Skin

So my wonderful, supportive family decided that at my sister's wedding, both she and I should be the belles of the ball. I consider this a very kind gesture, and I appreciate their acceptingness of both her (engaged) and my (single) state. I like that they are happy with both of us. And yet they also advise me of what photographs would be most advantageous to post on eHarmony.

Last weekend, I purchased a new dress for my sister's rehearsal dinner, which she's been encouraging me to do. In fact, she wants to match, like we did when we were little and had matching sundresses. I got a super-fancy strapless silk magenta/violet party dress thing and my extended family repeatedly requested that I try it on over Easter, just so they could admire me and rejoice in my ebullient youth.

My dad's wife decided that I, along with my sister, need a facial or two in preparation for the big event, so we can feel confident about our skin. What could be a better gift? And yet, beyond my normal financial means. She has encouraged me to seek out the most aggressive facialist, i.e. someone trained in the European school of facials or at least in the practice of "extraction." Bring it on! I feel that the problem of acne-ridden skin needs more agressive enemies bent on its eradication. We tread too lightly around something that is so completely annoying and time-consuming.

After the Easter weekend, my aunt emailed me and said that in the month before the wedding, I should be sure to "pamper my skin, hair, and nails." Now I like this advice. For some strange reason, it is giving me permission, if I had any doubts remaining about the validity of this pursuit. Why the heck not, when something so simple can bring so much confidence and peace of mind. It could be as simple as following a simple regimen (and actually doing it) or putting on lotion. But for some reason I need permission!

Thanks to my family for that.