It was a lovely Saturday afternoon. After a busy morning with an early workout for me and then soccer practice for the kids, I found myself with Starbucks in hand strolling through Target. I only had one of two kids with me which meant there was no fighting happening. As my daughter sat happily in the cart eating her cake pop (don’t judge me), I was taking my sweet time looking through the 70% off clothing clearance section.
Then I saw it.
Well not “it”. Her. Then I saw her.
A co-worker.
Yes, it was the dreaded event of seeing a co-worker outside of the office.
Did I mention I was still in my workout clothes from the morning, hair in desperate need of its twice-weekly washing session, and not a spot of make-up on?
Well, I guess it’s possible some mascara was still clinging on from the day before.
But you get the visual – I was not looking my finest. I wasn’t even looking my okay-est.
Immediately, I was all eyes on my daughter. Pretending she was needing something in effort to not look in the direction of the co-worker. Had it been someone I jive with at work, I honestly probably would not have cared one bit. But this was a person I only sort of work with sometimes. Coming up with even 3 seconds of small talk seemed way too undesirable for this perfectly lovely Saturday I was having.
So, I had no choice but to continue veering well away from her direction.
I wondered, would she even recognize me? I was certainly not in “work mode”, after all.
I might be a huge fan of dry shampoo but that doesn’t mean I don’t ensure I am showered and presentable every day. Every day at work, that is. Despite my early morning workouts and getting ready at the gym in under 20 minutes most days, I am always clean, wearing some amount of make-up and dressed to (somewhat) impress.
I really didn’t need a random co-worker to see “Weekend Stephanie”. Especially considering she did not appear to be in a weekend mode.
For starters, she appeared to have showered that day.
She also had on real pants and I am pretty sure make-up as well.
Or maybe that was her weekend mode.
Even more reason for not wanting to be spotted.
After what seemed like forever of ensuring all was “in order” with my daughter and my shopping cart, I cautiously peered around. I was expecting her to be like 3 feet away from me or for my daughter to make some scene forcing all of Target to have eyes on me.
But much to my relief, she was heading in the right direction (the direction away from me) and toward the checkout area.
I took a deep breath of relief. It was possible she too had seen me and also didn’t want to make small talk so she headed in the other direction. Regardless, I could now carry on with my lovely Saturday.
But I will admit I was constantly peering around for more possible acquaintance/co-worker sightings.
Have you ever ran into someone you didn’t want to while in your Weekend Mode? Isn’t it the worst when you have to make small talk standing there in your gym clothes? We’d love to hear from you!
