Why three hours of fun takes five hours of preparation

I'm off work today. I will be spending all day, likely, getting ready for a banquet. It takes forever for me to get ready for anything these days. If I want to be somewhere on time, it seems I have to start preparing three or four hours in advance because I have to get ready, I have to get Naomi ready, I have to get all her stuff ready (can you say luggage?), and I have to be mindful of Naomi's eating and sleeping schedule. She does have some what of one. Plus, I have to prepare for any quirks that might happen, i.e. dirty diapers, fevers, late husband, broken car, you know the usual. But I'm so super excited to see my friends and to go out somewhere. I wanted to post a picture of my blue china pattern dress, but even though I bought it last week, it appears that the website is no longer selling it. Odd. But china pattern, sounds cool, right? I am tired but a big day awaits and I must start getting ready.