lunch | ARTZZLE

Life often has a way … of getting in the way.

Know what I mean? Ever feel like that?

We can make our lists and calendar notations, and
plan, plan, plan.

But in the end … Life. Happens.

When you were a kid, did you ever stomp your feet and
loudly declare “You’re not the boss of me!” Oh, c’mon, admit it.
I’m sure I told that to plenty of babysitters in my day.

Well, Life is … the BOSS, I mean … of us all. So we better have some empty lines on those lists, for changes and unexpected little adjustments it throws us.

The last Monday Post had me whizzing around, preparing for my “ladies’ lunch”. It was happily exciting but there was a lot to be done (in my opinion). As the week progressed, life took over and punched the poop out of my lists. I did manage to pull off a nice luncheon, but the following week proved just as hectic, for reasons of its’ own … so no update posts for you. Apologies … but hey, we all survived.

POSITIVES

Weather was freezing BUT clear for safe driving.
The house looked pretty.darn.good.
Menu was a hit … tasted good and no one needed TUMS.
We all had a nice visit.

NEGATIVES

Weather was FREEZING
Table setting looked fantastic (if I do say so myself) BUT I FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES!
Didn’t finish the look I wanted on the guest favors (gave them anyway, but not prettied up)
Left out an item on the menu … totally forgot to prepare it (but there was enough other stuff)
Oh yes, and did I say … I FORGOT TO TAKE PICTURES

WHAT I LEARNED (or was reminded of)

Lists are good, but leave room for write-in’s and changes.
Be more flexible and less frazzled
Asking granddaughter to contribute was great. It was encouraging for her and something for me … to brag about & good eatin’ too. (don’t worry, I paid her)

Back to the present Monday. I’m working on a couple of good (can I say very good?) future posts, but this is IT for today.

The only (two) pictures I did manage to remember, are featured. One of my guests – as they were leaving, and a shot of the yummy cupcakes my GD Ashley made. They were sooooo good!

And now … “Say Good Night Gracie!”

Good Girl!

The adjective Madness would also work today. This week will be a busy one around here. I’m hosting a little ladies’ lunch on Friday, for some of my favorite gals. Yes, I know, this is only Monday. But today I have to make notes of all the chores to be done before and get going.

Before the big TA DAH … there’s a huge TO DO list to tackle.

How do you do it … plan and prepare for special events at your house? There must be bazillions of approaches to this. Well, at least a dozen or two. I’m sure we all have our particular MODUS OPERANDI (or not) of how we put together our get togethers.

Hubs and Gracie aren’t too upset, but today begins a string of hectic days here.

At times like this, my heroes are my “Lists” and my “Helpers”. This time I have a big task list and two important helpers. We also have four days … and nights, to get it all set up. It should be FOOL PROOF.

Ooh! I probably just jinxed us. Never say NEVER, never say ALWAYS … or FOOL PROOF. Yikes.

1ST LIST: Scribbled notes start me off. I write down everything I wish could be done for the event. All kinds of things, whatever comes to mind, even the “it would be great if we could manage this too” stuff.

2ND LIST: Scribbles are now divided into MUST DO’s and WOULD LIKE TO’s. Next, in this instance, each of the four days are assigned MD tasks, in order of importance and time needed. The most worrisome tasks need to be done as soon as possible. The WLT chores are shown off to the side, to be done in any extra open time that pops up.

I type up a nice, fresh list to post on the fridge, with something handy to mark off as we go along. Yep, we literally cross things off. This is a great ENERGY BOOSTER. Especially when things are getting tiresome … reminding yourself of what you’ve accomplished and also seeing the TD list diminish right before your eyes, can give great satisfaction.

My helpers are Hubs and Granddaughter, Ashley. The retirement thing means he is here 24/7 and WOW, will that be great for this. Ash is our baker extraordinare, and I’ve hired her to make a dozen luscious AND beautiful cupcakes. Her business manager, sister, Carmen will arrange for the proper charges and billing! Mom, Bri, is loaning some crucial kitchenware. MAWVELOUS Dawlings!

Here’s my NORMAL LIST for this week; regular chores that have to be done, event or not.

• Volunteer ½ day P.M. at our local thrift store
• Pay Bills
• Haircut
• Groceries
• Trip to Milaca (“3rd Thursday” -30% at Discovery Thrift & we always go)
• Wash Windows
• Laundry: Spreads, Throws and Toss Pillow Covers
• Regular vacumning, mopping and dusting

I plan to update you pf our progress, occasionally this week. Some AFTER photos, as most B4’s would be too messy to share.

Meanwhile, stop over and check this post out at HOMETALK. I talked with a very nice lady about some decor questions for a small bedroom.