Yay me! Well, I made it through 2 harrowing days alone. Seems crazy now looking back but I barely slept a wink at night…thank God both of my kids are still napping! This was the only real sleep I got.
I have to do this again in a few weeks so please, any additional suggestions for overcoming the fear of being alone are welcome. This is really quite embarrassing. Is it just me who gets freaked out? I’m a grown woman in my late 30’s! I’ve had a successful career and am raising 2 kids and I can’t spend the night alone?!
By the way, thanks for the advice guys. I couldn’t quite bring myself to wake my 3 year old from his peaceful sleep so that I could have a bed mate but I did listen to Kath’s advice and turned on the CD player in my room. If nothing else, it drowned out the creepy animal sounds.
Now, a first for me. We are throwing a cottage party! We have invited 10 couples in neighbouring cottages. It will be potluck and bbq. We only know 3 of the other couples, the rest have just bought on the lake in the last few years. I am so excited but am also looking for suggestions on making this night a blast. Anyone have suggestions on party games or is that a bit silly? I am making most of the hors d’oeuvres so recipes are much appreciated.
We have decided to set the bar up outside. We do have a little wet bar but use it more for rinsing off sand and sunscreen! I have cleaned it off and I think we are ready to go. I am going to serve the Baileys Shiver as now I am an expert but post your ideas for other drinks too. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Emily is an urban mom to a 10 month old daughter and 3 year old son. She’ll continue to Keep It Cool throughout the summer so check back soon and please share your comments below!
I wish I were coming to your bbq! I’m dying to try the shiver myself – my fave summer drink is Baileys on ice, so I can only imagine putting it all in the blender would make it that much better 🙂
As for the entertaining, I agree with Marie – minimize the cleanup by buying paper plates – they have such nice matching sets these days; plates, napkins, cups, tablecloths, etc. Then all you need for cleanup is a big garbage bag 🙂
As for party games – maybe do an icebreaker to get people to get to know each other…or have blank nametags and some markers or crayons and have each person design & decorate their own nametag? Just some old corporate trainer ideas coming out 🙂
Good luck and have fun!
Kath
Congrats, Emily! You did it. Even in my own home I often get scared when my husband is away…silly but true.
As for your bbq, my advice is keep it simple and try to do as much prep ahead of time as possible. Also, let others bring something and use as few dishes as possible or even paper plates. This will lessen the burden on you and allow you to have a chance to get to know your new neighbours. After all, you are up there all summer so it would be nice to know more people.
My last point is key, I have yet to hear you mention a hubby…I am assuming he is there some of the time and likely will be at the party. Get him to help too!
I’ll think about the drink recipes but wine and beer are easy and almost everyone likes one or the other. Maybe having the Shiver as your specialty drink is enough as long as you have the staples on hand. Have fun…looking forward to hearing how it went.