Being some of the more fortunate people in life, Oreggano, Cream Of Tartar, It’s The Eyes and Mail Order Bride had the privilege of attending the rodeo prior to Sleepless and I meeting up with them at the Westside cowboy bar. By the time we met up with them, they really had their cowboy (and cowgirl…and drink) on. “They’ve got a mechanical bull,” Oreggano advised me. “I remember that from last week,” I told her. “Well, you can ride it for free. All you have to do is sign the form,” she ‘challenged’ me. “Let’s do it!” I replied.
It’s The Eyes agreed to take pictures and I mounted the bull in full cowgirl regalia: hat, boots, plaid shirt, short skirt and owl print fullbacks. A real hoot for everyone. Considering it was my first time, I think I did a pretty decent job – especially now that I have researched ‘How to Ride a Mechanical Bull’ (which I probably should have done beforehand). I held on with my dominant hand, squeezed with my thighs – I’m no fool – I know the importance of ‘rooting’ the bull, relaxed my upper body, and used my free hand for balance. Originally, I had considered using my free hand to keep my skirt down, but just like Oreggano has surrendered to her inner bitch, I followed my ‘basic instinct’ and surrendered to my inner Sharon Stone in an attempt to stay on the bull. After about ten seconds of snap- and snatchshots, I was bucked. Like so many other adventures that require ‘bull riding how tos,’ it ended all too soon.
A different type of shots followed and, just as we were about to sit down and relax, a man approached Oreggano and asked her to dance. Instead of saying no, she replied, “Dance with her,” and pointed to me. “Will you dance with me?” he asked. Being that he had been shut down by Oreggano and she had told him to ask me, I felt obliged to do so. Thus, I handed Sleepless the Rand McNally PacSafe and joined him on the dance floor.
Pretty soon, we were all on the dance floor. Even Cream Of Tartar threw down a few coaster steps, heel swivels and grapevines. It seemed appropriate, since he was donning a large brimmed cowboy hat, boots, and Wranglers with a can of chew in the back pocket. Classic cowboy.
To end the evening right, Sleepless, Oreggano, Cream Of Tartar and I stopped at one of Oreggano’s favorite late night fast food establishments for nacos – also known as navajo tacos. We took them back to their place where I thoroughly and quickly enjoyed each bite. “Wow,” Cream Of Tartar commented, “You didn’t waste any time eating that.” He was right, I didn’t. My naco was gone and they all still had several bites left. “I’m a good eater,” I replied. I am a good eater. Plus, bull riding and country dancing with strangers really works up an appetite.