So, I recently had the opportunity to spend some rare one-on-one time with my 12-year-old daughter Mary. Her little brother who just turned seven (and is usually clamoring for my attention in one way or another) was on a Cub Scout outing with his dad. Her older sister who is twenty-three years old (and living at home again after having graduated college) was at work, and her older brother (who is twenty-five and deals with the debilitating effects of Chronic Lyme Disease) was visiting he grandparents in Maryland.
It was just the two of us at home this day, as I said it being a rare occurrence. I asked Mary what he would like to do today. After she had suggested going to the movies, getting mani-pedis, or going on a shopping spree at Short Pump Mall, I amended my question to, “What would you like to do today that does not involve spending any money?”
She rolled her adolescent eyes and thought for a moment before suggesting, “How about microwave popcorn, TV and we give each other makeovers?” “Deal!” I said.
Now, admittedly I have not watched much T.V. with Mary lately. She comes home from Middle School, does homework, then gets on the computer to chat with her friends, spend time browsing on Pinterest or listening to music. Then its dinner, showers and bed. Generally, I fall asleep before she does while I read bedtime stories to her little brother.
We gather all the requirements for our makeovers-brushes, hair straightener for me, hair curler for her, various types of make up, lotions, potions, perfumes and costume jewelry. Mary usually wants to pick out an outfit for me as well because she says I dress like a mom . . .while Mary makes the popcorn, I have the great idea of putting in the DVD that I recently checked out of the public library for us to watch together. In her Drama class at school, (kinda ironic that she is taking drama-she could teach ‘DRAMA!’)
Sarcasm aside, she told me that she had been studying Romeo and Juliet and watched the Leonardo de Caprio/Claire Danes modern version recently. She said she enjoyed it a lot. Wanting to expose her to different versions ( i.e., better versions) I checked out Franco Zefirelli’s film with Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, so she could compare and contrast them. “Fine.” she moaned.
I pressed PLAY and sat down on an exercise ball as Mary began my makeover.
The haunting lyrics and music of the theme song reminded me of my own adolescence. I was painfully shy and scared of my own shadow most of the time. I am so happy that Mary is outgoing, and much more self-assured than I was; I credit her joining Girl Scouts and sport recreation teams for instilling confidence.
First thing Mary notices is that the star of this film, Len Whiting looks an awful lot like current heartthrob, Zac Efron. “Wow. You’re right he really does!” I agree.
“Remember when you loved the High School Musical movies?” I ask. “Yea. I was just a dumb little kid then.” She says. I smile remembering the HSM themed slumber parties we had for her two birthdays in a row. Now, she seems so grown up 
“Ya know what I’ve noticed Mom?-that Disney channel and Nickelodeon T.V. shows and movies all seem to be about kids making it big in Hollywood. How stupid is that-I mean most people do not become big STARS!” She said emphasizing the word with air quotes.
“Hmm. You’re right, never thought about it much.” I said. We then listed the shows out loud. Hannah
Montana, HSM, A.N.T. Farm, Sonny With A Chance, Austin and Ally, and Shake It Up to name a few. “You know, when you’re older brother and sister were coming up they watched shows that were much different on those same channels.” I said.
We then listed those out loud, Even Stevens, Lizzie McGuire, Flash Forward, Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, to name a few.
These shows dealt with regular kids doing regular things.
“Wonder why it changed so much. Kind of makes kids think that being famous is what is really important doesn’t it?” I said. “Yeah. It’s stupid-my friends and I talk about how cool it would be to be a singer or actress, but being a doctor, nurse, teacher, or owning a business someday is more realistic.” She said. “I think so too-and probably more rewarding in the long run…” I said as she flattened my curly hair straight.
“How do you like this version of Romeo and Juliet?” I asked hopefully. “Well, it’s kind of boring-and no guy would ever wear tights and run around the streets like that!” She answers.
Oh well. At least we agree on the important stuff.
