Friends are the family you choose.
As, I prepare for a weekend catching up with old friends I am reminded of how true this quote is. I have often wondered how I have managed to meet as many people who are so similar to me. Discussions with friends on this topic has led me to one conclusion. We sniff each other out.
I hope that my friends are aware of their impact on my life and how truly special they are to me. Each has been chosen for me to make me a complete person. I could not be the wife, mother, sister, daughter, therapist, or friend that I am without their love.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
True Beauty
I've been a devout MAC user for over a decade. The array of colors and products would make any girl flush with excitement. I was not aware of my intense devotion to the product or the company until last week. While browsing some new Cremesheen Lip Glass for my upcoming "photo shoot" (said with as much sarcasm as possible) the artist began explaining to me the new fall line that was to be coming out August 24. MAC held a "makeover call" giving normal people "like you and me," she described, the chance to experience color and artistry like "ridiculously beautiful people do". She explained the new colors would work on all skin types, tones, and genders and she encouraged me to wait a week to buy so that I would have no regrets.
While we talked, I couldn't shake her familiarity and then it hit me. "Did you used to work at the Milwaukee counter?" I asked. "Yes!" I welcomed her to the new(er) Madison store. Her reply was a "Thanks!" and then BOOM. "Today is my last day. I'm moving in with my boyfriend in Charlotte. We're sick of the long distance relationship." While I could relate to the pain of high phone bills and travel expenses, I was crushed. I've boughten makeup from her for 10 years! We further discussed her plans over the coming months and wished her good luck.
So, here's why I write about this encounter. When I started buying makeup from her she was a shy and awkward boy. Year after year I saw his confidence grow yet his humility was always the same. The last time I saw her was about a year ago at the Milwaukee counter. As always, she upsold me and I didn't mind. Although her appearance has changed completely, she is still the same inside. She's always had a passion for her artistry and an obvious devotion to the company. Conversely, MAC has supported her through her growth and embraced the true beauty she is. My last conversation with her reminded me to be true to myself and accepting of those around me. No matter the differences. While this may not seem profound, it's something that seems to be often forgotten. Thank you, blonde bombshell at MAC for reminding me of one of life's most important lessons and thank you, MAC, for recognizing true beauty. <3 Steph
While we talked, I couldn't shake her familiarity and then it hit me. "Did you used to work at the Milwaukee counter?" I asked. "Yes!" I welcomed her to the new(er) Madison store. Her reply was a "Thanks!" and then BOOM. "Today is my last day. I'm moving in with my boyfriend in Charlotte. We're sick of the long distance relationship." While I could relate to the pain of high phone bills and travel expenses, I was crushed. I've boughten makeup from her for 10 years! We further discussed her plans over the coming months and wished her good luck.
So, here's why I write about this encounter. When I started buying makeup from her she was a shy and awkward boy. Year after year I saw his confidence grow yet his humility was always the same. The last time I saw her was about a year ago at the Milwaukee counter. As always, she upsold me and I didn't mind. Although her appearance has changed completely, she is still the same inside. She's always had a passion for her artistry and an obvious devotion to the company. Conversely, MAC has supported her through her growth and embraced the true beauty she is. My last conversation with her reminded me to be true to myself and accepting of those around me. No matter the differences. While this may not seem profound, it's something that seems to be often forgotten. Thank you, blonde bombshell at MAC for reminding me of one of life's most important lessons and thank you, MAC, for recognizing true beauty. <3 Steph
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
First
Several years ago I journaled. Every so often I'll come across one of those journals and laugh at what an idiot I was. To think that I spent so much time worrying over such ridiculous things like the girl picking her cuticles till they bled during English class. Watching each. Dead. Piece. Of skin. Fall to the paper on her desk. (Insert puking noise here.) I consider myself lucky to be able to go back and experience a piece of my history. However small and insignificant that piece is, it's made me the woman, wife and mother I have become. Looking back I realize that journaling allowed me to express myself in a way that I otherwise would not have been able to. I was able to say the things I wouldn't normally say and reflect on things that I thought were my core beliefs, later to discover I had no clue what the hell I was talking about.
It must be said that I am not a writer and am not exceptionally intelligent or insightful. This venture is not well thought out on my part. However, as I get older, I'm becoming more aware of the importance of knowing and understanding the self and am willing to use this as a small (and quite public) exploration of my self. I choose this because it gives me the opportunity for feedback, criticism, and, hopefully, encouragement.
Special note: Months ago I started reading my friend, Linday's, blog. I enjoy her wit, wisdom and honesty. She inspired me to do this, so if this is a fail, blame her.
It must be said that I am not a writer and am not exceptionally intelligent or insightful. This venture is not well thought out on my part. However, as I get older, I'm becoming more aware of the importance of knowing and understanding the self and am willing to use this as a small (and quite public) exploration of my self. I choose this because it gives me the opportunity for feedback, criticism, and, hopefully, encouragement.
Special note: Months ago I started reading my friend, Linday's, blog. I enjoy her wit, wisdom and honesty. She inspired me to do this, so if this is a fail, blame her.
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