Oh where, oh where has that party girl gone?

I know one thing -- she definitely goes into hibernation in winter.

There was a time when I'd primp and prod to get ready for an evening out. Just the right outfit, the makeup, the hair just so, the contact lenses, perhaps a fresh scent to wear. There was always "getting ready to go out" music, too. And perhaps a getting-ready drink. Looking back, getting ready to go out was an event, and may have taken hours.

OK, so it's been years since I've done much primping. Especially lately, being Mom to a toddler. My husband and I don't go out a lot. When we do, I'll do a little primping, but nothing like the days of old.

On Friday night, I had "ladies night out" with my sister and niece who were here visiting from out of town. The plan was to go do something after the little one was in bed;  we'd leave my husband alone with the sleeping babe, while we went out into the cold winter night. It took my husband all of 3 seconds to realize this was a great idea -- an estrogen-free house and a couple of hours of peace and quiet for him.

Around 8p.m., it was time to get ready to go out. I was ready to curl up with an afghan on the couch, but instead I "got ready."

I realize that I can now get ready in record time. In under 45 seconds, I applied lipstick and chose a pair of earrings. I shook my hair with my fingers and wiped my glasses on my shirt. I already wore a sweater and jeans. Perfect.

Ready to go out.

We go to a locally-owned coffee shop. There's live music. We're where it's at. We're cool. We're out.

I'd forgotten how hard it can be to talk when you're listening to live music. And it's even harder when, after a few sips of your herbal tea, you just want to put your head down on the table and go to sleep.

We have a good time, despite my frumpiness. We talk about my niece learning to drive, and going to college before long. She's 15 now, and boy am I feeling old.

On the way home, we talk to our other sister on speaker phone in the car. She lives in Colorado, so she gets to experience this ladies night out with us, long-distance.

We swing by a grocery store so that I can pop in for a quick purchase. I grab what I need and get in line behind two groups of young people. Both groups are buying massive quantities of beer. They're proofed. I smile. That was me, once upon a time. A long time ago.

Now here I am, checking out with my gallon of milk. My lipstick's now faded. Yeah, I'm someone's mother now, but I am "out!"

And I'm hoping I make it home without being pulled over for driving while under the influence of chamomile tea...

Comments

[vw bug]

What a wonderful feeling. I did that recently with a friend. Ahhhhhhhh....

[Sarcasmom]

A night out now and then is fun, but I'm with you. The though of just getting started at 8 is too much. It's too close to my bedtime!

[Uisce]

I wouldn't want to relive those old crazy beer-swilling days. I'll take that chamomile tea, please!

[Kristi]

How funny. I'm glad you had an evening of being "out and proud!" But I am so with you. I'd rather stay home (especially when it's winter and it's cold) then go out partying (or buying massive quantities of beer) any day! And I can't even use the mommy excuse!

[nat]

You're a grown-up now! ;) It's still great to get out, though, isn't it? YEAH!!!

Hey, was one of those kids buying beer my almost-21-year-old? I told him I had people watching him! ;)

[Marie]

VW,
Yeah, it's nice to leave the diaper bag at home!

Sarcasmom,
Same here (shhh!)...

Uisce,
Funny, back then we didn't have to worry about paying taxes, mortgages, etc. Seems like we could use the numbing more now! But no thanks.

Kristi,
Soon enough you will, momma-to-be!

Nat, Maybe! Next time I'll have to post a pic on the blog! Ha.

[Arethusa]

I think that I'm already that old lady since chamomile tea sounds infinitely better than icky bear.

[HolyMama!]

Now that I"m a mom it's hilarious to me that going to the grocery store at night - without any of my 4 kids - is a thrill. THAT even feels like I'm OUT! Such a sad little thrill! You even did the music and tea thing - yeah, you're cool all right.

[InterstellarLass]

I've skipped a few parties just because I didn't want to deal with the hassle of getting ready and driving "all the way" over there. Not often, but I'm sure those days will increase. *sigh*

[Anita]

Three cheers for us homebodies!

I used to love going out. Now, I really want to stay in.

Sometimes, I'd like to send the children out though while I get to stay in.