Yesterday was Jacob’s special day, it included a trip to out for lunch, as we were settling up the bill Melissa asked Jacob what tipping was. He said “It’s when you give extra money.” I thought it wasn’t a bad explanation, but of course misses the point. Of course Melissa explained that tipping is a way to reward good service and that 15% is customary. This got me thinking about the system of tipping. It’s been on my mind a lot since my vacation, as you were supposed to tip the waiters at the resort but how much do you tip when you aren’t paying for anything? There was also the expectation of tip. Our excursions guide and our airport shuttle bus attendant both explicitly asked for tips. As I write this I realize I have no answers just questions, but I feel like sharing and we’ll that’s why I have a blog. So here are the thoughts and questions that have been bouncing around my head..
We tip are taught to tip our waiters as a percentage of the total bill, so does that mean waiters who work in expensive restaurants are more deserving of a larger tip? Say you go to a nice little dinner where the average dinner prices is $15 on a date night you sit for an hour having an appetizer, two entrées and share a dessert. With drinks your meal would be around $75 so you would tip say $11.50. Compare that to a dinner at a fancier place where entrée cost an average of $50 . The same dinner for 2 might cost you $150 or more. Does the waiter in the more expensive restaurant really deserve double the tip? It seems wrong, that they should do the same work but because I have to pay more for my food at one restaurant then the other they get more tip.
Why do we tip waiters? I’ve always heard that wait staff get paid less and they make up for it with tips. That seems just sounds wrong to me. We’ve created a system where the restaurant puts the burden on the customers to pay there staff. It’s not to say I’m against tipping, I like to reward good service, but when the tip is expected it’s feels like when I don’t tip I’m not making a statement about the service, I’m just being cheap and that’s just not right. I’ve never worked in an industry with tips, so I really don’t know what it’s like from the prospective of someone getting tips, these are just things I’ve been thinking about and thought I’d share.
Today Melissa and I had a special day with Jacob. We went for a lunch just the three of us, before heading to the Movies to watch the Lego Movie. For my picture of the day I snuck it while Melissa was taking a picture of Jacob,It was a great day, we all loved the movie and spending time with just one of our kids. Next up is Violet’s special day, I’m not sure what we’ve got planned but I sure hope she loves it as much as Jacob loved today.
It wouldn’t be a Saturday in winter if there wasn’t hockey. Today our day started with Violet’s game rescheduled for 7:45 am. She did really well considering that she’s not usually a morning person. Jacob’s was at 4 so we had a long break between games. We had a full day in between and after but most;y the camera stayed in my pocket so, I put together a little collage from the rink for Today’s picture of the day.
When we first arrived at our resort in Mexico they gave us wrist bands, to identify us as guests. Ever since we got back I’ve resisted taking it off. Tonight I decided that I’d worn it long enough and off it came, so I thought why not use it as a picture of a day, as if to say Vacation is really over.
Today I head back to work after my Vacation, I can’t say it holds the same appeal as spending time with the kids,. Though if I’m really honest, I am glad to be back. We’re working on a couple interesting and challenging project, with deadlines that are sooner than I might like, so there is a lot to do. For my picture today I captured it as a subway came into the station on my way home.
Today Toronto had a blast of winter. I couldn’t help but think it was natures way of reminding me that my Vacation was over. No more sun and sand just snow and cold. Of course winter is only so long and there are bright spots. Skating with Jacob’s Beaver Troop next week, a trip to Great Wold Lodge in a few weeks. And of course being back with the kids and being able to read to them and tuck them in each night makes the snow not so bad.
Vacation is over. This morning we left the resort and headed to the airport to return to Toronto. I think these two pictures we took from the plan capture the differences perfectly. The left was taken as we left Mexico, the right as we arrived at Toronto. Even with all the snow and freezing temperatures I’m glad to be home with the kids. a week is a long time to be away from the little ones. Thanks Lynn and Dan for taking such good care of them while we recharged in Mexico.
For our last supper in Mexico we headed to a Japanese restaurant were they cooked our food at the table. It was great, though it’s also sad to think this will be our last meal here, we board our bus to head home at 6:30 am . I will miss the warmth of Mexico and the relaxing on the beach and by the pool. But it will be good to see the kids, I miss them and I’m looking forward to spending time with them when we’re back.
Today we spent most of the Day on the Beach. So for today’s Picture of the Day I thought I’d use this one of use standing in the ocean.
Today for my picture of the day I have a picture of Melissa and I enjoying the hot sun, with a picture of the kids enjoying the snow at Aunt Kelly and Uncle Let’s place. As much fun as the kids look like they are having, I’m glad to be in the warmth of Mexico.
