My Not-so-lyrical Ode to Catering

My last shift at the job that's supported me for the past four years was about two weeks ago. And I miss it.

Hiding drinks from EFY kids...they'll think twice before they ask me to do ice again ;)

Catering was the reason for my burnt finger tips, the bloody lump on my head, bruised shins, sore feet and ripped jeans. Because of catering I enjoyed many long days on campus, sometimes up to 17 hours. Sometimes I found myself at the Wilk at 5:15am. Sometimes I'd be in the dish room 'til 2:30am. Sometimes I'd come in to do a rack-up at 1am because that was the only time I had to do it. Sometimes I'd work 9 hour shifts without a break (don't tell Donna!) Sometimes I would begin my day with work, then go to class, then go back to work, then back to class, then back to work, then go play soccer, and then come back to work to prepare for the next day. (What's this homework stuff I'm supposed to be doing?) One time I worked 7 shifts in two days with a solid 7+ hour shift for football the next day.

Me, Carissa, and Joyce with an impressively packed truck...and the end of a nine hour shift...that was longer than 9 hours...

If it weren't for me in catering, that glass pane in the Garden Court might not have been broken. That cement pillar by the JFSB would not have been knocked over. That girl's pants would not have been ripped by the plate cart.

The passover crew: Me, Terence, Jordan, Sarah, and Amber at Passover. Our spoons were so shiny :)

If it weren't for catering I probably would have starved, or at least died of scurvy.  I would never have been educated to the wonders of creme brulee or haggis. I would have never worked a "bar" or learned to tie (near) perfect bows or fold napkins several different "acceptable" ways.

Gettin' the band back together: Brady, Jokke, and Zack

If it weren't for catering I would never have refilled General Petraeus' water glass. If it weren't for catering I would have never had profound conversations (consisting solely of 'thank you' and 'you're welcome') with Presidents Beck or Wixom (among others). Elder Perry would never have made me feel awkward for not being married or wished me luck on my mission. I would have never poured President Monson's soup, or served Navajo Tacos at President Eyring's family reunion. I would have never had occasion to give President Uchtdorf a bagel. Cecil O. Samuelson would not know my name.

If it weren't for catering I wouldn't have many of my greatest friends--I discovered that about 15% of my Facebook friends have worked for catering. I would not have been featured on Asleep at BYU. The triad of catering songs would have never existed. And I would not have hundreds of stories that I have now that could never be done justice in a blog post.

The picture that made me famous ;)

Here's some favorite quotes.

Lorraine: My thoughts are in Portuguese...but I don't know Portuguese...which explains a lot, I guess.

Christian: Por favor, mantenga sus manos, brazos, pies, piernas y en el interior del vehiculo en todo momento. (or something like that)
Dave: Uhh, I'll have the spaghetti.

Terence: If you were diced onions would you rather be tonged or sp--...nevermind.

Me: I did the math and found that there are 3 girls to every guy at catering.
Terence: I like those odds.
Me: But you have a girlfriend...
Terence: Yes, but I'm Mormon.

"What's this broom doing here? I don't need it, I drove my car today."

 I bid catering a fond farewell. It's been a pleasure.