Mission most certainly accomplished

And now, a tally of the proper way to usher in a return to T.G.I.T.! (that's Thank God It's Tuesday! to you):

* Two cab rides -- one downtown at 11:15 p.m., one back up at 5-something a.m.

* Two bars -- the new discovery Lava Gina and the favorite old standby, 7B.

* Two (or was it three?) mojitos.

* One hot salsa band.

* Two spontaneous salsa lessons -- and one cha-cha -- given (by me) to friends.

* One wicked salsa dance with a dude named Demetrius.

* One new bartender, hot dancin' girl by the name of Saudi, befriended.

* Two (or was it three?) Jamesons on the rocks.

* One shot of tequila -- salt and lime, yes, thanks.

* Two (or was it three?) turns around the floor at 7B, inspired by Frank Sinatra.

* One bum hip that got so re-inflamed that I had to be carried, lifted and placed atop my bar stool.

* Two text messages from my girlfriend Missy at 5-something a.m. saying, "How are you texting right now?! I can't even SEE!"

* Two handfuls of raw granola eaten to settle a woozy stomach.

* One girl. One down comforter. Ten minutes to fall unconscious on the couch.

* One photo-booth strip of Missy and me to immortalize a successful evening.