Today's Brainwork

Lately I've been debating a lot, about different things, in my head... ok so it's not really a debate, since I'm alone in there (or at least I think so!), so I've been pondering...
About what you may ask, on this fine day?

1. A few minutes ago it was about going inside or staying on our deck. Got to love the wireless connection and the lovely weather, but the sun was affecting the visibility of my screen. Decided to stay out for now.
2. Earlier, about who to invite to my birthday party... It's weird how I don't debate about friends, but when it comes to family I do. I have a very BIG family (on my father's side): 65 first cousins! I know them all, but don't see them all that often. We (both hubby and I) wanted a BIG party for my 40th, but this is getting ridiculous. If I invite this cousin, then I should invite his brother... but they are like 12 (without spouses) in that family alone, and I don't "socialise" with all... what to do?
3. There's another group of 12 that I'm really not sure of! And whenever I ask hubby, he has no opinion!!!
4. What can I do to elongate my patience/fuse? It's ridiculously short these days!
   
5. About the party again, should we serve food (meal) or snacks only? We want to dance, thus the party. This is starting to feel like a freakin' wedding reception! NOT the goal!
6. Should I really take in my mom's pooch? She's really not doing well these days, must be feeling the move or something. In doing so will I be messing up my cat's peaceful living?
   
7. What to have for dinner? That one comes back almost daily! Arg!!!

I must say that even if my party is six months from now, this party is on my mind. So far we have 177 guests, among which 56 are cousins! I know that some of them won't come, but in case they do then I have to be ready! For our wedding reception we had ONE simple rule: If guest didn't know spouse then not invited. That took care of a lot of people! Especially on my side! But for a party it's a little different. Technically all my cousins know me :-(

Why do I have so many guests? I guess that through the years we've accumulated them by doing different sports. In doing martial arts for over 20 years, I got to meet A LOT of people from different places (one of the things I enjoyed most about karate!)... and I'm quite loyal (must have been a dog in a previous life, 'cause my nose is extra sharp and I'm faithful like a dog) I DO make the effort to keep in touch, with people I care for (of course!). Hubby also is the type whose had buddies for a long while. Of course our lives have changed, most of our friends have kids now, so that does change the visit frequences, not many "spur of the moment" thing, they need fair notice... thus the 6 months "reserve a date" e-mail - that should give everyone enough time to find a sitter and to plan a trip to Montreal.
I'm hoping that some "far away" friends will come... that would make my 40th even more special.

The main reason why I wanted a party was because:

• we both wanted to dance and it's been a long time since we've been to a really good party
• didn't want to wait until a funeral or a wedding to see relatives and friends
• wanted to do this while we can (physically and monetary)

I believe in the now, and in credit cards ;-D

When I think of how my parents lived their lives, working 7 days/week, 12 hours+/day, for what? Were they happier in the end? They were debt free, yes. They had no mortgage, yes. They were out of the "rat race" (like hubby keeps saying), yes. All that didn't keep my dad to end his life. We have no kids, nor are we planning any, so in a way, who cares if when we die we have debts... Less for the surviving spouse? Ah, it's ok, I wouldn't want him to spend it all with a new woman! In the meantime we will have enjoyed life, and taken advantage of what it has to offer. That is worth living for!

I hate "should have's" (or in French "J'aurais donc du"), if you want to do something, do it! Don't wait until it's too late and then say, I should have done this when... I will only turn 40 once, and who knows how old I'll get, so let's do this and let's party like it's 1999... ooops! Meant 2006!