There is a world of difference between planning birthday parties and planning Ward activities. I don't know why. They both have the same elements: guest list, choosing a venue and theme, menu, decorations, set up, music, planning of games or activities, budget. Parties for my family aren't hard to figure out what to do, all I have to do is the work and figure out how much I'm willing to pay.
But Ward activities? "They're killing me, Larry!" I have no ideas. None. I'm always looking to others to inspire me, or, worse yet, outright tell me what to do. And to think that I considered the idea of being a professional party planner! What was I thinking?! Some things just kind of take care of themselves. But sometimes the status-quo is just not an option anymore. And I don't know why. I guess when I've "been there, done that" and "that" was too boring for words, I just can't repeat it.
So, the truth comes out. Yes, I have been to many Ward Christmas parties that I couldn't wait to escape. Why would I want to do that to anyone? But the very parties I hated, many other people enjoyed. So, I've complained (only to myself, and perhaps to Alan) even though I've had no idea how to improve. Well, I do have some ideas, but they involve taking away others' agency. Along the lines of "if you can't or won't control your child, kindly remove them". Then there are the programs that put me to sleep, or seem more like auditions. Oops.
I've been thinking that I want to do something Italian. I want to borrow Scott Bateman's cypress trees, and line up the long banquet tables end-to-end across the cultural hall with red tablecloths on them. And hang the little lights again. Someone will shoot me for that one! I've got the program figured out. It's the food that I'm stuck on. No lasagna! So now what? I've searched the web, but just can't find anything that seems "right". Maybe I'll get released before Christmas!
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