It's dance season for the young folks. I was reminded of this on two separate occasions over the past few days. First, while on our mini "vacation" to Monterey this past weekend, we stayed at an Embassy Suites. I was outraged to discover that our room was directly next door to a group of fraternity kids and their dates in town for spring formal. As we walked past their room I caught sight of the make-shift bar sitting on a dresser drawer. I immediately wondered if we could change rooms. After the anger over our misfortune subsided I became....jealous. My thoughts turned from "those drunk k
ids are going to keep us up all night" to "when did I get so old?"
ids are going to keep us up all night" to "when did I get so old?" My college boyfriend, who later had the privilege of becoming my husband was in a fraternity. There were few benefits for me, in fact usually I was banned from their parties with the sister sororities. I did however get to attend spring formal every year. I loved formal. It meant dressing up, getting my hair done, binge drinking and staying over night at a hotel. How can you beat that? It was prom on steroids. 
Speaking of prom, it is also that time of year. I know this because I happened to watch part of an episode of Glee. I am probably going to upset a few readers by saying this, but I just don't understand that show. It is so far from realistic it's laughable. The premise, a diverse group of high school kids come together and bond over a common love of music. Think of an updated version of The Breakfast Club where the jock, the preppy and the geek all burst randomly into song. Add an overweight African American, a gay kid and a boy in a wheelchair, and ta-dah- you have Glee! Anyhow, the Glee gang went to prom, and they were smokin' hot. It made me think of my own ridiculous formal gowns. The big bows, poofs and matching shoes. How I would like to go to prom today where the girls wear sophisticated dresses and sleek hairstyles. 
This whole thing has me thinking. Why are formal dances wasted on youth? Why isn't there a prom for grown ups? Yes we can attend weddings, but then we actually have to hope someone will get married. Most of our friends are already hitched. If I had a lot of money and wasn't 8.5 months pregnant, I would rent out a hotel ball room, hire a DJ and host prom for all of my friends. In the meantime, I am just reminiscing and looking at photos from our fraternity formals. I hope you enjoy. No laughing allowed.
You should have put that rule at the beginning... I was already laughing by the time I read it :P
ReplyDeleteYou two were/are very cute together :)
Sorry to say but your photos are actually holding their own (especially the little black one). Sure, a little dated but not out and out ridiculous - come on, where are you hiding THOSE ones? don't be shy!
ReplyDeleteFunnily when I saw my neices formal photos last year all the girls were wearing colourful shiny dresses - just like in the 80s!
Hubby and I can attend two balls each year- the Navy birthday ball in the fall, and the Sub Ball in the spring. I like getting all dressed up, but Hubby has to wear his uniform, so we usually don't go. We'll see, though... I might make him go once we get stationed somewhere long enough to make plans! :)
ReplyDeleteDoesn't your hubby have a Christmas party at that fancy job of his? I buy an expensive dress and get fancy for ours. You could also support a charity and attend their Gala. There's the Black and White ball in SF every year. I went to one in NY for a ballet company fundraiser. There are still parties for grownups, you just have to seek them out.
ReplyDeleteJennifer-My husband's job ain't that fancy, and he holiday party is at a bar and spouses are not invited....
ReplyDeleteLuna-I have some great prom photos packed away someplace, but can't easily find them... someday!
I want to go to a grown up Prom! But there is no way I'm curling my bangs with Aqua Net. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteI gotta say - the diversity of Dave's hairstyles are the most laughable offense. I remember you in all those dresses!
ReplyDeleteThose photos are great!
ReplyDeleteI think you look great in those pictures! Love seeing bits of people's history :)
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