Shortly after I left the place this morning, and headed into work, I realized that I was not only the last patron to leave Solo Cafe before they closed for renovations, but I was the first patron in the door this morning. I guess if you measured just by this, you’d think I’m a total Solo junkie, and well I kind of am, but I’m not always there for the coffee. It’s really a second home almost for me. It’s so relaxing and there’s always so much going on. Not to mention it connects to the best. salon. ever.

As I was saying, today was the re-opening of Solo. I had an 8:30am meeting this morning but was determined to stop in and see what went on while I was locked out. I was joined by the infamous Matthew Petro.

I am glad to say that the feel remained the same. Some of the changes included moving the large round tables a bit and adding some smaller white ones which were pretty comfy. The “TV viewing area” was opened up and the couch and two matching chairs moved where the leather chairs used to be. The bicycle everyone remembers so much has been replaced with an awesome one of a kind mural that was painted on the walls by local artists while cleaning and renovating was being done.

The kitchen is coming along and a food menu should be available shortly. In addition there will be patio seating along the back patio of the cafe and I think I heard there would be a fire pit eventually as well. Smores n’ Lattes sounds like a fantastic night to me.

My peppermint cream was just as good as last time as was my cherry danish I haven’t enjoyed in awhile.

I’ve heard about a local tea place opening up, White August. Would be awesome if some of their teas were brought into Solo too.

Great way to start the day today, and glad to have my security blanket back and the balance back in my life

Solo – you rock!

Last night I headed to Sheila and Evo’s house to celebrate Debbie’s birthday Hawaiian style. Second Hawaiian themed party I’ve been to this month, and it was as fantastic as I expected.

As it started out that day, I ran errands that afternoon to find something I was in the mood to bring, ingredients for a dish to take along, and Strongbow for Debbie. I was able to pick myself up some Boddington’s but four stores had no Strongbow? Ridiculous.

By the time evening came around I was ready to head out. First stop though? Coffee for me and then Bevmo to pick up Strongbow. I ordered a large mocha from Solo (mmmm), but on the way to Bevmo discovered a flaw in the cup. It was religiously dripping.. not only on my almost white new pair of jeans but my cup holder was holding about 1/8 of my mocha. Ugh. So there was a detour back to my house to change jeans as well as grab a Pipeline Porter to start the night off, as it has Kona coffee in it. I guess I jinxed myself with the slight mention on twitter that I was thinking about turning my awesome off.

When I finally arrived, I thought I had ended up at the wrong house on accident; it was way too quiet! Good thing I was wrong, because I was ready to party. I handed Debbie her Strongbow and opened up the porter. I was then lei-ed twice at once and thus initiated into party mode.

Sheila made the best red velvet cake, despite it not having a red coloration. I’m serious. It was damn good. And I know red velvet cake. It’s one of the only two cakes I really like. I think for my birthday I will have Sheila make me her red velvet cake and CJ make me her cherry cake of awesome.

There were so many awesome people there and it made me so happy to be invited and considered part of the gang. Sometimes I think I am still an outsider to Phoenix so it’s nice to know that I’m really not. You are all amazing friends. Truly.

Dancing happened. Talking happened. Drunk dials happened. Chaos happened. Good times happened. Sea Monkeys happened.

I also realized that I have been a small topic of conversation. I think I came across last night like it was a bad thing, but it really wasn’t. It was kinda cute and flattering really. You guys are awesome. I have such great friends. Now just hook me up with a man that fits my requirements and we are good!

Oy. Now it’s time for Monday to start.

My plans today were honestly to spend a few hours tanning after work. I was able to get out early due to some late meetings yesterday and it was in the low 90s. Unfortunately, when I arrived home, it had mostly clouded over and well, that’s not fun for tanning. Then it hit me. Shopping is always fun!

I decided to warm up a bit and head to Target first for a new comforter. I got one that is shades of red and orange to brighten up my dark mahogany and black leather bedroom furniture. I didn’t realize it was a whole bed set though, and now I am stuck with these stupid pillow shams as well as a queen sheet set that probably won’t fit over my pillowtop mattress. Oh well the comforter was on sale. At least I can se that and the bedskirt. Sheets are a cute print for a handbag too.

After the Target rendezvous, I headed to Chandler Fashion Center. The goal was to enter the Apple store and purchase a MacBook. And I did. In fact, although I haven’t had a chance to do much with it yet, my goal for tonight was to be able to do the basics (check my email, send a tweet or 1,000, and blog). So this is my first ever blog from a Mac. Along with my MacBook, I got a cute little photo printer that after the rebate will be free! Score!

Uh oh, here’s the Apple Store:

And here’s me about a half hour later with my new found love:

My plans for the rest of the night were to head to get a piercing at HTC and then watch the Latte Art Competition next door at Cartel Coffee Lab. However, I was having issues deciding on a piercing and as I was waiting for everything to start at Cartel I just wanted to come home and set this cute lil thing up.

So here we go. We’ll see how much of my PC stuff will “migrate” over. I am almost guaranteeing I’ll still have to backup my BlackBerry with my PC.

I’m done for today. Took my all to even blog the little bits I did from this week

I’m going to do some laundry.

Headed to get my car washed/waxed.

Then off to the pool.

Coffee with a friend.

Fundraiser party of awesome tonight.