May the force be with you too
In the salon I hand over the gift voucher with glee. An hour of frivolous indulgence should never be squandered. I leave with two parts of my scraggy anatomy spruced up to meet American standards of womanliness. I anticipate that the manicure should remain immaculate for the next twenty minutes during the drive home.
As I drive I calculate which mode to adopt on arrival? Guilty of the crime of ‘absent without leave,’ I shall be soundly punished one way or another. Maybe the sulky, silent treatment? Maybe mountainous meltdowns? It’s the price to be paid for such selfish skullduggery at the weekend. Whilst many a parent returns home to be welcomed with open arms, other parents need to be a bit more savvy.
On previous occasions I made the mistake of bringing home treats, due to a combination of gratitude for the time off and a hefty dose of guilt for being so grateful in the first place. For some reason, I had temporarily forgotten that most treats are in fact torture, but I learned from my error. Whilst it’s tempting to try for a hug, that too is subject to negotiation. There’s nothing like unexpected physical contact to really ruin someone’s day. I decide to play it by ear.
As I step through the door my ears are assaulted by a loud combination of someone playing the recorder, another one making rooster noises in protest, a third is buried head down in cushions and an aerated father has an air of exasperation.
“Oh good! You’re home! How did you get on?” We ignore our children, exchange glances. I permit him to note my sparkly finger nails.
“Ooo very………clean.”
Whilst it wasn’t the adjective I was looking for, it was a good try under the noisy circumstances. The rooster ceases to crow and gasps instead, open mouthed, a picture of awe struck, “you are be touch?”
“Pardon dear?”
“You are be touch me wiv your magic fingers!” I swear he’s as sharp eyed as an eagle.
Now there’s an offer I can’t refuse.
Stumble it!
June 12th, 2008 at 2:35 am
Good for you getting some time for yourself! I often have the same apprehension when I try to go out for something fun. It often feels pointless because I will also pay dearly (usually) when I get back, mostly in the form of mind-boggling chaos and damage control. But sometimes you just have to take care of you.
I hope Gus reacts as positively when I cut my hair tomorrow. Cross your magic fingers for me!
June 12th, 2008 at 4:08 am
magic fingers…too cute!
June 12th, 2008 at 4:56 am
So which two body parts were spruced up to American Standards? That’s what I want to know…
June 12th, 2008 at 5:48 am
Wonderful! I’m SO glad you had that time to yourself… and maybe a little envious.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:55 am
I’m with the DG.. well????
I have to learn to relax at the salon… but it’s not b/c I’m worried about the boys, it’s b/c I usually have a huge list that I don’t have time to spend an hour at the salon. I’m learning.
So… how long does your manicures last?? First chip is usually in before I get home. Which is why I only go the day before or the day of the “do” I’ve painted them for.
S.
June 12th, 2008 at 6:16 am
Oooh! Pretty and CLEAN nails!
June 12th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Pretty! Indulgence is a necessary evil! Passing them on as magic fingers works even better. I must say if my grandbaby came to me for hugs..I couldn’t resist either!
June 12th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Ooh; how fancy!
June 12th, 2008 at 9:07 am
“clean”
made me LOL.
Oh, and in an internet only-connect way, I think of you every time the (nonautistic) 3 year old says “…w, x, y and… ZED! Hee hee hee ha ha!”
June 12th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Oo, sparkly and magical! Glad you got time to yourself and the new nails went over well at home!
June 12th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Why, ET, your finger is positively aglow! The spa is magic indeed.
June 13th, 2008 at 11:13 am
For some reason, “You are be touch me wiv your magic fingers!” made me teary. Glad you got out by yourself. It’s the process, not the product, that is theraputic…so even though your lovely nails will not last long, well, that’s not the point, right??
June 26th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Eagle eyed for sure…lovely manicure too!
June 28th, 2008 at 2:52 am
hey nice glowing nails out there.
July 10th, 2008 at 7:34 am
My first evil thought is “how can I milk this magic fingers concept as leverage?” horrible I know.
congrats on taking time out for yourself!