Last night I went to my 10-year MBA reunion dinner. I almost didn't go. Firstly, it was pissing down with rain, secondly I had to take Max with me, and thirdly because I've become a real stay-at-home fart. I HATE going out at night. I love staying at home. Yes, I know - I am a hundred years old. But I made myself go. The connections I made when I did my MBA are important to me, I was looking forward to seeing my ex classmates.
Of course another big motivator is that I had already paid the R300 for the dinner. Fuck, that's a lot of money. I told the person organizing it that for that price, I hope it came with a blowjob or something similar. It didn't. It was the most expensive fish nuggets and stuffed chicken breast I have ever eaten. And because I didn't want to leave too late, I left before dessert. Bloody expensive restaurant. ANYWAY, moving on swiftly...
I am glad I went. It was a good moment for me. It was a weird moment actually. I've come such a long way since I did the MBA. 10 years ago I was single and a real party animal. I partied my way right through the MBA, I was the class clown. And there I was last night, with a baby and another two kids and a husband at home. A far more subdued, grown up version. And you know what, I felt really proud.
I am so proud of what I have achieved over the last 10 years. Not so much the career, or the house, or the money, but instead I feel so proud to be mother to my 3 beautiful children and wife to my awesome husband. Yes, I am proud of the other stuff too, but I realized last night that the other stuff was absolutely secondary to my children and my husband. They are my world, and I love that they are. It is a good feeling.
Side note: Last night someone remarked that when they heard I was bringing my baby, they couldn't wait to see, because I was the last person they expected to see as a mother. That kind of hurt. But then I thought back to how things were 10 years ago, and I suppose it is understandable. I would never have thought 10 years ago that I would ever say being a mother was my most important and rewarding role. But still, ouch.
Oh wait, look! I found another picture from a post grad course I did before my MBA. Haha! Loving these old photos.
Great post....Hubby and kids are the most important. Glad you went.
The weather does suck at the moment.
Posted by: Debbie | 27 September 2009 at 04:27 PM
You have been through SO much in 10 years and come SO far!!
Why did you take Max? MArko, Rose? Just interested.
Posted by: Lindsay | 27 September 2009 at 07:30 PM
Rose is away for the weekend, my mom had something on and Marko is a little anxious about looking after the twins and the baby x
Posted by: Tertia | 27 September 2009 at 08:02 PM
You are more beautiful today than you were 10 or even 12 years ago. This is truly a lovely post and a great testament to the person you have become.
Posted by: Kristin | 28 September 2009 at 06:11 AM
I get it- I would be anxious too!
Posted by: Lindsay | 28 September 2009 at 05:21 PM
Today my oldest friend did her viva and was awarded her PhD. At school and all the way through university I was the academic one, and she was the one who did babysitting, childminding, etc etc because she loves kids. Yet here we are me with three miscarriages under my belt and two beautiful daughters, and her with a PhD...
Funny how life turns out!
Posted by: Helen | 28 September 2009 at 08:05 PM
You've come a long way
Posted by: Silindile Ntuli | 29 September 2009 at 01:11 AM
You've probably learned more in the last 10 years, given your journey, than you did in your MBA. :) I really like this post.
Posted by: Kathy | 29 September 2009 at 02:48 AM
nice bangs...10 years looks good on you~ motherhood ~you wear it well.
Posted by: kathleen | 29 September 2009 at 05:25 AM
Looks, brains, personality, wife, mommy and business woman! You set the bar high my friend, you set the bar very high.
But we like you never the less. ;-)
Well done!
Posted by: Invivo | 30 September 2009 at 07:08 AM