My Spring Ritual

Originally uploaded by SarahLena.

You know it’s spring when the pink toenail polish comes out.

So, back to the whole “not saying hi to people cause they won’t know who I am”, karma totally called my bluff on that since I’ve posted.

Last night, I stopped in at Star Market on my way home to grab some produce before Daddy joined us for dinner, and while browsing the aisle, I looked up and saw my eighth-grade English teacher.  Now, typically, I wouldn’t have approached her.  But this woman made such a huge impact on me as a student that I would’ve hated myself for not at least saying “hi”. 

So I called to her.

“Hey,” I said.  “You probably don’t remember me, but you taught me english and I got to paint one of your ceiling tiles.  My name is ..”

“Sarah, I know who you are!” she exclaimed.  “I just didn’t recognize you right off.. you’ve gotten so skinny!”

(Which made me wonder what I looked like the last time I saw her, but I’m willing to take a compliment when it comes.)

So I went home and baked some lovin’ into my kick-ass enchiladas.

This morning, I decided to treat myself to something I NEVER do.. I went by Starbucks for a latte.  A perky lady took my order at the drive-thru window and I pulled forward to pay.  I thought she looked vaguely familiar, and then I placed her as our stage manager for Brigadoon in high school.  I marveled at how grown-up she seemed now.  She looked quizzically at me and I handed her my Visa.

She looked at the card and said, “I thought that was you!  I used to watch you every night during that funeral scene.  You were so beautiful.  You’ve gotten prettier, too.”

Of course, I shared that much “bragging” to tell you this: as I’ve documented, I’ve been going commando for the past two weeks.  I LOVE IT.  I can’t tell you how freeing it is.  It takes about a day of getting used to, but it’s completely awesome after that.

But today, I figured out when it is NOT awesome.

When you’re walking down a flight of stairs, in a swishy (albeit, calf-length) skirt, and someone is walking up.  And it’s a windy day.

He blushed.  I blushed.  And we went on about our lives.

But I imagine I won’t be approaching HIM any time in the near future.

Bryan walks in from the shower, and I stand there in my Ann Taylor pants, jewelry, heels, and no shirt.

Bryan: I like that ensemble. (Cause we’re sophisticated and speak french.  Like “brie”.)

Me: Yeah?  You like?

Bryan:  Mm-hm.  Doesn’t exactly say “corporate”, but..

Me: What DOES it say exactly?

Bryan: Says “My boss is not in today, so just be thankful I put on a bra.”