Sunday, August 16, 2009

The One in Which She Was Not All Talk

It's the new me? (notice the punctuation...full of disbelief and self-doubt as usual)

Two things specifically illustrate my new All Action, No Talk* personal strategy. I know - hold on to your shit, now. This is Swirl Girl afterall, not some alien uber-Mommy who has taken over your beloved snark-filled-glass-half-empty bloggy friend. So rest assured there is a caveat or two**

I've been doing this blogging thing for about a year and a half. Along the way, I've met some really cool people. Two of the first (and consistent) virtual visitors here were Mariah and Chris. I've been following their lives and their ups and downs (and there have been many of both). We've talked about getting together before, but to be honest - I was the one who never acted on it. Mariah had even noticed a particular beach on a few posts of mine that we love. We've talked about meeting at the beach...but never did. This time - we made a date. And I acted ...like a grown-up and we finally met at the beach!! She and Chris in tow with their 2 kids and their 4 friends. Me and my two girls. It was hard enough for me to summon up the courage to go, much less meet these guys after huffing and puffing hauling a chair, three towels, sand toys and a cooler the 214 miles from the parking lot to the spot by the rocks. I wish I had some real juicy story to tell...but it was just a really nice day with some really nice people. Who woulda thunk it? I don't think we all would have connected in our real lives had we all not been bloggers. We are all so different , yet we found a commonality.

{{introspective aside}}

In my own little corner (in my own little chair)*** of the internet, I can be whatever I want to be. In this - the unreality - my world is whatever I choose it to be. If I met someone live, I would have no keyboard or monitor to shield me. Thoughts like "What if they don't like me?" "What if I don't like them?" "Where's my out?" "Do I have a booger hanging out of my nose?"**** swirl through my head in most social situations. Just ask hubby. I am a chronic avoider.

{{end aside}}

Well, I am glad to report that after 4 1/2 hours of getting to know one another's real reality -there was nary the booger to be found. We chatted about blogs, life, stuff, junk, kids, relationships, backgrounds. All in all - it was a good first date. And if they ask me out again ...I'll go.


the kids set up a chat circle, climbed the rocks, boogie boarded, and played in the water for hours. Mariah's girls are gorgeous - scary gorgeous. and nice girls, too.


It's hard to get a good picture when one is all squinty and one of our boobs are hanging out. That's what my life has come to - in addition to everything else...now I have to worry about armpit cleavage.



Swirl Girl (damn, still squinty) , Tent Camper and Manic Mariah




* Because "Leave me the fuck alone" didn't fly with the other PTA ladies Which leads me to the second illustration of this new found attitude of mine. I was sucked into the vortex elected to be PTA President this school year which is surprising since it is a known fact that I don't like most people's kids and I am not a 'meet and greet' sort. I have to come up with a theme. I went with It's All Good but seriously passed Leave Me the Fuck Alone by the Board.


** this whole new approach in no way means yes to anything clawed or furry or remotely pet- like invading my space. Okay, so the soon-to-be 10 year old wants a turtle. She wants one (and I quote) that is "small enough to hold but too big to flush". Maybe a newt. I'll think about a newt.

And don't think I'm gonna start making those icky little play dates for my kids or anything as drastic as that. I've still got my principles.

***Leslie Anne Warren as Cinderella circa 1965...which I think only me and my sisterbestfriend ever saw and still sing (courtesy of Imdb.com and my memories).

****real or virtual - in fact that's a great metaphor , blog post or blog title




18 comments:

Organic Meatbag said...

Hahahaha! Armpit cleavage!!? No, no, I see nothing negative about that picture...hehehehe...
Glad that everybody had a good time!

sassy stephanie said...

PTA Prez? ha ha...SUCKER! Someone's gotta do it!

So cool you guys all got together!

Mariah said...

Still can't believe you are going to be the PTA president. I swear, good luck with that!Twas awesome to meet you and your girls! No, I'm not talking about meeting 'your girls' but your kids. Sheesh.

Danielle said...

I just recently met some bloggergals from my neck of the woods. It was a lot of fun and I am glad that I had the guts to do it.
You all look great and happy!

Aunt Becky said...

I WANT TO COME WIIITTTHHH!

Mama Dawg said...

How cool you got together!

Anonymous said...

If it makes you feel better, I have had armpit cleavage since I was a teen and then after a breast reduction, now I have armpit cleavage with scars! haha

:)

I am a constant avoider too. I am always worried that people wont like me. *shrug*

JenJen said...

I would've gathered up my pit cleavage, boob cleavage and any other cleavage and ran for the hills if the PTA knocked on my door.

Fannie said...

AAAAHHHHH! I had forgotten about that version of “Cinderella” and now I have an earworm…. “In my own little corner in my own little room….” AAAAAHHHH!

The Blonde Duck said...

You wouldn't believe it, but I'm an avoider in the outdoors Pond as well. I fear change and unknown people, yet adore meeting new bloggy friends.

Anonymous said...

Turles spread nasty germs.....go for the newt! If you be whatever you want to be online...you can never be who you are in person...so always go for the real you (and you do!)

Jodi said...

Alan Quartermaine from GH (sorry - drawing a blank on the real name)was Prince Charming and I SOOOOO remember that version of Cinderella. We watched every year!!!
Kudos on posting that picture with the booby hanging out. You rock!

TentCamper said...

yeah, yeah...It was great to meet you and your little ones, but I can't seem to get (are your and Mariah's boobs rubbing up against one another in that pic?) out of my freakin head.

See you soon.
...and I hope you liked my corn post...I had to test it on someone...right?

Scary Mommy said...

Wah!! I wanna be there!!!

Justine said...

OMG, I'm soooooooooooo jealous that you got to hang with Mariah! Is she as quirky-dirky in person as she is on her blog? Oy, I wish I could have been with all of you!

And ooh boobies! LOL

Justine :o )

Cynthia said...

What a great day at the beach. Good for all of you. At least your armpit cleavage is perky...mine is beginning to sag!

Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest

Fancy Nancy said...

Loved the visuals on your blog. I hope to add some onto my blog as well. We had a ball with you and your family. Love from Fancy Nancy

twentyseven said...

Armpit cleavage?!? Priceless!! lMfaoo!