One of my favorite movies growing up was Vincent Minelli's "Meet Me In St. Louis." Really, what's not to love: fun-and short-musical numbers, fabulous "ginger-peachy" catchphrases, creepy Victorian Halloween practices, and the joy of knowing that I won't have to wear a corset to make a move on members of the opposite sex. (Hmmm...maybe that would help...)
Recently a certain part of the Christmas ball scene has been replaying in my mind. Esther and her sister Rose plotted to get back at Lucille Ballard for going to the ball with Warren Sheffield (Rose's beau) instead of their brother Lon. Rose and Esther filled Lucille's dance card with the city's less-than-optimal dance partners. Once Miss Ballard arrived at the ball, she insisted that Warren pair off with Rose, and she would then get to spend time with Lon. Rose was more than pleased with the arrangement, and unbeknownst to Esther, agreed to the new arrangement. Soon Esther joined the party with the filled dance card from you-know-where, when Rose hastily, and and rather snootily I might add, stated that "The plans have been changed," and then waltzed off with Warren. (Or maybe it was Virginia Reel.) Esther kept the wicked dance card for herself, and had a tortured Christmas ball until her grandfather (and later heart-throb John Truitt) saved her.
You are now probably wondering why this particular scene has been playing in my mind. As you all know, I've been unemployed and trying to get a job so I can save up money to go back to school next fall. Needless to say, I've been a little impatient and worried that I've maybe made yet another poor decision. I may live at home, but it is still no fun to be without pocket money--especially with the autumn approaching and I seem to have misplaced my long-sleeved shirts and closed-toe shoes.
One day I was pondering my situation and thought about starting to school early--at a local community college, and paying for it along the way with a part-time job. Like, at the mall or something. The idea didn't sit well. It didn't match my plans to spend my first paycheck at Boden, Anthropologie, and the Nordstrom shoe department. All of a sudden I heard Rose Smith's uppity voice telling me the "the plans have been changed." I knew that I would not be dancing with the 20 most eligible St. Louis bachelors circa 1903. I am dancing with the rejects. I know, I know....there is nothing wrong with training at a community college, or working at the mall. It just wasn't what I planned.
But maybe things are working out. A couple in my ward hired me to work at their store in the mall selling fancy olive oils, vinegars, etc. And with any luck I'll be starting school tomorrow. Since I'm a late registrant I have to beg the teachers to add me. If it is "meant to be" then it will work out, and my dance with the circa 1903 St. Louis rejects will pass quickly, and my figurative John Truitt will show up the make the rest of the ball fabulous.
Keep in mind, however, that I reserve the right to have more changed plans.
