Ode to a Bath - January 28, 2008
Oh, the wonders these days! With the quick flick of a wrist, you too can have a waterfall of delight gushing into your bathtub!!! Baths used to be for the privileged, a royal beauty treatment. But these days, it seems the thrill is gone from this pampering routine. Sadly, a woman who returns home after a harrowing day and longs for a bath, steps into her bathroom. First, when she looks around, the counters are covered in half empty bottles and containers of this and that.
Sighing, she grabs a magazine to enjoy as she slips herself into the warm water. Flipping the pages of her magazine, she comes across an article on "Turning your Bath into your Private Oasis". She reads over the glossy pages full of ideas that are much too costly for her modest income. And rather than feeling better after a relaxing bath, she's now angry and perplexed, full of thoughts ..... "Why can't my life be that way?" The subliminal message of the magazine that tells her she needs ALL THIS to take care of herself, she then finds she can't afford the very things she supposedly needs.
But ... don't let this happen ! You too can restore yourself through the sense of touch, in your own bath. Its time to simplify things and get back to basics. Clean off the countertop that's overflowing with things you don't use regularly. Fill the bathtub with hot water, and dim the lights. Light a few candles. A book I was reading lately suggested a cup of ricewine in the water (to eliminate toxins). Break apart three tangerines and place segments along with the peels into some gauze or cheesecloth, and let soak in the water with you. (Use caution if your skin is sensitive to alcohol or citrus). You could even prepare some herbal tangerine spice tea to sip as you soak. Let this be a delicious, sensual time of centering, soothing and recovering a sense of well being.
In the words of the famous beauty company: Because you're worth it!!
and on that note.... I'm off to enjoy my bath!!
6:42 PM
Current mood:relieved
Today was THE day -- yes, the day we women dread ... the annual pap smear and general checkup appointment. If you let yourself think about it , it's a rather humbling and degrading procedure that we endure in order for us to keep up with our health. A necessary evil, you might say! So there you are, in all your vulnerable glory --- undressed, wearing a gown that's quite wide open in places you'd rather it not be, sitting on a cold paper covered table, a paper napkin the size of Delaware on your lap. If you're like me, you leave your socks ON, because for some reason, you feel warmer that way. Don't ask my why, it just does!
Gals, I've had my share of these checkups, and with two pregnancies, and a few female problems, more than my share of checkups (you probably DON'T want details!! haha) There's nothing more special than checkups because you're pregnant, but once you pass that phase of your life, they lose their "specialness". I've had my share of different doctor-types. I was a patient for about six months at a teaching hospital. Nothing like being examined by a doctor, then having said Doc ask "Would it be ok if my students checked this too?" (Ohhhh boy, three more sets of slimy fingers...... ~~~find that happy place and fast~~~!!) I've had a Doc that I nicknamed BIG-John -- he had hands the size of some 7-foot basketball players. Yikes!! And I've had little Asian doctors, with tiny fingers. I've had women, young and old. And I can say one thing.... if you're going to a doc who doesn't make you truly comfortable -- find another!! and quick!!! No reason to make an uncomfortable thing that much worse. Your doctor should take the time to talk to you, explain things you might not understand, and ask general questions in a way that doesn't make you feel "funny" answering. If that's the case, a new doctor is in order.
I found a wonderful doctor here. I drive 25 miles out of my way to see this guy when I need to; and while I still dread the actual ordeal, I know that I'll be comfortable enough to answer honestly, with details. And by the way, my "happy place" today was inspired by a picture on the office wall .... a mother and her daughters wearing dresses and pinafores, barefoot, their toes dipping playfully into the cool water... :)I know you don't want to be reminded but... Is it time for YOUR annual checkup?? If so, make that appointment today!!! And if you're approaching 40, ask for your baseline mammogram too !
Hey guys..... don't forget, as you age, its important to get an annual prostate exam! (yeah, like you wanted to be reminded of that, huh?)
2:10 PM
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