Year 2, Day 333: Night Out with the Boys

Tonight I was planning to go out with two friends of mine. The purpose, on a Tuesday? Was to discuss the short life of our good friend Ray Metz III, who died on September 11th, 2001. As we near the sixth anniversary (OK, it's not too near, but it is near-ing), none of us can really come to grips with the life that he—and his family—were robbed of, and how none of us have really had the kind of relationship with his surviving family that we wanted to. So this was just a get together to discuss it. (Pictured, Me, wearing a "Feed Me" T-shirt and Wick, who was at dinner tonight, and Ray Metz III. The third diner, Pete, was not pictured).

Breakfast
Kashi Go Lean!
Heritage Flakes
Blueberries
Banana
Unsweetened Soy Milk
Coffee

Lunch: Russo's ($5.01)
Romaine, red pepper, red onion, feta
chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, broccoli slaw
balsamic vinegar, pepperocini

Snack
1 Extra Smokey
2 oz 50% Jalapeno Cheddar
1 Beef Jerky Stick
60 Pistachios

Dinner @ Capital Grille
3 Glasses Wine
Warm Spinach & Bacon Salad (1/2)
1 Shrimp
Calamari & Red Pepper
8 oz Steak
Mushrooms
Asparagus
3 Bites of Cheesecake with Strawberries

In four words, "I tied one on." Because of my diet, my disposition, and the fact that this was a Tuesday night in winter, this was all very surprising. Part of the reason can be simply laid at the feet of the Capital Grille's glass/stemware—most wine glasses hold 3 oz. but I wouldn't be surprised if they were pouring twice that. So if I can usually handle three glasses of wine—this was more like six (this is my estimation in the cool, headache-y light of morning). Another reason I suppose is that men don't really delve into emotional topics unless there's a little fermented grain or grape involved.

I had a great time, and it was great to be with old friends whatever the reason. I let myself go—I ate FRIED calamari, and cheesecake in the same night. Though I ordered the 20 oz steak, I ate less than half of it. I was both touched and pleased when I told the guys I was on the program and they abandoned their zeal for french fried potatoes and onion strings. Instead we got mushrooms and asparagus. YUMMY! There was a lot of food, and a lot of good times. Again, due to the alcohol consumption, I had some trouble getting up and going to the bathroom. I literally don't remember a time since COLLEGE that I had that feeling. Of course, by the time you KNOW you've had too much, it's too late to do anything but eat some cheesecake, have some decaf, a few more laughs, and get driven home. Next time we'll go out on on a Thursday or something.