The most fun I've had since Italy.

Lauren celebrated her birthday today at the local Whirlyball court.

You don't know what Whirlyball is? I didn't either. But now I simply can't imagine my life without it*.

It is a game.
It is an awesome game.
It is a truly awesome game.
It is a truly awesome game played while driving bumper cars.

Are you catching my drift?

The game itself is a sort of polo, played with a whiffleball and scoops. The object of this truly awesome game played while driving bumper cars is to use your scoop to get the whiffleball in a net.

And let me tell you, it ain't easy. I had control of the ball several times, but never scored a point. I did some checking a la hockey and rammed into some people just for the thrill of it. Lots of other people got their thrills too - so don't feel sorry for them. I suspect the full-body whiplash will hit me in the morning.

I'd forgotten just how competitive I can be in playing games, and I forgot how much I enjoyed playing roller hockey: the one real contact sport I ever participated in. But one thing I won't be forgetting soon is that I want to play whirlyball very often.

There was a lot of laughing, a lot of cheering, and surprisingly, a lot of sweating.

It was probably THE party of the year, which kind of dooms the Halloween party I just decided to have. But who cares? Whirlyball is my new favorite thing.

I hope you enjoyed your birthday as much as I did, Lauren!

*I still ::heart:: Gary Fisher most of all. He is the way and the light. Amen.