6.07.2006

that's better

Grouchy demands occasionally work. My recent post prompted several replies.

I must admit - getting a bit more personal than I normally do - I had been seriously disappointed that more people couldn't or wouldn't attend.

On the one hand there are our friends and family in the New York/New Jersey area. Since everyone says they'll come up and visit "one day," I thought throwing a party would offer an opportunity and excuse to make good. But no. It was bad timing for most. (The very wonderful and happy exception is wmtc reader Mkk and our nephew D, recently relocated from New Mexico, who we can't wait to see.)

On the other hand there's the wmtc crowd. Of course many wmtc readers don't live anywhere near us, and I didn't expect cross-continental treks for a backyard get-together. But many who live in and around T.O. are choosing not to show their faces in person.

I'm so used to meeting online friends in person that it's very natural to me. The internet is a great way to meet people, and we've met online friends in cities all over North America. So I forget that for some people, making that leap from internet to physical life is scary and unwelcome.

And then of course there are a million conflicts - weddings, family barbecues, and other happy events like book signings. And the expected guest list shrinks from 45-50 to 20-25 people.

So that's my sob story, and if it's the worst one I have this summer, I'm a lucky girl. I gave myself a good talking to and remembered we'll have a really fun day with whoever shows up. At the very worst, we'll have a small, quiet gathering, where we eat lots of good food and enjoy each other's company, and that sounds pretty nice.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

I once had a New Years dinner party go from 15 to 5. At first I was disappointed but the five of us ended up doing the partying of 15 people. The leftovers were really yummy, though I didn't need all of that cake. :-)

How about the biggest Adventure Race in North America as an excuse? I'm hoping to make it back to Southern Ontario in the late summer or fall. I would love to meet up for an iced coffee then.

James Redekop said...

The secret is to have a few parties, spread out, so that most people'll be able to get to at least one of them. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm really sorry we're going to miss the party. It's our odd luck that we're in TO this week but leaving early next week before the party starts. :/ Ah well. We'll definitely be ready for the next gathering.

Matt

laura k said...

At first I was disappointed but the five of us ended up doing the partying of 15 people. The leftovers were really yummy, though I didn't need all of that cake. :-)

Thanks for the good perspective, Lorna - I appreciate it. Re iced coffee: definitely!

The secret is to have a few parties, spread out,

Ack! Too much work! :)

It's our odd luck that we're in TO this week but leaving early next week before the party starts. :/ Ah well. We'll definitely be ready for the next gathering.

Poor timing all around, but - re James's suggestion - I may have to have another party, just to include all the ex-pat wmtc readers who are moving up this summer!

Perhaps, as Allan suggested, it will be an annual event. Twenty years from now, when hundreds of people gather in Port Credit for the Great Wmtc Bash, a select group of people will brag about how they were at the very first one...

barefoot hiker said...

Even the ones who weren't there. :)

"And, of course, Andy and Truman were the hits of the party, whenever Liza wasn't singing... rahly, dahling..."

Masnick96 said...

Count on me to be tyhere for the next one - you know if we could make it we'd be there.

On the other hand if we do make it there by Sept. 1st, I fully expect you to come to our Labour Day BBQ :-)

David Cho said...

Considering that wmtc readers are all over the North American continent, you should have mobile wmtc parties. I suggest Orange County when you have one in the Pacific region.

barefoot hiker said...

I suggest Orange County when you have one in the Pacific region.

I suggest Peel Region! ...Oh, wait, you are having it in Peel Region. Well, fine... you could call them the Orange-Peel Parties. :)

laura k said...

[rolling eyes] [but laughing]

laura k said...

Count on me to be there for the next one - you know if we could make it we'd be there.

Whadda ya mean? You're throwing the next one! :)

mkk said...

D and I are very excited about our trip and about being there for the First Annual WMTC Party! The timing is unfortunate for Marty, though, as he will be globe-trotting to India to trek with our daughter E. He sends his regrets and he'll be sure to join me there for the Second Annual.