Housewarming

This past Saturday I had my housewarming party. I wasn't sure if I would pull of the party because I never been a host for many people, but somehow I managed to pull it off ... but there were some missteps.

I got up at 9 and I began cleaning, and my goal was to have all that done by 1pm. At 1 I was complete and went to take out the trash, and I returned to my home only to realize my door was locked. Apparently, the lock on the door knob was locked and my keys were inside, along with my iPhone and wallet. I tried the side door, and it was also locked. I curse the gods and made it to the sales office and called a locksmith to let me in. It would have taken 30 minutes so I hung out for a bit before heading back to my place to wait for the locksmith. I went to the front door to wait, but I thought I would try the door. Typically, this door is always locked so I thought it was a lost cause. I pressed the door latch, and it opened, as if magically. I lost 40 minutes because I didn't open try the front door, and I had to call the locksmith and cancel the request. He was nice and didn't charge me, and I got back to work.

The party was scheduled for 5pm and at 5:05 people showed up. Soon this space:


filled with over 33 people. I gave tours of the house and tried to be a good host, and hopefully I was. Everyone was impressed with the glass tile backsplash...


...even more so when they found out I did it myself.

Everyone congregated in the living/dining/kitchen area, and even though it was perfect weather outside, only a few people gathered there.

Around 7pm we all made plans for dinner and ventured out the Gloria's for Salvadorian food. I got some gifts, which weren't necessary, but glady accepted them. :)

Since I am now an experienced host, I am thinking about having people over to watch the Wimbledon finals next month and serve Fish N' Chips and strawberries and cream. Or maybe not ... it is too exhausting to host. But new house is finally felt like a home since the party, so I guess the stress was worth it.

The Biggest Compliment

The past Saturday was my tennis groups holiday party. I decided to bring my momma's "mac n' cheese" to the party and wow the crowd with my culinary skills. I made the dish a couple of hours after before the party and during preparation I thought that I made too much. If it was too much, then I would just take the remainder home.

But there was a problem ....


... apparently, I didn't make enough.

So Today Was My Birthday

I originally planned to nothing for my birthday but watch Footballers' Wives - Series 3 and tennis all day. That all changed yesterday.


I got invited to play tennis on this morning on a USTA colored court. I never played on those type of courts, and they were beautiful. The people I played with didn't know it was birthday until I told them during lunch. Once they heard, they started to plan something for me. The reason I usually don't tell people about my birthday is because I don't want to be made a fuss over. But once the wheels started churning, there was no stopping them.


I also received another invite to watch the US Open 2007 Women's Final. I thought Venus Williams would be there, but, unfortunately, she was beat by Justine Henin (BOO!). We ate, we laughed, and watched Henin win another Grand Slam title this year. It didn't make my special day any much better. Until the birthday cake time, that is.

I am now home, on my third piece of cake, watching the first episode of the third season of Footballers' Wives.

It was a good day. Thanks to all that sent me birthday wishes!

Weekend Wrap-up: Holiday Party

Saturday

Holiday Party Outfit 2006
I had a full menu of food to bring to the party, but I only ended up bring chicken salad finger sandwiches. I made an angel food cake that I overcooked because of my crappy stove. I tried to save it but I had to put it out of its misery. I made the dark chocolate syrup but without the cake it served no purpose. I thought I brought enough sandwiches but everyone loved them so much that they ended up getting disappearing.

There were awards passed out as well. I got an honorary award for being an officer and I got the Most Improved Player award. I wanted to win it since I learned about the award last year -- but I never though would win it. I think my win at a tournament this year clinched it for me. I couldn't muster a speech so I just said "thank you." I also did some fake crying to be funny. As the webmaster I previewed our new site which should be fully functional by January 2007.

The party was fun. I weird to see most of the tennis members in a group because during the season you only see a handful. We all had fun but, of course, there were some dramas. I didn't have any, but I did end up spending some time with Dr. Rx. I always find our conversation a bit weird because it seems like we are both trying to avoid the pink elephant in the room (our mutual attraction). He called me out of the blue while I was at Target getting some last minute supplies. We didn't meet up until late into the party but we managed to avoid all the pink elephants and just had some fun. When he was about the leave the party he motioned toward me for hug. We hugged and we said goodbye.

I think I am starting to move past my attraction to him and beginning on just being friends. He is a nice guy and I like having him around. There is a New Year Eve party schedule so we may see each other then, if not sooner.

Sunday
I got home around 1am and I ended up on the couch watching TV being falling asleep. I forgot to leave the heat on before I left the house so my apartment was a bit cold. I wrapped myself my GAP robe I got for $5 last year and headed to bed. Nestled in the warmth of the cotton fabric I slept until 9am.

For the rest of the day I just lounged on my couch and watch backlogged TiVo'd shows. I also watched Over the Hedge on DVD from Netflix. I was going to see it in the theater but didn't get a chance. It was really good. I have to watch Monster House sometime this week.