..is the amount of crap I apparently require for hair and skin maintenance. 5 years ago, my toiletries took up one bag..actually a mens' shaving kit-sized bag. That included my hair care, skin care and makeup. 5 years later...it's a whole different matter.
Oh, I still have the same mens' shaving kit bag, but I also have a full-sized Lancome bag and a shower shower caddy. Yes, all three are filled with shit! This stuff is not going to all fit in my seabag yet I just can't find a single item that I absolutely can not live without. How did I get to this point in my life?
Well, I've done some thinking and have a few ideas:
- I'm older. It may only be 5 years, but believe me there is a big difference in the state of your complexion between your late 20s and mid-30s. Somewhere after 32 is when the faint lines turn into full-blown creases; maybe not Grand Canyon deep but if you listen closely, I'm pretty sure you can hear the echos bouncing of my face. That being said; I require a significantly larger amount of product to ensure those around me don't turn to stone if they stare too long. Every product serves a purpose and everyone is vital to my well-being.
- Revenue increase. I make significantly more money now than I did 5 years ago. This has compunded my packing problem in a few ways. First, I spend more money on my hair. If I am going to spend a few hundred bucks on my hair every month trying to keep the grays hidden (see point above), then you better believe I am going to buy every hair care product my hairdresser recommends to keep those grays hidden. Some may say I am just throwing good money after bad, but I consider it protecting my investment. So, I have special shampoo and conditioner, heat hair therapy, a night mask, leave-in conditioner and of course styling products. That's my minimum hair care requirements. Second, I buy the more expensive makeup. This helps hide my wrinkles (well, it's supposed to anyways) and give my skin that youthful glow (again, reference point above). Now, when you buy the more expensive shit, they like to give you free samples of all the other items they want you to purchase. Being a smart shopper, I like to increase the value of whatever I just bought by making damn sure I use every last sample they give me. Being willing to part with my cash doesn't mean I have to be frivolous about it.
- I'm wiser..well maybe I just have more experience. This isn't my first deployment. That being said, I know I am going to need or want certain things over there that I didn't think of first time around. I know I need a shower caddy. I had to ask to have one sent to me last time. (Thanks Mom) Well, I am one step ahead and taking my own this time. Of course, having a shower caddy means I need to have it filled. I could wait and buy from the limited selection over there or wait for someone to take pity on me and send a care package; but why? I'm a woman of means (props to Shelley Fox for that verbiage) and can ensure I have exactly the bath products I want when I want them. Why should I wait? Immediate gratification really is the way to go.
Given the points above, I find myself fully justified in requiring a mass-movement to handle my luggage heading overseas. Just do me a favor; if you see me struggling through the airport, kitchen sink in tow, stop and remind me I forgot the dish soap.
Well despite the eloquent way you describe all the products you think you need. I know for a fact that you can live without them...I'm not saying it's not rough looking when you don't have acess to the full line of product you currently subscribe to... But hey the only time you really need the full product line is the day or shall I say the night you meet AC.
ReplyDeleteAnd even then, who really cares? Gloria will hook us up with good stuff at the spring show in Paris.