a trip to the library

Yesterday me and the kiddos (L: 5 years old & E: 3.5 years old) went to the library, like we often do. I had a bunch of stuff on reserve to pick up, as usual. The kids also had a good time going through the books and picking out what they wanted to take home.

During our stay, a librarian came up to us, and said,
"Are you here for the sugar skulls?"
And I replied,
"Sugar scones? Really?"
To which she replied,
"No, sugar SKULLS."
"Oh," I said. "I got really excited. I thought you had scones."
"Scones would be nice. But today we are making sugar skulls. If you want to participate we'll be in the community room."

I had my hearing checked throughout my life periodically (you know, that high & low "BEEP" test they give you throughout your childhood) and then again, upon many suspicions, more thoroughly and formally checked in 2003. (It was a 100% sound-proof room state-of-the-art-test.) And the outcome? I do not have a hearing problem... technically. The specialist determined it was a neurological problem. I had a lot of troubles in early elementary, so while on one level I was suprised, on another I wasn't surprised. Call it a learning disability - whatever. All I know is that things didn't come as easily to me as it did for my peers when I was in school. All throughout early elementary, I panicked like a little kid who can't swim and has been thrown into the deep end without any water-wings. And anyone who has had the "blessing" of being my friend has had to deal with my what?s and huh?s so much more than any friend should have to. I am forever grateful to those who have been patient with me through the years and haven't resorted to "nevermind"... for some reason that is something that wounds me so deeply... because I honestly am trying my best to listen.

So, if I think you're offering me scones, please forgive me.

my first facial

This morning I had my first facial ever. That's right: 30 years old and my first facial. It was an extravagant splurge and it was w o n d e r f u l !

So after thirty years of my life having done without, what, do you ask, brought this experience upon me? Well, there are two things. Some time after having my children I developed really bad Keratosis Pilaris on my upper arms. (Google it if you've never heard of it.) I was actually able to get it under control pretty well myself starting in late July... I heard about - and started a strict regimen of - Amlactin. The other factor is that I am still dealing with periodic outbreaks of acne, but I also have dry, aging skin. Therefore the traditional over the counter treatments were drying out and irritating my skin. Acne-free but red as hell. Not a great compromise. And talk about something that will make you fine lines worse.

So, I made my way over to a place in town last Monday that has a great reputation. I got a consultation and was introduced to the most pricey line of skin care I've ever had the pleasure to try. And I set up an appointment for my first facial in one week. And that day was today. I have mixed feelings about the extravagance of my actions, but I also feel great joy and relief to be taking care of myself - preserving and nurturing and helping the part of my body that communicates my very self with those I meet in this world. I will be using this body for many years to come and it is important to me to take care of it and try to realize it's best potential. I just hope realizing that best potential doesn't cause cancer... but I'm not about to start getting freaked out yet again on the Environmental Working Group's Site. And although blemishes are small beans in the grand scheme of things, it does affect me.

So... I got a professional facial. And it was awesome.