Baggin' the bag

I just wrapped up my second week off since beginning this blog. The week without biting my nails was one of the biggest successes yet! Not only did I last a week without breaking down & and going to the salon – I STILL haven’t been there. I may have broken the habit for good *knock on wood* I started chewing on them a few times, but I’ve been able to stop myself. My friend Marna recommended keeping a nail file with me & using that whenever I get the urge to bite my nails. I’ve been doing that and painting my nails. I’m not sure which did the trick, but it’s been two full weeks and my fingernails are intact. That’s amazing! I still miss having super-strong, always-French tipped nails, so eventually, I’ll go back to the salon. But now that I don’t NEED nails, the salon will just be a nice way to pamper myself once in a while.

My right shoulder has been giving me problems for a few months. While it’s likely due to a paddling injury, I think I may be doing other things to aggravate it. That led to this “Week Without a Purse”. We’ve all heard stories of women who’ve suffered back or neck injuries stemming from their mammoth bags. My bag is not huge, but I am guilty of carrying way too much in it. All of my makeup travels with me, all of the time. I tend to accumulate a huge paper pile of receipts, printouts, invitations, and maps. I’ve got 2 checkbooks, a wallet, a very full keyring, and a phone. Many times there’s an MP3 player & headphones, or an FM transmitter in there. And then there’s the weird stuff that travels in there… I’ve had a wire stripper in there for about a month now. I used to carry a small tape measure and a Congressional directory or a deck of cards. (No, I wasn’t on my way to “Let’s Make a Deal”) A change of shoes or a Coke Zero often finds its way into the abyss that is my bag. I patented the “bag in a bag” technique: carrying my purse and other items INSIDE a backpack or larger bag. At first, it was because I needed a way to carry my gym clothes, lunch, and purse all at once. Then, it was just because I was weird.

This week, my shoulder gets a break. This morning, I did my makeup at home. I stuck my wallet & phone in my coat pockets. And I carried my usual lunch and a change of shoes in a plastic bag. Not heavy, and most of it won’t travel back home with me.

Nail Biter

I made it until Thursday, and then I pretty much gave up. I forgot what it was like to be 14 and without a drivers’ license. I carpooled with Ben & I tried to plan ahead, but between board meetings, kayak polo, and plans with friends – it’s really difficult for me to go without driving. However, I am pretty good at carpooling. Ben & I carpooled for a couple winters when I was between cars, so I’ve got a lot of practice. Here are my biggest obstacles:

- I am impatient.
Who wants to wait for a bus and travel across the city in a 45 minute commute when it only takes 15 by car? Biking doesn’t take that much longer than driving, plus I’ll save time because I won’t have to bike on the trainer at night or go to the gym – so the impatience excuse really won’t work for biking, except…

- It is cold.
It’s freezing out in the morning. Given the choice between A) a 3.5 mi ride in 30-degree weather, or B) travelling on a heated seat with warm air blowing on your freezing fingers…what would you choose?

- I am busy.
Sometimes waiting for a bus or taking a bike isn’t an option when I have to get across town & back quickly. There are situations when getting up early or being patient still won’t cut it.

I want to improve. I'm weak! I may try a week without driving another time. However, last week was a FAIL.

This week, I’m going a week without fake nails. For years, I bit my nails down until they hurt (gross!). About 7 years ago, I started getting fake nails, which solved the problem. I've had them ever since. However, the compulsion to chew them is still there.

For the 2nd time in 7 years, I took them off. (cue the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey) Realistically, I won't break the chewing habit this week, but I hope to at least make an improvement. My mouth may be so full of turkey & stuffing that I won’t have room for fingers anyway!