Occasionally, I stop into the cafeteria at UCLA around lunch-time for a snack.
In view of the recent outbreak of a stomach virus at USC, one can't be too careful, so I checked out the offerings for lunch quite carefully.
At one of the server's outlets - there was an example of a lunch-plate special consisting of salmon, potatoes, vegetables, and corn on the cob - on display.Looked scrumptious!
But, how would it be delivered up "when and if" I chose to order it?
So, I asked the middle-aged woman behind the counter - who usually trolls around the cafeteria early in the morning with a sour pout on her face looking everyone up and down with disdain - if the lunch special would look as good as it did on display when it arrived on my plate.
She plunked a piece of salmon on a plate, then asked me a question.
"Would you like potatoes with that?"
Was I missing something here?
I paused a moment.
"Toast or roll," she continued without batting an eye.
At this juncture, I politely noted that she didn't answer my question.
"No. I didn't," she replied with this dumb look on her face.
So, I waited for the response.
Nothing.
The lights were barely on, but most certainly, no one was at home.
"Aren't you going to answer my question," I politely prodded her.
"Well," she snidely remarked, "It would just be my opinion."
Whoa - Nellie!
God forbid she should be required to offer that up.
Does that cost extra?
Gee Willikers!
Yes, this screw-ball old gal - with the blank stare and burnt out aura - was working on a counter for three or four bucks an hour.
And, for some inexplicable reason, she was under the mistaken impression that she was a philosopher!
Ah, it's a sign of the times.
People are working in jobs they can't stand, displaying the worst attitudes imaginable - and to boot - are taking out their failures in life on the customer.
Give us a break.
If you hate your job, quit.
The world doesn't owe you a living, lady.
