"Rude Awakenings" is the June 27th suggested theme

Come with a prepared story to share...here's what I thought of -- which might help you get your story started. It's fun to share...

When I was in my 30’s I left retail for a “more professional” job. I was lucky enough to get a job in the Department of Education in Juneau, Alaska as an assistant to a high powered Language Arts administrator.
Everyone there seemed so “professional”. They spoke education jargon that I hadn’t heard before. They dressed well and took walks or went to a yoga class at lunch. They were so cool and sophisticated, and had money – more money than I had.
I really wanted to fit in. To be smooth and articulate and know what “whole language” meant…and all that lingo. I tried to put together my work clothes so they seemed tailored and sleek, and looked expensive, even though most were hand-me-downs or from thrift shops. These were the days of nylons, and high heels. I put on makeup and combed my hair so I looked elegant. I was really trying and it seemed to be working well.
One of the women there impressed me more than the others. She always looked a bit glamorous as she walked down the hall carrying her papers and laptop. She was on her way to an important meeting no doubt. I think she noticed me too, and she seemed friendly, though clearly my superior.
One morning at work, I was feeling particularly good. I understood more of the workings of the department, the “in” words, and the guys that worked in the supply room liked me. Life was good.
I had carefully chosen my ensemble that day too, even though I’d been in a hurry to get to work.
As I exited my department and walked down the hall the glamorous woman came from behind and walked past me. She turned, looked at me and smiled, it almost seemed like she was laughing, her smile was so big. How nice is that! She probably thinks I’m on my way up … fitting in, that I understand what the programs are all about. I’ll probably get a more advanced position before too long. Cool!
I went into the ladies room a bit later and as I pulled down my panty hose I saw it. Somehow a big white shoulder pad had gotten stuck to my nylon and had been pressed to the back of my calf. So I’d been walking around all day with this very noticeable, big, white shoulder pad stuck to the back of my leg. Great. It was huge and obvious, and looked utterly ridiculous. No wonder my glamor lady smiled at me…she was stifling a huge laugh.
What a rude awakening! ...
and later, a good story….and I learned a good lesson.
Trying to impress others is a waste of time.
Just be yourself. You’re fine as you are.