Regulars

Dear Blog Diary,
Last Saturday I worked my sushi gig. I was tired, not feeling great.

After my shift I came home, let the dogs out (it was me), and then I went to my local watering hole. My hair was messy, still wearing my all black work clothes, probably smelling like fish. I sat at the end of the bar where all the off-shift staff and regulars sit. I was alone, and frankly, feeling alone.

There was a wedding party. Bride looked lovely, groom was overdoing it. And then a sea of blazers with a shirt and no tie. I wonder if anyone has ever looked at me and thought, that guy looks so happy with his friends dressed exactly like him. So I sat, playing online chess, drinking cheap beer that tastes like gun metal and well whiskey that will get you drunk. Shot-n-a beer.

Truth is, I’m not service industry. I’m not one that works while others play and plays while others sleep. I’m not one that service industry sees as cut from the same cloth. At the office, I’m also not a guy that wears blazers with a shirt and no tie.

One of the regulars who I’ve become so fond of, came in, sat down. Had things on my mind. Never be surprised the impact a person can have on your presence. Suddenly, I was properly dressed.

The next night, same bar. I actually ended up drinking with the owner. I don’t know what’s normal but I’ve met several restauranteur owners in Cincinnati. It’s weird how they all know each other. They all say the same thing to me, “I’m glad we’re having this conversation. You’re interesting.”

The conversation ends up being more about me, which makes me wonder. I’m not that interesting and I guarantee they interact with more interesting people than me. I don’t know if it’s something about their entrepreneurial spirit to develop relationships.

If you ask me, I really think I used to be good with people. Maybe I just used to be more comfortable with them. I think I’m the most comfortable I’ve ever been with myself, and at times I truly have no idea my place in the world, anywhere.

The owner asked me if he could buy me a drink. Went behind the bar, asked me what I wanted, gestured at the whiskeys on the top shelf. I replied…

Shot-n-a beer.

E
#ARTiculate