The big 3-0

So last week was Rick's 30th birthday and we celebrated all week long. It was spring break week and I was glad to have the time off from classes even though I worked in the lab all but Rick's birthday (Tuesday). I didn't get my paper written as planned, but it was a good week regardless. And the weather couldn't be beat.

Rick took Monday-Wednesday off and we had lunch together on Monday--it was nice. On St. Patty's day (Rick's birthday) we headed to Valley Junction to do a little shopping and strolling. We picked up some local jams and such at Heart of Iowa and had lunch at the Tavern down there too. I wanted to go to Smash, a local t-shirt store, but the parade traffic was a little overwhelming. So we headed home and got a jump-start on partying--a dozen friends or so came up to Ames and we went to the local grill and bar, drank green beer, and had a great time. I joked with Rick at the end of the night that you know you're old when your big birthday party ends by 10 PM. We had a great time, though. And Kim's baby made an appearance as well--it was the first time I thought the bump was noticeable.

Wednesday was low key, Thursday was a get-together with Jessica and her bridesmaids. Jessica and Mike got married 5 years ago and one of the bridesmaids put things from the bachelorette party in a decorated locked box, gave it to Jess for a wedding present, and we all got together and opened it 5 years later. It was really fun, and funny. Not only did I think that the box was a great idea for Allyson, but I was also reminded of some funny and fun activities and props that I will probably incorporate into her bachelorette party.

Friday night we got together to celebrate Rick's birthday with our Pioneer friends to a new Hawaiian restaurant in town called Alohana Grill. The website looks pretty fancy so we thought it would be a sit-down place and Rick and I were pretty excited. When we pulled up, it was in a fancy strip mall. The neon open sign reassured me we could afford it. I was surprised to find it was a combo-meal fast food kind of place, but it was good nonetheless. Rick really enjoyed his meal though my kalua pork wasn't quite dry enough. It was great to catch up with those friends--I haven't seen them in a few months. We headed to Coldstone after that for some dessert... It was a great Friday night.

The weekend was pretty low-key; bonfire at Allyson and Chad's on Saturday night and I helped Allyson prepare wedding invites yesterday. I stabbed at my paper all weekend (due next Monday, so you probably won't hear from me again until after that) but didn't get as far as I had hoped. Though I did get the test scores back today from my last immunology test--95.5%! Apparently my studying paid off. Nose back to the grindstone--I wish it was still break or that the semester was over, either works for me!