I finally treated myself to a manicure and pedicure, and I actually felt guilty for it. I figured, “they” are probably going to completely shut down ALL nail salons VERY soon, so I might as well go ahead and get one. I haven’t treated myself to this type of pampering for a year, and once covid hit, it wasn’t on the top of my list of priorities. I was trying to preserve my money, and prioritize. I practically had just arrived to this area to stay, still settling and budgeting. I’ve always been a do-it-yourself type of gal, and I take care of my feet, but there’s nothing like a professional mani and pedi. It’s one of the little, and only luxuries that I give myself.

I had never visited this nail salon before, and the employees could not see my face, and I could not see theirs. I like to properly introduce myself when I enter a new business, it’s only proper etiquette. I also want the employees to get to know me, a little at least, so we are familiar with one another. It was super weird having us all completely masked up and anonymous.

I was very uneasy as the esthetician worked on my feet, seeing her wearing that heavy plastic face shield, and a mask underneath. It looked like waaay too much, plus the plastic barrier between us, seemed unneeded and unnecessary. While I was masked up, and trying to relax and enjoy the chair massage, it was hard to breathe. I told myself to relax, so I wasn’t tense, but my thoughts were running everywhere. It is not healthy or normal to breathe in the air you exhale for hours and hours at a time. We all know this, however collectively we are not questioning it.

I have been fortunate so far because I work from home, so I’m not masked up outside for eight hour shifts. While the esthethitian looked geared up as though she’s about to exterminate termites, it made me feel claustrophobic. I didn’t feel good about that. I did not see her pull down her mask not ONCE while doing my pedicure or manicure. I found that crazy, and very unsafe. I actually felt awkward pulling up my medical mask to take a few gulps of water, and that was the only time my mask came off my face.

As she finished up my manicure, I thanked her again, as I did a few times during her work. Although I am paying for a service, I appreciate when I am given Great service, plus a positive attitude. I gave her a very good tip, while thinking, this may be the last week this business is open.

Money can not make up for the energy and effort it takes to maintain Covid-19 regulations, on top providing next to perfect service. I feel empathy on a different level for these service providers, the threat of closing looms over their heads as winter approaches.
I am not of the “mid-town” lifestyle, although I grew up at one point in this area. For some, their family owned business is ALL they know, and they have lived here for generations.

I feel as though I am a silent spectator in all of this, but I am learning one of the most important lessons of my life. My conscience bothers me the most, because I know overnight poverty and struggle is not the norm for the demographic around here. I can pretty much adjust to most difficult situations. The life that the cards the Lord has dealt me, has helped me be able to do that.

Watching slowly as businesses hold on for dear life, businesses that have been the fabric of the city, landmarks of this part of the city, truly bothers me.
I trust my gut, my spirit, and I know none of this adds up. It just doesn’t, and I have only scratched the surface.

My mani/ pedi turned out lovely, by the way. I do not know the next time I will be able to get one, so for that I am truly Thankful.

Take Care, Stay safe, and Stay tuned.

Love and Respect,

~Dawn Lovely

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