Muted Work

I recently came down with an unfortunate illness that forced me to call in sick to work Sunday night. Since then, I've developed a sore and hoarse throat from coughing up phlegm that doesn't get swallowed or blown out my nose. It's become terribly uncomfortable to talk. When I went into work tonight, I told myself to take it easy and watch how loud I'm talking, if at all. I was virtually mute the six hours I was there. I knew trying to talk loud enough for other people to hear me was going to hurt so I refrained unless needed (i.e. "Reprint on ticket 20"). I tried to carry a conversation with the other guy on table but I soon realized I was only trying to remedy his whining. This was useless chatter that was doing anything but help my vocal chords and throat. I let him whine. It grew frustrating at times but I didn't have the energy to coax him to work faster. I kept on pace, saucing the pizzas and slapping on ingredients. I'll admit, we were incredibly understaffed for a Wednesday evening but I had no control over that. Nor did I have control over the fact that I had to make all the pizzas because the other guy didn't work fast enough to effectively help me. Albeit, toward the end of "the rush" we had a pretty decent, partially-verbal system going. The night was enlightening. I was able to observe my co-workers without having to talk to them. I could observe the whole night without saying a word. I took in the same laughs, the same complaints, the same words, the same smells, the same movements, the same people... I soon realized the terrible routine of my job and the total disregard for creativity in the food service. People don't want creative things in their food. They want creative things in their ears and in their eyes. I'd rather make something creative and compelling and moving and worthwhile rather than cook shitty pizzas. And a pizza won't move you.