Sometimes, When I Open My Mouth, My Mother Comes Out

When did I turn into my own mother? 

Was it when I became a mother, myself?

Maybe it was when I first moved out and found her presence lacking in my life, I then tried to fill the void?
Or was it even earlier?  Was my youthful eye-rolling and embarrassment just the outward expression of an Oedipus/Electra complex to mask the fact that I truly identified with my mother all along in order to compete for the affections of my father?  (‘Sup, Freud?)

Whenever it happened, I know there’s no denying it now:  I am my mother’s daughter. 

And that’s not a bad thing.  In fact, if I can be so bold as to say this whilst making a direct comparison between she and I, I think my mom’s pretty great.

So here’s what we share.

A Love for Games

I was involved in planning a social event for the teachers in our primary organization.  It was supposed to be very casual with just some food and time for people to get to know each other, but before I could stop myself the words were already out of my mouth: “Can we play a game?  I’ll plan it.”  So of course I had to call up my mother, the queen of party games, to figure out what we could actually play.
Honestly, I don’t know what people who grew up without a massive Jeopardy board in their home ever did for fun.

Making Friends

My mom always told me, “I’d rather be thought of as foolish and friendly than wise but aloof”.  For all the times I groaned in mortification at my mother’s constant small talk and outreaching, I now find myself going out of my way to make introductions, catch up with people, and extend invitations.  I’m still not much of a conversationalist, so I’m sure I’ve got the “foolish” part down, but I’d like to think I’m there on “friendly”, as well.

A Good Sport

Growing up, I was taught to be both a good loser and a good winner.  And I’ll be darned if I’m not the best sport around in all forms of game play, win or lose! 

(Okay, my husband might disagree on the few occasions that Settlers of Catan has gotten heated…)

Sighs

You know when some someone says something humorous but painfully truthful?  It’s funny but sad.  I tend to let out this same little chuckle that turns into a pathetic sigh.  Without fail, Thomas will tell me, “You sound just like your mother.”

Looks

What can I say?  We’re stunners.  And we can both rock short hair. 

Parties with a Theme
I am a sucker for a good themed party.  Admittedly, I am not so great at actually planning these parties, but tell me there’s a theme – carnival, western, princess, or the 70s – and my mom and I will be there dressed in matching clown costumes, cowboy hats, tiaras, or gaucho pants.

Throw in a game that’s on topic and you couldn’t keep us out!