Freedom found on a sandy beach

August 28th, 2009 |

I can’t remember the last time I felt the cool sensation of fresh-cut aloe on a sunburn, or the sting of sun-blistered lips. I’ve spent the past few years shielding myself from the sun whenever possible, trying to make up for years of tanning beds and baby-oil covered days at the beach. But today, my nose is red and peeling, and my hips (which have likely not seen sun in the 21st century), are nearly purple, tender to the slightest touch.

Oh, but it hurts so good.

No games, no deadlines, no dusty air-conditioning filters. Not even an admission price! Just me with my toes in the sand and the sun in my face. I am going to like my new life — just don’t tell my facialist.