Tumpa with Mr. D, Miss C, and KT

I was first introduced to Mr. D aka Joe Dombrowski a couple years ago via Ellen when she had him on her show after he posted this April Fool's prank on his class. I immediately started following him on Instagram and sharing random posts of his with my friends. Katie was one of those friends who also fell in love with him and his personality/comedy. I know it means even more to her that he's a teacher since she's currently in her senior year to become one as well. But let me just say you do not need to be a teacher or parent to appreciate Mr. D - because I am neither and he cracks me up on a daily basis. From his mood rings to his plant daddy status to his hotel towel fashion shows to that feral girl Jillian (made up character!) he brings the funny. He's the kind of person you want to be following because his posts are real, uplifting, and just downright hilarious. 

A few months back I saw he was bringing his comedy tour (he still teaches but does comedy not he side - what a guy!) to Tampa and Katie was immediately on board. BOOM! We're going to see the legend that is Mr. D. Now Katie's extra self came up with the cutest costume as you can see in the photo below - Jillian reference, pencil knee high socks, and notebook shoes?! Could she be any more teacher? I was going to make a shirt too BUT I'm trying to do better on saving where I can so decided against it. Had I made a shirt it would've said "Hey Kids, Spelling is FUN!" (nod to my Taylor) with some of those crazy made up words of his.

Katie and I hopped in the car and drove the migraine that is I-4. The stretch between Orlando and Tampa is probably one of the worst in the nation. I mean, it is always horrendous which is why it takes something incredible to get my ass over to Tampa because I loathe that drive so damn much. That particular day was no different. It was stop and go almost the entire way. It took 2+ hours ON A SATURDAY and we made it to the venue with only 5 minutes to spare. You know I hate to get to places late so I had some anxiety because once we got there we couldn't find parking. My little heart was pounding out of my chest until the parking lot ducks (it's a thing) pointed us to some parking behind the building. Once we got inside it was a full house and I'm pretty sure the only empty seats were the ones waiting for our almost late asses. 

Devin Siebold, a local comedian, opened for Mr. D and was fucking hilarious. I highly recommend all of my Central Florida friends check him out. Also he has a podcast called Crying In My Car which Mr. D was on. 

Mr. D came out in some sparkly pumps and then proceeded to lay on the stage and wave his legs in the air to show them off to the crowd. It was fantastic! Also I give anyone serious credit for being able to walk two steps in those suckers. I'd be in one of those knee wheelers for life after attempting something so dangerous. Mr. D was hilarious. Is there another word for fucking funny? Because that would be how to describe him. The best story of the night was about the magic pointer and if you don't get it I highly suggest purchasing a ticket to one of his shows because you'll be rolling. 

We were told prior to the show that no filming or photos were allowed. I am a rule follower through and through so I politely put my phone in my purse. Then half way through I see Katie trying to sneak a photo and I give her this look like "don't you get us kicked out". Then she points to another girl doing the same thing. And I'm just like well shit, guess I better snag one too! If all the women at the comedy show jumped off a cliff, would I? No. If all of them are taking mementos of the show, would I? Yes, I'm a rule follower but easily influenced. WHATEV. This was of course before we knew he was going to be doing photos after the show. 

We stood in a line afterwards to meet Joe and Devin. As Joe walked by he stopped and complimented Katie's bomb ass winged eyeliner and I thought she was going to pee herself from excitement. It was just the cutest! We were both fan-girling so hard. Who cares that we are both married and he's gay and has a beautiful boyfriend (Hiiii Morgan!). NONE OF IT WAS IMPORTANT IN THAT MOMENT. 

Katie and I both got to take photos with him. He also complimented her cute socks but I wanted to make sure he saw her Jillian shirt so I screamed "What about her shirt?" in which he immediately loved and complimented. Score! When it was my turn I told him I almost wore the exact shirt he had on (Space Needle shirt) but decided to represent my trash state instead. He asked if I was from Seattle and I told him I had just visited for the first time this year. It was nice to have a little personal moment with him. He's so genuine and really gave us a perfect night out. Totally worth the I-4 shenanigans. 

After our Mr. D gush fest Katie and I met Cristina at Armature Works in downtown Tampa. It is the cutest, giant food hall with hipster vibes I've ever been to. It's basically like a cooler version of a food court. We met her on the third floor where you are ID'd the minute you step foot out of the elevator because it's a 21+ bar called M. Bird with a killer view of the water and skyline. It's a perfect place for a date or people who enjoy to drink. I don't really fall into either category so it wasn't my scene but I totally appreciated it regardless. 

After hanging up on the roof for a bit we went downstairs because we were all hangry. I decided on a burger and fries from Butcher Barbecue and let me tell you it was top 5 that I've ever had. Katie got some cuban food and I think Cristina did too. She got these little pork nuggets that were orgasmic and I don't use that cringey description for food often but it seems appropriate in this instance. 

       

 

We were all in the mood for something sweet and when we found out the original place we were going to try out closed in 15 minutes we decided to go to Dough (the dessert portion of Datz) per Cristina's suggestion. And let me tell you Cristina knows her food. She is a next level, award winning, gold status foodie. So she told me the name and I just followed the GPS until we got there. No questions asked. The minute we walked in Katie and I were about to roll out the red carpet and give Cristina yet another Foodie of the Year award because LOOK AT THE PHOTOS. My favorite thing I tried was their Caramel Bourbon Pumpkin cupcake (you know I like my booze in the form of a baked good!) but it was all fantastic - or at least the 10 things I tried. Need to jump back on that Keto wagon hard after that night. 

We took Cristina home and even got to go up and see her swanky new(ish) apartment in the heart of Tampa. The whole building was gorgeous and the hallways smelled so good. Is that a weird thing to comment on? I don't care. I was sniffing those hallways like a bloodhound. She has this open kitchen and living room right when you walk in. Her cabinets are as tall as her ceilings and the cutest light blue/gray. She's got a big ol' island so all the counter space. The bones are fantastic but what really made her place so wonderful is the way she has decorated it. It screams CRISTINA. She's got a mug collection wall similar to Katie's, gorgeous navy blue couches, clear barstool chairs, and all the cute little touches like the door mat below. She's got another mat on her balcony that says "As Seen On MTV Cribs" which is fucking great. Girl knows how to live!

Katie and I blabbed the whole way and enjoyed a surprisingly easy ride home. Thank you I-4 gods.