Best products from r/TalesFromYourServer

Most people dont realize many bodybuilders are poor. At least if thats mainly what they do. In an interesting point I was homeless in my late teens but had a car i'd live in and membership to world gym (24 hours back then) and got into bodybuilding becuase how often I was around there. The manager eventually knew i was homeless (sleeping on couches late at night when no one was around) and gave me a key to his office to sleep on his couch in private and let me store food in the staff fridge. I was working but couldnt afford to put myself thru college and live in a nice place. My first place i got was shot up in a drive by 2 weeks after i moved in (they were aiming for neighbors but hit my apartment instead) so i went back to sleeping in my car and the gym. It just felt safer and let me save up some.

Ive had an interesting life to say the least but all my friends are bodybuilders and the nicest people you could ever meet. The drugs just enhance how you normally are. If you are laid back, will be more laid back. If your an asshole, youll be a bigger asshole.

Thankfully I got my degree and went on to own several successful companies. I make quite a bit and can afford whatever i need. But i live frugally and save everything i can so Im never in the position like i was before. It sucks not having enough for food and being homeless while trying to better yourself. I constantly remind myself that anything can happen and I can lose it all in an instant.

If you want to read a good book on life of bodybuilders check out "Muscle" by Sam Fussel
https://www.amazon.com/Muscle-Confessions-Samuel-Wilson-Fussell/dp/1504002059

Its a great read and brings you into the darkside of alot of bodybuilding.

I'm a little late but as a trainer AND a bartender this is one of the few times my experiences can help!

Where are you doing the KB swings? CrossFit, martial arts, gym?

I ask because I'm curious to know if you just started KB swings (and how you're being taught). They really shouldn't be tearing up your hands like that, but if you just started doing that then there is going to be a "break in" period where your hands are just going to "toughen up," literally.

Make sure you're not gripping the bell super tight, that will really destroy your hands. It should "float" lightly in your hands and the momentum will keep it from flying off. Remember kettlebell swings are a lower body and core workout. Your hands and arms are just ropes attaching it to your body and thus shouldn't be flexed or tense.

You can also experiment with your grip on the bell. It's uncommon but I've seen folks use a hook grip on kettlebells. If you're also doing Oly lifts you might as well practice this anyways.

If it's the kettlebell itself that's too rough you can use regular old athletic tape on the handle and remove it when you're done.

Depending on where you're at chalk will help out tremendously. As someone mentioned you can also use liquid chalk (if you don't make it I've used this before for deadlifts)

Make sure you keep your hands nice and moisturized after your workouts. It'll help the callouses heal and prevent future blisters.

Make sure you also show off your gains when you serve otherwise you might as well just quit. Like everything.

I have used sketchers for many years because they are familiar, affordable and convenient. However, often after six months, they are worn out. I often try to stretch to a full year but shouldn't. I also experience a lot of pain walking by the end of my shift and then about 12 hours after my shift. I even have custom inserts to support my arch.

A coworker of mine highly suggested dansko. He claims they are comfortable after breaking them in and they last him five years.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035LCE46/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_HwnEDb8FQ2VT7

It seems like 90% of people here are posting crews for shoes and sketchers. Are they both similar quality? I am sure some models are better than others for each.

I am stoked to see this as a sticky.

Also, if a person can get comfortable shoes that last 3 to 5 years for $150, that is definitely better than uncomfortable shoes that last six months for $50.

I have 16 months old twins. They are usually pretty well behaved when we go out to dinner. I don't let them run around or anything, but they tend to be messy. Being a former server I know that sense of dread when you see the family comes in with two toddlers.

I do a few things to help lessen the toddler impact: I bring some crackers with me so they don't freak out waiting for food. I'll play peekaboo or some other toddler friendly game to keep their mind off of being strapped to a high chair with nothing better to do. I clean up after them. Being the toddlers they are they tend to drop food on the floor. I try my best to get as much of that up as I can without actually moving the table and chairs. I bring disposable placemats like these because if they are given a plate there is a good chance it will be broken by the end of our meal. Last, but not least, I tip well.

I have battled it for a while now, and I've gotten it pretty under control with only a few flair ups every now and then. Be sure to get a tennis ball and roll your foot on top of it at night for at least a half hour. My other saving grace has been the Dr. Scholls Active Series insoles. [Not the cheapest, but they really do help.] Just make sure that any insole you buy has a plastic reinforcement on the arch, it'll offer the best support and make it last longer. I usually replace them every 4-5 months.(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0097AD1RS/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_3?pf_rd_p=1944687602&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0097ACVP6&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0A53FP5V72YY2GNZ561C)

If you want comfortable all black no slip shoes and don't mind getting busted on a little, [these shoes] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B5O8QC8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_zk9JzbN8JJPEZ) are super comfy and the no slip is great.

Additional plus - they are waterproof - I have spilled boiling water on them and didn't get burned.

Minus - they look like your grandma's orthotic shoes. Oh, and if you work with sneaker heads, they'll tell you that sketches burst midsole is a total knockoff of addias' awesome boost mid.

Crocs bistro These are about equal in comfort and ugly, and more durable than you'd expect. I've got a 3 year old pair (used 1-2 shifts a week at a second job) that's just starting to lose tread. Good nonslip as well. Amazing value if you can find them in your size for under $30.

Sanita/Dansko Once your feet and your clogs get acquainted, you simply cannot find anything better to work in. As a bonus, they force you to use better posture and help to reduce or eliminate back pain. My first pair lasted me over 5 years. My second pair is about 3 years old and looks to be ready to last longer than that. Worth every penny you'll pay.

FYI, Sanita was marketed exclusively by Dansko in the US for years. That's over, and now both companies sell the same shoes.

This is totally unnecessary, but it got me excited so I'll share.

I was browsing the interwebs, trying to give Reddit a break from me, and I came across an Air Fryer. Like this. Apparently, it gets food crispy using little to no oil. Less calories and such. Pretty cool. Pretty expensive.

There is actually a great little guide book on Amazon now -- full disclosure, my client wrote it but I don't get money from its sale or anything -- but it has SO much good advice for new servers. And it's fun to read. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VH85NZY

That's pretty smart. I actually recently saw an ad online for these non stick silicon mats for the bbq that might work really well for you. And I'm totally going to suggest that or the aluminum to my friends :)

Edit: [Canadian link to the mat] (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00QBAYMQ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FlanzbCM6ZPC7)

Wear slip resistant shoes! It makes a huge difference, and it's safer. I go with the slip safe Sketchers, They're always on sale 30% to 50% off at my local store. I've been on the same pair for a year and they're super comfy. Replaced the laces with those lazy stretchy ones.

I work in NYC fine dining and any one of the thousands in my profession who take hospitality seriously would also cringe at this faux pas. The CEO of my company even wrote about how cringy it is in his NYT best selling business book. https://www.amazon.com/Setting-Table-Transforming-Hospitality-Business/dp/0060742763 He also opened Eleven Madison Park which is consistently rated the top rated restaurant in the world. Definitely not my unique option. You should consider reading this book if you’re interested in hospitality

I wear custom orthotics and a good pair of runners, usually Asics.

This is probably a bit of an investment, but the best money I've spent on my feet lately has been for a shiatsu foot massager. I've got this type and it's been worth every penny, I use it every day.

women at my job just get their work clothes in the boys section if they can't find something appropriate that fits our dress code, but if you go on amazon it doesn't seem that hard anyway.

http://www.amazon.com/Dickies-Womens-Front-Stretch-Regular/dp/B001D6CQJ8/ref=sr_1_5?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1464662720&sr=1-5&nodeID=1048184%2C7147440011&keywords=women%27s+black+work+pants

i found those in about 2 minutes of searching. front and back pockets, and appropriate for almost any restaurant job that doesn't require unusual clothing like shorts for beach locations/etc. are they the sexiest pants ever, maybe not, but they are functional and allow you to carry cash or anything else with ease.

Projetion. Classic.

https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Intelligence-2-0-Travis-Bradberry-ebook/dp/B002U3CBUW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1510272371&sr=1-1&keywords=emotional+intelligence+2+0

You should check out that book. Seriously, emotional intelligence is one of the largest factors in success and a trait in which you're obviously lacking. Cya kid, it's been fun.

He may be thinking of the coaster buzzer style, which is his opinion. He could look at ones that look more like a pager or a cell phone.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07DC2WKT5/ref=sspa_mw_detail_0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Those would fit that description pretty decently and would fit a more upscale look.

I bought the best rated apron on Amazon and haven't been disappointed. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008R48RSS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_Ez1YDb30QZ413

I guess I'm lucky. I can wear almost any bottom and the shirts are provided. I'm wearing yoga pants from the thrift store right now. Once I wore an entirely pastel pink outfit because I could. I also don't have a wait book because we use handheld order devices.

I found that the model of crumber made a huge difference. I liked this one.

Thicker tablecloths and tables that have a little padding on top are much easier to crumb than thin cloths and a hard surface underneath. It’s all down to the angle though and practice.

These books are a must and Will help you even if your slinging pie

Setting the Table
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0060742763/ref=mw_dp_sim_ps3?pi=SL500_SY125

The Mere Mortal's Guide to Fine Dining
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0767922034

Windows on the World
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1402757468/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

Start with setting the table, it has alot of stuff in it that seems like commonsense, but, if you do it.......you will find that most of it works
"make it nice"

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/Gaiam-Restore-Cold-Massage-Roller/dp/B00EANPGOI/ref=sr_1_8

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

https://www.amazon.com/Frenchs-Original-Crispy-Onions-Certified/dp/B009WDG6K4?th=1 is a popular example.

You cut your onion half, top to bottom, then slice each half with the grain so you get lots and lots of half circles made. Then batter and fry each straw. Some places still make it by hand but if they can get away with it they use premade.

My dad has it and is on his feet all day.. He uses this every night: https://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Restore-Cold-Massage-Roller/dp/B00EANPGOI/ref=sr_1_8?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1502372846&sr=8-8&keywords=gaiam+massage&refinements=p_89%3AGaiam%2Cp_85%3A2470955011

He keeps it in the freezer so it's cold and he swears it helps him!