twicketface

Weekends are always enjoyable because I don’t have to be at work, but every once in a while I have a kick ass weekend. This past weekend was such a weekend.

Friday was our Valentine’s Day date. We opened presents before dinner. Marie got a teapot (not all that romantic, but kinda and also practical) and I got Nickeled and Dimed: On Not Getting By In America which I’m sure you’ve heard of. It’s a book I really wanted and I’m anxious to get started on it. Good thing I don’t have to finish the other three books I’m reading before starting it, but I think Marie will have it finished before I get to it.

We headed to Garboldi’s, an Italian restaurant neither of us has ever been to. They are only open Thursday-Sunday, so I had to make reservations the night before. I was sure it would turn out wonky, but all was perfect. The place smelled like industrial-strength window cleaner and our waitress was from another planet, but the meal was quite good. Marie and I got the only vegetarian option on the menu, fettuccini with vegetables. Any place that serves warm bread and butter is a-ok in my book.

After dinner, we went back to our place and watched The Truman Show. I basically ‘re-created’ our first date from a stunning five years ago. It was nice and I think Marie had a good time. We hit the sack early because we were both pretty tired.

Saturday morning we got up relatively early and got some groceries. Marie left for a stamping party around 10, so I ran some errands of my own. I got a planner so I don’t have to keep 15 scraps of paper with important information on them scattered on my dresser and in my pockets where I forget to look for them. I was surprised at how expensive they were. If I was more creative, I’d make my own, but I’m not. I also got some mailing devices so I can send out CDs and other items in the future. I also went shoe shopping (without incident) and found a pair that I liked. However, they were $100 which is out of the question. I spent the rest of the afternoon creating the Life of Brian, Volume III and reading more Sun magazines.

Sunday I foolishly didn’t take up Marie on her request to spend the day in bed. I know, I know, I’m a schmuck. I have this mentality that on the weekend I need to get 518 things done, which usually results in me doing what I always do (playing on the computer, watching TV and reading) and I have regrets on Monday that I ‘didn’t do anything’ over the weekend. It’s really quite foolish.

Instead, we went furniture shopping. Despite the fact that we won’t be moving to a house for 6 months, we thought it would be good to see how much dining room sets are (ridiculously expensive) and what our options are. We kicked it to Appleton and hit up 5 or 6 stores. We ended up at the store we got our couch and loveseat, which everyone says how much they like when they come to visit. We found a dining room set (table and 6 chairs) for $1300. Granted, a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a place to eat, but I think it represents more the prospects of gathering with friends/family together and sharing a meal, which is truly priceless. We did subvert the prevailing paradigm and paid for the item in full at the store and won’t get it until we move (Pay now, Buy later) so that made me feel rather good. We also found a TV stand at another store, but will wait on that until we move since they are pretty easy to find.

It was after 1:00 by the time we were done, which meant we were starving. Red Robin is a restaurant in Appleton known for their burgers, but they also offer Boca burgers too. We made our way there (after getting turned around twice – it’s a gift, it really is) and each settled on the Hawaiian burger (marinated in teriyaki sauce and served with grilled pineapple). On the way to Appleton I saw a sign for McDonald’s and it made me realize my craving for a burger. We got the Boca substitute and dug in. Lord Almighty, it was the greatest non-burger burger I’ve ever had. I had them put some raw onion on, which should be a required topping for all burgers (sorta like how I feel all bands should put out at least one all instrumental album in their lifespan. I have a lot of rules.)

Bellies full, we stopped by my parent’s house for a visit before returning home. I continued on my CD burning ways and even did some ironing during the Simpsons. Marie again proved worthy of her ruling title by offering to iron my pants while I did my shirts. I hate ironing pants. She doesn’t. It works.

This week is going to be rather busy. I’m heading to another office in about an hour to let the axe fall and also have a HR meeting tomorrow, a staff meeting on Thursday (where I have to talk and everything) and so forth.