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kylorenpunk · 5 years

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Do them all. Suffer as I did 😂

Bitch I told you this was our friendship. We force each other to answer all the questions.

1. selfie

Well… I wasn’t dubbed Selfie Queen for nothing…

This one is interesting bc I have zero makeup on. The most recent ones are too blurry. A lot of my fav selfies are full faces of makeup tho.

2. what would you name your future kids?

I feel like that’s a decision for both parents but I really like the names Felicity, Isabella and Dimitri. Yes, all of them are names from various franchises I enjoyed throughout the years. Be glad I’m out of my phase where I thought Vladimir was a good name.

3. do you miss anyone?

I miss all my friends I don’t get to see frequently. Love all of y’all and hope y’all are doing well in life!

4. what are you looking forward to?

Fucking graduating. Jesus Christ it’s taken me five damn years.

5. is there anyone who can always make you smile?

From my club it’s Chris, Yara and Josephine. Also my entire friend group from back home. Honestly I love my friends so much.

6. is it hard for you to get over someone?

I feel like every situation is different so that’s a tough question to answer.

7. what was your life like last year?

I honestly don’t remember much from December of last year. It was a good time though.

8. have you ever cried because you were so annoyed?

I’m an emotional bitch. I’ll cry over anything. I cried over fucking Mulan the other day.

9. who did you last see in person?

My parents and brother. Earlier in the day my club.

10. are you good at hiding your feelings?

I’m shit at it. My face gives away everything. The other day my professor was going into her inspiration porn narrative and I just gave her a cold dead look the entire time.

11. are you listening to music right now?

No but I have the Hamilton soundtrack stuck in my head right now since that’s what I was last listening to. If you haven’t heard it I highly suggest it. Man I wanna see it so badly.

12. what is something you want right now?

Sleep but I’m trying not to throw off my sleep schedule right now and am waiting a bit before going to bed. I only got three hours of sleep last night so that’s fun.

13. how do you feel right now?

Kinda tired. Relieved that I got two service projects in a row done today. It’s been a long weekend.

14. when was the last time someone of the opposite sex hugged you?

My friend Sebastian hugged me when I dropped him off. I guess that counts.

15. personality description

I’m a makeup loving nerd who enjoys sitting in pajamas watching anime and superheros as much as she enjoys swatching EVERY lipstick in Sephora. According to my friends I can’t go 5 seconds without mentioning how old I feel and my love for Dungeons and Dragons. I’m also an asshole. (Wow this sounds like a 12 year old writing this)

16. have you ever wanted to tell someone something but you didn’t?

Yeah tons of times. It’s bitten me in the ass. Oh well live and learn I guess?

17. opinion on insecurities.

Everyone has them? If they say they don’t then they are lying. Mine is mainly related to my appearance or how I speak.

18. do you miss how thing were a year ago?

I miss how things were in the beginning of this year. It started off strong then kinda turned into a shit show.

19. have you ever been to New York?

No but it’s my top thing on my bucket list. My friends and I are highly considering a trip.

20. what is your favourite song at the moment?

Of all time: Get Low by Lil Jon

Currently: “Told You So” by Little Mix (If you haven’t heard their new album I highly suggest it if you love girl groups that preach women empowerment)

21. age and birthday?

22 - June 21st (She’s a Cancer)

22. description of crush.

I don’t have a hardcore crush right now. More like 5 second crushes that are over the second they do something I don’t like.

Edit: Currently “celebrity?” crush is Nathan Sharp. I am seriously considering dropping $55 to see him at a convention this month.

23. fear(s)

Heights, something terrible happening to my loved ones, wild snakes, and the usual common anxiety fears

24. height

Five foot three inches. I’m short. Yes I know it’s not that short but tall people like to put me in the short category anyway.

25. role model

My mom’s coworker who was my internship supervisor. She has a doctorate’s in what I want to do and is amazing at what she does. The amount of knowledge and experience that women has is incredible. She is also extremely funny and knows how to teach with a sense of humor which I appreciate.

26. idol(s)

Celebrity idols? I don’t really idolize celebrities bc humans are humans and have flaws.

27. things i hate

Immaturity, intolerance of differences, demeaning slurs, The Last Jedi, and the new Fantastic Beasts movie

28. i’ll love you if…

Play with my hair, are kind to my friends and family, share common interests, show an interest in what I have to say, basically respect me and those close to me and we’re good

29. favourite film(s)

Hairspray, High School Musical, The Greatest Showman, Stardust, The Harry Potter series, Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy

30. favourite tv show(s)

Jane the Virgin, Naruto (fuck off I hate myself too ok), the first three seasons of Arrow before it turned to shit

31. 3 random facts

I’m not artistically talented but I genuinely enjoy makeup and creating looks

I have a nonverbal brother with autism and he’s my favorite person ever

I completely programmed my brother’s communication device by myself

32. are your friends mainly girls or guys?

Now my friends are mainly girls but when I lived in Tampa 90% of my friends over there were guys (Hi Mason). I’m going to say that’s bc of us all playing video games in the Delta lounge (RIP Dirty D). But yeah now it’s mainly girls and 80% of my dude friends are gay.

33. something you want to learn

Sign Language. Ice skating. Hairstyling. Fashion (I’m trying to be better about putting clothes together). Also I’m down to learn more about makeup and techniques

34. most embarrassing moment

Either farting while doing an air guitar in front of my entire girl scout troop

or signing to my friend that I liked her friend at a party and his brother repeated what I had signed out loud in front of everyone

wait. No. When I F U C K E D up in front a super hot guy while volunteering and then chose an 18 year old jock as my wingman. 18 year olds are dumbasses. Don’t use them as wingmen. Fuck you Khaled.

35. favourite subject

In grade school I think it was English or History. It really all depended on the year.

36. 3 dreams you want to fulfill?

VISIT NEW YORK

Hike the Smokey Mountains

Visit Europe

37. favourite actor/actress

Chris Evans (especially when he is trying to fight orange president on twitter)

Also Mark Hamill is perfect

38. favourite comedian(s)

I don’t watch comedians often. I guess the Fluffy guy?

39. favourite sport(s)

The only time I give a shit about sports is when my university is undefeated or playing my first university in football. Or the soccer world cup if it’s on. However I appreciate the skill it takes to do a sport.

40. favourite memory

San Antonio. It was my first time traveling without family and it was the greatest time. It was such a cool city

41. relationship status

Single - I take my sweet ass time

42. favourite book(s)

Eragon (No, I haven’t finished the entire series. No, I don’t want spoilers bc I will do it eventually.)

43. favourite song ever

“Get Low” by Lil Jon

“Look Through My Eyes” by Phil Collins

44. age you get mistaken for

Last year I got mistaken twice in a row within an hour for a middle schooler. I was 21 at at that time. During my internship one of the parents asked me if I had any kids. I’m either mistaken as a parent or as a 13-15 year old. There is no in between.

45. how you found out about your idol

N/A since I don’t have an idol

46. what my last text message says

“lmao it’s alright” to Joey but the previous one is more funny “thankfully no one threw up this time” in regards to my friend’s party last night

47. turn ons

Well I aint about to talk about my sex life so let’s go with personality

Common interests such as superheros or anime, charismatic, easy to get along with, common goals in life, cares about their loved ones, has passion, and someone I can hold an intellectual conversation with

48. turn offs

rudeness, immaturity, inattentiveness, bad tempers, superiority complex, not being genuine, judging others, treating people like objects, and general lack of care for others or themselves

49. where i want to be right now

Back in the smokey mountains in a cabin watching movies and anime

50. favourite picture of your idol

N/A

51. starsign

She’s an emotional Cancer

52. something i’m talented at

Apparently I’m good with kids Makeup too I guess?

53. 5 things that make me happy

friends, family, nerdy shit, makeup and Kakashi

54. something thats worrying me at the moment

Some shit happened last night that has me worried for some friends but I’m sure they’ll figure it out

55. tumblr friends

A shit ton of y’all I know IRL. I won’t tag y’all bc that’s annoying af

Joey’s my only internet friend @earthschampion (answer my text bitch)

56. favourite food(s)

pasta, empanadas, crab rangoons, taziki sauce

57. favourite animal(s)

Meerkats and koala bears

58. description of my best friend

K @burnitstronger: realest damn friend you will ever have. Will tell you how it is and provide never ending love and support. Never understands my dumbass shenanigans but loves me anyway. Love you boo

J : Will also tell you how it is and forces you to watch Naruto and ruin your damn life. Will happily go with you to eat junk food after class. Will fight anyone who wrongs you and is def still plotting revenge on all my ex’s. Stans Loona

M: Will scream at you in Leo in a frightening but loving way. Has the best damn fashion sense I have ever seen. Is the friend that comes by when I need her to and brings a shit ton of snacks and love (J does this as well).

59. why i joined tumblr

I was bored on fourth of July in 2012 and my friends kept telling me that this website would be fun. Also the avengers “fandom” from back then

60. ask me anything you want

I would say I’m sorry Mason but I enjoy making all my friends suffer. Make sure to give him a follow bc he’s cool. @masonjar828

#ask #me #yikes this took a long ass time

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stephhannes · 3 years

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booked and busy

sometimes when i think about dating again i’m like “how am i supposed to do this when i’m not young and hot anymore?” and then i have to remind myself that i’m 25, not dead. it’s hard to not feel behind though when everyone i went to high school with is already on their second marriage.

speaking of marriage, all of my friends got married last summer. i get that pandemic weddings suck for the people getting married- but they were great for me, because i didn’t even have the option of having to be like “haha hey sorry i can’t come i’m still grieving the loss of my wedding xoxo send me ur registry.” for future reference, i am still emotionally unavailable to attend any weddings. i don’t even really drink anymore so don’t even think about trying to lure me in with an open bar- hit me up for your second weddings, i might be ready by then.

let’s address the elephant in the room: i’ve been lonely lately. i’ve finally gotten to a point where i’m not constantly in survival mode, the last couple of years have been tough- between the whole being so sad i thought i was simply going to pass away thing and being so poor that i thought i was going to pass away thing. but i’m finally at a place where i have a little bit of time to think of other things than “oh my god am i going to be able to pay rent this month?” and the thing i’ve been thinking about is how much it sucks to come home to…just myself.

in november, i officially moved back to austin after my departure due to the pandemic. when i initially returned, i wasn’t sure how long i’d be back in austin for. my lease at my apartment ended in july, and i ended up basically housesitting for a friend. and as the paramount kept having events, i kept extending my time housesitting. and eventually i wound up with a second job.

a coworker asked if i was available for a couple-day gig and i was like “yes, i love money” and that gig has extended until now. it’s not technically permanent, but maybe if i bat my eyelashes enough i can keep working. i’ve now somehow weaseled my way into the TV industry which is hilarious because one of my favorite pastimes in college was getting involved with film bro dudes and absolutely horrifying them with how little knowledge i have of tv/film.

with the second job, i knew that i needed to find a place to live. i also knew that i still didn’t make enough money to actually be able to rent anything in this hell city without a guarantor, and as a woman that has no financially stable adults, my options were slim. and somehow- i got lucky. the friend i was housesitting for ended up actually moving out, and i just slid right in. and now look at me! the proud renter of a house! i have a backyard! i pay way too much money in rent! i love it!

i love my house. she’s uhhhh, quirky- but she’s a place to live. in november, i began the arduous process of moving all my shit from abilene back to austin, a shuffle i’ve made too many times at this point. it took three trips, but i eventually moved my wares- a desk, a nightstand, a handful of kitchen items, my clothes. for awhile, it was pretty empty in here. but it’s finally starting to fill in. i spent my first couple of weeks building flatpack ikea furniture, and eventually started scouring the salvation armies near me. my biggest dilemma was trying to find a couch.

how do people with no friends, no truck, and no money get a couch to their home? i’d find a cheap one on facebook marketplace, but would need someone to pick it up for me. i looked through wayfair, but the idea of waiting for a couch that may or may not arrive in 5-10 weeks and need two people to assemble was too much. and eventually, my neighbor was like “hey do you want my old couch? i just got a new one” and i was like “uh yes, absolutely.” shortly after that, i found a chair at salvation army for $25. and hark! there it was, finally i had a place to sit down. as they say, every desk is a standing desk when you don’t have anything to sit on.

when it came to furnishing my place, i was willing to wait for the right pieces. when i moved in, i thought a lot about the place i had in philly with nathan. if i’m being honest, i hated it. all of our furniture was black, from walmart. it looked ugly, it was uninspired, but it was functional. and sure, at that point, that’s all that mattered. we only lived there for a month, so obviously there wasn’t time to actually move in and personalize it. but still, i didn’t want to have that experience with my place. in all honesty, it’s always felt like home. even when the only thing i had was a mattress on the floor of my bedroom and a bar cart. but now that it’s starting to fill in, it’s been really great.

when jose first came to visit, he immediately was like “this place has good vibes,” and i have to agree. when i first moved out on my own after nathan died, i moved back into an apartment that i had already lived in during the before times. it haunted me. even though i had filled it with completely new furniture, in a completely different arrangement, the walls still knew too much.

sometimes it’s lonely living by myself. i’ve always had a roommate and this is my first time where i’m just coming home to me. i miss living with nathan. it was all the perks of living alone (not having to wear pants in shared spaces, being able to be awake at stupid hours of the night) with the addition of the warmth of being able to come home to a partner. to be able to say “hey, i’m at 125th right now, i’ll be home soon,” and have someone excited for my arrival. to not have to stress about doing all the chores because someone else was there to lighten the load. to have someone to reel me in when i start spiraling before bed.

i had to have a weird conversation with myself when it came to hanging up pictures on my wall. i have pictures with all of my favorite people, which obviously includes pictures of nathan and i had to take a moment to ask myself “does seeing his face every day still make me happy?” when i try to make myself sad, i’ll go through all the pictures of him on my phone. and for a period of time, catching the glimpses of us hanging on my wall would put me in a weird mood. i ended up leaving the pictures up. i hate thinking about the day i’ll eventually take them down.

becoming a home-renter has taken a village. from my friend advocating for me to make sure i got the lease, to jose and dan coming here on the weekends to do all the stuff i just don’t have time for (yard work, knocking down wasp nests, cleaning my blinds), to everyone that’s given me furniture or other home goods. and most recently, my friends that let me live with them during the snowstorm because my home became uninhabitable because one of her quirks is that she’s impossible to keep warm!

i’ve felt so supported by my friends lately, which has been dope- but there’s still a lingering emptiness. starting next week, i’m going to attempt to fill that emptiness with 50mg of zoloft (yes, ya girl finally got an anti-depressant prescription), but realistically, i know that i’m missing having a partner.

something i’ve noticed a lot on The Apps is that dudes will put “no kids, never married” in their bio, and while i do appreciate the child disclaimer- the whole ‘never married’ disclaimer sends me on a spiral. because like, yeah i’ve never technically been married, but i feel like that’s an even worse way to try to explain my past than just being like “yes i’m 25 yes i’m a widow yes we exist,” and it’s like- why are you seeing that and addressing it like it’s a red flag? shouldn’t be a good sign that there’s been at least one person who liked me enough to want to marry me? i still haven’t worked out the best way to navigate the whole “haha yeah i’m a widow” conversation, as you can imagine, it’s A Lot to ingest.

(also, a quick side tangent- over the last few months, my blog has gotten a lot more hits, like literally thousands more than usual, and as a result of that, i’ve been getting a lot of pushback because of the way that i refer to myself as a widow even though i wasn’t married. i’ve never had to make this disclaimer to anyone that knows me in real life, because they get it. but i wanted to make a quick disclaimer to anyone that’s ever thought “lol this poor grieving woman isn’t a widow!!! i must tell her in a very rude way!!!” literally the only reason i wasn’t legally married was because nathan died before we could get married. in every other aspect, we were married. we had joint finances, we were on a lease together, but more importantly, every decision we made was with the other person in mind and with the intent of bettering each others’ lives- we were very much A Unit. being legally married doesn’t legitimize a relationship in any sort of significant way, other than….legally. the whole point of marriage is to promise to take care of someone until they (or you) die, and that’s exactly what i did. and by that merit, yeah, i do refer to myself as a widow. if you want to be technical about it, legally, no i’m not a widow…but like….get over it….are you really going to argue semantics with someone that lost their partner?)

ok so back to the hell that is Being On Dating Apps. i’ve done my time, i’ve put in my work, and when nathan and i got together i was so excited that i didn’t have to date ever again because honestly, i hate it. and now look at me, back in business.

it’s exhausting being this unimpressed by men. my arms are tired from having to carry every conversation.

i’ve talked about the first date i went on after nathan died, but the second one is truly a train wreck that needs to be witnessed.

picture this: i’m on bumble, and i start talking to this dude that’s like….pretty decent. we’re having a good enough conversation, and eventually he’s like “hey! let’s get lunch this week” and like an unsuspecting fool, i said yes. so we go to lunch, and once again, things are surprisingly normal. until eventually, he looks me in the eyes and says with his whole heart- “hey, i’ve gotta be honest with you. i’m actually a magician, i recognized you on bumble from in & of itself and i really just wanted to pick your brain and ask some questions about the show,” and i immediately was like “oh yeah for sure, let me run to the bathroom real quick and then we can discuss magic” and then i literally made myself disappear. i just left. poof. no trace of me to be found again.

i’ve always said that i hate magic because if i wanted to get lied to i would just do it for free by talking to a man- and boy, have i always been right.

anyway, now i live in fear of being bamboozled by a magician again.

one time i let my friend swipe through my apps for me, and she was like “you sure do match with a lot of people named nathan,” and i was like “yeah, i think it’s the trauma.” i went through a phase where i’d swipe right on anyone with any sort of commonality with nathan….like literally anything. i’d see someone that graduated from columbia and i’d be like “ok that works” or like…..i’d see a picture of someone playing a trumpet and i’d just swipe right.

i’ve tried to break myself of that habit because like, that’s not fair to the other person but sometimes i recognize those little patterns and it’s just a little reminder of how i’m still broken.

when i’ve mentioned being back on apps, sometimes people are like “omg how did you move on? i couldn’t imagine dating someone else” and first of all- bold of you to assume i’ve moved on, also bold of you to assume that it’s not totally terrifying to me. being back on apps isn’t the same thing as being in a relationship with someone else. just because i’ve been casually talking to people doesn’t necessarily mean anything substantial. it’s progress, but the thought of having to be genuinely vulnerable around someone else is hard to wrap my head around, especially now with all this additional baggage.

there have been times in my life where i’ve struggled with feelings of being unloveable. when i was in college, i was convinced that i would die alone. and a lot of the work that happened within my relationship with nathan revolved around getting me to a place where i was able to be like “i am a person deserving of love.”

i’ve had to come to terms with the fact that there are also countless other people in this world deserving of love, and i have plenty of it to offer. do i wish i was offering to nathan? absolutely, all the time. i know that my relationship with nathan is incomparable, but that doesn’t mean that i can’t go on to have fulfilling relationships with other men. right before nathan and i got together, in the time when we thought we were about to go our separate ways- we had this conversation where i was like “lol you’ll be fine, you’re about to move to new york and you’ll find someone better than me and forget that i exist” and his response to that was “shut the fuck up, do you actually believe that? i have what i have with you- even if i wanted to, i couldn’t just replicate that with someone else.” and i think about that a lot now- in the sense of i had i had with nathan, and nothing will touch that, or replace that, or compare to that- and that’s totally okay. that doesn’t take away from or negate the importance of theoretical future relationships.

i can’t say that i’m actively looking for a partner right now, but if the opportunity presents itself, i’m not opposed to the concept of dating someone. like i tweeted the other day, “i can’t believe that one day i’m going to have to be a mother figure to a straight man, yet again.”

ok cool, so that’s enough vulnerability for today- i’m gonna save the rest for my therapist xoxo

+++

the fun thing about having jobs (plural) is that instead of feeling emotions i just feel stressed. i can’t believe that i’ve finally become one of those people that has to be constantly doing something but here i am, working from 9-5 and then coming home to do chores and then scrolling through my phone while watching netflix because god forbid i allow my brain to have one single moment where i’m alone with my thoughts. some days i work from 9am to midnight and those are the days where i really don’t have any time to be alone with my thoughts. thank god!

i have been taking time to try to do more creative pursuits. i’ve been writing more- recreationally. my resolution this year was to become the most insufferable woman in the world, so i am currently working on both a screenplay and a stand-up routine. i’ve also been doing some freelance editing and social media consulting. which like…..how millennial of me to do.

circling back to the “having thousands more readers” on my blog thing i mentioned earlier, i checked my stats the other day and i’ve somehow gotten 10k page views in the last few months. i’ve been getting a lot of DMs on instagram/emails/etc from people that are like “oh my god i feel so much less alone now” which is insane.

after nathan died, i purposefully stayed away from all grief content- i didn’t want any influence on what i was feeling- especially when i started writing how i was feeling. i wanted to be able to look back on it and know that the feelings i was writing about were uniquely mine. and then slowly, i started introducing works about grief into my reading lists and i also remember having those moments of “oh!! other people feel this way!!” but, if i’m being honest, a lot of grief writing makes me cringe. i hate platitudes, i hate cliches, i hate when people try to give me unsolicited advice and i hate published collections of advice even more.

nonetheless, i keep getting asked the same question- “does it ever get easier?”

so here’s what i’ll say about that, it does.

there was a period of time in my life where i’d be awake at 4am frantically googling “can you die from a broken heart?” (spoiler alert, apparently you can). i didn’t leave my house for 9 months. i literally could not be social without having to step away to cry. it was impossible to function. everything felt so incredibly empty (and i definitely still have days where things feel meaningless), i was literally a whisper of who i used to be. and then gradually, it got easier. my chest was a little less tight, the weight on my shoulders was a little lighter, and now i probably feel the closest to “myself” i’ve ever felt.

everyone told me that the second year is the hardest, but there was a chunk of time where i didn’t even think i would make it to the second year. and then i did. and the second year has been weird (love grieving and also getting tossed into a pandemic) but it’s been better. i’ve been joking about it a lot more. which i’ve noticed a lot of people being very confused by- but to paint you a picture, one time pretty shortly after nathan died one of my friends texted me and was like “hey…..you haven’t made any jokes and i’m pretty concerned. you must really be doing terribly if you’re not joking about it” and they were right! i was doing terribly!

but i’ll leave you with this- perhaps the most egregious platitude of them all- it gets better.

but first, it’s going to be really awful.

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demitgibbs · 6 years

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Raising the Bar: Twist Toasts 25th Anniversary

In the nightclub industry, it’s rare to find a venue celebrating five years in business, let alone 25. But Twist will be doing just that on Wednesday, June 27. Owners Richard Trainor and Joel Stedman have assured me that this will be a party for the ages.

“In our wildest dreams, we never thought Twist would go 25 years,” says Trainor. “It’s been an extreme honor to be part of this community for so very long. We could have never done it without our amazing crew. But of course, we owe everything to our fantastic guests, who join us day after day, night after night from around the world. May the lights never go dim, let’s keep the party going forever.”

It sounds like the anniversary blowout this week will make a good start on that goal. Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be flowing when the doors open at 9pm. The first 200 guests will also receive a special 25th-anniversary DVD, mixed and produced by everyone’s favorite Twist VJ, Nathan P. Smith. Collectors’ items!

The evening will also feature special performances by many of the stars who have made Twist so successful over the last quarter century. Resident DJ Sushiman will provide the music for the evening, and there will be shows by the infamous TP Lords in the main room. Downstairs in the Latin Room, Josefina and cast will be bringing the laughs with La Fiesta de la Croqueta Comedy Show.

But not all the stars will be on stage Wednesday night. “We’ve always thought that no matter who you hire as entertainment, it’s really the bartenders that are some of your biggest stars,” says Stedman.

“Nathan has been with us nearly 20 years and Mario more than 10. This is a classy team that brings it every night they work. Derek started out as a bar back when I was bartending many years ago, and we’ve been working together ever since. Derek and relative newcomer David create a unique team that keeps their guests giggling all night. Aquiles started very young and has grown into a real star. Antonio and Aquiles have made a sensational team in the Bar 5 Latin Room that has proven to be super popular. We celebrate all of our great teams of bartenders that make it happen night after night.”

We sat down with a few of these superstars behind the bars.

David and Derek behind the bar

David, Cocktail Bar

What’s it been like working with Derek all these years?

Derek’s greatest quality is that he is genuine. Definitely one of a kind. I’m happy to work alongside him each week. He’s been an amazing friend.

How did you get your bartending job?

I applied at an open casting and was chosen out of many applicants. I got lucky.

How long have you been there?

Nearly seven years now.

What’s the best thing about working at Twist?

My favorite part of the job is meeting so many different people from all over. And having a family relationship with my coworkers.

Tell us something people would be surprised to find out about you?

I’m a geek but not a nerd.

Your bar is now smoke-free after 10pm. How’s that going?

Personally, it’s amazing. I’ll probably live longer. I think most people expect a nonsmoking environment. Since our bar is in the first room you enter at Twist and it’s nonsmoking, people don’t think twice about it. Twist has a place for everyone.

What’s your favorite drink to make and why?

Martinis are my favorite because you gotta put your hips into it when you shake. A perfect pour makes for bragging rights and smiles all around.

What’s the best pick-up line you’ve heard across the bar?

My favorite is, “Are you from Tennessee? Because you’re the only 10 I see!”

Derek, Cocktail Bar

How long have you worked alongside David?

Nearly five years now.

What’s that been like?

It’s been a blast. We get along so well. We have a lot of fun and we take care of each other. We’ve got each other’s back.

How did you get your bartending job?

One of our managers, John Roberts, was a friend of mine. He introduced me to Joel, who was bartending at the time, and I met Richard Trainor.

What’s the best thing about working at Twist?

The feeling of family among the staff — and getting to meet new people from around the world. I love working here!

What’s your favorite drink to make and why?

I love making Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, Long Island Ice Teas, Cape Cods, Cube Libres, and Margaritas. And opening bottles of beer!

What’s the best pick-up line you’ve heard across the bar?

So many pick-up lines! “Is your momma a chicken? Because you’re eggcellent.” “Are you sure you’re not a parking ticket? Because you’ve got fine written all over you.”

I like the funny ones that make me laugh. The really good ones will even give me the giggles when I think about them later.

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Nathan and Mario taking a break

Nathan, Video Bar

How long have you worked alongside Mario?

Almost a decade. He did move to New York for three years, but we never stopped communicating so I never really count that time apart.

What’s working with him been like?

It’s been great. There’s nothing like forming a true friendship at work and having that relationship flourish outside of work as well. When Mario and I are together behind the bar, we work really well together. And at the end of our shift, we have the best time joking and letting go of all the stress.

How long have you been at Twist?

I’ve worked here for 18 years as of June 16.

What’s the best part of working there?

I’ve grown up here. Literally. And Richard Trainor has guided me in work and in life. Honestly, he’s been one of my main supports, and that makes Twist feel like my second home. I am a very lucky man to be able to say that.

Tell us something people would be surprised to find out about you?

I’m a homebody, I live for my three Italian Greyhounds and my cat. Most people believe bartenders are wild and crazy people, but I’m the complete opposite.

What’s your favorite drink to make and why?

My favorite drink to make — and I know my fellow bartenders will not agree — is a Mojito. I love sweet drinks, and I make a killer Loaded Mojito. It goes down smooth but has a kick to it.

What’s the best pick-up line you have heard across the bar?

I have yet to hear a good pick-up line. I think when a true connection is made a pick-up line is not necessary.

Mario, Video Bar

How did you get your bartending job at Twist?

A friend introduced me to the general manager and, as they say, the rest was history.

How long have you been there?

I’ve been working for Twist 11 years.

What’s the best thing about working there?

The best part is all the great people I’ve met. I’ve made some of my best friends while here.

What’s your favorite drink to make and why?

A Lemon Drop: raspberry, blueberry, or good, old regular. They taste so good and they hit the spot. My customers seem to really love them.

What’s the best pick-up line you’ve heard across the bar?

A customer once told me he lost his keys and left his phone and wallet in the car. He said he lived 30 minutes away, and he asked if he could stay at my place until his brother woke up to bring him his spare key in the morning. [Laughs.] By closing time, he had miraculously found his keys.

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened on the job?

A friend came down to visit, a friend who said he could hold his liquor. I told him I thought he was overdoing it a bit, but he didn’t listen. He quickly went from fine to throwing up all over himself. And he made it worse by using his hands to try and hold it in.

Later, he said it was because he just had a big dinner and ate too much — and “the Fireball shots reacted to it.” [Laughs.] I think he learned his lesson.

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Aquiles (right) with his partner in pouring, Antonio

Aquiles, Bar 5 Latin Room

How did you get your bartending job at Twist?

I didn’t at first. My first attempt I was only 20 years old, so I had to wait till I was of age to be reconsidered. That’s when I went back for a second interview. I met with Richard and Joel and, despite my lack of experience, they decided to give me the opportunity and train me for two weeks in order to decide if I was qualified for the job.

How long have you been there?

Twelve years.

What’s the best part of working at Twist?

The diverse crowd of people from all over the world. And the staff also makes it great. Everyone gets along, giving it a fun and natural everyday flow.

Tell us something people would be surprised to find out about you?

I collect action figures.

What’s your favorite drink to make and why?

Long Islands. They take longer to make than a simple drink. But they require some craft, so making them can be entertaining for both bartender and customer.

What’s the best pick-up line you’ve heard across the bar?

“Are you tired? ’Cause you’ve been running through my mind all day.”

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened on the job?

Watching Katy Perry go around the entire club giving away beers to customers was pretty funny. And somehow surreal.

Twist’s 25th Anniversary Party starts at 9pm on Wednesday Jun 2 at Twist (1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach). There’s never a cover. For more info: TwistSoBe.com.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/06/21/raising-the-bar-twist-toasts-25th-anniversary/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/175109136985

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