As mentioned in my last post, over a week ago, I went to a local bar to hear my Friend, Anthony, perform. Going out, on my own, is not as easy as it sounds. Let me try to explain to you what it takes for me to accomplish this task. Remember, in Cinderella, where her step-mother gave her impossible tasks to complete before she was allowed to attend the Ball? That's what it boils down to here. Forever, I had wanted to see Anthony play. But I am not the boss of my own schedule. Because I chose this life of parenthood, with all that is great and wonderful about it, comes times when you are wanting to do something else, but can't. So when I heard that Anthony(Fern) was playing, I first asked the boss(Fred) if I could go. He said "yes". It wasn't a "YES, that would be GREAT", it was a "yes". I take what I can get.
So for over a week, with the help of some very animated mice, I altered my evil step-sisters dresses. Actually, I did nothing, besides the obvious, until the Sunday, the day when he played. He was to start at 6:30. And because I wasn't going to be home to help put the kids to bed, I had to make sure that I did as much as possible before I left. That meant, I made sure all four kids had their baths, brushed their teeth, did laundry, the dishes, walked the dogs, etc.... Basically, I did everything that I would do prior to 8PM when the kids go down. But, I did it all before 6:30PM.
I told Fred that I would be back by 8PM. So at 6:30, I threw on the only shirt that didn't need ironed and I drove downtown. I found a spot, up close, and went on in. The restaurant was busy with people eating and folks at the bar. Because I recognized some people at the bar from days gone by...., I knew that they were there to see Anthony. The people dining must have been folks coming into town and/or staying at local hotels who walked over.
Confessions of a former Social Butterfly: There was a time, when being in a crowd and standing out, was my thing. Now, I prefer to stand out only in cyber-space. I immediately spotted Anthony and went to him. I took a few photos and then scanned the room. I saw some old acquaintances and went to them. "Hi Ron and Nathan"! And they introduced me to Paul and another Ron. So there I was, squished between the four of them. But not like in the old days! I actually "talked" to these guys. And that's when I mentioned to you that I thought that I bored them to death with my talk of children.
Here's the deal. Happily, I got nothing going in my life besides Fred and the kids. Fred and I are going on 22 years and we've been doing this parenting thing for almost 12 years now. I'm so used to Our Simple Lives that, left on my own and out of my element, I'm like a fish out of water. So, what do people without kids talk about? I have no freakin' idea! Should I talk about politics? I suppose. But did this crowd, who came to support Fern, really want to hear about which Republican candidate I'm supporting? I don't think so. I'm sure you don't either, right? wink! (Sardine Mama taught me to add a "wink" so as not to totally piss people off with my comments).
But everyone was super nice to me and treated me like a real person. I even got a few "once-overs" which took me a few seconds to remember that I should take it as a compliment and not as a sign that I look tired and worn out. And I was like "Thank God for Chubby-Chasers"!
But although, the days of thinking that everyone in the club is there for me, are gone, I had no problem flitting around the room to take photos of Anthony and bits and pieces of everything. I bought my 1st camera a couple of months before I started this blog. I used to be nervous photographing certain situations. Now, I photograph what I want and will continue to do so until someone says not to. I'm not rude about but, if I want this diary(blog) to work, it's very important to me that I capture "moments" in time.
Anthony is an excellent performer and is meant to be in front of a crowd. He's not as masculine as Liberace... but, the women love him too!
People were invited to come up to sing while he played. And luckily, only those who actually could sing, did, while I was there. When they don't come up, Antony sings. And of course, adds his own story and narrative to every song. Which is tons of fun!
I had a great time but my yearly personal hour was coming to a close. If I didn't make it home in time, my Dodge Minivan would turn back into a pumpkin. But beyond that, my glass slippers were killing me! Plus, I did tell Fred that I would be back by 8PM. For all those who are probably getting the impression that Fred rules me, let me set you straight. What I joke about as being "controlling", is actually mutual respect for one another. Does Fred mind that I went to a bar by myself? Probably. Does he trust me? Yes. Would I abuse that trust? No. You see, I have a good thing going here. Why screw that up?
So I bid my Friends "farewell" and was on my way back home. I was back by five of Eight and in time to kiss all of my babies goodnight. They watched a movie while I was gone and, as far as they knew, I was down here, in the basement, blogging. Fred asked me what I felt like watching. Which is his way of saying that he wasn't mad at me for going out. I was home, and happy.
And though I joked about boring my Friends at the bar with rambling non-stop about my kids, Ron and Nathan emailed me on Saturday inviting us(Fred and me) to dinner next month. So, I guess I wasn't that boring after all. Go figure!
I met Anthony exactly one week after I met Fred in April of 1990. And even though we get on each other's nerves and bad mouth one another, we are the best of Friends. So I'm very happy to be publishing this post on his birthday.
Happy Birthday "Old" Friend.
Thanks for taking pity on me and inviting me out.
Fern's Friend, m.
0 comments:
Post a Comment