Tuesday, June 5, 2012

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 :)

7 comments:

  1. You're an excellent host but Victor is slightly better since he stayed up to play Just Dance with me.

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  2. Plan on me! I am hoping and praying I can come visit anytime after Christmas (parents willing). Is that enough advance?
    Love you!

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  3. If I can find some reasonable airfare and convince the hubby to come, I will be there! My mom and aunt are going next month to visit the grandparents, and they didn't even invite me. What?!

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  4. It was so great to see you Annie! I'm glad we could meet up for dinner (even if it was not an all-you-can-eat steak place hahaha).. I put up the picture of the 4 of us in the blog http://alexandmonik.blogspot.com/2012/05/day-6-lots-of-walking-and-riding-bikes.html but I can e-mail it to you too if you want.
    That gelato was hands down one of the best ever in the life of gelatos.

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  5. ummm looks like you are getting us as visitors!!! :)

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  6. I love this post, you and Victor are FABULOUS hosts (and tour guides). I'm being serious when I tell you it has been the best weekend since I graduated college! It was so fun to catch up with you!

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