XXV

I had a fantastic birthday, thanks for asking. Slept pretty great, despite the extreme muscle soreness and hunger pangs in the middle of the night (apparently triathlons do that to you?), and woke up slightly confused at 7 because I thought I heard jingle bells. When I actually decided to get out of bed at 8 (have I mentioned how much I enjoy not working on Mondays?), I realized that I hadn't been dreaming about Christmas--instead, Dad had put up a few b-day decorations, which, it turns out, is still exciting even when you're 25. And I found a freshly-baked pumpkin bar waiting for me (thanks Dad!).

jingle bells 

The search for breakfast led us to Perkins, then I gave Dad a tour of ORS, Rock Cut State Park, and the tiny Scottish town of Argyle on my bike route that I've grown fond of. He then ran 10 miles while I stretched my aching body and attempted to sort through my texts, voicemails, emails and Facebook posts. I opened my presents from Mom and Dad (requirement: they had to be from Target, because I already got my real birthday pres-- my road bike!!). Leave it to Mom to keep me looking (People Style mag, snazzy workout shirts) and smelling (body wash) good, eating well (my fav Archer Farms trail mix), and entertained (a DVD). Perf! 

We then saw Contaigon, which was good, but not exactly a cheery movie fit for a birthday--it was just all that happened to be playing at 2pm at the Machesney Park AMC. 3 comments about this movie: 1) much of it takes place in Mpls- cool!, 2) it nice and scientific, but lacked a bit of a personal touch, and 3) it informed me that "blogging is not writing; it's graffiti with punctuation." Whether or not that's true, I'm kind of addicted at this point so don't count on me stopping anytime soon. 

Finally, it was time for what was likely the most meaningful present of the day-- the chance to play some puck with my pop. Just in case I wasn't sore enough from my tri and he wasn't tired enough from his pre-marathon 10-miler just hours before, we skated our hearts out for a few hours and had a blast. I got a good birthday beating though-- I'm talking about a few wicked trips and takeouts (some of the guys on the other team were frustrated that they were losing), and even a puck to the face (that guy is in the clear though, because he asked me out afterwards. haha!). 

respect the Buddha

While I was sad to see it end, I could barely move my legs at the by the time the game was over. We then treated ourselves to a fantastic dinner at a Hibachi grill-- complete with rum punch served in a Buddha (that I got to take home--so totally worth the $8), a birthday candle in a pineapple and serenade session by the staff. A great end to a great day, topped off with a melt-in-your-mouth brownie straight from the oven of Ms. Paige Neeser. 

Doubt anyone could tell which state we're from, or which sport we like . . . 

serenaded--and forced to dance to some Japanese chant against my will.

Boy oh boy, these next few weeks in IL are going to fly by. Friday, I hit the road and head to Detroit/Davisburg, Michigan for a little R&R with Kaitlin, for which I'm so incredibly excited. After that-- I fly to upstate New York for a weekend with Jack Davis, then it's my last weekend here! I absolutely love ORS, but this weekend made me realize just how much I miss social contact outside of work-- and, of course, my friends and fam in MN. But-- let's not get ahead of ourselves. In the meantime, I have quite a few cupcakes, brownies and chocolate chip pumpkin bread waiting to be devoured. In other words, I will be attending bootcamp tomorrow. And the next day. And probably the day after that...

yes, brownies ARE a priority in my life. you da best, Paige.

Thanks for making my b-day so special, everyone!


p.s. hockey season in MN starts tonight. GO WILD GO.