A job within a job...

ibimus · #1 (**permalink**) 03-26-2007, 03:37 PM

Guess what!? My boss at Mongo's loves that I'm a clown, and asked if I'd be willing to work in costume! I'll be the starter (I greet people, put their food on the grill, and generally get to be chatty.) on Saturdays as Dottie. I told Jim (my manager) that I was going to adjust my makeup a little bit, just to make sure that it's grill-friendly. Today I bought a few new costume pieces after work since some of my other stuff just won't work in that environment.

If Dottie is popular, then I may move up to hosting (y'know, greeting people at the door and seating them and such.) as Dottie. I told him that I am planning to learn how to make balloon animals this summer, so I think once I can do that (and will have to brush up on my close-up magic tricks....) he'll probably let me host.

Wahoooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love that my clown job will be the same as my regular day job.

Just more fun.

So, I should be starting as Dottie within the next couple of weeks....I told him that I want to make a few costume and makeup adjustments first, just to be on the safe side, and then we should be good to go.

Ooh, that means I'll have to go get contacts, since I can't wear my glasses in makeup.

We have a crew meeting tomorrow night....if I can get Dottie all figured out and ready to go, then I'll probably go to the meeting as Dottie.

Ooh, I'm so excited!

Gladman · #2 (**permalink**) 03-26-2007, 04:33 PM

Your inner and outer beauty seems to be shining as usual. Can't cover that up with makeup. Congratulations. Hope things work out. More pics?

ibimus · #3 (**permalink**) 03-26-2007, 06:47 PM

Well, I changed my costume slightly, and the makeup may have to change as well, so yes, more (better) pictures!

saphireSue · #4 (**permalink**) 03-26-2007, 08:22 PM

good luck and have fun.

Fitzwilly · #5 (**permalink**) 03-26-2007, 11:00 PM

Ibimus,

That is exciting news! One thing to keep in mind is that you don't want to be obligated to work as Dottie all the time. Dottie is special, not just another employee. Also, as your skills improve and multiply you will be able to book another restaurant as Dottie the clown doing simple balloons and table magic for $30 or $40 an hour, so why be obligated to bring out Dottie for minimum wage?
I'm not trying to rain on this parade, just trying to think ahead and protect you future interests (and pocketbook!).

Baloo · #6 (**permalink**) 03-26-2007, 11:17 PM

I just want to add my two cents as well first congrats, that is awesome! I wear glasses in costume, I am blind with out them. I can help you learn balloons if you want. There is a local clown club, that you maybe interested in for help with balloons as well. Aril 4th Fred from twin city costume and magic will be lectureing (free of charge) If you want I can give you directions. I also want to agree with Fitzwilly keep in mind your future as I make alot more than common hourly rate.
TA TA for now
~Baloo~

Fitzwilly · #7 (**permalink**) 03-26-2007, 11:29 PM

Fred is a great guy. Very funny, and a tremendous magician. One of the really cool things is that he is normal, well scratch that, he is very unassuming, very humble and giving. By all means take advantage of this great offer. For a limited time only, terms subject to change...
Sorry, too much late night TV.

ibimus · #8 (**permalink**) 03-26-2007, 11:30 PM

Fitz, it's good advice. I'm still very new to this job, as Clare, so I won't asking for anything special right now. Thankfully, he only wants Dottie on the weekends when we get the big groups of kids in to eat. If this all goes well, then I'll see about either getting a regular, better-paid night at Mongo's, or looking for one or two nights a week elsewhere. So, I'll keep what you said in mind! We'll see where this goes!

Baloo, is the lecture in the Cities?
Not so sure about it so soon...I'm already going down to the Cities pretty soon to tour Northwestern. But thanks anyway! (if I have time after the tour, I just might run by his shop though, and see if there's anything of use.)
Yes, I know what you mean....I'm blind as a bat without my glasses. I keep meaning to just get some prescription lenes put into vintage 1950's frames (y'know, the cat-eye frames.) to go with my costume, but lenses are out of my budget right now.

Thanks for the offer of help; watch out, I just may hold you to that.

Fitzwilly · #9 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 12:12 AM

I was thinking about your glasses. When you have the $ for the cat eyes... After 50 years would an original pair be healthy enough. So many items from that era were made of bakelite or a similar plastic that has seen its day and tends to fall apart. Plus would a good pair of glasses not fetch a pretty penny on Ebay? Many costume companies make similar frames in costume glasses. This you probably have already thought of, but hey, it's a quarter after one in the morning and my brain has slipped off its leash.

Baloo · #10 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 09:30 AM

those 50's styles are making a comback. Freds lecture is in Maple Lake a block away from Pricilla Mooseburgers show (maybe 45 min from st cloud). I am in stcloud as well. so if you want we may be able to car pool up to you. but fred and pricilla in the same room for Q & A free of charge, don't happen often. If I get a chance today I'll swing into Mongo's and say Hi. Later