Can’t anyone tell I am relaxed?

I slipped away Monday evening to get a much needed manicure. It’s one of the things with which I treat myself.

I’m not an appointment person. I never know what my day will be like so I drop in to see if they can fit me into their busy schedule. Appointments are for work, volunteer projects, doctor and dentist appointments.

I arrived in time to get my name on the list. Sometimes I don’t make it and have wait until I can steal some time later.

I didn’t take a book to read or a story to work on so I checked my email and Facebook, but didn’t listen to other things I enjoy on my phone. I didn’t want to interrupt others who were waiting since I didn’t have earplugs.

When it was my turn, I was excited. I was eager to get my nails done, grab some food and head home to really unwind.

The manicurist kept saying “relax” as she patted my hands. The first five or six times I thought I was relaxed. After, I’d smile and reply, “I’m trying.”

I totally forgot the yoga techniques I use to lower my blood pressure when I go to the doctor.

I thought, “I’m relaxed.” I’m not trying to do two or three different projects while I listen to the police scanner, be ready to grab the phone or go to the front counter to help someone. I kept wanting to say, “Don’t you know this is me being relaxed?”

I thought a glass of wine would help, but then someone would have to come drive me home.

As my appointment continued, I attempted to be less tense. By the time my nails were done and I paid, I kept telling myself to continue de-stressing. I was at least successful when I went through the drive-thru window to pick up my dinner, I didn’t snap at the workers taking my order or handing me my food.

I felt relaxed enough to get on business 67 and 60 to drive home instead of going the back streets so I would see less people. Well, there was one stressful moment when I realized cars were lining up behind while I was waiting for a clearing in the traffic to turn onto the highway. Why didn’t I go the back streets!

Barbara Ann Horton is a staff writer at the Daily American Republic. She can be reached at bhorton@darnews.com.