Sat Jan 20th part 3
We got back to the car and I asked the guys if they minded if I changed again before dinner. UH YES they both answered.
Oh come on, I wasnt that long. I said sincerely. I really didnt think I was.
You took about 45 minutes the last time you went to go change. Tony said. We dont have that kind of time if you want to make your reservation.
Last time, I had to put on tanning cream. I was in a sweater and I changed to a sleeveless shirt. I needed to make sure I didnt burn so it took longer. Plus I had to decide what shirt to wear, since the one I wanted to wear I had thought I washed, but I must have forgotten to. I said. In my defense, Im not normally this high maintenance. I usually am in and out to change like that. Really, honest, you believe me right?
Lee dropped us off at the front and went and parked the car. You have 10 minutes to change, Tony said a little too bossy.
I think he was still annoyed about how long I took last time. I ran upstairs, threw on a bra, my sweater and tried to brush my hair (which looked terrible) before I ran back down to meet them. Tony was telling the hostess that it was my birthday and to make sure the waiter knew that.
No, we dont need people to know that. I was saying to the hostess, he is lying. I said. She didnt believe me at all.
Lee showed up just as she was about to seat us. We went in and we were seated. The waiter came and took our drink order and came back with some bread. Oh Crud, I whispered to Tony. I forgot the diaper bag and that has all my money in it. Thank goodness we were at my hotel as I ran upstairs to get it.
Where are you going birthday girl? The hostess teased.
I forgot something in my room. I said walking quickly to get it. I came back down with my diaper bag.
Your back, The hostess said.
Yes, I had to talk myself back into coming
I said laughing as I went back into the restaurant.
The waiter took our order. Samantha was free for the Buffet with Lees buffet purchase and Tony got the buffet too. The kids and I ordered off the menu. I got up to get Samanthas food while Tony offered to wait with the kids. I got back and Tony went up to get his plate.
Where is my food? Nico was whining, Im hungry.
Its coming soon buddy, Lee said as he started eating his food. Tony offered Nico a piece of chicken off of his plate, but Nico didnt want it. I gave Julie some food off of Samanthas plate while she was waiting for her pizza. Nico was waiting for his chicken fingers. The rest of the food arrived at last and we all settled in to eat.
How is everything? The waiter asked.
Everyone stated everything they needed and then he started to walk away.
Uh Tom? I stopped him, Do you mind bringing another side of Fries, all the kids will eat them I said smiling.
Absolutely, anything you want. Tom said walking off to get our things.
About three minutes into getting the food, I looked up to find Nico scowling at his plate with his arms folded over his chest. whats the matter Nico? I asked.
No answer
Whats wrong, Nico? Tony and Lee were trying to ask him.
At this point, the waiter came over to us with the fries. Hey buddy, you dont like your food? Let me take you over to the buffet and you can pick out whatever you want. Tom said.
He was amazing with Nico.
He took him to the buffet and describe all the different foods for Nico and helped him get the food onto his plate. When they came back, Nico was grinning from ear to ear. I thanked Tom over and over for being so sweet.
It her birthday. Nico said to Tom.
Really? Tom looked at me as I smiled, No, no its not
And she is turning _______ Nico kept going.
Really?
Tom winked at me
Ok, yes really, can we not talk about this. I pleaded
Wow, you are even younger than me. He said smiling walking away.
Hey what the hell did he mean by that?
I whispered to Tony, a little hurt, Do I look that old that he was shocked that I was younger than him?
Trust me, he meant it as a compliment. Tony was saying. Im sure that in your own sweet world, that was offensive, but in the real world, everyone elses world, he meant it as a compliment.
He was mocking me.
How on earth was that a compliment?
I asked wanting Mr. Im always right to come up with a good explanation of that so called compliment.
Just trust me, right Lee, it was a compliment. Tony finished. Lee agreed and I decided to let it go.
It was not a compliment, but everyone is always surprised at my age. People always think I am much older than I am, so I figured Tom was just another one who thought I looked old.
I got up to help Julie by cutting her food. Sams shoe had fallen off a few times and Nico needed help cutting his new plate of food that Tom had gotten him. I was up a lot before sitting down to eat, trying to take care of the kids as best I could.
Oh you finally settled back in your seat. Tom teased. I saw you up here playing musical chairs. Making your rounds at the table.
Well, I do have three kids that need help cutting their food and special attention. I smiled back.
Could you do me a favor and tell me what is on the seafood buffet? Lee asked Tom.
Oh, and I want to know what is on the buffet for Italian night. I said.
Tom went over both buffets and what nights they were on. The Italian buffet sounds so yummy. I would love to go there when they serve that.
Are you picking apart my Quesadillas? Tom asked me while I was taking a bite of my food. He was making fun. I lifted my eyes to find him starring at me, smiling, while I was, well, picking at my food.
Oh yeah, I guess I am, I said, shyly smiling. I dont know why but I have a really hard time with people watching me eat. Im really self conscious about looking like a pig, so I get embarrassed easily when someone picks at the way I eat.
The characters at Gullivers are Goofy and Pluto. I have to say, Pluto was excellent. He played with the kids and really interacted with them. He even kissed me when Tony told him it was my birthday. He really was very good. Goofy was late, so Nico was right about that. But once he came out, he was good too.
Nico had seen pennies in the water that people had thrown in. Some of the pennies had fallen to make a hidden Mickey. Nico took Pluto and Goofy over to show them. They went with him and really were excellent as far as giving us their time and attention.
I was none too pleased with Nico however. He got in trouble more than one time with me having to remind him that the characters go around to each table. With all the character meals he has been to, he should have remembered that. But this character meal, I had to tell him to stop going up to other tables about three to four different times.
Once we had all eaten dinner Tom cleared the plates and came back over to make an announcement. Ok, Im going to go easy on you. I wont announce your birthday to the whole restaurant. But, we are going to sing to you right here.
No, you have to announce it, Mr. big mouth insisted.
Really,? I dont know, I told her we would go easy. Tom stood up for me. Thank god someone was on my side. But we are going to sing Ok, forget the being on my side thing. I think I had been embarrassed enough for one day.
Tom put a big chocolate cake in front of me and everyone started singing. When did the Happy Birthday song get so damn long? Who wrote that stupid song anyway? Remind me the next time I see that guy, to shoot him. Pluto and Goofy were up there singing too, along with a few other waiters. I tried to hide my head as best I could as my face turned bright red.
You really did a good job hanging in there with us, Tom said as he rubbed my shoulder. Im proud of you. Like I had any choice in the matter. Picking up and running out of the restaurant would have been a good idea too, but that would have more people looking at the person who apparently already looks older than her age .
A little while later, Tom came back. You look like you want to eat more of that cake, but your too full. He said winking at me.
I smiled, Yeah,. I dont normally eat all this food., maybe over the course of a week or two, but never in one meal or two meals like I have had today.
So, everyone is done then? He asked. We all agreed and he asked, Ok, who lost the bet? as he held up the bill.
Its mine. I said looking up at him.
Really? he said frowning.
Yeah, I am I said smiling up at him.
He handed me the bill and walked away. I opened it up when Tony leaned into me, Do you need any money for this? Are you sure you can cover this? He asked.
You already gave me birthday money. Im fine, stop handing me money. I said rolling my eyes at him.
Can I please see the bill? Lee asked. I handed him the bill. He looked at it, nodded and handed it back to me.
I paid and as we were walking out Tom stopped me, Believe me sweetie, it only gets better from here for us. He said putting his hand on the small of my back as we walked and talked. I just turned __ back in May this past year.
Oh so you know how I feel?
I laughed
I do, but really it only gets better. Im proud of you for hanging in there tonight. he smiled.
You were really good to all of us, thank you so much. I said gratefully.
It was my pleasure, come back and see me anytime. he said sincerely.
Does that include May, so I can come back and embarrass you for your birthday?
I teased.
Absolutely, please do. It would be my pleasure. He answered.
I think he was one of the absolute best waiters I have had.
Oscar at Yachtmans Steakhouse was a close second. But I have never had a waiter pay such attention to me and the kids. He really was excellent to all of us. I left him a bigger tip than my usual 20%. I just felt that the kind of service he gave went above and beyond normal serving requirements.
As we left the restaurant, we said goodbye to Tony. We didnt think we would see him anymore that trip. Lee had decided to leave whenever we woke up in the morning. Tony hugged and kissed the kids goodbye, shook Lees hand, and hugged me goodbye.
We went upstairs, took one family picture, got the kids to bed and went to sleep. We had a long drive ahead of us the next morning.
It's a tough job, but someone has to do it
); when the DP just started in Feb '05 he made us feel like idiots...made a loud, big fuss about how much food we were getting on the plan, even with 2 TS (as in we were cheating Walt or something lol). Never have we felt so uncomfortable. We were all gussied up, it was our "big meal", so disappointing. Food was excellent, however we'll NEVER return.
lol).
, sometimes i really miss work (if only to escape my wacked-out family).
, spring thaw on it's way. Off to make the rounds w/mother.
And remember, it's a number, that's all it is, it's what's in your heart and mind
I told him that is what he gets for eating 3 actual meals a day. He is one to not eat all day and then come home and graze the rest of the evening. I so far have lost 4lbs but i am sure that it is all probably water weight.
