Overwhelmed

So I decided that it would be really, really fun to throw a party this Saturday in honor of Thomas's college graduation. We invited a whole bunch of people and offered up free burgers and beer. Awesome. I know that once the party starts I will have a great time, but in the meantime I am freaking out over all the preparation that goes into a simple backyard BBQ. My house must be cleaner than it's ever been, the yard must be manicured and all flowers must be in full bloom. I need to pull weeds, paint the front door and the shutters, clean all the windowsills, re-arrange the clothing in Eva's closet because I can't find any of her shorts and I need to power wash the driveway. I also need to get the basement finished. And somewhere in the there I need to get to the grocery and liquor store. OK. I'm not really going to do all that, but that's sort of what the voices in my head sound like right now. I want everything to be perfect. And of course I have to find some time to catch up on my DVR shows.

And did I mention that I decided to teach myself how to custom matte pictures? Since having them done professionally costs something like an arm, a leg and my first born I figured "How hard can it be?". For Thomas's gift, I am making a shadow box of his USMC medals and custom matting 3 other awards that he received. And of course I left it all to the last minute. I spent 4 hrs today and have nothing to show for it except $25 worth of matting uneven lines cut into them. It's beginning to look like he'll get his gifts in a few months or so.

So, since I have so much to do...how about I waste some time on a meme? This is from the most recent issue of Vanity Fair.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?
The ability and financial means to travel whenever and wherever. I want to spend a year living abroad someday.

What is your greatest fear?
Obviously my greatest fear is that something tragic will happen to either my children or someone close to me, but that's too obvious an answer. Assuming that I continue to lead this charmed life I fear that I will never get to visit all the places I want to see.

What is your greatest extravagance?
My gym membership and my addiction to jeans.

What is your favorite journey?
The 2 weeks Thomas and I spent traveling Italy. Rome is the most fascinating place on earth as far as I'm concerned.

What do you consider to be the most overrated virtue?
Discipline. You only allow yourself one glass of wine a week and french fries once a year? Good for you. However, that sounds utterly boring to me. Bring on the cheesecake!

On what occasion do you lie?
"No honey, these aren't new, I've had these jeans forever."

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Fuck.

What is your greatest regret?
I can't say I really have any regrets. Sure I've done some things I wish I hadn't but I certainly don't sit around wishing I could change the past. I suppose if I really could have done anything differently, it would be getting a different degree. One that was more marketable....like a nursing degree.


Which talent would you most like to have?
I wish I could dance. I'd be one of Beyonce's back up dancers.

What is your current state of mind?
Stressed. I hate feeling stressed.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'd be less compulsive. I don't take time to think things through, I'm always looking for instant gratification. And I'd say "Fuck" less ;)

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
We'd spend more time together. Sometimes I feel like Thomas and I are strangers passing each other in the night.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?
This is really pathetic but I can't think of anything. I'm proud of my college degree. I'm proud of my children. I'm proud that I can beat most boys down a ski hill.

What is your most treasured possession?
My children.

What is your favorite occupation?
More than anything I love an evening with friends and a bottle (or two) of wine. Good food, good wine and good conversation always satisfies my soul.

What is you most marked characteristic?
I have a very dry, sarcastic sense of humor. And I swear like a drunken sailor.

What do you value most in your friends?
History. All of my closest friends have been in my life for years and years. I have friends from grade school, jr. high, high school and college. They knew me "when" and our shared history is invaluable. Most of all, I value reciprocity. My true friends care about what's happening in my life as much I care about what's happening in theirs. I have been absolutely blessed with the amazing women whom I call friends.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Bella Swan. Ha ha. I joke. Harry Potter. For real. I loved that series. It's the ultimate story of good vs. bad, love, tragedy, survival and ultimately....friendship.

Who are your heroes in real life?
Kate Middleton. She got a real live prince didn't she?
Ok...for reals. My heroes include my grandmother who is 94 years old and has a more active social life than I do. And she also has Corona in her refrigerator. My mother. How the hell she raised 4 kids is beyond me. My friend Nicole. She makes being a mother look so effortless. And...she bakes her own bread. And her house looks like it's out of a pottery barn catalog. And she always looks so put together. I really want to hate her...but I can't. And I really admire Hilary Clinton. And I'm fairly certain Nicole never thought she would be in the same category as Hilary Clinton. ;)

What is it that you most dislike?
Passive aggressiveness. Seriously. If you have a problem, just come out with it already!

How would you like to die?
In a fiery car crash? Lol. In all honesty, I'm kind of boring. I want to die in my sleep the night before my children are about to move me in to a nursing home.

What is your motto?
"If you can't say anything nice about anybody come sit next to me"
I can't really say I have a "motto". How about some rules I try to live by instead?
Surround yourself with people whose company you enjoy. Life is too short to be in the company of people who bring you down. Travel as much as you can, the world is a really big place. Exercise frequently. You're body is designed for movement and being sedentary will only make you fat, old and diseased. Stop dieting. Throw out anything fat-free, sugar free or that has ingredients that you can't pronounce. Your body knows what to do with a pat of real butter, it has no idea what partially-hydrogenated soybean oil that has been artificially colored with yellow #5. Get a dog. Read some fiction every night. Indulge in guilty pleasures. Unless those guilty pleasures include "Keeping up with the Kardashians" because then I will have to slap you ;)