Friday, April 28, 2006

One of the reasons I was reluctant to move back here . . .

I took the kids to Wheeler Farm today. It was very crowded—mostly by daycares and elementary school field trips, but also by moms with kids. I really felt out of it when I noticed that 95% of the moms were dressed to the hilt. We’re talking ultra-styled hair, designer clothes, fake nails, flashy earrings and other jewelry, full makeup and fake tans. Of course, they all had tiny little flip-flops (or high-heeled sandals) and capris, and matching handbags. The little Chloes and and Kesslers and Sydneys were, for the most part, all Gapped out as well. Sheesh! To go to the farm!

The thing that bothered me most: I suddenly felt ugly. I mean, it’s one thing to think these chics are crazy (I do)—but it’s another, and somehow shameful IMO, to let them make me feel insecure. But I did. But I showed them, didn’t I. I came home and wrote a scathing blog about their vanity. Take that!

(Their legs were shaved, too. Or probably lasered.)

5 comments:

Christopher Bigelow said...

So is this a Utah thing or a Mormon thing or a Utah Mormon thing?

Angie said...

Where did you move from? And how did women dress there?

Darlene said...

I moved back to Salt Lake City after four years in Pocatello, ID. Maybe it was because it was Idaho, or maybe it was because it was a small town. Anyway, there wasn't so much dressing up. People just wore whatever, and I didn't feel like I needed to dress up, either. I guess these feelings of mine show that I feel some sort of obligation to compete, somehow, with the standard around me.

I had the same feelings about BYU vs. U of U, both of which I attended. At BYU I felt so much more pressure to dress.

Darlene said...

I am just loving the picture of me with you in the stroller, Kathy. Maybe we can both fit in there and make the kids push us.

Giddyap!

SWILUA said...

Dang it. Now I'm fantasizing about what it would be like to have lazered legs and to never have to shave ever again . . .