The Twin Turns 35

What better way to celebrate the big 3-5 than a group dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant? Last night was Jason's turn at the birthday bash hosted by our favorite mom-friend Lynn. We met on Fairfax at Messob's, a cozy dining venue on the north end of the Ethiopian strip (I think there's an official name for the neighborhood, maybe Jason can fill me in?). Six of us were in tow, although with the three Geminis present, there were really nine.

We got the prime storefront table, sat in a circle, and savored a variety of Ethiopian specialities spread out on a two-foot wide platter: chicken, lentil salad, sauteed cabbage, grilled beef, a tasty couscous? salad. All with our hands. The bread was spongy, paper thin and soft enough for me to sleep on (but better to eat), and we scooped away at the various delights. I crown Keith the carnivore champ as he diligently hunted under sauce and cabbage for every last morsel o' meat, uttering periodically: "is there any more beef?" "Where's the beef?"

It was great to hang out with Lawrence a little more. Met him once at a Jason affair five years ago. Found out yesterday he went to Duke with Jason but I still like him anyway :). Caught up with Lynn who I haven't seen in almost two years and was excited to let her know that I'm nearing the end of my design program (was beginning the last time I had breakfast with her). Ever the hostess, she brought a decadent dish of birthday cupcakes and we taste tested them all Ethiopian style.

Jason shared his highlight moments with each of us. My favorite was when he told Cory "every day is a highlight with you." Pretty gushy and sweet. We in turn gave our favorite Jason moment and I caught it all on video including my personal fave: teaching Jason how to swing dance the first time we met. We cut a rug in the restaurant and caught on film, Jason can prove to the world that he knows how to dance.


Conclusions from the night's chatter:
1. The musical Wicked is nothing like the book, but the soundtrack is great (just ask Lawrence).
2. DaVinci Code the film, was entertaining if you haven't read the book, and weren't raised a Catholic.
3. We solved the mystery around the rise of JewBu's in L.A.
4. We can explain the common ex-Catholic phenomenon, and why some eventually return (ask Lawrence, the Cathbu)
5. Union Square in New York is THE place to live for an L.A. transplant (tears for Keith).
6. Jason had his first cigarette at 28. Lawrence, you're an evil influence!
7. Robert, who was in Ojai on a retreat, has taught at Keith's high school.
8. Keith acted in a high school play with Mr. Nacho Libre Jack Black.
9. It's a bit weird to give panties as a gift to your friend's mother--even under platonic circumstances (but it was sure fun to talk about it hypothetically).
10. "35" isn't really middle age because our generation will live to be 90.

Great night all around--worth playing hookey from homework. Hopefully summer softball is being revived (keep us posted Keith). To my Twin, a happy birthday. Remember, left-handed Gemini writers rule--at least in our kooky little universe.