Having fun when you're out having fun...

Is it odd that I like to have fun with people when I go out into the world? Whether its to a restaurant or another place of business, I feel a need to entertain. Many of my friends feel its sad and embarrassing to engage in such chatter with waitstaff but I find it so compelling and it makes the experience more memorable for both the waitress and my fellow diners...in a good way. I can give you a prime example.
My friends and I celebrated another friend's birthday by going to Red Robin in Holyoke; fantastic place to eat by the way. As we sat down, I noticed that our waitress did not give us her name, even though it was clearly readable on her name tag. I decided to say her name in every sentence I spoke to her and see how long it took her to notice. It didn't take long. She was good. About 20 minutes later and with other special, unique birthday being celebrated every 5 minutes, our friend stated that we hadn't gotten anyone to sing for him. About 10 minutes pass and I get up without saying a word to speak with our waitress. I asked her to celebrate my friends birthday in a different way; one that would definitely be remembered. When I got back to our table everyone asked what I said to her and I told them how I felt bad about saying her name a hundred times and so on. Hey! Its easy to lie when you don't tell the truth (how did Yogi Berra get in here?) A few minutes later a slew of waiters, waitresses and other staff came towards our table; their hands clapping loudly in the air, announcing yet another birthday was in the house. When they got to our table, our waitress reprehensibly placed his complimentary dessert on the table and simply said this guy.....and she walked away. It was exactly as I planned. The look on his face was priceless! Needless to say, we had a great time and I am sure the waitress had fun as well. If you are in the restaurant business then you know how annoying those birthday songs are when you do the 20 times a night.
This is why I feel its good to spice up your night by having fun not just with the people you know but the people who may be having a rough night and need some cheering up. Maybe on a late night out you could go through the drive through backwards. Its better if you have someone in the passenger seat too. You learn from your mistakes, right?