Da Goddess

Early Holiday Celebration

Dinner with a friend last night was wonderful.

Our friend Jim came by. We exchanged hugs and presents, made some last minute changes to our dinner plans.

Jim had driven past Outback Steakhouse on the way over.

Well, you don't have to ask me twice to go there! That's one of my favorite places - I like steak! Not many other choices nearby for meat and potatoes kinda meals. Not since we moved away from Stuart Anderson's Black Angus.

So, off we went to get our Holiday dinner in a couple days early. I just barely remembered to give Jim a book for his flight back to New Jersey. But, after a trip back in the house, book in hand, we headed out.

After inhaling my first drink (I was thirsty, okay?), we were quickly seated and ready to order. Our waiter, the dreamy Jon Favreau/Vince Vaughn Swingers-ish Matt, took our orders and ran them back to the kitchen. Amazing, really. Considering he did this from a crouched position.

I've never had a bad meal at Outback. Ever. Last night, though, I just couldn't stomach the prime rib. It didn't feel right on my tongue. I don't know what it was...the taste was nice...but the feeling wasn't. Poor Matt. He looked crest-fallen when I told him. He wanted specifics. I couldn't come up with the words at first. Finally, I told him his meat wasn't palatable for some reason. Oh, yeah. Try telling any man that his meat's not palatable and see what happens!

The manager brought out my replacement meal - a nice steak. I don't remember what kind. All I recall was being in heaven from the very first bite.

While we were eating dinner, Jim got a mini-review of the book I gave him to read. He's under strict orders to read it and bring it back within 30 days' time. Otherwise, I'll be forced to beat his ass. I will, too. He's one of those men with whom you constantly have to prod them to accomplish things. In the course of our friendship, it's become a given.

Anyhow, our delightful waiter and delicious food left us all in good spirits last night. I needed something grand to kick start the next few days as I'll be working every night of the Holidays. Christmas in the hospital is never fun (unless Santa's there to keep you company), and it's not fun to be the one working - especially when one has kids of one's own...but that's how it is in nursing. Sometimes you have to be there.

So, that's where I'll be in a few hours. The next three days will be spent with other people's children and other people's parents. If I don't get a chance to tell you in time, I wish each and every one of you a warm and wonderful Christmas!