Being 'That House'
1-11-09

You remember that house. The one growing up on the block or in the neighborhood where everyone congregated. It may have been your friend's house, could have been a relative or a neighbor. There was always that house on the block where you hung out. You may have gone over to be with your friend or your friends. You may have started going just because everyone else did, whatever the reason it seems every community has a group of homes that become 'that house' where everyone just lands.

I always thought it was cool growing up seeing as my brothers and I would play the role of hosts. My mom and dad were 'that house' kind of people. Between my brothers and I there was always a caravan of friends hanging around our home on Knorr Street in Philly's Mayfair section. I have vivid memories of my brother Sam and his pals storming into our house and always the kitchen. Sandwiches, plates of pasta, whatever my folks had on the stove or in the fridge went in our bellies. Lots of trips to the grocery store -- when my mom said she fed the whole neighborhood it was often true.

Mom and dad didn't care. I think some parents figure it's a trade off. Spend a little more at the grocery store but you get to see your kids interacting with their friends all right in front of you -- in your own living room, kitchen or basement. I remember waking up on weekends or some holidays and guys would be piled in one room sleeping on the floor or couch. Sleepovers, meals and just hanging out was a site I got used to seeing growing up.

The other day I got my first big taste of being 'that house'. First my youngest tells me his birthday wish is a sleepover with some friends; then my oldest uses the opportunity to invite some of his friends over. The sum total of all these guys was my first taste of being the house were everyone convened. Even if only for this one night. I was concerned that 10 kids and 1 adult might be a bit much but it worked out fine. Several pounds of cooked and eaten pasta, meatballs, sausage and other food stuffs got consumed. I used the opportunity to get the large crew some of my home cooking. The boys all played games, the older ones talked all night, hung out. The important thing was my sons and their friends were all here and its a good opportunity to see how they're growing and learning to socialize. What's even more fun is for the first time you as an adult start feeling your age and stage in life.

'Mr. D' or 'Chef David' was how I was referred to all night. I'm not Mr. D -- that was my dad. Chef David is even more laughable. My cooking skills are adequate but aren't winning any awards. To the boys though my cooking seemed just fine, my home worked for them as a hang out spot and we all had a great night of fun, food and fellowship.

I told my mom about the evening and she encouraged me to have them more often. Which suits me fine. She reminded me of growing up in the old neighborhood to which I said politely, 'I know mom, you and dad had the same thing going on at Knorr Street'. I could hear her nod over the phone. Somehow you sense that moment where a torch gets passed. This was that time. So if you're ever in a spot to be 'that house' -- take it, get cooking and get cracking on making things right for your kids and their friends. You'll have a ball watching the whole social circle play out in front of you. No traffic, no waiting in lines, free and fun entertainment in your own living room. It's like the credit card ad. The cost of groceries for ten kids $100, the cost to rent some movies $20. Hanging out with your kids and their friends in your home all weekend.....priceless. After they've gone home get some sleep, you're not a kid anymore and you need your rest! After taking my own advice and some good sleep, see 'ya around town.