I haven't done a "Girl's Night" in ages and Friday night a collection of friends and business women had a "Girl's Night". It was to be at one woman's house and a collection of a women friend's jewelry, pj and another's purse line were show cased. It is women in support of women.
I almost didn't go, as it was an exhausting week. But Stephanie TRICKED me, and I ended up driving into the McDonald Historic district to a wonderful home I have been to for many a May birthday party for Michael, a local broker. Except, Michael moved last year, so I was surprised when I noticed the address was Michael's old place. I love this little two bedroom bungalow.
Every year Michael hosts what is considered to be one of the best parties in Sonoma County. The streets are blocked, live music, a cigar bar, an Oyster bar, a martini bar, a red carpet, and all the wine and champagne you can imagine make this the party of the year. It is great fun. He moved last year and the party was last minute. I didn't go, so I had no idea that our host had purchased his old place.
Her 'Girl's Night', with Janice's help was every bit the party in the grand style of this home. Champagne, wine, margarita's and a food spread that could have hosted a small private wedding covered the kitchen area. Add in 50+ of the most wonderful business women and it was a recipe for laughter and a lot of business talk.
It was great seeing everyone and I had to hear all kinds of crap about where in the hell I have been keeping myself and was I sick of my x husband yet. These women never think my situation is strange, as Michael used to date the host of the party and her new boyfriend and Michael stopped by for a glass of wine together. It's this town.
Janice has a new hottie boyfriend and looks tremendously happy. It is wonderful when your friends are in the "happy zone". I met a woman who wants to get involved with non-profits for children, which is right up the ally of my book and what I am trying to do for kids with learning disabilities. We exchanged cards and she wants to team up with me. Nothing like possibly creating my next career on accident. But this is what this group of successful women is all about.
I find it humorous that men fantasize about a bunch of women, but when they walk into a house to face us, they end up looking like stalked prey. Several of the women's boyfriends and husbands came to pick their women up. Upon walking in the door, they smile, then look for the best place to hide - which was the courtyard in back. I slightly envy these women as they are so proud of the men they are with ... happy to take off with their guys. I almost forget what that feels like.
When the party began to wind down a group was going out dancing. I wanted my bed. They tried to talk me into it, but since I am having Easter dinner (thanks to my mom) I had a home to prepare.
My x is stressing with his life which means he takes it out on Brian. I knew I needed to rise early to get my little man and bring him home. As expected, they were not speaking when I got to my x's place. When Brian got into my truck he would not say goodbye to his dad. His Dad lost his temper and went for Brian in the truck. There I was for the first time in five years, stepping into my x's face when he is nuts.
What a lovely Easter moment.
I told him to calm down, stop, it was Easter and he was behaving like a child and pissing me off. He stepped back, I shut Brian's door and locked it and drove Brian away from his dad. Brain is now in tears. I haven't had to be in his Dad's face in a long time - some things given enough time just don't change. Not that I really expect that it will. I just know I have to figure my career thing out (now that I am feeling better) and re-distance myself again.
My x boss is the head of the business, and my x husband works for him. I have prepared this x boss that I can't do this business with my x for very long and I am looking to move on. My x boss understands ... I think he's rather my x husband left, but that is not about to happen.
Since by force it's my year to host Easter, my family must think I am doing better to make me play hostess. If you really want a clean home, throw a party, then it forces you to clear out the dust bunnies. It is soooooooooo much work though. I like it when I can just show up at my mother's house with a bottle of wine.
I am looking forward to next week - Easter week and spring break for Brian. I am going to make Brian take all the Easter candy to his dad's house. That is the best revenge I can think of...
Happy Easter-
C
