A Most Excellent Day

I’m winding down for the night. Trying to get used to typing with my new ring that Victoria bought me today. It throws my balance off a bit. I’m not used to typing with something on my finger.
We went to the Ren Fest today in Tampa. Well, over that way, anyway. I dunno if it was actually in Tampa or not. It was the Bay Area Renaissance Festival. We got a bit of a late start, so we probably didn’t give the Ren Fest its full due. But I think we all had a good time anyway. Victoria and Katie are always fun to hang out with. Michelle and Ryan went, too, but they broke off and did their own thing, as young couples are wont to do.
For the most part, I managed to put aside my general grumpiness where “Rennies” are concerned. I usually have a hard time with the attitudes of some of them. At least the self-important role-players who are annoyed by the flow of gawkers into their private little fantasy-land, all the while apparently unaware that it’s those very gawkers who make their life of role-playing possible.
I should probably state right here that I don’t throw everyone who works in a Ren Fest into that category. I’m always amazed by some of the actors and performers, and I appreciate the people who have a genuine sense of humor about the whole thing. It’s the ones that put on the costume and somehow think it makes them more enlightened that I have a problem with. Those are pretty easy to spot.
I love the people who get into full character, though. The ones who go all-out, but who never forget that it’s a performance, that they’re entertaining people and just have fun with it. I appreciate it when someone decides to make sport of you, but does it with such humor and grace that you both walk away laughing.
We didn’t really do a lot there. We did what amused us. That means that we mainly walked around, visiting the shops and enjoying the atmosphere. No axe throwing. No jousting. Just hanging out and observing. I had a really great time.
As we were leaving, of course, I got me a bag of cinnamon toasted almonds. What’s Ren Fest without the almonds?
Afterwards, we all went out to eat at Kobe’s Japanese Steakhouse, with Victoria’s brother, Bruce, and his wife, Mary. It was Michelle’s birthday dinner (she turned 19 yesterday). That was fun, too. Our cook was a guy named Tam, who’d probably had better audiences. We were all kinda quiet and understated. Not to say we were grumpy. I think we were still just soaking up the atmosphere. It’s always a little strange to me that Victoria and I are so alike in that regard. We can both have a good time just sitting there watching people.
I was kind of disappointed that Michelle didn’t get any shrimp flung at her. She was the birthday girl and the chef knew it, but he didn’t pick on her. I thought that was a tradition, of sorts. I looked forward to seeing someone other than myself get shrimp flung at them. I guess I make an obvious target. But Tam didn’t fling shrimp at anybody. Maybe he hasn’t mastered the art yet.
All in all, it was a fine day. I’m sitting here, looking at my ring, which is kind of like two dragon’s claws circling my finger. I feel fortunate to have gotten to spend such a good day in most excellent company. I’m thankful to have had added to my modest collection another fine memory. One which I’ll carry with me through the rest of my days. Besides … it’s a day I’ll end with my belly full and my heart light, with the faint taste of cinnamon toasted almonds still on my lips. There are worse ways to end your day.
Life isn’t bad. Not bad at all.