This week everyone’s favorite Carmen went through a roller coaster of ups and downs, but wouldn’t you know, I survived as always.



Here’s what happened:



Wednesday was Roommate Ian’s birthday, and we ascended upon the Top of Tacoma like a swarm of bees. Joining in on the fun were Ryan, Rosie, Aimee, Darian, Eric, Gunnarson, J-Rod and Jacey. Aimee and I had a great time sharing stories about a specific dirtbag dude that every girl should stay away from, while clinking glasses to girl power. Roommate Ian was hangin’ with the best of ’em in spite of the numerous shots of tequila that kept on magically appearing.



Mr. Bill even made a cameo appearance, but being of sound mind and body, I had to leave shortly after his arrival because of the early morning wakeup call that would follow.



I had a feeling that my home would turn into a halfway house for drunken boys since we live so close to the bar, and I was very correct. Ian, Gunnarson and Eric stumbled in, and I scolded them like team mom to be quiet (none of them remember this), gave them blankets and cranked the heat up so they wouldn’t get cold (even though Ian encouraged me to let them freeze). The snoring, hiccups and coughing kept me up all night (since my bedroom is next to the living room). Next time, guys, you’ll want to take a cab home unless you want to walk out of my house with two black eyes.



Thursday was pretty miserable at work due to the lack of sleep, but I powered through like always, and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow was meeting my buddy Senor Gato at El Gaucho. That’s such a luxurious spot that it always makes my high-priced heels feel right at home. I had the beef diablo appetizer and Senor Gato had a salad. Following, I went home and slept like a rock.



Friday at work was tough, too, because one of the people I really admire in this world retired. I’ve so thoroughly enjoyed working with this person, I’ve learned so much from him and when he gave me a hug, and told me to “Hang in there, Carmen,” I was somehow able to hold it together. But on the car drive home, I cried real crocodile tears because I’m going to miss him that much. I wish you the best of luck, B.P.!



Saturday I received even more bittersweet news that made me stop in my tracks.



The Fucking Eagles are going to take a break so they can record a new album.



I can’t wait to have even more Fucking Eagles music, but I sure will be lonely while they’re away. If you feel the same way, you should join me for their last performance before this hiatus on March 8 at the Tractor Tavern. The Fucking Eagles will perform as the special guests for the CD release party of Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands (a dude that Natasha introduced me to in Ellensburg) and also Star Anna (another Eburg alum).



Lead singer Owen tried to cheer me up by saying that this sabbatical will mean more music for my car, the local juke boxes and iPods that have them in it (hooray for Magoo’s and Brian Redman’s iPod at Doyle’s Public House), and now I’m just hopeful that they’ll come back bigger and better than ever. Good luck, guys!



On the Saturday upside, I got a very welcomed phone call from K to the K, and we met up at the Parkway for the cheeseburger that made it all better. I still can’t get over the ceiling at the Parkway. The craftsmanship that was put into it is so incredible. And while we were under its auspices, K to the K and I got to chit chat about all things related to guys and, more importantly, how we’ll never be able to figure them out. After, she met up with her Sir Billy and I went home to save up for the Super Bowl.



I caught the big game at the Top of Tacoma with fun peeps including Jason, Jaime, Cheney, Niels, Scott, Kelly, Tall Troy, Senor Gato, Katie, Heath, Matt and Sarah. It was the perfect crowd (with even more perfect tacos) for that nail-biting game.



The final thing that went wrong for me last week is that I wanted the Patriots to win, but being surrounded by such wonderful people made it all worth the while.