Friday, February 13, 2009

Playgroup

So it's something every mom should do at least once...go to a playgroup. Through our YWCA, I found one for moms (face it, these things are not designed for the babies) of babies around Andra's age. 5 of us ended up on the emails, and we met today. It was just over a mile from my house, but - and this is so important to understand - in a different town. I live in the "city," playgroup was in the "suburb." The rich suburb. So I was doubly skeptical, but as my husband kindly pointed out to me that I was going in determined to hate it, I tried not to roll my eyes as I walked in and met these women. (They were all there before me, I walked over with the BOB since it was relatively nice out and I wasn't thinking I was motivated enough to go to the gym today - though I did lift weights some at home this morning).

I was underdressed. How does one underdress for playgroup? Well, for starters, I didn't have my 12 carat engagement ring on. Or my 6 carat diamond earrings. And silly me, I forgot to tell my housekeeper to pick up my $350 jeans from the dry cleaners. Andra looks cute, but is also not wearing designer clothes (not at the rate she's been spitting up lately!). One of the first topics of conversation is about furniture and things their designers have picked out (most of these women are fairly new to the area). Only one woman was remotely chubby (she was the nicest one). Obviously none of them buy baby things used on Craigslist (I will admit I did wonder if it would've been worth it to buy a new swing, the used one I got is older and not nearly as nice as the one I saw today). Even the mom who was a personal trainer seemed fake (she was, of course, the only one who worked).

At any rate, once Andra started to smell (major poop confirmed a little later at home), and after she raspberried some of her spit-up all over the fancy coffee table, we made our exit. Clearly she was as unimpressed as I.

We won't be going back...

On other notes, I ran 4 miles on the treadmill yesterday after some weights. This is the first time I've passed 3.5 miles on the damn thing since...well, probably October. I've run farther outside, but not in.

10 comments:

RunningMama said...

Those type of women scare me...I just can't understand them. I think that even if I was that rich, I still wouldn't be like that. I just have different values. Every single one of my good friends routinely shops on Craig's List!! And, as I have mentioned before...most of our furniture is from Craig's List! i would rather spend the $$ on a cool trip!!

Angela and David said...

That's too bad. I have had some friends who have had a lot of luck with those sorts of groups. Maybe you can find a group in the city?

X-Country2 said...

Oh, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it much. Stepford Wives like that make my eyes roll hard core.

Michelle Simmons said...

UGH. That sounds awful! I totally don't click with women like that, although I have to be honest- I don't think I know any here? I hope you can find a different group to chat with, because it really can be helpful. I met Kelley (Hatfields in Hawaii blog) at the park today and we let our babies roll around on a blanket while we talked about all things girlie and mommy... it was great.

Michelle Simmons said...

Oh, and I meant to comment yesterday- great pictures of Andra! She's so expressive!! And she'll thank you when she's older for going through the trouble to get the hemangioma removed. ;)

WendyBird said...

Oh yuck, I've been to play groups like that, BO-ring! The worst was when it was a bunch of doctor's wives, my husband a hospital administrator, talk about black sheep! LOL
Just look for people in your normal interest areas and you will find ladies with similar aged kids, then it will be fun :-)
Love the pictures, she is adorable! Can't wait to see your WebMD piece!!!!! I don't think we are all that odd :-D

N.D. said...

oh well-u gave it a shot!

Debs M-C said...

Ha ha. Excellent report. I'm totally avoiding any mother-and-baby type groups too. Only because I know the attendees will be at the other end of the spectrum though. I think my local groups will be more joggy trousers and cigarettes than housekeepers and personal trainers :-)

Alicia Parr said...

Oh, you totally have to find the thrift store where these women take their baby's cast off's. We've had some of the cutest trendy stuff for 20 cents a piece. Didn't feel bad when he grew out of it in a flash at that price either.

Unknown said...

I know those type of playgroups. I went to a few like that when my kids were young. Luckily there are more choices out there. It is such an awkward feeling though. Cathy