Just got home from my planned party... didn't turn out quite as planned, but it was super-fun none the less.
First off, the numbers [for guest attendance] weren't all that. I understand people lead busy lives, not everyone can participate all the time, there was a men's "retreat", etc. However, the least I'd expect from most would be an RSVP of sorts, albeit a quick apologetic call, rather than simply no clue as to who's where or what... Perhaps I'm simply an "above and beyond the call of duty" pal, because I'd certainly make every effort to attend a friend's gathering, even if only for a smidgen of time. Otherwise I'd be sure to call, offer my best wishes, and apologize for schedule conflicts...
Ok, I'll step off my rant. I just had to get that off my chest!
Second, the movie was sold out (until 9) so the schedule got thrown off a bit: Mall, Dinner, Movie...
René met up with us [Alicia, Nich, and I] at OMSI only to hop back in cars and head over to Clackamas. Alicia had to exchange some maternity pants and the rest of us had our hearts set on Old Navy. I scored hardcore at Old Navy this round: I got the best scarf ever (...ok so a close second to my 'River Plate/Ramiro gift' scarf set), fun christmas socks, a kitty bandana (meant for a dog, but I don't know what self-respecting dog would ever be caught wearing kittys), and some stripey socks of course!
After shopping we said goodbye to René (she had a small window of time, and had planned on attending the movie only) and headed on over to the Old Spaghetti Factory to catch up with Ape and a yummy dinner. We all had cheesy-garlic bread, bread with garlic butter, and salad with their creamy pesto dressing. I had a Kahlua Coffee Smoothie, Spinach Tortellini a la Homer, an iced tea, and spumoni ice cream... phew! I'm still sorta full!
The girls made sure the waitstaff knew it was birthday and they could feel free to embarrass me as much as possible (yeah, right!) So, they had me stand up (for some reason... they blamed large parties, all the tables around us in our nook were removed after we sat down, so there was a rather large empty space) and boogie a bit, then they introduced me to the masses and invited strangers and all to sing to me! *blush, curtsy*
April said her farewells, and we were on our way back to OMSI to sit in mass line for the movie!
Now I'm home... and ready for bed!
scribbled by manky @ 0:57:03 
this has been a birthday, friends, soapbox rant entry
There used to be an *Old Spaghetti Factory* here in Boston...sadly, it is gone. It was a good, cheap place to eat, and I miss it! :-(
---
Happy Birthday, girl! :-)
