How much does it cost to be pretty???

I know, I haven't written in a while and I apologize for the delay. I have been crazy, busy, but really who isn't. This lack of time has made me spend money on things I would have been hesitant to ever consider in the past. I eat out more, I buy clothes without browsing as much and considering the cost. But, last week I bought a pair of tweezers for TWENTY-FIVE DOLLARS!! I couldn't believe how much until I left the beauty supply shop. I thought that the wax I usually purchase had increased. When I looked at the receipt and saw that it was the tweezers, I was floored. It made me think about what am I spending my money on and why?

Is it the way that owning something makes us feel or is it really the quality. Take name brand jeans for example. As a 13 year old girl I had my heart set on a pair of Girbaud jeans. I knew that if I could just have a pair, then I would be happy. I begged and pleaded with my mother for a pair. Finally, Santa heard my pleas and I was given some for Christmas.

I felt so fantastic, I wore them almost every other day. However, it really didn't change my social status or my friends thoughts about me. It changed the way I felt about myself. I think sometimes we identify with things like purses and shoes or make-up (I am a recovering sephora addict) to make us feel better. Even our jobs can try to define us.

I went to a networking lunch a few weeks ago with new BYU Alumni. I had never been to one before and it was only $8.00!!! Usually I spend a minimum of $25.00. Going to this lunch I realized I have been working with seasoned networking pros for too long.

I went to this lunch and the first thing you do at any networking function is to AVOID talking about business, unless you know that person already. Why? Because you have nothing to build on. Business is done through relationships. You have to first have one to build on, otherwise you're just a car salesman. These new alums, the first thing they did was ask me "what do you do?" I of course, knew what they meant and I answered. However, then I began asking them about had they been to an alum lunch before, how long had they been a graduate. They are all hard working kids, who had probably been to very few if any lunches, yet they flashed their cards in my face and asked me about my insurance/investing. They were eager to talk about their "positions." Because they are still new and a title defines them. They've probably never been fired, laid off, downsized or let down--yet.

Sometimes we all get caught up and let others define us. We let what car we drive, where we live and even what our church positions define us. We buy $25.00 tweezers because there is no price and you like leopard print. But, its just a pair of tweezers/job/car. A better title to define me is, friend, sister, daughter, best looking person you know. (come on do you really thing I wouldn't crack a joke).