I was at the thrift store yesterday (duh, it’s Saturday). The check out line was really long, turns out it was half off day. I’m chatting with this woman on line ahead of me. She was talking about her daughter clearing out her closet of shoes. I emphatically told her I understand, haha. I asked if the daughter had gotten a new job and she said yes; she will begin a new job as a Nurse Practitioner. I congratulated her and said that I am a nurse. She asked if I were still working? (????) I told her I work at a school for special education and medically fragile students. That I love my job.
This is not the first time I’ve been asked by people who do not know me if I were still working. That question pretty much punches me in the stomach. Do I look like I should be retired? Just how old do I look? These are rhetorical questions to torture my husband with later. I have many friends my age who are working full time. I never ask when they will retire. I’ve never asked anyone I’ve just met if they are retired, no matter what I guess their age to be.
Many of my coworkers ask “how many years do you have in?” Because we work for the city. I explain honestly I began late, that for many years I was home with my kids, mainly due to Thomas. Everyone understands. I would say more than half of the school staff know I have a special needs son. There are a few who are aware Thomas attended residential school.
Anyway… my point is omg just how old do I look?? This is an absolute rhetorical question. I leave the house thinking I look acceptable for public viewing. Nice shoes; check! Nice bag; check! At the very least mascara; check! With the rare exception of taking out the garbage I never leave the house in any sort of pajamas. Even when I brought my kids to school; I was dressed.
Maybe Botox? I don’t know.
Menay O; mom to 4, Christian and thrift shopper on the side... 