Background Not Included

June 06, 2012

Sometimes mothers face challenges that other people could never imagine. This was my latest:

So the "Girl" is graduating.

When the “Kid” graduated last year, it was an understated affair. Because the "Kid" is an understated guy.

I tried to make a splash, I really did. I proposed a karaoke machine and really wanted a stick-your-head-through-the-hole picture background thing. But the "Kid" nixed it all. "Not his style," he said. "But it’s MY STYLE," I wanted to scream.

Okay, I reminded myself that it was his party, not mine. So we had pizzas, sandwiches, a cake, and a few flowers. His only concession was something I snuck in -- a huge inflatable pirate hat I purchased for around $2 after Halloween. The "Kid" wouldn’t wear it, but his friends all posed in it. So I kind of wish I had done the stick-your-head-in-the-hole picture background thing anyway.

The "Girl," on the other hand, is anything but understated. I mean she is bold and loud, and it’s all about her. So, this time I could go all out. But I kind of think I went a little overboard.

Chicken salad in little toast cups, buffalo chicken filling in crescent dough cooked in mini tart pans, pulled pork, artichoke dip, and a huge cake. A pirate chest brimming with tons of plastic beads and doubloons, fairy lights (okay so they’re white Christmas lights but I guess we’re supposed to call them fairy lights when we use them in the summer), a grinning pirate skull, at least ten huge tissue paper flowers, and of course, the inflatable pirate hat.

I’ve been cooking, cleaning, and decorating for days. I know I’m going way over the top, but it’s hard to stop. I don’t get a chance to do this very often. Every room in the house has been cleaned, rugs have been replaced, and walls touch-up painted. I didn’t get around to spray-washing and re-staining the deck. I’m feeling a little guilty about that, but there’s only so many hours in the day. I’m obsessing, worried I’m making too much food or worse, not enough food.

It’s a Southern woman’s worst nightmare to run out of food at a party. We’re talking about a huge social faux pas, a fate worse than death!

It’s almost time for the party, so there’s not much more I can do. I need to relax and just go with what we have. The "Girl" is pleased, and that’s the main thing. But she wouldn’t go for the stick-your-head-through-a-hole picture background thing either.

Dang it.

Carol V.
Platte City Branch