Funny thing, what pain can do...and a funny story to go with it (one of my personal favorites). Warning...Guys, from the picture above I'm sure you can tell where this story is going. And girls, I hope I don't cross any forbidden line of secrecy in what we do in the name of vain...but in today's world and internet descriptions, I doubt it. (don't worry...my stories are G rated...and always will be) I go in and out of phases getting my nails done in a salon depending on my mood or occasion, and currently, it's just my feet. My hands are like tools and my nails take the brunt of damage so I save the expense of manicures for special occasions. As is life, when repeating a motion a number of times or patronizing a service month after month for a period of time, a certain routine falls into play.

In my case, while at the salon, my routine is...pretend to be relaxed while the nail technician performs her magic, when in reality, I'm bracing for blood. I look around and wonder if I'm the only one faking it. I've tried reading, texting, watching the news channel, but nothing helps. At some point during the pedicure when I realize that I have once again survived and I'm in the clear, I let the technician know that I'd like to get my eyebrows done. By 'done' I mean waxed, for those of you who aren't familiar with the term. For the longest time, I didn't need to have my eyebrows waxed because I could see mine well enough to pluck. Unfortunately, though, as time progressed and more silver became evident, so did the realization that I could no longer see the strays.

This nice routine went on for some time with no issues until one day, there was a slight change after my request for eyebrows. Instead of the technician responding with a nod, she said, "You want your upper lip?" What? Please! I graciously declined, and blushed secretly, wondering why she asked. I made sure to check when I got home and... I was right. It was only peach fuzz and lightly colored at that, so it certainly didn't bother me. Anyway, this question of 'You want your upper lip?' was now part of the new regime. I was used to it, and politely declined each time. I also made sure to keep a check on my ever so slightly shadowing peach fuzz.

I should have known that this mundane routine wouldn't last forever, and some months later, the routine changed yet again, with a new question. After asking to have my eyebrows done, she didn't respond with "You want your upper lip?' but with something much more news worthy and shocking. Instead, it was "You want your mustache?" What! Mustache? Are you kidding me? Inside, I was screaming...humiliated...kicking myself...how did I let this get so far? Why didn't anyone tell me? And of course, my response also had to be different. A very quiet and matter of fact, "yes," was all I could mange.

Now, I must say that ever since I was a little girl, I was one of those kids that didn't cry at painful appointments...like shots...strep tests...other uncomfortable doctor visits...even my eyebrows being waxed. But...there was something so different about having my upper lip waxed that almost....almost....made me cry. Maybe it was bad technique the first time...maybe the technician didn't apply enough pressure before ripping off the wax...I don't know, but...it's been the same each time. I actually feel like crying.

And what I found interesting when at the point of...almost crying...other bad thoughts flooded my mind...and made it worse. Thoughts like...I can't lose weight...I can't find a publisher...my doggie's getting old...my parents are getting older...wait...I'm getting older! So I have to wonder...does pain cause sadness to tumble out of control? Does one bad thought lead to another? What about you? Is the same true for you? Does one slip up on a diet cause the whole bag of cookies to disappear? Did I really just say that?

Maybe in realizing that bad thoughts can spiral and tumble is just helpful in acknowledging what is happening. Do we have the ability to stop bad thoughts...I hope so. And I plan to try it...next time my 'upper lip is being ripped off.

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The Silver Side of Life