Freedom

In-vested

During our trip to Seattle, I noticed that a lot of women seemed to be wearing down vests. Having lived in Colorado and South Dakota, I know what cold feels like, and it usually requires something with arms. Here in Kansas, it is a bit different, cold one minute, semi-warm next. I spoke to both of my sister-in-laws about why the vest is so happening on the Seattle fashion scene. They both stated that a vest was easier to wear than a huge, down jacket, as well as that semi-cold factor. Seattle is pretty nice in the winter, a little damp but there is little in the way of sleet falling on you. Hmmmm... I guess I needed a vest and of course, my sister-in-law, Cyndi was in complete and total agreement. She was the one that also turned me on to Chaco sandals but that is another post for another day. My other vested sister in law, Carol escorted me to the mall for my first vest shopping experience. I was on a pre-vest high! We started out in a store where the vests were $19! How could I refuse buying one, or a couple, as it turned out. I liked a black one and Carol liked a pink one so I had 2 vests! I even tore out the tags and wore the black one right off. I was looking good! Next door to the $19 vest store, I found an army green vest, with a fur hood! WOW! This vest was cool! Included in that purchase was a sweater that matched. Ok, so in the span on 5 minutes, I owned 3 vests. Maybe overkill but I got a great deal and isn't that what counts? I still wear my vests because you can never tell what the Kansas weather will yield. I don't see many people wearing vests here but that is ok, I know I am cool, literally and figuratively.

Date Night

Tonight is our date night! Max is at his grandparents house and Mia will be going to her grandparents this afternoon. We don't have big plans, go to church, hit the new Baskin Robbins, check out the new books at Borders and tomorrow, brunch at Piztros. Our "dinner" tonight is consisting of Baskin Robbins. I know they only have ice cream but we have decided to "save" ourselves to gorge at the brunch. Why do our dates center around food? Why do I remember certain events only because of where we ate? How come when I drive, I have to use restaurants as landmarks to get somewhere? The fact is that I don't go out to eat much and enjoy eating. I am a firm believer that if you go out to enjoy something that you didn't cook, then eat up and order dessert, or eat dessert instead. Screw the waistline!

Party Time-Slumber Party Style

Once again, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and had a party. And, not just any party, a Slumber Party. The name conjures up cute girls in pigtails, having pillow fights and staying up late. The cold, hard truth is that there are no girls in pigtails and the only pillow you will see is one that looks like a vagina. Two women in my mommy group are distributors, one a recent convert, and this was her first show. After our friends ate and drank, we got down to the business of describing, handling and tasting items that can enhance our sex lives. I have to admit that sometimes I get embarassed, not only from handling a glittery, blue spinning vibrator but having people I "know" talk about certain kinds of stimulation in certain kinds of places! I, mean, I know your husbands and I have eaten at your houses, not sure I want to know what you have stuck and where. To top if off, my mom was there and I sure don't want to know what she likes to hit her G spot with! Aside from my general embarassement, the party went well. Our presenter did a fine job explaining where and what the various and sundry gadgets can do for you. Party sales yielded me a nice new gadget, purple with spikey deals guaranteed to get the job done. "Honey, where are the batteries?"

Channeling my inner Cyndi

I have to put it out that I am a total introvert! I don't like going to parties, mingling with strangers or cleaning my house, so that other people, whether I know them or not, can sit in my livingroom and look at the dust bunnies floating about, while pretending to have a good time. I just don't, probably never will. Keeping that in mind, I decided to have a little get together, nothing very grand, just a couple of girlfriends and their kids over on a Friday night. I casually mentioned this to my husband and he was aghast! The barrage of questions flew. How many kids? Are their husbands coming too? What are you going to eat? How late does something like this last? I have to admit that I really could only answer that we were going to be there and it was next Friday night. I had to have a plan...
I have a sister in law, Cyndi, that is better than Martha Stewart and Betty Crocker, rolled into one. She is not only one of the nicest people you will ever meet, but she is an inspiration to those that entertain and those who don't, myself falling into the latter category. I was thrilled to meet Cyndi, who generously loaned Bobby and I her gazebo, overlooking the Puget Sound for our wedding. What I wasn't expecting was a picture perfect home overlooking the ocean, decorated so cute that I wasn't sure I should even sit on the furniture, which was cushy, brown leather that looked and felt like butter. The carpet was white, gasp! The bathroom had a heated floor with windows looking out onto the hillside. I spent alot of time in that bathroom, just soaking up all cool bathroom stuff.
Not only does Cyndi have a sense of decorating that I envy but her family get togethers are nothing short of amazing! All the family, and we are a big group, eat, drink, play games and mingle, complete with yummy appetizers and fabulous dinners. If we aren't gorging on chalupas, we are noshing on crab, freshly fetched from the crab pot, dripping with butter! Heaven on a plate and always followed with some dessert that my mouth wants but my butt doesn't need.
In my mind, I can't measure up to the hostess prowess that Cyndi displays. So, when my party rolls around, I am thinking of ways to channel my inner Cyndi. Of course, I clean and clean and clean. But I feel there are hostessing items that I must master. I gather all dishes, napkins and silverware. I put the cups by the drinks. I put the food all together, I really don't know what else to do with it. My piece de resistance is the CAKE! Not an ordinary cake, but a chocolate lava cake, that will be baking when the guests arrive, the scent wafting through the house as they enter. I am clearly proud of this cake!
At the appointed time, the guests arrive, bringing food and drink to share with us. Kids run around, music plays in the background and we are having fun. All in all, a great night, the first I hope of many. I am left tired, with an empty cake pan. I am on my way to being a hostess!
By the way, I am sitting on a brown, cushy leather couch, can't bring myself to get the white carpet!