The Importance of Being

Tonight was Moms Night Out with the girls. This is one of the most important and sacred mommy rituals. And highlights my topic of thought today, the importance of being. Even though we all have responsibilites, it’s nessecary to shirk them , dress up to remind ourselves that underneath the dirty diaper smell, hairy legs, and hair that hasn’t been brushed in a week because my daughter made off with my hair brush, I’m a pretty hot momma.
It’s always a fun sort of routine for me to actually get ready for a night out. This is one of the parts of dating that I do miss. As a mom, I rarely get fifteen minutes ALONE in the bathroom, much less enough time to take a full and proper shower. Mostly I try to take a shower and jump out at the first scream from the living room only to find that everyone’s fine (Dora just came on elliciting a squeal of glee) and that I haven’t managed to rinse all the body wash off of me. Gone are the days of leisurely shaving legs and underarms, washing my hair twice, and conditioning once or even standing under the spray until the water turns cold, except on MNO days. It’s the one day a month where I have the option of showering, dressing in something that doesn’t have spit up on it, a bra that doesn’t unsnap for easy access, and shoes that cannot be even remotely described as flip flops. Dust off the makeup and perfume, it’s time to head out.
I think I picked a lovely spot at a local Mexican place with margarita happy hour. It was a nice day out so we got to sit on the deck and have a few drinks. I’m always astounded how my friend will talk about anything from their favorite recipes to their best fellatio techniques unless the talk turns to babysitters. A good babysitter’s name is worth it’s weight in gold, and these mommas are as tight lipped as a preist in confessional.
By the end of the night, I’ve had a pitcher of margaritas, some good food and even better conversation. My feet hurt, and my teeth are the only thing fuzzier than my head. But I’m happy to head home to warm babies who have been fed, bathed, and tucked in while I was out reminding myself that I do not cease to exist away from my family. I cant imaging how women who don’t have a support system or the chance for a break from the kiddos do it. For me, it’s easier to see being away from my family, makes being with them the only place I want to be.