Week 55: Mean Girls and The World's Best Planning

Week 55: January 14th-20th, 2024

This week definitely wasn't as exciting as my star-struck moment at the MPTF event, but I still managed to do a couple new things.

First, I obviously had to go see the new Mean Girls musical in theatres. It was definitely not the same as the original movie, but it wasn't meant to be. So, if you're thinking it is just a remake of the original movie, you're in for a multi-ballad treat. This was a movie adaptation of the Broadway musical, and the Broadway musical was an adaptation of the original movie. So obviously a lot is gonna change with all that...well... adapting. Here's a trailer for it, if you haven't seen it yet.

The poster for Mean Girls (2024)

I liked many things about the new Mean Girls movie, but the most notable was Karen Shetty and her song, "Sexy." Her entire character, played by Avantika, who channeled Amanda Seyfried's version of Karen, was masterfully done. Of course, the Megan Thee Stallion cameo was fantastic, and Renee Rapp did a fantastic job throughout. I also love that they casted people who actually know how to sing and have musical backgrounds. I think it really made a difference with diversifying the cast and maintaining high levels of talent. The main qualm I had with the movie was the costume design and some of the wardrobe choices. I appreciate that they made a conscious choice to modernize the movie with references to social media, and vaping, and the filmmakers did it well. However, the core identity of the Plastics was stripped away a bit with the wardrobe decisions that were made for Regina, Karen and Gretchen. I think the cargo/utility pant and corset looks were almost too Gen Z, too "trendy," and I would've loved to see the trio in more of their classic, preppy pink looks.

Along with seeing a movie made perfectly for today's girls and gays, I also managed to help plan, attend, and execute possibly one of the most efficient trip planning events in my friend group's history. Last year, five of my girl friends and I went to Cabo, and while it was a fantastic trip, the planning could've been better. It all happened over a few weeks of scattered texts, scheduling snafus and forgotten plans. Naturally, after how fun last year was, we wanted to plan another girls' trip for this year. So, after miraculously finding a time where we were all free, we got together and sat in the living room with our laptops and had the world's best planning session.

We started by throwing out potential dates, checking weather in different locations, and the excitement began to grow. Costco pizza boxes and wine bottles were cracked open as I hooked my laptop up to the TV with an HDMI cord and started a collaborative Google Slide document for everyone to access. (Side note: You should see my Trip Planning and Vision folder... it is quite impressive.) After considering a couple different months and a variety of places such as New Orleans, Boston, Cancun, and the Dominican Republic, we all agreed our next destination would be Tulum, and we would be going in June.

After a big "TULUM" got slapped onto the screen, fingers started flying across keyboards and the room was buzzing with excitement. Loose itineraries began to form, flights were booked, and outfits, of course, were being envisioned by the second. Day clubs, adventures to ancient ruins, spa days, and more! The girls' trip train, as a foundation, has officially left the station. Next stop is a big surprise: probably more brainstorming and planning.

I wasn't even expecting tickets to actually get booked and plans to be set in stone, but our collective brainpower and shared desire for a vacation were key motivating factors in getting sh*t done. Apart from some site-loading issues when it came to booking flights, the planning was smooth and painless. We actually booked our flights, a place to stay, and have a general idea of our schedule for each day already. Like I said.... a miracle. It is amazing what six women can accomplish in a few hours when they are desperate for a girls' trip.

My friends and I always say that our weekend excursions, activities and trips are what get us through each work week because they give us something to look forward to. I really believe that right now is the time for me to get out and do fun stuff, before we are burdened with more responsibility. I feel so lucky to have the friends that I do, though it is interesting to reflect and think of how I used to believe that a smaller circle of friends was more my style. I related more to the Regina George's of the world when it came to passing judgement and exclusivity. But, as I've grown older and can appreciate connection and human existence a little more, I feel so grounded and happy when I am with my friends. I love to think of my younger self, and how she would be proud (and a little taken aback) if she saw me now, surrounded by the laughter and beauty and forces of nature that are my girls. Planning a girls' trip all at once, with everyone ready to make executive decisions and ready to spend, was so satisfying. It felt great getting things planned, especially with everyone being on the same excited, idea-hungry wavelength.

I know planning anything with a group larger than 3 is usually impossible, especially if it is a multi-day trip, requiring flights and hotels, but again, by some miracle, we were able to plan another trip for 6 (!) that is absolutely destined for greatness. The slideshow itinerary and vision board are just the beginning. Just you wait and see.

See you next week.