Christa’s birthday is on Monday (the day after Easter this year…)

So as my gift to her I sent her and her friend (Marieke) to Xining’s 5-star hotel for the night tonight. I think the hotel is actually a 4-star, but I’m told in China it’s common practice for hotels to add a star if they are so inclined.

The theme for her birthday was "24". I told her I was giving her 24 hours away from whining kids and husband. Twenty-four hours to relax and unwind. I gave her money to eat out; I put import-store snack foods (e.g. salsa, chips, Starburst, etc.) in her hotel room; I even bought a few chick flics on DVD and had those waiting for her in her room.

When she called to check in tonight she informed me that she and Marieke were headed down to the hotel "spa" to get 45-minute foot massages!

It might seem like a strange present to send your wife away to hotel for her birthday; but if you’ve lived in Xining for any length of time you understand. (Meanwhile the husbands are left home ALONE with the wild hooligans…counting the minutes until 5 p.m. tomorrow.)

Truth be told I know she’s worth it…and a whole lot more!