High School Reunion
Yep, it’s been twenty years. Twenty years since I went to school every day dressed like this:
Okay, maybe not. Her disco look came a little later.
While it’s true that I worshipped Madonna in 1988 (I mean, who didn’t? ), I would have never dared to strut my puckly, pasty white thighs through my high school hallways. Talk about social suicide.
I more often wore consignment shop black frocks with lace leggings underneath, in an effort to mimic her popular “Lucky Star” look. I’ll be honest– no one ever mistook me for Madonna in high school. The only confusion I created was by wearing so much black eyeliner and ivory foundation that when I dressed up as a geisha one Halloween, no one noticed the difference.
Talk about social suicide.
Next month, I’ll be heading back to California for my twenty-year reunion. I booked my flight this morning after staring for the past few weeks at the “Reunion Reminder” card I got in the mail. For those of us out there hesitant to commit to the event, the reminder card lists “Why I Should Attend.” Here are some of my favorites:
1. Your regular friends are sick of hearing about your kids. (Good to know)
2. You don’t have to lie about your age. (That is a perk)
3. If you don’t go, others will talk behind your back. (Wow, I feel like I’m back in high school again! )
But, I was swayed by my favorite posse of gal-pals who are all making the trip. In fact, they’ve rented a hotel room for pre-party primping and a lightening round of Whatever Happened To So ‘n So.
My girlfriends and I have been discussing not, what we’re going to wear, but what we’re going to have done? The last time the five of us got together, one confessed that she’d indulged in “a little Botox.” The rest of us were outraged and then we wanted to know how much it cost. I found myself staring at her forehead all night thinking, it’s smooth as snow. She’s a perfect snowflake. I allowed myself the fantasy (I can be a snowflake, too) and then I made the mistake of telling The Husband.
He frowned.
The Husband thinks this level of vanity is ridiculous ( I think he also mentioned sad), but to me, the twenty year reunion feels like the perfect justification for shameless conceit. I put the twenty year reunion in the same category as showing up at the Academy Awards or being invited on Oprah– one must consider facial freezing or plumping.
Last night, The Husband caught me reading in bed with a smile on my face. He said, “What’s so funny?”
“Oh, this book’s so silly.” But, the book wasn’t particularly funny at all. Rather, I’ve taken to smiling whenever possible to help reverse the spread of lines taking a permanent position around my mouth. It’s cheaper than Botox and people think you’re really happy.
For now, that’s the only facial reconstruction I’m investing in. We’ll talk about how I’m going to fit into those pink hot pants later.
Izzy Rose, you never fail to make me laugh :)
I was debating whether or not to attend my 10 year reunion this June, but I think you have me convinved I should go. All thanks to reason #3. The high school rumor mill is scary stuff!
P.S I started a new blog-site. The old one will still be up for awhile, but I’m mainly posting in the new digs.
Lani (aka Alice Nelson, playgroundropout)
Hi Lani,
How do I find your new blog? Most importantly, will I see you in Austin this summer for the stepmom getaway? Say yes!
IR
Hi Izzy,
I’m currently trying to tweak my work schedule so that I can get away for the stepmom getaway! I should know more within the next week =)
-Lani
I’m not step-mom, but I’ve had many. LOVE your site!
It’s all fun and games until you hear in the aftermath of the party… Oh, she’s TOTALLY doing Botox!”
;)
Ohhhh- that’s a good party game. I’m going to keep a roster of who has their real face and who has altered. Thanks Mister M for the idea!
Izzy Rose! We miss you! Hope you had a fantastic weekend :)
Izzy,
I just found your site a few weeks ago and I am in love.
I am a step mom in training and your site has been extremely helpful.
I have read every post in the archives so please come back soon!
Love n’ mushy stuff,
“Elle”
Elle,
I will be back soon– with much gusto. So happy you have found the site and love it. Welcome aboard. May I ask- where are you a stepmom and how’s it goin?
kisses
IR
I am in Arkansas and I am not a step yet.
My boyfriend does live with me and my office just became a room for his 5 year old daughter. I have to say that so far I am a lucky one. His ex and I aren’t BFFs by any means but she is warming up to me. Thankfully she didn’t freak when she found out Lil’ Bit got her own room at my place and even offered up some toys :)
While I wait for you to come back, I will get caught up in the forums.
Luffs,
Elle
Hey Izzy Rose
Can’t wait for your next entry to see what you’ve been up to! I’m sure it’s something fabulous.