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February 22, 2007
The Plunge
The short hop from a hot stone massage to Botox
I am a confessed spa junkie. Don’t bother with flowers, fancy dinners or jewelry, I tell the husband. For me nothing says I love you like gift certificate to a spa. Since I’m married, I’ve stopped waiting for a special occasion or for it to occur to the husband that I might need a little pampering. When the mood strikes me, I send my own butt to the spa and make no apologies about it. So is it any wonder that I picked up a pamphlet on my way out from a recent visit and turned to the other side of the menu—the side that puts the medical in medispa.
Living in Los Angeles, I’m witness to a lot of unnecessary tinkering to the face and body. I once saw a petit gal who was so top heavy, I wanted to volunteer to carry her boobs for her. Kind of like when Sam offered to share the load with Frodo. At my old gym a woman, who I could only describe as a sexy elfin like creature, took many of the same classes I did (and then some since she was there before and after I left). Her butt and boobs were incredibly perky, something I attributed to the vast amounts of exercise she got. Her hair, and there was lots of it, was perfectly honey-colored and would be the envy of any surfer girl with a shampoo contract. And then one day I got closer look and saw she was actually in her late, late 50’s. What she looked liked a few feet away was so incongruous with what she really should look like, it was disconcerting.
I realized then I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. (That and when I went to get a bagel and the woman in front of me asked for hers plain, toasted and hollowed out.) Compared to those two women, at least, I was downright conservative in my expectations of what medical science and a disposable income could offer besides kneading, exfoliating and moisturizing.
A friend of mine took the plunge before I did and got her forehead shot full Botox. For months we tried to make her frown and for months she looked oddly serene. And then it wore off and no one really noticed. Not one but me and only because I was really looking and thinking about giving it a try myself.
Last summer I was looking forward to my 35th birthday and decided it was time. I made an appointment with her doctor, a friendly fellow, despite his propensity to cause pain with needles. He gave me a V configuration of shots starting at the middle of the top of my nose and over my brows and a total of six shots at my crow’s feet. Then I went home and waited. By the time I was blowing out the candles on my birthday cake I couldn’t frown…and it bothered me. I’m a wife, a mother, and dog owner. I need to frown. It saves me the embarrassment of screaming, “Settle the hell down!” in crowded restaurants and at dog parks.
So when it wore off, I was relived to be able to move my forehead again, but not so thrilled with the crinkles around my eyes. Those I could do without. And what’s up with those gray hairs that have suddenly appeared on my head and...I suppose this is how it all gets started.
P.S.
Many thanks to all the wonderful women who make LiteraryChicks happen and look so good while doing it, you know who you are. It was a lot of fun and nerve-wracking to write on a deadline. I’d do it again in a heartbeat, but would consider doing it sober next time. Or maybe not. And to the readers who were kind enough to comment on my entries and for those brave enough to take a chance and buy my debut novel Underneath It All. As promised, I reserved five copies of UIA to give away and here are the winners: Deanna of Louisiana, MO, Deb of Ontario, CA, Shelia of Wiggins, MS, Amy of Westborough, MA and Heather of Mays Landing, NJ.
Posted by Margo at 6:00 AM | Comments (6)
Comments
I haven't thought of Botox yet, but I keep looking at those line diminishing products. Since my surgery caused me to reschedult my hair appointment, two greys have appeared in my head, tormenting me. I'm almost positive you can see them from outer space.
Posted by: laurenjharwood ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.literarychicks.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at February 22, 2007 8:54 AM
We were thrilled to have you!! Huge good luck with the new book.
hugs,
alesia
Posted by: Alesia Holliday at February 22, 2007 9:32 AM
Thank you! I can't wait to receive my copy of UIA! I start out every morning reading the Literary Chicks. You Chicks are definitely entertaining!
Posted by: Deanna at February 22, 2007 10:10 AM
I think I waited too long. The lines on my forehead may actually be geological formations at this point.
Posted by: The LC Eileen at February 22, 2007 1:01 PM
Lauren - *two* grays? My hubby surprised me in my office the other day and told me that when I'd turned to look at me, he flashed on Cruella de Vil. And then pointed out where my roots were that gave him that perception from that angle. I've been coloring to hide the gray since I was in my 20s! At 44, I don't want to hear that I have Cruella potential!
Posted by: Dia at February 22, 2007 5:37 PM
LOL..you're right...a wife, a mother and a dog owner must be able to frown. Sometimes, a look is all it takes :)
I'm so excited! I can't believe I won! I'm looking forward to receiving my copy of UIA. Thank you!
Many thanks to Lani for helping solve my posting issues today. :) You're the best!
Posted by: Sheila at February 24, 2007 5:16 PM
