Sweet Shawn

I went to the Twin Cities over the weekend to attend a surprise 30th birthday party for "Sweet" Shawn, a rather perfect man who I've had the privilege of knowing since my days at UNI.

Shawn is a gorgeous, anal-retentive, bass-guitar-playing, punk-rockin', silly voice-making, finger-skating, usually vegetarian, kitty-cat daddy, salt-n-pepper haired, dimple-clad, never wearing party pants, but sporting the purple boa, CPA by day, naughty nurse by night, buying single cigarettes at Hill Street News, Mike-loving, kind-hearted, sorta looking like Billy Corgan, best ever person that anyone anywhere could ever hope to possibly find someday. Shawn's rare, but he's real. He's Sweetness to some, Sugarbottom to others... but there's nary a soul who doesn't love Shawn.


Moving on...

I met Mike's sister Joanna and her husband Michael... and their dog Resa (REE-suh). Resa was named after the woman (named Teresa) whose marriage to some guy a long time ago sparked the initiation of Oktoberfest in Germany. Now you know. Anyhoo, Joanna and Michael are the kind of people who would make anyone feel at home in their home and their city. Joanna is clever and intelligent while her husband is witty and hilarious. She looks like somebody you know, and he looks like Jason Lee with the personality and voice of Owen Wilson. Michael imparted some great advice to normal couples: When it comes to the choice of arguing with your significant other or singing along with a song by The Who, choose The Who. Always choose The Who. I had a great time and greatly appreciate their kindness to the strange girl who had to light a match...

Other things to note:

• Mike and I saw an albino squirrel
• Bowls full of peanut M&Ms are always a good thing
• Twilight is a great time for embarking on an adventure; try something new once a month!