So I was just talking with my mom about my sweet sixteen in December. I know it's a long way away, but since I've already missed my entire childhood, I'm unwilling to let what is really the last big event in a girl's life before she reaches womanhood. I plan to have a venetian-masquerade themed party with all the bells and whistles. I want at least a few pictures to show my children of how their mommy looked when she was young. I will already be full-time so it is certainly do-able, it is just a matter of how. Before I presented it to my mom, I had already researched it and was reading off quotes and figures from my little green book.
She said that is is do-able, pretty much exactly the way I want it, but since money is tight, and venues and catering is expensive, I am going to have to choose between an enormous celebration and a car. While one could argue that a car is more practical, the pictures and memories of this momentous celebration seem priceless to me. My mind is pretty much made up about this, I was just wondering what you guys would think. Would you take the car, or the huge party?
Being a fairly unsentimental sort, I would lunge for the practical choice, the car. But then, social anxiety would downgrade the party for me anyway. Nice choice to have!
ReplyDeleteLauren,
ReplyDeleteI think that would depend on a number of things. If you're going to need to get a part-time job anytime soon, you may need a car to get you there, unless you're really close to some potential employers. Of course, if you live close by and can get to work without one, then it's a moot point. Do you have your license yet? Anyway, just some things to think about.
I wouldn't blame you on wanting such a party, due to missing out on things earlier in your life.
You have plenty of time to think about things, so don't stress about the points that I've brought up to you. I'm just trying to help you think things through.
Really enjoy your blog. Good luck with everything!
Hey Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI've been checking out your blog a bit lately, and I can't really seem to find anything on how your Mom is going with all of this (IE you're transition etc), is she supportive? I kinda get the impression she's trying to be?
One thing I would say on the car/party choice is: as a young people we all think our parents are completely out of touch. Moms are, despite all evidence to the contrary, pretty dang smart. I'm not sure what your relationship with her is like, but if I were you, I'd sit down with her and ask her the question you just asked us and give her your motives.
Listen to what she says and think about it carefully.
Do what makes YOU! happiest in the long run, don't make a decision based on a bunch of people you've never met.
How many "FRIENDS" are you inviting to this thing anyhow?... Where's my invite? *arms crossed, tapping foot*
Look after you
Cheers R
Ooh, difficult choice! I grew up way hell and gone out in the country so for me the choice would have been easy: the car represented freedom. But if you live somewhere closer to civilisation then you might not have that problem.
ReplyDeleteI would say this though: think of your personal safety. Imagine you had two children your age, a boy and a girl, both carless. As a parent, which would you worry more about finding their way home at night by public transport?
I often find some of the best things in life are unplanned. If you're pouring a lot of energy into your party there's a good chance it could fall short of your expectations. A car might bring some unexpected happy memories, connections and resources into your life. That's my take.
ReplyDeleteWhen I turned 16 my dad offered me a computer or a car (forget the fact that the car costs 10x as much). I opted for the computer, because I'm a nerd. Now it's my profession, and nearly ten years later I still don't have a car.
ReplyDeleteBut think about what others said above - a car often means freedom for most people, and most teenagers need that more than a party or a computer. From what you say here, you are thinking long term about both. The party won't just be a good time, it will be a good time you will always remember. Just don't put all your eggs in one basket.
You're about to turn 16. Go for the party! You'll only be a 16 year old girl once in your life. A car can come later. I didn't own my first car untilI was 22.
ReplyDeleteBig hug!
Melissa XX