“I ain’t never got no pedicure before. I ain’t even got no toenails!” That is the conversation my daughter and I overheard the other day while at the nail salon. The aging lady went on to say, “I just got dry, scaly, feet.” 🙂
While runners are known to lose a toenail or two…somehow I doubt that this lady was ever a runner. No guarantees here…I just doubt it.
Yes…in case you didn’t know…we live in a small, rural town in Alabama.
I NEVER go to the nail salon. It’s just not what I do. Just give me the $$$ and I’ll paint ’em myself. I went for the first time in 24 years at the request of my daughter. She was getting ready for prom & didn’t want to go alone. Not only did I go…I let her talk me into getting BLUE nail polish! That might seem normal to you…but in all my 39 years, I’m pretty sure only “red” or “French tip” has ever touched my nails.
“blue nails”
I noticed how attractive and slender the manicurist was….she looked like a runner to me.
Our conversation went something like this:
Me: “Do you run? You look like a runner.”
Her: “No! I can’t run…I’m a smoker.”
Me: “You could run instead. You might live longer.”
Her: “I can’t run, I work 4 days a week…10am – 7pm.”
I typically enjoy speaking one on one with women. If the conversation lends itself to, I often wind up telling them, “You are just as important as your children. You are just as important as everyone else that always needs you. You should make time for yourself & do those things that are on your heart.” Often, I will see a little tear form and a slight look of “Maybe she’s right.”
We continued to chit-chat a little more. I learned that she was about to turn 18. She doesn’t like living in our little town. She has a boyfriend that she works with on her days off.
Now, back to our conversation:
Me: “You know, you should always remember to do things for yourself too.”
Her: “Oh…I DO! EVERY week when I get paid, I go buy a new outfit. I think about myself all the time!”
We are obviously in two different worlds right now. Me…mother of 3…housewife…nearing 40…runner. She looked like a runner…but she was actually just a naturally beautiful, 18 year old, single young lady. She has so much life ahead of her…so much potential…so many lessons to learn. I wanted to tell her so much! I wanted to keep going back to get my nails done, just so I could “mentor” her.
I would say:
“What are you thinking!?! Don’t you know what smoking does to your lungs? What about that beautiful, flawless skin you have right now! Don’t you want to keep it as long as you can? BUY A NEW DRESS EVERY WEEK? on a NAIL SALON EMPLOYEES SALARY? Quit that! Save that money up! You’re going to want a new house one day! Have you heard of Dave Ramsey‘s Financial Peace University? Let’s get you set up on a budget. And that boyfriend….does he treat you like a princess? Does he value you? Is he taking good care of your heart?”
But I know…that would be a waste of my breath. So, I kept my mouth shut.
When she’s ready, she’ll listen.
Maybe she’ll remember me…and then she’ll decide to go for that run…
Mile23 