So I've been working. Trying to keep a roof over the cats' and my head. (Little effers refuse to get jobs so I've been charged with the task of trying to keep them alive and relatively happy... which I have now found out includes shelter, food, drink, treats, cuddles, cartoon channels and toys laced with cat-nip.--amongst other things such as clean litter and mopping up hair balls... but I digress...)
I generally enjoy my job. I like listening to people's stories. I like to help them unwind after a long day/week. (Did I mention after bouncing through many careers I always come back to bartending? Probably forgot that...) I am a bartender. There. I've said it. I'm 40 and I bartend. I am not a sommelier nor am I a restaurateur. Although, I can describe what wine I have to offer and what dishes are the best bang for your buck. I have many "friends" who don't understand my decision to return to the industry and think I am not living up to my full potential. Maybe I am not but it's an honest job and it has its rewards. You can even ask the cats.
I have gone to school for journalism/advertising/commercial art/English literature/communications and then ended up as a paramedic for a while. My last gig was a retailer of vintage inspired clothing from the 50's era... I have been all over the map and struggled to just get away from the restaurant/bar industry for many years. I used to get angry when people would say "you're a "lifer" it's just in your blood." On the other hand I used to get angry when people would ask when I was going to "get a real job." I'm still conflicted as to what to do with my career possibilities but I am still ready to knock the next person out who asks when I'm going to get a real job.
Bartending/serving is one of the hardest jobs possible (if you do it right.)
Bartending is a juggling act. Think of a circus performer juggling bowling pins........ Now add some apples (he takes a bite out of during his act.).............. Now add the fire wands............. Then the swords................. K. Now the machetes................................... Then the baby kittens.......................And then the C4.................................
Bartending is more than all of that combined.
The juggler doesn't have to interact with a sense of humour and wit all the while trying to keep the baby kittens from the weapons while still looking pretty. It's definitely not for everyone, although there's so many people who seem to think they can do it and successfully fail with epic non-performances.
I guess this blog started due to the yin and the yang of my shift yesterday.
It started out with a few visits from some friends who were feeling down and just needed an ear to listen to their stories. A few more friends surprised me with visits. A few more showed up bearing gifts for me for no reason other than they thought of me and wanted to put a smile on my face (which was then perfectly planted!) As all of this was going on I had the random public I was serving. Changing the menu for more expensive items and balking at the idea of having to pay more... ordering the "all you can eat chicken wings" and nothing more than waters. Yelling at me that they want their 5th refill of wings and then not eating them and trying to smuggle them out... we're talking wings for a family of four here (they hid their last order....) Alright... it's fine so far.... Then the end of the night comes along..........
I am closed. Bar has three people left in it. Along comes Miss Weirdo. Again. The bar is closed. My fault for not locking the door. I tell her we're closed. She yips a little. Finally leaves. I've served her before and she uses the bar for her own personal stalking station. She circles the men until one finally takes the bait and off she goes with him (to never be seen in the bar again...) Twenty minutes go by... phone rings. Guess who. Yep. Freaking out and calling me every name in the book. Hang up. Ten minutes go by... same. (You're probably wondering why even bother answering... I, myself, am wondering why as well...) Same. Same. End of night... go to car. Someone spit all over my windows. Gee. I wonder who? --Considering my car was parked in the front and the only car on the street.... Hmmmm... Where's Sherlock Holmes when you need him? Alright. Time to take a moment. (Breathe....)
I just want to say.... when the bar is closed it is not a personal affront to anyone. It is just closed. I am just trying to make a living and have a little fun along the way. I am not looking for a fight. I am not asking to be called names. There are many other bars that could very well still be open. Go there. Do not waste your time and energy trying to bully me into serving you. It won't work. It doesn't work. I will now never serve you again. You have crossed the line and if anything else happens to me or my personal property I will do what must be done. I will find you and I will take all legal action against you. I am just trying to get through my day and go home to my lazy-assed-unemployed cats that all of this bullshit is for in the first place.
Yin and yang. Strikes and gutters. Awesome surprises from wonderful friends and a douchebag... Just another day in the life....
:-)
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