Awesomeworld

Saturday - March 7
Dinner plans with friends

The players

Stacy: The ever-bubbly, glass half-full one. Mother of two, her ex-husband used to be part of the second circle back in the day. (not pictured as someone had to snap the photo)

Helena: 4'11" of piss and vinegar. Single mom who works 6 days a week slinging drinks.

Traci: Once upon a time, the other half of "Stacy and Traci" (or the reverse order as well, there was no hierarchy). Now a Mrs. and mom to three.

Carlos: Once, the other half of "Carlos and Stacy". In a bizarre turn, now the other half of "Carlos and Traci". Father of three.

Rich: Long-time member of the inner circle. Has really come into his own since marriage and fatherhood (triplets! YIKES) The sole inhabitant of Awesomeworld, where everything just seems to work out. Thanks to Mark for the nomenclature. (not pictured as he had not arrived yet)

Mark: Long-time member of the second circle. A tragic hero.

And me, your humble narrator.

Traci and Carlos live up in Wisconsin, about an hour or so North. Stacy and Helena live about 45 minutes south. Rich and Mark are both about 45 minutes West.

Since the previous outing was near my neck of the woods (do woods have necks?), this adventure took place out West.

Stacy and Helena were carpooling, and I was picked up on their way as their route took them past Chez Moi. Rich and Mark were unable to attend dinner but met up with us after for drinks.

Dinner was at "Cheeseburger in Paradise", which was surprisingly busy for having such mediocre fare. I opted against margaritas, preferring my tequila sans sweeteners and lime.

For cocktails we relocated to a place called the Bad Monkey (which is trying hard to be Coyote Ugly, complete with the barmaids dancing on the bar). They had karaoke! (Honest, we didn't know) So, of course, I had to have a go, singing Jenny: 867-5309.

Then, for reasons unknown to me, the group relocated yet again to Boogie Nights, where the ladies danced and the men alternated between chatting and stomping on the dance floor like so many of Frankenstein's monsters.

All in all, a good time was had.

Post script: the coffers are bare and the job search begins in earnest tomorrow.