Awesome weekend

The Shepard family just had another awesome weekend. After reluctance in the early morning, Simon acquiesced to attend his first futsal session. Futsal is a type of indoor soccer, played with a low-pressure soccer ball, and it's kind of chaotic. I noticed a number of kids getting knocked down and run over, but having fun running around a gym, kicking a ball. Simon knew no other kids there, and I felt really sad as he circled the gym before soccer started, trying to figure out where he fit in. One quick hour later, Simon announced he'd had a good time. The coaches are really cool and empowering without being too feel-good.

Winston had his hair cut, at his request. Over dinner on Friday evening, John asked Win what sort of a haircut he'd like. Winston answered matter-of-factly, "A mohawk." We were stunned—didn't know whether to laugh or cry—and decided to wait until after the holidays as I'm not sure this is how we want him to appear in the Christmas photos. I'm also not sure if we're prepared to see his scars and cradle cap. My surfer boy still has longish hair but it is now cut around the ears, which are in serious need of cleaning. I've spent a lot of the weekend trying to remember what he looked like pre-haircut.

On Saturday, John and I finally threw a birthday party for Simon—nine guests for bowling at Ran-Ham Bowl, the foulest smelling, dirtiest place in this quadrant of St. Paul. Needless to say, the kids had a good time bowling. Simon's friends are super—just one incredibly obnoxious kid in the whole bunch. In the evening, we had dinner at the H's house (beef goulash, tossed green salad, fruit tart) and played card games. Today, we're recovering from drinking too much after-dinner Knob Creek.

Cooking: lamb biryani from Suvir Saran's Indian Home Cooking
Baking: banana bread from Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything
Reading: Jennifer Egan's new novel, The Keep

I think I'm getting dumber

Is it possible to lose intelligence? I don't feel dumber, but I'm having increasing moments of extreme embarrassment over something deeply stupid I have said or done. For example, last night, after dinner with friends, we played cards. For the record, I DO NOT play cards. I find it boring beyond compare. Aside from solitaire, I do not know how to play a single card game. But, last night, I found myself playing hearts with John and two other couples, and I DID NOT GET HOW TO PLAY THE GAME. How is it that I have absolutely no aptitude for card games? Perhaps I should just admit it up front so not to appear so stupid among intelligent people who are no more intelligent than I am. What do I need to do?