Don't hesitate: RECIPROCATE!

A big topic amongst me and my gal pals lately has been "reciprocation" for invitations.  It's been a thorn in my side since I became a suburban house wife.  I invite friends over all the time for dinner, BBQs, holiday parties - you name it!  I love to have folks over!  I realize that not everyone likes to entertain as much as we do...but I feel it's important to receive invites in return - especially from those that are constantly being entertained at my home.  I had a close friend and over 4 years of our friendship - my husband and I were invited to her house for dinner only ONCE!!  Meantime, she was invited to our home at least once per month over those 4 years.  You do the math.  After a while, it makes you feel as though the "non-reciprocators" really don't want to have you over for a specific reason.  Is it because we drink to much?  Do we stay too long?  Do my kids bother them?  What is it?  I've asked...believe it or not - ballsy, yes, I have asked, "why don't we get the invites?"  A common answer is, "well, I don't cook..."  I find that even more rude.  How hard is it to put out a block of cheese, a sleeve of crackers and open a bottle of wine for someone you consider to be a friend?  I'm not asking for a Martha-friggin-Stewart dinner party.  It's just the idea that we are being welcomed into your home.  My best friend has 4 children under the age of 12.  She has her hands full but is always the first to invite 2 or 3 couples over for dinner along with their kids...  I feel sad sometimes when I don't see her getting an invite in return.  I've asked her if it bothers her and she always says, "no, it's probably because we have too many kids."  That's crap and pisses me off!  So if you find yourself on the invitation list, but never sending out any invites...beware - you may not be receiving many more invites.  At least not from my camp!

Mother, the Entertainer

It's now June 29, 2011.  I stopped blogging for a while - not sure exactly why...but I need it again!  So hello - I'mmmmmm BAAAACK!  I need to get crap off my chest!  Today, I broke down, crying - all because of my son.  I feel so bad putting that in writing but I honestly wanted to spank him hard today.  I didn't.  But I really, REALLY wanted to.  Why is it that stay-at-home moms have to cook, clean, rear, educate and oh yeah - entertain ALL DAY LONG?  I am so sick of planning stuff every single day - day in and day out to keep my kid entertained.  Some days, I wish we could just sit out back and enjoy a day at home for a change.  My son is extremely spoiled - we've spent over $1500 on yard/water toys for him in the past month (I think that's spoiled and way too much).  He literally has a "water wonderland" out in our back yard.  Now why the heck won't he play with anything??!!  Why is it that he has the need to constantly be entertained by me or another?  I am 7 months pregnant right now with our second son and on some days I need to just sit out back on a lounge chair and let my 2 year old self-entertain.  But he refuses!  He cries, whines, complains, throws his toys.  What the hell is wrong?  Did I do this to myself??  Did I create this monster?  Why is he always so bored if I am not taking him out to a park or playdate or event??  Why doesn't he just want to be home and play with all his wonderful toys?  Does anyone else have this issue?  Why do I feel like my new title needs to be "Mother, the Entertainer"?