Back to the Bar(tending)

If I'm going to attempt grad school, I need a second job. Enter Avenida, an adorable Guatemalan restaurant that brought me on for weekend shifts.

Saturday was my first day of training. During the interview, my boss asked, "How long have you been bartending?" I shocked myself with the answer: "Four years." Ayiyi, that's a long time.

The South Philly man that trained me has a strong resemblance to Mike "The Situation" from The Jersey Shore. He talked about himself for all 20 hours that we shared together. He showed me pictures of his pimped out ride, complete with decals and pinstripes. He told me stories of his "psycho ex girlfriends" that break into his house at night, confessing their love for him... you know, because he's so awesome. I kept finding protein shakes hidden behind the bar, and that's when I found out he used to be a professional wrestler. More of a mixologist than a bartender, he actually invented alcohol.

Fun Fact: Avenida is located in the first house that was built on Germantown Avenue. The story goes like this: A young girl was jumping rope in her bedroom bedrooms when she fell, broke her neck and died. Apparently this place is haunted by her ghost. Yeah, yeah. Except that my coworkers all had creepy stories about encounters with her! Sleep well tonight.

Speaking of sleep, I'm exhausted. This new schedule is definitely going to take some getting used to, especially the 12-hours-on-your-feet bit. I feel confident that it'll become natural in no time. Until then, you can find me at my local Starbucks, loading up on espresso drinks.

Philly friends: I expect visitors!! Sunday brunch is seriously seriously delicious. You owe it to yourself. 11-2pm.