My Graveyard

Yesterday my mom called about the party planning (I’d sent her an email poking about the pig negotiations) and told me she & my Uncle decided that would be “too much food for us” and the plan was now “everyone bring a dish”.
I was pretty much stunned speechless.
She made a small inquiry, afraid she’d pissed me off (far more than I let on, but it’s not just about the pig) and reminded me I’d still be making the cake.  Well, I took the opportunity to clear cupcakes with her as an alternative (easier to cart around, easy to portion control for those who need it/want it and just over all easier to deal with), which did get approval.

If I’m to understand my mom’s plan now, my Grandmother’s “special” and “surprise” party has now become not a surprise and is a potluck.  I wouldn’t be surprised if now the party’s not going to be held on my Grandmother’s birthday either.  ><

I hate that we’re back to “train wreck” status.  Since my mom’s mind has changed, she will (intentionally or not) be working against any alterations to her current vision.  I could probably work past that (while incurring some bitchiness, but it’d be worth it) but my Uncle, the one hosting the party, is the one who talked her down to this potluck idea.  It’s difficult to work against the will of the guy where the party is, it’s his place- he has final say over what we do to it.

I think it’s foolish to trust by everyone attending the party and them having been told to bring eats that there will be enough food.  There won’t be.  To the best of my knowledge, most people will be traveling in from out of state- some of those will be “camping out” on my Uncle’s lawn, others will stay in a hotel and some will be staying with other relatives.  How are most of them going to cook a dish and bring it along?
The party currently looks like we’ll have cake (in some form), a fruit platter and a several bags of chips to eat. ><

I don’t know what I’m going to do to counter this yet, I don’t want to shake my head and stand aside and let the train wreck happen.  Since the party is no longer a surprise, I suspect my Grandmother will have certain expectations of the party (I figure those expectations are “This party will suck.“, she knows who’s planning it after all), and I would rather not meet those expectations (or come in underneath them!).

No, I’m not ready to quit yet (sorry Gravity, I know me wracking my brain on this will drive you crazy).  I’m sure I’ll think up something.  If I don’t well… I’ll deal with that then.