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Friday, June 09, 2006

PARTY!

We’re throwing a big party tonight. An outdoor party. At Marcel’s parents place out in the country. We’ve invited almost everyone we know – work friends, church friends, siblings, cousins and aunts and uncles, friends from old work places, our kids’ friends, neighbours – you name it. It could be 100 people… or it could be 10. Who knows? We didn’t ask for RSVPs.

We’re celebrating Marcel’s graduation and my 40th birthday. But REALLY it’s more about Marcel’s grad, because turning 40 takes NO effort compared to three and a half years in university. He NEVER lets me throw parties in his honour, because he’s an introvert and hates to be the centre of attention. I like throwing parties, but I’ve honoured his request so far. When he started university, he told me that the one and only time I could throw him a party would be for his grad. I never forgot and now I’m holding him to it. In the end, though, the only way he’d agree to it was if I offered to share the spotlight. So, ostensibly, it’s for both of us.

It’s a big party, but because our budget is dreadfully tight, it’s pretty low-brow. No steak or lobsters or even chicken drumsticks on the barbecue. Nope, the best they’re gonna get tonight is hot dogs and chips and cake and ice cream. (Did I scare anyone off yet?)

I have no idea who will come. I have no idea if we have enough food (but, as my sister says “You have ENOUGH. When the food runs out, people are done eating.”) I don’t know if we should have planned entertaining games, or just assumed people will have enough fun just chatting with each other. I went with the latter, ‘cause I couldn’t think of any games and didn’t feel much like planning any anyway.

I didn’t think I was stressed out about it, but last night I lay awake wondering if we’d thought of everything. Weiners? Check. Buns? Pick them up this afternoon. Plates, cups, napkins? Check. Coffee urn? Check. Fireworks? Pick them up this afternoon. Condiments? Check. Table cloth? Check. And the list went on and on through my head.

I suppose, in the end, we’ll be ready. Now if only people will show up and we won’t be left, forlorn and neglected, with 100 hot dogs!

12 comments:

ccap said...

Napkins? If there's anything else you've forgotten feel free to call/email me and I'll do my best to get it.

mmichele said...

thank you for not planning any entertaining games. outdoor party games make me think of sack races and that scares me.

we'll be there. whatever the menu, or with no menu... we're not coming to EAT we're coming to celebrate.

Linda said...

I'm coming too! I agree with Michele. All I need is my lawn chair, my wine glass, my coffee mug and a couple of interesting people.

Janet said...

I wish we could come. But we just couldn't get to Canada in time...even if we left right now.

And there are those World Cup games to watch, too...! ;)

Have a WONDERFUL time -- BOTH of you deserve a celebration!

Janet

(lordcelery.blogspot.com)

Dale said...

I love hotdogs, Heather, but sadly, I won't be able to attend. It's opening night tonight here in Mimico.
Give Marcel a hug for me. He'll be a glad grad dad. Rad!!

Liz said...

After the last few days of blogger maintenance, I can't even seem to sign on to blogger and here you have a whole big new post! How'd you do that?

Have a great time! Any excuse to have a party is a good one.

Beer? Check? Wine? Check??

Anonymous said...

SIGH!

Cuppa said...

Oh, sound like fun. Wish I could be there too, but will have to pass this time. I will send congrats and best wishes across the miles tonight though.

If and when you get to Ottawa we will raise a glass and toast the grad together.

Have a blast tonight.

Hope said...

There is nothing like hots dogs , the great outdoors and friends. The details handle themself.
Happy Birthday Heather.
Enjoy the shared spotlight.

Anonymous said...

A Big Congrats to Marcel. Have a wonderful wonderful party.

Frog said...

I guess my invite got lost in the mail?

Congrats! Only 40 with a University grad is quite an accomplishment! I can't wait to see what's going on at 50.

Anonymous said...

Does it get better than hotdogs?
Sure wish we could be there too!
Way to go to the whole family we're all proud of you and we'll postpone our celebrating 'til we get home... Just a few more weeks.