:(

The sideways emoticon embodies everything I'm feeling at this very moment. I am so tired of smiling, all I can do is lay on my side and frown. It was a pretty decent Friday night before a big game. I don't know if it was because I wasn't wearing my 20%-tip earrings or if it was because it was Friday the 13th but people weren't tipping. And THAT is contagious.

This isn't uncommon though. There are always a couple days in the month where everyone who sits in my section decides to tip the minimum, if at all. And I am 100% sure that it's not me. I was giving away smiles like condoms at a free clinic and making jokes to make the table laugh to divert them from their appetizer's late arrival. I even gave chopstick lessons... Deep breath

After a busy night, when tips are particularly bad, not even the smoothest tequila can kick the aches away. I have to turn down invites to late nights in favor of retreating back home to some sweats and bad TV. Besides, by the time I'm done with side work and clock out, I'm already several drinks behind the crew. I don't like to play catch up.

The night looks a lot less appealing when you go out tired, irritated, and sober. The stumbling dudes aren't as funny, the music isn't as bumpin', and the pizza slices aren't as gourmet. Sheesh, hope next weekend is better!