Invasion of the Java Blue Mommy Clones

I've been a Stay-At-Home-Mom for the last 2 1/2 years. This experience is alternately enlightening, challenging, and frustrating at times (sometimes all at one time!) Because of this, I have resorted to wearing what I refer to as my "mom uniform."

My daily uniform includes a solid colored shirt, with or without stains and bleach spots, and a pair of denim capri pants, with or without those stupid tie things around the leg. (Not sure what those are actually for, unless some capri-wearing people decide to hike them up above the knee and tie a little bow to hold them up there for a charming pantaloon effect.) I try to select a shirt with no stains when I have to go out in public, just as a courtesy to those who observe me closely.

Lately I have been stuffing a Vera Bradley bag with all of my out-in-the-world necessities like baby wipes and folding potty seats, spare underwear and shorts (for little guy, not for me. . .hopefully!) and cell phones and cameras, not to mention wallet, sunglasses, keys, a water bottle, a sippy cup and whatever else will fit. Sadly, one day while waiting in line at the Target Food Court for my $1 popcorn and drink combo (what a deal!), both in front of me and in back of me were similarly clad moms, fully decked out in their solid color shirts, capri pants and with their Vera Bradley bags. What actually drew my attention to them was the bags--we all had the same pattern (java blue--gotta love it) but different styles. AND THEN I saw another one filling up her cup at the drink machine-thing.

What in the world? Suddenly aware of my shocking lack of originality, I quickly glanced at footwear of the clones. Aha! I must be the original after all. NONE OF THEM were wearing hot pink Mickey Mouse Crocs, they had all opted for the neutral leather sandals or flip flops. OK, I will admit that I only had on the Mickey Crocs because I forgot to change into my neutral khaki Crocs before I left home.

I love Crocs! I have been wearing them since July of last year (no, not continuously, but almost!) They are the most comfortable shoes ever. Sure, they're ugly, but at least they make you stand out in a crowd of mommy clones!

Oh, yeah, I lost my train of thought--Crocs do that to me. Anyhow, I decided to switch bags when I got home. I thought I would be different and go with a solid black bag for a while. . . besides, the folding potty seat fits better in the black one.