Patience

As this is my first entry, I thought it best to begin with an explanation of my title 'With Bated Breath'. I have worked within the hospitality/service industry for many years and have assumed varying roles; from kitchen staff, to bartender, to waitperson. What I have found to be of utmost importance, both on my part as server and on the part of my customers, is patience. Simple, courteous patience. In my choice of blog title, I am alluding to the art of waiting (i.e., waitressing) patiently.

With friends, I've often shared my belief (only half-jokingly) that service should be mandated. No, not military service. Service within the hospitality industry. Before my daughter is eligible to graduate from high school she must complete a minimum of forty hours of community service. What if EVERYONE had to complete a specified amount of time working in a bar or restaurant before graduating from secondary school? The end result, in my opinion, is that people would simply learn to be nicer to one another. Patience truly is a virtue. A virtue not necessarily inherent but maybe, just maybe, one that may be fostered and improved upon with experience. How about nine hours on your feet serving a hungry, alcohol-consuming public?