My thirty-hrmphff birthday celebration!

"Hippo birdie, two ewes....."

So, here I was, about to be older than I ever imagined I'd ever live to see, and not feeling nearly that mature. I'm thinking to myself, "Self, what could we do for your birthday that would be amusing, and where many of these marvelous people you seem to have gathered around you in your life can join in the fun?"

And I answered (though not out loud, I don't think), "Bowling!" So bowling it was. I rented a couple of lanes at the local Brunswick (local for me -- thanks to those of you who trekked over hill and dale, or at least through Saudi Aurora, to make it). I put on my purple bowling shoes, gathered most of my favorite people around me, ordered a beverage, and off we went.

What follows here is a smattering of photos (some good, some not-so-still) from the evening. I'd like to extend a special thanks to Alhana Loose, who seems to have a natural eye for interesting angles, even if my camera doesn't always cooperate in setting the flash off just when you'd like.

So right off the bat, I was presented with a little something to accesorize the outfit with. Purple bowling shoes + shocking pink feather boa = happy girl!

Yes, Loren, you are, in fact, Da Man.

(as proved by that awseome kitchen piping on Saturday -- you rock!)

I clambered up onto a chair before the drinks really kicked in for this shot of the intial group.

At first, I think we were all actually trying to bowl well.

At least, we looked like we were taking it seriously.

Rhea even has the approach down.

Loren has the pose down.

(surprise!)

Did I say serious? Pfff.... (those pink feathers ended up EVERYWHERE -- keep watching)

Loren & Sue heard about my purple bowling shoes and had the perfect ball for me.

I'm not sure, but I think I spent a good part of the night like this, telling people how very happy I was to have them there (which I meant, wholeheartedly!)

We were a colorful group. And so were our bowling balls.

(photography by Alhana)

Now THAT'S a menacing look! The pins should just fall right over.

(photography by Alhana)

Karen joined Andrew in the festivities (but I don't think we ever got her ensconced in pink feathers)

(photography by Alhana)

Whatta grin Paul has....

(photography by Alhana)

....wherever could Clara have gotten hers? :)

(photography by Alhana)

Steve put us all to shame with his bowling -- you can be on my league any time!

(photography by Alhana)

It's blurry, but in an artsy way.

I'm not sure fuschia is Loren's best color (whew!)

(photography by Alhana)

Wowzer, look at those baby blues, Sue!! Wit-woo!

(photography by Alhana)

Sara & Nichelle, 2 of my bestest friends, came out to play along.

(photography by Alhana)

Ali joined us too, but seems a little apprehensive (perhaps she knew we'd get Sara to pick up a very heavy ball?)

(photography by Alhana)

Andrew will hate me for posting this, but it had this artsy, well-lit sortof feel to it.

(photography by Alhana)

And here we have a fair representation of the G.A.B. club (Girls, Alcohol and Books)

(photography by Alhana)

Patrick brought me a gorgeous bouquet of birthday roses -- I could be wrong, but I think I may have gushed on about it.
<Pam leans over and sniffs the roses on her desk and smiles>

(photography by Alhana)

Patter, did we get you to bowl? More importantly, did we get you in the feathers?

Alhana takes a break from the camera to take a shot at the pins.

Paul's shirt pretty much said it all. Oh, wait....that was vodka in my glass, wudn't it?

(photography by Alhana)

My pretty roses. I have them in a nicer vase now than the soda pitcher seen here.

Clara sees that a little of her cracker goes home with Rhea -- in her ear.

(photography by Alhana)

Ugh. I code XML, I come up with these pages, I can change my oil....but could I figure out how to add a player to our lanes? Not for about 15 minutes, no.

(photography by Alhana)

Patter also brought the perfect card. Am I so transparent? (don't answer that)

Try as I might, I never did get actual proof that we got Sara to bowl. (you have no idea how much of an accomplishment that was!!)

Seriously. Everywhere.

Megan's looking awfully serious. How can we remedy that? ThinkThinkThink.....

Aha!

(photography by Alhana)

And Aha!

(photography by Alhana)

And....awww.......

See, this one's a little blurrier, because this time, the drinks had kicked in.

Man cannot live by bowling alone. He must have dancing.

Jon joined us (hooray!), but we couldn't get him to bowl. Something about a toe injury.

Didn't keep him from disco dancing all up the joint, though. :) And I was just silly enough that I joined him.

(photography by Alhana)

So, I know I said it about a bazillion times throughout the evening, but I really am thrilled to pieces that you all could make it. And for those who couldn't, I missed you oodles.

Even though my head hurt a little (!) the next morning, I realize what a very lucky girl I am. I have fantastic friends (both long-standing and recently met), and the health to make it through a night of debauchery without serious consequences (a designated driver helps, too -- thanks, 'Chelle!)

Boy, just wait til I hit 40 -- the badminton courts'll never know what hit them.

Nice action shot -- why do I have a KrissKross song going through my head?
("Jump, jump....")

(photography by Alhana)

Not one to hog the dance floor, I let Alhana cut in.

Well, Happy Birthday to you! Now, you and your purple bowling shoes, lead me back to the home page