Life According to 'Pretty In Pink'

I graduated from high school in 1987.  I lived in a great small town in North Carolina.  One large high school in the entire county.  Two junior high schools fed into this one high school, East and West.  I went to West.  It was located on the more affluent side of town.  The nicer neighborhoods fed into West.  I remember entering high school on that first day of 10th grade and identifying people by the junior high they attended.  You where either East or West.

I still have many close friends from East, my first boyfriend was from East.  And in a way they were exceptions.  In reality they weren't.  But we said they were.

In 1986 Pretty In Pink hit theaters.  The soundtrack was full of edgy 80's talent.  But the story hit home in so many ways.  It became the theme for my high school days.

Fast forward to 2016, thirty years later.  The great powers that be bring Pretty in Pink back to the big screen.  I bought tickets online for $15!  I probably paid $5 in 1986.  And there was no 'online.' My small drink was $5!  (I did not get popcorn!)

The movie starts and I know every single scene.  But it still grabs at my heart.  I remember that feeling when  a cute boy looks at you and says, "Hi." Or when someone unexpected makes an effort to be near you in a way no one ever has before.  I never had a Duckie but I had dear friends.  And I loved the prom!  My mother and I made my dresses (I went four times).  And unlike Andie, I fell in love with James Spader!

As I write this, I realize I can't put into words the feelings I had last night.  I laughed and I cried.  I heard things I didn't remember.  Like Stef telling Benny she needed to eat when she had had to much to drink, "Let's go find you some food, like some ribs or something."  I probably didn't get it because in 1986, I had yet to experience a hangover.

I sat with a new friend who is younger.  She never saw Pretty in Pink on the big screen.  She wasn't even born when it came out!  But she understands the angst and thrill of being a teenage girl.

My oldest son's first day of middle school is today.  I want all this for him (and of course my other children).  The thrill of someone making your heart beat fast.  The confidence to choose friends and girlfriends and boyfriends based on the good you see in them not their address.  The love of a best friend who would do every thing for you and you would do the same in return.

Why Yes, I Blink!

David 6th

I am going to blink, because it isn't polite to stare.  On the first day of school so many parents use the hashtag, #dontblink.  I won't, and here is why!

Today my oldest started middle school.  David is kind, smart and fun.  I have enjoyed being his mom.  And I did get a little teary as I dropped him off.  He wouldn't look at me as he got out of the car, I know he was a little anxious.  But I have faith in the job his father and I have done raising him, that he will be fine.

Thomas 1st & Blakely 4th

He will take care of his friends, he will be a good friend.  He will make good choices (except maybe in the cafeteria).  And I hope he has as much fun in middle school as I did in junior high.

Thomas and Blakely are in the first grade and fourth grade.  We have raised them to be strong individuals who are making their own path in elementary school, not living in their brother's shadow.  They too, are smart and fun and will make good choices.

All that said, I am not sad they are growing up.  We didn't have children to keep them as infants for 20 years.  I loved that cuddly baby stage but I love my children where they are now too!  I have loved and embraced them at every point of their lives.  I am excited for the journey ahead.

One of my favorite pieces of scripture is "This is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24  If we didn't have the bad days, we wouldn't embrace the good ones.  If we didn't have the terrible two's then we wouldn't be ready for 5th grade girls!  Each step in life leads us to the next one.  Embrace what you have and what it took to get you there.  And blink, take a nap if you need to.  Raising children isn't easy but the results are worth it!