Two Weeks 'Til Party Time

I can't believe summer is almost over.  Damn near feels like I haven't even had one, between the issues we had opening the pool, working what feels like 24/7, and more uncooperative weather than I've seen in years.  At least I've got one more month to salvage what's left of my favorite season.
August will be kicked off with my 30th birthday party - an Italian style cook out with 50 or so of my closest friends, live music, pool volleyball, and most likely late night skinny dipping for those that are brave enough to shed their bathing suits when the sun goes down.
I haven't hosted a party of this magnitude in years.  I'm freaking out just a bit.  Do I make 50 meatballs?  Or 100?  Two trays of sausage and peppers?  My neighbor is going to slow roast a pork shoulder for me as well.  Shit, how many dozens of Serpe's rolls will I need?  Is 30 too old to still have a birthday cake with a photo of 311 and I on it?  (According to my brother, yes.  I beg to differ.)  At least the week before the party I will be home from work by 4 or 5.  No more of this 9:30 shit.  I'll be able to do all of the grocery shopping, cooking and other prep without taking time off.

While most of my friends were/are not too happy about turning 30 this year, I decided to embrace it.  I'm sure there is a small part of me that feels the way they do, but I'm doing my best to ignore it.  It's one of the reasons I decided to have a huge party - to celebrate the end of my third decade and the beginning of a new one.  I've done most of the things on my Dirty Thirty Bucket List - I cruised with 311, I improved my health and self-image, I quit one job and tried another career path.  I like what Tyler responded with when I told him I had made the decision that pharmaceuticals were not for me and I was going back to photography - "You did what you had to do, you tested the waters and learned it wasn't right for you.  You have to do what makes you happy.  It's all about balancing work, life, and the pursuit of happiness."  Ty is one of my dearest friends, and his support of my decision means a lot to me.
So the fact that I can say I've come a long way this past year is a big deal to me.  What better way to celebrate than at home, in my backyard, with people I love, good food, good drinks and good music?