A few good days

I was really excited to try this new restaurant, and strangely enough, since I had been there despite its November opening, I thought my birthday would be a good excuse to make my first visit. I had the spicy roll sampler, which included tuna, salmon and California rolls. The shumai dumplings were yummy, too. It was a really good mix of ladies--which left me thinking there should be more ladies-only events. After dinner we headed here and met up with Corey and some of the other men, and had some very excellent martinis. Saturday night we had dinner and my parents'--steak and twice-baked potatoes--and my mom surprised us by inviting Corey's parents. Sunday I drove to the Metrodome to watch the Saints play St. Thomas. I swear I get so nervous I shouldn't even be allowed to sit in the stands. Monday I spent a few hours shopping, drinking in all of the retail therapy I don't have access to at home. It was an excellent weekend.

The 30 crowd

Within 12 months houses the 30th birthdays of me and a great majority of my friends. Bonne Anniversaire, mes amies! I'm feeling the pressure to adopt a philosophy about this monumental birthday. Humor (and Hallmark) aside, most of the credos of aging are negative. Generally, I think being able to say I'm 30 (most likely because people I meet can barely believe I'm 20) kicks ass. There are so many conventions about what one should be at every landmark age and I don't really buy into that. For a lot of what we do, I think age is just a suggested guideline--consider it but don't let it dictate you. Maybe it's just a gaping dose of self-assessment/ego-centrism, but seeing that we live quite a bit longer than they did during Medieval times, we have to let our self-created mantras be our living guidelines, right?

My 30th year's worth of advice [to myself]:
1. Laugh more. Lots more.
1a. Have a kick ass party in your honor and don't think twice about it.
2. Care less about the tasks that in reality don't matter but consume much of your time. Still do them, but strive to care less.
3. Participate in creative endeavors more frequently (like the pottery class offered this summer).
4. Keep exercising so that you can still do it when you’re 70. (Make vanity only your second priority. Don’t worry that you are incredibly less flexible than even 10 years ago.)
4a. Don't skip dessert because it makes you appear sad.
4b. Don't buy the cheap wine just because it's cheaper; buy what tastes good.
5. Continue to kiss your husband each & every day, even if he doesn't like your gooey lip gloss.
6. Tell those closest to you that you love them, even if they're not people that you say "I love you" to.
7. Practice your spirituality, whatever that means to you.
8. Volunteer more. You do have time.
8a. Join a foundation/non-profit/become a board member of a cause that matters to you (DSAMN, Art Institute).
9. Remember that a dog's POV is a pretty good way to look at the world (i.e. let it go).
10. Let it go. Being right all the time doesn't ensure well, anything, really.
11. Who cares if people are mad at you. You can't be everything to everyone.
12. Be grateful. Every day.
13. Learn to water ski. Forget how much farther you are from the water than when you were 8.

Girls (and boys) just wanna have fun

Last weekend I joined in Anne's birthday celebration at a few of the metro area's downtown hotspots. Most of the people in Anne's group had been to Chiang mai Thai on Hennepin Ave, but what a jewel that I got to discover! The green veggie curry was excellent and gluten-free. Plus, I've never met a spring roll I didn't like. There were tables waiting for the guest of honor here, where we watched some dancers in their very bright and revealing costumes, gave some tips (Lady Gaga was amazing), leaving me to wonder where it all goes in those outfits? The Shout House was quite popular, considering basically every song is a crowd favorite. There were some heavy metal covers that even sounded great on the piano.

Happy birthday, coach

Last night Colleen had a birthday party for Coach. She wanted to host an event where friends and family would come together to share memories with Maddux and Josie. She had a journal that people could write down their stories, and then someone was videotaping as people around the room would recollect a touching or a funny story. There were lots of kids there and the most important impression I got in the room last night was how important his family was to him. Happy birthday, coach; you're missed very much.

Some cake & candles

Since my anti-birthday husband wanted to keep the day low-key, I made stew and we had Kim, Tom, Max & Vivi over for dinner and cake (go GF Betty Crocker). Of course I put all 31 candles on the cake, so Max gladly assisted.

Happy birthday, Koko

My little furry dude had a birthday last week and if I hadn't been home sick I probably would have felt more motivated to create some homemade dog treats, but instead he had some lovely sweet potato and venison concoctions from the store. He also got a few other doggie perks: a trip to the pet store, a ride in the car, and an extra long walk. Not bad for one doggie day.

January birthdays

My mom and my niece Ashley have birthdays this month. Usually my mom is hard to buy for because if the gift is too frivolous, she'll think she should take it back, and if it's too practical, you don't feel like you're spoiling someone enough, considering it's your mom and it's her birthday. I found this really cool family archive album that's pre-designed and has acid-free paper and plastic covers for pictures. My mom is really interested in tracing and documenting her family history, so I thought she would enjoy it. Corey & I had her and my dad over for some grilled pork, garlic mashed potatoes and my favorite flourless chocolate cake recipe (I sprinkle cocoa powder on the top).


Ashley, whom I remember as a cute little girl with curls, turned 16 this month and I'm still in disbelief. I chewed on that for quite a few days. I wanted to get her something special since you only turn 16 once, and I remembered seeing this jewelry line at a local boutique. The homemade spaghetti sauce was in abundance.

Happy 30th to my man

I had debated between throwing a surprise party for Corey and just going out to dinner. I joked that he doesn't really like celebrating his birthday, but I know how much he--like everyone else--likes spending time with their friends. So considering all the craziness that's been circling around lately, I thought it was a good time to celebrate. It was mostly a surprise and he was so glad to see so many people all coming together--that was the best part. Happy birthday, baby; I love ya. It's going to be a great decade.

The homemade craps table (this took some online research)


The blackjack dealer & her assistant

Feeling loved

This weekend was great as I got to celebrate my birthday with lots of people I love. Also, I can't believe how many times I got a treasure or a card, reminding myself how thoughtful my friends and family are and how thankful I am. Thanks for making it so special! Monday night my parents had us over for teriyaki steak, twice-baked potatoes and mom's new famous flourless chocolate cake (made with garbanzo beans!). I brought the remnants into work the next day and no one could believe it was actually good for you. (I am digging for the recipe, but I know for sure it's from Bette Hagman's Gluten Free Gourmet). My co-workers and I went out for lunch on Friday, then CR, Shandiz, Corey and I went out for dinner that night. We met up with Joe, Em, Aaron, Lenae, CB and Jodi for some bowling. We had a great time. Saturday was CR's bridal shower and it was great to celebrate at Melissa's uber-cool Victorian house. (The flourless cake also made a successful appearance). By Saturday night, the proverbial truck had hit me and the bragging about not being sick had evaporated. I've been chugging down tea and using my Neti pot, so I'm hoping for a quicker recovery.

HB to my CK

I have always loved these two pictures of Corey and thought they were befitting to post on his 29th birthday. In lieu of a cake, I made my very first pie from scratch (pictures to come): he said that it was good (I think he would tell it to me straight if it wasn't). I don't quite have the crust part down yet, but I'm working on it. Happy birthday-- je t'aime, bebe. I know you're not big on birthdays, but hopefully my celebratory nature will wear off on you as we age. Plus, who can forget a birthday when we stopped to change John Baggs's flat tire?

Speaking of Nov 15 birthdays, Corey know knows his birthday twin, Ryker Spence Doudrick! Congratulations, Janell & Jeff; we are so happy for you.