Poppalina

Big Plans

 

 

I'm sorry I've been so quiet.

I've been busy.

I had to do something this month that I haven't done since high school.

I had to make a Design Portfolio,

Y'know, the kind that showcases your work in a clear and well-presented manner, addressing all specified criteria...

(gags rebelliously and makes rude hand gestures).

 

  

 

Worse, I had to put together a CV.

And while I have your attention, please allow me to state my opinion of the Curriculum Vitae in 15 words or less:

I'll take the red-hot poker up the jaxie. Cheers, thanks....

You whole career (career?! ) right there, on paper.

I have an Existential Crisis just thinking about it,

And I've managed to get through my entire life without one,

But finally, I had to bite the bullet.

Actually, rather than write it, I chose in the end to have a gigantic meltdown,

and continued to do so until an Excellent Friend intervened and wrote one for me -

(blows kisses and the promise of gifts in her general direction).

 

 

 

THEN,

When ALL THAT was done.

I sat interviews.

But after confronting a bête noire of such magnitude,

I found the interviews to be a doddle.

Besides, I took my bear with me (partly for show, but mostly for comfort),

And The Bear is nothing if not charming.

(she does have her seat belt on, thank you for asking...)

 

 

 

 

After ALL THAT, I held my breath for 3 weeks,

During which time, I couldn't do very much.

I waited for the postman.

I started back at yoga. Again.

I cleaned the house. Several times.

I wrestled with the migraines. As always.

And I waited for the postman.

 

 

Until, FINALLY,

Today, I got a letter.

 

 

 

 

It informed me that I'd been accepted into college next year to study Fashion Design and Technology, something I've been wanting to do since my days with the Frock Fairies.

 

 

 

I'm gonna learn how to make patterns.

And then I'm going to design, grade, sample and manufacture WORLD PEACE,

(in peach silk organza).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friends 4 Eva

 

 

Someone remarked the other day that I have an unusual relationship with my daughter.

We seem to live together pretty happily, with a minimum of drama,

Despite the fact that she's a teenager, and I'm... well... y'know... her mother.

And, when I think about it, I s'pose we do.

I mean, we bitch at each other in the mornings, and I nag her about taking a coat, or a brolly, or 

GODDAMMIT, AT LEAST A JUMPER,

AND DO YOU HAVE YOUR PHONE?!

OR YOUR KEYS?!

every single time she walks out the door,

But it generally doesn't get more serious than that.

And I'd love to tell you it's because I'm such a good parent,

But that would be a dirty lie.

The truth is that she's a good kid, and I just got lucky.

Also, because we know some great people, who have all pitched in to help raise and influence her,

To their eternal credit.

But the real secret to getting along well with your teenage kid?

I'll tell you.

It's communication. And mutual respect.

 

 

 
 

 

The kid tags a mango?

You do not eat that mango, man.

Remember that,

and everything will be just fine.

Happy 16th birthday, Poppalina.

And may we be friends forever and ever,

Even longer.

love,

Mummy xoxox