Hosting

My mom taught me how to be a host. 

When we had family or friends visiting for an extended stay, or maybe just an evening, she showed us how to do it. Most of the time, this involved scrubbing the house down for a whole day beforehand, which I hated. We had to make sure the bathrooms were clean, the beds had clean sheets, and the fridge stocked full of good food (didn't hate that part). It took hours, but when the time came for our visitors to arrive, the house was clean and welcoming, and even I felt a sense pride in having them in my parents' home. 

As I have created my own home these last months, there are moments where I really do feel like an adult. And having house guests is one of those moments. My mom isn't there to make me scrub the toilets or wash the sheets and towels. She isn't there to do the grocery shopping and to make sure that the fridge is stocked with yummies. It's my house, and I really don't have to do it if I don't want to. 

But I have realized that I really do want to, and need to. Because it's my house, and I do take pride in it. And I want my friends and family to feel at home (and not think I'm a bad hostess!).And while I don't mean to brag, or claim that I am the perfect host, I do want to say that when my friends have told me that they have felt well at ease while staying with us, it really does make me feel happy and satisfied. It makes me feel grown up. And I owe it to my mom. I also give credit to Victor, because he is also a great host, and I don't think I'm just being biased.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that you should come and visit. You'll have a comfortable bed, a bathroom to yourself, and we'll try to show you a good time. I'll cook for you a little. And we'll go out too, since that's a fun part of vacation too.

We've been able to play hosts a lot this month, and it's been really great. A month ago, my friend Sarah came and stayed after some business brought her to D.C., so we took her up to Annapolis, Georgetown, and the Marine Corps Museum before taking her to the airport. We had a great time.

Then my friend Tiffanee came to visit from Ohio this past weekend. I originally met her in China, and I hadn't seen her in four years, so it was way fun to catch up. She had never been to D.C. so we saw the sites, and we also took her to Annapolis and the Marine Corps Museum. I'm seeing a pattern here??

sarah on the left, tiff on the right

Also, my long-time friend Monica and her husband came to D.C. a few weeks ago, and we were able to go out for some dinner and gelato. I hadn't seen Monica for at least seven years. We even used to be pen pals when she was still living in Bolivia. Thank goodness for social media so we can keep up, but it was still great seeing each other in person!

And going back to Tiff's visit, we met up with our other China buddy Holli, who lives in Virginia as well. It is always so great to get together and catch up. And Holli's baby is no longer a baby: she's a darling toddler, so I just had to include these photos!

I'm grateful for friends.

...So...
Just let me know when you're coming to visit, and I'll start getting the sheets and towels ready :)