Friday, July 10, 2009

The woes of little toes

I can't believe I'm writing this. This has been a sore subject my whole life. Where to begin...

Let's just say God did okay with most of the parts of Christine. I wasn't thrilled with the almost-non-existant-breasts when I was younger but when you don't weigh more than 125 lbs at 5 ft 8, it was hard to complain. (Amazing how those fill right out after kids and an extra 30 lbs on your body! High-five to being plump!!)

Frizzy hair. They have products for that.

Freckles. Not the end of the world.

The one issue I have with him, and a pain point my whole life, is that he forgot to finish my toes. Oh, he got the big toes finished. It's the others that were neglected.

In fact, up until about 10 years ago, I would sweat out every summer in Keds sneakers or closed-toe flats. Too embarrassed to expose my little toe digits. Everyone would surely point and laugh, right? So it was best to hide them, I mean what were my options?

See, growing up in Waltham in the 70's and 80's, kids didn't do those sorts of things that little girls do now - pedicures, manicures, facials. Those luxuries were reserved for wives of the local construction company owner - the blue collar rich.

So as I entered my late 20's and discovered I was making my own money - and not waitress kind of money - I splurged. I discovered eyebrow waxing and created two eyebrows instead of one. I tried waxing my upper lip - ouch, ouch and ouch. That little "luxury" didn't last long. And I got pedicures. Glorious pedicures. And once I started painting my sad little toes a splendid Kennebunkport red I let them out...to wander the yards and beaches with other toes...to revel in flip-flops. Rejoice!

But, subconsciously I always knew my toes were unique. If only I could make them a little longer. Toe extensions, perhaps?? Nah. So this week, after years of red or dark red or burgundy nail polish I did the unimaginable - I got a big girl, toenail FRENCH pedicure!



With all the anticipation I was sure those short, stubby, unfinished toes would look long and lush and more toe-like. BUT, as you can see...still short...still stubby...and still dwarfed by the normal size big toes.

*sigh*

So going forward I will do my best to wiggle my toes in delight because what else is a short-toed woman to do? What have you learned to live with? Care to share?

6 comments:

Sarahviz said...

I have a birthmark on my forehead that I tried for years to hide with bangs.

Then I just got over it and am now bang-free!

Anonymous said...

You can only work with what God gave you (or didn't give you). They look fine, just small....

Liz/Rib/etc said...

Consider yourself lucky, what about those poor people that have the second toe taller than their big toe? Now, that's a problem I wouldn't want to have. That second toe always bragging about how it's the biggest and that big toe fighting for it's self esteem in those weekly therapy sessions.

Anonymous said...

ALAS! You are not alone! I too have short toes and even though I wear them out more now, I'm still VERY self conscious about my short toes. Thank goodness for Google...so I just wanted to tell you that you have a short toe sister.

dkwb1974 said...

I also have short little toes. I have hid them for 39 years! It's something that I'm ashamed of. This week I have vowed to let it go! I bought 3 pair of flip flops! I'm so tired of not being able to enjoy the summer because of closed toe shoes! Thanks for your words of encouragement. I'm still struggling with where I can and can't wear my flops. I get extremely anxious about it.

Anonymous said...

My daughter's toes are very similar looking to yours. Both of her big toes are longer and get banged up all the time. The other 8 toes are tiny. She is almost 7 years old and hers curve a little more. They are so tiny she cannot wear flip flops because they cannot grip that well. She is a redhead with freckles too.

The doctor has me concerned, saying it may be a sign of a congenital disease. Her toenails are much smaller and on her "pointer" toe almost non-existent.

Your toes are beautiful - live it up! We love our daughter's tiny toes but do worry there could be something else going on.

Lizabella