The Land of Opportunity

Today I visited the land of opportunity; the one place that within its walls contain unlimited potential for a new and improved you, a better life, a more comfortable home, confections a-plenty, and fresh air.

That's right, I went to CVS.

You probably drive by a drug store every day of your life and don't give it a second thought, but to me... this is the very gateway to fabulous.

As I meander down each of its grey-streaked aisles faded from years of foot traffic and gaze over the glorious clutter of product on the flimsy metal shelves, I understand the wealth of possibility I am facing.

I always start with the makeup aisle on one of the outside walls. Here, I learn that I can make my eyes sparkle, my lips plump, my cheekbones shine no matter what light I'm in, and...finally, a new product that may be able to conceal those perpetual dark circles under my eyes!

While I was attempting all of these things before, clearly, I must've selected the wrong products because my eyes, cheekbones, and lips are just as bland as ever. But now-- now I have another chance. I just have to pick the precise right one this time.

After tirelessly pouring over every "NEW" or "IMPROVED" device, I go with under eye concealer because..well, perhaps this is the root of many other coloration and lack-of-shine issues. This is The One. I can feel it. Potential.

Then I drift through some of the other aisles: stationary and gift-wrapping (oh! I could send something to my second cousin's nephew finally!), hair ties and brushes (no breakage? You promise?), the body soaps (please do winterize me, Dove), the hand soaps (why yes, I do need softer hands!), the candy, the ever-present stock of plastic beach toys and water noodles, the feminine hygeine items, and the most splendiferous of all aisles...the "as seen on TV" aisle.

I don't need a Bumpit, but today I thought I did. I even carried the box around with me for a few minutes as if to share in its volumizing potential. I'm four months post-partum and I'm shedding like a cat! Trust me, I could use some volume. Help me, Bumpitz.

The condoms and personal lubricants always carry plenty of promise, but today I zeroed in on the hair care products. I picked two things that seem like they will both increase the "body" of my hair while moisturizing "without weighing down". I have hope that, despite years of disappointment and dry frizzy hair, I have finally discovered the perfect combination.

I figured that between my concealer and my hair products, by tomorrow, I should look less tired and more voluminous. A new woman if you will! I was feeling better already. Kind of like a diamond in the (extremely) rough. Tomorrow, I will unleash my inner-butterfly upon the world.

Confidently, mind full of visions of bouncing hair and a glowing complexion, I waited in line to check out. Next to me, a young girl-- probably about 7 or 8-- circled the lone barrel of hand sanitizer to my left. She was wearing faded trendy clothing and high heeled black boots that came up to her knees. I noticed she was looking at me a lot when she thought I couldn't see her and I marveled at how incredible it is that kids can see inner-beauty in the way adults can't. Obviously, this girl was thinking that she wanted to look like me one day, or, the me I'd be tomorrow anyway. I could just tell.

I flipped my hair and smiled at her when she rounded the barrel again. And she raised her head and smiled a big glowing grin and said..."you're fat" and rounded the barrel again.

I thought back to Aisle 9 where the Alli and acai berry extract were housed and I looked down at my dirty red basket. Concealer, hair moisturizer, and two Cadbury's Creme Eggs. Hm.

She's right, though. That's who I am today, afterall. But tomorrow-- I'm going to be a shiny-haired, well-rested lookin', fat BUTTERFLY.

And if not, I can always go back to CVS and try again.