Nothing

Today was one of those days where every customer, even the regulars who are typically nice, acted pissed off. I guess it's a common thing for people in my line of work to serve as punching bags for customers who are experiencing some dissatisfaction in other areas of their lives. We're just the humble servants behind the counter. We can't snap back, even if the customer is completely out of line and blatantly rude. I don't feel like I'm a slave. I take pride in my work, and want to be treated as a professional- I try to dress somewhat well, wear make-up and radiate a sense of pride and confidence, just hoping customers will pick up on it and give me some credit and less attitude. That's about all I can do. This renders me helpless in the face of everyday crabiness that I'll inevitably run into at least once during any given shift. I must allow a certain amount of rudeness and be willing to put up with it, or else I'll crumble beneath it and go home feeling so shitty about myself every day. The only way I've been able to tolerate people's crap is to drape myself in a thick cloak of impermeable confidence before each shift. Though I'm confident enough naturally, the emotional strength that's required to devote more than four full years of my life to serving cappuccinos is far beyond what's inherent in my being. I do, however, have a strong appreciation for the art of service, and that has certainly helped me carry on. I can embrace the theatrical aspect of customer service. That thick cloak I was discussing is really just my usual facade- my workplace persona that is more outgoing and talkative and eager to please than my normal self. If I can enjoy putting that mask on day-in and day-out, then I'll have no problem keeping up with this job. Days like today truly test my passion for Cafe Nasty. So far, I'm still having fun.