Gutter balls and high fives

Last night Marshall and I went bowling. We've bowled before, but I don't think together. We got our shoes. After trying on three different sizes, Marshall learned he's an 11. I actually wore a size 9, which is smaller than my normal sneakers at 9.5. One of my shoe laces was super long and I made a big bow out of it. The other had a tiny bow. :)

We had to find the bowling balls that fit us from their selection. The only one I could handle was an 8 pound ball with smaller holes than I would have prefered. Marshall picked out a 14 pounder with a swirly green design on it.

I learned that Marshall and I have different bowling styles. During the first game, he had the most gutter balls and I earned the most high fives. He speeds up to the alley line and releases the ball in a spin. One lane over was a professional hobbiest and gave Marshall some pointers. After that, the tables turned. I started making more gutter balls and he got the high fives (and hugs). When I bowl, I slowly walk up to the alley line, step to the left a little bit, bring my right arm back and try to release it in a straight line down the middle. It's not a rocket shooting down the runway like other players seem capable of doing. I had a few spares and a few strikes, so I was happy. I was so nervous about the small holes on the ball. I didn't want my fingers to get stuck in them as I released it.

I won the first game 122-73, and we only made it through another half game before our time was up. Marshall was in the lead by 10 points or so, and probably would have won. Both of our hands were hurting after playing for 30 minutes, so we were content to call it a fun adventure and move on to something else, which ended up watching Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace.

I'm hoping that the second Sunday in July I can convince some of the neighbor ladies to get up early with me and go bowling. The alley has a $7 special for unlimited bowling for 2.5 hours and free shoe rental on Sunday mornings. That's cheaper than a lunch date! I'll see what I can do about drumming up interest. :)