Mia's Pedicure Chairs

Mia is the town manicurist. She just moved "downtown" to the corner of Peele and Gladstone - about six blocks from her old location. This is a big move for Mia. She's been underwritten by two British investors - a mother and daughter - who are setting up a nail and hair salon. "They head-hunted me" explains Mia, breaking into a hearty laugh that says I'm not quite sure I believe it, but what the hell, I'm keen to try! So Mia packed up her two tables and bowls, basins, various nail implements, polish remover, microwave oven and shelf full of product and is now the first of six in the new space. There are nails and sawdust and random 2 X 4's and a guy - Jason - measuring for new signage...all of this wonderful mess that say's Open for Business...just outside her door. Mia has been in business for 7 years and is raising two girls. A single mom. She works hard at the job - telling me about the time she couldn't sleep because of a French manicure gone bad [I get to wondering if the white polish went too far down the nail or if the wrong color was used - no matter] and she insisted on redoing the job the next day. Now that's quality! This is my first manicure since leaving the U.S. and I'm in desperate need. I have "nana toes" - no reference to my own Nana who at 96 still is impeccably groomed and absolute cogent - but of nanas in general whose nails just need all sorts of foot work. I've splurged, therefore, on a manicure and pedicure. The manicure goes fine - we're chatting it up like old friends. Mia, in fact, is yet another person who has recommended Claudette for hair plastic surgery. Then, she tells me about her new Oh my GOD - PEDICURE CHAIRS. The first and only in Gisborne. Mia squeals and yelps and laughs as she tells me about getting the bank financing for the chairs. I'd imagine they are several thousand dollars - these chairs typically are leather and have all sorts of electronic massage options. They have built in soaking tubs - Mia is now squatting on the floor with my feet on a little beanbag assuring me she's quite comfortable in a position that even a yogi would find painful.
So, when the bank lady comes to tell me they've approved me for financing, she comes here in person. I could have made a phone call, said the banker, but I wanted to see you do this.... "This" is the wonderful hearty, throw-back-your-head, bosom juggling laugh that Mia gives off everytime she says the words "pedicure chairs." For the next 30 minutes, we play a game. I say "pedicure chairs" and she goes off. We are laughing at our laughing and in between the wonderful sensation of my "tootsie" treatment, foot massage, Mia's excitement and my thrill at discovering they carry OPI products in Gisborne, Mia gets serious. You know, I've worked really hard for these chairs. And I'm the only one in Gisborne that will have them. I want to really appreciate this milestone. I'm going to drink some really good champagne when they are delivered. I, too, settle down. How right you are Mia. How often do we make the grade; reach our objective; hit our target; complete our project...and then go RIGHT onto the next thing. Without savoring. Without celebrating. Without laughing with the gleeful, unbridled joy that we did it.
The kiwi's have an expression "Good on You." It is sort of like our "atta boys" but with more spirit and respect.
Good on you Mia! I will certainly use the "loyalty card" you gave me often...and will be one of the very first to avail myself of your new chairs.