I find myself standing behind the glistening flat-topped silver barrier known to most as the bar at Wellington's.
The slicing sensation of a freshly opened bottled beverage sends an icy chill to the palm of my right hand as I take in the horizon of an empty room. Final patrons have paid their tabs, the register has been successfully closed, and each required individual side-work has been accomplished without issue. The only remaining disturbance to the otherwise serene atmosphere of the bar is a hardly recognizable rhythm originating from a low volume stereo system.
The twilight of the day has passed and impenetrable views of layered blackness from every visible window give an impression that nothing exists from beyond the bar doorway. With a quick combination of taps along computer screen via a free index finger the shift for today has now officially reached its timely climax.
For me the final routine before locking up and making way towards home has usually been clicking off the soundtrack of the evening then flicking off the lights. Normally at this point it should feel refreshing knowing that within a short series of instants a couch for relaxing will be in reach however tonight is hardly the case.
I find myself standing here, beer in hand, shirt untucked, behind the bar of Wellington's with zero desire to turn off the music.
Looking down towards the circular button to silence the room a wave of sadness, nostalgia & fear enters my consciousness. Sadness exists because once the music stops I will no longer be an employee of Wellington's Wine Bar in Sausalito. Today, Sunday August 3rd 2014, was my last official shift as a member of the Wellington's family. Tomorrow morning at 9:30am I will start a TESOL (Teach English as a Second Language) course in San Francisco as a step towards preparing for a year long move to Murcia, Spain. Once abroad I will commence a contract teaching elementary students my native language. The opportunity to work in a different country is something that leaves me extremely excited yet at the same time a little scared since I have never taught a class of students before.
The globe shaped button that is now directly in front of me will serve as the final period mark to one chapter in life. Knowing that the climactic phrase for this page of happenings has nearly autographed itself to it's unavoidable ending I stand here feeling honored to have served, trusted, and befriended the wide variety of characters who took a part in its storyline.
Taking a lingering sip from the drink in hand I stand truly thankful to have known the people who have frequented this bar since the moment I took a place behind it's metallic confines. From the online coupon carriers to the long time regulars it was an honor being of service and more importantly it was a pleasure getting to know you. Even if it was for a single half glass of wine I still cherish the moment we briefly shared together. You will probably never read this and most likely don't know who I am but I won't hold that against you :) Another savory taste and a nearly empty bottle within hand raises itself in dedication to Julie, Jeremy, Justin, Ken, Ryan, Russell, Evan, Emily & Annabelle. I will probably never call you my coworkers ever again and in my heart this is alright because from this day forward you will have a more important title: My friends.
The bottle that was previously in my hand has somehow found itself lowered within a nearby recycling container and a finger is now pressing it's hand with pride along the smoothly round button.
Taking a lingering sip from the drink in hand I stand truly thankful to have known the people who have frequented this bar since the moment I took a place behind it's metallic confines. From the online coupon carriers to the long time regulars it was an honor being of service and more importantly it was a pleasure getting to know you. Even if it was for a single half glass of wine I still cherish the moment we briefly shared together. You will probably never read this and most likely don't know who I am but I won't hold that against you :) Another savory taste and a nearly empty bottle within hand raises itself in dedication to Julie, Jeremy, Justin, Ken, Ryan, Russell, Evan, Emily & Annabelle. I will probably never call you my coworkers ever again and in my heart this is alright because from this day forward you will have a more important title: My friends.
The bottle that was previously in my hand has somehow found itself lowered within a nearby recycling container and a finger is now pressing it's hand with pride along the smoothly round button.
With all of my heart I wish that the soft beat of the song would never end but deep inside I know that changes like this are a necessary part of life. May this chapter rest in peace. Within a flash of an instant I'm now a civilian disguised in a Wellington's uniform.
In the sixteen months of working for this establishment I had never asked a person to leave the bar.
It's only fitting that the first guest to be escorted out should be myself.
The lights are fully dimmed and this is my last call. Thank you for everything Wellington's Wine Bar, you will never be forgotten. Locking the door behind me I exit the bar the same way entered on my first day over a year ago, with my head held high.
Cheers.
In the sixteen months of working for this establishment I had never asked a person to leave the bar.
It's only fitting that the first guest to be escorted out should be myself.
The lights are fully dimmed and this is my last call. Thank you for everything Wellington's Wine Bar, you will never be forgotten. Locking the door behind me I exit the bar the same way entered on my first day over a year ago, with my head held high.
Cheers.
