Birthday Party

Swung by Justin and Howard’s place to help celebrate Michelle’s birthday. To be honest, I was a bit nervous about the whole thing. I didn’t really know anyone there, and wasn’t entirely sure whether Justin or Howard would be in attendence (turns out they were both off elsewhere, each one with his own prior obligations).

I just met Michelle a few days ago, and the prospect of being thrust into a big group of folks I didn’t know was a bit daunting (I’m not exactly the most extroverted guy in the world, in case you haven’t noticed). But I’m so glad I just dove in, because I had a blast, had some fun conversations, and met a bunch of cool, new people.

There was a big group of folks gathered around the back table, and I pulled up a chair and joined up. Everyone was either working on a margarita or sinking a beer, and we did this for a good while. Let’s see if I remember names – I met Ann, Kimberly, John, Tara, Josh, Emily and… ah dang. Forgot one I think. The drinking didn’t help with the memory much.

A shot of the R2D2 and Chewbacca cutouts that apparently have followed Ann and Michelle from apartment to apartment.

Everyone hung around outside until about midnight. And then we all moved down the street to Inner Town for a few more drinks. Josh and I ended up bonding a bit, and discussed cigars and scotch and shot some pool. He’s quite good, actually, and unfortunately I had a pretty poor showing tonight.

A round of birthday shots.

We ended up darn near closing down Inner Town, and headed back near my neck of the woods to go to Nick’s on Milwaukee. Once there, what little good jugement I had kicked in and I excused myself for the night.

I did end up taking a few photos from tonight, along with some video. But I feel a bit weird about posting that on here. I just met a lot of these folks tonight for the first time, and though I don’t think they’d mind… it seems a little bit invasive to just post them up. My friends who know about the blog are used to my constant picture-taking and, really, have no choice in the matter. But posting up pics of folks I just met… doesn’t quite feel right to me. So I’m holding off.

Great great time tonight, and really enjoyed the various conversations I had throughout the evening. Tonight was one of those remarkably positive social interaction experiences that I need to remember, the next time I get all hermetic and reclusive.