Filling in the Hours

1. I just got done swimming a mile. I don't think I've swam as a form of exercise since I was about...oh...fifteen and certifying to become a lifeguard. My side of the family is having a reunion this summer and, in January, we started a program to motivate those who desired to get in shape. Each month, besides totaling up points for minutes exercised and other good habits, there is an exercise and food challenge. My challenge for the month was to swim a mile. I cannot tell you how much I was dreading it. At the local rec center, one mile is thirty-five laps or seventy lengths. When I read that sign, I made a mental plan of how long this might take me. I figured I'd swim thirty five lengths, possibly leave the pool for nourishment (I really thought this might take a couple of hours) and hopefully finish by noon.

Well, as soon as I started, I realized that one mile wasn't going to be nearly as difficult as I initially feared. It took about an hour, and I alternated lengths doing the crawl stroke, or freestyle, and recovered on the return length doing the breast stroke. It was a good system for me and I just might work swimming in as a regular part of exercising. It was pretty fun. If I do, however, I will invest in a cap and goggles. I know it wasn't pretty when I was flailing my head around trying to get my long bangs out of my face and mouth to breathe. Hey, the lifeguards have to have someone to giggle at, right?

2. You know those paper vests they give you at the doctor's office when they need to do a breast exam? You kind of look like Aladdin for awhile but I've never had any confusion about if the opening goes in the front or in the back. Yesterday, I had such an appointment and instead of the paper vest, I got a regular old hospital gown. I was so confused because I knew the purpose, but if I wore it with the opening in the front (which I tried at first) it felt all wrong. I took a gamble and switched the gown around so the opening was in the back and my doctor didn't say anything, but did have to take my arms out of the sleeves each time she performed her examination. I asked the resident expert, Jay, later in the evening what the proper protocol was when given a gown. He reassured me that the opening belonged in the back. Phew. Just passing it onto you anyone else who may find themselves in a similar quandary.

3. Surprisingly enough, only a few hours later, I was asked to disrobe again. This time, for a brow wax and facial. I had no earthly idea why being unclothed was necessary, but as this was my first facial (I had a coupon and my brows needed help ASAP) I obeyed and took off my top.

Have you ever been in one of those back spa rooms with the table in the middle of the room? I hadn't. My spa experiences have been limited to pedicures and the only massage I've ever had took place in what was essentially a doctor's office. Bright fluorescent lights, vinyl covered table, therapist who thought giving a massage meant releasing all toxins from every nook and cranny and the more you cried, the better.

Just as the gown perplexed me earlier that morning, the table really threw me for a loop. You see, it wasn't flat. One end was sort of raised into an inverted "V". So, either I was supposed to be on my stomach and hug the V with my arms, or, I was supposed to lie on my back and place the back of my knees on the apex of the V. Considering that they would probably need to see my face for a facial and brow wax, I choose to lie on my back. They had some blankets for coverage but I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone, essentially lying upside down like you would on the sit up bench at the gym. At least it was warm.

When the spa person entered the room, I immediately asked, "Is this right?" She assured me I was in the right position and from that moment on, I felt determined to allow the soothing music to relax me. Other than the actual waxing and plucking and squeezing the junk from my pores after she had opened them, it was very relaxing. She did massage the sides of my neck and tops of my shoulders, which, I suppose she couldn't have done had I been wearing a turtle neck, but the whole taking off my clothes really did seem unnecessary. Still, I loved the facial and I hope to do it again.

4. Off to a RS presidency meeting in an hour. Tomorrow, I'm going skiing. Thursday, I'm taking a group of women to the temple. Just some of what I'm able to do now that Henry is in pre-school. If he wasn't in little Henry Heaven going to school Monday - Thursday, I'd feel more guilt. But, he loves it so who am I to complain?:)  Besides, there are plenty of days and weeks when the hours are filled with much, much more of the mundane.

Check out that smooth skin with all kinds of essential oils rubbed into it and my newly shaped brows.  The hair is a bit frizzy from all the wet towels she kept wrapping around my face.  The chlorine from my hour in the swimming pool this morning has given it quite a different feel from yesterday.