After the stresses of resigning from the board, I used my birthday present from my husband, and spent three hours at Ummalina’s.

The psychological highlight for me was the “Oceana” tub. For me it was like a mikvah, a ritual of rebirth, of cleansing off what was old, and preparing to move into a new phase of my life. 5 years ago

I suppose I shouldn’t look on this as “frivolous”, but I haven’t had a hair cut in about 2 years.

I also had my synophrys removed. 5 years ago

I had the second manicure of my life. It’s not the polish that’s the big deal – although it’s nice to have it professionally applied. It’s having the cuticles trimmed and the area around the nails feeling “groomed”.

And I had my eyebrows waxed. I have the original, black, heavy unibrow, and I’ve never had my eyebrows waxed, ever. I felt like a glamor queen when I was done! Wow! I asked my kids, “I did something to change my appearance – can you guess what it is?” No, I didn’t have my nipples pierced – sheesh! So, maybe it isn’t noticeable to anyone else. But I sure can tell – and I think it looks great. 5 years ago

I got a pedicure, but I mussed up the big toe on my (slightly larger) right foot.

However, I really like the place I got it from. It was busy. The place is run by a loud, nasally-voiced and warm-spirited Vietnamese woman, and there were two other middle-aged Vietnamese women working there. They all seemed to have a jolly spirit. If you were looking for a quiet, relaxing place, this is not it. But it had a happy vibe, and the prices were right, and it’s within walking distance of the house. 5 years ago