Ritualistic Competition

Make no mistake about it, a simple dinner party is not as innocent as it might seem. I contend that it's an ancient tribal ritual, sanctioned by the Gods to test the mettle and perseverance of even the most confident of young couples.

The Masters (Nicole's sister, her husband, and their food-scarfing munchkin) will be coming over for an evening of dining tomorrow, and we've already made certain preparations to foil their attempted social aggression - in our own territory, yet! How very brazen of them. When thrust into such a situation, the formula for success is to:

• Remember all those times that they invited you over to their place and placated your culinary sovereignty with tasty feasts and...
• ...make damn well sure that when you finally reciprocate, you've concocted the most tantalizing assortment of grilled goods possible.
• It also helps to administer copious amounts of alcohol (re: booze) to smooth over any deficiencies in "hosting" performance or food quality.

Yes, that's right, it's a form of peer-to-peer Cold War, and the only path to victory is more...more of everything than what they have. They serve you pepperoni pizza at their place, you invite them over to yours for pepperoni and bacon pizza. There's a cold calculation/tabulation behind any "couple visiting couple" scenario, and oh!, Lord knows what other ulterior motives. In fact, I'm 75% sure of it. Insidious, indeed.

Currently: Marinating what will soon become the most succulent, most flavourful, most tender of shish kebobs assembled thus far in all of human existence.