Hey, guys! Well, it's that time of year again - my BIRTHDAY! Yes, time does certainly zoom by and this year was a small, but significant, celebration that involved a dash of shopping and a huge dollop of food (courtesy of B-Boy, of course!). But instead of laboring through all the particulars of the former, I'll just focus in on the latter. So I've put together an abridged synopsis of the day's culinary events if you're at all curious. And judging from the fact that you're still reading this, I'd venture to say that you are...
The day started out early with a hearty breakfast at a well known local eatery (Roscoe's, anyone?) where I ordered my usual when in attendance: a leg, wing and two waffles. B-Boy ordered something similar that I now cannot totally recall, but it did include a waffle as well. My chicken was piping hot and surprisingly well seasoned. I say surprisingly because I don't really consider their fried chicken to be all that great, but just OK. My waffle, on the other hand, was the polar opposite as it had arrived the luke-est of warms, hovering just a hint above butter melting status. I didn't complain, though. I muscled through it. However, when I asked B-Boy about his dish, he replied with the same disappointment. Even the extra waffle he ordered after finishing the first round of waffles arrived at a bland temperature. I'm beginning to think that perhaps it may be this particular location's (they have several) issue with quality control as this is the second time he and I have had this problem with our food. At least I HOPE it's an isolated issue. Either way, we weren't going to let this influence the day and so we pressed on...
We zigzagged through the city and hit up a couple of retail spots to, you know, treat moi to some treats. Some colorful thangs and some cute thangs... You know - birthday treats. Gifts. Thoughtful gestures. Anywho, as dusk settled onto the horizon, he surprised me and pulled up to the Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park. I had never been, but the initiated already know that I'm totally down for new adventures as this particular venue has large trampolines on which you can play games like dodgeball or shoot hoops OR simply bounce around until you run out of steam. Sounds cool to me, so we went in... and when I tell you it was a madhouse in there, please believe it.
Kids running, screaming, falling, crying... Little kids, big kids, medium kids... It was ten times worse than Chuck E. Cheese! (Yes, THAT bad!) After inquiring at the front desk, we were told that general admission (the kids) would be ending soon and then it would be "adults only", complete with DJ and strobe lights. Sounded cool. Waiting around 45 minutes wouldn't be too bad, right? Well, we sat around on their hard red bleachers for about a full five minutes before hunger compelled us to give up the fight and find sustenance instead. So we made our way outta there and shimmied over to my fave spot... my birthday staple...
I remain unapologetic in my overt affection for The Cheesecake Factory as I always enjoy the food there and absolutely L-O-V-E cheesecake! I mean, this noshery never disappoints, which is why it remains my "born day" staple. Now, we had made plans earlier to go to a different restaurant, but we were so far out because of Sky Zone that it just made sense to go to CCF since it happened to be in the vicinity (#YAY! #WINNING!). And so we ate. First on the menu for me was a tropical smoothie made with mango, raspberry puree and coconut milk. #YUM
Now, we did order an appetizer - fried calamari - but it had no chance of getting its picture taken as I immediately tore into it as soon as it made port at our table. And when the main dish finally came out - a robust serving of truffle honey fried chicken over mashed potatoes and asparagus - I mean, I completely lost myself and almost forgot to document the tasty victuals before quickly disappearing from my plate. But somehow I managed to put my fork down, if not for a brief moment, to do my due diligence.
And since it was my birthday (as well as just about every other patron's in attendance that night), they brought out a complimentary mini-sundae, complete with birthday candle, and - YES - sang their version of "Happy Birthday" to me.
But who the heck goes to CCF for a sundae?! I certainly do NOT! And so my night of eats did not - COULD NOT - end there and I took home a slice of their celebration cheesecake. A layered decadence of vanilla confetti cake, strawberry/chocolate/vanilla mousses, cheesecake and cheesecake icing, it's quite a collection of confection. One that I had never tried before. But I'm so glad I did because it is sooooo good! #DOUBLEYUM!
And just look at who was able to tag along for the festivities as well! B-Boy brought my two babies to celebrate with me! He's been taking care of them while I've been in "hustle mode" and seeing them in person made my heart sing. #JOY
Yep, so my birthday this year was pretty cool. But it usually is. I made a bunch of plans prior to the day to go here and do this and there and do that, but ended up doing something more casual and laid back. And you know what? It was good. Seeing my babies? Good! Spending time laughing and yucking it up with B-Boy? GOOD! Eating good food and good dessert the entire weekend? GOOD-GOOD!
No matter what, I always ring in my birthday like it's a major holiday, even if it's just me flying solo. Life is way too short and every year/day/hour above ground is an absolute blessing. No day is promised, which is why I like to make an extra effort on my day. And besides - birthdays are fun. At least mine are.
So with an emphatic shout, I'd like to send a resounding Happy Birthday to me! Yepper! And may I have many, MANY more...
