I’m writing this post today because my husband is celebrating our 15th anniversary by jetting off to New York City for what sounds like a great trip visiting Brizo, meeting other architects, attending a fashion show, and no doubt having lots of cocktails. Yes, that’s right, Bob’s going to New York on our 15th anniversary and I’m not invited. Now I don’t really care about missing all the architecture stuff, but I’m flaming jealous of him seeing a fashion show in New York without me. He doesn’t even care about fashion. The last time he picked up a fashion magazine was, like, never. And I looooooooooooooove clothes … it’s just not fair. Why can’t I go to fashion week? Maybe I need my own blog where I can get my opinion out and have suppliers want to woo me and take me on fantastic trips. I really need to work on that. But what would I write about? I have an advanced degree in mathematics and I work in procurement. Do you even know what procurement means??? I’m afraid that would only get me invited to some Star Trek convention and that isn’t really my style. Ok, maybe it is my style, but for now, let’s pretend it’s not.
So, it made me wonder, ‘Do all architects lead glamorous lives?’. You certainly would think so if you believe Hollywood. Seems like every other movie or tv show has an architect as the lead character. They always seem to be honest, hardworking, introspective, and extremely financially successful. Oh, and sexy. They always wear black and have stylish glasses. A few actors that played architects in movies – Paul Newman, Keanu Reeves, Michael Keaton, Tom Hanks, Liam Neeson. The list goes on and on; almost every big actor has played an architect once. And yet none of these characters have a lifestyle anything like ours. Tom Hanks lived on an awesome houseboat on Lake Washington in “Sleepless in Seattle”. Have you priced one of those out lately? If I tell anyone my husband is an architect, they all raise their eyebrows and instantly assume we are rich and have a glamorous house with awesome furniture; you know, like Tom Hanks.
So, this led me to my next question – ‘What is Bob doing wrong?’. I mean, it MUST be his fault that our lifestyle isn’t one of glamour and money and fame. It’s the stereotype so it must be right! Why can’t we build ourselves a super modern house in an ultra-chic neighborhood with all the yuppie creative types? Why doesn’t he wear black all the time and take me out on dates to fancy clubs wearing high fashion clothing while drinking fancy cocktails? Where’s my houseboat and ultra-modern weekend house? WHY AREN’T WE RICH??????????????
And then it came to me. Hollywood must be wrong. GASP! I don’t want to believe it, but they must. The harsh reality is that the majority of architects don’t make tons of money or live glamorous lives – at least the ones I know. Sure, there may be the occasional trip to New York and fashion week, but that’s not the norm. But, architecture is a truly noble profession within a very tight-knit community. The title ‘architect’ defines the person, not just the profession. Not many others can say that.
So, all that being said, my 15 years with Bob haven’t been glamorous, but they’ve been great. We have an amazing kid, two dogs, one cat, one goldfish, a rundown house with lots of ‘potential’, and lots of great memories of our 15 years together. We’ve traveled all over the world and done some amazing things and have some fantastic stories to tell. I’ll take that over glamour any day.
Happy Anniversary honey. I love you.
