When you have two glasses of wine and fall asleep while putting your son to sleep after a long day at the zoo, your thoughts aren’t always the most coherent. Then again, normally my #SOCSunday thoughts aren’t always that coherent.
Today’s Writing Prompt: What happens when you are reminded of your teen years? Happy? Jealous? Feelings of bitterness or regret?
Here we go…
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If you could read my mind, you know that jealousy doesn’t cross my mind as much as you might think. I have it pretty good. But when you start hearing the radio songs of your youth, your mind goes into overdrive. You know that some of your thoughts might be going astray.
Today, I had a truly lovely day. We had a family day. We drove to somewhere outside of DC, caught the Metro, and visited the zoo. We got home late, ever so exhausted, but had a wonderful time.
Me? I was obsessed with people watching, as usual. It wasn’t the people that I honed in so much as the perception of them. No kids, no lines on her face, no dimpled hair, cute earrings, smooth skin, temperate outside. And her boyfriend. Both were in their early 20s. He was freshly shaven but looked like by every evening he was ready for another one.
When she talked, he listened.. He woud gaze into her eyes and follow her every word, with his words coming at the appropriate time. She only half-paid attention to her companion. I wanted to shake her. To appreciate that moment. Savor in this young handsome man who was so invested in her. Really feel the joy of her youth.
And then we went to the zoo. Wonderful in its own right but a different story for a different day.
18 comments
In related news, I found myself bikini watching at the beach today. Noticing young, toned, firm bodies, especially stomachs. I was mentally telling them to savor it, too, and enjoy the freedom of not feeling self-conscious about your postpartum body.
In other news, I’m trying to imagine what dimpled hair looks like.
I retread that part wondering if it was a REALLY bad typo. Instead, I remembered I was comparing my pulled up hair to hers. Hers laid nicely and evenly while mine bubbled up and down. Dimpled, I guess 🙂
Interesting post. I don’t think I have the nerv to try it just yet 🙂
I’ve never had any fear when it comes to putting it all out there but the people that participate really love how it clears their mind!
I knew what dimpled hair was, just because my hair is always dimpled. I don’t have the time I used to to make sure it blows out perfectly straight, and I wear it pulled back more often. So I’ve always got a few spots that still have a wave to them after blowing my hair out, or that fantastic ponytail bump.
I just have to tell you that last night, I had a dream about BlogHer, and in it I took a picture with you. When I got home, it had disappeared and I was very upset. So if/when I meet you in August, I will have to make sure to take 2 pictures. Just to be safe. 😉
I have fine hair and it’s VERY hard to get it to lay perfectly. And I always have little wisps sticking out.
When I first read your comment about BlogHer, I thought you meant I disappeared from the photo. I was thinking, What? Am I a vampire?
I always forget to take pictures with people so maybe we’ll take THREE to be sure!
I really liked this! I, too, am a a huge people watcher and imaginer of what is going on with them. I watch the connection. Love to do it.
If you ever want a good day of people watching, just head to the zoo. You’ll see couples on dates, older married couples, families from the city, families from way outside the city. It’s definitely fun!
I love people watching. At the zoo last week and saw a kid-less, young couple and remembered when Tim and I had come to the zoo as a couple and strolled around without a care in the world. And then I was slapped in the face by my current reality as child #1 about fell off his chair and child #2 screamed for her sippy cup…
Yes. That’s what it was. Remembering those times. I think being in DC is hard because it’s full of those young, urban professionals – something I’m not.
and we were in the dc zoo on friday!
I know you come to DC frequently, right? Next time, we SHALL meet!!!
I also love people watching and often wish I could tell people to check themselves in their situation just as you did with the young couple.
I guess I might need the same sometimes, though.
Me too. I lose perspective but at least I have perspective enough to know I’ve lost it.
I’m definitely a people watcher. People fascinate me. So does psychology. Maybe I should go back to school and get a psychology degree.
Or just keep watching people. It’s cheaper 😉
It is good not to be jealous. I tend to be a very jealous person. Its not a good thing to be. I always wish the best for others, but I want it too.
I prefer the term wistful, especially when referring to those younger than myself, full of possibility.