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when I used to wait tables there was always one table in my section that got slightly subpar service. It was sort of the necessary corner to cut—there’s only so much multitasking a brain can do—so that I could manage my other tables well
In the years since this One Neglected Table has become my metaphor for the one ongoing work task each semester that I continually drop/forget about/neglect/do poorly so I can keep the other plates spinning. A necessary reality; only so much multitasking a professor brain can do
This semester though has felt more like the day there was a downpour so everyone walking around downtown came in to the bar to eat/take cover. We were understaffed & I had to bartend and wait on 30-some tables, who were all seated at basically the same time, by myself
The kitchen was located across a patio so I was running through the rain, back and forth, carrying these massive heavy trays of enchiladas and burgers. & then had to deliver food that had been rained on to my tables. & then run to make the drinks I had forgotten they ordered.
My manager was there; he could have helped, but he had some wealthy out of town friends and a millionaire gallerist he preferred to entertain. so he walked around giving them a tour and then sat down at a table & ordered a bottle of champagne. Oh, and a menu.
Anyway I am real tired and am doing many things poorly at once and am very aware people with more power than me could have helped but did not
