Being a mother of four (4) children is somewhat akin to how the movies portray multiple personality disorder. With each child, you become invested in and cheer for their interests, goals, and desires - you take on a personality that aligns with that child. With Elanor (my youngest), today was volleyball, and all things diva - as usual. My son Jack (the lower middle child as he sometimes calls himself) was involved in robotics all day - another personality I sometimes don - total nerd. But tonight, I dove deep into the world of music while spending time with my oldest, Rebekah (aka Boo to her mom).
October begins the month long birthday celebration for Boo. She has played cello for over ten (10) years and has a serious passion for all things musical. So tonight was the kickoff of birthday celebrations with attendance at the local symphony's opening gala.
Preparation actually started yesterday with dress shopping. Oh - the pains of dress shopping. First off, since COVID, half of the dressing rooms are closed. And, the ones that are open are hot as heck, especially for a pre-menopausal female carrying armfuls of formals which feel like bags full of bricks. In my 40's, it's surprising I can find anything that fits me in a way that makes me happy - I am not that perfect size six I was in high school; I have more wrinkles; my arms are not toned enough; the color makes me look washed out; my butt looks big. And, quite frankly, I might find the most stunning dress on my body when I try it on in the dressing room; but two hours later I can almost guarantee that same dress makes me look like a hippo. Not exactly sensical to say the least. I found a gorgeous, steel gray, sparkling gown. And, score one for this mom - I picked out my daughter's emerald green gown as well - don't get jealous - normally everything I pick is "not her style."
Perhaps it's important to note that I am not exactly a social butterfly. I'd much rather be a turtle if we are comparing ourselves to nature - keeping to myself - having a great shell to hide in at all times. I love all things that don't involve crowds of people - like hiking in the woods, running by myself, reading a book. Going to a gala dressed in a formal was not exactly my top pick of movies for the night. But, that's the one Boo pulled off the shelf for this night, and so, as any good mom does, I shoved my feelings of insecurities about body image to the side and pressed on. Today, preparations started around 2 pm with showers, then hair and makeup, and finally dresses, shoes, and jewelry. And then I was blessed enough to be able to drive into downtown (heavy sarcasm intended), for a night on the town.
In the end, we had a wonderful time at the symphony, despite my hesitations.
The best part though? When all was said and done downtown, we made an impromptu stop at the local taco joint for dinner - in our full regalia. The tacos hit the spot - but when don't tacos fulfill every woman's needs - and the looks from staff and other diners kept Boo and I laughing throughout our adventure. Will I remember the symphony? Probably. But, will I remember being in a formal dress eating tacos with my beautiful redhead at the local taco joint with all the looks and whispering going on around us - definitely. In the end - I will remember that moment when these girls did that!
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