In August, I turned the big 3-0. I anticipated suddenly feeling different, but I really don’t. I don’t plan on buying any anti-aging creams or signing up for catalogs from The Scooter Store any time soon. Hell, I still feel like a teenager most of the time. But, I did spend the week of my birthday and the following week doing some fun stuff that made me forget that I’m in my fourth decade.

My birthday week was fun. I celebrated with my family one night, and then celebrated with friends the other. The initial plan was to go to my favorite restaurant and bar for karaoke, but when we arrived they told us they weren’t having it that night. I was crushed! But we hung out for a while and then headed back to my place for Rock Band. It was just as fun.

Then, on the 31st, I went to see Lady Gaga with my friend Lauren and my new friend Robyn (whom I met because she bought my extra ticket). The ticket was a joint graduation/30th birthday gift to myself. All I have to say is that it was totally and absolutely worth it, and I would (and will) pay whatever I have to so I can see her every time she comes to town. She puts on an amazing live show, and it was so much fun.

For Labor Day weekend, my oldest niece Nikki and her friend Rob came to visit, and we went to the Minnesota State Fair on the 5th. I always love going to the State Fair, even if it’s basically the same every year. I think it’s fun to go with people who have never been to the fair before. Last year, I went with Nic’s mum, and she had never been to the fair. The year before, I went with Nic and his dad, and neither of them had been to the fair, either. You see it through different eyes when you go with people who haven’t gone there before. I basically do the same things every year: Eat cheese curds, pet the goats, look at art, don goofy hats from whatever vendors are handing them out, and do a lot of walking. This year was no different, except I did milk a dairy goat, which was very fun. I love farm animals.

I learned that the goat’s name was Raven, which made me feel a little bit more comfortable. She was a sweetie. I even got a ribbon when I was done that says, “I Milked a Dairy Goat.” I’m a pro, now.

I captured this photo of two goats taking a nap. I thought I was going to wake them up with my squeeing. I love goats. They are so precious.

The weather was beautiful. I don’t think it got above 75 degrees that day, and there was a nice breeze. Oddly enough, it wasn’t too crowded, either. I also made friends with two alpacas. I thanked them for having hair that makes amazing yarn. One made an “eeee” noise, so I took that as, “You’re welcome!”

I really should own a farm.