(So you don't get bored of us, every week we post something sent to us by a reader or coerced out of friends and family. Could be a question, a letter, a poll, a picture...we're flexible. See below for this week's If You Show Me Yours post, and see the sidebar for info about how to participate!)
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Rewind back to a pivotal time in my life. I dodged a bullet by not marrying the wrong man. It was a seven-year relationship that took me over the threshold from my 20's to my 30's. Poof. Over. Close that chapter.
I was living alone for the first time in my life, lost a few pounds, looked hot, and was on the rebound in downtown Philly. Whoot! In walked Daniel. My rebound man. The dopamine in my brain was a-flowing strong and fast that year Daniel and I dated. I loved this new chapter and celebrated with a nose ring in my left nostril. Daniel accompanied me and we celebrated together.
Fast forward until the present. I'm now 40 and have different priorities. I have three kids and a creaky old house. I do think of myself as young at heart and well up with pride when folks are surprised of my age.
If you are wondering if part of my concern is work related, its not. I am a graphic designer and run my own business. Having a nose ring is actually pretty tame in my career circles.
The last thing I want to do is look SILLY. At times, I imagine Stacy and Clinton from "What Not to Wear" arrive at my front door, hold a miniature trash can in front of me, and asks me to calmly remove the nose ring and place it in the receptacle, all the while rolling their eyes at the camera and stating that no matter how hard I try, I cannot be Joss Stone or Pink.
Should the nose ring be left behind or should I keep it as a reminder that I am hip, hot, and age appropriate?
Oh and by the way, I married that rebound man.
Heide-
ReplyDeleteI think your nose-ring is hot as hell. I am actually a bit jealous, as I move toward my 40's...I have always wanted one but feel that window of opportunity has passed me by. However, at this time in my life I am feeling more confident than ever, and actually recently fulfilled a dream I've had since my 20's...I got a tattoo...on my BICEP!!! I love it so much and just feel like there was a reason I waited this long, even though I may not see it now.
So you go girl, keep that nose-ring...to me it just seems "part of you".
-Kelley
Heide, I love the nose ring. Please don't give it up! I actually have one too. Got it in my first few weeks of rebellion from high school and my uptight parents. Still wear it now and again wish I remembered to wear it more, I didn't lose it so much. My spark was dampered when my now 6 year old was 3.5 and I put it in (I found a replacement one at the mall, of course now being a suburban mommy)...it was the first time she noticed it and she melted!!! She pleaded with me never to ear it again. Now my youngest two could give a hoot. I say "girl power!!" and of course what will I do when my girls want one??!!
ReplyDeleteb. ;)
keep it! but the mini trash can idea is hilarious...
ReplyDeleteKelley,
ReplyDeleteSo ballzie on the bicep tattoo! I daydream about a tattoo, but can't seem to bring myself to do it. Kudos.
Heide
It served its purpose when you needed it to. It's time to let it go and embrace who/where you are now.
ReplyDeleteI love the nose stud! I think as long as you are comfortable with it you should keep rockin' it girl! That is what "personal" style is all about! I think it speaks volumes to your kids about being unique and confident too! And by the way....you don't look 40.
ReplyDeleteI <3 your nose ring, Heide. You are gorgeous and surprisingly sane. I am envious of your grasp of reality. I fall off the precipice quite often and I only have 2 children 7 years apart. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDelete40? How about 30 perpetual!