Where do I begin?
I am still recovering from the weekend and it's so much harder to do when it's a school holiday and your kids are so happy to see you that they can't keep to themselves for even a minute.
The first Manic Mommies Escape is behind us and already we're thinking about what went well and what we could've done better. We're thrilled so many of you had a good time and that you enjoyed all that Newport had to offer.
We were surprised so many mommies were willing to take a risk and come on the Escape alone, eager and happy to make new friends. Manic Mommies came from as far away as Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland and Seattle, Washington. When we opened the weekend on Friday night I was actually at a loss for words (and that rarely happens to me)! I was overwhelmed by the feeling of friendship that seemed to instantly fill the room. Moms introducing themselves, talking about their kids, their jobs, and their need to recharge.
When Dena took the stage I knew she would be a hit. Moms were laughing so hard they were crying. We all pitied the dad who called his wife during the performance, but we laughed our heads off when Dena grabbed the phone and started asking him about the kids. Our sponsor Christopher Barger from GM, the only man in the room, was a great sport, taking the "husband bashing" in stride.
The GM gift bags were a hit and when we gathered in the bar after the comedy show, moms were commenting on all the great loot in the gift bags (especially the 2008 Mom Engagement calendars). I went to bed Friday night with a little wine buzz and feeling good about the way we kicked off the weekend. Then I lay awake all night, my stomach a bundle of nerves, wondering if there was any way to keep the momentum going through the whole weekend. I kept saying to myself, "It's the first one. Cut yourself some slack. Expect there will be some bumps in the road." And then I went in to the bathroom and nearly vomited.
Saturday morning I felt there was no way I could do yoga. My sister, who volunteered to be my "assistant" all weekend, said she'd stand in for me and let the group know I didn't sleep well (even thought she'd never done yoga a day in her life). But like a mother who is up all night with a crying baby, and then has to work the next day, I just pulled it together as best I could and was immediately re-energized by the 23 women up at 7:45am and we all headed over to the Soma Yoga studio.
Our drivers, provided by GM, were an added bonus. When was the last time a mom was shuttled around to her yoga studio, picked up, and offered a ride over to Starbucks for coffee? I was so appreciative of this added service. (I must confess, I could get used to a personal driver). Later the GM drivers could be found along Bellevue Avenue, collecting moms from the mansions and returning them back to the Hotel Viking.
On Saturday The Meal Makeover Moms Liz and Janice taught us how to add more nutrition to the things we cook every day (the secret: ground flaxseed) and how to select healthier alternatives to chicken nuggets and hot dogs. At the afternoon Mom U. sessions moms gathered to learn more about work/life balance, discipline, tips for how to photograph your children, advice for starting your own business and much more.
Saturday night it was off to dinner and drinks. Some moms took in a movie, others danced to a cover band until 1 am. Some just relaxed in their rooms, knitting, doing crossword puzzles, or ordering room service. I was lucky to dine with my sister, Jane Porter, and two other moms at a tiny restaurant called Pronto where the food was as delicious as the conversation.
Sunday morning came quickly (thanks to the help of an Ambien) and there were many damp eyes as Jane Porter shared with us the deeply personal story of her mother's struggle to leave an abusive husband. Jane inspired us with her own achievements: trying to make a living as a single mom and writer able to support her two young sons.
Moms lined up to buy Jane's books and there was just enough time for a few group photos before everyone had to check out of the hotel. My sister and I finally made it to the spa and then we invited our new friend Tara from Texas to join us for lunch and a ride back to Boston.
What a weekend! Many new friends were made. If you came on the Escape and are interested in keeping touch with the women you met, please consider joining our Facebook group. We're going to release a post-event survey shortly and one of the questions we'll be asking is whether you would like to have your name and contact information added to our "official" Escape Class of 2007 roster.
Thanks again for your continued support of Manic Mommies and we'll see you next year!
