The Waitress

My folks loved going to this particular non-air conditioned restaurant in Taman Berkeley. Whenever we eat out, we would normally go there. It couldn't really be the food - it's nice but then again, most of foodies in Klang are fantastic. The price might be a pulling factor although it is a general fact that Klang food prices are cheaper than eateries in PJ.

But my guess of the Primary Pulling Factor would be a certain girl who takes down our order everytime we go there for dinner.

I've been there so many times but it was only recently that I realised how she made our eating experience there so very pleasant.

Her face and tone of voice is pleasant and bubbly. There's always a smile hovering upon her lips as if she is constantly thinking of happy thoughts. Her smile doesn't seem to fade even when the crowds grew demanding and loud. She is always courteous and cheerful even to the fussiest of customers.

She is so different from the other workers there who sported perennial sour and dour looks on their faces. So different that I thought she actually owned some shares in that place.

Last Sunday was a particularly busy day and again I was amazed by her upbeat demeanor. Surely she owns this place, I told my mom. Although I must admit that I have seen owners of successful eateries having terrible tempers and constantly shouting abuse at their staff AND customers.

"No," mom replied. "She's a part-time waitress. During the day, she works as a full-time accounts clerk."

My jaw dropped and my respect for her grew by leaps and bounds. After a full day's work, she goes on to more hard labour in the night while still maintaining her cool, her calm and most importantly, joy.

If I was a headhunter looking for people with great attitude, I'd woo someone like that. What better test of character than to be put in a situation where you have to be constantly on your feet and entertaining demands from customers AND still make them feel happily well-attended to?

And if I was a guy looking for a wife, I'd be impressed with all these qualities. She possesses some of the important traits of a good wife. Dilligent, resillient and buoyant in times of trial.

Sometimes I think we are attracted to people at the wrong places and for the wrong reasons. Any woman can look good dressed to the nines in a lavish dinner affair. Any hunky guitarist can mesmerise the crowds with his skillful fingers and even appear soulful and sensitive.

But not many people can consistently maintain a demeanor that glows in a humble open-air restaurant in Klang after having worked hard all day long.

To that inspiring waitress at Taman Berkeley, my hat's off to you.

Credits: Photo by MrsMas