I’ll Take “Parties” for $50

Hi. My name is Kay. I’m a recovering enabler, grammar hacker, procrastinator and calendar mismanger (along with SO many other things). I’m on a journey to move my kids from enabled to empowered, one month at a time. September is our month to learn hospitality. It’s hitting me in every one of my “recovering” areas.

1) It’s taking every ounce of effort I have to not step in and do it all for them!

There’s nothing I like more than throwing a party. An intimate dinner party, a neighborhood coffee, a huge fundraiser… It makes no difference – people gatherings jazz me.

In fact, in a former life (before marriage, before kids), one of my jobs basically centered on hosting huge parties. I hopped from state to state, country to country leading advance teams for Dan and Marilyn Quayle during Bush 41’s administration. And, just like life today, I hit some home runs as well as some serious foul balls that folks probably still laugh about. Years after one such foul ball (a gathering of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Albuquerque, N.M. involving a trip & fall that produced, unbeknownst to me, a meteoric rip up the back of my skirt displayed for the world to see – literally), I was reminded of my debacle by a Bush 43 official who wasn’t even there, but had “heard” about it. … Nice

I think the staff kept me on their payroll for comedic relief. I didn’t care. I loved throwing parties – even ones that looked like political rallies, media round-tables, and one-on-one interviews.

2) My procrastinator meter is reading an all-time high. I’m the queen of Tomorrow Land. Can you imagine for a minute the difficulties of reigning in 4 people wanting to get their festivities in motion, today?! I’m having a hard enough time trying to help Sister Save-A-Lot put together a costume for her Explorer Report for Texas History. My tomorrows are running out … quickly! At least they’re excited.
3) Throw in my calender mismanagement disorder (I’m still surprised I haven’t heard an ad for some new drug specially designed to cure this life-altering disease. Each time I walk into the orthodontist, I’m amazed they haven’t kicked us out of the practice. I’d hate to see our chart. Seriously, I forget each appointment … even when I alert myself on my phone.) And … well, all I can say is, it’s a challenge. Good thing the kids are on top of things.

Case in point, check out Speed Police’s Evite – created, composed and sent 100% on her own.

MESSAGE FROM HOST

Hey peoples!!

This month I am hosting a “White Elephant Party!!!” It is going to be off the hook! If you can it would be awesome if you could come!

Bring a wrapped gift $10 or less that will be exchanged. It can be cool or crazy.

If you come you will be trampled be elephants!!! JK :) See ya!!! If you dare!

(we only could invite a few so could you please keep it away from others?) Thanks!!!!! ME :)

I had never shown her the in’s and out’s of Evite, but clearly the girl got it. A White Elephant – what a great idea! And it’s not even Christmas! I also loved how trendy, clever and sensitive she was (ok, so I’m playing the proud mother card). She did such a better job than I would have done. Plus she sent it! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve composed and never sent. (Hmmm. Apparently I’m a recovering slacker, too! … Oh, so many things on which to work.)

So in the midst of emotional & hormonal warfare, I got a brief respite from her “mood” and sunk my teeth into her fun creativity. I guess parties are the answer :)

Thanks for walking the road with me.
-Kay

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