Life is a Song68856

I love people, so lets get that right out of the way. Therefore, Im not anti-social: it's more like selectively non-social. Whats the difference? Well, let me describe my previous life. I was married to a social butterfly. My wife liked company all the time.

Not that I wasnt a good partner, its just that there was only one of me. She preferred multiple contacts in every situation possible. We began going to church shortly after my daughter was born. But we did more than simply attend: we got involved. That meant, becoming members of various groups. The Bible-study group, the newcomers group, the planning committee and so forth. Not only did we go to Sunday service, we had additional meetings every week. This continued for several years. During that time, she also got us into neighbor watch programs, Bunko groups and work-related events. Every weekend meant a new commitment at our house or someone elses.

I had to adapt to this new lifestyle where our social-base grew exponentially at an alarming rate. We barely had a free evening for time by ourselves. My wife reveled in her friends and enjoyed the chance to talk and mingle. I was content to follow her lead and joined in the fray. But it took its toll. Initially I didnt mind the whirlwind interactions and found many of our friends interesting and compatible.

But not everyone. I found I didnt mesh with some of the church people. Oh, I was accepted, but with whom I had nothing in common. This was true for a proportion of some of our neighbors. They were polite and accommodating, but not really interested in us as friends. Perhaps our social status or other issues muddied the waters. In any regard, we werent quite up to their standards.

At various parties, we or they would host, I noticed that I would ask them a slew of questions about their work or life without a single question about myself coming in return. This occurred with an increasing frequency. Conversations were always about their latest exploits or work. They talked about their travels. They talked about their children. They talked about their hopes, dreams, and successes. If I even attempted to interject something about myself, it was tolerated for mere moments until they lost interest. Then it was back to their world.

I know that this goes on for everyone reading this article. Its just that perhaps its a best-kept secret no one likes to admit or discuss. I realized how much I began to dread the endless social scene when we changed churches and got even more involved, if it were possible. We were founding members and threw ourselves into every aspect of that institution. We helped with fundraising, activities, the music, the administration, the search for a new building, and the promotion. We were part of many groups and our social endeavors widened even farther.

Now I practically had no individual life and was ruled by a calendar. If it was Friday, it was the Jones. Saturday, the Smiths. Sunday was church, followed by a church lunch. Then Bible study in the afternoon. Wednesday was Bunko night, Thursday a birthday party, friends retirement or anniversary. Add in just plain dinner parties every weekend and there you have it. I was not relishing the days that were flashing by filled with a sea of faces, small talk, hor douvres, and constant chatter. I was burned out.

Then tragedy struck out of nowhere. My wife died and everything changed in an instant.

Its now years later, and Im lucky enough to have found a new love and remarried. I miss some of the old friends but none of the hectic pace. My first wife loved the social gatherings and I thank her for the journey into that life. But now I have a few select friends I really care about and thats okay with me. The days of endless socializing are done and Ive moved on. I imagine there are other people that can relate to my account and I have some words of wisdom. I went along with my wifes way of living because I loved her and it made her happy. That was my mission as a good husband. But I could change anything, I would have made my position known years ago and perhaps spared myself of many uncomfortable situations. So talk to your significant other if you are trapped in a social quagmire and dont be afraid to be honest. I promise, theyll still be your friend.

There can be no more exciting urban outdoor activity than throwing a tailgate party. Aside from the fact that tailgate parties are casual and a lot of fun, they are relatively easy to setup. You can also add a bit of pizzazz to your parties so that your friends and families wont ever forget them. Here are some tips on how to throw a party that will dazzle your guests.

You can consider making your own invitations into a unique way. For example if you will be having a football party, you can pattern your invitation by cutting out a football shape, from a piece of brown vinyl or cardstock glued to a lighter colored paper or cardstock. Use white shoelaces or vinyl laces to create the football laces.

For great decorations, choose the materials that will match the interests for that someone special you created a party for. It could be a favorite football team, or a baseball team. Or it could be the things they love the most.

Create games that would be in accordance with the theme. If your theme for the party is about football, there are so many games and activities suited to this theme. And remember, the better prepared you are, the smoother things will move along.

The Football Toss: Each child takes a turn throwing a football through a hoop or tire or into a basket.

Football Relay Course: For younger children, do simple exercises with them, jumping jacks, running, throwing a ball...For older children, design an obstacle course that includes football practice moves, more difficult callisthenics, sprints, punting...

You can try your skills at a football shaped cake, if you are a little bit artistic and a good baker. If this seems a little complicated, make a simple rectangular cake and decorate it like a football field.

On the other hand, your theme for the party is all about cheer leading, you could try these fantastic activities and games:

The Human Pyramid: Make sure to do this either on grass or a soft mat. Help the girls create a pyramid and capture the moment with lots of pictures. Let them take turns in different positions.

Cheers: Get the girls lined up and teach them some simple cheers. You might even enlist the help of a high school cheerleader willing to come and teach some.

The parking lots of stadiums, traditionally, is where tailgate parties have been held. You can also setup a party in an area set aside specifically for tailgating. Some parties have been held in other parking lots with permission of course, or even closer to home - usually in the driveway.

One of the most important things to consider is food safety. Do not leave unpreserved food out for more than two hours, they may get spoiled. And because a lot of places might not have soap and water, be sure to bring anti- bacterial wipes and clean everything thoroughly before you go home. Be sure that you have lots of ice for your drinks to keep them cold and have lots of paper bags for your leftovers.

The very common dishes at parties are grilled and smoked dishes, but perhaps the most popular dish is Chili. It is easy to make.

A few other things to remember are disposable plates and utensils, napkins, condiments, salt and pepper, bottle and can openers, chairs or stools, paper towels, folding tables, and blankets.

Make sure you are allowed where you are going before throwing a party. Know what the restrictions there might be and what facilities are available. Be prepared to bring everything you might need because supplies will probably be limited.

Following these simple tips will ensure you have a great party.