The Move
Spent both Saturday and Sunday moving Mari and myself out of our apartment with the assistance of James. Very helpful was he. When I helped Mari move out of her apartment in May, it took the two of us nearly five hours to move her out by ourselves. That was non-stop moving.

Mari, James and I took six trips to campus, averaging about four-or-five trips to load the vehicle. From the fourth floor of the apartment, taking the stairs every time, I have no problem claiming that I went up/down one hundred flights of stairs this weekend (50 up, 50 down).

For lunch we went to Abo's Pizza down Broadway just south of Table Mesa, behind King Sooper's. While their pizza is pricey, they have my favorite arcade game ev-er. The original Area 51. James played with me a little, and he was terrible. Too funny. I was shooting better than 50%! And just tearing up the game. He shot slightly less than 25%, and gave up after he died. I accidentally continued his game instead of mine, and ended up shooting both guns at the same time. I'd never done it before, and it was absolutely thrilling! I'll do that next time I get the chance, too fun. I even found a secret level I didn't know about, which surprised me verily. Unfortunately, shortly after the game reset itself - the employees of the restaurant warned me it was on the fritz. But I was a man on a mission, my main reason to go to Abo's is to play that game. 50 cents to start, 25 cents to continue. I could probably beat the game in a buck fifty, barring gun malfunctions. I hope they get it fixed, and I can't wait to get Matt to go with me to play. - One day, when I'm a grown up, with a few hundred bucks to spare, I will buy the machine to play in the comfort of my own home. Yes, really I will. - And yes, The Connection has an Area 51 machine also, but it is Site 4, and can not compare to the original. The graphics are better, but the gameplay is piss poor. It's simply not the same - though I will give it another shot next time I go bowling. - Love the Old School Area 51. - Yes, I know, I'm a huge dork. Thank you.

The Olive Garden
Went last night with Mari, James, and Lupe. Our waiter's name was Ben(tley). He introduced himself as Ben, though his name-tag indicated he was some sort of car. I got bad vibes the instant he opened his mouth, he was very, very loud. Mari suggested he might've had a hearing problem, but I think he was just an ass.

Anyway, everyone but James ordered water, he got a Diet Coke. Upon the delivery of beverages we all put in our orders. Mari got Spaghetti and Meat Sauce, James got Three Meat Ravioli which was quite delicious (everyone at the table took at least one bite of his ravioli), while Lupe got Penne and Chicken (I'm not sure of the meal's name). I ordered Fettucini Allfredo with Broccoli tossed on (alas, I am not getting my fill of Vegetables).

Our salad came, and I had him put a ton of cheese on top. So good. By the time he left, I had emptied my first glass of water. He motioned at it, and I indicated I would like a refill. He said he'd be right back with it. I finished my first bowl of salad. My water situation remained unchanged. I was merely annoyed at this point, and continued on into my second bowl of salad. Having seen Bentley twice since he offered to bring me more water, and having finished two bowls of salad while waiting. By this point I was pissed. When he came to take away everyone's salad dishes he refilled the waters around the table.

Our food came, and before long I was in need of another refill. It didn't come. I ended up having to take Mari's water, as she mooched off of James' diet coke. Most upsetting. It was no surprise that his tip was in jeopardy. The check came.

Mari had him split them up into three bills when we were ordering. One for James and her, one for Lupe and one for me. One has to wonder if my poor service was a result of this. His assessing that I, being the youngest of the party, most poorly dressed, and likely most immature, I wouldn't have money to leave him a decent tip. Therefore I was undeserving of good service. Of course, he had know way of knowing that had his service been stellar I could have left him a more than ample tip without issue.

My meal cost a grand total of $10.73. Mari and Lupe each paid with plastic. And I put in $11.00 in cash. I did not get change. And I did not put any more money down - so thoroughly disappointed in the service was I. Had he given me change, I would have been quite tempted to take the quarter and leave him the two pennies, his service was so below par.

And it's not as though he was juggling too many tables either. He was working two other tables, and helping with a party in the back. He noted my drink's status a number of times but simply failed to refill it, or send someone in his stead to do so. The waiter helping the tables near us was around more than enough for Bentley to ask for a little help. Pity.

Suddenly, I'm reminded of the Reservoir Dogs discussion on tipping. Steve Buschemie's - Mister Pink doesn't do it unless his service is exemplary, yet it's almost expected. I think if service is satisfactory I don't have a problem. But when it is so god awful that I spend more time without liquid than with it, we have a problem. Damn you Bentley.

Brilliant
An add-on. As I initially tried to publish this post, I remembered the email I lost mid-last week, and copied it before hitting publish. Wouldn't you know, I would have lost it if not for the last minute copy/back-up. A moment which makes me feel absolutely brilliant. Hoo-ah!