Birthday Suit Accessories: Granny-Style

I celebrated my birthday on Saturday with several activities of developmental, cultural, genetic and physiological significance.

I started the day by coaching Mook's soccer game. We lost 0-4... and totally deserved it. At half-time I took the opportunity to remind the defenders and keeper to block the opposing team's angles. I told the forwards to maintain their positions and communicate so as to maximize their passing efficiency and increase the chance of scoring. Then I remembered they're only 6 and 7 years old. They have no idea what I'm talking about. I cut myself off and asked with a smile, "You ladies have no idea what I'm saying, do you?" Several parents chuckled and I ended with a giant, "Go out, do your best, and have a great time." I learned an important lesson Saturday morning. Side note: the girls surprised me at practice last night with a giant soccer ball balloon and a birthday card. They're the sweetest, most tenacious kids I know.

Mike and I went to the Amanas for Oktoberfest around noon. We were lucky to find a parking spot right away and walked mainstreet to scout the unique weekend events. Mike took pity on a lone accordion player - probably the only street musician who was playing authentic German tunes - because nobody was listening to him. The crowds gathered where little bands played songs like There's a Tear in My Beer. We made it down to the dining tent outside the Festhalle Barn where the locally brewed Millstream beer was served in mugs by the litre. The October air was hot, so Mike and I purchased our brats (he had kraut, I didn't) and took shelter under the shade of a couple oom-pah bands in the barn. After chatting for a while, observing that we were at least 25 years younger than most attendees in the barn, we decided to hit the wineries for free samples. I think we hit about 5 or 6 wineries, all of which primarily produce uber-sweet dessert wines. Mike settled on a cranberry wine, but I didn't like any of the wines enough to purchase a bottle. As far as local wine cellars go, I prefer Galena Cellars, because they have a nice variety of wines that range from dry to sweet. They offer six generously poured samples for a $2.00 fee.

Mike and I headed back early to Cedar Rapids because it was hot and Oktoberfest was not geared toward our generation. I took Mike on a mini tour of historical southeast Cedar Rapids, then we landed at Jim's Starlite Room, a hole-in-the-wall with fantastic bar food. Several friends showed up in time to power up the big screen and catch the last quarter-plus of the ISU/Nebraska game. I usually don't like receiving gifts on my birtday because I usually get stuff I don't need - yeah, I'm a brat that way - however, this turned out to be a jackpot year. Mike surprised me with a poorly wrapped copy of a book called "The Life of Pi" (I could see through the wrapping paper... it made me smile). A couple friends noticed that I was lacking in the accessory department and took care of the deficiencies, and my bio-mom came through with her thoughtful fragrance-themed gifts to which I look forward every year. Mike was a trooper. He withstood meeting the family and friends with outstanding dignity; they were impressed with his kindness and sincerity. And though we aren't technically a "couple", it's just one less hurdle to jump as we forge ahead.

Mike, Matt (my bro), several friends, and I opted to move the party to Westdale Bowl for extreme bowling: blacklights, lasers, sweet tunes, beer and fog machines. We played 3 games, and I somehow earned the nickname "Sweaty Pants." Sucks to be me... or my pants. My highest score was 99... I am a terrible bowler. I took bowling class in high school, for Pete's sake. I should at least hit 100, but no... I couldn't even come through with that 1 extra point. I hit my only strike of the night when I stood backwards and pushed the ball through my legs granny-style.

Like this, but backwards.

Good times...