I have one of those faces

You know. Whenever I meet someone new, they say, "don't I know you from somewhere?" Or "Did we go to highschool together?" Or most commonly, "You remind me of my" sister, cousin, roommate, high school girlfriend, anyone really. I've been compared to Molly Ringwald, Hayley Mills, and Kim Basinger, and Goldie Hawn which I found most flattering. Now, mind you, I look like none of these people. But I look familiar, so people have to place me.

Because I'm familiar, and thus non-threatening, people also tend to unburden themselves. I have heard the most amazing confessions from relative strangers. People also say, "I don't know why I'm telling you this." I do. I have one of those faces, and therefore you trust me.

If I were evil, I could use this power to make money. Blackmail or insider trading, or something. But I'm not, so I just listen. Hi. Nice to meet you. Tell me all your secrets.

Things I don't miss about not working

1. Digging through the couch cushions for change to find enough money to go to McDonald's with my daughter. (We used to share a Happy Meal because we couldn't afford two meals.)
2. The constant mess that I alone was responsible for picking up.
3. Diapers.
4. Having to choose between formula and food. We couldn't always afford both, and formula had to win.
5. That panicky feeling when the car broke down and we had to put the repairs on the credit card.
6. Not talking to grown-ups for days on end.
7. Driving to dance, and soccer, and tae kwon do, and girl scouts, and soccer, and dance, and the library, and swimming. . .oh wait! That hasn't changed.
8. Having peoples' eyes glaze over when they ask "what do you do?" and you answer them.
9. Feeling under appreciated and under paid--again! That hasn't changed.
10. Looking at the budget and realizing there is no money for a family vacation.

Things I miss about not working

1. Naps
2. Walking my kids to school.
3. Lunches with my friends.
4. Shopping when no one else is in the store.
5. Getting the best parking spaces at Target.
6. Oprah.
7. Time to read for pleasure.
8. Really cooking--not just re-heating frozen pasta.
9. Going on field trips.
10. Not having to account for my schedule to anyone.