Paul and I went to the movies this past weekend to see Revolutionary Road with Kate Winslet and Leonardo DeCaprio. If you haven’t seen it already, don’t. It’s terrible. I don’t want to be a spoiler here so don’t read on if you think you might see it.  I cannot believe it got such great reviews. It is without a doubt the most feel bad movie of the year. And I am not saying this because the subject matter was very disturbing. I’m saying this because it was just bad. It was a didactic, overwrought, overstated expose of two miserable people living in Connecticut (which we all know is the most stifling place to be) who got sucked into that maelstrom called suburbia who think they are so special,  but don’t really have the guts to get out. You could see the direction on the actors’ faces. ‘Kate, this is where you look distraught.” “Leo, you’re enraged.” Kate’s character is unhappy with Leo’s decision to take a promotion and stay in Connecticut rather than move to Paris so she kills herself. The End. Why not get a divorce, I’m wondering?

Afterward, as I was waiting in line to use the ladies’ room, I asked the woman standing next to me if she had seen the movie. I could tell she had by the drained expression on her face. She agreed with me that the movie was incredibly disturbing and it made her think of her 88 year old grandmother who was a 50′s housewife trapped for 55 years in a loveless marriage. Her husband died and now she is married to the love of her life. That was the best news I had all night. It made me reflect on my own life and count my blessings that when I felt unhappy and unfilled in my first marriage, I was lucky to have options to get out.

Later, I discussed my feelings with Paul. “I’m so glad I’m not a ’50s housewife.” I told him.  ”No you’re not,” and searching for the right words to describe me he replied, “you’re a Millennium Mom.” How would I define that? I’d say I’m a strong, determined woman who paved my own way in life, made some sacrifices and compromises along the way, fought for my happiness, found it, and wouldn’t have it any other way. There, I’ve coined a new phrase: Millennium Mom. I’ll have to Google it and see if anything comes up. Please comment and tell me your definition of a Millennium Mom and why you think you qualify as one. I would love to hear your stories.