Last night dh and I attended a local fundraising gala. They hold it every year, but we have never gone. Mostly because the price per plate is enough to feed our family very well for a week. Last night we got to go for free because dh was asked to do some schmoozing. Not really one of the tasks of his job that appeals to him. I was excited, though, because I find this kind of event fun. The decorations, the entertainment, the food, the people watching...its all a fun change from my regular life routine.
Last night's theme was Chinese. The walls of the entry, halls and ballroom were covered in large oriental painted and solid green and red banners. There were a couple of enormous dragons, red and gold tinsel strewn on the ground and an entire hallway lined with live bamboo. Coconut shrimp, spring rolls, filet mignon, and real orchids garnishing the dessert. The Peking Acrobats performed amazing dances and stunts. The live auction sold packages worth up to $17k. With over 500 people, most dressed in fancy gowns and tuxedos, it was quite the event.
It really wasn't a place where I felt I truly belonged, however. I did not blend. And not just because I wasn't wearing a long, beaded, backless gown with my cleavage on display. Or because I was drinking water and cranberry juice instead of expensive wine and saki. The people I met were very nice and friendly, and a heck of a lot better at remembering my name than I was at remembering theirs. But the coming to be seen, to make connections, to network, to display. Not me. Not my world. I live in a world where I mop my own floor, change my own baby's diapers, paint my own nails and do my own taxes. Yes, we are raising 5 children without hired help. Crazy, I know! My day to day little world orbits no where near theirs. But, I love my world and wouldn't have it any other way. It was fun to visit their planet for an evening, though!
PS. Do you recognize the source of this post's title?
Sounds like a fun event, except for the shmoozing part. That wouldn't have been my cup of saki either. Some chinese acrobats came here once. It was absolutely amazing. I have been wanting to take my girls ever since. Hopefully the entertainment made up for the uncomfortable stuff.
ReplyDeleteI would've loved the entertainment, but I'm not sure about the rest.
ReplyDeleteWOW sounds like it was a real interesting night. I have to agree with you though on the fact that it is not our world. I have gone several places like that before and felt very uncomfortable. But then again, I feel uncomfortable in most places. I am such a home body. Loves to all.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the down to earth life myself.
ReplyDeletehow fun that you got to go to an event like that! It's always fun to peek at how someone else lives and to play dress up even if you are grown :)
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree that I would feel out of place, but it sounded like a memorable and exotic experience nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about you, and how it went! Were you thinking "building cathedrals"? It sounds amazing, and I'm glad you got to enjoy a night out!
ReplyDeleteSounds lavish and fun for one night, I agree. More power to you for carrying your own load and being self reliant! Moms rock!
ReplyDeleteA couple of times a year I have to get dressed up an go to an "official" event with my husband. I love playing dress up for the night and pretending like I belong but I sure wouldn't want to have to do it on a regular basis!
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