A post about my nails
17 February 2010
Apparently I’m done with having nice nails.
When McKenna came along, jewelry was the first thing to go. Followed shortly by doing my hair every day. The nails hung on for a while, but it appears I’ve given up on them too.
I’ve never been a manicure girl (I’d rather spend the money on a new book) but since about 8th grade on, I’ve always been good about keeping my nails looking nice. Actually, in 8th grade, I went through a phase where I changed my nail color every night.
And now, for the last week or so, I’ve had every intention of doing my nails, and I haven’t. Not for Valentine’s Day. Not for my speaking event last week. I’m totally failing in the nail department.
In some ways this bothers me. I didn’t realize it did until a little mini-meltdown I had over the weekend when my untouched nails somehow got listed as one of my problems. (Though, to my credit, I think they were listed last. Or they at least came after the house being a mess, and how I hadn’t touched any of my Bible study stuff this last week.)
Isn’t it funny how sometimes the tiniest things almost turn into symbols for how we’re doing? I think my nails bother me so much because for the last 13 years, I’ve taken care of them, and now they’re falling by the wayside as my priorities shift. Like when McKenna was two weeks old and I realized I’d forgotten to put on deodorant that day. (That habit has not stuck, by the way. I wear deodorant.)
I’m sure they’ll get painted in the next couple days, but for now I’m kinda liking the reminder that life has gone on just fine without polish. And if I’d painted them a week ago like I intended, they’d now be in need of repair anyway.
There you have it. 300 words on the state of my nails. I’ll try to have something a little more substantial on Friday.
Comments
Back in high school I was fanatical about the state of my nails too. Then I started dating David, who thought it great fun pick at my polish. After a few months of frustratingly trying to break that absent habit of his, I just gave up on fingernail polish.
I’ve still been fanatical about keeping them filed though—and like you, I know my priorities and time are eaten up when I realize I haven’t filed them for a week. But alas—life does indeed go on!
Posted by Roseanna White on 17 February 2010
Debbie, I learned that too once McKenna came along! Especially because she really likes playing in our bed while I get ready in the mornings. I finally grew tired of making it multiple times a day…
Posted by Stephanie on 18 February 2010
Shifting priorities – I think that is substantial enough. I am reminded of when I went back to college – this time with a husband, 2 teen daughters and a full-time job. One of my most important lessons? That I could sleep just as well in a bed that hadn’t been made that morning! Up until then I hadn’t thought that possible.
Posted by Debbie McCool on 17 February 2010