Okay, I think I have somehow found the perfect job (for me, for right now). The Inn is a beautiful historic old building, circa 1857, recently remodeled. The view from the front portico is of the entire historic downtown, with a hint of the ocean and port just two blocks away.
Did I mention the Zebra rug in the bar? I think I did, but it merits a second mention. And I don't mean a shag rug with zebra stripes. I mean a whole
dead zebra, minus the innards, smacked down on the floor. Cool.
When I got there, it was already going crazy. Yes, it's the slow season, but it's also a holiday weekend, so we were booked solid. The manager kept starting to show me something, then the phone would ring. So I just kind of jumped in. After my last job with its 4 weeks of training, I expected to be censured; on the contrary, it was expected. So, with no direction from anyone (or at least very little), I found myself 1) opening, pouring, and serving wine and cokes, 2) cleaning and resetting tables, 3) delivering room service, 4) serving heaping bowls of grits and green beans, and 5) standing behind the bar chatting like a good bartender should. I loved it.
I think my job, when I really get into it, will be more of the same, that is to say, doing everything. The General Manager who was training me jumped around like crazy, clipping the phone to his belt while he chopped apples, toasted bread points, wiped tables, rang up beer... Did I mention I love this? Never a dull moment, and they understand that you do have a good head on your shoulders and can figure shit out.
No doubt in time I will be missing the 8 hours of standing around playing with puppets and tap dancing to keep me awake, but for now, this is pretty damn perfect.
The people are excellent as well. All southern charm and friendliness. My mood is turned completely around; maybe Florida is okay after all. Of course the manager is from Savannah, and half of the people live on the other side of the Georgia border 10 minutes away, but whatever. This is all right.
For today... nothing. I am craving cheesecake and knitting, so I will seek out a cafe after this to while away the afternoon. I cleaned out my car and re-organized this morning, after sleeping gloriously in and finishing a book. I am not going to move much at all. There is a Frog-leg festival down in southern Florida that I am missing, but I couldn't make it in time, and really, they just taste like chicken anyway.
Hmmm, I think we may have the makings of a southern belle . . .
Posted by: Theresa | January 17, 2004 at 12:08 PM
Awesome :) Sounds and looks like a pretty cool place. My kind of job too, BUSY. Beats being bored and pretending to look busy anyday.. Try to get us a shot of the bar and zebra if you can!
Posted by: Amy | January 17, 2004 at 07:14 PM
Yay Beth. I'm so happy you found some cool employment, and fast. We miss you in SF. Send photos of the contented grin you must have, so we don't get too sad that you're gone again.
Posted by: rachel | January 18, 2004 at 07:56 PM
Smart woman to be down south right about now. I'm hoping to meet you, oh famous sister of my buddy Rachael, when you make it to NYC, but I highly advise waiting till the thaw. It's damn cold here right now. The inn does look gorgeous.
Posted by: cari | January 19, 2004 at 06:53 AM
...brilliant!!!...except for the grits :^)...
Posted by: billy | January 19, 2004 at 11:03 AM
Hi Beth, I was just fooling around on the net and decided to look at your site, rather than file all these darn books that are sitting here. Where are you when I need you?? anyway, you do a great job keeping in touch. fun to read your messages. I am glad you were home for the holidays. It was so fun for your Mom and Dad. I am waiting for your Mom to get well, so she can come back to work. Actually I am looking forward to her getting better just for herself even if she never comes back to work. this has been going on too long. all else is the same, too many books too little time. You take care of yourself. enjoy ever minute. Nan
Posted by: nan fowler | January 19, 2004 at 05:23 PM
the guest room in my friend's house has a zebra skin on the wall. the real hides are totally different than the shag, i agree, but on the wall above the bed it was a bit eerie.
i am mucho jealous of the bartending gig. i have been thinking if i end up in l.a. for school for a while i might try to get a job bartendering. i think you should watch 'mr. destiny' so you can quote michael cain or 'keeping the faith' so you can quote the bartender in that, i really like the scientology phrase.
best part about sleeping your car, if you're drunk after your shift you don't have to worry about driving home.
one more thought, could you steal a shower here and there at work? worth a try maybe?
Posted by: carol | January 19, 2004 at 06:44 PM
Bethany - your job sounds so fun. I love being busy in restaurants too...I cocktail waitressed for a while. I also love me some Amelia Island..it's so peaceful there! But hey, I'm in Athens, GA, so if you're coming through and you need a couch to crash on, let me know!
Posted by: Carrie | January 20, 2004 at 07:10 AM