She laughs again and then makes a comment that I have always been a mystery.

When I picked up Laurel from a birthday party last Friday night, the place was a chaotic sea of kids, sugar and parents.  I just wanted to find Laurel and get out of there.  She was getting her face painted so I was held captive for at least 10 more minutes. I think it would have been obvious to leave and go wait in the car so I stayed.   Another mom, in the same predicament, looked over at me, smiled and asked, "Are you Laurel's mom?"

Oh shit...wait this is Laurel,not Rachel.  Should be fine.  "Yes, I am...my name is Jude, Jude Carlson-Wang."  That's right, I say it loud and proud.

As we are shaking hands, she laughs and says how she always sees Ching, but never me.

I joke that I like to hide out at home and fold laundry.  Actually it's not a joke.

She laughs again and then makes a comment that I have always been a mystery.  Good Lord, this is not a joke either.  I haven't been the most sociable mom.  Ching usually does all of the social events with the girls.  He is usually the caller or writer of an e-mail initiating a play date.  If I do go to soccer, I tend to sit alone and play with Rachel.  I should make more of an effort.  If I feel like a slob..put on a clean shirt and get into the circle.  I am funny and smart!  My kids are really good (well, with Rachel, let's just keep it at a simple "good") so there is no awkwardness of "oh, you're their mother."

This mom seems very nice and her daughter seems kind. I wonder if she thought that I even existed...Ching rarely wears his wedding ring in casual clothes.  Maybe she thought I was always away on some business trip because I had a high powered job.  Or maybe she thinks that I am hiding out eating ice cream sandwiches claiming to be busy.  Regardless, I am sure she thought I was attractive since our girls are so cute.  Maybe she knew that I was just shy...perhaps that is why she introduced herself first without letting me flounder.

As I am solving her mystery, I kind of wish that I looked more exotic.