Went out to dinner on Friday with some friends to a Mexican restaurant in the area. This one is known for cheap and really good food – and for helping celebrate birthdays by slamming a sombrero on someone’s head and smashing a pie in their face. One of my friends was having a birthday this weekend and he told us in no uncertain terms that he would not allow that. And would, in fact, walk out if someone tried it. We kept an eye on the kitchen in case the word slipped out and though there were a couple other groups that got “sung at”, we escaped unscathed and had a nice dinner.
Afterwards, the crew went back to my place to hang out and have some dessert. I fixed some cheesecake in cupcake cups with raspberries and chocolate sauce. Turned out pretty good.
On Saturday, I got a little sun and then went to a game night with some friends. The food was awesome and the company was good. I spent a chunk of the time entertaining – and being entertained – by the kids. My job was to set up the blocks for an angry birds board game and the kids would then knock them over. Sometimes this was with the included catapult, but usually it was by them kicking the board as they went past on some other adventure. It was a lesson in futility. After we did that for a bit, a few of the adults played Mahjong. I watched and decided that – once again – they were making up rules as they went along.
That evening, with a little help from a friend, I thoroughly finished Lego Batman 2. I managed to complete the game to 100% (all gold bricks found, all characters unlocked, etc.) on my own, but needed some to play along with me to get the co-op achievement. Once we played one level, I had all the achievements and was named a “Complete Hero”. It did a world of good for my OCD.
On Sunday, I went to give blood in the afternoon. The technician that did the history was bordering on rude. She kept going over questions of my identity like I was trying to hide something. It was odd and annoying. She almost snapped at me when I asked her to repeat a question and I wondered what I’d done to get on her bad side – but after seeing her interact with the rest of the crew I realized she might not have a good side.
The tech that handled my donation was much better. I was once again complimented on my veins and had no problems with my double-red donation. And as a bonus, I got a Best Buy gift card for $5.00. Which won’t actually buy any thing at the store – perhaps a candy bar and soda – but will help with an eventual game purchase.
That evening, another dinner out for my friend’s official birthday celebration. The server was amazing and we told her so – and I then I asked to see a manager to pass along the compliment. He was surprised and pleased at our praise – and paid for dessert. Unexpected, but very nice.
So, a busy weekend with a lot of really good food and great weather.