Last Friday was the North American International Auto
Show’s charity preview, a la-di-da event around these parts, being that we are
the Motor City and all. I traveled with the auto show for nearly eight
years, so I know that, depending on where in the country you live, the auto show
might just be a blip on your city’s social radar. Not so here in Detroit. The
auto show – and more specifically, the charity preview, which kicks off the
week-long auto show – is to Detroit what, say, Fashion Week is to New York…sort
of. You catch my drift. Let’s just say it’s a big deal.
The photo above of Scott and me was taken at the 2007
charity preview, at the Jaguar exhibit where I was a spokes model. After
watching this year’s charity preview on TV – yes, the event was televised; I
told you it was a big deal – I dug up this photo. Look at it again. Look at
those two smiling faces, faces that are clearly unphased by the demands of
parenthood –
with eyes that are lively and bright, eyes that are bereft
of bags and dark circles because Scott and I were sleeping through the night
back then. Ahhhh, to be foot loose
and fancy free. Scott and I weren’t even married yet; this photo was taken
about five months before our wedding.
But as you have heard me say before: It is a different day.
Want to know how I spent last Friday night? Well, let me
tell you how I didn’t spend it. I wasn’t swathed in a designer get-up, like I
was in this photo…I was wearing my ratty old Detroit Lions flannel pajama
pants; I wasn’t wearing a full face of perfectly applied make-up, either…no, I
didn’t even shower that day; and I for damn sure wasn’t standing on top of a
turntable waxing poetic about the merits of an $80,000 car…In fact, when the
charity preview was on last week, I wasn’t standing on anything. I was on the
floor wrestling with Scotty, trying in vain to put his footie pajamas on as
Kennedy, who was fighting sleep like it was her job, screamed her face off in
her cradle. Somehow, Scott managed to nap through all this on the couch.
Oh how the mighty have fallen.
* VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE * VOTE *
How, how, how do men sleep through that racket? It boggles my mind. It's ok though. Last Friday, I was sitting on the couch, watching re-runs of shows I don't remember, but I think we also had cookies, so I can't say I wasn't keeping it pretty exciting. By the way, that picture is fab. I think I have a picture of me wearing makeup somewhere. *Digs in shoebox*
ReplyDeleteLOL...right? I mean, I had to seriously look hard for this photo. Back then, I actually still used a Kaboodle-like carrying case for my make-up. Now? It's Eos lip balm that I can fit into my wallet. (I cannot believe I am admitting this. Yikes.) Thanks for your kind words.
DeleteHow things change, right? You still look just as beautiful :) My husband used to wait patiently as I took 2 hours to get ready. No idea what I was doing, but now I'm out the door in 20 min....if we even go out the door these days, lol.
ReplyDeleteWell, Kathryn, with skin as good as yours, I don't even think you need 20 minutes! Thanks for your kind words, however. Since having a child -- and now having two! -- the whole notion of what it means to get ready has turned on its ear: This afternoon, I was actually rocking K's portable cradle with my foot as I filled in my eyebrows in the bathroom mirror.
DeleteWhat an awesome photo! I know what you mean. Showering can feel like a major accomplishment and my main requirement for leaving the house is clothing without snot on it.
ReplyDeleteWell, Susan, go 'head with your bad self because you are light years ahead of me: Showering regularly is something I still can't lay claim to, and leaving the house? Well, did you see Wednesday's post? I wear my new boots around the house to empty trash cans. Enough said.
DeleteHey Courtney! Oh how I remember the childless years of yesteryear (for me last year!). You and your husband look so nice in the photo and like you all were having a really good time. My husband and I are still getting used to the sleepness nights, lol! Well, sleepness nights due to having a child I should say. Being in the military we're pretty used to sleepless nights, but with a baby its a whole other level. :-)
ReplyDeleteP.S: My husband and I are big cars buffs! I'm seriously gonna be on the lookout for auto shows in our area, so that we can go to one soon. They must be so fun!
Tenns @ New Mama Diaries
Hi, Tenns! Thanks so much for stopping by-- and I hope to see you here again! Yes, (sigh), those were the days for The Hubs and I. LOL Our daughter Kennedy is 4 months today, and although she is our second baby...trust me, I've never gotten used to the irregular nighttime hours of motherhood. I can't WAIT for her to start sleeping through the night! Anyhow, it's been a few years since I traveled with the auto show, but, unless it has changed, the Atlanta Auto Show was generally one of the last ones on the tour, so around late April, and it was at the convention center near the CNN plaza and the arena where the Hawks play. I loved doing that show!
ReplyDeleteTo funny great share. Kids can bring some changes for sure!
ReplyDeleteAin't that the truth! Thanks for reading...and for posting! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHi Courtney! Thanks for following me from the Social Media Saturday hop! I'm now returning the favor and following your awesome blog! Happy Saturday!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Molly! While you were leaving your comment, I was on Twitter leaving you a message. (sigh) I just love social media! LOL
ReplyDeleteCourtney it'll get better once your children gets older. But you and hubby needs to find time to be alone. If you have family that are close, plan a date night. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi, Louida! Yes, that is excellent advice -- and The Hubs and I do (somehow) manage to carve out some alone time...it just wasn't last Friday night. (LOL) Seriously, though, you are right. It is indeed important.
ReplyDeleteSo what's my excuse for not showering last Saturday night and watching back to back to back to back episodes of Parks and Rec on my side for hours tilting my head back from laughter? #nokids.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful picture (i.e. you look SMOKIN HOT).
Oh looking back on the time when my husband and I were dating and childless! LOL!!! Those were the days!!! Although I wouldn't change what we have now I do miss those days!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the Cleveland Auto Show!!!
DeleteYes, Carissa. (sigh) Weren't those to days??? But I'm with you: I wouldn't change what I have now for all the tea in China -- or all the Birkin bags in Hermes. (LOL)
DeleteDo you know that after traveling with the auto show tour for nearly nine years, I never did the Cleveland Show? I tended to do the same cities year after year (i.e. Miami, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Fr. Lauderdale, and San Jose were my "regulars." All of the auto shows were awesome, though. (If you're a car buff like me and enjoy cars.) Thank you for commenting!
Dina, I love you. I really do. Thank you -- your words will put a pep in my step for this entire Sunday. And guess what? Good for you for taking a Saturday night to chill -- you were just refueling for the week ahead! #YouStillHaveALife
ReplyDeleteLOL - I'm childless - sorta! I actually run a tiny daycare in my home so I have kids between 7 and 6 and then I'm back to being childless again. As I always say, when I have that awful urge to have kiddos - I borrow them and then hand them back at bedtime. And I don't mind if the door slams as I close it after they walk out the door either! lol
ReplyDeleteEnjoy those kiddos! And thanks for stopping by CCB - Classic Children's Books! ~ Tina
Actually when that door slams (err - closes) I lock it before they even get to their cars! Ahhh!
DeleteHi, Tina! Thanks for commenting. I don't know how you do it, running a daycare.Heck, I often feel like pulling my hair out with only two...and they are mine. I've bookmarked CCB, and will definitely be back. I hope you had a nice weekend!
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