Something's Missing

Given my constant complaints to everyone about how bloody expensive this place, I thought I would do something about it. Yeah, I got myself a job and I am sticking it to the Man one minimum wage hour at a time. My visa allows me to work, part time, up to 20hrs per week as a student. I applied and gained employment with a company called Michael Wisher and Assc which is a temp agency that supplies waiting and hospitality staff to a wide array of different events across the country from sports, racing, and corporate parties. On Saturday, I work at Twickenham stadium in London for a Rugby Union game between the England National Team and the South African National Team. My friend, Dave, and I traveled down with around 60 other workers from Nottingham in a company bus for a three-hour journey. When we arrived we lined up for assignments. I had intended to be a server, but when they ran out positions upon arrival, Dave taking the last one, I was assigned to bar staff. There were about 8 suites in the hospitality area and I was assigned to Suite 1, which was the largest and sat atop the other seven. There were about 80 tables that our staff of nearly 100 was serving. The rumor was that each seat occupied by a guest was paid for by their company at a pricey 800 pounds apiece! I, along with 3 others, ran one of two bars that served mixed drinks, champagne, wine, and alot of beer. Everything was complimentary thus the guests made full use of the bar. Before and after food was served, the only job of each of the waiting staff was to constantly walk between the guests and the bar constantly refilling drinks meaning I hardly ever stopped pouring. It was a fast paced day but also a good deal of fun. However, the fun had was quickly dampened when I returned to the bus that night and met up with Dave, who had worked in suite five, a small suite with only about 5 tables and as many staff. He earned 40 pounds in tips at the end of the day compared to my empty pocket. This was a bit frustrating given how hard I worked for such a large group, but, it was a good experience and hopefully future events will be different.

However, the biggest event that was tied to the new job came a day before. I needed to look presentable for such a high-class profession and I was forced to get a new hairstyle. So for all you who have been secretly hating the long hair, your day has come and my hair is much shorter once again. I am not back to the original crew cut but I at least have a respectable and manageable head of hair. That was very hard to do, an end of an era, but I like the new cut. However, I still feel as though something is missing… a part of me, maybe. Well, it can grow back, if it needs to. Take care and keep in touch.

Love, American Al


The new haircut... so much is missing