Party Countdown

I've been planning a "party" for Officer Jake the last few weeks, to use the term loosely. First of all, Jake drives me nuts because he hates parties, he doesn't want attention or any sort of fuss to be made about his birthday or any other milestone. I, on the other hand, love to plan events and am constantly dreaming about big dinner parties, cocktail events, picnics, backyard weddings, you name it, that I could throw at our home. Well, finally, he agreed to let me have a small dinner (can't say the word "party") for a few friends as a celebration of both his birthday (last month) and his 20-year anniversary with the LAPD.

Twenty years with the LAPD (or any other department) is a big deal. First, there is the accomplishment of surviving this long without any major injury or incident that adversely affects our lives. Don't get me wrong, he's been in his share of bang-ups, been in the hospital a few times and we've had our scares, but overall he's healthy and still on active duty.

Second, there is the mental aspect of knowing that he could now retire if he felt like it. Retiring at 20 years wouldn't be a good move financially, though, as the pension is still pretty low at this point, but just knowing that he could do it if he really had to is a sort of mental release. It's all downhill at this point, as we head toward his retirement. He's figuring on working around 30 years for the department, so we're over the hump and I think this next decade will pass very quickly.  

So here I am, with a guest list of about 20 people for dinner at our house. It's looks like a who's-who of Jake's career, with old partners, supervisors, Academy classmates and their husbands or wives from the past 20 years working for the LAPD. I think it's going to be a blast - I've known most of these people, or at least heard alot about them - and it'll be great to have everyone together.

Cooking for 20? I'm up to the challenge and thrive under pressure. First thing is to clean up the house,  put away all the guns, ammo and handcuffs lying around (just kidding! I think some of my readers assume our house is like a scene from Lethal Weapon - it's not!). Spruce up the backyard and get all the outdoor furniture ready. No way am I going to make it formal - casual dinner, sit inside or out (thank goodness the heat wave broke) and mix and mingle.

Here's the menu:

Appetizers for arrival will be: olives, cheese and cracker tray, eggplant dip, homemade guacamole and various interesting chips from Trader Joe's.

Meal: Grilled bbq chicken, grilled Tri-tip, grilled and roasted vegetables with an herb balsamic vinaigrette. A rockin' green salad with  baby greens and fresh spinach, dried cranberries, sliced apples, candied pecans and crumbled blue cheese.

Dessert: Old-fashioned Apple-peach crumble with french vanilla ice cream.

I'll report back how it went soon... wish me luck! And yes, everything is homemade. I don't do mixes. And I'll be sure to share the recipes of everything that goes over well here in the future. And pics if I remember to take them. Bon Appetit!

Comments

[MonicaLASDWife]

Wow 20yrs.thats fantastic!CONGRATULATIONS JAKE!
Sounds like my dh,doesn't want a big fuss but when the party is finally here he's loving all the attention he's getting!LOL
I love having parties and find myself looking for any excuse to have them here at our home too.
Menu sounds yummy! love grilled Tritip,our neighbor gave us a easy marinade if u want to try it,Bernsteins Cheese Fantastico,the Tri tip comes out oh so delicious.
Good luck with the party and take lots of pics.
Happy birthday to your dh!

[Meadowlark]

How exciting!!!

As far as retirement, I think CalPers and our state are about the same. We're very very very blessed, but that doesn't mean it's good right now.

Peace to you.

[LBPDWIFE]

WOW 20 yrs what a blessing! CONGRATS to jake,men always say no party, and then the day comes and they have the biggest smile and the best time.....

[Mich]

Where is our invitation ;-).

And can i say,I feel bad now, I didn't do anything for hubby ,when he had his 20s....not even with his Military (or when he retired from it...he is re-enlisting again,btw).

Congrats Officer Jake,stay safe.
Hope you guys have a blast :-)

[Damsel Underdressed]

Can I come??? That menu sounds really good! :)

Congratulations to Officer Jake...and to you too!