>So the powers that be at my place of employment have decided to have these mandatory training sessions on French service, mise en place, modified American service, product knowledge, et cetera et cetera. I have been a fine dining server for three years now, in an undisclosed establishment as to not incriminate myself (a la MM) and love my job. I feel that I am good at it, and acknowledge that there is always room for improvement in refining my technique. Unfortunately these sessions are scheduled on Tuesdays. Mondays and Tuesdays are my days off. Bollocks. My objection to these meetings are not rooted in any logical form, however. I have a problem with my own personal set of principles. I determine what constitutes a principle. As in, “yes these meetings are very educational and informative and no, it’s not that much of an inconvenience as I live 2 minutes away and yes, the meetings are only an hour, but it’s the principle!

My husband mocks me in regards to my principles.

To add insult to injury, they had set up a Krispy Kreme buffet to soften the blow and make the meeting more appealing.

I shall hence explain why this is problematic.

About a week ago, I had what I call a not-quite-cancer-scare. I was having…well, female problems, and went to the doc to check it out. Upon examination, several small masses were found. A biopsy was taken. An a week passed before the results came back. When you’re waiting on biopsy results, a week turns into a long-ass time. And during that week, I masqueraded my fear with humor. Joked about it, convinced myself and everyone that it was no big deal, and that if it was cancer, oh well, better start looking for some kick-ass wigs.

This week also gave me ample time to re-evaluate my attitudes about my health. I have not always been the healthiest eater, nor the most physically active, nor the best at taking any supplements to ensure I am consuming the nutrients necessary for health and vitality. It finally occurred to me that poor health habits and disease tend to go hand in hand, and I was the only one who could do anything about it. I was going to take charge of my health and live a long, healthy and happy life.

The results came back negative, just some benign bumps that could easily be removed. This strengthened my resolve to adopt a healthy attitude.

I’ve been doing well. My exercise routine isn’t quite up to par yet, but I have been doing great with my diet and taking multivitamins, Omega-3’s etc etc. It is not difficult as I keep no tempting foods in my home.

Then this damn meeting.

I find it ironic that a training session on fine dining would offer up Krispy Kremes as refreshment. We stress well-prepared healthy cuisine, and they’re serving us a heart attack in a box. Funny.

Despite the insane temptation, I was successful in resisting the decadent little rings of saturated fat and sugar. I just sipped my pomegranate juice and payed attention to the lesson. And felt fabulous about it when I got home. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, and I’m not going to engage in dietary habits that will contribute to that statistic. After all…don’t you know? I’m invincible!

voulez-voulez-vous invincible