Party Planning

My wedding was the first party that I organized by myself. My mom is rather hopeless in girlie things, so I had to  do massive research on everything by myself with zero experience. I knew how to rock a pair of Doc Martens with a mini skirt. I did not know the difference between a princess neckline and a halter bodice.  It actually takes a lot of work to look perfect on a budget and then provide guests that range in age from 90 to 1 with appropriate food and shelter. I suppose there are people who know exactly who should assemble their hair and the correct price of a flower arrangement, but that wasn’t me. Well, it wasn’t me at age 30.

On Saturday, we’re throwing a small family party to celebrate Jonah’s confirmation. It isn’t a wedding sized event, but it still requires some work. It’s complicated by the fact that grandparents will arrive on Friday and stay throughout the weekend. There’s also some timing issues — Ian has to be dropped off at my sister’s at 8am, five showers before 9 am, breakfast for all, church at 9:30, luncheon at 1.

Last week, I found a decent Italian restaurant that will  provide us with trays of pasta and chicken for the luncheon. I ordered a cake. I bought new cushions for the patio chairs. I bought Jonah an entire new fancy outfit, because the damn kid won’t stop growing. Tie, shirt, jacket, pants, shoes in men sizes. Gad.

I’m not blogging today, because I’m catching up on laundry, cleaning the house, gift buying, and food shopping. Sheets and towels. Everything has to be done before the guests arrive. I’m crossing off bothersome chores off a list on the kitchen counter.

It’s funny the amount of knowledge of middle class life that I’ve accumulated since the wedding. I have the appropriate dress in my closet. In fact, I have three outfits that are just for religious day events. I know exactly what Jonah should wear. I know how to set up a bar area and how many chairs we need for the patio. I need to squeeze in a manicure, after I finish scrubbing tubs.

I think I have a PhD. in bourgeois life.