I’ve been to a few events recently, and they haven’t been seamless.
There have been two men at events that have one thing in common. They hated me. I met them, we shook hands (oh eww germs) and then they proceeded to insult me. I had everything from eye rolling to “why do you live there, are you broke?” I’m not kidding. Within two minutes of meeting me this man insulted me, my husband and every part of my lifestyle. I still don’t know his name. I don’t want to.
Here’s the problem, and I’m going to own this, I responded by trying to get them to like me. I stood with a tiny little angry man last night, trying to get him to like me. After a few moments I realized what I was doing. I was getting nicer and sweeter, and trying to market myself to a man who I think is horrible. It was like trying to climb an endless pile of garbage.
Why would I do that? It was a party, and the only bad part of the party was this man. What I need to do, is turn on my heel and walk away. I need to have a plan, and remember that I don’t want miserable people to like me. They’re miserable.
Repeatedly I find myself trying to please people. It’s not typically a bad thing, but pleasing a malcontent is not only impossible, it’s not something one should aim for.
There are a few more holiday parties in the next few weeks, and I’m vowing to myself that I won’t be wasting time with bullies. Not this holiday season, not ever.
A super quick update.
I made it to the Los Angeles Auto show today and I was really happy to see so many old friends. Michelle and I were there for the unveiling of the new Porsche Boxster and the Ford Fiesta.
Mr. G and I are car shopping this year for two new cars. We’ve got a combined budget that is very large, and I’m okay with one fancy schmancy car and one modest one. The Boxster was at the top of my list for my husband, but the 2010 version just got knocked off the list. At $62,000 the Boxster is 173 pounds lighter than last year. Here’s why:
- No inside door handles
- No air conditioning
- Manual convertible roof
- No rear window visibility when the roof is up
- No pushbutton ignition
It’s fast and light, I get that, from the outside it’s stunning with a very retro feel. Unfortunately it’s just a stripped down Porsche. I know the economy is bad, but if I want a discount Porsche I’d just buy a used 911. The Panamera is amazing, but it only seats 4, and I really need a car that seats 5.
So it’s a pass on the Boxster because I need amenities, like door handles.
I did like most of the Lincolns, the Chevy Volt, there’s a Honda I adore, and ooh to the Aston Martins. Check the Whrrl Story, the 2010 cars are beautiful and there are a lot of good choices.
The reality is that I’ll probably spend the next few months driving these cars and buy the same two BMW’s in different shades of gray. Pitiful really.
I spent the morning touring a new school for my kids. Currently the kids are in a K-8 school and it’s a good one. My son has been there since Kindergarten and my daughter joined in third grade. Right now they’re having some changes, and I’m not sure that the school will continue being a match for both my kids.
The school that I toured this morning is stunning. There are views of the city, the pacific ocean and the San Fernando Valley. This is a school for royalty. The academics are solid, and don’t appear to be whimsical or overly progressive. It’s a very good school.
I felt like I was having an affair. I felt like a bad mom just for looking at another school. I know my children love the school that they are at, and that it’s very good.
I’m looking for a small school for my children that has progressive moments without being a rudderless ship. I’m looking for a school that teaches character, responsibility, doing good for no external reward and how to work hard.
The school I saw today has all those things, but I can’t get over the very bad feeling that I don’t want my children to leave where they are.
