I am struggling this week with adjusting my expectations. We’re having lots of family here next week for Thanksgiving and various other parties and things, and I hate that I make it so hard. I want to be SO organized and SO together and have it all go SO smoothly that I end up exhausting myself and biting heads off the day-of because I’m so frazzled. It’s too early to clean, too early to start cooking, and so I just sit around planning and spinning my wheels with worry. So to prevent my normal holiday-grouch fest, I’m trying to change the emphasis in my heart. Instead of making it perfect, I need to make it wonderful. There’s a difference. Instead of trying to impress, I need to try to delight. Because none of this is about me, and I’m so excited to see my family, and I want to be a blessing to them. Why do I make this so complicated? Am I the only one who does this whole shooting one’s self in the foot thing?
And this is funny: Billy and Julie’s fat cat Rocky:
Why does Rocky have stickers on his paws?
And no, you’re not the only one who does this. My friend from England is coming to stay for a week, starting the night before Thanksgiving. And even though I’m not hosting holiday dinner, I’m a mess trying to make sure that the house is spotless, that I have a fridge stocked for wonderful impromptu meals, and that I play the perfect hostess. It doesn’t matter that she’s coming here to see me, not to judge my housekeeping skills — I’m freaking out! And for what it’s worth, I never knew that you felt this way. I think I just thought you were so good at it that it was no sweat for you. But now I know that you’re human too. Like our freshman roommate once said, “You’re just like me!” (yikes)
that’s too funny–I totally forgot she said that, but I don’t mind as much when you say it, for some reason. Oh, and Rocky is holding Papa Johns coupons on her paws. Billy and Luke found it amusing.
“…I don’t mind as much when you say it, for some reason.” FOR SOME REASON? For SOME reason? I would hope there are at least a few, and that they are obvious. 🙂
Sorry, (giggle) I didn’t mean it like that. What I meant was: “I don’t mind at all when you say it, for many many reasons. More reasons than I could possibly count. But especially because I never imagined you waiting in the room, in the dark, with an ice pick.” Ok? Friends?
Okay. Friends. It helps that you made me laugh out loud with that last comment.
ally- you’re not the only one with the “house perfect” thing. believe me, I struggle with this one year round. Luke always tells me, “The magazine photo shoot is NOT coming today, why are you so worried?” Thanks for being so honest- enjoy the family, and you can always drop over here for some oven use, and breathing room (if needed). You will have a wonderful Thanksgiving, enjoy the big table of family.
(Thanks for letting Rory out tonight, she will be quite happy to see you.)