Guest-less again

I just did some quick maths and in the last five months (really, the last four since we moved into the flat at the end of January), we've had eleven house guests. We've got another coming today and then my parents make it up for the London leg of their trip in early June...and more of James' family in July and on and on....

As a result of all this traffic, I've become pretty good at turning over our guest room and getting it up to scratch for the next arrival. I feel like I may have missed my calling in the hospitality industry...would you like mint for pillow?

While I certainly don't mind the constant influx of visitors, I'm going to have to get better at learning how to maintain my routine when guests come to visit. I cherish being able to get to the gym (and it's physio-related anyway, so I have to make it a priority) and also being on top of my game where our meals are concerned. I've noticed that when guests come I end up adopting their vacation mentality, which isn't going to bode well for me if our guest rate stays at this level. Just because people come to stay doesn't mean that my good habits should go out the window; I need to still make it a priority to take care of myself and James. I feel better when I take the time to care for myself and it isn't fair to me that I feel I can't take that time just because we have guests.

That said, I also need to get better at being a hands-off host. Obviously if guests want company for activities (and they ask me to accompany them) and they fit with my schedule, then yes, I'd love to go along. I've gotten to have some interesting experiences and learn some really neat stuff as a result of hosting so many different people for which I'm very thankful! It's been a fantastic by-product of this move and something I wouldn't give up for the world. But I need to learn that I can't make my guests' vacation into my vacation. I'm comfortable with the city, but I'm by no means a pro. I can't tell you what everything we pass happens to be or why something is the way it is...I'm still learning too! And aside from the whirlwind itinerary I'm planning for my folks, I can't feel pressured to making the plans for every guest who arrives at our doorstep. It's going to leave me feeling disappointed, upset and guilty and that's not cool. I can't take responsibility for everyone's vacation, nor should I feel obligated to ensure that everyone has a good time. That's out of my control.

So yeah, that's what I'm going to be working on in the coming months. Being a good host with reasonable limits. I suspect it will be much easier once I'm working since James' attitude is completely different and far more in line with the one I'd like to adopt.

I HAVE A BROTHER!

Hey! Did you know I have a brother? Yes! An honest-to-goodness real life little brother. I know, I'm as shocked as you are. I mean, I hadn't actually talked to him in five months, so I was starting to question his existence! Why haven't I talked to him in five months, you ask?! Beats me!

You see, I made sure, before I left Canada, that he and my parents each had a device that would be able to connect with us via FaceTime. So I thought we would have it all sorted with his iPhone. I mean, the kid has FaceTime and iMessage, both of which are free, so there's nothing stopping us, right? Apparently my younger brother leads such a busy and technophobic existence that making contact was incredibly difficult. I eventually forced a few iMessage conversations, but it wasn't really trucking along on the communication front.

Then I found out, through my parents (during a FaceTime conversation - they figured it out right away), that my brother was miffed at not being mentioned on this blog. Well, let me tell you, if you're not gonna contact your only sibling after she repeatedly emails and messages, well, you're not getting a mention until FaceTime happens. And that was my stance for a couple of months.

Thankfully my brother not only figured out how to use FaceTime, he also called me on it and we talked for nearly two hours! As pursuant to the terms of my grudge, Michael now gets a mention. And I've included some photos for everyone's amusement. Hopefully after this we are still talking. Hopefully on FaceTime.

Enjoy.

Poor Michael. I was trying to get a screen shot of our monumental FaceTime conversation, but he moved. Prior to this unfortunate image Michael had his head down (signing his tax forms) and looked like a person you would have coffee with...not someone you'd run from if they approached too fast.

Posing for a nice photo for mom (photo by James)

Michael and I on my wedding day (photo by the very amazing Lisa Marie)

Michael during his long hair phase which I adored.

And one of many photos where Michael attempts to deny that we are related. Matching shirts indicate otherwise.

My parent's vacation starts tomorrow

Whew! I intended to sit down and ramble out a bunch of posts (not about salt), but the day is completely running away from me. I also meant to give the bathroom a good scrub and have a soak in the tub, but I'm seeing that opportunity fade away too. (Note: I was so overtaken with guilt that I actually got up and cleaned the bathroom, less the tub since we're actually out of tub and tile cleaner. Now I'm back to writing this post).

My parents are leaving on their epic month-long European vacation tomorrow and so I've spent the bulk of the day having WhatsApp conversations, Skype calls and emails to help them sort out all of their last minute questions. We've covered everything from my UK phone number and how to dial it, to what their insurance policies are like in the event that they should die while on vacation. Yeah, it's been that kind of day.

Their trip is a long time coming and it will see them travelling, at various times, with up to eight other life-long friends and family. It will also be their first trip to Europe. Ever. I'm pumped just to watch that all go down. I also get a front-row seat for part of it as I'll be meeting them in France and then staying with them through Paris and up to London. So expect posts from the French countryside and Paris later this month and into June! I can't wait to get back to Chazieux.