Life beats on and so does my heart...
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Lately, I've been super ansy to get out and party. Last Friday night I bought a bottle of wine and got wasted...woo-hoo. Not exactly what I had planned. So, this weekend I decided to swallow my pride and go to a bar BY MYSELF!
Why, you may ask, is this such a big deal? Well, among some of my friends, going to a bar by yourself is somewhat...desperate and irresponsible. Or just sad...but I decided that I had to go out and brave the world on my own. Well, not totally alone..A friend of mine works at a bar on the weekends so I went to that one...felt a little secure having him around.
The bar I went to is called Hot Rods...when I first heard of it I thought it was a gay bar. When I hear the name "Hot Rods" i think of flaming penises. Maybe I've just spent WAY too much time with gay men...anyway, Hot Rods is actually based on old cars...go figure...
The first thing I did that evening was go see a Veterans' Day concert at the Performing Arts Center...one of my friends was in it. After that I got a taxi and headed towards the legendary bar. When I walked in the place was packed...I was overwhelmed because everyone seemed to be talking to everyone else. There was a dance floor and LOTS of seating which is nearly unheard of in Bakersfield. I went to the bar and ordered a Lemon Drop Martini which happens to be my favorite drink. The bartender said he couldn't make one cus he didn't have any sugar. "Oh great," I thought, "I can't even have my fave drink here." So, I settled for a screwdriver (and a shitty one at that) and sat and smoked and drank for awhile. The place really was too much and I didn't know what to do with myself. So, I checked my coat in and went downstairs to the billiards where Tom, my friend, works.
I ordered a Lemon Drop and THANK THE LORD the bartender knew how to make one. Oh...yummy...it was SOOOOO good. I was then a happy girl drinking my delicious drink. Tom came by and chatted for a bit...he ordered me some french fries...and I drank three more martinis before feeling good enough to go upstairs again.
Upstairs, there's a dance floor...I sat down for awhile then walked to the dance floor and watched people dancing. There's certainly an older crowd of people at Hot Rods and I love watching middle-aged people dance to a Vanilla Ice remix...very funny. The men don't know what to do with their arms and the women are trying their damnest to keep up with the 21 year old chick grinding next to them. Finally, a decent song came on and I let loose by myself...then a guy came up and started dancing with me...it was fun. After three more songs I got tired and attempted to order another lemon drop at a different location. He gave me something with lemon in it...but I wouldn't dare call it a Lemon Drop. Anyway, I gagged that drink down...had another smoke...and talked to a delightful married couple that had met at Hot Rods six years ago.
I made my way back to the dance floor and danced a bit more. I should tell you, before I precede, what I was wearing. I wore a black tank top with the word "sexy" on it, a black sweater zip-up jacket and black pants and my "slut walker" shoes. I had a ton of cleavege (like when do I not). I have a theory...only two types of guys hit on me at bars: black men and short hispanic guys. Hot Rods was no different. I had two very short hispanic men hit on me. And when I say short...I actually mean knome sized. Their faces pretty much were at my boob level. One guy was a pretty good dancer and was very nice. His friend (who I avoided to nearly the last dance of the night) was AWFUL and too drunk. He basically danced with his head in my boobs. I kept backing away but he kept getting closer...it was comical, it really was. When I was taking a breather earlier in the night and talking to this bitter, middle-aged woman, a black guy asked me to dance. He seemed nice and all but...I don't know...anyway, I said no and maybe later. Luckily, later never came.
I waited till closing and got a ride home from Tom. Ah, Alaska at 3am is very nice...it was clear and gorgeous. I fell asleep...smelling of martinis and smoke...
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So, my adventure into the unknown was successful. I had a good time...will I go back again...I'm not sure. I really miss Riley's and The Mint in Bakersfield...which I can't believe I'm saying since those bars are on the "crappy" section of spectrum. But, I know those places, and I know the people there. As I was sitting watching people dance I saw faces that I realized I will never see again. It really struck a cord...
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Okay, my darlings, must be off to venture into the realm of academia...imagine that, me doing homework. Smooches!