Sunday, March 22, 2009

Dress to Impress

Last night we celebrated my friend's 27th birthday with a skating party at the local roller rink. We didn't realize it was "Hip Hop and Jam Night" and that we'd be listening to rap all night long; of course the 200 black children (and some of their mamas) didn't realize some old white folks would be dressing up and acting a fool. I was the first one of our group to enter the rink, and most of the seated crowd snickered and laughed as I walked in. A minute later I heard an audible gasp from the crowd and turned around to see everyone taking photographs of my guy friend dressed in tight red knit overalls and jacket a la the 70s. He nonchalantly strolled in, thought "what would Derek Zoolander do?," and proceeded to pop his collar. I'll bet his photographs was taken well over 100 times by the children there.

My costume was especially nice as the pieces of material blew gently in the breeze as I skated around the rink. A few children said "Go fairy, go fairy, go" and asked me why we were dressed up. I explained that it was my friend's birthday and asked them "don't you dress up for your friends' birthdays?"

Several children asked my friend Drew (see the photo to the left) why he was wearing goggles. His answer: "Guy, safety doesn't take a vacation." Oliver also spread the message of safety as he wore a helmet with his suede vest, plaid pants, and 80s Polo shirt. One child asked him how he got so big (he's 6'5 and of course even taller with skates). Oliver explained that it was because he ate vegetables. The child dubiously responded "Are you sure that's all?" After Oliver said yes, the kid asked him if he wanted to skate together. Adorable.

So I finally talked myself into going on a Match date. Tonight. I wrote a guy who lives in Knoxville (right under two hours away) back after procrastinating for several days and told him a few nights that I was free. He wrote back and suggested tonight. I am trying to have a good attitude about it. I'm still not sure what my mental block is about all of this. Maybe it's because I love being alone so much--and having lots of unplanned time--that I'm overly negative about planning something that might not be fun. Of course, I need to focus on the fact that it might be fun. Duh.

p.s. I'm grateful that I've correctly chosen 30 out of 40 games and am in second place with my "Unicorn" bracket. Although this basketball stuff has been stressful, it's definitely fun (now that I'm in second place).....

16 comments:

W T G said...

Sounds like a good time was had by at at the rink. As far as date nite tonite - go with no expectations other than just conversation. Even if it doesn't go quite as well, don't give up - just 'window shop' for a bit to see what's on display. Be well and good cheers !

Anonymous said...

Looks like you had a great time. We used to do this all the time in college! So fun.

Kennethwongsf said...

Your outfit looks lovely. You could have easily walked onto a Disney on Ice performance with that.

About the date, I'm glad you decided to give someone a chance. You seem like a wonderful person and delightful company. It would be a shame if no one gets to discover it.

Anonymous said...

Looking all pretty and shiny!

boohoo said...

Hehe what fun outfits! Looks like it was lots of fun :)

OK Chick said...

Awesome party idea! HA! I like your costume. It looks very ice skater-ish.

I hope your date was fun. PLEASE keep us updated.

Jennifer Owens said...

OKay that party sounded awesome. And your outfit was friggin' amazing! YOu would so fit right in to my crazy girls nights I throw every once in a while becuase I'm all about the costumes. The vegetable comment cracked me up. I wonder if the kid went home to eat broccoli or something.

I'm anxious to hear about the match date. Don't keep us in suspense for long!

Aaron said...

AWESOME.

(Too wowed to state anything further.)

Pam said...

Oh that party sounds like SO much fun. Love your fun costume!

Good luck on your date. =)

Sarah M said...

When Aaron sent me this story in an e-mail I couldn't see the photos very well, but Loved the story and was going to reply to him. "That. Was. Awesome!!! I love that chick!" And low and behold when I clicked on the link at the top it brought me to my friend's blog.

Yeay Ally. You are so awesome. You bring the fun wherever you go!

ella said...

I can't wait to hear all about your date.

LA said...

That's sooo cool! I wish I'd been at the roller rink with you.

Isabella said...

Love it! Where did you find that outfit?? We need to catch up soon!

Tiff said...

Love the fairy look! I want an update on the match date...

Anonymous said...

You look great - glad you had a such a fab time!

Bone said...

Great pics! And I love the safety doesn't take a vacation line.

I won my pool last year. Not doing quite so well this year. But my Final Four are all still alive, so I guess there's still hope.