Living Like A King
Apr 4th 2008
Claudia DainGoddess Grins
I had a dental appointment yesterday. It was wonderful, as usual.
First you have to know that I don’t have any dental problems. My teeth aren’t sensitive, I don’t have gum issues, and I never get cavities.
Hence the wonderful part.
As I was lying back, fully reclined on the oh-so-comfy dental chair, my arms crossed at my waist, my whole body relaxed, my eyes closed and my mouth open, I found myself thinking that this is what it must have been like for an Egyptian pharoah or the Sun King of France. You recline, relax, open your mouth and some shlep cleans your teeth for you.
Talk about being pampered. The dental hygenist scrapes behind my teeth, getting at all that pesky plaque that I try (not too rigorously) to get rid of. Her sole purpose for that fifteen minutes is to clean my teeth to perfection. She cleans under the gumline. She checks my tongue for disease. She flosses, even the back teeth. She sucks out the junk so I don’t have to swallow it.
Bliss.
You have to believe that Louis or Tut had people who did the daily drudge of dental care for them. I only get to experience the luxury of someone cleaning my teeth for me once a year, but how I enjoy that one day of living like a king.
What makes you feel like royalty? What special perk, be it getting your hair styled or your shirts pressed or your toilets scrubbed, makes you feel pampered and petted?
51 Comments »
Lisa H on 04 Apr 2008 at 6:49 am #
Going to the dentist definitely doesn’t do it for me!
I actually received the royal treatment on Wednesday. A lady I have know for the last couple of years invited me to her beautiful home for lunch. I was treated like a queen. She had her table set with a white tablecloth, and we ate with real silver utensils, off china plates and drank from crystal goblets.
She is originally from Germany and made the most wonderful appetizers, salad, main course and dessert. Everything she served was exquisite. On top the lovely accutruments, she told me about growing up on a farm in Germany and then shared some amazing family photos with me.
I was still there at 3:30 in the afternoon, when my husband called to say, “Hey, did you forget you have to pick up your daughter?” Yikes, I did forget, I was so busy being treated like a queen!
MarthaH on 04 Apr 2008 at 7:37 am #
Lisa H I’m with you on the dentist thing - for me dentists are a necessary evil. My idea of bliss is a full day at the spa with the works; manicure, pedicure, facial & massage. A close second is having someone clean my house.
DebMarlowe on 04 Apr 2008 at 7:44 am #
LOL, Claudia! Only you could turn a trip to the dentist into the royal treatment!
I love it when someone washes my hair. Ahh, it’s just so relaxing, and I love the warm water. My favorite part of going to get my hair done!
Karen Hawkins on 04 Apr 2008 at 7:46 am #
Claudia, I love it when other people take care of me!
Lisa, what a great luncheon! Very European to linger over a meal and definitely a lost art.
I’m with Martha and I looove a spa day. I’m addicted to hot rock massages and try to get one every chance I can. I really do feel like royalty there on the table.
I’m so ticklish that I never thought I’d like a massage, but I was wrong! Took to it like a duck to water.
I also love having a house cleaning service. Never thought I’d be comfortable with that, either, and while still tend to clean before they come, I’ve noticed I’m doing less of that as the weeks progress and I get more comfortable with the wonderful ladies who come and make my work sparkle. There’s nothing like coming home to a perfectly clean house. I really do feel like a princess then!
Margaret Garland on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:01 am #
I’m with Deb on the hair washing. I love having my hair washed if they don’t scrub my head like they’re doing laundry at the river.
I would love to have a spa day. I love getting massages but they are so expensive that they are pretty rare in my life.
BTW, if you ever get a chance to have a spa day at the Hershey Hotel spa in Hershey, PA, you have a chance/choice to get a chocolate bath. OMG! Can you imagine your whole naked self covered in chocolate? That would be worth the $$$ right there. I don’t know if one of Karen’s FROS comes in to lick it off of you, but I’d be willing to sacrifice myself to the cause and find out if you all will send me the money. I’m all for scientific research.
Karen Hawkins on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:16 am #
Margaret, I only get a massage once or twice a year, but I saaaavvvvoooooorrrr them. They are SO pricey!
I think you’re onto something with the whole chocolate/massage thingee. We should take a field trip! I’ll contact the Mt. Oly Fros Dept and have them send some manpower to escort us. Can someone make sandwiches? Bring a cooler of Diet Cokes?
Lisa H on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:17 am #
Oh yes, massages are wonderful, but expensive. I’ve only had the privelege of two in my life, but they were worth every penny!
SuzyQ on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:17 am #
Oh, I’m a spa girl too! My favorites are a pedicure and a massage. I love to be pampered!
Margaret Garland on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:19 am #
Just to prove I didn’t make up the chocolate bath thing:
hersheypa.com/accommodations/the_spa_at_hotel_hershey/spa_treatments/everything_chocolate.html
Be sure and send lots of money to me in small, untraceable bills. If there is an FROS there, I may have to kidnap him and subject him to intense interrogation. This might require a strip search.
Please hurry.
SuzyQ on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:20 am #
What kind of sandwiches would you like? I’d make them for a chance to go on that field trip!!!
Karen Rose on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:21 am #
When I’m sitting in the dentist chair, I’m thinking about the fact that dentists have the highest suicide rate of any profession - and I wonder what it must be like to be the object of such fear and derision!
But then, I thought of one of my best murders when I was getting a facial and massage. What can I say? Relaxation = murder… bwahahahaha.
For feeling like royalty - I’m going with the housecleaning thing. I had the outside of my house pressure washed this year - all the humidity in FL makes lots of algae grow everywhere. This year I had them clean my windows, too. Now that was livin’! When they were done, I nearly walked through the sliding door in my office - it was so clean I didn’t know it was there. This same group gives houses the commando treatment once a year - special forces come in and clean everything! I’m doing this in May before my mother comes. Call me Queen Karen.
Meg on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:23 am #
Oh My Gosh, I have seen a show on the travel channel about the spa in Hershey, PA and I soooo want to go! That would definately make me feel like a queen. I have had the house cleaning thing done, and I have to say, it was a little on the wierd side for me. I felt like I should be helping instead of watching. Maybe if I have it done more often…
And going to the salon is bliss. Having the hair done… Having the nails done… *sigh* I want to go now!
Margaret Garland on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:23 am #
I am SO not taking sandwiches and Diet Coke for my spa day at Hotel Hershey! They have some of the best food in the world there. As a bonus, stepping into the lobby whisks you back to the 1930’s. Wonderful lobby. Wonderful place. I stayed at some fancy hotels but this one is one of my favorites.
Karen, you can drink my share of Diet Coke. Me? Everyone knows that a spa day is calorie free. I’m surprised at y ou!
SuzyQ on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:24 am #
Margaret - you mean the chocolate bath is calorie free???? LOL!
Karen Hawkins on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:32 am #
Margaret, I’m shamed. My thrifty genes kicked in on a day they obviously needed to be stuffed into a sack and left behind.
You’re right. I suppose Chocolatinis would be more in order, hm?
doglady on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:44 am #
Sorry, Claudia, but the dentist’s office sets my teeth on edge. Pun intended! In another life I used to get my hair and nails done and even get a massage. Ah for the good old days. Getting my hair and makeup done for a performance was always very relaxing. I was a legend for falling asleep in the makeup chair. Then the costumer got hold of you and the royal treatment was over. Ever had a big German b!@#h strap you into a corset? OUCH!
I did feel very pampered when my BFF gave me a makeover and a photo shoot for my birthday last year. She is an award winning amateur photographer and her husband has won an Emmy for his news photography with our local NBC affiliate. She did my hair and makeup and we had a whole rack of outfits. It was loads of fun! She said she just knew I was going to need photos for something big this year and along came the Golden Heart! Did I say she was psychic?
I have a very simple website up and you can see the photo we picked on it. Another very dear friend
doglady on 04 Apr 2008 at 8:45 am #
did the site for me. They both seem to think I need one. I am clueless about these things. Drop by and tell me what you think. It is still a work in progress according to my “webmistress.” The address is
louisacornell.com
SuzyQ on 04 Apr 2008 at 9:00 am #
doglady - very nice. I sent you an email from your site.
Julia London on 04 Apr 2008 at 9:02 am #
Spa facials. Low lights, soft music, and lots of really nice creamy stuff. I love a good spa day!
Claudia Dain on 04 Apr 2008 at 9:13 am #
I’m the only one who loves getting my teeth cleaned!? I’m shocked!
I’ve had a body massage two or three times; I just can’t relax. Some stranger touching my nearly naked body doesn’t relax me! I’m tense the whole time. Facials I get once every six weeks. I don’t find that relaxing either.
Having someone wash my hair? Oh, baby, now that’s the royal treatment.
Claudia Dain on 04 Apr 2008 at 9:17 am #
Someday, somehow I’m going to get a cleaning service. I could use one. My problem, aside from being cheap, is that they never do what I think I’m paying them for. If I’m going to pay the big bucks for cleaning, I want it *really* cleaned, from the ceiling fans to the baseboards. Anything less and I feel like I got ripped off.
Plus, my mom had a cleaning service, multiple ones in her lifetime, and they stole. One time they dented her dishwasher. I’m leery of letting strangers in the house.
Are we seeing a “Stranger” theme here? Stranger Danger! LOL
Freshechelle on 04 Apr 2008 at 9:33 am #
Claudia, I too LOVE LOVE LOVE to get my teeth cleaned. I’ve been considering going 4x a year just because it feels so clean.
I do the facials and pedicures and sometime massage but those don’t feel so much like overindulgences because I can’t do them myself.
My favorite really unnecessary indulgence that I could do myself is a shampoo & blow out. I’ve learned to not mind flight delays at certain airports that have a hair salon.
Gotta go make an appointment, got a big shindig tonight that requires pretty hair.
Claudia Dain on 04 Apr 2008 at 9:44 am #
Yea, Fresh!! Somebody who also loves dental appts! My dentist is so overbooked that I only get to come in once a year for cleaning. I’ve been going twice a year my whole life. I really feel deprived by this. Four times a year would be heavenly!
I never even considered using an airport hair salon! That would be a treat. Your flight’s delayed 4 hours, you don’t want to get into Detroit looking ratty, voila! Fresh, clean hair!
This may be my new indulgence.
Margaret Garland on 04 Apr 2008 at 10:10 am #
SuzyQ, obviously the chocolate bath is calorie free. Unless the chocolate industry is holding back important information on this. However, within the walls of the spa, it’s all no fat, low cal, non-acne producing. Life wouldn’t be fair if that wasn’t so.
Karen, I’m glad to see that you are quick to see the error of your ways. Just as I suspected, you are a smart woman. Chocotinis all around, please.
amy1242 on 04 Apr 2008 at 10:18 am #
Pedicure, massage and hair treatment all in one day. I’ve never done a spa day, but that’s my idea of indulgence. Topped off with a great dinner in a great outfit with my husband in a good mood. Nice! The dentist…not so much. Sorry Claudia. I like the feel of my teeth afterwards, but don’t get into the scraping, buffing and rinsing. Gives me the heebie-jeebies.
Nicole Jordan on 04 Apr 2008 at 10:20 am #
LOL, you goddesses are such fun! And I agree with DebM, Claudia!
>>>DebMarlowe
LOL, Claudia! Only you could turn a trip to the dentist into the royal treatment!
My new hair guy makes me feel like royalty… or at least I’m spending enough to break a royal bank.
Claudia Dain on 04 Apr 2008 at 10:24 am #
Come on, goddesses, admit it. Wouldn’t it be great to never have to brush your teeth again (never mind the flossing)? To have someone “on staff” who did it for you?
amy1242 on 04 Apr 2008 at 10:34 am #
I actually like brushing and flossing, it feels so good, like a gum massage. But I don’t like other people fiddling around inside my mouth. It has a certain “ick” factor. I can’t explain it, it just doesn’t relax me in any way. Now, if that person wanted to rub my feet, say. I’d be all over that one!!
Kendra on 04 Apr 2008 at 10:34 am #
Wow. I’m probably the only aspiring novelist, dental hygienist who reads your blog and I thank you for the kind words about my profession. Usually it is the other extreme! I love those patients who are excited to come to see me. And I do have a few who get their teeth cleaned four times a year because they like it so much. A lot of my patients think nothing feels better than that slick feeling when your teeth are tarter-free. Although the chocolate bath sounds pretty good.
Margaret Garland on 04 Apr 2008 at 10:56 am #
Hey! I just noticed that our Godesses have traded in their winter mink coats and warm boots for gorgeous new spring duds. Congrats, ladies. You look mighty fine!
Is that what you’re wearing to the wedding?
Sabrina Jeffries on 04 Apr 2008 at 11:03 am #
Who’s giving chocolate baths? Sign me up!
I tolerate the teeth cleaning, but I too love having my hair washed and my house cleaned. I also love someone else cooking for me, but haven’t gotten that yet.
And I just had my house pressure-washed yesterday!! It looks great.
DebMarlowe on 04 Apr 2008 at 11:35 am #
Hey Kendra, did you know that Terri Brisbin who writes wonderful Scottish and Regency historicals, is also a dental hygienist? You’re not alone!
colinfirthfan on 04 Apr 2008 at 12:13 pm #
I have fillings but none for many many years. Then this year I needed my first root canal (still sensitive after a month) but I don’t want to go back. Another tooth had the filling replaced and is now in pain. Don’t want to go back though.
I am finally reading -Karen H’s - To Scotland with Love. Nicole’s book2 is sitting on my table waiting to be read.
OK I know this is form yesterday’s blog but I had to share what my 4 year old sang to me yesterday - He learnt the song ‘Sing’ at pre-school yesterday. So I was singing it with him but he was getting mad at me for singing the “wrong” lyrics. When I sing - “make it simple TO LAST YOUR WHOLE LIFE LONG”, he says that is incorrect and the real lyrics are ” make it simple to BLAST YOUR WHOLE LIFE LONG”
Oh and in DO RE ME - the words are apparently “So a needle pulling BREAD”
Freshechelle on 04 Apr 2008 at 12:48 pm #
cffan - thanks for making me go back to look at yesterday’s topic.
The Song Stylings of Miss Karen Hawkins are not to be missed.
My sister has a lounge singer alterego who sings commercial jingles in the style of Steve & Edie’s Vegas act who she’s dubbed “Kimberly Silk”. Future blog suggestion - fantasy stage names?
Lisa H on 04 Apr 2008 at 12:48 pm #
Is anyone but me a little worried about Karen R? She thinks about great murders while undergoing a facial and massage, and thinks up great steamy sex when fed an abundance of chocolate, frankly, I’m a bit concerned…
What would Siggy Freud say?
Claudia Dain on 04 Apr 2008 at 12:55 pm #
Now, isn’t it interesting how people react to having different parts of their bodies touched…and by what?
Dipping myself in chocolate, major ick, you couldn’t pay me enough to endure that. You wanna torture me? Rub food on my bare skin. This is one goddess who was never in a food fight.
Foot massage? How well do I know you? The only people I’ve let massage my feet were men who were crazy about me.
Stick your fingers in my mouth and floss those back teeth? Open wide! I’m there.
Claudia Dain on 04 Apr 2008 at 12:56 pm #
Kendra, the world would quickly collapse into a pile of broken teeth and oozing gums without dentists and hygienists! I love the dentist!! You are doing great work in the world.
Suzanne Enoch on 04 Apr 2008 at 1:23 pm #
A couple of years ago I went on a publisher-arranged book signing tour. I had someone pick me up at each airport, drive me to my hotel, pick me up again, take me to lunch, take me to the different bookstores, get me a soda when I needed one, etc. THAT was bliss. Now I want my own butler/valet. *g*
Karen Hawkins on 04 Apr 2008 at 1:35 pm #
Ooooh, Suzie! A DRIVER! Oh, I could SO get into that. I’d sit in the back, read or sip a mimosa and watch the scenery go by, Driving is SUCH a pain. I mean, I don’t mind short trips, but long ones? In areas I don’t know? Someone come and get me!
And Fresh, a blog on stage names sounds divine! I hope no one snatches that idea up before it’s my turn again!
Kendra on 04 Apr 2008 at 1:47 pm #
colinfirthfan: lingering sensitivity (usually cold sensitivity) isn’t uncommon after root canals and new fillings but most will resolve themselves within six months. If biting down on the tooth causes shooting pain or something hot hurts horribly, I hate to say it but you should be reassessed. Sometimes things need to be retreated. If you don’t have faith in the person who treated you, ask your friends for a dentist they love.
Claudia Dain on 04 Apr 2008 at 1:47 pm #
Suzie! That’s what I call living like royalty! I want one! Especially in a strange city where it’s so easy to get confused.
colinfirthfan on 04 Apr 2008 at 3:29 pm #
Kendra - thank you for the free consultation! It is just the cold and biting down hurts only a bit so I am gonna wait for 6 months.
I had no idea it could take up to 6 months. My friends and family insist that once the root canal is done it should stop hurting immediately and I was dreading the thought of going to the dentist again. Don’t like anyone poking around in my teeth.
I looooove massages. My DH doesn’t like them. I just don’t get it!
Paula M on 04 Apr 2008 at 3:39 pm #
I agree with most of you and a visit to the dentist is not high up on my ‘like royalty’ list. Yes having my hair washed (my hairdresser did an indian head massage course) so it is bliss! For my birthday I was given a voucher for a pedicure and have yet to cash it in, I can’t wait and will get it done after my holiday to france this week.
A chauffeur driven car sounds very regal Suzie!
Claudia Dain on 04 Apr 2008 at 3:53 pm #
I was pretty sure I was going to be the oddball on the dental cleaning being the height of indulgence thing. My DH has to have a numbing agent to get his teeth cleaned.
Wuss.
No, I’m kidding (almost). He has very sensitive teeth.
I once got him a massage/facial/pedicure gift certificate as a Christmas gift. He liked the massage, but not really. He had a girl and he didn’t feel comfortable having a strange woman touch him. Naturally, I had a male masseuse when I had my last one. Same problem on my end.
We’re very sensitive types, massage-wise. LOL Facials, not so much.
Sabrina Jeffries on 04 Apr 2008 at 5:14 pm #
Actually, I have to say that I’ve had two pedicures in my life and didn’t like either, so I’m with Claudia on the foot massage thing. While my friends gush about their pedicures, I wince. I’ve never really responded to regular massages either. I don’t get the point of them. They don’t make me feel better.
I like manicures, but leave my toes alone!
I LOVE being driven around by a chauffeur! I’ve only had it a couple of times, but what fun!
Claudia Dain on 04 Apr 2008 at 5:22 pm #
I have a friend who can’t stand to touch her own toes, even to clip the toenails, so she gets pedicures nearly weekly and has her toenails painted even in the winter. (I’m strictly a summer painter.) If I was going to have an indulgence, it wouldn’t be that! It takes all kinds, huh?
Sabrina, glad to know I’m not the only bleh-pedicure goddess!
Kim on 04 Apr 2008 at 5:38 pm #
For those of you who love to get your teeth cleaned, do you have a Sonicare toothbrush?? OMG! That thing is so wonderful and it makes your teeth feel like you’ve just been to the dentist. I LOVE mine.
I’ve only had one pedicure but I loved it. Going in, I didn’t think I would but it was great and my feet felt so nice aftewards.
Claudia Dain on 04 Apr 2008 at 5:48 pm #
Oh, I love my Sonicare! It’s like a gum massage every time you brush. It does such a great job.
I have to tell you a funny story about my younger son—he was interested in a girl and was telling me about her, his eyes starry, he said, “And, Mom, she has the most beautiful smile. You can tell she flosses by how perfect her gums are.”
Yes, he was checking out her *gums*. That’s my boy.
RachelG on 04 Apr 2008 at 5:50 pm #
Pedicures. I love having cute toes.
Rachel
Judy F on 04 Apr 2008 at 6:35 pm #
I like my dentist but its not very relaxing.
My favorite would be the hair stylist. I love getting my hair wash and a good scalp massage. I wish they would come to my house every day and wash and dry my hair.
I am a heartbeat away from getting a cleaning service. With the stuff going on with my folks I don’t have the time to clean.
elsiehogarth on 05 Apr 2008 at 9:57 am #
I can’t handle the dentist or the doctor….my blood pressure goes sky high because I am so nervous.
Definitely, Spa Day….I love it all pedicure, manicure, facial and massage. I fall asleep during massages, drool and snore. It’s just wonderful.