SADDLE UP!

Theme Song: "Ride it" - Geri Halliwell

Thursday, January 19th, Twelve A.M. I should be lounging around in bed, watching a 1 Girl 5 Gays marathon, but instead, it's business-as-usual at the office. As I make my midnight rounds, the entire encoding room bursts into song: ♫ ...HAPPY BiRTHDAY to YOU... ♫ Embarrassed but secretly loving all the attention, I literally run to my desk, grinning from ear-to-ear. My boss even offers to buy me an ice cream cake... because apparently, I'm in the 2nd grade. XD Growing older has never been a huge cause for celebration in my eyes, but this year, I'm determined to make my birthday as memorable as possible. 

Even though my posse and I hung out together last weekend (mixing margaritas, playing video games and watching Labyrinth), I know that my B*Day weekend has no chance of being PERFECT if my girls aren't apart of it. Pouring over all the possibilities of ways to ring in my special day, I remember some hilarious pictures from Shannon's Bachelorette Party at the Cadillac Ranch, where she and Rice Lady drunkenly rode the mechanical bull. And just like that, it is decided. I WANNA RIDE! =)

Friday night rolls around, and like they have for nearly a decade, my girls pull into the driveway. We make our arduous journey to downtown Annapolis and stroll into the Cadillac Ranch... well, after Rice Lady and I race each other up 3 flights of stairs, of course! <3 Once inside, we're immediately taken aback by the Aerosmith-centric decor. Seriously, do we have to stare at Steven Tyler while we're eating? We open our menus and marvel at all the gut-busting Paula Deen-approved choices, including pulled pork, steak, seafood, and ranch dressing (on EVERYTHING)! Unfortunately, we're trying to maintain our girlish figures, so we get a couple rounds of martinis and share some loaded bacon-covered cheese fries (I know, I'm the WORST VEGETARIAN EVER, lol) and the spinach & artichoke dip. *Cue the Hallelujah chorus* MMMMMMmmmmm.

The food is delicious, my chocolate martini is SPOT-ON, and we're just talking and laughing like we're back in high school. "GROSS." "Really, I'll take a sip... TU-EY!" After passing the salt-stained glass around the booth, we reach the group consensus that Shannon's margarita is watered-down and tasteless, so we send that shit back. "Bring our friend something blue, lol!" As we get our buzz on, more and more people are mounting the mechanical bull, most of them lasting for five seconds or less.

WOOOOOO *splat* Awwww...

After finishing our meal and working up the courage to ride that bucking bronco, Chelsey and I approach the inflatable Octagon and sign the collective waiver--y'know, in case we're inadvertently paralyzed! I kick my shoes off, leap into the ring, and throw my legs over the bull. There's an audible thud when I mount the mechanical beast; it feels like I'm sitting on a studded boulder. I clinch my thighs, grab the head for leverage (teehee), and signal the bull operator. LET'S ROCK! I watch the timer go past 10 seconds as I'm hanging on for dear life. Eventually, the bull whips around in a circle, and next thing you know, I'm HEELS OVER HEAD! XD The operator seems thoroughly impressed since I "even kept my hat on."

As a sign of solidarity, Chelsey (aka the Sober One) also makes an attempt... But by the time my camera turned ON, girlfriend was OFF. XP Haha, thanks for trying! The girls and I have a blast just laughing and cheering on the other riders, which includes everyone from teenagers to someone's grandparents. I had a WONDERFUL time at the Cadillac Ranch, but then again, I always have a fun time whenever I'm with my girls; they can liven up even the dullest party! <3