Monday, January 30, 2012

Taking a very deep breath


I have not been gifted with the gift of hospitality. My mother had it. My sister has it. I do not. If I had family in the area then it probably would have happened more frequently because of family birthdays and holidays. But I don’t. And I haven’t.

I am guessing that I can probably count on one hand the number of times we have invited another couple to a meal at our house, and maybe on two hands the number of times I have other women at the house for lunch.

However, I recognize the need to show hospitality, and I recognize the need to step out of my comfort zone. And I have made a New Years’ resolution to try to do this at least once a month.

So, I am just not very comfortable doing this. But I am doing it today.

Part of the problem is that I embarrassed for two reasons: (1) the way my house looks because of structural defects and (2) the way my house looks because I am a lousy (wondering now what the difference is between "lousy" as in "very bad" and "lousy" as in "covered with lice") housekeeper. I can’t do anything about the structural defects of my house that are embarrassing -- ceiling that sags in parts, chunks missing from the old, tired, and very worn-out linoleum, hideous paneling. But I can do something about being a lousy housekeeper. Over the weekend, I did manage to sweep down the draping cobwebs, and wipe up the thick layer of dust covering everything, and actually mop the floor and vacuum. I have spruced it up as best I can.

In about 40 minutes, a woman from church is coming for lunch. I can do this, I am telling myself. I can do this.

And 10 minutes ago, I let the cat in, who proceeded to throw up in about 5 different places in the kitchen and under the table.

Oy vey.

So, now the kitchen floor is even cleaner.

7 comments:

Cloudia said...

structural details? trying to keep the boat clean made me crazy till i declared a truce with what I couldn't change, LOL


Warm Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral

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Wanda..... said...

There are things in my house I'd like to cover up or make disappear and does anyone 'ever' get rid of dust? I bet the friend didn't notice any of the things you mentioned.

Oklahoma Granny said...

I hope everything went well yesterday. When I go to someone else's home for a visit, I'm there to visit THEM, not to inspect their home. I sincerely think most people feel the same way.

Far Side of Fifty said...

I hope your lunch was wonderful..it is good to step out of your comfort zone..and good to have friends in for lunch:)

Grammy said...

I think this is a wonderful thing your are doing. I am a fellow Missouri blogger. Near the lake of the Ozarks. I read your post below too. I had to laugh. We had a septic tank in St. Louis. And our guy was amazing too. Any how, have a grate day.

Have Myelin? said...

When I go visit people I visit them, not their houses.

Don't you do the same? =)

How was your visit by the way?

darlene said...

Thanks for letting us be one of the couples you invited for dinner many years ago...I remember being amazed that you had a VCR that could play movies in your home...did we watch one that night? Still a friend, Darlene