The Agony and the Ecstacy- My First Pedicure

   Have you ever looked forward to doing something that you thought would be absolutely heavenly only to find out your expectations were almost completely delusional? That was my very first pedicure.
    I've always heard how wonderful and relaxing pedicures are and I've seen pictures of women and even children relaxing in a big comfy massage chair. They were being pampered by little women with strong hands and the ability to take what is usually the ugliest and the hardest working part of our body and transform it magically into something beautiful.
   When I met one of my best girlfriends at the nail salon I thought this was going to be one of my most relaxing experiences and we would get caught up on what we had been doing with our lives . I learned quickly that I needed to pay attention and a quick pat on my leg meant either of the following; put your foot in the water, take your foot out of the water, hold your foot still because I am going to take these sharp ended pliers and cram them so far down your big toe I may actually touch the bone! I think I may have left indents in the arm of that big comfy chair and though I am not one to use expletives I guarantee you,they were flying through my mind at that point.
   The next step horrified me even before she started it. I have never been one to use an emery board, they just give me the heebie jeebies, like finger nails on a chalk board. When she pulled one out the size of a small surf board I knew I was doomed. Having my toenails filed is a sensation I hope to never feel again. Please do not tell me any secrets because all I will need is to see an emery board coming at my toes and I will automatically spill my guts.
   I know my girl friend was talking to me the whole time but I only heard about  every fourth word. Between being tickled and being prodded my leg reflexes were going of like a fourth of July fire works show. I thought for sure I was going to get yelled at, but she just kept working on those toes like they were the only thing in the world that mattered.
   Now for the ecstasy part. This all included hot towels, a phenomenal exfoliating scrub and the best foot and calf message in the world. It was at this moment my friend asked if I would ever do this again and my reply was a resounding YES. I think it's a  bit like having a baby, labor is horrible and you swear you will never do it again, then you give your husband that "you've touched me for the last time buddy" look, but when its over and your looking at the results of all that pain, you are willing to do it all over again. (ok, that may be a bit dramatic but you get my point, right?)
   At the end of the appointment be both left with soft calves, beautiful toes and big smiles on our faces. I am sure I will do it again but the next time I will know what I am in for so I will be better prepared. How do I say "Please leave the toe attached" in that language?
  
  
   Yes, I am aware my toes come in sets of sizes.

Yackity yack

Yackity Yack

 

 

     Have you ever left a conversation and thought to yourself, “me and my big mouth?”

      I must admit that I love to tell stories and monopolize a conversation. In my excitement though, I rarely think before I talk. This is when I have to take out my giant shoe horn and remove my foot from my mouth.

     I love Proverbs 17:28, it says, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent.” It gives me a little hope; I sure wish I would think of it before I opened my mouth. I raised two teenage daughters and I quoted this verse to them often. I used to tell them, “Sometimes it’s better to just leave things unsaid.” This was usually after the damage was done then the shoe horn became community property.

     My new adventure is one of a quieter nature. I decided that it was not necessary for me to tell a story to everyone I met. If I got interrupted I was not allowed to finish what I was saying unless someone specifically asked me to. (This was the hardest of all; I dare you to try it). I also decided I needed to think of what I was going to say, so I didn’t have to feel bad later. I would stay positive.

Don’t get me wrong, I still talk plenty, this is how I am made, but not having to use that shoehorn sure feels good.
 

Proverbs 10:19

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

We three beauties have often shared the communal shoe horn over the years, thankfully we are using it less and less.