Here we go!

Parties. They take so much time, planning, and effort--and in the end, all you're left with is a dirty house and plates of picked-through food. Not to mention all of the themed decor that won't get used again, and the eerie silence you're left with after all the guests have gone. Its not like parties are bad, or anything. I'm not much of a partygoer myself, nor do I host parties much, but lately I've been doing a little bit of both.

So my mom turned 60 on October 30th. Taking the advice of my sister, Sarita, I decided to throw her a surprise party. This was no small undertaking. I of course, with my penchant for all things creative and decadent, pulled out all the stops for my mommy. Having never truly had a birthday party for herself, I wanted to give my mom a truly special celebration.

Well my checkbook begged to differ.

Do you have any idea how much goes into planning a party??! Its nuts. I mean, I can understand why people actually do party planning for a living and run businesses solely based on throwing one hell of a party! I'd say my party was a success, though I was too busy pulling out my hair to enjoy it; I was running around like a mad-woman trying to coordinate the whole charade during its 3 hour course.

And then there's baby showers. Luckily, these more casual affairs don't usually last too long and the purpose of them is very clear: shower the mom-to-be with gifts, compliments, etc. and then you're out. I've been to a few recently, and I've gotta say they were pretty enjoyable. But again, all the planning and the setup culminated in nothing more but a big mess! Typically no one gives a hoot about all the trouble you went through to hang the streamers, inflate the balloons, and stir the dip! You just have to been on both sides of the serving dish to get it.

So throw a party--or don't. Attend a party--or don't. I know I'll be more appreciative of party hosts and learn how to restrain myself when planning the next big party.