Here in the 'burbs adult peer pressure has evolved into "keeping up with the Jones" or even more desired "surpassing the Jones". Thank goodness I got off that bandwagon. There are times I feel different or weird compared to the majority of people in my community but then again I don't care. Here are a few examples:
- I drive an 8 year old minivan. No shiny SUV for me. Honda Pilot is a hot choice as well as new models from Acura, Lexus, Volvo, and Chevrolet. I hope I can continue to drive the Mountaineer Mobile until I can get by with a smaller car. Plus it's fun to see how thrilled my son is to drive a minivan.
- Most homes looked like they were decorated by an interior designer and many were. If you read my blog on a regular basis you know I hate clutter but I am blessed to live with 1 packrat, 1 outright slob, and 1 packrat/slob. My never used formal dining has been transformed into my daughter's craft room. It is always a disaster.
- Because I don't have to go into an office everyday, it is not unusual for me to wear the same thing maybe twice (sometime more) during the week. Yes, they are washed between wearings well most of the time.
8 comments:
Hey, Joan! My birthday is next month, too--7/14. When's yours again?
Isn't it amazing how peer pressure continues on in our adult lives? The most recent example I've experienced personally are baby-related competitions among women. I've noticed that me having 3 kids puts me into a new mommy club at the park, yoga class, etc. Even though I, OF COURSE didn't have a third baby in order to one up anyone!
As for cars, we like to buy something used and reliable that we can run til it dies. I am totally anti fancy cars.
I get caught up in the peer pressure every once in a while, but quickly catch myself and regroup. I used to want the really big house and a super fancy car, but I soon realized that it takes a LOT of money to live that way and we don't have it and I'm not going to go into debt to get it. There will always people who have more than me, but there will always be people that have less.
It's called comfortable being yourself. I reached the "don't give a chit" level in my mid forties and am a happier person for it.
"Things" and status take a backseat to friends, family, and I love ignoring those pesky "Jonses".
"weird" admission time.
We, our family, have a car dealership. I drive a 6-year old minivan. Why? Because while my kids are still slobs in the car, I don't want to get anything new.
Besides, hubby drives a demo, so if I really need something for another function, he can bring it home but otherwise, I'll keep driving my "old" car. Other people in our town think I should have a new car all the time because of our business....but I guess I don't care much what other people think, it's not practical with kids being messy.
SugarMama: My birthday is July 9 so gear up for the par-tay - not really.
Trish & Nancy: I'm with you.
Sunshine: I love that you are driving your old car. Why would I want a new one with my son having his learner's permit?
so YOU are the one Beth got to meet with Sugar Mama!
Well, one thing I don't care about any more is the way I look when I go outside. I will wear my jammies, my nightgown, or just my robe. My daughter just can't BELIEVE I would do this, but hey, it's MY house, MY yard, MY deck and I'll wear what I want!
I also don't feel the strong need to wear make up and do my hair before I go anywhere on the weekend. Just a ball cap is fine with me!
Happy Birthday Joan and Sugarmama- Mine's later in the month(25th) so I still have a little while to contemplate aging.
When I lived in CA I really thought that you had to have the perfect yard. Now, several years on, living in the NC Appalachian Mtns my yard is not so perfect. Lucky for me my renter just looks at the weeds and says what pretty flowers they are.
Currently, I'm driving a year 2000 minivan and love it. It's like a comfy old pair of jeans. It just fits me. Sadly I have to sell it and will be driving my husbands 5 yr old Volvo wagon. It's a nice car but I will miss the van. I'm glad you're so down-to-earth and have survived the american trend of jonesing for what the Jones have. I haven't been so fortunate. :)
You've seen my blog though and know how messy we keep things so I'm 100% with you there, sister! Also, I wear things more than once too but don't wash. I don't really see the point, if it's not dirty I'm not going to waste the water. If it's dirty enough to wash it I probably won't wear it. Probably. They don't call me "the dirty kid" for nothing.
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