I have been pasty pale for quite a while now.  Normally I’m not a tanning person (I’ve been once in my life before, when I got married).  I’m usually naturally not very pale, but I think swimming during the summer or taking a trip to the beach once a year gives me enough sun to last me all year long.  Well, it’s been three years since I’ve done either of those things, and my pale legs were not a pretty sight (see the post below to see me pre-tan).  I think being tan (not overly so, but having a little color) is naturally flattering and slimming. 

Anyhow, I decided to go tonight since I had some break time.  It turned out to be free since I was a new customer, but let me just say I’m super pleased with the results.  I look nicely tanned (the chest is a little pink, but not really burnt or anything), and I really don’t think I’ll have to go back.  I might go again in a month or so before my husband gets back from Iraq, but as it is I have enough color to make me happy. 

On to the vanity part– I have started to revert to my habits from several years ago– the habit of actually caring about my appearance.  All semester I have hardly ever left the house without makeup, and before that, I would hardly ever wear makeup at all.  I also spend time fixing my hair and picking out my clothes and shoes with more care.  I’m changing my jewelry every day now to match my outfit– all sorts of things.  Before I just felt that no matter what I did, I wouldn’t look good anyhow, so why bother?  Now it’s fun to see what I look like in the mirror, so it’s a bit of a reward in a way.

I think this is a good change, really, even though it is costing me more with all the shopping I’m doing these days!