Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Party Girl
Having barely skidded through the last two weeks, I have to admit that I have a newfound respect for event and wedding planners. The work that is involved in finding venues, picking accent colors, fighting tooth and nail to keep the guest list somewhere near the originally agreed upon number...you gotta be a soldier to do this kind of stuff.
Oh…what’s that you ask? Where’s the party? I didn’t tell you?
My mother eloped…IN VEGAS BABY!!!
So I am throwing her what is turning out to be “My Super Sweet Elopment Party.” The whole experience has been enlightening to say the least. My mom is probably expecting some little party with a couple of balloons and some home cooked fried chicken (my parties of the past have not been inspiring), but this time I said “Nay!” (actually I just said no) “This time will be different. This time she will have the par-tay of ALL par-tays!” So I began planning. You guys know I like to make lists so here are some things I learned from this process.
1. There is a reason why people plan this stuff years in advance. This crap is stressful. It’s a second job. A second job where you don’t get paid (in fact, you are paying other people), and you’re not allowed to complain to anybody, least of which the guest(s) of honor. That’s the hard part for me. When my brother was a acting like a butthole and not doing his part, I couldn’t run and tell mom. Yes, I know, I’m almost 30, get over it…
2. There is something intoxicating about spending large amounts of money. I’d liken the state of mind to being drunk. You just run through the store without any regards to what you are picking out or how much it costs. Before you object, I was on a budget, and admittedly my “shopping spree” was at the discount craft store, but still…I’m a little punch drunk from the whole thing.
3. No matter how adamant you are about RSVP’ing, someone will call the day after the RSVP date and ask, with not a hint of regret or reservation, if they can still come. In fact, not only are they not apologetic about calling in late, they are bold in telling you that their calling in late is your fault because you set the RSVP date! Psychology at its best here people.
4. I really need to start a catering business. My caterer was very reasonable, crafting a menu for me at $14.50 a head which, to those of you who have planned weddings, know is very cheap. But then I started to think about the stuff he’s making and figuring it all out in my head and thought “DAAAAAAYUM” I need to get in on this action.
5. The most important, perhaps, is this: a to-do list…only as good as where you keep it. My mental retention went through the roof with this thing because I kept leaving my damn list somewhere. Now you’d think if I was that sharp mentally I’d remember to remember the list. Not so. But I remembered to do everything on the list which, to me, means I break even.
So anyhow the party is this weekend. No doubt my next posting will be about black folks and party etiquette (a favorite soap box subject of mine). Until then...Pray for me people.
