I knew it was a matter of time before I wound up in a lone dive bar in Orlando.
The one that took my Orlando Dive Bar Virginity just so happened to be (in what felt like) a remote part of Winter Park, and is appropriately named Big Daddy’s. Yes, I am aware of the oxymoron that I’ve just presented you with: there is, in fact, a dive bar in Winter Park. But it isn’t as divey as one might imagine. Rather, it is Winter Park Divey, meaning you can lean up against the bar without feeling like you’re going to catch shingles. See also Burton’s, which is how Thornton Park does a dive bar.
Tonight’s cast of characters is a motley crew indeed. We have my beloved songbird Jamesson, one of his roommates Chaz, and our token club promoter friend of the night Myk. Then there is Jamesson’s karaoke queen friend (whose name has slipped my memory- blame it on the cigarette smoke constricting oxygen to my brain). I’ve brought my pal and favorite Stardust bartender Mike to entertain me while I furiously bouncing back and forth between texting and jotting down broken bits of conversation to later use as fodder in these blog postings.
Apparently this is the place to be with this group. One can let down their hair, fill it with bar stench, and belt out the classics. I still have yet to get on a stage armed with a microphone in one hand and a stiff cocktail in the other, and as anticipated I opt to just sit on the edge of my seat and think of all of the great songs I could possibly lose my dignity to. The entire bar had been singing country standards that we’ve all either grown up listening or singing along at the bar to. Growing up with parents who immersed me in redneck culture (although it obviously didn’t stick), I knew many Garth Brooks songs- even if the lyrics were a little fuzzy. Thanks to karaoke, I finally understood what the hell was going down in the song “Papa Loved Mama”.
“So you’re telling me that he drove the truck into the f*cking motel?? And he killed the bitch?? I wouldn’t wanna be a trucker’s wife. He’d kill me for sure...And for the record, country music is not wholesome! Its all about violence and sex! The music I listen to is more wholesome, and you can’t even understand the lyrics!”
At this point Chaz was climbing the stage to do our group’s first number (and to break the country cycle)- “We Are All On Drugs” by Weezer. As he’s doing this, Jamesson informs me that he and I will, in fact, be hitting the stage tonight. The song of choice? A personal favorite- and one that I would prefer to lose my V-Card to- “Ice Ice Baby”.
For the win!
While I anxiously wait for our names to be called, Jamesson and I sit back and watch everyone else. There was a trio doing a gospel song, some hillbilly duo (including a guy that was transformed to ‘sexy and mysterious’ by donning a pair of Wayfarers) that does “Jenny (867-5309)”, and another Asian fellow that is so good that he does not even need the words on the screen. He proves this by the monitor being a blank blue and he still hits every word with the precision of a Chuck Norris round house kick to the face.
The real treat of the evening, however, was Myk. Dressed as a virtual clone of Elvis Costello, he boldly strutted the stage and in a throaty tone recited Genuine’s masterpiece “Pony”. There more than a few shifts of the eyes towards the persons sitting next to them, but I think that the crowd overall enjoyed it.
Of course there were some ‘real treats’ of the evening, but who are we to judge?? One guy was up there, giving it about 53%, and it took me a while to figure out what he was signing.
Chaz: What is this song??
Me: ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’
Chaz: What?? Really??
Me: Yeah!
Chaz: Wow… That’s uncanny. I’m amazed that it’s the same song! Good job!
Me: Its like we’re playing a hip new drinking game… Name that tune!
…And what of me? Where is the part where I say that Jamesson and I tore up the song, as well as my karaoke V-Card? Sadly, that didn’t happen. Being of the 9-5 Crowd, I had to leave shortly after midnight. They were nowhere near pulling our names out of the basket filled with paper slips and reluctantly I bid my partner in singing crimes adieu. I walked out of the bar with my head held high, and virginity and dignity both intact.
Showing posts with label Winter Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winter Park. Show all posts
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year's Resolutions
I am pleased to say that I have finally had a successful New Years! For the longest time, I thought that I was cursed to suffer year after year alone in my bed while the world was taking part in the biggest party night ever. I’ve never even had a kiss at midnight. In high school, I was distraught because one of my friends got to spend New Years with my crush. Once I got to college, I learned to loath New Years. Friends were out of town. I broke my ankle and watched Saturday Night Live from the comfort of my hospital bed while heavily sedated by morphine. I had no plans, so I was pissed and went to bed at 10:30. My friends bailed on me, and an ex-fiancé propositioned me to have sex in his dad’s minivan in a parking lot the following day. No matter what year, I never seem to kick off the new one on the right foot…
This year, I was determined to do it differently. My boyfriend Eric and I didn’t really make any plans, so I kind of fell on my old staple: The Wine Room over on Park Avenue. The Wine Room is one of those amazing places in Winter Park where all of the up-and-coming 20-somethings rub elbows with established Gen X’ers and really hip Baby Boomers who are still 21 at heart. They play lots of music you’d hear in the club, always have a game or a UFC fight on an oversized plasma above the bar in the back, and about 100 different wines, champagnes, and beers for tasting- many samples starting at $1.25. They have an eclectic cheese selection, and have recently added a small-but-diverse food menu where prices range from about $6 to $14. The Wine Room is not your typical bar scene- everyone is pretty stylish, though there is no dress code. You might see some MILF once and a while dancing to the music with a pretty good wine buzz, but you’ll never see anyone obnoxiously drunk and puking. The service is amazing, and there isn’t much turnover so you really get to know some of the staff. Kevin is by far the most attentive and knowledgeable wine lovers I’ve ever met- Meet him! This is really one place where you can come with $5 and have a wonderful time with friends, or a romantic night with your sweetie.
Eric and I did find some parking right on the street on Park. The Wine Room wasn’t arm-to-arm crowded with people- which was a relief considering that was my deciding factor in not going to Downtown. There weren’t really any specials going on except for a few glasses of wine or champagne, but they didn’t charge a cover. As always, the place didn’t disappoint. I had ordered the Black and Blue wrap since they were out of smoked salmon needed for the appetizer I really wanted. The $11 wrap looked like a meal for two, and the server just chuckled as she apologized for making it too large (a friendly group of party-goers sharing the table top with us ordered the same thing after I raved about it, and theirs was the same size as well). Once I went to clear my tab I had seen that I wasn’t charged for the ginormous wrap. I called the server’s attention to point it out, but she said not to worry about it.
My total for the night? Most people probably spent about $30 just to get in a club, at least $10 for drinks if you were tipping your bar staff should the drinks be complimentary, and paying for parking. I paid under $20 for two glasses of champagne, a huge wrap that Eric and I had to share, plus the large tip I left the waitress who let the food slide.
A few minutes to midnight the plasma was changed to something being hosted by Ryan Seacrest, and the bar staff started passing out free glasses of champagne to anyone they could get to. It was great to finally be amongst all the people, anxiously awaiting the 10-second countdown, the excitement so think and infectious that you find yourself gripping that champagne flute with a smile so big it looks like a Chelsea grin. We all shouted in unison and clicked glasses. And yes, I finally got my kiss at midnight.
Eric asked me in his cynical fashion, “What’s all the commotion about with New Years anyways?” I just shrugged, but I guess it really is like what that drunk chick says in Forrest Gump: You get to start all over, everyone gets a second chance. Maybe this means that 2009 will be the year that it all gets turned around.
Resolutions
The Holidays have been pretty great. Since I don’t get breaks from work the way I did when I was in school, I’ve come to think of the days that the office has been closed as Winter Break for working people. Today is New Years, so the world has stopped functioning so that it can recover from one-too-many glasses of champagne. And what’s the best thing to watch when you’re home from work?
The Price is Right!
Eric had made some pancakes and put on a pot of coffee, and I enjoyed the morning of getting to sleep in a bit and read a book before climbing out of bed. The PIR was on, so its mandatory that it gets watched- though I’m really not a fan of Drew Carey taking over Bob’s place. I secretly think that everyone feels the same way I do. Although I will say that some people might find Drew a little more useful. For instance, one of the contestants won her way up to the stage, barefoot no less, and used Drew’s shoulders as a pogo stick while she bounced around. That would never happen with Bob! He might punch you out, Happy Gilmore style. Say it with me now: “The price is wrong, bitch!”
Along with the obvious change in tone that Carey brings to the table, the announcer’s speeches have changed as well. When he was describing the trip to Paris as part of the showcase showdown, he said this little gem: “Do you like French Toast? Do you like French Fries? Do you like kissing people with your tongue?”
Ugh. Something that NEVER would have been said with Bob.
Anywho, I found this great article yesterday:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/12/30/o.can.you.afford.that/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
As much as I loathe those self-help kind of people, especially the Dr. Phil types that are just telling people like it is (which any good, honest friend will do) and getting paid millions of dollars for it, I am starting to like this Suze Orman gal. I really liked how there was a situation that I could relate to: Hannah’s story. Myself being a post-grad and having tons of school-related debt, there have been many things that I’ve had to cut back on. I know the feeling of having friends who had lucked out either through their college scholarships, generous parents, or landing a well-paying job even in this economy that has helped them with their finances. Sometimes it sucks having to say, “Sorry, I can’t” when they’re inviting you to the mall, out to dinner, or even to travel.
There are some friends that offer to rent the movies if you make the dinner. Even some that envy your budget-savvy ways, and aren’t embarrassed when you pull out your hoards of coupons to make a purchase. They want to go thrift storing with you to see if they, too, can find a vintage Lacoste sweater, and don’t mind moving dinner plans up a few hours to take advantage of Cheesecake Factory’s amazingly cheap bar menu. Those are the friends that are the best.
There are those friends who tell you, “Oh, I forgot how broke you are. Nevermind then.” There are some people who will flash their new designer duds around, forgetting the fact that you’d love to buy that Spring ’09 Gucci- but the rent, the electricity, the cell bill, and the student loans are all due that week and its going to eat your paycheck alive. And those are the friends that I’ve gladly cut my ties with.
That’s only one thing that I’ve done to set myself up for a successful year. Aside from surrounding myself with good people, I’ve made the resolution to have my credit card debt paid off in 12 months. I’ve started this 2 months ago, and so far I’ve paid the amount necessary every time.
And like everyone else, I’ve vowed to cut back on a few things in 2009:
1. Two weeks ago, I severed ties with what had been a part of my identity: my acrylic nails. I’d had them about four years, and I acquired a second mother- my beloved nail tech Carol Ann. Now Carol Ann and I chat via MySpace, and I keep an extra $30 a month in my checking account by doing my own mani/pedis.
2. I cancelled by gym membership last month. I’ll start taking advantage of my apartment’s facilities. That’s more gas in my tank as well as another $70 a month.
3. With the gas prices as low as they have been, I can now cut my gas budget from $25 a week to $15- an additional $40 that gets to stay in my pocket.
Um, can we say an extra $140? That’s roughly what I need every month to get my credit card balance down to $0 in 12 months.
Aside from that, I also do some other little things to help out day-to-day. For instance, I make my own coffee and bring it in my Starbucks travel mug. I also pack my lunch- usually leftovers from the dinner yesterday- but I do keep an arsenal of take-out menus for budget-friendly places in my desk at work should I want to treat myself every now and again. I also make sure to eat healthier foods and try to take care of my body. Getting sick before I gain health insurance and paid sick time from my employer is not an option.
Here is another article that I found in the Wall Street Journal that also gives solutions to some problems, although some of the problems were kinda funky. Example: You aren’t getting enough Vitamin D. But there are some great ideas in here, like cutting the cost of your health insurance, planning for college and retirement, and even a bougie-friendly solution of how to save your amazing Jimmy Choos. Do check this one out as well:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123068308029744121.html?mod=igoogle_wsj_gadgv1&
These are just a few things that I think anyone can do. Now stop reading this, evaluate your budget, and see what kinds of things you can do to cut back. Feel free to post some comments on here of what you’re planning on doing this year to save some money!
This year, I was determined to do it differently. My boyfriend Eric and I didn’t really make any plans, so I kind of fell on my old staple: The Wine Room over on Park Avenue. The Wine Room is one of those amazing places in Winter Park where all of the up-and-coming 20-somethings rub elbows with established Gen X’ers and really hip Baby Boomers who are still 21 at heart. They play lots of music you’d hear in the club, always have a game or a UFC fight on an oversized plasma above the bar in the back, and about 100 different wines, champagnes, and beers for tasting- many samples starting at $1.25. They have an eclectic cheese selection, and have recently added a small-but-diverse food menu where prices range from about $6 to $14. The Wine Room is not your typical bar scene- everyone is pretty stylish, though there is no dress code. You might see some MILF once and a while dancing to the music with a pretty good wine buzz, but you’ll never see anyone obnoxiously drunk and puking. The service is amazing, and there isn’t much turnover so you really get to know some of the staff. Kevin is by far the most attentive and knowledgeable wine lovers I’ve ever met- Meet him! This is really one place where you can come with $5 and have a wonderful time with friends, or a romantic night with your sweetie.
Eric and I did find some parking right on the street on Park. The Wine Room wasn’t arm-to-arm crowded with people- which was a relief considering that was my deciding factor in not going to Downtown. There weren’t really any specials going on except for a few glasses of wine or champagne, but they didn’t charge a cover. As always, the place didn’t disappoint. I had ordered the Black and Blue wrap since they were out of smoked salmon needed for the appetizer I really wanted. The $11 wrap looked like a meal for two, and the server just chuckled as she apologized for making it too large (a friendly group of party-goers sharing the table top with us ordered the same thing after I raved about it, and theirs was the same size as well). Once I went to clear my tab I had seen that I wasn’t charged for the ginormous wrap. I called the server’s attention to point it out, but she said not to worry about it.
My total for the night? Most people probably spent about $30 just to get in a club, at least $10 for drinks if you were tipping your bar staff should the drinks be complimentary, and paying for parking. I paid under $20 for two glasses of champagne, a huge wrap that Eric and I had to share, plus the large tip I left the waitress who let the food slide.
A few minutes to midnight the plasma was changed to something being hosted by Ryan Seacrest, and the bar staff started passing out free glasses of champagne to anyone they could get to. It was great to finally be amongst all the people, anxiously awaiting the 10-second countdown, the excitement so think and infectious that you find yourself gripping that champagne flute with a smile so big it looks like a Chelsea grin. We all shouted in unison and clicked glasses. And yes, I finally got my kiss at midnight.
Eric asked me in his cynical fashion, “What’s all the commotion about with New Years anyways?” I just shrugged, but I guess it really is like what that drunk chick says in Forrest Gump: You get to start all over, everyone gets a second chance. Maybe this means that 2009 will be the year that it all gets turned around.
Resolutions
The Holidays have been pretty great. Since I don’t get breaks from work the way I did when I was in school, I’ve come to think of the days that the office has been closed as Winter Break for working people. Today is New Years, so the world has stopped functioning so that it can recover from one-too-many glasses of champagne. And what’s the best thing to watch when you’re home from work?
The Price is Right!
Eric had made some pancakes and put on a pot of coffee, and I enjoyed the morning of getting to sleep in a bit and read a book before climbing out of bed. The PIR was on, so its mandatory that it gets watched- though I’m really not a fan of Drew Carey taking over Bob’s place. I secretly think that everyone feels the same way I do. Although I will say that some people might find Drew a little more useful. For instance, one of the contestants won her way up to the stage, barefoot no less, and used Drew’s shoulders as a pogo stick while she bounced around. That would never happen with Bob! He might punch you out, Happy Gilmore style. Say it with me now: “The price is wrong, bitch!”
Along with the obvious change in tone that Carey brings to the table, the announcer’s speeches have changed as well. When he was describing the trip to Paris as part of the showcase showdown, he said this little gem: “Do you like French Toast? Do you like French Fries? Do you like kissing people with your tongue?”
Ugh. Something that NEVER would have been said with Bob.
Anywho, I found this great article yesterday:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/12/30/o.can.you.afford.that/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
As much as I loathe those self-help kind of people, especially the Dr. Phil types that are just telling people like it is (which any good, honest friend will do) and getting paid millions of dollars for it, I am starting to like this Suze Orman gal. I really liked how there was a situation that I could relate to: Hannah’s story. Myself being a post-grad and having tons of school-related debt, there have been many things that I’ve had to cut back on. I know the feeling of having friends who had lucked out either through their college scholarships, generous parents, or landing a well-paying job even in this economy that has helped them with their finances. Sometimes it sucks having to say, “Sorry, I can’t” when they’re inviting you to the mall, out to dinner, or even to travel.
There are some friends that offer to rent the movies if you make the dinner. Even some that envy your budget-savvy ways, and aren’t embarrassed when you pull out your hoards of coupons to make a purchase. They want to go thrift storing with you to see if they, too, can find a vintage Lacoste sweater, and don’t mind moving dinner plans up a few hours to take advantage of Cheesecake Factory’s amazingly cheap bar menu. Those are the friends that are the best.
There are those friends who tell you, “Oh, I forgot how broke you are. Nevermind then.” There are some people who will flash their new designer duds around, forgetting the fact that you’d love to buy that Spring ’09 Gucci- but the rent, the electricity, the cell bill, and the student loans are all due that week and its going to eat your paycheck alive. And those are the friends that I’ve gladly cut my ties with.
That’s only one thing that I’ve done to set myself up for a successful year. Aside from surrounding myself with good people, I’ve made the resolution to have my credit card debt paid off in 12 months. I’ve started this 2 months ago, and so far I’ve paid the amount necessary every time.
And like everyone else, I’ve vowed to cut back on a few things in 2009:
1. Two weeks ago, I severed ties with what had been a part of my identity: my acrylic nails. I’d had them about four years, and I acquired a second mother- my beloved nail tech Carol Ann. Now Carol Ann and I chat via MySpace, and I keep an extra $30 a month in my checking account by doing my own mani/pedis.
2. I cancelled by gym membership last month. I’ll start taking advantage of my apartment’s facilities. That’s more gas in my tank as well as another $70 a month.
3. With the gas prices as low as they have been, I can now cut my gas budget from $25 a week to $15- an additional $40 that gets to stay in my pocket.
Um, can we say an extra $140? That’s roughly what I need every month to get my credit card balance down to $0 in 12 months.
Aside from that, I also do some other little things to help out day-to-day. For instance, I make my own coffee and bring it in my Starbucks travel mug. I also pack my lunch- usually leftovers from the dinner yesterday- but I do keep an arsenal of take-out menus for budget-friendly places in my desk at work should I want to treat myself every now and again. I also make sure to eat healthier foods and try to take care of my body. Getting sick before I gain health insurance and paid sick time from my employer is not an option.
Here is another article that I found in the Wall Street Journal that also gives solutions to some problems, although some of the problems were kinda funky. Example: You aren’t getting enough Vitamin D. But there are some great ideas in here, like cutting the cost of your health insurance, planning for college and retirement, and even a bougie-friendly solution of how to save your amazing Jimmy Choos. Do check this one out as well:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123068308029744121.html?mod=igoogle_wsj_gadgv1&
These are just a few things that I think anyone can do. Now stop reading this, evaluate your budget, and see what kinds of things you can do to cut back. Feel free to post some comments on here of what you’re planning on doing this year to save some money!
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