There's no place like home.

On Saturday, I had the unique opportunity to go and see Pauly D of 'Jersey Shore' fame spin some tunes here located in Ameristar Casino & Hotel.  It was with a fabulous group of fellow hot mommas, including, Mrs.Lewis. 

I got to dress-up, complete with make-up that I rarely wear.  Have yummy mozzarella wedges, a cosmo, and dance for a couple of hours. 

But, alas, I am old.  I am a mother (yes, mom, a mother).  I like being at home.

I can't say I've even ever been to a place like this, even when I was young.  And, let's just say, some of the clientele was a bit rough around the edges.  Some girls near us tried to create some 'tension'.  I didn't think that stuff really happened in real life.  Who is that unhappy and miserable?  There was another group next to us that was a bit more my speed, and they, too, were getting annoyed.  We weren't alone. 

My better judgement kicked in and I told Mrs.Lewis I had to get out of there.  So, while the other part of our entourage waited to get a photo of Pauly D in the flesh, Mrs.Lewis and I went to the seafood restaurant closer to the hotel and had Diet Cokes and talked.  When that restaurant closed, we ventured into the casino itself and had more pop (which is free in the casino and fountainy and cold, score) and sat at the slots. 

We weren't playing, just talking and laughing some more, while we watched some man blow through $100, at least, on slots all while not even watching the screen.  I guess he just looked up when it buzzed and rang.  How sad.

The other ladies texted us and said they were ready, and off we went to meet up with 'Scooter Guy'.  A fabulous operation that picks you up and drives you and your car safely home when a designated driver is needed, and more importantly, took me right to my doorstep.  My friend, Kelly, has a membership.  Too bad I could've driven us to Chicago and back with all my Diet Coke.  Although, I would've had to make about 163 restroom stops.  Better to plan on the safe side. 

So, overall, I would say, I'm not cut out for such escapades.  Did you read that, Mom?  You know I know this, but it is okay to venture out into the world, guilt-free, once in a blue moon.  No one was hurt, I was up bright and early on Sunday while Big Jake worked on the steps (which is another story for another day). The 'Too-much-fun Police' aren't going to arrest me.  I'm sure of it.  In fact, something I've always known was reinforced like a nail in my heart that night...I like being home.  Love it, in fact.  It's the only place I fell I truly belong.  I could stay home for days on end without going anywhere.  Not even Target.  Seriously.

I am a wife and mother, first and foremost.  FOREVER.  And, I must be doing something right, because my love of home and family is evident in my children.  They love being here together, too.  Both boys have told me so on several different occassions.  It's warm, cozy, stable, secure, and full of love. 

So, to my own dear, sweet, mother (from whom I've gotten my self-rightous/opinionated gene from)...

There is nothing you can say to me that I haven't already thought.  Although I am more social than you are and have different interests, be confident that you have raised me right.  And that doesn't mean that I do everything exactly the way you would, but that I am a good and solid person.  And you are largely responsible.  I love you, and wished that you had gone on one or two adventures in your heyday. 

If I wasn't officially retired from nightclub life, I would've taken you. 

ps I've given up Facebook for Lent (maybe indefinitely), so if you need to contact me...call, email, or comment.  :)