Ground Control

Home from work and in my pajamas by 6pm.

Bliss.

Now before you think to yourself Oh dear, not even 30 and she's living the life of a retiree please understand: I'm so happy to be in my pjs at 6pm because I was out until almost 3am last night and got a whopping total of 2.5 hours of sleep. On a Monday night.

You see, yesterday was the inimitable Chow Yun Smut's birthday and we celebrated at Ground Control, my new favorite spot for alternative karaoke. Seriously, when have you ever heard Cartman's version of Come Sail Away, Suffragette City, The Rainbow Connection and Gay Bar all at the same karaoke night? That's right, you haven't!

Teece, Tag and I arrived bearing bukkupcakes (that's a story for another time) and gift cards to make our long-overdue first appearance at GC. With the exception of the cover and the fabulous & heavy-handed bartender, Ground Control feels more like karaoke in your best friend's basement than it does a Nightclub. Friendly and talkative people, laid-back vibe, and much general silliness (and cowbell).

Of course, the one person I couldn't manage to strike up a conversation with was the cute and vaguely mysterious guy who was sitting a few stools down from me at the bar. He struck me as a cross between Ferris Bueller and Elvis Costello (I know that doesn't sound like a good thing but trust me, it was). We did lots of eye flirting but never managed to exchange more than a few words. Since he started to leave right after he sang, I scribbled my name and number on a song request slip and pressed it into his hand with the explanation that I'd love to have the opportunity to talk to him in a slightly quieter environment. My boldness was rewarded with a big smile; we'll see if it's followed up by a phone call.

Since it was CYS's birthday and I know how she likes people to make asses of themselves on her behalf, I crossed another thing off my 101 in 1001 list and sang Out Tonight from Rent. Considering the fact that it had been a good two years since the last time I attempted that song, it went pretty well. Next time, though, I'll make a point not to wreck my voice by spending the hour and a half before I sing screaming and cheering.

Also, I will have more Jack Daniels first.

Teece had everyone wishing they'd brought their rollerskates with her rendition of Xanadu and CYS brought down the house with her flawless performance of Evanescence's Bring Me to Life. Though the party raged on, the three of us bowed out after that as we were all well past pumpkin time.

My cell phone rang super early this morning with a work crisis so I've been running on coffee most of the day, but it was worth it. Happy Birthday, Bug!