Preparing for Paradise

I've recently emerged from several busy months at work only to find frigid, tundra conditions outside. To remedy the dry skin and frozen nostrils this creates, G and I booked a trip to Puerto Rico! Since I will not be wearing five layers of clothes, hats, gloves and coats, I realized I needed to take action to make myself presentable. Starting the beginning of January, my svelting group and I started to prepare for bikini bodies. I had to work on a shortened timeline-- Feb. 17 instead of May 31. This past week was dedicated to all that could not be fixed from cardio and healthy eating, namely, bikini wax to pedicure. These "ladies activities" were interspersed with, and included, quality time with girlfriends, many whose faces looked unfamiliar after my self imposed hibernation due to stress.
To prepare mentally for tropical temperatures, G's mom and I went to Boston Ballet's production of A Midsummer's Night Dream. The lush sets and gorgeous costumes made me temporarily forget the sub-arctic temperatures outside. I also met Nora for a sushi dinner-- seafood, omega 3s and serious discussion about shoes. Slowly but surely, my mind was checking out from the workaday worries I'd been so preoccupied with recently. Last night was the piece de resistance of the week of preparations: a pedicure with ET#1.
A winter storm the day before brought rain and slush, which froze over, creating icy roads and sidewalks, forcing me to wear boots with dorky grippy things attached (a bruised bum would not be attractive on the beach). Perhaps not the best time to get pedicures? Au contraire...after waiting for the bus in 10 degree weather for 30 minutes, our frozen toes steamed and turned red when we put them in the foot baths. I chose a pink color called "Tunnel of Love" and ET #2 forgot to choose a color, confounding the pedicurist further when she declared that she didn't even really care what color would go on her toes, as only she would see them. Except a bright red would personally offend her, so she used my pink as well. We relaxed in the massaging chairs which contorted our backs in strange ways, and caught up on our lives until Entertainment Tonight came on with updates on the "Anna Nicole Tragedy". ET#1's eyes glazed over as she became absorbed in the drama, and filled me in on the strange updates. The pedicurist chastised ET#1 for her falling off nails (ET#1 is an avid runner, so this is an unfortunate side effect) and I felt guilty for not having shaved my legs in a month. No doubt the pedicurist thought we were a couple of hippies, or at least weirdos, especially when I told her I'd brought a second pair of shoes and socks to wear out. When we stood up our legs were so relaxed that it was difficult to walk out, but the promise of salty carbs and beer at the Washington Square Tavern lured us into the cold.
Now, I'm all ready to go-- toned, buffed and polished. Of course, both G and I still have to pack, but as long as we have swimsuits and sunscreen, I'm sure we'll be in paradise.