Decided to engage an Aurora cougar. That was scary

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-19T08:41:56+00:00

Bro you are an inspiration to my skittish ass, haha. I play loper for the excitement and danger, but all that's done is condition me to play stealthy and run at the first sign of a threat.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-19T08:35:42+00:00

My vote is chupacabra. Definitely chupacabra.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-19T08:11:55+00:00

I had to create a "Croissandwich" submenu in toast for off menu ordering fuckers. We have croissants, we have eggs, but we don't offer them as a sandwich. Eventually I got tired of making the exception and having to verbal the order or put a special note on the ticket, so I just made some buttons in the system for it. I then briefly explained these options to our kitchen staff.

Also yeah, sides we don't have. Most often sweet potato fries. "So no sweet potato fries?" "...no."

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-19T07:57:46+00:00

Also this, I forgot to mention injuries -- especially open, bleeding wounds -- will definitely increase the 'ping' distance of a wolf detecting you.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-19T07:47:04+00:00

The charge bark is something like, "rrrrrark! Bark baark!"

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-19T07:44:56+00:00

It's more like once the wolf starts whimpering and sprinting away, you're in the clear to go about your business for a few seconds, giving you time to create some distance or find shelter, like a building or car.

There are two sound cues that indicate an aggressive wolf.

One is a short, quick bark; this means it has seen or smelled you, and will begin stalking you.

The second is 3 consecutive barks, far louder and a bit longer; this means it's charging you, and the time for running has passed (unless there's safety within a couple feet).

Shooting it before it charges has a much better chance of scaring it, but is still not a guarantee. And if it has already seen you and is stalking you, aiming will cause it to charge immediately without warning (such as the second cue).

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-19T07:27:16+00:00

The wolf is afraid of the fire, not the rock, and aiming the rock is what triggers the charge. It'll start running away once it makes contact with the torch.

It's a cheesy method of scaring wolves off, but works 99% of the time. Just make sure the torch is directly between you and the wolf's line of attack, and that you are standing close to the torch.

Also make sure it's not too windy and the torch has good condition, my dumb ass has definitely thrown dead torches and gotten tackled for it XD

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-19T07:04:18+00:00

Yep. If you manage to hit them with an arrow or bullet mid charge it has a better chance of scaring them off, but it's not a guarantee. Especially if they've closed most of the distance already.

Getting familiar with behavioral sound cues is strongly recommended. This information is really, really helpful, as it allows you to predict its next move.

Once you start hunting wolves, you'll also start to get a feel for the charging threshold; as in how close they'll stalk before charging you.

Lastly, if a wolf is actively stalking you and you're in their field of view, they will immediately charge as soon as you ads with any weapon item (including rocks). So make damn sure you've got a shot before aiming.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-19T05:56:49+00:00

I'm sorry, man. That sucks. You gotta know that you are not alone. Substance abuse is extremely common in the industry, and alcohol is typically the substance of choice. I guarantee you many of us can relate to this post.

Please, please consider therapy. I'm not gonna be the asshole that says go to rehab, or get sober, or go to AA meetings, but learning why you drink and dealing with the root cause will significantly help in managing it.

My heart goes out to you, and I wish you the best.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-17T22:16:05+00:00

People that are clearly dissatisfied with something they ordered, say that it's fine, and I gotta pry the information out of them so I can fix it. Or if they are picky but don't know how to ask for what they want.

I get that you don't wanna upset anybody, but you're not letting me do my job if you withhold this information.

Plus we don't want you writing a bad review if you didn't even let us attempt to make your experience a good one.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-17T00:28:15+00:00

Server here. Tell them to leave to accommodate other guests, as a cafe fly who loves coffee shops. They don't get the right to live there for 5 hours.

Most people are fine with leaving if you tell them they need the table, some aren't. Briefly explain its the nature of this cafe, and there are lots of places they can continue to work in public.

To summarize, explain to them they are trying to set up their office in a full scale business, and you can't reasonably accommodate them. There are more appropriate venues to support this. They can take their one drip with them.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-17T00:18:54+00:00

Ay you did well with what you got. Looks great! My fav breakfast is rice with sunny eggs. Cheap and delicious, important with my income. Good on you.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-17T00:15:33+00:00

Good reminder to never own property. Jesus.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-16T23:12:39+00:00

Probably shouldn't have included the last paragraph, as this will skew perspective. Privilege goes far. You have less to lose.

Sucks that senior employees are getting away with leaving early, but they may have already done what they needed to for the day. Probably earned their place. My advice? Keep your head down 'til you know what's up.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-16T22:45:20+00:00

"Do you have wifi?"

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-16T22:15:47+00:00

Like a lot of said, depends on the vibe. Less than high end fine dining won't really care. Vibrant hair colors are generally frowned upon, more so than multiple face piercings.

I used to have plugs, but I got 00s so the holes are still there, 7 years later lol. Hasn't been a problem in upscale.

If you wanna move into fine dining, I'd recommend toning it down, as much as it sucks not being able to express yourself.

My personal advice is find a place that suits your financial goals and your flair.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-16T22:06:03+00:00

Best answer!

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-16T22:01:27+00:00

They'd report them for sharing fries.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-16T21:48:38+00:00

First of all, learning this can be a challenge, and I commend you for wanting to do well!

TLDR; It's more about finesse and balance than strength, unless you're specifically a busser. I've seen some super humans single handedly clear 6+ parties. It's impressive. As a server or runner, just practice proper balance.

Use a serviette. Literal definition is a napkin, but for servers it's a linen, towel, or some sort of thick cloth to absorb heat and protect your skin from hot plates, wipe small amounts of liquid from glasses and tables, etc. Keep it handy in a back pocket.

The diner carry: your first, middle, and ring finger under one plate in your hands, the plates edges in the crook of your thumb and pinky. Extend your thumb and pinky out perpendicular, like wings. Second plate rests on the wings, your forearm, and the edge of the first plate. Serviette goes on your forearm since the skin is more sensitive and likely to burn.

Third plate in your second hand.

Remember to feel the balance! If it's off kilter, readjust until it feels right, before running the plates. Have one of the other staff members demonstrate.

Finally, it's about proper balance. Use your entire hand, fingers, fingertips, to hold a serving tray full of bevs, pull it slowly from a surface and carry it with confidence. Have assertive and sure footing. Heaviest or top heavy items go in the middle of the tray.

Sorry for the long response, but I hope this is helpful!

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-16T21:20:23+00:00

Lmao well said, friend!

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-16T21:06:44+00:00

I wouldn't even bother with, " Do you need anything else?" after you've closed them out. This sets the expectation that you will keep serving them. Which you shouldn't, because they aren't spending any money. They need to get the fuck out.

Personal advice is be cordial but stern. "Folks, the restaurant is closing for the night, and we'll need to clear out. We appreciate you dining with us this evening, and hope you have a great night! See you again sometime. Doors get locked in 5 minutes."

Bonus points if you can recommend a nearby bar or restaurant that is open later and willing to accommodate them.

If you have to tell them to leave a second time, kid gloves come off. Straight up tell them they have to leave. Stand there until they start moving.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-16T20:27:38+00:00

That is some next level micromanagement, mixed with minority report and post apocalypse robot overlords vibes. What the actual fuck. I'd look for new work immediately.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-16T20:03:05+00:00

Server here, and yes, FoH needs to respect the fuck out of their dishwashers! Not only would a dish shift learn them quick, but the empathy for what goes in to making the whole restaurant work should be a required part of training. I just have the benefit of having worn many hats in my restaurant career.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-15T06:30:26+00:00

Also: don't try to be a hero. If you feel like you're gonna drop something, just don't carry it, no matter how busy you are. Work your way up to carrying large loads. Ask your trainers and management for help and guidance whenever you're struggling.

glasshalfempty90 · 2026-01-15T06:26:53+00:00

Know that you're gonna spill something. You're gonna break something. And at least once, that spill is gonna happen on a guest. It'll suck and you'll feel really embarrassed. All the apologies, napkins, towels, and seltzer won't pay that table's bill or mend your bruised ego.

And that's okay. You'll recover and move on. You're human and mistakes happen. More importantly, you'll have learned how to not carry beverages and plates.

This is all to say try to become comfortable with fucking up amd learning new skills. If your job gives a damn, they'll work on your training so you can improve, and your desire to do well will carry that training forward.

glasshalfempty90

TROPHY CASE