Most Tuesdays, I sneak out of my office for a quick lunchtime run. I love this routine because it’s a great energizer and an efficient way to wedge an extra workout into my week. I feel a bit guilty doing it because there’s never enough time to do everything at work as it is. But I rationalize it telling myself that I make up the time in so many other ways (for example, by eating lunch at my desk most other days).
There’s just one little problem. Although my workplace does have a locker room and showers (I work in a hospital), there is neither the time nor the facilities to wash and dry my hair. So, I shower, apply lots of product to all parts of my body and hope for an afternoon with no meetings in close quarters.
If I do have an afternoon meeting, my mind is only 99 per cent on the task at hand. The other 1 per cent of my brain is mulling over the all-important question: “Does my hair smell?”
A few weeks ago, I pounded out 30 minutes on the treadmill, quickly showered, jumped back into business attire and rushed to a meeting with my boss and all the managers in the department. As I sat down, I came to the horrifying realization that although in my mind I was finished working out, my body had not cooled down yet. As I prepared to present to the group on a current project, I could feel a wave of sweat sweeping from my head to my feet.
That time, my brain was asking another question: “Take the jacket off and cool down or keep it on and provide a protective barrier between my undoubtedly-stinky shirt and the people who determine my future career?” Yes, it was my “Pursuit of Happyness” moment, and I probably should have come up with some kind of clever line about my condition – maybe made a pun about the sweet smell of success or something. Until I do get that 1% inspiration (as opposed to the 99% perspiration that I already possessed), I’ll just have to go through my work life wondering if people think of me as “that smelly girl from HR”.
Could be worse, I suppose.
Now I could be wrong, but I am willing to bet that your co-workers didn't even notice a thing. Most people are oblivious at work anyway of anything that doesn't directly involve themselves. But aside from that, I think 9 times out of 10 we are a lot more critical of ourselves than others are of us. You probably don't project as much odour as you think you do. Don't sweat it! (hehe, get it?)
And absolute kudos for getting a run in during lunch! You are awesome!
Posted by: Cocoanut | February 24, 2008 at 12:55 AM