1992-1993: 10 and 11

I got a body brush for my 11th birthday. Why? I don’t know. I don’t remember getting it, either, but there’s the photo evidence.

Though I don’t remember getting the body brush (I think my parents still have it), I do remember a lot about my 11th birthday—the birthday that always comes to mind as my favorite so far (despite the fact I don’t have many favorites). It was a Friday; we saw The Beverly Hillbillies at the old Sycamore Mall theater; we were watching my aunt and uncle’s dog, a Scottish Terrier named Gleason; and we dined on Little Caesars pizza. It was a lowkey celebration, one that set the tone for all of my birthdays to come.

It was my second straight lowkey birthday. When I turned 10, my birthday consisted of a trip to the Aladdin’s Castle arcade at the Old Capitol Mall with a friend after school, dinner at McDonald’s (fancy!), and a small gathering at home for presents, cake, and ice cream. It was fun and easy for everyone.

(A visit to Aladdin’s Castle with friends became my birthday staple for a couple years. I did it again for my 11th, though it was the next day. I think it was then that we had lunch at the old Happy Joe’s in downtown Iowa City and my friend selected Kiss’s “Let’s Put the X in Sex” on the jukebox.)

My 10th and 11th birthdays were a departure from earlier birthdays. I recall big groups of family and friends at the ones I remember—stereotypical birthday parties for a kid. Did I want those? I don’t remember, but at a certain point, I did not want big parties, didn’t want a lot of people around, didn’t want a lot of attention.

I hate attention. Maybe I liked it when I was a little kid, but I have preferred being a wallflower for the majority of my life, preferred being someone who blends with the furniture. I prefer to listen and observe. It was a preference that manifested itself 25 and 26 years ago, when I started becoming the person I am today.

I’m not the life of the party, the master of ceremonies. I’m the dude who stays in the back and enjoys intimate, one-on-one conversations and interactions. That’s what I like to do. I’m not loud or commanding; I’m quiet, shy, reserved—a fact some people seem to hate. I guess it does not jell with their perception of me or what they consider normal. It feels like some people love to shame me for being me, love to make me feel bad that I’m not like everyone else. I avoid those people because I don’t want them in my life.

ANYWAY, I love my birthday but don’t go all out celebrating. I keep it fun, easy, and simple. I don’t draw any more attention than I would on a normal day—which is none. Much as I did on my 11th birthday, this year I enjoyed the company of family, dined on pizza, and enjoyed angel food cake.

Speaking of angel food cake, my 10th birthday was the first time I remember having angel food cake for my birthday. It’s been a staple ever since. Good stuff.

Sadly, Aladdin’s Castle is no more. However, I should make a trip up to The Quarter Barrel for some tasty brews and a few games of Galaga for old-time’s sake.