Wear A Cup

Remember the ongoing storyline through a couple of Friends episodes where, just as Ross is boarding a flight to China, Chandler lets slip that Ross is in love with Rachel? Then, while Ross is gone, Rachel gets herself all jazzed up over the idea of being with Ross. And when Ross returns, Rachel meets him at the airport with flowers and an eager intent to acknowledge that she has feelings for him, too! It was all very romantic and exciting, until Ross got off the plane with his old flame Julie and Rachel's world fell apart.

Later, at Monica's, Ross and Julie recap their chance reunion in China. Rachel, dealing with her disappointment (and a nasty bump on the head) says one of the most brilliant and appropriate lines I have ever heard:

"Isn't that just spit-on-your-neck, kick-you-in-the-crotch fantastic?!"

My life has been fantastic like that lately. It seems as if every time I turn around I'm getting my neck spit on and my crotch kicked in. It's exhausting and mildly depressing.

That just seems to be the great cosmic joke: Here's something good, something you've wanted and earned... but let me kick you in the nuts as I hand it to you so that you'll appreciate it more. Now pick yourself up off the floor and get in line for the next round of kicks!

I feel as if I've taken my fair share of kicks to the crotch and I'm ready for a break. There is, of course, some comfort to be had in the fact that I know I'm not the only one on the business end of those swift kicks, but it doesn't make my metaphorical marbles any less tender.

In an effort to speed my healing, I'm taking advantage of a new friend and plan to enjoy the lovely Valentine's gift of a spa package (including hair cut, facial and massage!!) I received from my handsome hubby.

I know I'm not yet done dealing with all the sharp-toe moments that life has in store. I would just really appreciate being allowed enough down-time* to rebuild my defenses and arm myself with a little bit of protective plating. Like an athletic cup the size of New Jersey. That should do.


*I actually did get some of this much-needed down-time this past weekend when my brother was in town. Laughter is good for the soul, and we did a lot of that. Let the healing begin!*