Eeyore visits the bar

I just got home from my wonderfully awesome job as a bartender at a French restaurant and today was simply filled with such great material. That is what I love about my job, it's essentially social hour all day long with a little (or a lot) of booze thrown in the mix.

Today, I had the most depressing costumer yet. My friend pointed out that he was like "eeyore" from Winnie the Pooh. (I think I need to go back and watch that show. I was never old enough to actually understand the genius and social commentary of the story.)

At about 3:15 pm today, the bar was completely empty and I was essentially killing time until 4 pm when the evening bartender begins her shift. Utilizing the free time to my advantage, I began reorganizing and dusting off some of the shelves when my "eeyore" sat down at the bar. I can't remember his name, but for some reason Eddie is sticking in my mind, so that is what I am going to call him.

Eddie: "Can I have a Sierra Nevada."

Me: "Sure thing."

Eddie: "Man, this economy really sucks. I mean, it really, really sucks."

Me: "Yea, it's pretty tough right now."

I continue with my dusting as his phone rings and all I can hear is his angered voice. I have no idea who he is talking to; however, it sounds like he is speaking to a controlling wife or girlfriend.

Eddie (on the phone): I am in the Presidio. (pause) I don't know where, at some bar near my work. (pause) I'm having a beer. (pause) I don't know the name, I think it's cafe something or other. It's a restaurant.

He hangs up the phone.

Eddie (looking at the latest news headline which reads, "Clinton may receive Secretary of State Appointment) : "Clinton? She's going to be the Secretary of State. I guess she'd be good. I mean, she's better than her husband, so she'd probably be good. But, man this economy sucks."

Me: "Do you work here in the Presidio?"

Eddie: "I just started a part time job here about a week ago. I had a really lucrative contracting business down in San Bruno for the last ten years or so, but I lost it recently because of the economy. I have a lot of friends who lost their homes. Actually, I lost my home over it. Almost became homeless. Good thing I have an R.V. though. That's what I have to live out of now. I have a kitchen, bathroom, and a bedroom. But it's still an R.V. Some people have told me that I'm lucky. I don't see how that's being lucky though."

Me (trying to think of something to say after taking in this splurge of depressing news): "Not too much like luck, but I guess it's fortunate that you have somewhere."

Eddie: "Never thought this is where'd I'd be. And it's my birthday today. Can you believe it? I'm 53 and I am working as a janitor after having a successful business and going to school and getting two degrees. Um, can I have another Sierra Nevada. It's my champagne I guess."

Me: (I can't help but feel bad that this guy is actually buying another beer.) "Are you going to do anything else for your birthday.

Eddie: "No, it's just another day really. I can't believe this has happened to me."

This post is dedicated to all of those people who have been displaced from their homes as well as to those who have never known the luxury of a home in the first place. I do have sympathy for you, but I also have some advice to give: Try not to barrage the poor bartender with all the news of your desperate financial situation. If you are looking for some free drinks, it's not going to happen. Hey, I've got to make a living too. Instead, you are only going to make me feel guilty for pouring you a $5 pint when I know that we only paid about $60 for the whole keg. At least if you are going to drink, go to Costco or Bev Mo or something and buy your drinks for a more reasonable rate.