last call...

tonight was my final shift at the restaurant... although i have plans to go in next week for a tasty meal and to pick up my tip cash, it was the final time i wore the shirt and donned the apron armed with pens, paper and a bottle opener...

it's been almost a year since i started working there... the tips have been amazing, the people hilarious and aggravating at the same time and the stories aplenty of rude or fantastic patrons... tonight was a perfect ending -- busy, great money and many sweet goodbyes... a customer surprised me with a gorgeous journal for jotting down moments of my travels... three congratulations cards almost brought me to tears... the gift of a praline, white chocolate and caramel cheesecake hit the spot after a night of hustling around...

after i billed my last table, downed my last glass of leftover wine and gave away my coveted apron pens, i walked out the door for my final jaunt home... and all i could think about was throwing out my work shoes and donating my pants to goodwill... i think i'm truly ready for my new life pursuit...