I used yesterday’s morning walk to carry me to the Savers appliance store, where I purchased a stove and refrigerator for use in my new residence. I had intended to buy a big side-by-side fridge/freezer but couldn’t pull the trigger on spending over a thousand bucks for one. So, I settled for a regular-sized unit for less than half that price.

My new gear will be delivered on Saturday. I’m moving in on the 30th, but with Swan moving her stuff out on Sunday, she’ll need a stove and fridge until I arrive.

Of course, the big news from yesterday is that I survived my “free beer in every SOB bar” adventure.

And since I lived to tell about it, here goes:

Some of the included bars don’t open until six, and I didn’t want to push my luck drinking while I waited for them to open. So, I left the house a little later than normal and started the evening out with some dinner at John’s place.

FIRST STOP: JOHN’S SUSHI AND STEAKHOUSE

I was craving some Mexican and had read some Facebook posts raving about John’s Birria tacos. John was present when I arrived, and when I mentioned I was thinking about ordering the tacos, he went into a long story about how what we Yanks call tacos are nothing like the authentic ones from Mexico. He’s a foodie, so naturally, he described what’s involved in creating them while I listened politely. I don’t recall having ever previously eaten a taco by that name, but I was excited to give it a try. I placed my order and headed upstairs to the third-floor bar for my dining experience.

I was actually full after I devoured two of them, so I invited my waitress over to help me out with the third taco.

Damages: Two beers

SECOND STOP: VOODOO BAR

Voodoo is one of the bars I suspected didn’t open until six, and I was a little surprised to see the “we’re open” sign flashing as I walked by, so I was happy to stop in and deploy my coupon. It was deadly quiet when I entered (usually, the music is blaring in this bar), and I asked if they were open. The bartender replied that they could serve me, but the girls wouldn’t arrive until six. Okay, that’s fine. When I handed her my free beer ticket, I thought she might have rolled her eyes a little, but maybe I just imagined it.

So, my plan was to drink a free beer in each bar, but I figured it was only fair to have a second out-of-pocket or perhaps a lady drink for a deserving girl. Since no gals were present, I assumed I’d be going the second beer route. And then, just as I finished my first beer, who should walk in but my old regular Josie and my new friend, Lynn.

I told them of my quest and that I wouldn’t be staying after this round. They wished me well, and I headed out.

Damages: Two beers (one free) and two lady drinks.

THIRD STOP: THE GREEN ROOM

I was a little worried a passel of ladies would once again besiege me, but I was able to grab my usual small table near the pool table, apparently unnoticed by the thirsty ones. My waitress, Mary Anne, was the girl I met at Arizona Resort thirteen years ago as a tourist. I wrote about our reunion here. I bought her a drink for old time’s sake. Then, the woman I’ve been buying food from for the Hideaway girls approached my table to thank me again for yesterday’s purchase. We got to talking, and it turns out she’s friends with my ex, Marissa. What a small town. I wound up buying her a drink, too.

Damages: one beer (free) and two lady drinks

FOURTH STOP: LA OFICINA BAR

Up a flight of stairs to this second floor venue. Took an elevated seat above the stage to better enjoy the view.

I wasn’t looking for love last night, so I called the least attractive of the dancers to join me for a drink. She’s the one who remembers me from Whiskey Girl.

I heard her tell the waitress she wanted a bottled beer (the dreaded 300 pesos double), and I told her no, only a single lady drink. She had to chase the waitress down to change her order. I reminded the waitress I needed my free beer coupon back, and she said she’d already returned it. I checked my wallet, and it wasn’t there. She went back to look, and eventually, the cashier came over with the coupon, saying she had had to make a photocopy. Okay, no problem. When I finished my beer, I handed the waitress my bill cup and said, “Bill out, please.” She returned with another beer. I might have been a tad rude in my response, but damn, it just weird to confuse “bill out” with “bring me another beer.” A manager came over and apologized, saying the waitress was new. I had calmed down and felt bad, so I apologized to the waitress when she brought my change. She didn’t appear receptive to sorrys. Oh, well. I tried.

Damages: one beer (free) and one lady drink.

FIFTH STOP: ALASKA CLUB

Back down the stairs and into Alaska. My regular, dancer Joy, wasn’t working, but the new waitress I’d met on an earlier visit was happy to join me.

Damages: Two beers (one free) and two lady drinks.

SIXTH STOP: WET SPOT

Right next door the journey continued. The “backslappers” table was full, but bar owner and SOB founder Daddy Dave came and joined me at mine. I congratulated him on his successful program of giving away free beers to increase profits, noting that my night of not paying for my beer was costing me a lot more than I normally spend. He seemed genuinely pleased to hear this news and he thanked me with, you guessed it, another free beer. Not to be outdone, I bought my regular waitress a lady drink.

Damages: Two beers (both free) and one lady drink.

SEVENTH STOP: WHISKEY GIRL

Back outdoors and the always dangerous crossing of the National Highway, then a stroll on the shoulder for several blocks to arrive at my next-to-last destination. My semi-regular Kim was with another customer, and my favorite, Jen, was absent. But before I could order my beer, a young lass was seated next to me. She asked if I remembered her, and I honestly didn’t. She reminded me that I had met her on her first night working several months ago. Oh yeah, nice to see you again.

Of course, I bought her a lady drink. Nikki also said I had promised to bring some of my brownies for her. I apologized and told her I would bring a batch for Saturday’s party (the manager had brought me a ticket for a free drink and raffle entry when I arrived). I won’t forget this time.

Damages: One beer (free) and one lady drink.

EIGHTH (AND LAST) STOP: QUEEN VICTORIA

Back across that damn highway and into my final venue of the night. A girl I didn’t recognize called out to me by name as I made my way to sit at the bar. Turns out she used to work on the Kokomo’s floating bar, but again, I didn’t remember her specifically. I was ready to finish my business, so I ordered my beer and offered her a lady drink, which she naturally accepted.

I’m not at Queen Victoria much, but when I visit, I usually am joined by a girl named Irish. I didn’t see her at first, but she came by later and appeared a little perturbed that I had neglected her. Well, I felt bad about that, but not bad enough to buy her a drink. She got her backpack and went home before I left. I’ll be back tonight for the SOB; perhaps I can treat her then.

Damages: One beer (free) and one lady drink.

So, it was an experience. I’ll just say that I hope any coupons I get tonight are more traditional discount varieties…I can’t afford those free beers on a regular basis!