There’s Something about a Waitress

Back in 1998, the Ziggens released an album called “Pomona Lisa.” I’d never heard of this surfer punk band that hailed from Huntington Beach, California. But Brian had, and he seemed to be amused by their satiric, droll, and funny take on everyday subjects. So, when I first heard the song “There’s Something about a Waitress” on the above-named album, I laughed at its levity and absurdity, but for some reason, it reminded me of my mother.

Why my mother?

Because she used to be a waitress. Before I was born, she supported herself by working in a Chinese restaurant. From all accounts, she was an excellent waitress. She was efficient, accurate, accommodating, and friendly. She also had a knack for remembering the regulars’ preferences. She was very popular with the customers for all of these reasons. However, she also stood out amongst the rest of the waitstaff because she was beautiful. She had an hourglass figure, pretty legs, a nice smile, and chocolate-brown eyes that perfectly complemented her dark hair.

Many a young male admirer tried to ask her out on a date, only to be rebuffed. Then one day, a group of orderlies who worked at a nearby hospital stopped by the restaurant to grab a meal during their break. They noticed my mother and started daring this one particular besotted guy to ask out “the pretty French waitress.” Well, he finally mustered up some courage to ask her to go out with him to a movie or something like that. Living up to her reputation, my mother sassily shot him down.

Feeling defeated by this rejection, and embarrassed in front of his buddies, this particular patron slumped in his seat. While bustling around the restaurant, my mom noticed the glum look on this customer’s face and took pity on him. So, with coat and purse in hand at the end of her shift, Mom approached him and asked, “Well, are you coming or are you staying?”

Yes. There’s definitely something about a (cheeky) waitress.

And for those who haven’t guessed, that’s the story of how my parents met and fell in love.