Potluck of Disaster

Yesterday we went to a potlcuk with our new home group. Last week I asked for reciepes for a potato dish that I could take because I had none. I went with Carrie's recipe. Although it was very similar to Mary's recipe I went with Carrie's because it had exact ingredients and no bread crumbs (I didn't want to make crumbs or buy them). I forgot to put paprika on my list when I went shopping for the ingredients so I improvised and sprinkled curry on top instead. It was a risky move but it paid off! I got a few compliments on the dish but the biggest compliment was that there was none leftover! Whoo-hoo! Thanks for your reciepes!!!

The rest of the potluck was ok. There aren't any people our age or in the same stage of life in the group so it makes it difficult for me to connect with them. I'm so not good at small talk, and not having much in common makes it more difficult. I'm just plain terrible at being 'the new girl on the block'. Ryan does a great job of talking with people. I guess it is just one of those things that reflects the differences between us. *deep sigh* Most of the time I am so self-absorbed in these situations that all ideas at conversation completely eludes me and I come across as totally uninterested or boring. For example:

New person: "Hello!"
Me: "Hi."
New person: "So, how are you?"
Me: "Fine."
New person: "How are things with the kids?"
Me: "Good."
New Person: (silence)
Me: (silence, drawing a blank as to what to do or say next)
New Person: (they finish filing their drink and move on)

Pretty much that is how most conversations start, and end. It's not until later, on the way home, that I replay the tragic attempts at conversation with others and then think of numerous things I could have said. Doh! I feel like such an idiot during these times! I could have turned the questions around and asked how they are and or tried to recall something from a previous conversation to ask them about. But no, my mind totally shuts down and I draw a blank. It truly is a wonder I've made any friends at all in my life let alone met a decent guy and got married. I give all credit to God for there just isn't any other explaination!

During the potluck the kids were happlily engaged with the older kids at the house (two of which are their babysitters!). I did have to keep my eye on Isabel as she only wanted to climb the stairs any chance she got. When she wasn't climbing the stairs she managed to get her hands on a small porcelin container with potpouri. When Isabel realized that I saw her and was on my way to take it away, she prompty dropped it and broke the lid! Great. Fabulous. So not only am I a terrible conversationist but I let my kids run amuck and break things! Is there anything else I can add to my superb list of qualities? I apoligized but what good does that really do? Should I ask to replace it somehow? I'm sure the lady doesn't care, but shouldn't I make the effort anyway?

Hopefully there won't be any more all-family functions for a while. I'm not up for making small talk for a while anyway.