Catalog Envy
Damn you fancy catalog people.
When I worked outside of the house full time I used to pour over the pages of the dozens of catalogs that arrived in my mail and imagine my life could be like those pictures. Whether it was kayaking in a Land's End Fleece, or a table set with PB Kids Halloween themed dishware, I wanted what I saw in those pictures and I was convinced if I just had the time or money-or both at the same time - I could make it happen. I could turn my life into a catalog picture...if only.
The problem is, I don't kayak. Even when I worked full time and could afford to buy whatever clothes I chose, my curves don't really work in "active lifestyle" gear. I tend to be boxy and masculine. And really, unless you count pushing a stroller to the library active, my lifestyle doesn't really fit the clothes any more than my hips do.
Now that I have the time for a beautifully set table it doesn't matter. I have three loud, messy kids who will either break something or just refuse to eat anything off the lovely pumpkin plates thus ruining the illusion of a perfect catalog picture life.
I still get pangs of longing when I look through these catalogs. I still sometimes wish I could have a kid bathroom filled with themed (and of course monogrammed) towels and rugs and shower curtains. I always wish I could stroll the streets of Paris or London hand in hand with my man, me in my fabulous Boden wrap-dress, matching boots and handbag; him in his natty Euro duds; both sipping cappuccinos.
The reality is, lately my matching boots and handbag are both from Target-and rarely are new-or even matching for that matter. I have one full bathroom that I share with my kids so there is no Amazon Tree Frog theme but rather browns and blues abound-so as to not show filth. My husband and I have never been to Paris and my one time in London was visiting a girlfriend by myself because she offered a free place to stay.
This is the truth of my life. We are not a catalog picture family. We have lovely china that we might use once a year. We do have nice furniture, that will probably need to be recovered as it's slowly being destroyed by sticky fingers and dirty feet. My clothes, for now should probably stay inexpensive (save for a few suits) because unless I am at a business function all day, my outfit will end up with something dirty or gooey on it somewhere.
Continued on the next page
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