Yesterday was my pal Andy’s 35th birthday, and Andy’s wife Lea set up a surprise party for him at Laser Expedition. Along with Andy’s family and his co-workers from the fire department, a few of the old gang showed up including our friends Jeff and Scott. It’s always fun when old friends get together, whether we’re playing cards, playing laser tag, celebrating birthdays or simply hanging out.

Jeff and I had a slight advantage during the first game, having played previously. Out of 18 players, I ranked third and Jeff came in either first or second. During the second 10-minute game, fatigue began to set in and I found myself doing more “sniping” (hiding and shooting) than running-and-gunning.

After a short break, we started back up with games three and four. During game three, nothing went right for me. The firemen’s physical conditioning was more benefitial than previous gaming knowledge by this point, and people were running circles around me, shooting me from every which direction. The fourth game went worse than the third. Mason and Jeff’s son Talon were designated “mummies” — meaning, they could shoot, but not be shot. So now not only did I have firemen dowsing me with lasers, but I was being followed by a kid saying, “hi Daddy!” and shooting me in the back the entire game. I know that the whole thing was just for fun, but the competitive side of me was disappointed that I didn’t do bette as the day went on.

After the games we retreated back to one of the party rooms, where I had one of those awkward moments I’ve been dreading. As cake and punch were being handed out, I was handed pieces of cake three times, each of which I simply passed to other people. When people noticed I didn’t have cake in front of me, they asked, “cake?” “No thanks,” I said, maybe three or four times. I’m not blaming anyone else about the weirdness — obviously it is a natural response to offer someone cake at a birthday party when you see them sitting there without any. In retrospect, I think it would have been easier to just accept a piece of cake and leave it sitting there in front of me. I’m sure as time goes on I will find better ways to deal with social situations.

It was great seeing everybody yesterday. I’m glad there was such a good turnout for Andy’s party.