My Legs

My Legs

- Sarah Cristobal

I have always been told that I have nice legs, but I never thought to, you know, work it. I think the first time was when I was in my 20s and I was a waitress at Red Lobster. A group of men who worked for a pantyhose company came in and said I’d be a great model. We had to wear pantyhose at that time, so it felt like a big compliment.

I don’t wear them now, but I love the girls who do. I understand why women like to cover up in that way.

I’ve got all these spots on my legs [from lying out], so now they’re just like old lady beach legs to me, but I love to tan. I feel good, and it gives me something to do at the beach.

What would I look like if I hadn’t done that my entire life? I don’t know. I like it, though. Every summer my family has a tanning contest with a little ceremony where we all vote, and whoever wins gets a sash. My sister Gretchen always wins; she’s gotten every sash. I could’ve won two years ago, but I didn’t go home in August, so I couldn’t compete. The North Carolina sun holds for a long time, and it’s this nice berry color, but sunbathing there is a lot of work since it’s so hot and humid.