learning to play hostess

Serena and Jessica came by yesterday for lunch and what was supposed to be a bit of a scrapbooking session-- Serena has never scrapped before and is thinking about starting. We kinda just wound up looking at my scrapbook and Jessica's collage/art book, and then sitting around chatting the rest of the time. I made chicken and corn empanadas for lunch, which I'm pretty proud of-- I think we've hosted people here at the house only once before, and usually Zach's the one to cook. I certainly am no Martha Stewart, but it was fun to have a few friends over and not be too concerned about making sure everything turned out perfect or that the house was in perfect order (it certainly wasn't). I've always had a bit of a complex about playing hostess, not being entirely sure of how exactly it is that things are "supposed to be done" but what I need to remember is that, with the right people, it doesn't really matter as long as you all have a good time, and a good time was had indeed. I was a bit sad to realize that both these women are leaving for the US at the end of the week and will each be gone for about 2 months. We'll have one last big fondue dinner all together on Wednesday, and then I'll still have the rest of the weekly lunch crew (the "Non-Desperate Geneva Housewives") to chit chat and bond with. =)

Today was a decidedly lazy day. I could feel guilty, but I then remind myself once again that in a few short months I won't have time to spend the entire morning (and afternoon) playing around on facebook and reading blogs with Sierra sleeping on my lap, so I may as well take advantage of it now. Tonight I should make a to-do list for the rest of the week, but I think for now I'll go upstairs, finally take a shower for today, and then curl up with The Poisonwood Bible while waiting for Zach to come home.