Brunch

There are those who love to have people over and those who love to be had over. I am of the second breed. But now that I own a house and it's time to enter into that first category, I fear I lack the skills that make me qualified to make such a move. I also lack the dishware, but that's really a separate issue. So after inviting people over for brunch, anxiety set in to the point that I've been dreaming all week about Bridget Jones and the blue soup she served for Christmas dinner.

You'll be glad to learn things went better than that. Thank goodness.

I'm at a point in my life where it's easier to admit my insecurities than pretend they don't exist, so I called the appropriate experts for recipes and back up. When guests asked what they could bring, I appointed side dishes and beverages. Jodi vowed to arrive an hour early to help with preparation, and of course, she thought to bring flowers. As the main dish was still up to me, there was extensive room for error, but I surprised myself with just one easily remedied mistake. I even managed to stop sweating before we sat down to eat.

The guests talked, laughed and left with full stomachs. And even though my hosting turn won't come up again for another nine to twelve weeks, I'm looking forward to it. Now that's progress.