It was Fleet Week in New York City last week, and if you don’t remember from a long-ago episode of Sex and the City, it is arguably the most wonderful time of the year in my hometown. Why? The sailors are here! Handsome, brave men (and women) who are letting loose and having fun. And let’s be honest: Who doesn’t love a man in uniform?
I’ve always loved Fleet Week. Even though I’ve always been happily hooked up and never met a sailor of my own for An Officer and a Gentleman–style romp…well, let’s just say that’s the stuff that daydreams are made of.
Which is why it was so jarring when I realized it was Fleet Week: That aspect of it was the farthest thing from my mind. No, instead, I immediately thought about how excited my son would be to see some real-live Navy heroes and wondered what kid-friendly activities might be popping up around town.
To say that my priorities have shifted is a huge understatement. Here are 5 other things that I now look at in weirdly grown-up ways.
And just a P.S. before I start: I still appreciate a hot sailor. I’m a mom. I’m not dead.
EXTRA MONEY
Back in the day, found money might mean a fancy dinner out or a new pair of shoes—amazing, beautiful, ridiculously impractical shoes. Now, any extra dough goes to kiddie classes and family activities. And for the next two months, maybe the rare prenatal massage, since Baby #2 is wreaking havoc on my poor back. But that’s more of a necessity than a luxury, right? Right.
FRIDAY NIGHTS
Laundry and organizing, with a dash of DVR’ed shows thrown in for good measure. You know that meme about being excited for the weekend and then remembering that you’re a mom and realizing that nothing will be different? That’s not entirely true. There are a few differences on a weekend: Namely, you’ll have more time to do domestic crap, and you’ll be up even earlier with the kids because the universe is cruel like that.
SLEEPING IN
That used to mean after 10 on a Saturday, followed by egg-and-cheese sandwiches in our pajamas or a boozy brunch with friends. Now, sleeping in means 7:45…which is glorious and rarely happens and makes me feel ultra-spoiled and rested. For someone who craves and fantasizes about sleep as much as I do, that is just sad.
TIME WITH MY HUSBAND
I love my husband, but I also really like my husband. We had nearly two decades of fun, just the two of us, and now? Let’s just say that our 3-year-old is quite the time sucker, exhaustion causer and date-night wrecker. Plus, I usually work from home after the kiddo goes to bed during the week, so alone time can be severely limited. But when we do get out by ourselves, it’s pretty great. Even if I do tend to say things like: “Wow, I forgot how much fun we have together!” a little too often and with a little too much surprise in my voice.
VACATION
Back in the day, vacations were fabulous. There were beaches and wine and the most kid-unfriendly activities you could possibly imagine. I loved every minute of it. These days, I live for my Friday field trips with my son (last Friday was strawberry picking!), and planning vacations with my little trio to places like Disney is more my speed. Do I miss the fabulousness? Oddly, not really. I’ve got wonderful memories, and my husband and I will (hopefully) do it again someday. In the meantime, we’ve got some new, very different and equally awesome memories to make.
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