Learned From the Best

Not sure what happened this week.  It's all a bit of a blur.  But, in the end, I worked my part-time job, teachers gifts got made and delivered, a final was taken, shopping was done, errands were run, a lot of food was made and parties were had.  And in the midst of it all, I might have had a minor breakdown for about 15 minutes.  But, mostly...it was all good. 

And I'm not done.  There's still this week.  More goodies to bake/make.  A few last minute things, no doubt.  Luckily, I have "Happy New Year" cards to send out...those can wait, right?  (I planned it that way...I'm smart like that sometimes).  Looking forward to making latkes later this week...always my favorite.  :)

I have a problem.  Make that two. I am one of the most indecisive people around and I have this need for perfection.  Just when I start to let go of these issues, I find myself right back in the thick of it.  When I shop for people, I stress over trying to find just the right thing.  Random gift exchanges are one thing (and between me, Craig and the girls, we had 7 of them!), but when shopping for a specific someone...really difficult for me.  I spend way too much time fretting over all this...so unnecessary, and I know it.  This goes back to my previous post about the stress of the holidays. Each year I keep saying I will simplify.  It never works.

We had Craig's staff over here on Friday night.  I do love to entertain and we just don't do it often enough.  I don't really stress when I am entertaining as long as I am nice and organized.  Everything was beautiful. And delicious.  I'm not sure why I didn't take a picture of my table, but picture lots of candles, gold and silver, the most perfect beef tenderloin, shrimp, grilled veggies, cocktail meatballs and a variety of dips and cheeses.  (Thanks to the chef at the Citrus for preparing the tenderloin for us and cooking to PERFECTION).  It was a great night....lots of fun, laughter and meeting new people.  Craig works with a great bunch!  

I have to say, I do learn from the best.  My mom was not only a great hostess, but amazing in the kitchen.  At a fairly young age, my parents often entertained and always did it right.  And my mom always made it seem effortless.  Everything was always classy and elegant.  Thanks mom, for passing this down!  Along the same lines, I am grateful for all that my parents exposed me and my sisters to...good food/restaurants, the ballet, the theater, etc... I feel so lucky to have been exposed to all that growing up and feel good passing that down to my own daughters. 

Yesterday found me, yet again, prepping for the next party..Rylee's cheer party, which was tonight.  Up til 1:00 am getting their craft project ready...super cute flip flops with strips of colored fabric (their team colors) tied on them.  If it wasn't so late and I could easily figure it out, I'd post a picture.  Party = success.  They are a great group of kids and I am lucky to be "team mom" to them for the 4th year now.  

Also, earlier this week, I had my first nursing school orientation.  This was for all the instructions of getting cleared to do clinical work at the hospitals.  Yikes...lots of red tape, for sure.  "Start now" they say...physicals, background checks, drug tests, titers/vaccinations.  All required and takes time.  Anyway, I look around the room for someone I recognize in my earlier classes.  No one.  Hoping I find someone to connect with soon!

Off to dreamland and ready for another week ahead.  Sweet dreams.