Airbrushing my good stuff away...

So I went to get some passport-sized photos made the other day from the Kodak store here in Maadi.  I needed them for a couple of membership cards, so I piled my hair on top of my head, put on my favorite lipstick, and smiled big for the camera.  When he gave me the photos (and a framed 5 x 7 of the photo, just in case [I said no to that one and left it, which, in hindsight, I regret.  That could have been someone's stellar  stocking-stuffer for Christmas.]), I thought I looked, well, strange.  I couldn't quite put on my finger on it, but the girl in the photo only sort of looked like me.  Oh, well, I thought.  It's just for some membership cards.  No biggie.

The next day, I was at Becky's house, and noticed a framed photo that looked much like the one the Kodak shop had tried to give to me (except with a different face in it, of course) and I asked her if it was the same.  She said it was a joke between her friend and her and they gave them to each other whenever they got passport photos made, but that her friend was actually much cuter than the photo but they airbrushed her freckles away (holy run-on sentence, Batman!).  That's it, I realized!  They took my freckles away, too.  I pulled out the photos and upon inspection, Becky and I realized they also curved my pointy chin.  With a round chin and no freckles, no wonder the photo didn't look like me.  I looked like some other, plainer version of me.  I quite like my freckly face and pointy chin, and it was odd that someone would feel the need to airbrush those features away. Like Owen Wilson's nose, the features they airbrushed away are what make me me.  My signature features. 

Becky told me they airbrush the student photos here as well.  Got whiskers?  They make them go away.  Crooked nose?  They straighten it.  Crazy hair?  They tame it.  All of those slight imperfections that make us unique are gone in an instant.  Interesting statement on society, huh?  But here's my take: give me back my freckles, Kodak man!  I am a fan of them.  And pointy chins are sexy, so don't curve one just because you can.  I worked hard to fully embrace what I look like, so I won't quietly let someone change me.  Not even in a photo.  Next time, I say no airbrushing or no deal.  :)

Only 90 Minutes Away...

...is The Red Sea!  And it is glorious.  Clear, warm water and a spa retreat unlike anything I've ever been to.  So serene and blissful.  Soft, mellow music seemed to float everywhere.  The smell was subtle and calming with a slightly floral hint.  And then you walk outside and The Red Sea greets you.  I was lulled into calm immediately.

And I had my first massage.  That's right, the first one of my life.  I opted for the Swedish massage since I didn't know how I was going to react and wanted to play it safe.  It seemed like a good bet for satisfaction without pain.  And it was lovely.  And I was indeed satisfied.  The 50 minutes simultaneouly lasted forever and flew by.  I didn't want it to end.  I know that I will have another massgae within two-to-four weeks.  The prices are ridiculously low here, so I can see myself having bi-weekly massages and loving it.  Next time, I am going for the deep tissue or sportive massage.  My sore muscles are already looking forward to it.  :)

I went to the spa with a group from school.  My girfriend, Michelle, mentioned it and asked me to go along.  I considered saying no just because of time and money (even though the all-inclusive resort couldn't be more reasonable), but I decided to say yes to the whole weekend and enjoy myself.  I got to know several colleagues much better and met quite a few others.  I work with the nicest people.  Talking to several on Thursday night, I suddenly realized how blessed I am to be in Cairo surrounded by amazing folks.  They are adventurous spirits who travel the world and have these experiences I can't even fathom and there is no boasting or bragging about it.  It's just the way they live.  They are marvelous.  And so inspirational.

Want to know something else inspirational at the Stella di Mare?  The food.  It was buffet (hello, danger!!) and so yummy.  I ate way more than a girl my height should.  And I keep wondering why I'm gaining so much weight in Cairo.  Hmm...  :-)  Thank goodness I brought my gym clothes  with me and the gym was so peaceful and lovely that I worked out over an hour each day.  Positive that didn't even come close to burning the excess calories I consumed, but, hey, it's better than nothing.  Right?

Anyway, it was a stellar weekend at The Stella di Mare.  And when you come visit me here (that is an open invite to all my friends and family), we can book a couple nights.  :)      

Puck, my weekend buddy

       A fellow English teacher, Becky, went away for the weekend and asked me if I would watch her 7 week-old kitten, Puck (hello, last summer's Shakespeare fun!).  Um, the name alone sold me, so, of course, I said yes.  This is the fanatstic little guy that spent the weekend with me.
       I had forgotten how little one gets done when a kitten is around - the computer keyboard was covered in cat whenever I tried to use it, my Kindle view was of cat's fur, the pen I was using to grade papers became a play toy and the TV was blocked by grey and white fur.  It was lovely!  :)

      I had also fogotten how nice it was to have a warm little body curl up on you and purr softly while you fall asleep.  Works as well as one of those nature machines, and you get the added bonus of vibration.  It did wonders for me and lulled me into a deep sleep each night. 

     When I brushed my teeth, Puck was curled up on my feet.  When I went to the bathroom, he was wrapped in a little ball on the rug looking at me.  When I washed dishes or prepared food (I bought a pan, so I am cooking again - less cereal for dinner), he was woven around my ankles. 

     It was just nice to have another living creature experience my day-to-day activities with me.  And he was so easy to please.  Pet his head, and he's happy.  Give him nice food, and he meows in thanks.  Let him lay on your lap while you grade papers, and he looks at you like you're the most amazing thing he's ever seen.  I could get used to having a Puck around!
    And he visits again in two weeks for our first break.  Cannot wait!