Just Need to Rant

Ok, I know that my only subscriber is Sam, and that this will probably lead to one of our infamous blow-ups, but I need to get this out.

Recently, a certain someone posted on her blog that she felt that it was always left to her to plan our gatherings. First of all, that couldn't be more wrong. I usually am the one asking around to see if we are doing anything, when we're doing it, where we're doing it, and who all is coming. But nevertheless, I took her comment in stride, despite others telling me not to fall for it, and volunteered to plan our annual Christmas/New Year's party. I was home sick one day and decided that panning this out was more important than taking a nap that I really needed. So I created the event on Facebook, did research into food for the menu, started figuring out presents for the people I get presents for, and even started thinking about the parking situation.

Hours later, my friend who will be hosting this party at her house, like every other party we have, responded by asking what we were having to eat. I told her the four items I had decided we were having for food-food, all items I know she likes to eat, and her response was "so basically, cheese, cheese, and more cheese". Now I realize that all the food items I had decided on involved cheese, however there are very few party recipes that do not involve it in some form or another. It should also be noted that she didn't offer anything to substitute. Then, today I was checking the page to see if anyone else had given their RSVP, and her sister-in-law, who so far has not been involved in any of the planning also put her two cents in, further criticizing my choices. She questioned the lack of veggies in the menu, which, her being a mother makes sense. Just as it made sense when she brought a veggie tray to our fish fry recently.  Now I don't mind having veggies at this party, I just don't appreciate the way it was brought up, and that those who complained about always having to do stuff are criticizing those who are trying to give them a break, deserved or not.

I know that this is probably considered inflamatory, and that I will probably recieve both angry texts and phone calls, but look at this from my point of view for a second. Initially, I was the only one planning this, I made some decisions. People knew I was planning this, knew they had their chance to voice their opinions, yet waited until less than a week before the party to do so. And the worst part is, that this happens every time, and I say nothing. I let my so-called friends walk all over me because that's how much their friendship means to me. Case in point, my BFF's Bridal Shower this past summer. No one wanted to help me plan, and yet just weeks before the day they all had something they wanted changed. And I did it. Sugar-free cookies for the relatives with diabetes? I made them, did anyone eat them? NO! I was forced to throw all four dozen away. More prizes so that everyone gets something? I compromised by adding more prizes, as well as a favor bar. Did I bend over backwards to please my friends? Yes, but not this time. Unless something changes I am so very close to dropping off my presents earlier in the day and telling them to have a great party without me. And, to NEVER ask me to plan something ever again. I will show up, I will eat your food, but I will not be involved in any of the planning. I only have to wonder, will anything ever get done without me to nag and force them?

UPDATE: As the result of a recent conversation with the above mentioned friend, I am no longer even attending this party that I spent a month planning. I hope that everyone going has a good time, and that they all ring in the New Year in style.