That is IT. I have had it with these #&%@#$ motorcycles on this $#@&*%$ patio!

Hello again!

For those of you that don't understand my reference, the title of this entry capitalizes on the entertainment gold provided by one Samuel L. Jackson in his portrayal of Neville Flynn in the movie Snakes on a Plane. It's the best line in the movie.

So, let me tell you a great story. It started on a lovely Monday afternoon. I was working my usual shift starting at 4pm. It was my first time working with crew and I was super excited. I wanted to dive right into training. So, I was talking to two crew about the TOKEN philosophy. We were pretty deep in conversation, so I was a little worried when Ferg came through the door with a very shocked look on his face. He joins our conversation and asks me very bluntly and with a completely straight face, "So, Adam...is our patio...a parking lot?" I look up at him as if he had just said the strangest thing in the word. I was sure he was just messing with me in front of crew. So, I respond in the negative and inquire as to the reason he asked. He responded, "Well...if our patio ISN'T a parking lot, then...why is there a motorcycle parked there?"

Now, some people may call me gullible. I like to use the word trusting. But this, this I had a hard time believing. But, being a friend of mine, I trusted Ferg and turned around. Low and behold a blue motorcycle sitting in the middle of our patio. After getting over my initial shock, I was instructed to get the owner to move their vehicle to a real parking lot. This was where my training for two weeks came in handy. I had to first find out whose bike it was, which I did by asking the whole customer floor. Once someone owned up, I approached them privately and explained the situation in clear reasoning before asking him to move it. The gentleman was hesitant to move it, because he was playing pool. Instead of getting upset, I restated the situation and explained things in a more imperative format, even listing fire code. The moment I cited law, he backed off and began to move it.

It was a great learning experience for me as it taught me how to deal with difficult situations and it really showed me that I need to keep thinking on my feet. Luckily, I'm pretty quick witted and can remain calm in extraordinary situations (but, I mean, a motorcycle?!). Well, lesson learned I guess.

Until next time,

Adam