h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

These little Sh...um so and so's will never learn that it's not a good idea to upset the chefs. There was an officer in the base I used to work in, Col Dubarry, who would always go out of his was to be nice to us, he'd always poke his head around the door and say "Thank you Chef", he even bought us all a drink one night when whe had an Official Dinner to do, you appreciate people who do that and the other officers never understood why we'd fall over ourselve to do Col Dubarry a favour. The rule of the Mess was No Hot Food after 2pm and we'd stick to this but if Col Dubarry rang and said "I'm going to be late can you plate me up something so I can stick it in the microwave" we'd always say yes, one of the stewards would stay behind to serve him, if he wasn't going to be too late, nothing was too much trouble for him. He told us once that there are 3 people in the Army you go out of your way not to upset, the Paymaster, because you want to get paid, the Quatermaster, because you always need surplies and the Chef, because you always want feeding, this is what some officers can't understand.

Exactly the same three trades-folks that our traditions encourage respecting. Imagine that !!! In the older days, when pay sheets were done by hand, it WAS known to happen that someone's pay file 'accidentally' ended up at some other unit, usually about a week's mail-time away.

Consistently treat people decently, and it's amazing how easy life is. Every place we have been, we very quickly are known by most of the average business folks. By first name. And within reason, nothing is too much of a favour in a time of need.

Exactly, I'm always nice to people and go out of my way if someone needs a favour because some day I might need a favour off them

It's not often that I need to call in a favour, but it's always nice to know that the folks are there.

Gotta run, there's a massive slab of baked ham and a pan of scalloped potatoes calling for me.

Mmmm that sounds really nice

The only favour I call in is if I have to deliver a meal early because something's happened at home, or I need some out of hours medical advice

At different times, I have had the cost of labour deferred on minor auto repairs, "come back later with the money" when grcoeries couldn't be met, and still take the bags home. I have even seen a clerk use her 'discount' card on our purchases, in a totally different province. She just thought it was a good thing to do ...

I once saw a complete stranger pay for an old lady's shopping at Christmas because she didn't have enough money, that is true spirit

I have seen that a couple of times in a grocery store ... Someone is short by some amount, and another customer steps up and pays the difference. It's kinda warming to see that happen.

Yeah, it's nice to see humanity in a good light sometimes

So, did the week-end prove fairly quiet at work?

It was pointless opening, we had no-one on friday, 2 on saturday and 3 on sunday

Not worth heating up the steam-line, eh? I don't know if you'd get away with how we worked it a couple of Christmas'. What with shift work needing doing, there would always be some single folks in barracks and needing feeding. We simply asked to have a reasonable quantity of fresh foods, and cooked for ourselves. There was a small kitchen set-up in the barracks, so we were equipped to do things safely and properly.

Well our contract with the Ministry of Defence say we have to open 365 days a year so at christmas they made a token effort and opened for breakfast, the main galley provided christmas dinner for family as well as patients

I'm contracted as well, but fortunately we only provide services during common work-works.

Yeah, if a hospital is open 365 so must the food options I suppose

You mean it's not enough they get good drugs, they have to be fed too? What an odd system.

I know, my job would be perfect if I didn't have to feed people

Oh and BTW there's a new story waiting on my lj page

In brief, it was all YOUR fault, not that of the heir-to-a-throne wannabee. And that is just that, despite the obvious and very plain English.

One day, I shall grow up to be so important. And probably put on the uniform again and volunteer for Afghanistan first !!!

Suit yourself. i shall close down all lines of communication as of now

Oh, I am sorry to hear that. Best luck for you and your little Miss, Lady.