# I'm spending my birthday, 11/1, alone at a Boston restaurant **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 11, 2007, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300 "2007-10-11T02:24:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/1 "2007-10-11T02:24:19Z")
Thanks to friend **featherlou** for this idea. My birthday is on Thursday, November 1st. I’m taking myself out to a nice restaurant. Maybe Durgin Park, maybe that great sushi place in Allston, maybe the Charthouse. Swanky but affordable. Somewhere where work clothes work, but casual is also acceptable. Someplace where I can be seen alone and have fun. I’m taking a book to keep me company. I’m going there with five rules: 1. I will accept no gifts. Greeting cards are OK, but my friends needn’t feel any pressure. It’s just a fun time. 2. I’m paying for my own dinner. I’m firm on this. 3. Dopers are not allowed. 4. One of the above rules is a lie. It’s up to you to figure out which one it is. Hint: It’s probably not number three. Break this rule at your own peril. Expect to be felt up, drugged, or befriended. Since I’m going alone, I expect to be merely drugged. Waitresses suck. 5. Hookers and shots are not considered gifts, they are but mere party favors. So that’s my plan. Yeah. ---
**Author:** ![Kythereia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e8c25b/32.png) [@Kythereia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kythereia)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/2 "2007-10-11T02:27:01Z")
So I can send you a birthday gift? (I mean, I’ve just got this sexy supermodel wrapped in a ribbon and bow on hand, and I have nowhere else to send it…) ---
**Author:** ![stucco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e56c9b/32.png) [@stucco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stucco)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/3 "2007-10-11T02:44:08Z")
Durgin Park is my dad’s favorite resturaunt in the world. If you ask him, he’ll go on for ages about the indian pudding. Also, happy birthday in a month 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/4 "2007-10-11T02:50:01Z")
[QUOTE=Kythereia] So I can send you a birthday gift? (I mean, I’ve just got this sexy supermodel wrapped in a ribbon and bow on hand, and I have nowhere else to send it…) [/QUOTE] _sigh_ I said no gifts. No exceptions. Fine, if you need to get rid of her, I guess I’ll take her. Someone must. I accept this burden. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/5 "2007-10-11T02:50:15Z")
Thank Og you’re not planning on walking across the Golden Gate! :eek: ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/6 "2007-10-11T02:51:53Z")
[QUOTE=stucco] Durgin Park is my dad’s favorite resturaunt in the world. If you ask him, he’ll go on for ages about the indian pudding. Also, happy birthday in a month 🙂 [/QUOTE] The first Dopefest I organized was there. It was too hot, in July. November might be easier, provided it’s not Indian summer. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/7 "2007-10-11T14:59:49Z")
For my free bump, I’d just like to point out that #3 is the lie. Dopefest, people. Dopefest. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/8 "2007-10-11T18:26:22Z")
That’s a great idea, **tdn**. My husband started his own birthday tradition quite a few years ago. He was very down, with job and personal woes, and he decided that he was going to make his birthday exactly what he wanted it to be. To this day, he doesn’t work on his birthday and he goes to the zoo. Without fail. I join him now, but he just took himself to the zoo for years, because he loves the zoo. I can’t make it to your Birthdopefest, but I’ll be there in spirit! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/9 "2007-10-11T18:55:54Z")
Birthdopefest. I like that! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![OtakuLoki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ac8455/32.png) [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/10 "2007-10-11T20:07:24Z")
Dayam, **tdn** Durgin-Park is one of my favorite dining experiences. I wish I could come out and help you uncelebrate this Birthdopefest, alas, travel is kinda hard for me. And finances tight. Enjoy yourself, and lift one thinking how much I envy where you’ll be then! ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/11 "2007-10-11T20:10:01Z")
I will! 🙂 Funnily enough, last time we had a 'fest, Durgin Park came off the list pretty fast. It’s an air conditioning thing. ---
**Author:** ![Duke\_of\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Duke\_of\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_Rat)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/12 "2007-10-11T20:41:14Z")
[QUOTE=tdn] For my free bump, I’d just like to point out that #3 is the lie. Dopefest, people. Dopefest. [/QUOTE] Damn, I was gonna buy your meal when I couldn’t come, but now that I can come, you’re shit outta luck on that 😛 (and I can’t really come, it’s just a good excuse for not having to buy your meal now). ---
**Author:** ![Yeticus\_Rex](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/a698b9/32.png) [@Yeticus\_Rex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yeticus_Rex)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/13 "2007-10-11T20:48:57Z")
How many calories are in bait? Just Curious. Happy upcoming birthday, **tdn**! ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 11, 2007, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/14 "2007-10-11T21:05:26Z")
[QUOTE=Yeticus Rex] Happy upcoming birthday, **tdn**! [/QUOTE] Thanks! Still a few weeks away. And **Duke of Rat** , don’t worry about it. You can feel free to not pay for me next time around. ---
**Author:** ![Elysium](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3be4f8/32.png) [@Elysium](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elysium)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2007, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/15 "2007-10-12T01:07:12Z")
If I wasn’t getting married two days later (and considering the stress right now I’m planning on being COMPLETELY off my rocker on the 1st) I would totally be there! I really enjoyed the last fest, even if I was shy. I wish you the best on your birthday! ---
**Author:** ![lorene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/65b543/32.png) [@lorene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lorene)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2007, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/16 "2007-10-12T02:03:19Z")
I am intrigued by this idea and would like to subscribe to this…uh…thread. Oh, and I think I’m free that night. I’ll probably need some dopiness after spending the night before taking a dinosaur and a cowboy around the neighborhood asking for candy from strangers. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2007, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/17 "2007-10-12T03:47:28Z")
[QUOTE=lorene] Oh, and I think I’m free that night. I’ll probably need some dopiness after spending the night before taking a dinosaur and a cowboy around the neighborhood asking for candy from strangers. [/QUOTE] If I remember correctly, you’ve been campaigning for a spring or fall dopefest so your hair will be less frizzy. ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2007, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/18 "2007-10-12T04:02:32Z")
Congratulations in advance. Unfortuanately, I’ve too literal so I’m going to have to believe that Dopers are not invites. (Well, I would come if I could.) Refusing gifts is a good idea ever since **Auto** started to pass off secondhand kitchenware as presents. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2007, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/19 "2007-10-12T13:21:27Z")
[QUOTE=lorene] I am intrigued by this idea and would like to subscribe to this…uh…thread. [/QUOTE] So you’ll come? Great! 🙂 **Robot Arm** too, I hope? I hope to see everyone I met so far at both Dopefests I’ve organized so far, and more. I hope the entire **CalMeacham** clan can come. If **MilliCal** shows up, I’ll be happy to relieve her of that yucky crusty part of her creme brulee. That can be my birthday present. **Elysium** , just show up. You’ve got two whole days before the wedding. What stess is there in that? 😉 And maybe this would be a great occasion to finally meet **DianaG** , **SalAmmoniac** , **Shagnasty** , and **ETF**. And **gigi**. I would love to meet **gigi**. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2007, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300/20 "2007-10-12T13:25:04Z")
[QUOTE=TokyoPlayer] Refusing gifts is a good idea ever since **Auto** started to pass off secondhand kitchenware as presents. [/QUOTE] **Auto** had better show up. I had dinner with him last night, and the only kitchenware that we shared was plastic spoons and wooden chopsticks. It was… disappointing. 😉 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-spending-my-birthday-11-1-alone-at-a-boston-restaurant/422300.md?page=2)