Tiramisu

I cannot believe what I *almost* did to myself. So I am having this couple for dinner tonight - the menu is described here When I was inviting them, I got confused between Sat and Sun. On Sundays, we have farmers' market. It is not only veggies and fruit, but also a ton of baked goods, and in particular one artisan bakery with good cakes. So I write to the lady, thinking that they would be coming on the day of the market, "What would you prefer: a chocolate cake, Tiramisu or a red velvet cake?". She writes back that she prefers Tiramisu, with chocolate being her second best choice. Soon thereafter, I realize that they are coming before the market day. How will I buy Tiramisu? How will I buy the veggies for Minestrone, my god?

The adjacent city has the market on Sat mornings. I do not have a car. The trains run on the hour - that infrequently. It costs >$5 for a round trip even though it is just one stop. It is likely but there is no guarantee that the artisan bakery maintains a stand on the adjacent city's market.

I did not go. I walked to the nearby store which is a produce market slash ethnic grocery. I bought ethnic desserts instead of Tiramisu and, gasp, conventional, non-organic veggies for the Minestrone. And my friends are not going to die. She probably already forgot about Tiramisu, and at any rate, I will explain that I got confused about the days. We will have glorious food and no one will care that it is not organic.

I spent the morning leisurely browsing this board. But I ALMOST went. I was almost ready to wait for the train in the hot weather. All to fulfill a stupid "promise" that I gave this girl!

Now I am thinking of all the serious promises I broke, promises to important people in my life, e.g. my ex-husband. Such lack of judgment - breaking serious promises (this should probably be a BPD post because borderlines are not trustworthy) and then going to unusual lengths because of a cake. Well, almost going, but still - all yesterday I thought that I would go.

Geez.

I better start peeling the vegs.

((hamster-bamster)) - you sound like a glorious cook and a perfectionist. You're right your guests won't know if the produce is organic or not. The only thing I do with guests is, make sure they don't have allergies and whether they're vegetarian....that's it lol. I don't ask them what they want or what dessert they want. If I were you, don't apologize for anything - I would be so happy to eat what you're making. Take a deep breath, cook your little heart out and everything will be fine. Best of luck and bon appetite

You should feel very proud of yourself, you were resilient, worked out a new plan, and are going to have a delightful dinner

You inspire me Hamster, I want to have dinner parties some day and I will! ... I think.... right?

Oh god, it is a feast!

I have people come over and they're lucky if I chip in and agree to order a pizza. And sometimes, letting guests go hungry is the most passive way to make them leave. Better than pretending to be tired or blaming the husband.

I mean really, what do you do with that clingy friend who knows you don't work the next day?

Actually, that is a good point. I HAVE to be in bed at 10, and these friends do not know that I am bipolar. How do I make them leave?

Well, when she booked the event in an online calendar, she put 6-9. so I hope they know their boundaries.

Btw I also bought lychees, cherries and peaches for dessert. So a feast it will be! Once again, I wish I could have you all over.

I get like that too, hamster, when I'm having people over but it always seems to work out fine and I wonder why I was so worried. Then the next time I do it again. duh.

Tricks to make most people leave:

"I'm really tired." "It's getting late." And such statements.
Work in the morning? Early appointment? Breakfast plans with another friend or family member? Church? Discuss!
Your favorite TV show is on and just happens to be on PBS- BORING!
Husband, child, room mate? Need you quiet by said time and you'll abide.
Just go to bed! Be careful of the friend who might want to come too! Unless you're up for that...
Are they bussing? Offer bus times or to call a cab!
Suggest going out then, leave on your own terms.

And my favorite: "GTFO!"

Oh and over feeding might work, if they're too embarassed to poop in your bathroom!

Cut up most of the veggies and waiting for the oil to heat. Will tidy up now: THAT is the challenging part for me.

Uh oh, last time I went online to let oil heat, I was blowing out blackened boogers. Grease fire!

Don't forget your cooking!

The soup is more than halfway through.
The table is set.
When picking up, found the paperwork that comes with my Lithium prescription. Shredded it instantaneously.

Last 15 minutes, contemplating a frantic effort to mop the kitchen floor.

Decided not to mop the floor, because... I realized that I forgot to take care of the kitty litter. I have flushable litter. So I put, sorry for the details, kitty poop in the toilet, and the toilet... stops working. And I am here 10 minutes before company comes with a toilet full of kitty poop. Anyone would find the situation stressful, bipolar or not. Ultimately, I made the toilet work and it was clean by the guests' arrival.

They liked the food. We had a nice conversation. Two bad things happened. First, my hands shook like crazy. And I am taking only 250 mg Depakote - practically nothing. But when I am worried, and I guess the kitty poop situation caused an anxiety spike in me, the tremor really intensifies. Ultimately I had to say (truthfully) that I take this migraine preventative med that gives me tremor AND STILL does not prevent migraines 100%. That is right, I got a migraine and had to take Imitrex. And I know why - from dehydration. I skipped lunch, having only a bunch of cherries instead, and I did not have my usual many cups of tea, nor did I have any electrolyte solution. I was busy cooking dinner and did not take care of myself. Well, a lesson for me.

The dessert I bought was eaten just like that. I do not think that even Tiramisu would have enjoyed such a reception.

Am going for a walk hoping that the headache will go away. Still a good day, just a bother.

I think you coped soooooo well with so many things causing stress.. Pat yourself on the back Hamster !

I second more. Considering the problems you encountered you did great !