I got lights, finally, for my bike. They're pretty sweet too. I spent at least 20 minutes in the bike shop looking at specs on different lights, checking the prices, figuring out the best front/back lights price combo while still getting good lights, and so on. When I finally figured out which ones I wanted to buy, I took them to the front to make sure the bike-monkey there agreed with my decisions. "That's my favorite back light we sell, and that's one of the best front lights we sell," pointing to each. Booyah.

I went home and put the mounting brackets on my bike, made sure the lights worked, and waited for Gordon to call. A day prior, he had mentioned some bar drinking, followed by a lot of house drinking. I was up for this, but to avoid any driving complications, I decided to ride my bike, which is how the light fiasco started. He called and said the plan was 9pm at the Brit. At the time, I was glad that they weren't meeting downtown since I did not want to ride from the Red Room to Gordon's house, and I thought riding to the Brit was no big deal (bad idea #1). Since I wasn't going to drive to the Brit, I thought it would be a good idea to get some beers in me while I was getting ready. Then I wouldn't be tempted to buy so many when I got there (bad idea #2). It was windy, and it had been chilly outside earlier, so I wore a zip-up hoodie over a chamois shirt. I figured this would keep me warm enough while riding until I got indoors again (#3).

With lights clipped on and music playing into one ear, I headed out. At the time it seemed obvious to go through the village, especially since I was on a bike. Then I got to the other side of the village, where there is a quick but tough climb, followed by a longer, less-steap, momentumless climb. This hill (#1) plus a belly full of beer (#2) plus too much warmth on (#3) equals almost throwing up in the trees. I stopped and took off the hoodie and rolled up my sleeves on the chamois shirt. It was then that I realized the error in not bringing water. Continuing my treck, I had wished I had the foresight to go to Gordon's place first, then I'd have the option of hitching a ride with someone else, or even just resting a bit before riding to the Brit. But nope, I'm a cocky-headed ninny muggins. I finally got to the Brit, 20 minutes late, dripping with sweat, and I made a quick walkthrough to find where they were so I could drop my stuff there a get some water. No one's there.

I called Gordon to make sure I was in the right place, which I was, and he was just later than me. I didn't mind since I then had time to cool off outside. Randal and his girlfriend showed up, thinking they were late, and were suprised that they were not. We went in and sat down and I immediatly ordered a water and a cider. I made this same order three more times before we left, and they were all delicous. I realized about ten minutes in that the Brit was chosen becasue Friday is thier kareoke night, and you know about Gordon with kareoke (or you will soon). He showed up with a crew, and he managed to get at least one long island down before singing 'Should I Stay or Should I go.' I got a good picture from that performance too. He had a few more drinks before singing 'Don't Stop Me Now.' Then we were paying and finishing our last drinks when a call went out for Randal. I don't know if it was the same Randal that was with us, but no one stepped up to sing, so our boy ran up to sing for him, not caring what song it was. Fortunately for everyone, including people we didn't know, the song was 'California Love,' and apperently Gordon listened to a lot of Tupac in the last decade. He belted that fucker out so well that the whole bar got up and danced. People were even dancing in front of the lyrics screen, but it didn't matter. I got some video of it, but it came out all crappy, and there's no sound, but you can see Gordon bouncing an flowing with a crowd of people around him. It was awesome.

We all left, and I rode my bike to Gordon's. This time the ride was much nicer. I had all those waters, and I was drunk enough to not care how far it was. I got to the house, and Gordon was already wearing the Bullwinkle Hat and yelling about nothing. I got some good pictures of that too, and if you know him, they are posted on his mySpace page. I learned some dice game that sucks. Everyone else likes it, but I think it requires too much attention. I want to sit an talk about whatever while I play games, not focus on a cup and the roll. I ened up being there way too late, but I got home alright and just went straight to bed.

The next morning I woke up and the front door was open, only a little bit open, but definitly not shut. I checked everywhere for missing property. I know it's super messy here, but I'd still notice if something was gone. I tried to close the door, but the dead bolt had been turned. The knob lock was also engaged. My years of watching CSI told me that I had come home, brought my bike inside, reached back and turned both locks, and walked away without ever actually closing the door. I really hope this does not become a habbit.

If you want to see the crappy no-sound video of Gordon owning California Love, you can find it here. I know it looks like I was filming the two girls dancing at center screen, but I was holding the camera over my head while standing in a chair, so really that was just a bonus. The real entertainment is at the top of the screen, where you can see Gordon with the mic. Also, look for the guy in white behind him, who plays it cool at first but later rips into full on dance mode.