Job Tales

I don't know if this is the worst job I ever had but it comes with a couple of the best stories. It was the second job I ever held, right after high school. I worked at a Winchell's Donut House on Queen Anne hill in Seattle. I was working the 10PM - 6AM shift and going to school at the University of Washington at the same time (this graveyard shift is what led to my falling asleep almost every day in my 10:30 AM physics class...but that is another story).

Working graveyard shift in a place that is open to the public brings in some very interesting people. There was the guy who wore more makeup than I did. He looked a bit like William Shakespeare only with bleach-blonde hair and a fine fine manicure. Whenever he came in (he was a regular), I always called him 'Bill' to myself. He would sit down at a table with a donut and a cup of coffee and talk to himself.

Then there were the two guys that came in together a lot. One looked a lot like Charles Manson and the other looked like Captain Pike (from the original Star Trek...after his horrible accident).

We also had our share of 'Seattle's finest' - yes, police do eat donuts...especially if it is one of the only places open so late at night. Sometimes they just drove up into the parking lot. We were usually glad to see them...especially after we got robbed...twice.

The first time they robbed our shop, my best friend at the time was there alone. They made her crawl on her hands and knees to the back of the shop as they made their getaway.

The second time I was there also alone although I got off much easier than my friend. A woman (yes, a woman) came in and asked for all the money in the drawer. I didn't see a gun or anything and I hesitated for about a half a second thinking maybe I should ask her if she had a gun or a knife. I didn't though. I was afraid it might piss her off and there wasn't much money anyway. I gave her the bills in the till and then asked her if she wanted the change too. She said 'No' and then left.

I didn't think to offer her a donut.