Odd Behavior
I've got an odd friend. Her name is Michelle and this past weekend we celebrated her 40th birthday. She's too nutty, carefree and spontaneous to plan something normal with her girlfriends for a milestone celebration like this one. As is fitting for Michelle, she chose unusual activities to mark her special day.
First we went out to a vegetarian restaurant. Yes, you heard me correctly. They don't serve meat.
Girl, I know. I was just as shocked as you are. I'm from Texas; born and raised. Our state song has something to do with big juicy steaks, I think. It's hard to imagine me in a place like that, isn't it? What's so interesting is that my friend is not a vegetarian. She was just drawn to the idea of trying someplace different and breaking out of the box a bit. Well, if you know me then you know that if there's one thing I don't have any problem eating - it's a tasty piece of meat, and yet this spot didn't have even one sliver to be ordered. From the moment we walked into this quaint cafe I'd passed a million times before, I knew it was different - just like my friend. And despite the hesitation of all 10 of us, every morsel of the meat-free entrees was delicious.
After dinner, we packed into our cars and headed to a roller skating rink. For two hours, we rolled around the rink with a bunch of teenagers from the local junior high schools. Grouped together for support, we clung to each other's hands, jackets; whatever we could to keep from meeting with that hard floor. For some reason, I'd felt like a fairly young woman until I saw those teenagers staring at us with pity, or was it just bewilderment, as they whizzed by on one foot.
Exhausted, we left the rink and drove across town to Michelle's house. We gathered our sleeping bags and slept on bean bags and the carpet in her living room - that is, after we talked and giggled until 2:45am.
2:45 AM. . . What in the world were we thinking?
The next morning, after we gathered our lazy bones off the floor, I made everyone homemade pancakes, eggs and, you guessed it, BACON. And I made enough to make up for the lack of meat we'd consumed the day before. Everyone thanked me profusely, and then we got dressed and headed out for a ride on a Segway. Maybe you've never heard of these things before, but possibly you've seen a cop roll passed on one and wondered why officers don't care to walk anymore like they did in the good ol' days. Well, now I know why. Who'd ever pass up the chance to have this much fun??
After a quick tutorial, we were on our way for a guided tour through downtown Dallas on our new little gadgets. For an hour or so, we wove our way in and out of streets, laughing and cutting up the whole way.
Odd behavior for women celebrating the forties, huh? And yet so much fun.
In fact, unforgettable.
I had to get home after that portion of the celebration but I heard that those who stayed did something that was similar to bungie jumping.
(Awww man, I should have stayed!)
It was a zany and weird weekend that brought a little spark of unusual fun into our otherwise routine existences. I love Michelle and her desire to live life to the hilt - even if it means being a bit odd. We're all the better for it. There's nothing like an odd friend and some odd activities to put a skip in your step and smile on your face - especially after you've had some bacon for breakfast!
So, have you done anything odd lately? Tell me about it.
Priscilla
Love it!
If that's odd behavior, then I think we all need to be a little odd. That is so much fun!! Happy 40th to your friend. I think I'm overdue for a sleepover. =)
Oddities
Priscilla,
I'm so envious. I've always wanted to try a Segway and the roller skating sounds fun too. I guess the oddest thing that I have done in a while was when my husband and I went through our 'Harley' phase. We bought a Harley Davidson "Road King" bike and rode it for several years. We had so much fun and I still miss the bike. Feeling the wind in your face,hearing the roar of the engine, and knowing that it was ok to have hair that looked scary was so much fun.
Thanks for sharing your weekend with us.
Leah
Well that say that 40 is the
Well that say that 40 is the new 20! So I say awesome!! Ever since I watched Mall Cop I have SO SO SO wanted to try one of those things and I feel most educated that after reading your blog I now know what they are called, Segway. hee hee!
:)
Fun!
What a fun weekend! Now I want to have a sleepover with some girls...I just need to find some girls! I am not a very "fun" person. I kind of get stuck in a routine and, sadly can't think of a single odd thing I have done lately. Maybe I should come up with something! Thanks for the inspiration!
My something odd was almost 7
My something odd was almost 7 years ago already but I lost my Mom in her late 50's to Pancreatic cancer, after being diagnosed 18 days prior. I realized how short life can be, just a breath holds us here to eternity. My husband and I enjoy traveling and a few months after my Mom passed hubs booked us for a three day weekend in Jackson Hole. I got on-line and surprised him with a hot air baloon ride. Way out of my comfort zone, but what a hoot. Then a few months after that we were in Breckenridge Colorado when I made the comment, we should go white water rafting. That was all it took, the next moment hubs had us booked for the VERY next day. I had not time really to stew and fret, but that season in my life really caused me to do somethings that I had been so fearful off and "odd" for me.
With love,
Yolanda
Backpacking
Well, backpacking isn't odd in itself, but for a pedicure getting, makeup wearing, clean shower loving kinda girl like myself it was a total adventure and break from my comfort zone.
My brother, his best friend, best friend's wife, and me all went backpacking through France, Italy, and Amsterdam this past October. My first trip to Europe included nice hotels, etc.; however, this time around, we stayed in HOSTELS. It was so different, but fun. Not so much fun that I will ever go backpacking again though...haha.
Amber
Awesome
How awesome! Happy Birthday to your friend! I will have to try the Segway when I come to Dallas in a few months for my sister-in-law's 50 birthday!Thanks for your constant encouragement!
Love,
Crissy
Why Not?
I love that you do these things too! Why not have fun? I haven't had the chance to do anything recently, but I did talk my mother who has Leukemia into something... My grandfather - her dad - has been in the ICU with lung complications. Because we have to be extra careful with her not to get sick the doctors made her wear a special mask while visiting in the hospital. It's big, bright pink, and has wires that connect it all around her head. She was embarrassed, so I told her to live it up! I made her go by the thrift store and get the most gaudy hat she could find to complement it. Why not? It helped lift her spirits as well!
@Tiffany
What a BRILLIANT IDEA! I hope your mom had a blast in her gaudy get-up!!!
Priscilla
It had a great weekend! I
It had a great weekend! I think my forties will be the "odd number." Think about this ladies, if u have a slumber party it's a way to get out of the house...from ur children and husband for a WHOLE night:) Thanks P, I love U!
I just learned about a local
I just learned about a local business that offers ziplining and I can't wait to try it. I've seen people on The Amazing Race doing it and never thought I'd get a chance. Anyway, it's now at the very top of my list of things to do, even though it may not be for my birthday(which is next week) because frankly; it's too cold!
Can't wait to try the segway. Saw them in Chicago parks during my Fall break. Looked so fun!!!
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