Last Saturday Anthonika and I had a joint party to celebrate our 27th birthdays. Her's was February 4 and mine was January 31.

We had most of the UIM staff, some TouchGlobal friends and church members there and it was great to have things split between our two apartments. I don't know where I would have put 20+ people if it was only at my place.

I decided that I wanted to do pulled pork, but I realized after I sent out the e-mail that I had no idea how to make it so I called my uncle David to ask for some expert advice. I went to the store like I knew what I was doing, but felt totally out of place. I cooked it all day with a recipe that I'll never be able to duplicate because I'm not really sure what I used or in what amount. But it turned out very well and people liked it. Not to mention that I had plenty of leftovers.

Laura and I went birthday shoe shopping for most of the day and I came home with a great pair of red pumps that will always be a little uncomfortable, but will always be cute, and sometimes that's all that matters.

Terry and Sarah brought Evie and I have to say that this is the best photo I got all evening, and perhaps it's the best one I've taken in a long time. She makes this face all the time, but I finally caught it on film and it really speaks for itself.

It was a great birthday filled with food, fun and friends. It was hard to be away from home and know that I wouldn't see my family on or near my birthday, but I'm looking forward to a trip to Iowa at the end of the month when I'll get to see them for a very belated birthday celebration.