The other morning as I slapped on some deodorant, quickly ran a comb through my hair, and managed to brush my teeth before rushing out the door, I had a flash of my teenage self preparing for school every morning. I laughed, imagining myself at 16, appalled that I could call it good so easily, but also a bit envious I could walk out the door looking that way and still feel confident. I smiled some more as I realized some of the major differences I’ve experienced over time due to marriage, children, turning 30, and simply life:
Then: In high school, I would wake up at 4:30 or 5 every morning to have enough time to get ready for school, eat breakfast, and attend early morning seminary through my church. I didn’t need to get up so early, but I would take an enviously long shower, agonize over the perfect outfit combination, and spend far too much time fiddling with my hair and make-up. This wasn’t because I was vain. Quite the contrary, actually. So much effort felt like a necessity.
Now: I wash my hair every other day, which truly cuts down on shower time. No hair washing and I can, literally, be out in three minutes. With hair washing, it’s a 5 to 10 minute process, depending on how many times my sun attempts to enter the shower with me fully clothed or if I’m running late. I still care about my clothes, but the selection is not nearly as good and I’m usually rushing to throw something on. The part these days that bothers me the most is that, even on a day when I dedicate myself to looking my best, I’m fairly disheveled by the time my husband arrives home in the evening.
Then: During our first year of marriage, I used to think up creative ways to surprise my husband and welcome him home from work. I never went as far as the Fried Green Tomatoes saran wrap, but I was serious about making up for my 25 years of waiting. Legs were definitely shaved daily.
Now: Sometimes I feel guilty when my husband rubs his foot against my leg and says oh-so-casually, but with thinly veiled excitement in his voice “Did you shave your legs today?” I need more shower time for that (or a shower that day, period.). It’s also generally a good sign if I’ve shut the door because there’s nothing like hearing your 4 year-old call up the stairs on her way to your bedroom and wishing you’d thought ahead.
Then: I could impress (or bore) many a boyfriend with the multitude of photographs featuring my many haircuts. I liked to experiment, but always kept my hair color natural. My hairstyles definitely had some hits and misses, but my hair was my secret vanity. I didn’t worry too much about ease of care or time spent getting ready. I had plenty of time for my hair. Even if my hips seem enormous compared to my counterparts or I couldn’t hide a vicious zit, my hair could look great.
Now: I’m still ever-changing and experimenting. The biggest difference now is that I love color and I’m obsessed with finding the perfect red. Also, time is crucial now. I actually stuck with the same version of a hair cut for the past 2 years – something drastic with my bangs, severe angled bob at different lengths, because I could style it in a short amount of time and always feel put together. Now I’m doing my pregnancy grow it out and I’m certain there are secret bets about how long I’ll go post-baby before chopping it all off.
Then: I used to watch What Not to Wear faithfully and always harshly judge those women in their mommy uniforms. Who could stand to wear jeans so often? Sacrifice style for comfort? I don’t think so. She has $5,000 to spend anywhere and she wants to go to Old Navy?! Your shirt is 5 years old and you’re still wearing it? You don’t have money in the budget for new clothes? This would never happen to me.
Now: Today I consider a comfortable, well-fitting pair of jeans a piece of heaven. I still don’t want to sacrifice style for comfort, but I definitely compromise. My desire for new clothes is often trampled by my desire to save money. In fact, I have this annoying habit of picking something up for myself, finishing my shopping, and talking myself out of buying it before I reach the check-out. I hope I’ve kept some of my flair and unique style, but I think I blend right into the mommy crowd and I don’t mind as much as I once thought I would.
I love this! It’s so much fun to think about where you were years ago as compared to your life today. I definitely think that you have your own unique style and you own it!!
Love the then and now. I was a hair girl, too. Although I spent hours trying to fight what my hair does naturally, and make it do what it does not like to do! 😉 And I am a jeans girl! I can dress ’em up or dress ’em down, but I’m always comfortable in them!
-Ally
This totally had me laughing. I also watched What Not To Wear gasping at the frumpy garb of those moms that just gave up. I’ve been home from the gym for 5 hours now and still haven’t taken a shower. My three year old pics out my clothes. Although, to her credit, she is actually quite stylish and dresses me in much fancier digs than I would have chosen.
I had to stop by because Normal Mom Ally tweeted you as a favorite:) Glad she did. I’m following:)
So, I feel like I’ve just read my own story. I bought a couple of $5 t-shirts at Old Navy this week and felt like I was finally stylin’ post-baby. And I went there because I could look at a manequin to tell me what to wear. And I’ve also dropped the washing of the hair. Some things have just gotta go. Thanks for telling it like it is!