2 Looks

It is quite a sight to behold. Me, going anywhere alone with all three kids. I'm usually dressed in an upgraded version of my pajamas (upgraded=bra), no make-up, glasses, pushing the giantic double stroller with Hannah somehow hanging off the side. After the usual double-take (because people don't really believe that there is a third in the baby seat behind Calah), women usually give me one of two looks. Look #1: The I've-Been-There-This-is-a-Sweet-Time-but-I'm-Glad-it's-Over Smile or Look #2: The You-Poor-Woman-You-Must-Be-Crazy Half-Smile. For some reason, I always feel flustered with both. I don't really know why...maybe because I don't like to draw attention to myself, especially when I haven't showered and have barely combed my hair. Sometimes, on really bad days, I suddenly get panicked when in the middle of a store, I wonder if I remembered to put on pants that day. What if I'm just standing here in my underwear right now, I think? And I'm always relieved when I look down and see that I did, in fact, get completely dressed.
Today was a test for my self-confidence for sure. I decided to go to the College of DuPage bookstore with all three kids to buy Nursing books for class that starts this week. For those who have never been to COD, it's kind of like a mall, but with teachers. Most of the students there during the day are between the ages of 18-22 , carrying nothing more than designer purses and maybe a notebook, dressed like they just got off the runway, and maybe going to class but probably not...(I was a student at COD 10 years ago so I know this first hand).
So here's me with aforementioned kids and outstanding outfit...trying to get the world's biggest stroller out of the trunk while avoiding being run over by all the 21 year old guys driving 50 mph in the parking lot who are kind of paying attention, but not really because they can't hear anything over the bass of their gangsta rap. (I used to date these guys, so I know first hand about this also...)
After making it into the building safetly with all three kids, I have to take the elevator down 1/2 floor to the bookstore. But Hannah accidentally hits the wrong button so first we have to ride all the way up and then all the way back down again. We finally reach the bookstore, and it is also made for 18-22 year olds as the aisles could not possibly be any narrower and almost impossible to navigate with said stroller. I find my books and then have to steer stroller with one hand and hold gigantic Nursing books with the other. Then, I get to the checkout, which can't be easy either. A straight line? No, airport thingys that make you weave around and around. There was no one in line and about 12 women behind the desk all just staring at me trying to navigate through the windy thingys. Look #1---Look#2----Look#1----Look#2---my face started getting hot. Finally, I just gave up and grabbed the windy thinging and unhooked the belt, snapping it back into the pole. I announce decisively that "I am NOT going to go thru the Windy Thingys!" and unhook all in my way and proceed to the checkout.

"That's OK", says one of them, "As long as you put them back".

Ummm...OK, I'll get right on that. As soon as I grow a third arm.
Look #1---Look#2----Look#1----Look#2--Look #1---Look#2----Look#1----Look#2
Once at the checkout, despite the looks, they were all very nice. But I still felt like running away! Just a day in the life of me...