Wednesday, March 18, 2009

this should be fun...

So I am involved in helping plan and execute an event for a school booster club. This is normally not "my thing", but I am determined to do this--to be of help, and to broaden my social circles a bit. I am excited, but a little nervous, because getting to know new people in a new environment is not something that comes easy to me.

So, I get the emails about where and when the first planning meeting is going to be. It seems that in choosing the location for said meeting, a high priority is placed on the availability of adult beverages and, if at all possible, a good Happy Hour. (and not the Sonic one, which of course I would be. All. Over.)

Great.

You see, with new people, I've always preferred easing into the fact that I am Freaky Mormon Chick. I can usually count on a few meetings that don't require me to reveal my teetotaler status, which gives me a chance to get comfortable with people before we have to get all "why don't you drink?" about it.

So, I go to The Hubby and I state: (very maturely and not at all whiny) "But I don't waaaaaannna be the Freaky Mormon Chick at the very first meeeeetinnngg."

His response?

"Tell them you're a raging alcoholic."
"Or tell them that if you come home drunk one more time, I'll beat you."
"Or you could always say...hey! Where are you going, babe?"

He made being Freaky Mormon Chick seem preferable, I'll give him that.

6 comments:

Beth said...

It amazes me it wouldn't be enough fun planning the school booster club event- why add drinks and a loud environment? Raging alcoholic is funny and useful excuse.

Kara said...

Ugh... I'm sorry you have to deal with this, Talitha! I would totally be dreading it too. My advice (for what it's worth!) is speak up loud and proud and don't be embarrassed. There is a mom on Maddie's soccer team that has Bible study during our practice time and she is not afraid to let everyone know they have to leave early every week and what they are leaving for..... and that she would like practice changed to accomodate them!! So we are not the only "weird" people in the world....

Awesome Mom said...

Just don't drink and many people will not even look twice at you for that. There are tons of reasons people don't drink besides being a Freaky Mormon Chick, people will not just assume that it is a religious thing.

I always get weirded out when I see people drinking. My parents never did it and I never hung around people who did so when I see people doing it in a social setting it bothers me to an extent but I hold it in because it is their right to be able to drink even though I don't.

5 mcneils said...

You know I got to a girl's night out with some ladies. Some do order drinks but a lot of them don't because it is so expensive. My neighbor even tried to protect me at the Christmas party, I thought it was cute. Just be yourself and they will be lucky to have you a part of the activity.

~pollyanna said...

I am just NOT brave anymore, and it is starting to bother me, a lot... I haven't been out of my comfort zone by choice for months and months... course there have been quite a few uncomfortable things FORCED on me in the last year...

Does that count?

Catherine said...

I've thought before about having some neighbors over for a BBQ - the downside? They show up and wonder where the alcohol is... needless to say, we won't be having a bbq with our neighbors anytime soon. Too awkward to have them come over only to be disappointed.