Great expectations

Look at this kid. He is clearly anticipating someone wonderful about to happen. Maybe he is about to get a big ol' sundae with a cherry on top. Or that's what he THINKS. In reality he is getting a bowl of slop. That is sometimes how I feel about life in general.
I have been really disappointed so far in the activities that I have been attending with my singles group. I always have these pictures in my head of how these activities will be, and the reality is really depressing. For example, I went to "Jammin at the Zoo" this Friday. This is a fundraiser event for Lincoln Park Zoo, where you can go and listen to a band play there. Here is the version that took place in my head... and then the real version.
Imaginary: There is a section of the lawn staked out for our group of 50. We've all brought blankets and are sprawled out enjoying the cool night air, good conversation, and of course- the music.
Reality: There is no room on the lawn. The few of us who brought blankets are regretting it because now we are hot and holding blankets. There is no room for sprawling, instead there are sweaty people as far as the eye can see, and I'm trying really hard not to let my sweaty arm touch their sweaty arms. I HATE that feeling! The conversation is stilted and awkward, and not nearly as focused on me as I would have liked. I knew two songs that the band sang, but I really could barely hear them.

This got me to thinking... the one thing that I have always looked forward to is being a wife and mother. In my imaginary family we sleep in late on Sundays, curl up and watch baseball snuggled up on the couch. My husband frequently tells me how much he adores me, and will often sneak up behind me, brush my hair away from my neck, and plant me with loving kisses. My children are well-behaved, intelligent, witty, clean, and obedient. They enjoy spending time with each other and successful in everything that they do. The dog fetches the paper, and my husband's slippers. My in-laws get along famously with my family. My husband is rich, successful, and has lots of time at home with me and the kids. OH- and he LOVES buying me jewelery. In reality... I guess we'll just have to wait and see.