Footaction

I am ready to talk about it now. I wanted to chew on it before saying anything, but it has been two weeks since it has happened. I got my first pedicure.

After years of declining all invitations to get a pedicure, I was cornered by my two best friends in unfamiliar territory (Dallas, TX). I had a choice to continue to be stubborn, decline again, and ruin the flow of conversation or experience another first in my life and make peace with my friends. I caved in and decided to temporarily tuck away my conflicted feelings and reasons for past declines.

My primary fear from having a pedicure is forming a habit from the experience. I decided before embarking into this point-of-no-return, I would only have another pedicure under very special circumstances (such as celebrating becoming a multi-millionaire) or simply never having another pedicure at all.

Overall, the experience was extremely relaxing. It was more than getting my toe nails painted, as I expected. It was a massage and spa treatment for my lower legs and feet.

I am still mulling over how I feel about pedicures now. I had a tough time telling my family I got one. There was no hiding it. It was obvious. They know I lack the skills and equipment to do such a good job on my toes. It is not that I am seeking their approval, but it is a feeling of guilt. I still feel uneasy about spending money on little luxuries, such as pedicures, knowing my parents work so hard for their paychecks and still support the family. I doubt they are concerned about this, but this train of thought helps me budget. Alas, I digress.

I admit, I have enjoyed staring at my toes for the past two weeks. Pretty toes make shoe shopping more fun and dangerous too. Nearly all open toed shoes or sandals look great. I have captured this moment of indulgence with a new pair of sandals I got this weekend. Now, I can stare at my pretty toes anytime I want.

An Unrecognizable Face

I still Facebook. In fact, I mySpace too. Between updating profiles, I blog. The point of this entry is not all the time I spend online, but how these social networks have evolved, particularly Facebook.

I had referenced in a past entry that entering mySpace has the same sensation as entering a casino with its flashing lights and sounds. Entering Facebook now is similar to entering a bar for the first time. It's familiar, but distinctly different because something is always changing, whether it be the people or the drink specials. Facebook still has the same feel, but the web network has gone add-on crazy. A new invitation to join a Fight Club team or a request to participate in the Oregon Trail has left me confused every time I log onto my homepage. I don't know what will happen once I join, but I bet I'll have a difficult time removing it from my profile page.

I also have not figured out when I receive a mass invite, request, or message- so I can ignore it. Can a true friend really not send a personal message that takes 2 minutes? Mass-texter-haters, and you know who you are, this is your worst nightmare. I've warmed up to the idea of mass phone text messages. There are situations where that is appropriate, but to dedicate a song to all of your 150 Facebook friends is a bit impersonal.

Despite the changes, I am still a huge Facebook fan. It has given me every reason to not attend my high school reunion. I know exactly what everyone is already doing.

I now leave you with a mySpace comic a friend sent to me.

In My Defense

We are all selfish. We are all selfless. It is all human nature.

My generation has been deemed the 'i' generation. Thanks to Apple, everyone is proud to say it too. The media has been pushing stories on the influences of product personalization and specialization on young people's ideology. The media blames business advertising, such as Burger King, who campaigns to "have it your way" as messages promoting self-centeredness. I call it customer service at a fast food joint, which is fantastic. The booming economy of convenience is a source of distractions people must deal with today. It is easy to be swept away with all these desires for more and more personal conveniences. This does not make a generation selfish. That's just how the world works now.

People, regardless of age, all want the best for themselves.