​Geppetto’s Log - Startdate 110520.1

You are what you eat! You become what you choose to consume. You get back what you put out there. You leave behind what you left. One of the greatest values my parents instilled in me was to always leave where you’ve been better than you found it.
Some have asked, “How do you stay so positive in the midst of it all?” Those of you who know me know I rely on my faith. Roger’s words from across the state as he camped and hunted, “I know it’s stressful. Just take it one thing at a time.” I quickly retorted, “Tell that to the one being water boarded!”

The disappointed customers had a right to be unhappy. Their server was having a bad night. It happens some times. As a team we do what we can to help each other. If you see somebody sinking you help.

That night, we simply didn’t have enough help. Substitute bartender/server called out. Dishwasher/busser did too. Thirty year Marty is still not well and has been unable to return to work. With Roger out of town, that meant the lead delivery driver had to jump back into his roll as bartender/server and I became the lead delivery driver. Delivery driving makes for a lot of coming and going. When I wasn’t on delivery I was seating folks, making pizzas, bussing tables and trying desperately to keep up with the dishes. At one point I made eye contact with one of the guests at the unhappy table. I asked “You guys okay?” The man said, Yeah.” I knew the server was struggling but the alarm had sounded and I had to make another delivery. I said a prayer as I ran out the door, arms full.

All it took was one desperation text from me and a dear friend, an awesome server, who also happens to be a nurse, jumped in to help. She’d never been inside Geppetto’s except as a guest. Her energy and spirit of positivity went out before her and she did great. Our 24 year guy trained her on the fly. They handled most of the busy bar and restaurant and simply didn’t have time to help the third server who was struggling.

The point is this… Attitude is really everything. If you expect bad things, bad things will come. If you tear people down and don’t do what you can to lift them up… you have not made the world a better place. If you step out with the intent to do harm the same is true.
A restaurant is like a house of cards. If one falls it impacts all of the others. We survived a very busy weekend down three valuable staff members. It is so important to keep things up and built with light and love, hope and peace, joy and grace. Using any platform to spew negativity and even lies is simply destructive. I refuse to participate in such ugliness. You have a problem? Come to me and I will do my best to make things right. If you know me… you know that’s a fact.
​
My life was transformed years ago by praying this prayer, “God please give me your eyes to see, that I may love others the way you know they need to be loved.” This prayer has blessed friendships both personal and in business and saved my marriage more than once.
It is my desire to leave this world better than I found it. If you’re not already, join me. Try turning each negative thought into a positive one. Choose to listen and to view things that feed your soul well. Turn away from darkness. You are what you eat. You become what you consume. Ask to be given eyes of compassion and watch what happens. I predict you will be amazed. I’ve been known to say, God is so much fun to watch… even better than Netflix.

---