When you least expect it...

So you know those days when you wake up and you're like, "I already concede the day."

Yes... well, this morning was like that.  I woke up a half hour after expected and bolted out of bed.  You know, not like a mental decision to get up, just a muscular reaction to the adreniline of waking up late.  That kind of bolting.  Within a few minutes of fumbling around, it was quite apparent that I was not actually awake, but only in Zombie mode.  So, late as I was, I went back to bed.  I just gave up.

With no time on the clock, I slapped on some makeup, threw my hair into a sub-par top-knot, and jumped into some clothes, including a pair of pants that I seriously reserve for days when no clients are coming in.  And, lucky for me, today was one of those days.  Needless to say - there have been more "instagramable" days in my life.

I zoomed to the park and ride and had to run half-way to the bus.  And no, not the chic New-Yorker dashing for the subway like you see in movies... this was more closer to Eric-Liddell-flailing type running.  I made it to the bus.  Plopped into a seat.  And promptly went to sleep.  Having described my morning thus far, I'll let you decide how graceful I looked while asleep on the bus.  [All I can hope is that my mouth wasn't hanging open]


I finally did wake up - thanks in large part to LBD ep. 98 [we'll talk more about that later] and the new Star Trek Trailer.  The day improved & I kinda pulled it together.

Fast forward to this afternoon. A group of us ladies went across the street to Starbucks. We were chatting while waiting for our drinks at the bar when I noticed this guy staring at me. Then when my friends were pouring cream & sugar I caught this guy staring again. I thought "whoops - you're being too loud again, Samara." But then he broke into the circle of us 5 ladies:

Him: I'm sorry but do you ride the ___ [morning bus route].

Me: Yes I do. Do you take that one too?

H: Not usually, but I did this morning & I saw you.

M: Haha yes.

H: I - I noticed you.

M: [What would Jennifer Lawrence do in this kind of awkward situation? Play it cool, Samara] Oh, we'll I was kind of out of it this morning haha.

H: Yes, you were sleeping. I was just reading but, I saw you... You were stunning.

M: HA HA! [Seriously did I just hear him right?] Well thank you! Yah, I was tired this morning. Hence this [point to my latte]. It keeps me going.

H: Actually alcohol does that for me. Alcohol keeps me up & coffee puts me to sleep.

M: So why are you at Starbucks in the middle of the afternoon? Oh, well thanks again!

H: My name's Matt, by the way [thrusts out his hand]

M: Samara.  Nice to meet you [awkward handshake].  See you around.



And as we left, half of the girls gave in to the giggles they'd been holding that entire conversation!  And then a chorus of comments "He was so sweet!"  "That was so brave."  "That was hilarious!"  "Are you sure you don't want me to go give him your business card?"  Meanwhile I'm like, that just happened :?


As funny and awkward as it was, sometimes you just have to accept the compliment.  And it is so funny to me that of *all* days, it was on a day when I felt blah that a complete stranger told me I was "stunning" (and in a hushed tone I might add). 

As a girl, it's easy to look in the mirror and see teeth that could be whitened, pounds that could be shed, eyebrows that could use an intervention.  But every once in a while the Lord allows an "outside opinion" and it's a great reminder that we are indeed "fearfully and wonderfully and beautifully made."  Sometimes when other people notice that, well, it just makes you grateful.  And for it to happen on a "below average" day - all you can do is laugh :)