Everyone says how tough the Middle School years are, and I agree. I can still remember those times and some the amazingly stupid things I did. Thankfully, I am old enough to also have forgotten some of them!
Now, though, I am the Middle Aged Mother of a middle schooler and I think this might be worse. Not only do I get to deal with the emotions and “logic” of my 7th grade daughter, but sometimes I get to do it while experiencing a pre-menstrual / pre-menopausal hot flash! Good Times!
I also used to be pretty cool. Not always cutting edge trendy, but “cool” enough to wear the right clothes, say the right things, dance the right dances (yes, I wasn’t always a Southern Baptist!). Now I am hopelessly embarrassing. As if all my body fat, including that under my chin, dropping 6 inches wasn’t enough of a blow to my ego! I actually asked my daughter for fashion advice last week. When did this happen!? I should have known when she stopped letting me pick out her clothes at age 5!
Today added a new twist I wasn’t ready for though. I picked up “the girls” (daughter and niece, also a middle schooler) at school today and stopped at the grocery store on the way home. While in the store I got that “being watched” vibe from a normal enough, nice enough looking man of about my age and when I looked, noticed he was smiling in our general direction. In years past, I would have thought maybe he was smiling at me, and been a little flattered that I can still occasionally draw attention. Today I couldn’t tell. Was it me, or them? Should I be flattered? Or repulsed? Or was he just enjoying seeing us all have a good time laughing our way through Publix?
Sadly, this is one blurry line that won’t clear up if I would just relent and put my glasses on.
I vote for the, "he was just enjoying a Mom and girls laughing and having a good time in the store". It is a rare occasion when the teens/preteens aren't just ignoring the adults while listening to their ipods, but enjoying some conversation or silliness.
ReplyDeleteHow's the progress on not smoking?
I hope your right Ann! 4 days and counting, tense moments but mostly going good, and my pants still fit so far!
ReplyDeleteWell that depends.... did anyone return from the bathroom with a trail of TP following?, Anything unsightly hanging from anyone's nose?
ReplyDeleteAll clothing articles in their proper places?
(not that any of that has happened to me),then he was just enjoying the sight of a mother and child reunion. (oh no! there, I've done it...dated myself)
I think we were all tucked in and reasonably clean..But I would not give you false hope
ReplyDeleteOn this strange and mournful day
When the mother and child reu-nion
Is only a motion away..............