Party Time

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about parties. Some of my favorite blogs to check up on are party-planning blogs like Hostess With the Mostess, LolliBlog, P is for Party and Stem.

I'm in the midst of planning what I'm pretty sure is going to go down in the books of history as "the most fabulous baby shower in the history of the world" and I'm consumed with theme parties. Theme party this, theme party that. I've tried to convince my young friend, Little J, that awesome parties have themes slightly more sophisticated, or at least slightly more creative, than "beer and burgers" although there is nothing wrong with the occasional beer and burger party...especially if you replace the word "burger" with the word "bratwurst."

So a while ago, I came across Small Talk Six via another (non-party-related) blog.
This week’s topic on Small Talk Six is “6 unconventional things you think people should celebrate by throwing a party.” And since I've got party-on-the-brain, I decided to participate this week. Here's my list:

1. Full Moons. The family that I used to babysit for on a daily basis in college had full moon parties and I thought that was the most fun idea ever. Sometimes it was just a family party, sometimes a few families got together, sometimes a block party. And, be still my heart, sometimes there was a theme.

2. Black Friday. How about an after-hours type party where, after a long day of shopping (alone or together), everyone comes together at one house for present-wrapping, Christmas music, and snacks. Everyone can bring a roll or two of wrapping paper and share so your tree has lots of variety under it.

3. The Commissary Has Re-Stocked Canned Pumpkin. In my opinion, this is a very special occasion. I was hoping to have a pumpkin carving party this fall, with lots and lots of pumpkinny treats, but when there was no canned pumpkin at the commissary I stopped planning. Anyway, the party was going to be a "Get to Know David" kind of event as well, and now he might not get here until Halloween, so pumpkin carving is out. BUT...there's no reason I couldn't just have an "I have 7 cans of pumpkin!" party!

4. New Job. I'm in the middle of filling out a billion-page packet to substitute teach. I've also got my teaching application updated for the base schools, and an application for a teacher's aide position that may be opening up in November. Ideally, I'd get offered a teaching job before my leave-without-pay status expires in January, but if I could get in the school as an aide, I might be likely to be considered for any teaching positions that come up after January. If I do get a job, I'll throw a party to celebrate...one last party before all of my energy is drained from working all the time.

5. No Dirty Laundry. If there was ever a day when all my laundry was done, I think I'd throw a party.

6. There's a High School Dance. Why should the high schoolers get to have all the fun? Maybe I'll have to do some homework and find out when the prom is around here and have my own prom-night party. We could dress up (or dress down) and watch my favorite prom movies: Pretty in Pink (of course!), Dance til Dawn (one of my all time faaaavorites!), She's All That & Never Been Kissed.