If things go as planned, I will be a houseguest in about four weeks, when I visit T in Seattle. He and I went to college together and we both majored in civil engineering. Like the rest of my university friends, instead of staying in the Bay Area, he returned home after graduation.

Over the years, we've had lunch two or three times, mainly when business brought him through town. It's been a while since I last saw him, so I'm looking forward to hanging out and visiting his neck of the woods.

If things go as planned, I will have a houseguest during the middle of November. My mom's friend from New Hampshire will be staying for about a week. She'll be my first official guest, so now there is a good reason to fix up the spare bedroom and bathroom.

The whole thing makes me a bit nervous. I’m not used to having people staying over. Growing up, my parents had two whole houseguests. One was my paternal grandmother and the other was Mrs. M, my mom's sixth grade teacher. Both visits were so long ago, I don't remember much and even if I did, I wasn't old enough to care.

I figure, for now, I'll find out what she likes to eat and stock up on food, linens and bath supplies. As her arrival approaches, my fits of housecleaning will probably intensify and if my worrying increases enough, I may even experience bouts of interior decorating. Everything will probably turn out fine, but it's always the anticipation that gets me.