Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Underappreciated Professions

Last weekend I had my first pedicure in three years. I love pedicures, especially the ones that come with a massage chair and actual foot and calves massages. And I absolutely love the way my freshly painted toes look for days and weeks after.

While I was there I began to think what a nasty job this must be. The pedicurist is constantly messing with another person's dirty, nasty feet for eight or more hours a day. Corns, calluses, bunions and various fungi. So many disgusting types of nails. Cracked heels and hairy feet (not to mention some very unshaven legs). To do this with a smile and a good attitude takes a special person.

Even more important is the care with which these people treat your feet. You'd be surprised at how many people do not know that foot care affects your whole body. Think for just a minute about the last time your feet were bothering you. I'll bet you'll think of another part of your body that was just as sore or tired. There is a reason for this. Your foot has never endings that correspond to every part of your body. It is as if someone laid a mini line of cable from your feet all the way to your head. To have someone come along and massage and care for those sore, aching feet is to have someone take care of your whole body.

So to all you pedicurists out there I send you my grateful thanks.

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