Last night I got to be part of an amazing celebration.  We went to cater what we thought would be a Christmas/Engagement party.  We were overwhelmed by the home, the beauty of the grounds and extravagance, etc.  It was like a fairy tale.  We spent the first three hours lighting candles.  Thousands and thousands of candles.  The entire grounds lit up.  And then serving food and drinks – wine and appetizers, drinks and dinner, dessert and “late night snacks”. Crazy amounts of fabulous food.  Two great bands.  Everyone dressed to the nines.  The scent of really expensive perfume filling the air.  Then the couple surprised everyone by announcing that since everyone was gathered together, they had decided to get married right then and there!  Everyone was thrilled and it was very romantic.

Amid all the beauty and awe of the evening, I came to discover many things…

1.  I am not fancy and I make those who are very nervous.

2. You do not light propane heaters from the front without burning part of your hair off (and yes, it smelled really bad and scared me really bad, and yes, I didn’t do it once but twice.)

3. At a fancy affair it is frowned upon to say that you are offering “some type of chicken thing” instead of “pistachio crusted chicken on a bed of creamy rissoto, in a savory onion reduction…”

4. You will also receive disapproving looks if you sample an appetizer yourself ( except by the “rebel” relative who coaxes you to take a bite when no one is looking).

5. If like me, you are not fancy, you will spend every moment of your down time hangin’ with the band, who doesn’t care if you giggle at the wrong time, or dance to the music or lick your fingers, or light your hair on fire and in fact celebrates it.

6. It is impossible to work at an event involving food for 12 hours and not lick the frosting off the knife.

7. It is way more fun to dance and sing while you’re serving than pretend that you know what you’re doing.

8. Some people will refuse to acknowledge your presence if you are dressed all in black and are offering refills on beverages.

9. I will always choose blue jeans over cocktail dresses.

10. Extravagant is a fun place to visit, but I love living in simple.

The evening was beautiful and over the top and completely out of my element.  But I had just as much fun today working with my friends at a benefit garage sale with people’s old stuff that was slightly used and loved on.  In the rain.  In a parking lot.  Making someone’s day by giving them a good deal on a “new” treasure and knowing that will in turn benefit someone else.  Saturday and Sunday.  Two very different days. One breathtaking.  The other life giving.  Hmmmmmm…think I’ll take simple…