Preppy Girl's Guide

So Saturday night I actually got a baby sitter and met my husband out at his place of work for a fundraiser. I'll tell you now that he works at a very nice private high school (prep school) where about 95% of the families are "well-off." I was naturally a little nervous as I wanted to look nice and "fit-in" so to speak. I dug out an outfit from my former life (you know, those ten years before I got married when I worked in a really nice place and wore "power outfits" every day.) I was glad I'd bought expensive shoes, purses, and clothing at one point in my life so I actually had something nice to wear.

I should also point out before going further that my husband works A LOT. He is a teacher but also has after school responsibilities and on top of it, drives an hour each way every day. I don't see him too much and neither do the kids because of this. Neither of us makes a ton o' money, but his salary is markedly more pitiful than mine. We both have a background working in the performing arts and these jobs are hard to come by (especially when you live in BFE like we do). So, for now, he goes the distance so he can work in his field, and we are hoping to find something closer to home.

Once at the fundraiser, the parents all make a point to come up to me and make small talk. Most of the conversations go like this:

Stage Mom: "We all LOVE your husband - but you must never get to see him."
Me: "Well, yes, I had to drive all the way out here to see him tonight." (nervous laughter)
Stage Mom: "Well, have you ever considered moving here?"
Me: (Knowing full well we have no intention) "I suppose it's not out of the question but, I work close to our home so..."
Stage Mom: "Ooohhh, and what is it that you do?"
Me: (Well I make a hell of a lot more money than he does!) "I am a Director at..."
Stage Mom: "Ooohhh, I'll bet that's fun."
Me: (It would be more fun if I could see my husband once in a while) "Yes it is."
Stage Mom: "Is that full time work?"
Me: (I am in charge of a big department.. duh.. hell ya it's full time!) "Yes it is."
Stage Mom: "Ooooh. I see." (blank stare)

And I swear I had this same conversation with 5 different parents. They truly don't understand why we wouldn't just pick up and move to their nice little city for my husband's job where not only is his pay pitiful but his hours suck and he is abused daily by prima donna students and parents alike. Furthermore, they don't think MY job could possibly be more important than his. I guess this is how the "other half" lives. The women keep busy with social groups while the husband works. I'm both offended and jealous. Dammit.