Feeling panicky.

Here is where a calendar might come in handy. It would *probably* tell me not to volunteer to make a large entree item for a party, during the busiest freakin' week of my life.

As of late, Wednesday is no longer the day until I am halfway to a free weekend. It means death by public speaking is only 3 days away. I fear hives cometh soon.

Instead, I am filled with a constant nervous buzz, partially caffeine induced, which tells me (constantly) that I need to be doing more, More, MORE!! Ornaments! Manger scenes! Garlands of popcorn--which are a DISASTER by the way, and should in no way be attempted by young children. This might be the most important tip I share with everyone on Saturday.

But back to dinner.

I also do not suggest making a recipe, for a large group, if you yourself have never made said recipe before. Particularly one that calls for an 8 hour bean soaking and uses words such as "dutch oven". Dutch oven, in my previous experiences, refers to being confined in a very small space during a very revolting gas passing issue on the part of my husband.

Here I was thinking I was all way-too-cool-because-I-am-planning-ahead and making dinner at midnight. Only to learn that navy beans need to soak overnight in what sounds like a horribly smelly device.

Which is fine and all, except that today is pretty full, this evening takes me out of the house and I have something in the range of 20 hours of crafting to do when I get home. Which includes finishing the TERRIBLE popcorn/garland, because I have already committed to much time to it to quit now. Raising kids is a lot like a popcorn garland I suppose. To much time and skin elasticity sacrificed to bail.

Kidding! I actually miss my kids a ton this week, because I am busy doing the crafts designed for them. Ironic.

Also ironic that the white chicken chili I have experimented with is neither white, nor chili-like. More like a brown soup with chicken. And beans.

Later.