Chris Turns 30!

Well, it has finally happened . . . Chris is now the big 3-0! He has joined the ranks with our fellow friends and has been officially welcomed into adulthood! He says it's no big deal being 30, he wasn't dreading it or anything. I, on the other hand, tossed and turned all night the night before the big day thinking that he was breathing his last breaths of his 20's. Imagine how much emotional and psychological damage I will suffer when it finally is my turn! YIKES! Good thing I have 3 more years to go :) We are having a big party for him on Saturday, so not much "celebrating" has happened yet, but I did make him a very special birthday dinner. It was very special because I cooked red meat.

I was raised by Vegan/Vegetarian parents and have only slightly strayed since my days of living at home (I will now eat chicken and turkey), while Chris was raised on a farm (more or less) where they ate meats of every kind. So when he married me, he had to forego his love of meat! Well, red meat and pork at least :)

So when I cooked him steak for dinner on his birthday, he was very surprised and VERY happy! Our menu was as follows (recipe's generously provided by Ms. Sandra Lee): Blue cheese buttered ribeyes (only we used Sirloin b/c it was WAY cheaper), horseradish mashed potatoes, steamed green bean, mixed salad w/ oil and vinegar dressing, and french bread on the side. Even I can attest that it was ALL very yummy!!! If I had no discipline in the area of my eating habits, I could very easily have been swayed over to the "dark side" and continue eating steak. I took a couple of photos of our birthday dinner together. More to come after his party on Saturday.

Here are some pictures from Chris' last paintball game in Fayetteville (3 weeks ago). It's crazy how seriously these guys take this "hobby" - not to mention how expensive it is, too! But her loves it and I can't deny him that - what kind of wife would I be? :)





I spent part of the weekend in Raleigh with my family - it was super fun. I couldn't stay for too long b/c I left Chris at home alone and he can't stay that way for too long or he'll get crazy pitiful (don't tell him I said that!). My mom and I went to see "Mama Mia" - I had no idea had great it was going to be! PLUS - it was the karaoke version so we could sing along in the theatre! WHAT FUN!!! I immediately bought the soundtrack when we left the theatre and listened to it all the way home to Charlotte!

Today we're heading to our friends house (Rob & Kelly) for a Labor Day cookout! Can't believe summer is coming to an end already - where did it go? I know it's not officially over until September 21st, but this is the last summer holiday - which is pretty sad. I'm looking forward to Fall, though. It's my favorite season.

3 major events I recently found out about that are worth noting: 1) Edwin McCain is giving a concert at Meredith College's outdoor ampitheatre on Friday, Sept. 19th at 8:00 pm. Tickets are only $10 - GO! You can't afford to miss this man - he's amazing! 2) Miss Saigon has recently sprung from retirement and is back out on tour! I have been waiting for this to happen for many years! It's my favorite Broadway show and it's coming to Raleigh next Spring! omigosh! And 3) Michael Buble is rounding out his U.S. Tour and will be performing in Raleigh this October. Chris and I saw this tour when he came through Charlotte last Spring - but I'd go again in a heartbeat. These are three events that are a MUST! If you don't do anything else "cultural" for the rest of the year, try and do at least one of these events. They are sure to be worth every penny you spend!

Happy Labor Day!