So remember, three years ago, how I spent several days and $100 in babysitting to get ready for our first Christmas party in Chicago–a party that no one in our small group, not even the pastor who asked us to host the party, came to? And how it just happened to be the same week that our second child should have been born? And how much I cried that week? Yeah, that was a dark time.
Similarities between Chicago and California just keep coming! Derek invited a dozen of his mentor students over yesterday for coffee and cookies, a “low-key” Christmas party that still had me baking and decorating three kinds of intense Christmas cookies, not to mention cleaning the house thoroughly. Despite positive responses ahead of time, no one showed up. Now, since it was students and not alleged friends, my feelings weren’t hurt this time. I was just annoyed. So that all of our efforts didn’t completely go to waste, we called up one of Derek’s colleagues last minute and asked if she and her family wanted to come over and have pizza and Christmas cookies with us. And they came, and the kids got along great, so it was okay.
But seriously. California is giving Chicago a run for its money. Lame.
So sorry! Bethany and I used to host a Christmas party for the staff from our summer job–nothing big, we would go sledding or ice skating, followed by treats at home. Then one year, no one showed up despite having an okay response to the e-mail invitation.
A few weeks later, I saw one of the invitees, who told me that he and his friends really were planning to come, but they just forgot. Gee, thanks.
So, I sympathize, but I’m glad you found someone to come and eat with you! I kind of feel your pain. Ben gets along really well with his coworkers, but I’ve had a little trouble connecting with people, partly because of personality/culture issues, and partly because we only have one car and I don’t get out much except for errands. Fortunately, we have found a good friendly church, so I hope that’s something that happens for you very soon!
And Sprouts is just the best, for sure!
We should try to talk this week. Sometime. Hmmmm… Hope you have a better week, too! I will be thinking of you (and have been!).