Relax. Just Do It.

Meet my Guest:

Annie from A Stones Throw from Insanity

Annie's post, Relax. Just Do It., is perfect for RE. I can so relate to the food and construction dust! So I asked Annie if she would be my guest. If you get a minute, head over to Anni's place and say hi, ok? She's a great mom and writer, and she really knows how to capture the moment. Besides she has an "Ab" and an "El" in her family, just like us! Thanks, Annie!

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Sometimes I am a bit slow on the uptake, but there are some days (although few and far between) when things just click.  After following Sandy’s blog for ages and reading about her entertaining philosophy, I slowly learned about relaxing, enjoying the moment, and savoring the relationships with my friends and family.  It finally sunk in one day when I least expected it. 

 

When I saw the text, “CALL ME ASAP!”   I didn’t.  Instead, I raced home to see what the ASAP was all about.

 

"Paul?  What's wrong?  Why the ASAP?" I asked my hubby breathlessly.

 

"Oh nothing . . . except I invited Jay and Brian and their families over for a cookout."

 

And, I swear to you it was like one of those movies where everything seems to be in slow motion for the main character, but instead the character's thoughts zoom through her head at a mile a minute.  That was me.  Those were my thoughts. And the slow motion pan of the camera was the mess that was my house being ready for guests in less than 2 hours.  I took in the cereal on the floor, the construction dust. . .

 

 

 

... on, well, everything, the 2 baskets of dirty laundry in the hallway, and the rubbermaid tub full of various and assorted tools from our remodel.  I could have passed out right there on the spot, but hubby and the kiddies were looking to me and my reaction.  I didn't want my kids to see the crazy mom that runs around the house before having guests, so I just swallowed, smiled, and sucked it up. Plain and simple.

 

 

"OK, " I said.  And then to hubby, "What's the food plan?"  He detailed that one family was bringing some pulled chicken and rolls, and the other was bringing snacks and a salad.  Not bad, I thought.   I knew that we had chicken thawed to BBQ, corn on the cob to roast, and I remembered that we had the makings for s'mores too.  "Alright!  Food is covered."

 

Then to the kids, "Straighten up the basement.  Dad and I will straighten up these rooms." With a clap of our hands, we were off.  And no sooner than 30 minutes later, we were done. 

 

I won't say that my house was spotless.  It wasn't.  There was still the whipped cream stain on my curtain, and the cherry juice stain on the floor.  I am sure that there was still dust in places and let's just say that my glass doors could be the before picture for Windex.  But, my house was presentable, guests were due to arrive, and for once, I was not stressed.

 

This was momentous.

 

I was not stressed, because, well, I just decided not to be.  There was no way that I could help some of the messes in my house, but I realized, that if I was going to let my remodeling mess bother me, than I may not be able to see my friends for a long, long, long time.  That was just not acceptable.  So, I let go.  I relaxed.

 

And, you know what?

 

Without all of the stress, the prep work for a "planned" party, and the over-reaching expectations, I had a fabulous time.  There was more than enough food, everyone enjoyed contributing, and my friends got to see our work in progress that is our OLD house.  We ate, enjoyed each other's company, and when it got dark, we made a fire and roasted marshmallows.

  

 

A super evening, all in all.

 

So, I am glad that I didn't have my phone on me yesterday afternoon and that I didn’t immediately receive that ASAP text.  If I had, I may have rushed home to needlessly prepare my home.

 

Instead, I learned that I only had to give myself a break.

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Special thanks to the Reluctant Entertainer, Sandy, for allowing me to guest post on this blog.   After last night Sandy, I get it.  To have a wonderful time with friends and family, I only need to relax and just do it!  Thanks again!

Would you be willing to share a recent "Relax. Just Do It." story? We'd love to hear!