To RSVP or Not to RSVP. Why is There Even a Question?

A few weeks ago, I attended a lovely holiday party organized by a couple of women for a small group of mom bloggers. Let me put emphasis on the word "small"- It was a crafting party, so enough supplies were bought specifically for the women who were planning on attending.

The problem was that out of eleven or so women who had said they were coming, only about seven showed up. So not only were there leftover supplies, but I'm sure other women could have been invited who would have LOVED to attend- and would actually have bothered to make an appearance- or at least, to call or e-mail if something had come up at the last moment.

*cough* *cough* RUDE *cough* *cough*

Last week, I went to another holiday party, where the hostess bemoaned the fact that while 70 people had RSVP'ed to say they were coming, 150 showed up. Yes. 150. Kinda throws a wrench into the whole planning thing, you know?

I don't really understand what happened to the idea of the RSVP. Almost every invitation calls for one and almost no one bothers to actually do it. What's going on? Do people not know what RSVP means? Because I'm here to tell you that it does not stand for "Rude, Silly, Vain People," nor does it mean "Really Scrumptious Vegan Party." It MEANS "répondez s'il vous plaît." Which... Um.... Okay. That makes no sense at all to most people, I'll give you that. Anyway.

IT MEANS TELL THE HOST WHETHER OR NOT YOU ARE COMING.

Is that so hard?

We actually plan our annual Christmas party around the knowledge that most people won't RSVP. We ask everyone to bring a dessert to share. That way, no matter how many people show up (and during the Christmas season, it's always a crap shoot), there will be enough food for everyone. And if we buy too much wine and beer...

OH WELL.

*hiccup*

Still, it's always strange to invite friends, good friends, and never hear from them one way or the other as to whether they're coming. And there's no rhyme or reason as to who shows up- About half of those we've invited who didn't RSVP show up, and about half don't. Hubs just asks people if he really wants to know, but I don't like to put people in an awkward spot- so I say nothing. I just think evil thoughts when I see them. Kidding.

Sorta.

Am I way off base here? Do you RSVP? Do you expect others to RSVP when you host a party? I joked to Hubs that I'd love to hire someone one year to stand at the door of our house and only allow in those who've RSVP'ed, but I don't know that that would go over so well. I do think that next year, I'll be a little more pointed on the invites. "Please let us know if you plan on coming" might help things a little, don't you think?

Or maybe not.

I think there's a gray area for RSVPs to media events or if the invitation was sent by someone I don't know. I'll admit that I feel less compelled to RSVP in those situations unless I plan on going. But if I'm invited to someone's personal party or if the invitation makes it clear that only a small number of people were invited, you'd better believe I'm going to RSVP. I don't want to add to the host's stress. What do you think?

The Crazy Turkey Christmas

We had planned today to go to Bethlehem.

Once a year, a church here in Nashville fills its entire first floor with sand and uses lamps and tents to create an authentic-looking Middle Eastern bazaar, circa 1 AD. The kids learn about traditional customs and foods and make little dolls, which they then give to baby Jesus at the living nativity outside.

We had planned to go there today. In fact, it was the children's Christmas event I was most looking forward to. However, the moment we left, both kids fell asleep and when we arrived, the line was at least two hours long. The cards clearly were stacked against us... and so we did what anyone else would have done.

We went to see The Crazy Turkey.

The Crazy Turkey lives at WSMV, where my husband works. He was once part of a flock of wild turkeys, and one of the employees discovered that if he did a turkey call, one of them would run straight for his car, smitten by his own appearance in the car's hubcaps.

Apparently, something about that experience made the synaptic connections in the turkey's brain go haywire. Within a few weeks, he had left his turkey friends, opting instead to stand constant watch at the entrance of WSMV so that he could charge any cars that came down the drive.


When we arrived at the station this afternoon, he was waiting for us. We slowed down and, as usual, he headed right for our hubcap.


We rolled down the window and his happy gobbling was enough to wake up the kids.


Punky was so inspired, she decided to name him. "Turkey" was the name she chose, because she is very clever and creative.

I'm not sure this will become an annual tradition, mainly because I doubt the turkey will make it to next Christmas. His new pastime isn't exactly conducive to a long life.

Next year, we'll treat the kids to live camels and donkeys and angels and a real Mary and Joseph. But this year, they'll just have to make do with one Crazy Turkey. Named Turkey.

Why we haven't gotten any awards for Parents of the Year I'll never know.

Picking Up is Hard to Do

If motherhood is a difficult job, a big part of the difficulty involves the boredom that comes with the territory.

My husband sometimes accuses me of having it easy because I get to take the kids to the playground and to ballet class and spend a lot of time at home while he has to go to work. But I don't think he fully understands that while I'm grateful that I get to be the one taking care of them, seeing to their needs day in and day out can be mind numbingly mundane. I mean, I don't get a huge thrill out of taking Bruiser to an indoor playcenter and watching him play for two-and-a-half hours. I take him because he likes it. And driving across town to ballet class? Obviously, I'd rather be shopping or reading a good book or catching up on a TV series- all things I almost never get to do because I'm too busy doing things for my kids. My work isn't any easier than his, it's just different.

Oh, and of course, the epitome of boredom for me has got to be the car pick up line. You know I've complained about it before- Well, it hasn't gotten any easier. I try to make the most of that time, but I hate thinking that two and a half hours of my life are wasted each week sitting in a parking lot, waiting for my daughter to get out of school.

Some of my friends have suggested I join a carpool, but that option is totally out. Find out why in this week's newspaper edition of Suburban Turmoil. As always, leave a comment over there and I'll come visit your blog. Be sure and leave your URL in the comment so that I can find you. And yes, I'm a little behind on my visits because I am hosting a Christmas party this weekend, but rest assured I'll be all caught up on coming to check you guys out by next week.

A Most Awesome Interruption

Ordinarily, I don't write this kind of post on this blog, but when it involves one of you getting a FABULOUS and unexpected Christmas present, I think that warrants a special interruption!

I am giving away a most awesome "Mobile Internet Device," which is basically a touchscreen computer that fits in your purse or pocket. It does a LOT of things, which you can read about over at my review site. So go and enter my giveaway now if you want to try and win one.

Also? I am giving away a $25 American Express gift card and a pair of Robeez shoes!

Yes, I feel a little bit like Santa Claus.