Because crunch time has started to set in—you know, when everyone has a crapton (copywrite Alicia Rae) to do with finals and final projects, my compadres and I decided to head off campus for dinner. Nothing too fancy, just a trip to Barnes and Nobles and the joy that is the Boulevard dining.

Claudia planned most of the trip, and Pat was key in rounding everyone up. I think no less than 67+ facebook messages were sent about this trip—where to eat, what time, etc. As such we eventually landed on the Boulevard, which may not have been the best decision.

While they gave us a huge table in the back (right by the Christmas tree in front of the Scarface poster) and the menu had corny Hollywood-related food (like the Old Bleu Eyes Burger), our bills were messed up and the food was sneakily overpriced. Still though, the conversation was great and the food was delectable. I miss having weekly pasta, and hence I ate enough Italian food for six of my family members. It was wondrous.

Barnes and Nobel was packed—it seems they were having a school book fair. The lady behind the register thought I was one of the kids with the school. Sigh. One day, when I am 67 or so, I will rejoice in the fact that I will probably still look 12. Until that day comes, however, I am indeed a sad panda. (Mainly because I told the clerk “no” before considering the possible coupons or special deals for the school kids…) Also, I am still wearing my blue winter coat from when I was in sixth grade, so the fault could perhaps be mine.

Still, what I thought was really interesting was this display they had in the middle of the store. You picked up a tag that had the gender and age of a kid, then picked them out a book, bought it, stuck in the tag, and returned the book to the display. I love the idea of a Christmas book fest, though I wish more details would have been on the tag. Reading is not solely age related, and you definitely want to give a good book.

Oh! If you’re wondering about the title of this post, by the way, that was the official name of this excursion. Claudia is from Peru, it is still Fall 2007 because while freezing it refuses to snow, and Paco is the Roman man Pat and I try to save in the game Cradle of Rome. Pat and I are in the planning stages of a feature film, Saving Private Paco, which may or may not be a musical. If you’re interested in wearing a toga and singing about the harshness of Roman rule, let us know.