Maybe I can do this-- need to relax though!

I am settling into my job at the bar I've been working at.  I've been there nearly a month.  Here's what I think so far.

This job is fun but physically demanding.  I enjoy the work but after a 7-8 hr shift I am wiped out.  I also get a good arm workout by putting down and lifting back up the barstools at the beginning and end of a shift.

It is SUPER loud in there sometimes.  A half full bar is crazy loud because the higher ups haven't yet put out sound absorbing material under the tables and on the walls or ceiling.  I bought ear peace earplugs to hopefully help with it.  I haven't tried them yet but I'm hoping I can still hear the drink orders.  We'll see.

You meet a lot of different people.  This can be good or bad.  Some people are there for fun and to relax while others, I swear, are there to just be sad, grouchy or uptight.

I hate doing flights.  They are a pain in my ass to serve.  The only time I don't mind serving flights is if there is no one waiting behind you to order.

Parking was a pain at first but I'm now getting a good strategy going.

Late hours!  and they're about to get later.  On a Saturday night it was easily after 11p before we left for the night.  Now we're switching to 11p closing-- ummmmm I'll have to get used to that.

I'm making more money than I thought I would.  This month I will have pulled in $1000.00 between my hourly and tips.  The funny thing is I didn't work more than 25 hours in a week.  I think if I averaged 25-30 I could make my $1500 goal.

People are either coldly greedy when it comes to tipping or very generous.  People who have a good time and feel good about their experience will easily tip 25%--  most do at least 20.  Sometimes you'll get 15, and I've only had 4 customers just straight up not tip.  I honestly think this is because they don't understand or couldn't see the receipt-- well, at least in 2 cases-- the other was plain up cheapness.

I'm becoming peoples' bartender.  I've been there long enough that people say hi to me when they walk in and expect me.  This bond I think brings better tips.

People just want your attention and if you can give it to them they tip better.  $10 because I talked to you for an extra 10 minutes while I was cleaning?? Heck yea.

Hate to admit it but I upsell the shit if I can.  Let's face it, this comes down to cold hard cash-- bigger bill means a bigger tip.

I really like the hustle..... to a point.  A steady flow- yes---- a steady quick flow--yes-- mass chaos?  No Bueno.

I forget about the time after awhile.  I like that I can just get swept up in it and hours will go by before I look at the clock.  Nothing worse than a day that drags.

That's it I think.  Mostly positive.  I'm gaining my confidence and after last Wednesdays' mass chaos night-  I think I've proved I'm just as good as anyone else there.

HIGH FIVE FOR THE 40 SOMETHING GIRL!!!!