My cousin Jen can be a slave driver and this weekend proved no exception. Frankly, if I am not busy in some sort of activity I tend to fall asleep, so Jen's ways are quite compatible with mine. I worked side by side with Jen to get the house and yard prepped for Cutie-Patootie Ryan's party. I made food and I helped with decorations. I even managed to keep my shoes on for most of my visit. Those Yanks like to keep their shoes on and well, the southern custom I have really taken to is the shoes off one.

Enter the guests.

After the hugs and conversations with various cousins and an aunt by marriage, I realized that I was the sole single woman at the party. I was surrounded by yuppie families either on the cusp of the 2.5 kid dream or there already. Grandparents, parents, and kids abound--and then there was me. I realized that once again I was the odd girl out. No hubby and no kiddies!

My past experiences in same situations told me to avoid all the men unless I was related to them. Women get weirded out when there is a single woman at a non-single person event. They tend to view the single gal as being there to scout for a man of her own. I don't get that rationale. I guess there are women who are desperate enough to look for married man, but to me they are just trouble. (Besides, I have my own on again-off again fling with Lovah not that the guests knew about him). Anyway, because of the weird vibes my married "sistahs" tend to send out, I was left with just a few non-relative choices to spend my time with: the older crowd and the kiddies. I drifted between both groups. I yukked it up with the older ones about something or another and I blew bubbles with the kiddies. A few of the mothers drifted over to speak for a minute or two, but basically I was on my own. I survived the party by taking a few breaks and slipping up to my bedroom to call Lovah or email him or just cruise the internet for a little sanity.

It was a lovely party, a good time was had by all, the food was exquisite, and I even got to hold and coo over a cute baby. I like being able to indulge my desire to be near babies because I do think they are adorable and fascinating, but the thought of changing diapers and doing the early a.m. feedings....not so much a desire I have.

Suburbia and Sassy are just not compatible! Give me the city, give me my lovely apartment, give me other singles to mingle with. Once upon a time, I wanted the suburbia dream with 2.5 kids, but that ship sailed so long ago. My current dreams include a stable loving man, a lot of travel, a Masters, and very successful business(es). I woke up to some anxiety attacks while in Jersey...my gypsy soul was feeling a bit trapped there.

My camera is in the car or I would post some pics....maybe tonight I will get that done!

Labels: NJ, Suburbia