Class of 1986

Tonight is my high school reunion. A few weeks ago I didn't think I'd be going, but then my plans changed when Teresa decided she would go.

I didn't want it to be a big deal. I'm really busy writing a paper for my class right now, and I didn't want to be spending money on an outfit. So, I was just going to wear a skirt and a top I already had.

I began to accessorize that outfit, and somehow that led to buying a new dress instead! It was a deal at TJMaxx, a MaxStudio kimono-style, knit dress in black and tan - very vintage (1940s) looking. But I needed shoes for it, so I ordered a couple pair from Zappos.com (my favorite shoe store) to try. They arrived yesterday afternoon, but they were too high and uncomfortable. It's too bad really, because they were both so cute!

So, I forced myself to put in about three hours on my paper yesterday afternoon before I hit the mall in search of shoes, jewelry, and a handbag. While I was trying to focus on "Brain-Compatible Classrooms" all I could think about was what I needed to complete my outfit! Once I got to a good stopping place, I high-tailed it for the local shopping mall.

Okay, what's with women's dress shoes these days? The styles are so cute, very feminine, but the heels are four inches tall! I'm already 5'8". I don't want to be six feet tall tonight, not to mention how uncomfortable that would be. Anyway, I finally found a pair I liked that weren't too high, but I had to have them stretched a little. I hope they don't hurt my feet. Maybe I should stash my slippers in my purse in case they do? Nah...

I then found a necklace, bracelet, and earrings set at The Limited, and it was buy two get one free - so another bargain.

Whilst walking the mall, I came upon the Ziba Beauty Center and decided to have my eyebrows threaded there. Another bargain - just $9 to have my brows shaped! I am obsessed with my eyebrows and pluck them meticulously everyday, but she cleaned up the tops of my brows and that's something I don't usually do. Now I think I'm hooked on threading. It took five minutes and they look great!

I finished my shopping spree at Nordstroms where I bought Spanx pantyhose (there will be no unsightly bulges tonight), and some new eyeshadow.

At that point I was exhausted and it was after 8 o'clock, so I made my way home - after I had dinner at Chik-Fil-A - my first dining experience there. I wasn't impressed.

Today, I'll continue the ramping-up to tonight's event by doing a little waxing, having a manicure and pedicure, and having my hair blown dry by my hairdresser.

So, why all this effort? Because preparing to go to your twenty year high school reunion is stressful! I've talked with Teresa and she agrees, as do the other two friends we'll be going with. We've all been shopping like crazy trying to find the perfect outfit and worrying about what others will think of us. This is insane!

I was a wall-flower in high school. I had some very good friends, but after high school I only kept up with a few friends, and now I only maintain friendships with Teresa and one other friend (who isn't going tonight). I know I'm dreading people asking me if I'm married, or not, and why not; Teresa doesn't want to talk about her divorce; S. is self-conscience because she had a baby recently and hasn't lost all her pregnancy weight; and D. - well, I think D. is probably the most well-adjusted of us all - she's just worried about how she looks.

So, wish me luck because right now I'm just a bundle of nerves about the whole thing - a little excited, and apprehensive, because I don't know what to expect. At the ten year reunion, someone I thought had been a good friend couldn't remember my name, and the husband of another friend hit on me all night long. It was so weird!

I'll post tomorrow and let you know how it went. I'll probably have some pictures then, too.