Some Random Thoughts on Tax Day − 15 April, 2008
We did our taxes over a month ago, and we got our refunds deposited in our accounts already, so I am not one of those “last-minute maniacs” rushing to the post office and running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off. I am relaxed, happy and looking forward to the federal check (up to $1,200.00 per household, I hear) coming up.
I am counting calories this morning, though – the first day of my official diet, and I am looking down at my fingers in disgust – I removed my acrylic nails and my hands are a mess. I have bitten the weak nails down to the nub, and I hate that. I have so many pretty rings, but they look terrible next to ugly fingertips.
So when I ran out to the pharmacy to grab some Zicam (lucky me, I am trying to fight off a cold) I grabbed some “Crystal Nails” promising to have salon quality results. They are pretty, clear fake nails with a painted design and a special pink gel glue that says it will not get air bubbles in it so it will look like your own nails. All for only $7. My kind of manicure. Well, so far, the glue has held up to it’s part of the bargain – no air bubbles. I really like it. We’ll see how long it lasts, though – the longest I have ever been able to maintain a plastic manicure is 5 days. Of course, I beat my hands up with my dog training hobby. I expect them to hold up through a lot. But right now, they look good. I will definitely use at least the glue again. The shame is that it dries kind of slowly and now I have smears on my fingers. Makes them look rough and cracked. Nothing a little moisturizer won’t fix, though. Ahh, I feel better now. My hands look and feel better.
It’s amazing how such a silly little thing can impact how I feel about myself. Like makeup – when I put makeup on in the morning I feel my best because I look my best. My cosmetics play up my features and make it obvious that I care about myself and my appearance.
I do have some friends who are naturally pretty enough that they don’t need makeup, but, in general, I think women benefit from primping a little. Even if it’s just one feature they want to play up – a little mascara to make pretty eyes “pop” or lip gloss to plump up a pretty pout – I think it makes a difference. At least it tells people “I like myself” and “I am taking care of myself.” Women who do not wear makeup (and need to) make a bad impression on me. Maybe they didn’t have a mom or sister to teach them the art of beauty, or perhaps there are psychological reasons for it – they don’t want to look attractive or be noticed.
So I am keeping a diary of what I am eating today, too – almost 500 calories consumed so far. I guess that’s about normal. I have also found “Crystal Light” hard candies – they had a jar on the countertop of the medical office I visited for a CT scan at lunch. The candies are delish – must make a mental note to get some. I have always found hard candies are a guiltless way to keep hunger at bay. Hey, I am a poet and didn’t even know it!
So happy Tax Day – don’t get too stressed, and remember the people at the IRS wouldn’t have jobs if it weren’t for us…
