This is dedicated to my sister Eileen!

I seem to be having a strange love-hate relationship with an acquaintance of mine. She is present at the absolute worse times, like when unannounced guests stop by. Or those times when a package is delivered to the house that requires a signature. My biggest fear is that when the Prize Patrol shows up at my door with a big fat check that I have won and TV cameras rolling, she will be the one to answer my door. What’s even worse is that since things have slowed down and we are no longer getting out and socializing like we used to, she has taken it upon herself to visit me often.

When I catch glimpses of her moving about my house, I am always startled. I have to take a moment and get myself together. She doesn’t seem to ever get embarrassed, but I find myself being embarrassed for her. Wanting to be useful, she runs to the trash can or darts to the mailbox before I can stop her. She also likes to wave to my neighbors but I discourage that as much as possible. I find that I have to keep her away from my husband.  He isn’t equipped to handle her ‘freedom of expression’ so, I do my best to keep her out of his sight. It doesn’t always work and at times, I see him staring at her …combinations… Gasp! I get a little defensive and want to tell Darrel to “take a picture; it will last longer,” but instead, I leave his presence and let him have that one.

She was introduced to me years ago by baby sis Eileen.  I wish she had kept her to herself. I have no idea when and how they met.  When I think about it, maybe it was in California or in Colorado when Eileen lived there.  It has been many years and the two of them have history. They were so close I often heard Eileen exclaim that they looked alike.

I’m sure by now many of you are forming words of advice. Of course, I am open to hearing what you might have to say. Family members who are finding out about this for the first time are probably alarmed and ready to give me a call. To my feisty Kito and Azariah, don’t come over here.  Remember you two are ladies and no longer carry on!

Let’s all take a breath and step back. Before we rush out to help someone, we must first ensure that we are not in the same situation that they are in.  

So, the next time you walk by a mirror, stop and take a good look. If you are startled by the hot mess looking back at you, then you have just met my acquaintance. By the way, her name is Haggie Bootie. (Gotcha! Hahaha)

(Note: Some may be scratching their heads not sure what they just read. For years, my sister Eileen has said, “I’m looking like Haggie Bootie,” whenever she thinks she is looking particularly scruffy. Lately, my own clothing combinations have caught me by surprise, and I realized that like my sister, I too am looking like Haggie Bootie!)

Keep Laughing!

Amanda

Photo by Emre Can from Pexels Thumbnail Photo by Lucas Pezeta from Pexels