Con=Overcommitment, Pro=BREAKFAST!
Since we embarked on this crazy adventure at the HouseInProgress, we have only thrown three shindigs in over five years.
- In 2003, we invited some folks from our church group to hang out for the evening in one of the newly cleaned out rooms pre-demo, because they were looking for a space and they didn't care that the space included falling plaster. We all sat on the floor. It was very high school.
- In 2006, our house became the unofficial home base for Aaron's homecoming friends since there was so much rain that weekend. Again, these were folks we already knew so the fact that we were living in less-than-ideal conditions ("Hey, look! A hole in the ceiling! I bet that comes in handy.") was not too stressful.
- A few days ago, we hosted Grace's third birthday party because we have a LIVING ROOM with a REAL WORKING FIREPLACE and NEWLY PAINTED WALLS! So, why not have a herd of toddlers with icing on their hands roam free?
Giddy on the heels of how successful the birthday party was, I was not quite thinking clearly when a representative for the kind folks at Quaker Oats contacted me and asked if I would host a blogger brunch on Inauguration Day. They would supply the food and the guests and all I would need to do was shower (well, they didn't say that last part specifically, but I know they would appreciate it). And it was for a good cause! Their Start with Substance campaign which aims to serve up 1 million bowls of oatmeal this year to families in need.
Did I say, "I'm sorry. We still have paper shades hanging in our windows, and a dishwasher that is only 14" wide, and a non-working oven, and radiators that are still in the garage? And we never have hosted strangers before because they'll realize that we are insane for attempting to renovate this monstrosity? But thank you for considering us, and by the way, I love your oatmeal. And I really love Wilford Brimley."
No, I did not. I said yes. And now, OHMYGOD I HAVE A BOATLOAD OF BLOGGERS COMING TO MY HOUSE AND THEY WILL KNOW THAT I STILL HAVE NOT FINISHED INSTALLING THE TRIM ON THE SECOND FLOOR AND MY DAUGHTER'S ROOM HAS NO DOOR AND MY BASEMENT IS A HOLE. I'm a little stressed.
But, bonus!!! I love oatmeal. And no, they are not paying me. THEY ARE FEEDING ME. And I guess I'm just that easy.
So, the official unveiling of the HouseInProgress for a herd of people we don't know will be in SIX DAYS. And, oh yeah. We get a new President, too. And breakfast!
I'll write more tomorrow. Right now, I'm going to hide in my closet that has no door (it's a theme!) and weep quietly.
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Comments
Jeanne, don't weep!! Here's what you do: Request that all the bloggers come in PAJAMAS and SLIPPERS. (Cause everyone knows bloggers blog in their pj's, right?) Sociological research shows that people wearing pajamas and eating oatmeal are still half-asleep with a high endorphin count, and won't complain about anything! In fact, between the food and the other people there and the TV with the inauguration going on, they won't even notice anything else. Especially if they are trying to liveblog the brunch. Which could be mighty entertaining, what with the pj's and all.
Anyway, enjoying your blog - thanks!
Susan
Posted by: Susan | January 14, 2009 2:03 PM
And lowered cholesterol! Sounds like fun to me, don't stress just smile.
Posted by: modernemama | January 14, 2009 4:13 PM
Laughing WITH you, not AT you considering I was doing just this kind of stressing about the house when we had guests for Christmas. They're coming on Saturday and on Friday afternoon, you still couldn't get in the front door because of everything being moved for mega-cleaning. Yeah.
Posted by: Nicole | January 14, 2009 9:25 PM
That's sweet. I had no idea Quaker Oats was so progressive. Hey, don't panic. It'll all be fine. They know you are House in Progress, after all, and it will be truth in advertising. Enjoy Inauguration Day! I sure will.
Posted by: tully monster | January 15, 2009 12:00 AM
Love all the opinions expressed here! How is everyone? Love how everyone expresses whatr they feel :)
Posted by: Backlinks | December 22, 2010 12:23 PM