Saturday, May 21, 2011

Graduation Robes Aren't Supposed to be Tight and What about Rude Sales Associates @ Sephora!


Today was graduation...I never thought about my robe being too tight. I have to wear my Master's regalia each year when the high school I work at has their graduation. So, I was expecting the same ol' thing when having to wear it once again today...I mean, it fit when I received it in 2006 and every year since. It's a robe; they're supposed to be bulky and eternally fitting, right? Well....not so much. I couldn't believe my regalia was snug! I felt a fool, but I remembered to try and not be self criticizing. Yeah, that didn't last long! Amazing how cruel I am to myself!! I wouldn't say the things I say to myself to my enemies, so why do I say them to myself and even out loud to anyone kind enough to listen to my ranting? I need to explore this about myself...

Also, I have noticed people treat you differently when one has a changed physical appearance! Some people are always kind and those who like you for just you, well, they treat you as they always have! But, some treat you as if you have a communicable disease. As if the fat may transfer to them, they almost shun you (think of the scene in 12 Angry Men when each of the jurors begin shunning the bigot of the group...I'm not a bigot, just chubby)! Could it be that my personality has changed as my body has morphed into its present state? Is this the cause for the public rejection...could be a piece of the puzzle, I have no doubts. Simultaneously, though, I think people are, quite frankly, that shallow and judgmental. Despite my altered perspectives and thoughts, I always make an effort to smile and strike up a conversation. Of course the tete a tete isn't always reciprocated with certain others. Instead, I receive awkward silence for my olive branch of discourse. I must be accepting of this phenomenon; I will remember those who treat me differently today because of my weight...

Even sales people at stores will treat you differently if you're overweight. I was blatantly ignored at Sephora today...I walked in and headed toward the Nars counter. No one said hello, then, I heard the, who I suppose was the, manager tell a couple of the young ladies to greet the customers. I was maybe 3 feet away from them; they walked passed me to talk to the women on the other side of the store (No, I'm not a customer, just the invisible chubby lady looking at lip gloss).

I heard one of the sales ladies tell a customer about the free makeovers they were doing. Of course, this perked my ears up because I love FREE!! I walked to the thin, tall, and blond 20-something sales associate, and I said with a smile "You're having free makeovers." She just about rolled her eyes but I could tell she put some effort into stopping herself and reluctantly told me that they were as she was walking away. She couldn't even have a face to face moment with me! As an ex sales associate for Express (and assistant manager to boot), I don't ever remember treating overweight clients this way. Even if I knew we didn't have their size, I did my best to find something for them if they asked!!! I am quite appalled at the treatment I received today! At least the associate at Victoria's Secret treated me respectfully...

Curious how only a hand full of people can make you question your self, your integrity, your right to be in their presence, your right to live in this body image driven society. This teaches me to ALWAYS be kind! Always return an effort for a little conversation. Always put judgment to the side...Always show respect (even though you may not receive it in return).

I love the quote by George Hebert, "Living well is the best revenge." I suppose I shall see the true people in my life soon enough, then (truth be told, I already know who they are)!

My prayers and good thoughts go out to those who graduated high school this day! My prayers and good thoughts go to those who treated me unkindly this day! I will begin anew...God allows us to push the reset button of our lives at any time we need to begin again! I think it's time to push mine and begin writing a new story! See you in the next blog...

Peace~

Shabby Chic Lady

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

You Don't Need All That...


I had this thought while I was reading Facebook statuses, listening to my friends and coworkers, reading magazine articles, and watching t.v. All these messages are being put out into our society (messages that people are taking to heart), and I simply don't believe that "you need all that."

I want to be an example to the people around me and the world in which I live that we simply don't need all that...we don't need the fad diets, fancy gym memberships, latest trendy clothes, blah, blah, blah! The madness is saturating our culture, our society, and we as the human race must STOP and ask ourselves, "Who am I?" "Why am I doing this? saying this?? believing this???"

When all is said and done, all we need is peace of mind; a control over our egos!

That is all...