3-OH YEAAA
I'm a big Debbie-Downer when it comes to birthdays. Yes I'm one of those annoying people who doesn't like the spotlight of the birthday celebration, odd given my nature of being an accused attention junkie. I cringe when the obligatory monotone birthday song is sung by many a well meaning, yet sonically challenged coworker (though I do much enjoy the obligatory Costco chocolate cake -- YUMMO). I think it's rooted in yet another one of my many OCD's where if I think something's going to go bad, then it'll probably turn out good. For example, back in high-school, I used to think the world would end if I didn't turn the TV to channel 13 before I went out the door. Hey Doc, I'll have an order of Zanax with those fries please!
Summer is a busy time with my friends and I, given that the majority of us celebrate our birthdays during this time. I have the lofty task of being the first summer birthday, so there's some pressure to start off the birthday season with a bang. This year proved to be no different. I decided that for the big 3-0, I wanted to get the hellz out of Dodge and fly to the Hoo-Ray Area. Here's a rundown:
To thoroughly prepare Mr. Liver for the ethanol he was going to help me metabolize for the weekend, my friends who weren't going to be able to go up North with me (namely, Sonny, Daisy and Carlene) decided to treat me at one of my favorite restaurants: Morton's Steakhouse. I had a the Cajun Ribeye, medium-rare, (cuz well-done is for suckers) and I must say that it was AWESOME, even moreso after my 4th Jameson and Gingerale. We then decided to take the party to an even finer establishment, Tequila shots at the great TGI Fridays! Well after that, let's just say that Mr. Liver took a break that night and passed the torch to Mr. Toilet. Thanks Mr. Toilet!
The next night, attendance at my first ever white party (a party where you have to dress up in all-white clothes) at Farenheit in San Jose was planned. I didn't wanna look like a newb at the party, so I decided to do some research on YouTube, and try to copy the look of the Backstreet Boys in the I Want It That Way video (yes I'm officially a loser). Surprisingly, I found an outfit that was halfway decent, and so did most of the folks that we rolled with. Somehow, we looked like some sort of troupe of Filipino singing waiters, but we still looked cool IMHO. I was a bit gun-shy to drink that night and it paid off in spades - Look Ma, no hangover!
The next night, we took a ride on a party bus. For those of you not in the know, a party bus is essentially a chartered bus that chauffeurs you to and from a couple clubs all the while drinking en route. It's like drinking in your car, except without that pesky DUI (and no, http://www.ephmaniago.com/ does not condone that type of behavior kids). I was a little skeptical that I'd have a good time, because when we set off, I was already feeling sick. Not the good 'ol fashioned drunk sick your Dad's used to, but carsick, blehh. After shooting back a few, my calms were feared and a fun time was had by all.
In the end, whether your drinking at TGI Fridays, on a bus, or while dressed in white, the result is almost always the same =)
On my real birthday, Rach and I decidedly did something we were much better at than drinking ... MOUNTAIN CLIMBING - sike, eating of course. Rach made reservations at the often-hyped Crustaceans in Beverly Hills. According to their Website, an ambiguously "elegant" dress code is enforced, which pretty much means you're at the mercy of the maitre de as to your social status. It's retarded I know, but I sported a phatty tie and washed the Prius (it apparently worked). As for their food, they're renowned for their crab, prawns and garlic noodles. My review? Pretty yummeriffic, but not for the steep price. I'd say that you could probably get the same quality seafood for a 1/3rd of the price at Sam Woo's. At least for dessert we got one of those molten-lava chocolate cakes made gratis by Rach asking if it came with a candle. Always a recommended way to end any alcohol-fueled, milestone, era-ending, birthday weekend.
Even though I talk a pile of dookie about turning 30, I've come to terms with it. At this point in my life, I've been blessed beyond measure with what I've achieved academically/professionally, I'm surrounded by friends and family who love and support me, I own my own house, and I tricked Rach into marrying me ... muah ha ha ha! I'm truly looking forward to this next chapter in my life and even though I might not be doing any more partying on a bus, I'm sure it'll be fun nonetheless.
Thirty-something, here I come!
Summer is a busy time with my friends and I, given that the majority of us celebrate our birthdays during this time. I have the lofty task of being the first summer birthday, so there's some pressure to start off the birthday season with a bang. This year proved to be no different. I decided that for the big 3-0, I wanted to get the hellz out of Dodge and fly to the Hoo-Ray Area. Here's a rundown:
To thoroughly prepare Mr. Liver for the ethanol he was going to help me metabolize for the weekend, my friends who weren't going to be able to go up North with me (namely, Sonny, Daisy and Carlene) decided to treat me at one of my favorite restaurants: Morton's Steakhouse. I had a the Cajun Ribeye, medium-rare, (cuz well-done is for suckers) and I must say that it was AWESOME, even moreso after my 4th Jameson and Gingerale. We then decided to take the party to an even finer establishment, Tequila shots at the great TGI Fridays! Well after that, let's just say that Mr. Liver took a break that night and passed the torch to Mr. Toilet. Thanks Mr. Toilet!
The next night, attendance at my first ever white party (a party where you have to dress up in all-white clothes) at Farenheit in San Jose was planned. I didn't wanna look like a newb at the party, so I decided to do some research on YouTube, and try to copy the look of the Backstreet Boys in the I Want It That Way video (yes I'm officially a loser). Surprisingly, I found an outfit that was halfway decent, and so did most of the folks that we rolled with. Somehow, we looked like some sort of troupe of Filipino singing waiters, but we still looked cool IMHO. I was a bit gun-shy to drink that night and it paid off in spades - Look Ma, no hangover!
The next night, we took a ride on a party bus. For those of you not in the know, a party bus is essentially a chartered bus that chauffeurs you to and from a couple clubs all the while drinking en route. It's like drinking in your car, except without that pesky DUI (and no, http://www.ephmaniago.com/ does not condone that type of behavior kids). I was a little skeptical that I'd have a good time, because when we set off, I was already feeling sick. Not the good 'ol fashioned drunk sick your Dad's used to, but carsick, blehh. After shooting back a few, my calms were feared and a fun time was had by all.
In the end, whether your drinking at TGI Fridays, on a bus, or while dressed in white, the result is almost always the same =)
On my real birthday, Rach and I decidedly did something we were much better at than drinking ... MOUNTAIN CLIMBING - sike, eating of course. Rach made reservations at the often-hyped Crustaceans in Beverly Hills. According to their Website, an ambiguously "elegant" dress code is enforced, which pretty much means you're at the mercy of the maitre de as to your social status. It's retarded I know, but I sported a phatty tie and washed the Prius (it apparently worked). As for their food, they're renowned for their crab, prawns and garlic noodles. My review? Pretty yummeriffic, but not for the steep price. I'd say that you could probably get the same quality seafood for a 1/3rd of the price at Sam Woo's. At least for dessert we got one of those molten-lava chocolate cakes made gratis by Rach asking if it came with a candle. Always a recommended way to end any alcohol-fueled, milestone, era-ending, birthday weekend.
Even though I talk a pile of dookie about turning 30, I've come to terms with it. At this point in my life, I've been blessed beyond measure with what I've achieved academically/professionally, I'm surrounded by friends and family who love and support me, I own my own house, and I tricked Rach into marrying me ... muah ha ha ha! I'm truly looking forward to this next chapter in my life and even though I might not be doing any more partying on a bus, I'm sure it'll be fun nonetheless.
Thirty-something, here I come!
