Apparently I'm not the only one in on the secret that I've sort of let myself go.
And no, not totally gone, it's just that I usually only do my makeup and hair on Sunday's any more--it started when the morning sickness hit and the extra time and less effort from it became so appealing that it's sort of stuck. Oh, and I'm trying to put myself together at least one other day during the week, mostly for Josh's sake (not that he's said anything, but we both seem to appreciate the effort on the days I do it a lot more than if I did it every day), so lets make that two days a week.
I used to just feel like a bum if I looked like one so it affected how I acted, etc--you know what I mean? So I've been kind of into this new happy despite what I look like state. I'm actually a bit proud of myself that I can go through the week not wearing makeup, doing my hair, and looking a bit like a slob and not have it affect my self esteem or productivity. Yay for personal progress Afton!
But here's the funny thing. I was in a non-memorable public place last week (hence my good description) with Hazel and she was trying to describe something that she wanted for Christmas. It went something like this:
H: Mom, you know what I want for Christmas? That stuff you use on Sundays?
M: What kind of stuff?
H: You just use it on Sundays to get ready?
M: Makeup?
H: Yeah, I want some makeup.
It was pretty cute. I have to say that I've considered them watching me do my make up every day and not really wanting that to be a big memory or them to feel a need to use it too (as the way to look pretty--although face it, I look 10x better with it, but I'd rather they didn't know it has that affect until much later in life), but maybe it's backfiring? Maybe they see what a transformation it is and if I used it every day they wouldn't really notice? Beats me.
Then I was at Costco yesterday. I had my suspicions that the cashier was new based on her slow and methodical ways...and the other employee hovering. Then I give her my card and she looks at the picture on the back (also a sign that she's new, into rules you know? I've never had anyone ever look before), then she looks at me, back at the card and goes, "Who is this?" I laughingly told her it was me (I figured she wouldn't believe me if I tried to act serious) and she eventually started ringing up my stuff.
Oh come on! Those pictures hardly look like pictures at all, they're the size of my fingernail and look like they're missing half the ink and details anyway. Granted, I am pregnant, I've cut my hair, which was poofy, didn't have makeup on, and I've gained 30 pounds. Yep, that's what it said at the drs office today (which I'm not too thrilled about since I have TWO months to go. She told lay off the Christmas gorge fest she knew I'd be into, ahhh, so much for my carefree eating and no exercise during pregnancy).
The whole thing reminded me of when I went to Uganda. I was on my way back to the states and was in London. I showed them my passport and they shuttled me away to further questioning. I should really post some pics on here of what I'm talking about so you can understand their concern. Here's their side of things:
-it was less than one year after 9/11
-my passport had a different name than my ticket (my birth certificate has a different name than my license and my passport and my social--3 different versions in the lot I believe)--they didn't have a problem shipping me out of the country with the confusion, but flying into NYC they had to be careful, I get it.
-I was a different person than the person in the picture. At least that's what they suspected.
Here is my side:
-I'd gained 30 pounds since the time the cute, made up 17yr old me had her picture taken (what is it about 30 pounds?)
-I'd spent 4 months in Africa, and I looked like it.
-No make up, short, chopped hair, giant cargo "ruffing" it pants, bandanna, etc. You get the picture. If not, tell me, and I will post one.
But how was I going to convince them that this really was me? It took some effort and some time and instilled in me a desire to put myself back together a little faster (I'd been working on it for two months in Africa, but I could only cover the diet and exercise there in a limited fashion).
So, there you have it. Some people say hair and makeup don't matter--and in some ways it doesn't--but when it comes to identification, it sure does if you go through changes like I do!
Q: Ever had a similar experience where someone didn't recognize you?
4 comments:
Interesting post! I have to say that I'm not as diligent about doing my hair and makeup these days, but I usually make sure that if I go somewhere, I'm "done," like grocery store, library, etc.
One thing I've decided is that if I am going to spend an hour a day on myself (which is how long it takes to shower, blow-dry my hair, straighten it, and put on makeup), my husband will probably appreciate it more in the long run if I spend that hour running. I'm still making an effort to look attractive for him, but in a different--and I think more long-term--way.
And I must also say that when i am feeling good (i.e. not sick from pregnancy!) I usually have exercised, showered, and done my makeup before the kids get up. It helps me feel like I am taking the business of being their mother more seriously, because I'm actually getting ready for it. Plus I'm more inclined to go do fun things with them, because I'm not worrying about people seeing me without makeup. In winter, I tend to just hole up in my house more, but in summer I'm pretty good about getting ready.
I once had a teacher in college tell me she didn't know who I was. I sat front and center in her class every day, and got good grades. She said she just thought people rotated through that seat. She didn't know it was me all the time. Apparently, I look very different depending on the day.
You look great!
I seriously enjoyed reading this post - especially because an Afton without makeup kind of has me intrigued! Not in a "Afton is always SO made up" kind of way, but because you love color and getting dressed up, etc. and I have so many memories of talking about makeup, buying makeup, etc. with you! It also intrigued me because I have felt similarly this pregnancy! Maybe it's something about the third...I only get ready on Fridays and Sundays now as well. I like to tell myself it's a sign of maturity... haha. =)
Oh, and I'm measuring 2 weeks too big this pregnancy...I don't know how much I've gained, but it's way, WAY more than usual. Wish we lived closer, we could totally bask in the hugeness together and then get back in shape after our pregnancies together, too!
Anyway, I laughed at your stories, who looks even remotely like their Costco picture anyway? Not only was that Costco worker new, they were naive and rude! =)
I didn't know you lived in Africa...I'd love to hear about that adventure! I was only there 3 weeks in college and I was likely pretty unrecognizable myself when I came home, with my over-sized t-shirt, DI skirt, and bandanna (what's with bandannas only being worn when people are totally caked with dirt, oil, and grime? Interesting phenomenon).
I want to see the picture, please :-)
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