MY BIRTHDAY


That MB knows me too, too well...

Remember MB's post to me yesterday for my birthday?  "I hope Ms. Bunny takes you out and treats you to a huge steak dinner with a truly decadent dessert. Maybe someone with blue eyes?"  Well, that's just what was planned, before I saw her post - well, except for the blue eyes part.  J   Anyway, that's exactly what happened.  We went to a restaurant called Outback - do they have those in other states?  Ms Bunny, however, insisted on wearing those gold angel wings Cadie sent to her.  I can't get her to take those darn things off!  Oh well, at least she looks good in them.

I don't usually go out to eat by myself on date nights (Friday & Saturday), because it's more crowded, and the restaurants are full of... well, people on dates.  But I thought what the heck.  And besides, I had Ms Bunny with me.  It was about 9:30 p.m. when I walked in, and I looked at the hostess who I would guess to be about 30, with light blonde hair pushed up into some sort of style.  After she greeted me, I jokingly asked if I was allowed to come in there alone.  She grinned and assured me I was, but I asked her to put me in some inconspicuous spot so it wouldn't be so obvious I was alone.  She of course didn't notice Ms Bunny. 

So she walked me to a table in the back at the end of a row, right by the kitchen.  Ah, one of those quiet spots by the kitchen.  Sure, this will be fine.  Then before I could catch myself, I blurted out, "It's my birthday, so I'm taking myself out to dinner."  So much for not trying to draw attention to the fact I was there by myself.  Believe it or not, I have no idea why I said that - it just came out.  L   The hostess again grinned and said, "Good for you!  Enjoy yourself!" and then walked away as I sat down.

This was a restaurant with atmosphere, that being the Australian Outback, and the waitresses and waiters were dressed appropriately.  Suddenly my waiter appeared from out of nowhere.  I looked up at him... and smiled.  He was a young man, maybe around 18-20, with blond hair and blue eyes.   By no means a Dr. Mike, but a fairly attractive young man nonetheless.  How on earth did MB know?  ;-)  After he gave me time to read the menu, he came back and sat down at my table to take my order.  Now don't get excited; this was something ALL the waitresses/waiters were doing.  A nice touch I might add.  I decided to really go for it, so I ordered the Melbourne - a 20 oz porterhouse steak.  I could handle it; after all, I hadn't eaten much all day, and I was wearing a new outfit with a fairly loose, hidden waistline.  This was my conversation with my waiter.

"How would you like your steak cooked?"

"Medium rare, please."  I always try to be polite to the wait staff. 

He looked at me and said, "Pink and warm in the middle?"

I hesitated for just a second, then leaned forward, looked into his eyes and responded, "No one's ever asked me that before... that would be WONderful..."

He blinked a couple times, then looked down at his order pad and began scribbling.  Finally he continued.  "House salad or Caesar salad?"

"House, please."

He then rattled off the list of dressings available, none of which were bland like I usually try to order.  I asked if the only ranch they had was the Spicy Ranch.

"Yes... but it's not really that spicy.  You just feel a little... something."

"A little something?"

"Yeah - you just feel a little... zing in your mouth after you taste it.  That's all."

I decided I was game for a little 'zing' and ordered the Spicy Ranch.  Besides, Ms Bunny would be eating most of the salad anyway.  I also had one of their baked potatoes which are stuffed with butter, cheese, bacon, sour cream and chives.  And when I was all done, yes, I ordered dessert.  A Sydney Sinful Sundae, which was vanilla ice cream rolled in toasted coconut, topped with chocolate sauce, strawberries and whipped cream.

As I was eating my dessert, many of the other customers had left by now, and my waiter was cleaning off the table across from me.  He suddenly stopped and looked at me and said, "I admire your ambition."

As I looked at him standing there with a big smile on his face, I thought to myself - so this is what it's come to... young men being impressed with me for my ambition... my ambition to gorge myself.  Whatever happened to the good old days when young men were impressed with me for my personality, my sense of humor, my sexual prowess... Oh wait, that's right, I never had that.  Well, you know what I mean.  I let out a sigh.

Then as I sat there wishing I HAD made myself put that rinse in my hair, I realized that at this stage of the game, I was fortunate to have a young man impressed with me for anything at ALL.  And I knew that on this particular day, this was the most I would get.  So I smiled back.

"Why thank you!  And I appreciate your helping me accomplish this momentous feat."

He grinned, and then went to get my bill.  After taking care of that matter, I knew if I could just stand up, I'd be okay.  It took a while, but I finally made it to my feet.  I threw my purse strap over my shoulder as Ms Bunny scampered off toward the front of the restaurant.  I painfully followed her in a slow waddle, finding her impatiently tapping her foot waiting for me as I made my way up front. 

But she was going to have to wait a bit longer, as I decided to use the ladies room before leaving.  Let me tell you, there are few things in this world that are more uncomfortable than having to peel off your bulging control top pantyhose after having stuffed yourself to the max - well, except for having to pull them back up.  **groan**  But I did it.  I was determined to walk out of that place with dignity - even if it killed me.  At least I didn't have far to go as the exit was just outside the ladies room.  I stepped out and took one last look around the restaurant, then turned and walked out the door. 

I had walked partway along the front porch toward the parking lot, when suddenly the door opened behind me and I heard someone call out. 

"Miss!"  Surprised, I turned to take a look.  And there stood the hostess - the one with the blonde hair piled up - with a big grin on her face.  "Happy Birthday!"

I felt a warm flush go through me as I realized she had run all the way out of the restaurant just to wish me a happy birthday... someone she didn't even know.  I smiled and said thank you, and she went back inside. 

I walked to my old truck and as I got in I thought to myself, as birthdays go, this day's not been too bad.  Not too bad after all...


August 28, 1999