this is a really girly post...sorry men

Over the past few years my mom has turned me on to pedicures. It's a great activity...you hang out with women, you get to look pretty, and it just feels so good to get your feet rubbed! My favorite time to get a pedicure is toward the end of winter. After going through a few months of the cold I always just feel pale and my body misses the bright colors of spring and summer, so I love to get a pedicure to brighten my appearance (and my mood).

This week has been a good week of school, but it's been pretty grueling because we are trying to get a lot accomplished before we leave on winter break, which is next week. As a result, my friend Jane and I decided that this would be the week to get a pedicure. Plus, Tom and I going to be in Malaysia wearing chacos and playing on the beach so I want my toes to look pretty.

Anyway, Jane (who luckily speaks korean) and I went out tonight to get our nails done and we had a great time. Ultimately, our goal was accomplished. I got my nails painted and they look great. However, the whole experience was quite a bit different than what I am use to.
Some things to note: 1. There was no where to soak my feet (usually your feet get a little hot bath to soak in). I have to admit, I did miss this because its pretty cold outside. 2. There is no foot massage (this is usually my favorite part). The really just get down to business here with cutting your nails and painting them. 3. Koreans like really glittery and tacky nail designs. They tried to get me to do something "extra pretty" to my big toe. They think since its the biggest toe you should accessorize it. (I decided to pass on this). 4. They were going to make me pay for sandals to wear so I wouldn't mess up the polish. I refused because its too cold to wear sandals and walk home. So they decided to wrap my toes in cling wrap to keep them from messing up! As weird as this was it really worked.

All that to say, it was not a "normal" pedicure experience when you compare it to America, but it was a great time because the korean women were so nice to us. I also felt blessed just to get the opportunity to go get pampered for the night, and my mission was successful...I now have a bit of brightness to shine in on my drabby winter life.