Monday, February 2, 2009

Things Change



Here I am with some fellow preschool teachers and friends at an early childhood conference in Houston. Five of us drove over Friday afternoon and went shopping at the Galleria (yahoo). Then we ate at the Cheesecake Factory (that dessert alone made my weekend) and headed for the hotel where we spent the night before Saturday's conference. I must tell you that was the first time I have "taken a trip" without my husband and kids in ten years- can you believe it? I had a great time and learned a lot of neat artsy things to do with the kiddos, but I also noticed how much I have changed since I lived in the big city 13 years ago. Here are a few of the things that stand out:

1. I don't like to shop anymore. I used to go shopping on the weekends with girlfriends and spend the whole day at the mall, blowing money and having fun. Now I just follow along and wonder what the point is- I mean, I don't need to buy anything, so why tease myself like that- I just don't get how some people like to browse for hours. Today, malls are only useful to me for walking.

2. I don't drink anymore. I used to go to fancy restaurants and get fancy drinks. Now I'm more interested in the food (especially the desserts).

3. The hotel won me over not from serving free wine during happy hour (which we missed because we were eating cheesecake), but because of the free milk and cookies that were offered to everyone at 8:00.

4. Driving around downtown Houston no longer excites me. I remember way back when my friends and I would drive around and have fun just doing that. Now I simply want to get where I'm going quickly and safely.

5. Now I can't wait to get back home to my family, where I'd much rather be anyway.

I guess I'm getting old- but I'm happy, and that's all that matters. I did have a GREAT time with my friends, though and am looking forward to next year's conference.

2 comments:

Debra Harris-Johnson said...

You look so happy and contented with your friends but I know what you mean. Congratulations and welcome to the adult woman/mother world. I too went ten years without ever leaving the nest. What can I say I was happy and fulfilled. But wait, things will change again when you can't wait to have your OWN life. It happened to me 2 years ago. Of course it is still quite a long way for you and "the empty nest syndrome."

Jeni said...

Hi Laurie,

Life is full of surprises huh? what made us happy then is different now. That is a good thing. We can cherish and laugh at the things we "used to love". Priorities change. I'm the same. I love you!

xox,
Jeni