Saturday’s big party at Casa Skunkeye went by swimmingly and everyone, including myself, had a fantastic time! I was a bit concerned about crowd control – man, those Evite guest lists procreate and expand like rabbits – and keeping food and drink stocked but we did just fine. In fact I have an embarrassment of riches left over – sangria, tortillas chips, pastries, salsas, mixers, and exotic liquors – none which I have any desire or use for at any foreseeable point in the future.

The “evening” stretched until 6 am actually and I’m happy to say the festivities occurred without embarrassing incident – just a lot of laughter and good cheer and an outpouring of love for my Mexico-bound guest of honor. The guests were a wonderful bunch - an international crowd of outgoing Foreign Service officers, dear friends, journalists, family, and neighbors. The house looked good and there was great flow and all the attendees looked hot! I have digital photos perhaps to share once I can figure out how to coordinate the camera and the computer.

Its been a while since I’ve entertained on that scale and fortunately I gave myself ample preparation time – the drawback, between the party and all the wedding stuff, is I’m now scrambling to get everything prepared for Christmas (I normally have all my holiday shopping done by Thanksgiving!). And I’ve totally shot my wad budget/cash/credit-wise this year; but it has all been worth it.

I’ve noticed distinct phases when planning and throwing big events. There’s that extended period of running off of adrenaline to pull everything off. Then comes the actual celebration - that of course goes by in a heartbeat and a flash and a whirl. The morning after, cleaning up, there is a certain “empty-nest” feeling. Tack on another spirited event or two or five the following days and evenings – this is a crazy busy time of year - and all of a sudden one is spent and beat and doesn’t want to even look at another party again for a long time. Coming home tonight from work I was loathe to even turn on the holiday lights – I’m ready to get this holiday stuff over with and move on!

Comments

[John]

Move on? What? No New Year's Party?