High Five for Birthday Friday!

1. Yes, today is my 32nd birthday.  Woot!  I remember being in my twenties and being terrified of my thirties, but I'm here to tell you, it's been a very good decade thus far. And as our faithful God keeps showing me, life becomes richer every year.  Tonight a crew of my friends (and Doc, of course) are going to Foster's Market to hang out and partake of their special grilling menu.  I can't think of a better group of people to celebrate with or a more perfect place to feast at.  And feast we will.

2. Speaking of friends who will be with me tonight, a most honored guest is Abby, who is visting from Tennessee for the weekend.  Who is Abby?  Well, she's a gal I met way back in 2002 at Young Life club when I was a leader and she was just a freshman in high school.  Almost immediately Abby become a sister to me, and truly, the term "sister" doesn't really cover it. Last summer I had the privilege to stand beside her as she became a Mrs. Isn't she a beauty?

3. For Memorial Day weekend, Doc and I visited my dad in the mountains of western North Carolina.  My dad can make some ridiculously tasty stuff in his kitchen and on his grill, so Doc and I had delicious meals at every turn.  Check this one out:

Allow me to introduce you to my meal served al fresco with the most amazing mountain view: Grilled Salmon topped with a Mango-Blueberry-Strawberry-Grilled Pineapple Salsa, Grilled Vegetables sprinkled with Feta Cheese, and Corn on the Cob.  Few carbs in sight and I can't say I missed 'em.  Well, for this meal at least.

4.  And another traveling adventure: Two weeks ago Doc and I joined all the fun @ the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (as a foodie, I was pumped to be there).  We spent Friday evening (Doc's birthday!) hanging out with the pit masters of Squeal Street and eating all their delicious grub.  From the antics in the booth, superior people watching, and food sampling abundant, Doc, his sister, bro-in-law, and I had an absolute blast.  I hope to get back there next year...might just have to throw an apron on and make my own culinary contribution. Below is a picture of the sunset that night...gorgeous, huh?

5. I am cheering on the end of the school year. We are definitely in the home stretch: finals have begun, research papers are graded, and the pool is beckoning.  Summer, I welcome you with every bit of my heart.