Bartending 101

First off, thanks for all the support in my last post. I've actually received really good feedback from most people, so that makes me feel more comfortable about it.

I started on Tuesday. From the get go, you are learning drinks and how to make them. The first day was Martinis, Manhattans, and Rob Roys. Yesterday were the Tall drinks. These would be your exotic ones like Sex on the Beaches, Long Island Iced Teas, Hurricanes, Mojitos, etc. Today were the 2 oz Cocktails, Beers, and Wines.

I've found that I've done really well with the written quizzes which essentially means I'm good at memorizing recipes. However, I've found that being behind the bar is a different story. I really have to think about the ingredients, amounts, and the Mnemonic devices. It is NOT easy. Some of the mnemonic devices are funny. For example for one of the Tall drinks, the mnemonic device is: Run Bugs Bunny Go Outside and Pee 151 times. Brownie points for whoever knows this drink.

Also, it is interesting pouring drinks. It's hard not to feel like you want to measure every single ounce to make sure you are exactly right. If you did this, it would jut scream "Rookie," so obviously it is very looked down upon. However, you do learn how to be pretty accurate by counting and pouring. In the practices I've done with free pouring, I have been accurate, so I really should not worry. It is just one of those things I guess. You get better with practice and to have the ability to gauge what the ounce is based on where the liquid is.

Next Monday is basically a mid term--a bit scary!! At the end of two weeks, you have a written final and a practical where you have to pour 8 drinks correctly in 12 minutes. It doesn't sound like a lot, and obviously if you know your stuff, you should be able to hit it out of the ball park. However, I have a feeling nerves will get to me and then all my drink recipes will disappear with only a blank mind. Ugh, that would be awful. But, for now, I'm not focusing on that!

Besides the start of bartending school, my schedule got really hectic. Seriously, I go to class from 10am to 2pm, get back by 2:30pm or so, then am working on projects, doing house stuff (I've left my clean laundry in the basket for 2 weeks now), doing gardening, etc. I tend to not get to working on the bartending stuff until late, like 11pm. I work on it for a few hours, then go to bed and wake up early to study. I'm actually thankful the weekend will be coming up soon, though Saturday is busy with some cadaver training and a date with a new Match guy. This guy seems really cool, so well see.

On top of this, there was a possibility I might be able to go to Search and Rescue camp next week. I tried really hard to get this to work but I just can't get my act together in such short time nor find people to watch the dogs and bunny (both my neighbors are gone all week) I'm really upset about this as it was a great deal financially, lots of training opportunity, and just simply fun. Had I known I did not have to watch my neighbor's dog while was she was out of town (found out Monday), I would have changed my plans significantly. Oh well.

I also got an interesting e-mail today as well which might be a great opportunity, working with dogs in a different capacity. That would be exciting, so we'll see where that goes.

As you can see, it's been busy around here lately. But in a good way. I've had several moments where I've just felt kind of blissful with all the new doors opening. It is quite freeing, inspiring, and an odd feeling to have. In any case, I'm looking at it as good karma maybe making its way around my corner.

Hope everyone is having a good week!