House Guests

Some people are gifted at entertaining guests. You’d think that as a performer that would come with the talent like a package deal. Entertaining, entertainer. Basically the same thing. I guess not. I struggle. There’s something about inviting people to my house that suddenly makes me very aware of anything that looks non-Pinterest worthy. Yes… it’s a problem. I know…

Of my four girls, I have two children that are of the age where they can help with quite a few chores with very minimal direction (finally). I have one child that needs me to watch her and tell her exactly what to do step by step. And then… I have one child… one dear, beautiful child, that climbs, dumps, tears, colors, and destroys basically everything. Okay… don’t get me wrong, she is the most darling little girl… but she’s 18 months old. She’s fast and she just learned a new lovely skill, climbing. I found her on the window sill a couple of days ago – she had climbed onto the top bunk and then shimmied onto the high window sill. *face palm* So… when I need to get the house cleaned for company, Adrie becomes public enemy number one. I tend to make up for her abundance of destructive power by running faster but sadly enough it doesn’t make much of a difference. What’s more… Adrie is one of those babies who are hard to contain. She’s our baby Houdini. Now imagine… getting ready for company. And not just any company… business associates.

Last time we met with someone from work I told a story of when my husband forgot to pay a speeding ticket (due to mild head trauma) and had a warrant out for his arrest. It was quite a funny story… and yet… made for an awkward request for a background check from his employer. No worries… he’s not a felon, and we are now good friends with said employer. No thanks to my awkward attempts at humor.

There’s just something about meeting people who could be instrumental in my husbands career that makes my heart clench up. I’m sure they’re nice people like my husband constantly assures me… it’s just… maybe they won’t think I’m an attentive hostess because I can’t hold a decent conversation without running off to fetch something… or wipe something… or be interrupted by my lovely chatter-box kiddos. I just don’t know how they will react to my scatterbrained-ness. Maybe they expect me to be something I’m not. I often feel like they’ve already met and love Ben and expect someone who’s like Ben. Instead… there’s just me. Ben and I make a great team. We make up for each other’s weaknesses. So, many of his best traits, the ones that people love… I don’t have. So when his friends meet me… I have to stand on my own. I have to try to impress them because of me. Honestly… it’s a lot of pressure. And if I can’t impress them, what does that mean for Ben’s career? Does it go on as it was or do I ruin everything? Yes. I know I overthink these things.

A couple months ago Ben had an acting class on our wedding anniversary. He turns to me and says, “Sweetheart, it’s completely up to you. Should I go to class or take the day off to celebrate?” I’m not a stickler for celebrating on the day of so I replied, “You should definitely go to class. We can celebrate any time. And what’s more… I haven’t gotten a babysitter so, we probably can’t go anywhere anyway. This class is so good for you! I can see a major difference in your acting. You should go!” So off he went to class.

Okay… little interjection here… remember that Ben auditioned for the role of Superman? One of the casting agents for that job teaches acting classes. So even though Ben didn’t get the job as Superman, he found an acting coach that has been perfect for him. Anyway, back to the story.

After class Ben, his classmates, and instructor went out for a late dinner to get to know each other better. As soon as his instructor found out that it was our anniversary and that I was not only okay with Ben going to class but actually encouraged him he insisted on meeting our family. 

The next week Ben comes home from acting class with a date and time for dinner with “The Coach”. I’m super excited to meet him. I have heard nothing but great things and I really don’t get to see much of where Ben works or who he works with so it’s quite an exciting event for the kids and I. “Great! Where are we meeting? He lives in LA right, so we’ll meet halfway or something. Are we driving there?” Not to overload him with questions or anything… but I do anyway. Turns out… no. He’s coming here. First of all I’m flattered that he would drive all the way to our house just to meet our family… we live pretty far away. And second… I’m giving myself pep talks. 

Don’t freak out self. It’ll be great. It’ll all work out. 

Ben gave me almost a months notice. Which I needed and really appreciated. He also made every effort to make it a good experience for everyone.

My sweet hubby was right though… I had nothing to worry about. The day finally came and we all had a blast getting to know Ben’s instructor and his girlfriend. They were such great company and they absolutely loved our girls. By the end of the night we were planning another get together. So it turns out… I totally overthink company. So… if you want to come visit… umm… let’s plan a date. But… err… let’s plan it for a month out maybe?