I love to plan things. I love Excel spreadsheets and lists. So when Jeremy’s graduation started getting close, I knew I needed to put a shin dig together to celebrate all of his hard work and the start of a new phase in our life: the one where no one is in school. Because I’m currently planning a big (well big to me, as it involves over 20 people) celebration, I’m going to have a couple of posts over the next week about planning a party.

This picture is merely gratuitous to remind myself what it looks like when the sun shines.

When I’m planning a party for more than 10 people, I try to be meticulous. I hate the idea of anyone being at my home and feeling uncomfortable or not having enough of something.

Here’s my process:

1. Scour Real Simple and Martha Stewart.com, only to realize they have very little for someone who is not rich and come up with my own plan
2. Go completely over the top with ideas about hanging paper lanterns and singing telegram invitations
3. Come back to earth to create a sensible plan that includes no less than 5 lists

Here are the lists I have for this party

• People on the invite list, including who has RSVP’d
• What has to be cleaned and organized
• Food
• Miscellaneous items that need to be purchased
• A general time line

Once I have these things, I can really get started. Up next choosing invitations, preparing food and beverages for more than 20 people, and the big day.

The last few days have been our first really warm days this spring. In my mind, that’s worth commemoration.

Tonight, we ate dinner outside for the first time.

I went shoeless.

Last night, we had grilled vegetables and wine from Arrington Vineyards. Well I had vegetables, Jeremy had vegetables with a side of steak.

Friday, I slept with the window open for the first time; it was glorious.

Warmth and sunshine are nice. I know that rain is in the forecast, but for now I’ll just enjoy the warmth.

This has been a rough week. The last week of the quarter is always a little bit difficult.

There have been some bright spots.

Chickens: I adore the chickens that live up the block from us. I stop to see them whenever I walk into town. This is what a happy chicken looks like. They spend a lot of time clucking around and eating bugs.

The Sun Came Out: If you live in Florida or California you may not know what it’s like to crave and desperately miss the sun. Here in New England there comes a time in spring where you are ready to sign a petition to request the sun be returned from wherever it has been hiding.

A Good Husband: Jeremy has been extremely patient and giving this week. In fact, he’s made dinner every night. Including tonight – chicken burritos with black bean salsa and homemade guac.

Music: There are a few songs I absolutely love right now.

Sometimes life has to be about the little things. Any bright spots in your week?