thursday:
Out to McKirdy’s at night with Aaron and the workmates for a lovely meal. A few of us are going to go back on payday, we really love that place. Highlights included:
– Aaron being the only one of 14 who ordered a starter – he wisely cancelled it after realising this.
– Darren and Richie mis-interpreting BYOB by bringing bottles of beer, only to be told they couldn’t drink that cheap pish in a restaurant.
Off to the Traverse after that, Steve and I realising that the pollen count was particularly high in there as our hayfever kicked in. Everyone got pretty well lubricated and the bitchy work chat ensued which is always good. Gerry and I valiantly marched to Opium at 2am, the birthday boys being the only ones left carrying on drinking. We lasted for one in there before calling it a day. Home to crash fully clothed.
friday:
Slept a considerable amount of time before deciding to get up and do something – this mainly involved making cups of tea and eating bacon rolls. The day was a quiet one really, but it did get amusing when I realised I owed someone 50 quid which had to be paid that night and I didn’t have my bankcard (long story). Spent an hour or two frantically running around Edinburgh trying to get hold of someone who could lend me the money during which time I felt like I was in Run Lola Run. It all sorted itself out in the end though, as these things always do.
Seeing as no-one else was coming out decided to be a lone warrior and head to Evol. Spent the night in the back room with my bandmates Ryan and Nathan, who were playing all sorts of ROCK. Fended off punters who were requesting non-rocking stuff like Joy Division and MBV for all we were playing was ROCK, none of that other pish (that just happens to be advertised on the flyers…).
Because of this I am getting a chance to spin some discs in the back room on Friday.
saturday:
The big day, twenty six years old. I could hardly get out of my flat that afternoon for the abundance of cards stuffed in sacks out in the hallway.
Card Count: 0
No human contact all day until 6pm when my legendary workmate Steve Flower came round and the two of us headed up to the Pear Tree to sit in the sunshine. Had a birthday Budvar with Steve before two friends of his showed up. Had a giggle with them and traded amusing stories before they headed off to Negociants where they had a table booked for 7pm. This left the birthday boy on his own…
Luckily P Moseley showed up about 15 mins later bearing gifts and my first card of the day. A special thanks goes out to P for The Blackout and Mondo Generator, plus a special little frog.
From there it was on to Dial where we waited for about 20 mins before ‘Mr Late’ showed up bearing a gift wrapped in newspaper. Thankfully the gift more than made up for this, cheers Mr Bell it’s fucking great! Comedy moment involved the realisiation that instead of a Soup of the Day, they actually have a Soup of the Moment. Feeling slightly mischievous I decided to enquire as to what the Soup of the Moment actually was, while trying to keep a straight face. Obviously I failed to hide my amusement and we were rewarded marvelously when the waiter replied, “Carrot and Coriander… Yeah, it’s a bit poncey”. Nice one my son.
Pity the meal was pish! Aaron, you can elaborate in a reply if you want… all I will say is the chicken livers were slightly rich…
Card Count: 1
Spent far too long wandering around aimlessly after that, looking for friends and bank machines with money. During this gap in the night we amused ourselves by adding random items to my ever-increasing ‘party pile’ which already included a spoon we had procured from Dial. On to The Egg after that where the night really kicked in thanks to some disco biscuits. Lots of dancing, much hilarity and a nice little trip to Paul’s ended what turned out to be successful night.
Postscript:
Perhaps the most touching part of the night came when Rosy presented me with a card that had been made by a young girl she babysits for. Imagine if you will pictures like these and you’re halfway there. Emblazoned across the envelope was the charming message, “Stu! Happy Birthday I hope you get eaten” complete with colourful scribblings. And inside was a nice little card that opens the wrong way (which I loved btw) complete with a crayon drawing of yours truly. Ah, how sweet…
Final Card Count: 2
13-Aug-03 at 2:23 pm | Permalink
errr. Make that 3. I’m down on sat. ; ) more later. Once I remove myself from callcentre purgatory.
13-Aug-03 at 3:26 pm | Permalink
> McKirdy’s…lovely meal
Best steak of my life, honestly. After being disappointed last time I realise the key is to splash out on the fillet steak, just go for it. Was quite wasted by end of Thursday.
Spent post-work Saturday rushing around visiting the Rob/Fraser/Marlyn family collective and trying to get to Dial on time. I still think the Gorgie Dalry Daily wrapping paper was lovely : )
Dial food was OK, if not exactly healthy portions. The quivering plate of barely-cooked offal that Stu put away was particularly unhealthy.
Sat night was a bit hectic. The burgh is busy beyond belief at this time of year. Lovely atmosphere though, bit like being on holiday. Hot as hell too. Managed to lock meself out of my flat for extra comedy – thankfully Stu provided me with my spare keys. Caught 3 hours sleep before the Sunday adventure – great!
13-Aug-03 at 3:46 pm | Permalink
OMFG! Stu happy birthday. Whats your address and i will put together a very interesting package for you…what could that mean?