A day of vanity in the life of a scientist

Most of you know what a workaholic I am;  many (long) hours I spent in the lab and so good at finding excuses to miss out on a social event. Put it in other words, I have to be dragged out of the lab in order to take time off. There are some instances though I just cant say "no" to. One of them was an invitation to a free make-over and professional photoshoot session. Me. Who is usually all day in jeans and trainers covered by a white labcoat, no make-up, hair usually bundled up. Who gets grumpy at people taking photos of her. Who is usually unfriendly to and uncomfortable with strangers. Especially if they were to try and fix my hair, apply make up on my face and tell me how to pose? Oh well, yes, let's do it! Bring it on! 

One of my new year's resolutions was to try and do all those things I've been avoiding so far, to try and challenge myself physically, mentally, spiritually, re-examine my beliefs, get over my complexes and stupid prejudices. We all have some of these, no?

Obviously, saying yes to a makover and photoshoot is not a big decision/change in my life, but it falls in the category of these little things that are small steps and have a positive contribution towards a higher purpose. And although I would call such an event "vain and pointless" in the past, I would actually go for it now. Because I said so. This year I am going opposite my own stream.

And there I was. Waiting for my friend outside the studios. Common everyday people were going in and they would come out looking like celebrities, gorgeous and happy. A day of pampering for us. Friendly reception, soul music playing on, loads of beautiful women around waiting or having just finished their session, face treatments, hand massage, transforming make-up (I could not recognise it was me looking through the mirror), funky hair-style, changing of clothes, poses, backgrounds. I have to admit. It was good fun. Of course, I felt like running out of the studio or crying at some points, feeling uncomfortable. I have difficulty when people instruct me what to do and  expect me to do it right there, right now.  But no, I didn't run away, I didn't object. It was fun. After a while, you get into the zone and you just behave as if you had always been a professional model, you even feel like enjoying it, your glamorous vain projection is even friendly with the photographer! You feel sad it is over but also looking forward to seeing the final result.

I have to give credit to the models, it is actually a quite exhausting job. Me and my friend were starving and tired by the end, albeit we had a constant smile on our faces for the rest of the evening. We got some pretty impressive photos as well. And when there is dinner at one of the best Japanese places in London, lots of sushi, Apple & Vanilla Mojitos and girlie chating up for dessert? A great day out. Out of the routine and the labwork. Out of my usual self. Awesome!

(Thanx to lovely Ryan, DoubleTake studios, Nobu Restaurant, Black Cab taxi-driver for a wonderful day out)