Diary of a Metal Mommy

I hate vests. They are so dorky. SO dorky, all I can think of is that stupid David Naughton guy dancing around and asking me if I’d be a Pepper. Irritating! The fingerless gloves, the leg warmers… also pretty ridic fashion, but they are a good kind of goofy, in my opinion. I could possibly be seen in those. But unless it’s a cool corsetty-type vest, this 40-year old won’t be caught dead in one. shiver!

The first day of 40 has begun, and as Martha would say, it’s a good thing. I woke up to chilly sunshine, having to put on my snuggly-wuggly robe for the first time since winter. (that’s a good thing now…ask me again in a few months…!) I got my cuppa and went out on the porch, observing the many tables and chairs that were set up all over our patio area–remnants of last night’s Shameless 40th Birthday Bash. I had to wipe a tear or two, thinking how last night it was filled with wonderful friends and family that were so loving and generous, sharing this milestone with me. I’m so grateful for everyone in my life!!! There were many gifts–even though they were specifically told to ONLY bring themselves and their appetites for cake!–including a pack of Depends diapers. Lovely. I actually put those in my closet for future use. Hey, one less pack I’ll have to inevitably buy. The evening even included a presentation by my sweet and loving hubby, (that’s my cutie, on the left!) complete with a very thoughtful and thought out speech by him and poems written and read by my peanuts. *sniff!!!*

The only bummer of the evening was the fact that I COMPLETELY forgot about my camera until the very end when most people had left, so I didn’t get many photos at all!!!!! Can you believe it?! What a total drag. Ah well, I’ll always have the memories. And now I can truly say that I’ve had just about EVERYONE on my patio.

Ahh, the rain gods did indeed keep the rain to a sprinkle all night for our outing at the State Fair! There was much fun to be had, as usual. Vivian’s art got into the fair for the second year in a row, with the Honorable Mention. Amazing!!! And there is not much better than looking at the sheer delight in your child’s face when they are on a ride. (and knowing that THEY are the ones on the ride, and not YOU.) Man, I used to love those things. It IS a bit depressing that I can’t stomach them anymore. Ah well, just another instance where I can live it again through my children. I do love to walk through the midway at night, and see all of the lights. Magical. Brings back memories, fo sho.

And speaking of memories, can I remember the last 40 years that have passed as of today? Unfortunately, not much of them. Man, I have such a terrible memory. A guy just emailed me who claims that back in the rock and roll day he asked me to his prom (!) and instead I invited him back to my apartment to hang out with me and the Rand, my guitar player of the Charm School Dropouts. Huh?! Terrible, I have no clue who this guy is and no memory of that incident. Don’t get me wrong, I did my share of partying, but believe it or not I did keep that to a minimum so I don’t blame that for the memory loss. Just lost brain cells, I guess. As the Sambone would say, Crazy, man.

But yes, today is The Day. I am officially 40, officially Middle Aged. eeeek. I’ve always been fascinated with things of the Middle Ages, but this is ridiculous. Actually, it’s embarrassing now that this is the day, telling everyone it’s my birthday. Pretty funny since it’s all I’ve talked about for the past 9 months. Ha!

A chilly, (but hoomid!) gloomy, rainy day…not so good when you are planning to hit the State Fair. Ah well, we’re hearty Minnesota folk, we’ll still go. This is new to us, waiting until late afternoon to start our adventure, (AND dealing with the rain…we usually get pretty lucky with the weather!) but we thought it would be fun to be there at night-time for a change. I’m sure Vivian will be hitting the real Midway this time, which is strange…but of course we’ll still be spending plenty of time at the Kidway with Sullivan. Until it’s time to go, we’ve just been hanging around the house and playing Which Witch?! Nice!

Here’s a photo of us gourmet gals…we had our dinner the other night at Bruggeman’s house. Always fun! It’s hard to believe we’ve been having these get-togethers for what…about 9 years now?? Crazy. Besides hairstyles and weight changes (and all for the better, I’m happy to say!) there have been other changes over the years…we used to go all out with our themes and dress up. Whoever was hosting the dinner really took time to research a menu and made sure to get those recipes out to each couple in plenty of time before the dinner. After almost a decade we just go as we are, are re-using a lot of the same recipes, and often just email a quick “just make an appetizer!” to whomever–but the fact that we all love being together and always have a great time definitely remains the same. I am very grateful for my lovely Gourmet Group. Pastor Tim’s birthday was yesterday, just 2 days before mine! We gave him a card that had this button attached to it, meant for donning on your special day. It’s hard to read, but it says, “Hooray 4 Underpants” ! Of course this means nothing, but it’s really fun to make your pastor wear such a thing. I dared him to wear it to church the next morning, and I’ll be darned, he did! It was a bit hidden under his robe, (understood!) but the fact that he wore it at all is the best. This is why I love him, and my church. Who else would have me?!

So soon we’ll be heading out to the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Hopefully the clouds will take pity on us and hold back it’s rain until we get home tonight. I hope, also, that the weather is nice for my birthday bash tomorrow! FOUR-DEE! Bring it on, baby, bring it on!

K, I’m just about the luckiest girl in the world. Last night Stephanie showed up around 6:30, to take me to this ‘mystery destination’, something that she and Kim had been cooking up for my birthday. Vivian and Cory knew all about it, and turns out they were in on this dastardly plan, big-time. Cory wouldn’t tell me what was up, but he did hint that I shouldn’t be TOO casual as Kim said I could be for our night out. Hmmmm. So I made sure to wear something comfy, but kind of fun. Vivian had been worrying me, talking it up and saying, “Look out, Mom!” whenever I would mention this night coming up. I know that my friend Kim is indeed the Maven of Mischief, so who knows what these ladies were up to?!

So we get to Kim’s house and Stephanie says, “This is where we’re going!” I thought maybe there was another trick coming up, but no…I get into the house and am greeted by Kim who says that we’re having a 70’s birthday party! WOO HOO!!!!!!! I walk into her dining room and am completely aghast at what I see….not only is it decorated with streamers and balloons, but there is an amazing flash-back from the 70’s all set up on the table, waiting for me….none other than the Which Witch? game, the very game we’ve talked about on the podcast and the one that I’ve even been eyeing on ebay lately!!!! I stood there pointing with my mouth open for quite a few seconds, I was in total shock! OMG, the perfect evening. Playing a vintage game that I totally remembered from my childhood with my incredible friends and eating yummy 70’s kid-food! Stephanie made delicious Mac and Cheese–and we’re not talkin’ Kraft, here!–and delectable Sloppy Joes!!!!!! We had chips, beer, wine, this lovely food, and then mini birthday cupcakes complete with coconut (my fave!) and sprinkles!!!!!!! We laughed and played late into the night.

What friends I have. They put so much thought and effort into this night…especially since neither of them especially enjoy playing board games!!!! Such a sacrifice! Hey, if this is what ‘40′ is going to be all about, bring it on!!!!!! Which Witch every Friday night from now on, right girls? Girls….?