in the beginning

I write all of the time. I've just never thought to make my writings public. So, here I am... to bring you my opinions, my thoughts, my ideas, to share with you the adventures that I embark on with my family and friends, and most of all to share with you my point of view on a daily basis... the one that is from behind the bar. Yes, I'm a bartender.
First and foremost, I'm a mother, a wife, a friend, even a daughter and grand daughter. However, when it comes to my identity, a bartender is definatly high up on the list of things that would be important in describing me. It's what I love. I'm so confident, and comfortable behind that bar, it's almost as if I'm at home. I feel in complete control, I'm good at it, and I have a blast doing it. It's just as anyone that finds their niche in life/career. Sometimes, I wish that I made a damn good lawyer so that I was making $300,000 a year -- however, I can't complain about the money either... it provides half of the income for a family of four, and we live comfortably. Sometimes a little too comfortably.
Unfortunatly, as a result of loving a job that has me working in the evenings - I tend to be exhausted, a lot of the time. Our children confuse themselves with roosters, and are generally up with the sun. So, a late night closing the bar can mean 3 am -- and in turn that equals about 3 hours of sleep. Thank God for NAPTIME! It leaves a weird/tight schedule when it comes to spending time with the family, and friends... and unfortunatly, you miss out on most holidays as those are our busiest times. BUT, it can very flexible when neccesary... a vacation? Just get your shifts covered. And, there is almost always someone that owes you a favor, as we are contantly taking care of each other.
I work in one of the busiest bars in Old Town Alexandria. I have been employed there since we opened in April 2006. We have a fairly large staff, as it is a very large restaurant/bar. There are 9 bartenders, alone (all of us have been working together for the last two years!). We are extremly close, and there are times that conversations take place and your average person wouldn't have understood a thing said. We laugh, joke, and generally horseplay probably 70% of the time that we are at work. The other 30% I'd say we spend getting our asses handed to us, because we are 8-9 deep at the bar. And, that was just Monday!
Anyhow, there is a little bit of background for you...
I hope to keep you entertained with my stories, and tales.... some probably unbelievable, from behind the bar.