I did something crazy and embarrassing today. I was shopping at Target (my #1 vice), stocking up on shampoo and all that kind of stuff. I walked away from my cart to grab something, and then I returned to it and moved on to another aisle. Later, as I was reaching for something else, I looked down at my cart, and I saw something I would never buy. Then I looked at the other items in the cart and realized it wasn’t my cart! I was so embarrassed, but I had no idea where I’d picked up the cart, so I did what any good person would do: I found my cart and walked away as fast as I possibly could.
The thing is that it’s so unlike me. I never do absent minded things like that. I think of myself as being very present minded, especially because I’m always recognized as such.
But, I’ve done a couple things like this lately. At the beginning of this year, I began a strange habit of talking to myself. I’ve never done that; instead, I’ve made fun of people like my old boss who did talk to herself. But, the words just come out!
Surprising to myself, I don’t really care if these new habits make me seem weird. That ship has sailed. I’m totally weird–like everyone else. It’s more the discomfort that comes with doing things with such a lack of awareness. And, being very intentional and precise in my speech and actions is so much a part of my identity, that it seems weird to suddenly feel airheaded. I don’t know why I’m so distracted lately.
On a final note, I just did something I’ve wanted to for a long time: I painted my fingernails black!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I just laughed out loud at that! Thanks for giving me a laugh at 7.15 am on a sunday morning when i’m stuck in the office. Much needed!!! :)
You know, though, if talking to yourself helps you figure things out from time to time when you’re in a bind, go for it. But I love the cart thing; that’s never happened to me, but I am quite amazed.
I totally feel you on this one Ashley! I’m not an absent minded person but yet this past year I have found myself doing the oddest things, it’s quite difficult to deal with but I just try to laugh at it.
Lastly, I think I’m going to paint my nails black now too!
haha! that’s right, embrace the weirdness! I was looking at my middle and HS yearbooks last week and saw how much conformity ruled back then…so passe!
I once got inside someone else’s car thinking it was my friend who was supposed to pick me up. But within 10 seconds of seating myself and even strapping the seatbelt on, the driver calmly asked, “Can I help you?” My goodness, I was so embarrassed.
But I can totally relate. I started talking to myself just recently, too. I never used to do that. But what’s even weirder is that I’m not at all bothered by it.