I hate admitting this. I really do. But sometimes, well, I can be a bit spacey. There. I said it. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm a smart girl. It's just that every once in awhile my mind drifts and I don't exactly pay attention.

For example, I was shuffling down Polk Street the other day when a blue-and-white-striped sweater in a shop window caught my eye. (Ahh! I love, love, love it. MUST. BE. MINE.)

And before I know it, I'm in the dressing room, slipping the thing over my head. And wow, I finger the waistband. It's so soft. So fuzzy. And so roomy too...

Mmm. Nothing is better than a big cozy sweater. And this one is even baggier than usual. Perfect for covering up any and all problem areas. Yay! I check the tag on the sweater. And hmm, I've never heard of this brand before? It is some hot new designer? Ooh. Maybe they stock a few other items by her. I'll have to check.

A few minutes later, I'm bouncing out of the dressing room, elated with my fabulous new find. Well done, Amanda. Well done. Thumbing through a rack of clothes, I pull out a flowy white peasant top. And I notice another customer is checking it out as well.

"Isn't it darling?" the woman gushes. Her cheeks are pink and glowy, and she's rubbing her very, veeeery pregnant stomach.

I nod happily and smile. "When are you due?"

"In a few weeks," she says, patting her belly. And to my horror, she eyes my stomach...as if to say, what about you?

W-H-A-T????

Oh my God. I mean, I am feeling a tad porky today, but...but is it really that bad? Suddenly I notice another pregnant woman stepping into the store. And hey, wait a sec, is that lady pregnant too? What's going on here?

Oh dear...

I peer around at all the pregnant bellies, then down at my blue-and-white-striped sweater. That's when it hits me.

Right.

Of course.

THIS IS A MATERNITY STORE.

"Can I ring you up?" a shop girl interrupts my thoughts.

My cheeks are burning hot and I shake my head. "Oh no. No. I'm just looking," I say, handing her the sweater. And just as I'm swinging open the door, I notice the tiny black letters painted just below the shop's name: Destination Maternity.

Brilliant. Just brilliant. I love it when I forget to read...

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