I went down to the gym at around 8am today for my usual weekday morning workout after Chris took Kaia to school. Our gym is on the third floor, which is also where the resident lounge is where parties can be hosted, as well as the children’s play room and laundry room. I was surprised to see a “Private Party” sign on the lounge doors so early in the morning. Inside through the glass, I could see a crowd of at least 15 people, a mix of men and women. There was a table full of what was clearly baby gifts. Several large bundles of balloons filled with helium decorated the middle of the lounge. Everyone was dressed up and chatting away.

I understand when people throw parties or or events at non-peak times. I get it when people host birthday parties or weddings or bridal showers on Fridays or Sundays versus Saturdays, as Saturday always has peak pricing since it’s the highest in demand. To be clear, we had our wedding welcome dinner on a Thursday night, and then we had our wedding on a Friday; we definitely got some discounts for having a Friday wedding vs. a Saturday wedding. But Monday… at 8am, really? Who wants to be anywhere at 8am on a Monday morning, the first day of the work week? And is it really this many people who are taking time off of work for this one person’s baby shower?