I just hate going to a restaurant with a Christian who insists on praying before the meal, and then goes on to the run the waitress absolutely ragged, complaining about everything, whining and complaining and then leaving a 50 cent tip. I MEAN, PLEASE, IF YOU'RE GOING TO DO THAT, DON'T ADVERTISE YOU'RE A CHRISTIAN! It is SO EMBARASSING!

Okay, that's all. I got it out of my system.

Love to all, and my apologies to any waitresses out there who have had to suffer this kind of ABUSE!

Gail

-- Gail (Rothfarms@socket.net), July 02, 2002

Answers

After paying at the register, say "Oops, I forgot something", run back to your table & leave a nice tip...yourself. As you walk outside, try to bring up a conversation about your sister-in-law who is a waitress and how hard they work and how much they really need those tips...just to see what your friend's reaction is. See if you can dig a little to find out why your friend treats waitresses in such a manner, and try to toss in the Golden Rule in your conversation. Other than that, I don't have any idea why people are rude to waitresses; I work in retail and often have to deal with rude people...usually, it is because they are having a rotten day or have a demon on them or something is bothering them. God bless!

-- Cindy Brown (hughesfeed@netcnct.net), July 02, 2002.

Hello, Gail.

In case you or anyone ever wanted to say a few prayers for waiters, or waitresses, I found two patron Saints to help.

St. Martha whose feastday is celebrated July 29, and St. Zita whose feastday is celebrated April 27. These are two of the patron Saints for the waitresses that you cared enough about to start this thread.

God bless you.

David

-- David (David@excite.com), July 02, 2002.

Jesus Christ was not known for being a good tipper. But He gave good disciples a blessing. Tell your penny-pinching Christian friend to BLESS the waiter or waitress. Oh, well. That would likely embarrass you even more, Gail! Lol!

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), July 02, 2002.

lol Joan. One thing I like about you is you can handle a little teasing. I think that's a good thing.

God bless.

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), July 03, 2002.

Hey, on the topic of restaurants, you all have to hear this one.

There has been a strange ritual in the Catholic Church upon the election of a new Pope... most people know nothing of it. Shortly after the new Pope is elected, for centuries now, a ceremony has taken place where a Jewish Rabbi approaches the pope with a silver platter, and on it is an ancient parchment. In ceremonial fashion, the new pope turns his head slightly, frowns and raises his hand in a gesture of refusal, and the Rabbi walks off. But this latest Pope, curious about the ritual and the parchment thought he would break tradition and read the parchment.

It was the bill for the Last Supper.

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), July 03, 2002.

OK, Emerald. Just remember, though. The main purpose for that last supper was for fulfilling an Old Covenant and giving all the world a New Covenant. We know most lawyers would have left a large bill for services after all the legalities were seen to. Instead, Our Lord went to Calvary and sealed the contract with His Precious Blood.

Jesus is in line for some compensation, sooner or later. They call it the Day of Reckoning.

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), July 03, 2002.

It's not just one friend I have like this -- it's many friends over the years! (Course, these are all Protestants. Maybe Catholics aren't like that).

And I am not afraid to speak up, I HAVE! (So, ssssssssss, put that in your pipe and sssssssssmoke it. What's with the ssssssssss, anyway, are you a ssssssssssnake or ssssomething? Why don't you go ssssssssssouth where you belong.)

Once I got into a two hour debate with this fellow (who is a big cheap skate anyway). He told me it was the waitress' fault she worked there. "Why don't she go to the factory and get a job.". And I don't sneak back to the table, I pull out my wallet right in front of my comrads and I say "I like to bless people."

Oh well, God put them in my life for a reason, right?

Thanks for letting me vent,

Love you guys,

Gail

-- Gail (Rothfarms@socket.net), July 03, 2002.

Hi again Gail.

I don't know where exactly I got it from, but I have an old book signed by the author called 'Cannibals of Finance'. The author was a Christian man who made it big for a while as a railroad tycoon, and was his true story of being buried for sport by his competitors, with no way to protect himself as he was unwilling to counter with the same unethical strategies.

I will never forget the one section where he goes into detail about how, right after church, his associates would stand around the door of the church and disuss how to bury the next guy in business, just for sport.

A much larger example, but along the same lines, of how people forget that their charity extends frequently into the simple handling of money. I think your irritation is well founded.

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), July 03, 2002.

Hi Gail,

Having been in the business where tips made up my paycheck; I always insist on leaving the tip when I am out with an (undertipper).

My two cents ;-)

Kathy

-- Kathy (sorry@nomail.com), July 03, 2002.

Kathy

my tips are totally dependent on the quality of service I get from the waitress Typically I give a minimum of 15% and upwards of 20%. If the service is poor due to lack of efficiency or some other reason then to tip will be less. I have seen cases of sloopiness from waitresses that have deemed me toleave a small stipend and never to return to an establishment. Carolyn was a former waitress/owner of a diner caterring to farmers and the like and has seen it in the past and knows what to expect from a good waitress.

I would like to tell you about a dear woman whom I met in 1980 who taught me about waitresses. (Bless her lovely soul) she pasted on to heaven, 5 years ago. I used to hang around at a night spot and had dinner there many times and she used to hit me, Yes physically with her hand like a NUN would many times, to tell me to tip her and that is how I learned how to tip a waitress. At the time I was not aware of the fact that they were so poorly paid by the owners and depended almost exclusively on tips to make a living. She ended up being one of the most beautiful people I have ever known for her spirit. She was a woman of strength who I will respect to the last day. She was a in her late eighties when she left the world due to complications of diabetes. May GOD always LOVE her. I hope you will understand what I am trying to say as it is hard to put in writing. That woman earned my LOVE and always will have it.

Blessings.

-- Fred Bishop (FCB@heartland.com), July 03, 2002.

Gail..

Why don't you just refuse to go to a restaurant with this person, if their tipping upsets you so much.

-- ss (sss@ss.sss), July 03, 2002.

Kathy writes:

"My two cents ;-)"

Boy, that's a small tip...

:-)

Mateo

-- (MattElFeo@netscape.net), July 03, 2002.

LOL Mateo!

-- Kathy (sorry@nomail.com), July 03, 2002.

I loved your story Fred.

Ssssssssssssss, rather than disassociate myself from my brothers and sisters in the Lord, I would rather that they become charitable, like Jesus, and like we are exhorted to do over and over and over again in scripture. I think you missed my point, ssssss. The bigger picture is this; it's like putting a Jesus bumper sticker on your car, and then running people off the road!!!

I'm not sure if I mentioned this earlier, but when I worked as a waitress several years ago, it was a WELL-KNOWN fact that Christians don't tip. It was a joke in the kitchen. And I found, personally, that it was Oh, so very true. Of course, we would know they were Christians by the fact that they would make a BIG DEAL out of praying before the meal.

Maybe it's a Protestant thing. Most of my friends are Protestants, and many from the "Health and Wealth movement". Their teaching is that "God will give you a HUNDREDFOLD return on your tithe." Maybe they don't have any money left over for tipping or for the poor because they gave it all to church in hopes that the sky would open and rain down hundred dollar bills! I HATE this teaching. It is so COUNTER-GOSPEL!

Maybe, you ARE right, ssssss, maybe I do need some different friends; people that aren't so dog-gone STINGY!

Thanks all,

Gail

James 2: 14-16 What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peach, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Faith without works is dead.

-- Gail (Rothfarms@socket.net), July 03, 2002.

Hi Gail,

Just wanted to let you know that there are cheap catholics too. Cheap is cheap and has nothing to do with religion.

The Lord loves a generous giver. Maybe the next time you go out with this person, Gail, you can just 'add' to the tip she left down and if she says anything, just say that waitresses don't get paid very much and depend on tips for a living, so I like to give a little more than I should or something to that affect or you insist on leaving the tip..if your friend gets offended, so be it...she'll either get over it or won't go to lunch with you any more...or, she will 'think' things over...but, rarely do cheap people change - for some reason money is very important to them and they think they can take it with them.....could never understand that, I get such a joy out of giving...

ML

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), July 03, 2002.

Thanks MaryLu. That brouhgt this passage to mind:

Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Luke 12 22-31

Everytime I read or hear this passage it makes me think of all the time I waste trying to obtain things that will parish, when I really should be trying to obtain those things which will last forever (love, kindness, patience, etc.). What we need on earth God will provide. Amen!

In Christ.

-- Jake Huether (jake.huether@lamrc.com), July 03, 2002.

Thanks MaryLu and Jake, "It is more blessed to give than receive."

-- Gail (Rothfarms@socket.net), July 03, 2002.

Dear Jake and Gail,

Just want to let you know that I truly enjoy reading your posts. You are both very 'spiritual' in every way, kind and compassionate too.

May the Good Lord, Jesus, send an extra special blessing your way today!

MaryLu :)

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), July 03, 2002.

WoW, Mrs Bishop.

You owned a little dinner?

Kathy, did you ever work at Carolyn's dinner? :-)

It was not that bad of a question was it? How is your Mom's husband, doing?

PS;Beat me like a dog, Fred. I want it! Beat me!! David

-- David (David@excite.com), July 04, 2002.

Hi David,

I did mention that I was in the business where tips were my paycheck, didn't I.......ooppss, does that mean the secrect is out?

Gail, are you my sister? I see that you have worked in the business too? Is she David? Is Gail my sister?

Mom, do I have a sister named Gail?

God Bless,

Flo

-- Kathy (sorry@nomail.com), July 04, 2002.

David, is apple juice served at diners?

-- Tester (TooLong@the.fair), July 04, 2002.

Hey Kathy: Unless you have a sister living in the mid-west with two small children, 15 cats (yes I said 15), 6 dogs, a farmer husband, chances aren't I'm not your sis.

Your Sis-in-the-Lord,

Gail

P.S. I've worked as a waitress, a maid, a legal secretary, and court transcriptionist, and a medical transcriptionist -- a regular "Jill- of-all-trades"!

-- Gail (Rothfarms@socket.net), July 05, 2002.

Hi Gail,

15 cats, WOW!! I have one. I love cats, I'd probably have 15 of them too if my husband thought one wasn't enough!!

I don't know if you know where my comment was coming from; David seems to think that Carolyn Bishop is my mom. I mentioned that I worked in a restaraunt and Carolyn mentioned she owned a Diner. David wanted to know if I worked there too, for my "mom". Hence, I wondered if David would think I had a sister named Gail, who also worked in a restaraunt.

Your sister in Christ,

-- Kathy (sorry@nomail.com), July 05, 2002.

Gail,

I'm not sure if I mentioned this earlier, but when I worked as a waitress several years ago, it was a WELL-KNOWN fact that Christians don't tip. It was a joke in the kitchen. And I found, personally, that it was Oh, so very true. Of course, we would know they were Christians by the fact that they would make a BIG DEAL out of praying before the meal.

You know, I used to be pretty cheap, when my wife and I were students and quite poor. Now, I'm more comfortable and tip more generously out of a "there but for the grace of God" sentiment (waitering not being to my personal liking). In both cases we'd pray before our meal. Maybe you were just in a thrifty community.

And 15 cats? In the Winter that must be quite a nosefull! Good thing your kids don't have allergies.

Finally, sorry to hear about your current situation, that's one that even the winners lose -- everyone but the lawyers at least. Will pray for you & yours, that's a tough thing.

Kathy,

Well I'm interested now too, ARE you Carolyn's daughter? (not that you have to answer or anything...)

Frank

P.S. As a holdover from my college days, I do have a class A license, but am NOT a relative of Jimmy Hoffa in case you were wondering.

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), July 05, 2002.

Thanks Frank. I do have 15 cats, and lest you think I'm crazy, at least 10 are outdoors nearly all the time (in the barns), though they do frequent the kitchen often (especially in the winter around an old pot belly stove).

Gail

P.S. Course, that doesn't mean I'm not JUST a LITTLE eccentric!

-- Gail (Rothfarms@socket.net), July 05, 2002.

Gail,

Well, at least they keep the rodents away, I bet. If only you had something to keep DEER away, I might be tempted to get 15 of those to run around the yard.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), July 05, 2002.

Hi Frank:

Try a GREAT BIG DOG (just one will do)!

Love,

Gail

-- Gail (Rothfarms@socket.net), July 05, 2002.

Hi, Kathy.

Nope.

Hi, Tester.

Yes they served apple juice, and they had a juice called, Frid juice. It was actualy tasty. I wouldn't recomend the waffles though.

David

-- David (David@excite.com), July 05, 2002.

Hi Frank,

No, I am not Carolyns daughter, but I am honored to be her "adopted forum daughter".

However, David thinks I am, so I go along with it.

God Bless,

-- Kathy (sorry@nomail.com), July 05, 2002.

You know Kathy, that could be rather fun, why, you could come up with a whole cyber FAMILY based on common relationships here. It would even be a "real" one in the sense that someone believes it to be true.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), July 05, 2002.

LOL Frank,

Leave it to David, and soon enough we'll all have "cyber" family we never knew about!!

God Bless,

P.S. would you like to be my "brother"? David, what do ya think?

-- Kathy (sorry@nomail.com), July 05, 2002.

Wait a minute Kathy!

At least I like our cyber family to grow! Rember Frank asked, if anyone ever thought"the legend" and Carolyn were the same person a few weeks ago?

Do you know where Eugene(The Eugene that thanked Fred for the applejuice a few weeks ago) went?

Frank, You are always dealing with the nature of the person. The nature will never change!

David

-- David (David@excite.com), July 05, 2002.

We were at a country diner in Illinois for a tractor show and the waitress proceeded to tell us what kind of 'horseshoes,' they had on the menu! Imagine the thoughts running through our minds! "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto!"

Gail

P.S. Horseshoes in mid-Illinoisian for "finger foods". Don't you just love it!

-- Gail (Rothfarms@socket.net), July 05, 2002.

Hi David,

To answer your questions; no and no.

I don't think this is a bad thing David. I am having fun with it and can't wait to see who is in my family next.

My response to Frank was in a fun way.........I hope I didn't upset you.

I ummm, kinda thought of you as the um, "David's cyber family adoption agency". Has a nice ring to it, no?

-- Kathy (sorry@nomail.com), July 05, 2002.

Wow, Kathy! I am still with you guys. I have to take this easy, because I know the good Doctor will think I am crazy if I go to fast!:-)[Are you with me? Because you are in for a ride?]

David

-- David (David@excite.com), July 06, 2002.

Go for it David!!

-- Kathy (sorry@nomail.com), July 06, 2002.

Kathy,

Sure, and if you're in the U.S. we probably have one thing in common, being "neighbors" at one time or another. I've lived on the Left and East coasts, and now am in the Midwest.

David,

I still haven't heard an answer to my original question, so perhaps the jury is still out on that one...... :-)

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), July 06, 2002.

Here is the apple juice compliment, David -----

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=009AR9 -----

from "non-Catholic Eugene (magnificentextravaganza@yahoo.com)," who later decided to call himself Matthew. It seems that Kathy and Gail have an uncle. (A brother would say "Dad," not "Fred.")

How does that song go? "We are family ... I've got all my Bishops with me ..."

-- Tester (TooLong@the.fair), July 06, 2002.

Hi Frank,

I am in Eastern Massachusetts........won't you be my neighbor? (still have child in Sesame Street mode).

-- Kathy (sorry@nomail.com), July 06, 2002.

Kathy,

Sure, I spent ~5 years in Philly, and used to go up a few times a year to Boston (a friend of mind lived right next to Boston College) so I've probably been nearby at one time or another.

Frank

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), July 06, 2002.

Hi, Kathy/Flo

I pictured you to look like Alice more than Flo. Alice was pretty, nice and a good Mom to Tommy. I have a feeling you are a good Mom too.

And to answer your question, No! I don't think you have a sister in this forum. But you do know what I do think, :-)

Have a great day.

David

Frank,

I hear you. You have a great day to. Enjoy your day off around the house with your family. I get the feeling you are a great family man that is happy being home.

Fred,

Oh, never mind.

-- David (David@excite.com), July 06, 2002.

Hi David,

Your picture of me is way off........not to mention I look younger than I really am (or so I've been told).

I've been told I look like alot of people but Flo and Alice isn't one of them.

Hi Frank, I live about 5 miles north of Boston........my son has dreams of attending BC.......he is quite a fan!!!

God Bless,

-- Kathy (sorry@nomail.com), July 06, 2002.