally told me to shut up because "they" might hear us. I could only be so lucky.

We are owned by a parent company and have been for the last several years or so. I did some research on this cunt and the company (it's not hard, and actually really disturbing, how much you can find out about someone with only minimum information via the internet.) after I got home that day. I discovered that the profits, and subsequently, stock is way down for the last three quarters for the parent company and maybe there is some pressure to make some of its investments work? The notes to shareholders disclose a restructure in debt, which isn't always a bad thing, though in this case is, and that several top level executives have sold huge volumes of their certificates. Hmmm. It makes you wonder sometimes. Maybe this place will self-destruct after all? Until next time, (still) in another day of a line cook.

Who am I to abandon anything?

I can't even walk out on any job I hate without the guilt wrecking me. What would that say about me to abandon something I personally created and actually enjoyed contributing to? It's just not part of my being. So I humbly apologize for that last entry made out of complete frustration. I honestly don't believe I intended to quit posting and just magically forget this thing ever existed.

After the prior outburst at work, there was an equally outrageous one the very next day, again directed specifically at the GM of the establishment for something he said to me that pushed me too far at the exact wrong time in the day. I ended up conceding my fault before I left for the day after I realized that I was still mad at him from the previous incident and not the current one that transpired.

That following morning, I gave him my notice after he welcomed me when I walked in. I'll just end that part of the drama here and continue on, hopefully sooner than later.

I wanted to post that this isn't over and thank everyone still reading; especially my loyal commenter, Christy! After reading all of your input I realized that I genuinely appreciate the little bit of satisfaction someone else can get out of a mere blog lost in a sea of writings, and I'm quite glad. If there are others (there has to be damn it!) who equally share in your sentiments, that's fantastic too, though it's your comments that really make this whole thing worth it. For that I thank you, truly.

I do have many more posts within me to write. It shouldn't, though does, amaze me how this place went from decent to pure shit in the span of a week. I mean, I knew it was going to happen, but not like the flip of a switch. I have mentally acquired probably an easy ten more novel long posts to elaborate on, and will try to start contributing regularly once again. It's like I stated before though, I'm so wiped after a day of work there I just don't feel like it, even though I want to.

Thanks again for visiting, as I sincerely appreciate it. Anyways, until another day in the life of a line cook.

Death of something is a sad fact of life.

I think the time has come to possibly end this monstrosity of a blog. I am currently contemplating retiring, once again, from this forsaken field of work. I just hate it so much it goes beyond any words I could place into text. For any readers still viewing, I'll confess a few things.

I am a licensed CPA and work has rarely been a shortage for me. This last year my Mother asked me to move back home and help her. She is elderly and basically disabled in terms of mobility, though not mentally. I don't know how anyone could say no to that; I couldn't. I require 20+ hours of recurring education each year and failed to meet the mandatory standards by my company and was laid off accordingly. Family is important; don't ever think otherwise.

I purchased a home from credit and savings. Now here I am, contemplating what to do. I make very decent money being a line cook. But at what cost to my personal well being. I can get a basic bookkeeping job here, though no where what I make in the last circle of hell cooking. A few hundred miles away; easily six figures. Anyways, I'll write about this crap one more time before I forever become another internet anomaly/mystery. I love my Mom and will make sure she's fine, though  have to get out this place for my own sanity.

It's hard to describe; I loathe this employment so much it gives me nightmares and makes me act like a crazed psychopath while in house. I'm just mean and pissed all the time, and my true personality is just not equal by any means. It's quite the opposite actually. I am very disgusted with myself in terms of viciousness outward to the management here. I am very pleasant to everyone else, though it's becoming common knowledge that I am an asshole and I think most might be almost taken back by me and a bit frightened to be honest.

I'll lay some stuff on the line here....I'm not the best line cook to ever grace this field, and I understand that, though I am pretty God damn awesome at what I am still capable of in this industry. I checked my confidence at the door when re-entering this horrible franchise restaurant and am, now, undoubtedly the best at what I do here, in a mere couple of months. From what I've witnessed, no one can even come close anymore, and I've only improved with each day.

The GM and myself had a wonderful exchange last week. I would call it a conversation because he tried to keep it civil, I was beyond human decency and professionalism, and am really ashamed of what it came to.

As much as I'm blown away from putting a GM of a franchise restaurant in his place in front of employees, it really doesn't surprise me here anymore. The front of the house that could hear and came back to witness, back of the house including the prep cooks, bakery and other cook, I was so fucking mad I didn't care. I was yelling like an out of control maniac at him and only him, over something misiscule to him, though important to me.

I wanted one day over the 4th weekend off. Just today; Sunday actually. I had the 4th of July off already, since it fell on a Thursday, though, he had a problem with that and wanted me to take Saturday off instead. I said I would and then he wanted me to work the 4th to compensate for the Saturday. I again said I'd let him know but it was up to me, his words, not mine.

I had a lot of friends coming into town to visit me, yes me, so it was important, to me, yes me. I told him Saturday would be fine. He then asked me if I'd work the 4th morning and I only agreed after I asked who the other employees in the kitchen would be. Best crew possible for this trash franchise place, so I figured I'd be a good guy and help out too, and work the 4th since I was given my requested Saturday off on a short notice.

Literally three hours later I over hear him chatting with the KM how he just happens to have the 4th off now. I'm fuckin' livid and explode like no other in franchise kitchen history I'd assume, at least in that place. Instead of having a solid staff on one of the busiest days of the fucking year, we have one replaced with a fresh new virgin cook who is suppose to get trained on the line that day......I don't even know how to explain that I wasn't happy and especially since I just earlier volunteered to work because I kind of felt bad for taking a busy Saturday off, even though it was for a good reason.

I asked the GM to say what I thought I just heard. He smiled and tried to play it off and I made him say it again. After my brain actually heard this for sure, I flipped out. He walked away and most assuredly because I came unglued.

I was enraged. I could have had the 4th of July off, the Thursday, like I was scheduled, but I wanted to be fair since I wanted Sunday off,  though settled for Saturday instead. If there is a lesson here, only look out for #1 in your life, cause everyone else does. Do only what's best for yourself, and yourself only, and those that are pertinent.

I looked over at the KM who was laughing now because of my temper, I still do like this guy, and he said, "Well take it up with GM (still forget what I called him in the other post) because it's actually his decision and not mine". And I flat out told him the only reason I agreed to work the 4th was because I heard his name was going to be on line too. He goes on to tell me that he understands why I'm pissed but is happy because the 4th is his daughter's 2nd birthday....Fuck...If I had known that, I would have volunteered to work for him just because, but anyways...

I throw my apron on the cutting board and swear mercilessly as I go out front. I walk past the GM and he knows I'm not happy, to put it lightly. I come back in and he's on the line talking to the KM and when I get back he immediately approaches me. I said, and I fuckin' meant it, "Just keep walking past me please." Nope.

He chimes in, "I don't know why and I don't want you to be mad at me." Seriously you mongoloid? I laughed like a maniac and looked at him. He said, "Well, I mean I know you're mad at me but I don't know why." Fuck...get these knives away from me.

I probably said the f word more times than I ever have in my life but I wanted him to actually understand why I was mad at him. He tried to defend himself with the projected volume of customers for the 4th. and I laughed in his face about it. I threw another fit, yeah, I'm a baby, I know, as he walked away.

 So now it's just me and the KM on opposite sides of the kitchen, and he asks me if I would stay for another half hour past my shift for $20 cash. I ask him why as I'm still pissed and really not concentrating on anything anymore. He tells me so he can take a break.

Wow...A break...As much as I like you, if no one else gets one in the kitchen, you sure as fuck are not getting one either, and not from me especially no matter how much you offer me, and certainly not a measly twenty bucks.  I'll give you a five to go out and get some air, but that's all; like I only ask.

I tell him flat out, "Fuck no! I'm not staying for shit!" as I see the GM walking out in the pantry. I immediately yell out to this dick, "Hey! (GM) You'll give him a break won't you!!!!" He replie, s" Sure." and I don't hesitate to yell out loudly, "(GM) will give you your break!!! Take an hour or even two if you want!!!" Who gives a fuck, take five!"  I was still so mad I gave him and anyone who could witness the double middle fingers and said out loud, "Nothing personal but Fuck you fuck you fuck you fuck you." I left for the day hoping some would actually touch me on my way out.

I'll cut this off here. Longer story shorter, the back door is now open exclusively to me and has been all last week. When I got there today, the first thing I said to the assistant GM was, "I'm not trying to be a jerk, but if the back door isn't open for me to smoke, I'll go out the front no problem. But, if I have to go out the front, I'm not coming back in." Back door was un bolted and alarm was off. I really don't think that's too much to ask for an honest and punctual employee.  I'm really a decent human being; I promise. Sometimes it gets to you, I suppose.

 Corporate Policy conquered.

The Regional Manager was in last week. Damn, that will be a good story if I tell it. Purple shirt and darker purple tie. Walking around like a big shot. I seen him and asked around if anyone ever went out like a legend in this franchise and told one of these dicks to fuck off. Nope and they all laughed like I wouldn't. I sincerely hope to see you all in another day in the life of a line cook.