For tonight's class, we had Anthony as our teacher again, for which I was very glad. I look forward to having him as a teacher some more. For our first item to learn, he was going to show us a "cavity massage" and started to pass around latex gloves. After a few quips about which cavities we would be massaging, we realized that he was pulling our legs. What a jokester.
We reviewed the various strokes we would be using in our final exam and then took a break, and upon return from the break, we had our hands-on exam. I went first as the practitioner. I can see where an hour massage can go by quickly, for both the client and the bodyworker. I started sweating almost immediately. At one point, sweat was rolling down my face, and I just hoped it wasn't going to drip on my client/classmate. After a little bit, Anthony called out a few strokes to test our knowledge of them. We got them down very well, knowing what they were and where to use them.
By the time my portion of the exam was over, I could probably have wrung out my shirt with sweat. And then it was my turn on the table. Ahh....
After all classmates were done, we got cleaned up and we got our scores and got debriefed on what Anthony saw during the exam. I ended up getting a 99%! The one point that was deducted was for body mechanics, which I knew was going to be one of the issues.
For this coming long Memorial Day weekend, I have a feeling that my table is going to get some use.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Day 23 - History of Being in the Moment
We had a new instructor again tonight. I'm not sure I'm liking that - with three different instructors in three nights, but I guess we're getting used to different people's style.
During the lecture portion, we learned about the benefits of massage - besides just that "it feels good." Things like improved circulation, promotes muscle recovery from exercise, increasing oxygen to the blood, improved lymphatic systems, helps invigorate the immune system, and so much more. We also learned some of the history of massage, dating as far back as 3000 BC in China learning about some of the pioneers of modern massage to what we have now, with its many modalities.
We did an exercise in meditation, closing our eyes, envisioning ourselves in our massage room, giving ourselves a massage, what we would like and how we would go about doing it. In the future, when we've had a busy, hectic day, we'll want to calm ourselves to be able to be "present" with our client on the table, so he or she feels cared for, which is the reason for wanting to take a few moments prior to the massage to do this.
We learned techniques on "draping." When a client is on the table, they are generally undressed to his or her comfort level, under a sheet, and probably a blanket as well. As a bodyworker, it is our job to make our client feel secure since he/she is in the most vulnerable position. We use what's called "draping," which is only uncovering the part of the body, such as a leg or the back, when it is being worked on. The instructor and TA demonstrated how to quickly and properly drape a client when on his/her back and stomach.
We only got a little bit of time to actually practice our techniques since we were running out of time. I think I owe my partner from tonight a good deal of time on the table when I get a chance. Poor thing didn't have her fair time on the table and I certainly didn't get enough practice.
Tomorrow night: final exam - all hands-on. No written. We'll be graded on professionalism, dress code, body mechanics, beingness, draping, and of course, stroke technique.
I got to set up my table before I left for class this evening. I think I need to rearrange the room a little bit to fit the table in there, but I think it's going to work out well. I also think I need to get more sheets.
During the lecture portion, we learned about the benefits of massage - besides just that "it feels good." Things like improved circulation, promotes muscle recovery from exercise, increasing oxygen to the blood, improved lymphatic systems, helps invigorate the immune system, and so much more. We also learned some of the history of massage, dating as far back as 3000 BC in China learning about some of the pioneers of modern massage to what we have now, with its many modalities.
We did an exercise in meditation, closing our eyes, envisioning ourselves in our massage room, giving ourselves a massage, what we would like and how we would go about doing it. In the future, when we've had a busy, hectic day, we'll want to calm ourselves to be able to be "present" with our client on the table, so he or she feels cared for, which is the reason for wanting to take a few moments prior to the massage to do this.
We learned techniques on "draping." When a client is on the table, they are generally undressed to his or her comfort level, under a sheet, and probably a blanket as well. As a bodyworker, it is our job to make our client feel secure since he/she is in the most vulnerable position. We use what's called "draping," which is only uncovering the part of the body, such as a leg or the back, when it is being worked on. The instructor and TA demonstrated how to quickly and properly drape a client when on his/her back and stomach.
We only got a little bit of time to actually practice our techniques since we were running out of time. I think I owe my partner from tonight a good deal of time on the table when I get a chance. Poor thing didn't have her fair time on the table and I certainly didn't get enough practice.
Tomorrow night: final exam - all hands-on. No written. We'll be graded on professionalism, dress code, body mechanics, beingness, draping, and of course, stroke technique.
I got to set up my table before I left for class this evening. I think I need to rearrange the room a little bit to fit the table in there, but I think it's going to work out well. I also think I need to get more sheets.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Day 22 - Sometimes, It's Not Just About the Books
To be an excellent massage therapist, you have to know the strokes and the HOW to give a good massage, but even more importantly, is for your clients to know that you are with THEM, and focusing on THEM, making sure that they feel secure, safe, and above all, cared for because this may be the only real TOUCH they get.
This evening, we found a partner with whom we had never worked. Once that assignment was complete, we did an exercise in which we faced each other, seated, holding hands, and one partner looking at the other. And I mean LOOKING at the other.
I was the first to be looked at. We were told to look at the eyes, the nose, the cheek bones, basically, our whole face, all in a non-judgemental way - to notice the perfection of the way we were created. It was all about being "present" with our partner. While the teacher was describing how to look at the partner, my eyes started watering and I got a little choked up. I laughed at my silliness of getting emotional over something like this, but I wasn't terribly embarassed by it...not like I could have been. My partner was so sweet, and truly loving, she even wiped away a couple of the tears that had rolled down my cheek.
Why the emotion? Was I the only one?
I could chalk it up to just being a weepy female, but that may not be the case. The exercise had us go outside our comfort zone, to have somebody in our space, holding our hands, looking into our eyes, and examining our faces. I would say that I'm an outgoing person and I don't mind getting up in front of people to talk or play an instrument, but to be one on one with a person like that can be incredibly uncomfortable, possibly even with a spouse.
Even if that's just part of the reason, with all that's happened in the last two years or so, I definitely learned what it meant to really leave judgment and distraction at the door, and pick up being a caring bodyworker, focusing on my client's needs.
For the rest of the time, we did bodywork, giving and receiving, focusing on working the legs with the client/partner lying on her back. We gave and received feedback, learned how to "drape" a client, and how to handle "things" that may happen during a massage session.
Of all the things that happened in class tonight, I think the most memorable to me will be my partner wiping a tear from my cheek and what a loving gesture that was.
This evening, we found a partner with whom we had never worked. Once that assignment was complete, we did an exercise in which we faced each other, seated, holding hands, and one partner looking at the other. And I mean LOOKING at the other.
I was the first to be looked at. We were told to look at the eyes, the nose, the cheek bones, basically, our whole face, all in a non-judgemental way - to notice the perfection of the way we were created. It was all about being "present" with our partner. While the teacher was describing how to look at the partner, my eyes started watering and I got a little choked up. I laughed at my silliness of getting emotional over something like this, but I wasn't terribly embarassed by it...not like I could have been. My partner was so sweet, and truly loving, she even wiped away a couple of the tears that had rolled down my cheek.
Why the emotion? Was I the only one?
I could chalk it up to just being a weepy female, but that may not be the case. The exercise had us go outside our comfort zone, to have somebody in our space, holding our hands, looking into our eyes, and examining our faces. I would say that I'm an outgoing person and I don't mind getting up in front of people to talk or play an instrument, but to be one on one with a person like that can be incredibly uncomfortable, possibly even with a spouse.
Even if that's just part of the reason, with all that's happened in the last two years or so, I definitely learned what it meant to really leave judgment and distraction at the door, and pick up being a caring bodyworker, focusing on my client's needs.
For the rest of the time, we did bodywork, giving and receiving, focusing on working the legs with the client/partner lying on her back. We gave and received feedback, learned how to "drape" a client, and how to handle "things" that may happen during a massage session.
Of all the things that happened in class tonight, I think the most memorable to me will be my partner wiping a tear from my cheek and what a loving gesture that was.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Day 21 - New Class, New Teacher
Tonight, we started the next class - Core. It's basically like Swedish, but not exactly - the really nice stuff that everybody likes.
One of our new instructors for this section is Anthony, whom I'd actually met at the career fair at the booth he had set up for his business. He's definitely going to be a stickler for professionalism in class, which is a really good thing. It's good to learn these things now and not have to learn them the hard way, like when we're working. Professionalism includes the student dress code, attendance, hygeine, no electronics usage and that sort of thing. I've strived to be as professional as I can as a student, but I know sometimes I slip up, so it'll be good to keep it in the forefront of my mind. I definitely look forward to learning more from him. I just hope our class doesn't make him lose his head.
Also during the lecture, we learned more about Body Mechanics (taking care of our own bodies while working on somebody else) and about effleurage, which sounds like a bouquet of french flowers to me, but is actually a way of doing certain strokes during a Core-type (Swedish) massage. Since this was the first night of the class, I didn't think we'd be doing bodywork, but brought my supplies with me, just in case. Good thing. We did bodywork. And it was wonderful! We worked on the upper posterior body, which is the back in layman's terms.
Our final is on Thursday, and it's all practical and no written. Unfortunately, I won't have time, really, to practice on anybody outside of class before the final. Bummer.
Oh - and the other good news - my table is in and I'll pick it up tomorrow night!
One of our new instructors for this section is Anthony, whom I'd actually met at the career fair at the booth he had set up for his business. He's definitely going to be a stickler for professionalism in class, which is a really good thing. It's good to learn these things now and not have to learn them the hard way, like when we're working. Professionalism includes the student dress code, attendance, hygeine, no electronics usage and that sort of thing. I've strived to be as professional as I can as a student, but I know sometimes I slip up, so it'll be good to keep it in the forefront of my mind. I definitely look forward to learning more from him. I just hope our class doesn't make him lose his head.
Also during the lecture, we learned more about Body Mechanics (taking care of our own bodies while working on somebody else) and about effleurage, which sounds like a bouquet of french flowers to me, but is actually a way of doing certain strokes during a Core-type (Swedish) massage. Since this was the first night of the class, I didn't think we'd be doing bodywork, but brought my supplies with me, just in case. Good thing. We did bodywork. And it was wonderful! We worked on the upper posterior body, which is the back in layman's terms.
Our final is on Thursday, and it's all practical and no written. Unfortunately, I won't have time, really, to practice on anybody outside of class before the final. Bummer.
Oh - and the other good news - my table is in and I'll pick it up tomorrow night!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 20 - Thinging a Thong
Tonight was the written and practical final exam for the section in which we learned "Structure." We had the written portion first. I was done in about 20 minutes after receiving the test. It may have been less, but am not really sure. At any rate, after that, we all took a break until it was time for the practical portion, which included bodywork. A few days ago, I had worked with a partner, Rebecca, and we agreed that we would be each other's partner for the practical.
Before we started the practical exam, we were able to get our scores from the written portion. I got 100%!!!!! Yay!!!
As we prepared the table and all, my partner was to do the test first, with me being the "client." One of our classmates, Eric, hadn't teamed up with a partner, so he triple partnered with us, meaning that the two of them would be using me as the client and I would be getting the pleasure of a "four-handed massage." Unfortunately, because it was for the final, it wasn't a full massage, or one side was worked on while the other side was left untouched...making me a little uneven, but it was happening to all the classmates. So when you see a couple students from my class walking a little goofy, they're uneven. ;-)
They did a great job and they got their scores and then it was time to switch. Since Rebecca had finished her exam, she offered to let Eric be the client so I could take the test. He agreed that this would be a good idea. Don't let me twist your arm.
Because I hadn't worked with Eric before, I hadn't gotten a chance to get to know him, so I was glad we had this opportunity. As we were getting the table switched over for him to lie on, he said to me, "Oh, I don't have shorts and all I've got on is a thong. Is that ok?"
He said it with the straightest face.
I must have had a funny look on my face because what's going through my head? "Did he just say he's wearing a thong? Do I want to see him in a thong? I wonder if it's a black thong or something crazy like leopard print? Is he serious? Would he really do that?" And on and on, in my head.
I think I said something to the effect of "Really? That should be interesting."
Or it may have been, "Are you serious?"
I don't know, but he finally cracked a smile and took off his pants to reveal that he had shorts on, and I was grateful to not have to worry about a client in a thong. That would really give a whole new meaning to "Final Exam."
I ended up getting a 100% for the practical as well and enjoyed working with Eric, whom I found out has a pretty quick sense of humor.
Molly had warned the class that since tonight was our last night with her, at least for now, we were to give her a hug or we'd fail the class. I made sure to give her a big bear hug. I've enjoyed her teaching. She made it fun and understandable when some of the concepts may be a little more difficult.
Next section: Core!
Before we started the practical exam, we were able to get our scores from the written portion. I got 100%!!!!! Yay!!!
As we prepared the table and all, my partner was to do the test first, with me being the "client." One of our classmates, Eric, hadn't teamed up with a partner, so he triple partnered with us, meaning that the two of them would be using me as the client and I would be getting the pleasure of a "four-handed massage." Unfortunately, because it was for the final, it wasn't a full massage, or one side was worked on while the other side was left untouched...making me a little uneven, but it was happening to all the classmates. So when you see a couple students from my class walking a little goofy, they're uneven. ;-)
They did a great job and they got their scores and then it was time to switch. Since Rebecca had finished her exam, she offered to let Eric be the client so I could take the test. He agreed that this would be a good idea. Don't let me twist your arm.
Because I hadn't worked with Eric before, I hadn't gotten a chance to get to know him, so I was glad we had this opportunity. As we were getting the table switched over for him to lie on, he said to me, "Oh, I don't have shorts and all I've got on is a thong. Is that ok?"
He said it with the straightest face.
I must have had a funny look on my face because what's going through my head? "Did he just say he's wearing a thong? Do I want to see him in a thong? I wonder if it's a black thong or something crazy like leopard print? Is he serious? Would he really do that?" And on and on, in my head.
I think I said something to the effect of "Really? That should be interesting."
Or it may have been, "Are you serious?"
I don't know, but he finally cracked a smile and took off his pants to reveal that he had shorts on, and I was grateful to not have to worry about a client in a thong. That would really give a whole new meaning to "Final Exam."
I ended up getting a 100% for the practical as well and enjoyed working with Eric, whom I found out has a pretty quick sense of humor.
Molly had warned the class that since tonight was our last night with her, at least for now, we were to give her a hug or we'd fail the class. I made sure to give her a big bear hug. I've enjoyed her teaching. She made it fun and understandable when some of the concepts may be a little more difficult.
Next section: Core!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 19 - First Aid For the Heart
We had our First Aid exam tonight. I got to the school a few minutes early, visited with some classmates, and about 10 minutes before going to take the exam, I checked crackbook...I mean facebook...on my phone. When I read a dear friend's status, it literally took my breath away. He shared that his beloved wife of many years had lost her battle to cancer about 10 minutes prior. It was not unexpected, but yet at the same time, when you hear that someone you have worshiped and served in church with for the last 11 years goes to their reward, and you realize you're left here in this imperfect world, it takes your breath away. At least it did with me.
But I didn't have time to think it about right then. I had a final exam in a few short minutes.
We had a few minutes to review before the exam, but I figured that if I didn't know it by then, I wasn't going to learn it in the next five minutes.
I started the exam and was done within a half hour, I'd say.
While waiting for everybody to finish, my classmates and I sat in the student break room and chatted. They made me smile and laugh and forget about things for a few minutes.
We reconvened in the classroom, discussed the exam, got our test scores (94%, thank you very much) and then took a break. After returning from the break, we moved to our bodywork room where we studied or practiced bodywork techniques for tomorrow night's exam. As always, the experience took away the stress of the day and allowed us to focus on right there, at that moment. A little First Aid for the heart.
Then, it was time to go home. A long drive of 40 minutes with me, the radio, and my thoughts to keep me company. The radio station I turned to played one of my favorite songs, Mountain of God, by Third Day, a song about how we must go through the valley to be able to stand upon the Mountain of God. I thought about my friend, Maralynn, with her welcoming party in heaven. A little later, the song "He Reigns" by the Newsboys came on, and I had a few tears - with the cruise control set at 70 mph. After that song, Jeremy Camp's song, "Give Me Jesus" came on, and I thought about when Jeremy Camp came on the music scene, he had just lost his wife to cancer.
I don't generally talk about my faith on this blog, because that's not the purpose of this blog. It's about the whole experience of taking the program to become a massage therapist. Tonight, I can't help but share - and it's been part of my experience at the school. My friend is in heaven without pain and no more tears. Isn't that where you would want to be?
But I didn't have time to think it about right then. I had a final exam in a few short minutes.
We had a few minutes to review before the exam, but I figured that if I didn't know it by then, I wasn't going to learn it in the next five minutes.
I started the exam and was done within a half hour, I'd say.
While waiting for everybody to finish, my classmates and I sat in the student break room and chatted. They made me smile and laugh and forget about things for a few minutes.
We reconvened in the classroom, discussed the exam, got our test scores (94%, thank you very much) and then took a break. After returning from the break, we moved to our bodywork room where we studied or practiced bodywork techniques for tomorrow night's exam. As always, the experience took away the stress of the day and allowed us to focus on right there, at that moment. A little First Aid for the heart.
Then, it was time to go home. A long drive of 40 minutes with me, the radio, and my thoughts to keep me company. The radio station I turned to played one of my favorite songs, Mountain of God, by Third Day, a song about how we must go through the valley to be able to stand upon the Mountain of God. I thought about my friend, Maralynn, with her welcoming party in heaven. A little later, the song "He Reigns" by the Newsboys came on, and I had a few tears - with the cruise control set at 70 mph. After that song, Jeremy Camp's song, "Give Me Jesus" came on, and I thought about when Jeremy Camp came on the music scene, he had just lost his wife to cancer.
I don't generally talk about my faith on this blog, because that's not the purpose of this blog. It's about the whole experience of taking the program to become a massage therapist. Tonight, I can't help but share - and it's been part of my experience at the school. My friend is in heaven without pain and no more tears. Isn't that where you would want to be?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Day 18 - Woolgathered
My mother uses an exression she learned from her mother: woolgathered or woolgathering. Not being a member of the "Greatest Generation," I didn't know what she meant when she used it one time. She meant it to mean that she was just a little "off" - she had just come out of a daze where she apparently bumped her head and didn't really remember where she was or why she was there. Regardless, I just looked it up on dictionary.com and it says that it means 'daydreaming.'
Well, I feel like one of the things we went over tonight in class reminded me of woolgathering.
The fascia - the tissue that binds and compartmentalizes muscle and other connective tissue - sometimes gets bound up and needs to be worked to get it to go where it's supposed to go. To be honest, when we read about it in the textbook, I was clearly confused and they could have been writing in Japanese for all I understood what they were trying to say. Then Molly, my hero of a teacher, explained it in plain English for the rest of us who didn't really get it.
Molly also talked to us again about how we need to take care of ourselves as bodyworkers: get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, eat balanced meals, exercise, meditate, get massages, take epsom salt baths, and just generally be good to ourselves. She also mentioned "smudging" again, burning dried sage bundles, which is said to remove negative energy. I'm not sure about the whole energy thing, but if it's something that is calming and relaxing, I'll try it.
Then - the bodywork. I think it's everybody's favorite part. Then there's the decision of who gets on the table first. If you go first, you get to relax and rejeuvenate first and be ready to work on your partner, but if you go second, you leave and go home all relaxed. It's a tough decision.
I know I've talked about it a lot recently, but I am so happy and grateful to be working in Frederick now. It makes all the difference in the world!
Also, I think I'm not losing an arm and a leg in gasoline costs!
Well, I feel like one of the things we went over tonight in class reminded me of woolgathering.
The fascia - the tissue that binds and compartmentalizes muscle and other connective tissue - sometimes gets bound up and needs to be worked to get it to go where it's supposed to go. To be honest, when we read about it in the textbook, I was clearly confused and they could have been writing in Japanese for all I understood what they were trying to say. Then Molly, my hero of a teacher, explained it in plain English for the rest of us who didn't really get it.
Molly also talked to us again about how we need to take care of ourselves as bodyworkers: get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, eat balanced meals, exercise, meditate, get massages, take epsom salt baths, and just generally be good to ourselves. She also mentioned "smudging" again, burning dried sage bundles, which is said to remove negative energy. I'm not sure about the whole energy thing, but if it's something that is calming and relaxing, I'll try it.
Then - the bodywork. I think it's everybody's favorite part. Then there's the decision of who gets on the table first. If you go first, you get to relax and rejeuvenate first and be ready to work on your partner, but if you go second, you leave and go home all relaxed. It's a tough decision.
I know I've talked about it a lot recently, but I am so happy and grateful to be working in Frederick now. It makes all the difference in the world!
Also, I think I'm not losing an arm and a leg in gasoline costs!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 17 - Psoas Not to Forget to Study
Before I share about this evening's class, I must say, "GLORIOUS, GLORIOUS!"
This morning, I got up a little before 7:00am and left around 8:00 to my job in Frederick! In the meantime, I started listening to traffic on the radio and just LAUGHED! I knew that I would no longer need to be concerned about what's going on down I-270! Glorious, I tell you! Glorious!
I was at my job at 8:16. Wonderful!
I left at 5:00 and actually came home before class and got a chance to see WGH and enjoy dinner at home before motoring to class at 5:45pm. I arrived to the campus about 6:25 as I was going against any major traffic. That totally beats driving an hour and 15 minutes straight from work in Gaithersburg. I guess you could say that it's a definite advantage working in Frederick!
Sorry, I believe that I have gone overboard with exclaimation points. But I can't help it!!!
At any rate, in this evening's class, we reviewed for the written part of Thursday's final for a bit, and then learned more about the Psoas muscle. I've talked about it before, becoming rather fascinated by it. During the bodywork section of the class, I had a bit of a hard time finding it on my partner and myself. I guess it's just something I'll have to work on.
We also reviewed the various strokes we'll be tested on for the final exam. We'll review more in Tuesday's class.
Because we're so close to the final exams for both First Aid and Structure, a lot of what we do in class this week is either review or actually take the exam.
I just have to say it again: Glorious!
This morning, I got up a little before 7:00am and left around 8:00 to my job in Frederick! In the meantime, I started listening to traffic on the radio and just LAUGHED! I knew that I would no longer need to be concerned about what's going on down I-270! Glorious, I tell you! Glorious!
I was at my job at 8:16. Wonderful!
I left at 5:00 and actually came home before class and got a chance to see WGH and enjoy dinner at home before motoring to class at 5:45pm. I arrived to the campus about 6:25 as I was going against any major traffic. That totally beats driving an hour and 15 minutes straight from work in Gaithersburg. I guess you could say that it's a definite advantage working in Frederick!
Sorry, I believe that I have gone overboard with exclaimation points. But I can't help it!!!
At any rate, in this evening's class, we reviewed for the written part of Thursday's final for a bit, and then learned more about the Psoas muscle. I've talked about it before, becoming rather fascinated by it. During the bodywork section of the class, I had a bit of a hard time finding it on my partner and myself. I guess it's just something I'll have to work on.
We also reviewed the various strokes we'll be tested on for the final exam. We'll review more in Tuesday's class.
Because we're so close to the final exams for both First Aid and Structure, a lot of what we do in class this week is either review or actually take the exam.
I just have to say it again: Glorious!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Once You Know
In one of the first classes I took with Molly, just a mere four weeks ago, she said that once we know, we will always know. I understood what she meant, but I didn't GET IT until today.
After going to the Career Fair at BSOM, and meeting and greeting potential future employers, WGH and I went to the Inner Harbor and had a nice lunch to celebrate a wonderful five years together. The last couple of years haven't been so great with other parts of life - jobs, deaths in the family and the sort, but life with the hubby is more than I could have imagined and I love being married to him. I couldn't imagine having gone through the last couple years WITHOUT him.
Anyway, I digress. It happens. Quite a bit.
Back to my point.
It happened. While I was sitting at J. Paul's outside seating area at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. While we were enjoying lunch, I was sipping a tasty beverage when a waiter walked by into the dining room.
What did I notice?
His feet.
Why did I notice his feet?
They were medially rotated and everted, that's why.
Because Molly said so.
She said that I once I know, I will ALWAYS know.
When we were going over the material in the Movement section a few weeks ago, she said that - we will always know. Meaning that once we learn the material - medial rotations, eversions, inversions, and the like, we will notice it on all sorts of people.
Now, being that I'm a people watcher anyway, this just made my people-watching worse. WGH and I love to go to Lakeforest Mall on Christmas Eve just to watch the people. This Christmas, however, will I be observing their feet, ankles, and rotator cuffs? What's going on?
I guess I'm learning something. :-)
After going to the Career Fair at BSOM, and meeting and greeting potential future employers, WGH and I went to the Inner Harbor and had a nice lunch to celebrate a wonderful five years together. The last couple of years haven't been so great with other parts of life - jobs, deaths in the family and the sort, but life with the hubby is more than I could have imagined and I love being married to him. I couldn't imagine having gone through the last couple years WITHOUT him.
Anyway, I digress. It happens. Quite a bit.
Back to my point.
It happened. While I was sitting at J. Paul's outside seating area at Baltimore's Inner Harbor. While we were enjoying lunch, I was sipping a tasty beverage when a waiter walked by into the dining room.
What did I notice?
His feet.
Why did I notice his feet?
They were medially rotated and everted, that's why.
Because Molly said so.
She said that I once I know, I will ALWAYS know.
When we were going over the material in the Movement section a few weeks ago, she said that - we will always know. Meaning that once we learn the material - medial rotations, eversions, inversions, and the like, we will notice it on all sorts of people.
Now, being that I'm a people watcher anyway, this just made my people-watching worse. WGH and I love to go to Lakeforest Mall on Christmas Eve just to watch the people. This Christmas, however, will I be observing their feet, ankles, and rotator cuffs? What's going on?
I guess I'm learning something. :-)
Friday, May 14, 2010
Think I've Found It
In the couple years I've been reading other people's blogs, they have clever pictures they use. I hadn't thought about that when creating this blog, but I think I figured out a symbol/mascot for it.
Introducing Jackson B. Bones.
Introducing Jackson B. Bones.
Day 16 - Holy Confusion, Batman!
Our class session began in a bit of confusion. Apparently, sometime between Wednesday and Thursday, one of the instructors for another class ceased to be an instructor, which left his class in a state of shock, confusion, and anger, and they were combined with our class! Molly handled as best she could, really putting the TA's to work and even getting assistance from other TA's. But ya know, when stuff like this happens, ya just gotta go with the flow and make the best of it.
We had a time of lecture about how to incorporate all the things we've learned into a full massage experience. Then Molly worked with the other class in doing bodywork demos and whatever else while we took a break and then came back and began doing bodywork, combining all the things we've learned so far.
I worked on my partner for at least an hour, then we took a break, and I was looking forward to my hour massage. When we came back from the break, we had a demo on how to do a foot/calf massage. Then we worked on the partner again for another 20 minutes and after that time, we switched and I got to be on the table. After what seemed like only about five minutes, it was time to clean up and go home. So sad. Well, there's next week.
One of the ladies in the class is pregnant and needs to be addressed differently in the bodywork section. Molly instructed her partner for the evening not to do the foot massage. I thought this was rather interesting as to why, so I asked. Molly explained to me that a foot has trigger points that may cause uterine contractions - something that's bad for a pregnant woman. But it also dawned on me that this information may come in handy for women who are not pregnant - let your hubby give you a foot massage and see what happens. ;-)
Speaking of hubbies, the 14th is my wedding anniversary to my wonderfully goofy hubby (WGH) of five years. How will we celebrate after taking off the day? We're going to go to the Career Fair at the BsOM (Baltimore School of Massage). I may not be looking for a job right this minute, but at least I can go, check it out, ask questions, and hand out resumes to places that may be looking for something I can do for them while I take classes and work to get licensed.
After that, WGH and I will hopefully check out a restaurant at the Inner Harbor and then check out some other sites around the fair area of Baltimore, like Dundalk and Pasadena.
We are real party animals, can't you tell?
We had a time of lecture about how to incorporate all the things we've learned into a full massage experience. Then Molly worked with the other class in doing bodywork demos and whatever else while we took a break and then came back and began doing bodywork, combining all the things we've learned so far.
I worked on my partner for at least an hour, then we took a break, and I was looking forward to my hour massage. When we came back from the break, we had a demo on how to do a foot/calf massage. Then we worked on the partner again for another 20 minutes and after that time, we switched and I got to be on the table. After what seemed like only about five minutes, it was time to clean up and go home. So sad. Well, there's next week.
One of the ladies in the class is pregnant and needs to be addressed differently in the bodywork section. Molly instructed her partner for the evening not to do the foot massage. I thought this was rather interesting as to why, so I asked. Molly explained to me that a foot has trigger points that may cause uterine contractions - something that's bad for a pregnant woman. But it also dawned on me that this information may come in handy for women who are not pregnant - let your hubby give you a foot massage and see what happens. ;-)
Speaking of hubbies, the 14th is my wedding anniversary to my wonderfully goofy hubby (WGH) of five years. How will we celebrate after taking off the day? We're going to go to the Career Fair at the BsOM (Baltimore School of Massage). I may not be looking for a job right this minute, but at least I can go, check it out, ask questions, and hand out resumes to places that may be looking for something I can do for them while I take classes and work to get licensed.
After that, WGH and I will hopefully check out a restaurant at the Inner Harbor and then check out some other sites around the fair area of Baltimore, like Dundalk and Pasadena.
We are real party animals, can't you tell?
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Day 15 - What is Necessary is Never Unwise
I admit it: I am a Trekkie. No, I don't dress up for Star Trek Cons, but I do love me some Star Trek. Mostly STNG, Voyager, and Enterprise with that cutie Scott Bakula. When JJ Abrams' Star Trek came out last year, I was all a-twitter. I made sure that I had a copy of the DVD when it came out and have probably watched it no less than 15 times. All that to talk about one scene where Spock's mom had perished and during a conversation with his father, Sarek, said something to the effect of "sharing my emotions would be unwise," to which Sarek responded, "What is necessary is never unwise."
Stacy, what does that have to do with massage school?
I've talked about the First Aid lectures and hands-on things we have been doing. It's not fun like doing the bodywork, nor as relaxing, but it is necessary. What happens if somebody is on my table and has a heart attack? I need to know what to do in that situation. In order become a licensed Massage Therapist in Maryland, I need to pass my First Aid final exam with an 80% or higher. I have had four classes in it now, and believe I could pass today if I had to take the exam today. However, I have until next Wednesday that I will be studying, because sometimes 80% just isn't good enough.
If I find you in an emergency situation, would you be confident in me, knowing that I barely passed my final exam in First Aid? Would you want your doctor to have crammed, doing all-nighters with Twinkies and coffee, to be able to pass the medical exam?
Didn't think so.
So, as this is necessary, but not glamourous, it is wise for me take the time and learn even more about reacting in emergency situations.
After the discussion about First Aid, we also talked about being bodyworkers who could potentially be working with clients who are living with HIV/AIDS. As long as we have their doctor's permission, what a loving act to do for somebody who may have been ostracized and deemed as "untouchable" because of the disease. As far as safety, it is potentially more damaging to the client than it would be to us, the bodyworker, as massages can compromise the immune system.
Once again, I stand amazed at how much I am learning in such a short amount of time.
Stacy, what does that have to do with massage school?
I've talked about the First Aid lectures and hands-on things we have been doing. It's not fun like doing the bodywork, nor as relaxing, but it is necessary. What happens if somebody is on my table and has a heart attack? I need to know what to do in that situation. In order become a licensed Massage Therapist in Maryland, I need to pass my First Aid final exam with an 80% or higher. I have had four classes in it now, and believe I could pass today if I had to take the exam today. However, I have until next Wednesday that I will be studying, because sometimes 80% just isn't good enough.
If I find you in an emergency situation, would you be confident in me, knowing that I barely passed my final exam in First Aid? Would you want your doctor to have crammed, doing all-nighters with Twinkies and coffee, to be able to pass the medical exam?
Didn't think so.
So, as this is necessary, but not glamourous, it is wise for me take the time and learn even more about reacting in emergency situations.
After the discussion about First Aid, we also talked about being bodyworkers who could potentially be working with clients who are living with HIV/AIDS. As long as we have their doctor's permission, what a loving act to do for somebody who may have been ostracized and deemed as "untouchable" because of the disease. As far as safety, it is potentially more damaging to the client than it would be to us, the bodyworker, as massages can compromise the immune system.
Once again, I stand amazed at how much I am learning in such a short amount of time.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Soreness
I texted my nephew last night to ask if he was sore on Saturday from me working on him Friday night. He was, which didn't surprise me.
With deep tissue massages, it's quite normal, actually. I let him know that soaking in an epsom salt bath and drinking lots of water would help.
With deep tissue massages, it's quite normal, actually. I let him know that soaking in an epsom salt bath and drinking lots of water would help.
Day 14 - Let Your Fingers Do the Walking
When I signed up for the classes, I had been told that two nights were lecture and two nights were bodywork. During this section, however, we have been doing a little lecture each night and bodywork three nights, maybe even four. Trust me, I am not complaining. Not at all. One night a week, we've been learning about First Aid and the other nights are lecture/bodywork.
In last night's lecture, we learned about "fleshing" - which is when bodyworkers work toward putting muscles in the place where they are supposed to be.
For the bodywork session, we learned how to use a new tool: fingers. This tool can get into specific areas where forearms, fists, and knuckles may not be able to get to. It's also the tool that will tire out the most easily, as I found out. Also for this tool, fingernails are a bad thing. For this type of work, I have too much fingernail. I never thought I would hear myself say that. My piano teacher had to always remind the other girls in my class to cut their nails...never me. I usually chewed on mine. And they never really grew anyway.
Oh, sorry. Sidebar.
I went first on the table and my partner practiced using his fingers on my neck, back, arms, and legs the way Molly had demonstrated on one of the TA's, Jenna. I nearly fell asleep in the prone position - on my stomach. Before I knew it, it was time to switch up and I began working on my partner. With him in the supine (on his back) position, I worked on his neck muscles, a little neck massage, arms, legs, and then had him turn over. While I was working on his legs, he seemed very comfortable and as I continued, I checked in with him, and realized that I had to wake him up. I think the drool gave it away. I guess I was doing a pretty good job.
Before I knew it, it was time to clean up the room and go home. Because the class is so awesome, I don't always realize how late we are there, until I get home and have to go to bed because I need to be up in six hours for work the next day. It doesn't seem to matter because I know that I'm learning bunches and having fun while doing it!
Another benefit to having a nice little (ok - long) drive to get there is that I can put on my hands-free headset for my phone and chat away with my husband, mom, sister, and friends. I spend probably about half the time on the phone and then try to enjoy some music. Nice bit of "me" time.
In last night's lecture, we learned about "fleshing" - which is when bodyworkers work toward putting muscles in the place where they are supposed to be.
For the bodywork session, we learned how to use a new tool: fingers. This tool can get into specific areas where forearms, fists, and knuckles may not be able to get to. It's also the tool that will tire out the most easily, as I found out. Also for this tool, fingernails are a bad thing. For this type of work, I have too much fingernail. I never thought I would hear myself say that. My piano teacher had to always remind the other girls in my class to cut their nails...never me. I usually chewed on mine. And they never really grew anyway.
Oh, sorry. Sidebar.
I went first on the table and my partner practiced using his fingers on my neck, back, arms, and legs the way Molly had demonstrated on one of the TA's, Jenna. I nearly fell asleep in the prone position - on my stomach. Before I knew it, it was time to switch up and I began working on my partner. With him in the supine (on his back) position, I worked on his neck muscles, a little neck massage, arms, legs, and then had him turn over. While I was working on his legs, he seemed very comfortable and as I continued, I checked in with him, and realized that I had to wake him up. I think the drool gave it away. I guess I was doing a pretty good job.
Before I knew it, it was time to clean up the room and go home. Because the class is so awesome, I don't always realize how late we are there, until I get home and have to go to bed because I need to be up in six hours for work the next day. It doesn't seem to matter because I know that I'm learning bunches and having fun while doing it!
Another benefit to having a nice little (ok - long) drive to get there is that I can put on my hands-free headset for my phone and chat away with my husband, mom, sister, and friends. I spend probably about half the time on the phone and then try to enjoy some music. Nice bit of "me" time.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Day 13 - No More Tears
Chopping onions is no fun. There are tears. It can ruin make-up for the rest of the day. On more than one occasion, I've had to walk away from the kitchen to get my eyes to dry.
In this session, we learned about "Peeling the onion," a process by working on the top layers of muscle to loosen them allows the bodyworker to get to deeper layers.
I believe I found out about this last Friday night, as I worked on my nephew's back. Since he's a bodybuilder, he's got all sorts of muscle and he's a tough guy, so I knew that I could really put my weight into his muscles. He had several knots between his shoulder blades that I was enjoying digging into with my elbow. He even seemed to enjoy it. I worked on him for at least an hour and he was pretty much jelly when I was done.
In class, we also learned a little bit about SOAP notes - a method of keeping notes about each client we work on so that we know where we've been and where we're going with the work we do on them. It has nothing to do with hygeine, but rather an acronym for the words "Subjective, Objective, Action, and Plan." We'll learn more about that later.
For the bodywork portion of the evening, we learned how to use the knuckles as a more specific tool to get down into muscules and then we got to work on a partner. My partner got to work on me, and focus on my quads, where I seem to be holding a lot of tightness. I reciprocated and worked on him, focusing on his hamstrings and back. Man, I love this stuff!
Outside of class, last week, I found out that a position was open in the Frederick office at the company where I work, and I had applied for it. I got the great news yesterday that I got it and will be starting to work in Frederick beginning next Monday! I'll be much closer to my home and won't have to deal with the awful commuter traffic going to Montgomery County. What a blessing!
In this session, we learned about "Peeling the onion," a process by working on the top layers of muscle to loosen them allows the bodyworker to get to deeper layers.
I believe I found out about this last Friday night, as I worked on my nephew's back. Since he's a bodybuilder, he's got all sorts of muscle and he's a tough guy, so I knew that I could really put my weight into his muscles. He had several knots between his shoulder blades that I was enjoying digging into with my elbow. He even seemed to enjoy it. I worked on him for at least an hour and he was pretty much jelly when I was done.
In class, we also learned a little bit about SOAP notes - a method of keeping notes about each client we work on so that we know where we've been and where we're going with the work we do on them. It has nothing to do with hygeine, but rather an acronym for the words "Subjective, Objective, Action, and Plan." We'll learn more about that later.
For the bodywork portion of the evening, we learned how to use the knuckles as a more specific tool to get down into muscules and then we got to work on a partner. My partner got to work on me, and focus on my quads, where I seem to be holding a lot of tightness. I reciprocated and worked on him, focusing on his hamstrings and back. Man, I love this stuff!
Outside of class, last week, I found out that a position was open in the Frederick office at the company where I work, and I had applied for it. I got the great news yesterday that I got it and will be starting to work in Frederick beginning next Monday! I'll be much closer to my home and won't have to deal with the awful commuter traffic going to Montgomery County. What a blessing!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Day 12 - Meet You in the Quad
I think every college has one - a Quad. A central place on campus where students meet, hang out, play football, frisbee, or whatever else. I seem to remember at least walking through the quad to get to class or the dining hall on the beautiful Salisbury State University campus - which is now known as Salisbury University. On occasion, I met up with friends there, but I'm pretty sure I never played frisbee or football.
I'm also pretty sure that there were meetings going on in my quads before last night. Quadriceps, that is. Without knowing it, my muscles that run from the knees to the hips must have formed a HUGE knot. I had felt something like lumpiness above my knee, but didn't think all that much about it.
For the lecture, we went over some concepts about working on muscles on both sides of a joint to get optimal benefit from the massage. For the bodywork section, we learned how to use the forearm and elbow as the "tool" to work the muscles. Using these "tools," no matter the size of the massage therapist, he/she can get into some deep tissue by using body weight. Molly demonstrated on one of the Teacher's Assistants (TA's) and then we changed clothes and got to work on our partner for the evening.
As I worked on my partner, Jenna, she had a Somatic Emotional Release! She started laughing and giggling and she couldn't figure out why. We got to see our first release. I even raised my arms in the "triumph" celebratory move that I was the bodyworker who did it! I continued with the deep tissue structural work with my forearms, elbows, and fists, working on moving muscle and breaking up knots that I found in her back.
Then - it was my turn. She began the work with me in the supine position - which is on my back - and dug her forearm into my quad, working down from the hip to the knee. I thought I was going to jump up from the table! On the pain scale of one to ten, I was definitely at a seven. She could feel the muscle moving underneath her forearm and I felt like my skin was folding over, and in reality, it was the muscle. That was the first leg. Then, she moved to my other leg. I was definitely coming off the table then with the pain shooting up to an eight and a nine. Knowing that it's good for me, I stayed on the table.
She worked on the rest of what we were assigned - back of the legs and the back. By the time I got off the table, my legs were seriously loosened up and I didn't feel as much tightness or lumpiness above my knees anymore. Wow!
Now I would like to really get these quads worked out, I know there's more in there.
When I got home, my husband was actually awake, and I got to show him a little of what we've been learning in class...the deep tissue structural work. He wasn't expecting that - he was thinking more of the fluffy stuff. He yelped a little bit and told me his pain level was at about a five. So I put more weight into it, being the good wife I am. Does he really know what he's in for as my guinea pig?
I'm also pretty sure that there were meetings going on in my quads before last night. Quadriceps, that is. Without knowing it, my muscles that run from the knees to the hips must have formed a HUGE knot. I had felt something like lumpiness above my knee, but didn't think all that much about it.
For the lecture, we went over some concepts about working on muscles on both sides of a joint to get optimal benefit from the massage. For the bodywork section, we learned how to use the forearm and elbow as the "tool" to work the muscles. Using these "tools," no matter the size of the massage therapist, he/she can get into some deep tissue by using body weight. Molly demonstrated on one of the Teacher's Assistants (TA's) and then we changed clothes and got to work on our partner for the evening.
As I worked on my partner, Jenna, she had a Somatic Emotional Release! She started laughing and giggling and she couldn't figure out why. We got to see our first release. I even raised my arms in the "triumph" celebratory move that I was the bodyworker who did it! I continued with the deep tissue structural work with my forearms, elbows, and fists, working on moving muscle and breaking up knots that I found in her back.
Then - it was my turn. She began the work with me in the supine position - which is on my back - and dug her forearm into my quad, working down from the hip to the knee. I thought I was going to jump up from the table! On the pain scale of one to ten, I was definitely at a seven. She could feel the muscle moving underneath her forearm and I felt like my skin was folding over, and in reality, it was the muscle. That was the first leg. Then, she moved to my other leg. I was definitely coming off the table then with the pain shooting up to an eight and a nine. Knowing that it's good for me, I stayed on the table.
She worked on the rest of what we were assigned - back of the legs and the back. By the time I got off the table, my legs were seriously loosened up and I didn't feel as much tightness or lumpiness above my knees anymore. Wow!
Now I would like to really get these quads worked out, I know there's more in there.
When I got home, my husband was actually awake, and I got to show him a little of what we've been learning in class...the deep tissue structural work. He wasn't expecting that - he was thinking more of the fluffy stuff. He yelped a little bit and told me his pain level was at about a five. So I put more weight into it, being the good wife I am. Does he really know what he's in for as my guinea pig?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Day 11 - Ugh!
We had Session 3 of First Aid, where we covered how to help in situations of bleeding, puncture wounds, burns, broken bones, back injuries, seizures, and shock. We talked about impalement. Some of the discussion just gave me the willies, I must say. I think it also gave me a headache, for which we did not go over treatment, much to my chagrin.
I'm not sure, but I think because it was Cinco de Mayo, some of the folks in class were particularly rowdy and talkative. Molly handled it as well as she could.
One of the difficult things I'm finding about keeping up with this schedule is that I am currently working in Gaithersburg. To get to the school, there's not a really good, no-traffic straight route, not to mention the morning commute to get to the office. Most days it takes me an hour and 20 minutes to get to the school, after working 8 hours. I found out yesterday that there's a small possibility that I may be able to transfer to the Frederick office, which would totally help my situation. It's a straight shot to the school and only 15 minutes from my house. The one problem: it's a temporary position, meaning that after the "temp" position is done, I may be out of a job. However, I feel I am going to need to take this gamble.
I'm not sure, but I think because it was Cinco de Mayo, some of the folks in class were particularly rowdy and talkative. Molly handled it as well as she could.
One of the difficult things I'm finding about keeping up with this schedule is that I am currently working in Gaithersburg. To get to the school, there's not a really good, no-traffic straight route, not to mention the morning commute to get to the office. Most days it takes me an hour and 20 minutes to get to the school, after working 8 hours. I found out yesterday that there's a small possibility that I may be able to transfer to the Frederick office, which would totally help my situation. It's a straight shot to the school and only 15 minutes from my house. The one problem: it's a temporary position, meaning that after the "temp" position is done, I may be out of a job. However, I feel I am going to need to take this gamble.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Day 10 - Sweet Emotion
Any Arrowsmith fans out there? I'd say that I know their more popular stuff, like the song "Angel" or "Sweet Emotion." I think of the song "Sweet Emotion" when I think about the lecture time of class from last night, as we learned about "Somatic Emotional Release" or SER. The body stores emotional memories and sometimes during a massage therapy session, the body releases those memories and may cause a reaction, such as crying, laughing, sadness, and whatever else.
During the class, I understood why I felt the way I did during a Swedish massage I received while on vacation in Florida this past March. The past year, well, even couple years, have been a draining emotional roller coaster, dealing with illness and deaths in the family, loss of a job, and all the stress that comes along with those life events. While receiving the massage, I didn't start crying, but came very close to it because of all that bottled up emotional energy and baggage I'd been carrying around. It was also after that massage that I became fascinated with the healing and feel-good benefits of massage and what ultimately led me to pursue this mid-life career change and education needed for it.
So, if you're on the table, receiving an awesome massage and all of the sudden you start crying, it's ok. You're not crazy. You're not an emotional mess. You're human.
After the lecture, we learned some more deep-tissue structural techniques, using the fist as our tool of choice. And more practice. :-)
During the practice session, Molly, the instructor, expressed some concern about my body mechanics - the way I hold my body while performing the massage. I will need to concentrate more on making sure to take care of myself while taking care of the person on whom I'm working.
Have I mentioned that I love this class?
During the class, I understood why I felt the way I did during a Swedish massage I received while on vacation in Florida this past March. The past year, well, even couple years, have been a draining emotional roller coaster, dealing with illness and deaths in the family, loss of a job, and all the stress that comes along with those life events. While receiving the massage, I didn't start crying, but came very close to it because of all that bottled up emotional energy and baggage I'd been carrying around. It was also after that massage that I became fascinated with the healing and feel-good benefits of massage and what ultimately led me to pursue this mid-life career change and education needed for it.
So, if you're on the table, receiving an awesome massage and all of the sudden you start crying, it's ok. You're not crazy. You're not an emotional mess. You're human.
After the lecture, we learned some more deep-tissue structural techniques, using the fist as our tool of choice. And more practice. :-)
During the practice session, Molly, the instructor, expressed some concern about my body mechanics - the way I hold my body while performing the massage. I will need to concentrate more on making sure to take care of myself while taking care of the person on whom I'm working.
Have I mentioned that I love this class?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Day 9 - Structurally Speaking
Day 9 was actually Day 1 of learning about Structural Bodywork - how to move the muscles closer to the Structural Objective. It's slow work and can be painful, but the benefits outweigh all that. We learned some words that I have not committed to memory yet, so I will make flashcards tonight before class and re-read the section of the book that we covered.
I found myself just being like a sponge, soaking it all in, wanting to learn more right then, but we had to switch gears from the lecture part of the class.
We actually got to do some bodywork! We worked on what we had been learning: Structural bodywork - the slow and sometimes painful stuff. My partner for the evening admitted to having a lower pain threshhold, so I held back from what I know I could do to move those muscles. I even felt her muscles pushing back at me when it was too much for her! I even had to have a little towel to wipe the sweat from my brow.
Then, it was my turn on the table. Apparently, I have a higher tolerance for pain, as I didn't get much past a six on the pain scale of one to ten. But, oh - it did feel good - in that painful yet relaxing way. By the time I got home, I was ready for some major sleep!
The A/C in the house has been not working, and we have just had a heat spell. Without A/C, I didn't sleep well the night before, but some wonderful friends from church let us borrow some fans to keep the house cool. Between the fans and the bodywork I received, I was out like a light.
I found myself just being like a sponge, soaking it all in, wanting to learn more right then, but we had to switch gears from the lecture part of the class.
We actually got to do some bodywork! We worked on what we had been learning: Structural bodywork - the slow and sometimes painful stuff. My partner for the evening admitted to having a lower pain threshhold, so I held back from what I know I could do to move those muscles. I even felt her muscles pushing back at me when it was too much for her! I even had to have a little towel to wipe the sweat from my brow.
Then, it was my turn on the table. Apparently, I have a higher tolerance for pain, as I didn't get much past a six on the pain scale of one to ten. But, oh - it did feel good - in that painful yet relaxing way. By the time I got home, I was ready for some major sleep!
The A/C in the house has been not working, and we have just had a heat spell. Without A/C, I didn't sleep well the night before, but some wonderful friends from church let us borrow some fans to keep the house cool. Between the fans and the bodywork I received, I was out like a light.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Bye Bye Nails
Since we will be starting with doing actual bodywork this week, I had to say goodbye to my fingernails. Not that I had much fingernail to begin with, but they all had to go. Down to the nubs. And it feels kinda weird, but I got to thinking, maybe it's not so bad.
Benefits of not having fingernails:
Anything other benefits you can think of?
Benefits of not having fingernails:
- Don't have to pay to get manicures
- Don't have to worry about weird "stuff" getting under my nails
- Nails won't bend backwards and hurt
- They probably won't get chipped
Anything other benefits you can think of?
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