Lessons

Today is a jeans day. I wear jeans the way other people wear sweatpants. I didn't sleep well, and the plan for today was to go to the Wal-Mart pharmacy. I HATE Wal-Mart with an unbridled passion, but it's the only non-Kaiser pharmacy for miles and is also the most affordable. My eco-minded, social justice heart is sick at having gone to Wal-Mart. I understand people's need for affordable things, but I can't justify it at the expense of others in disadvantaged societies. It's the consumerist's Mecca, the high holy place of worship of Mammon. I feel dirty.

So what did I do? Against my better judgment, I purchased a Maybelline 14-hour lipstick in mauve. Awful. On my lips it doesn't look anything like what's in the tube. Looks purple! It got all over my teeth and comes off onto my tea mug. 14-hour my patootie. That's what I get for departing from my vow to only purchase prescriptions there. At least I didn't give my own money to Wal-Mart; I used my health savings card for the whole purchase today. I have one month's worth of prescriptions left on it. I will use it more wisely next time (no horrible lipstick).

It does NOT look like this on the lips!

Speaking of the tea mug, it's wonderful. I owned a Contigo travel mug years ago and it was stolen. Finally I have another. It came yesterday. Never again will I have to dispose of a to-go cup from a cafe. Most places around here will fill your travel mug, especially if it's just with hot water for tea. Score one for eco-friendliness. This one is the Byron mug in the color Biscay Bay. My previous Contigo had a neat carabiner handle, but they don't carry that type anymore.

This one is good enough for me, is cheaper than many travel mugs, and I love the color. It keeps liquids hot for 7 hours, and cold for 24. I am thoroughly pleased and it more than makes up for my shenanigans at Hell-Mart. Today's tisane is Organic India's Sweet Rose Tulsi. Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is an adaptogen, meaning it helps your body deal with stressors. I must admit I don't enjoy the rose flavor as much as I did a few years ago. Taste buds do change. I think next time I get a box of Tulsi I will try the peppermint, or maybe just plain original. You can find tulsi here.

I once was able to buy tulsi in bulk at my local natural grocer, but I couldn't find it this time. I do like the flavor of it all on its own; it's refreshing and grassy, reminiscent of a mild green tea. It is a good tea to help with the unpleasantness of today. Despite the headiness of the rose flavor, it is soothing.

I have noticed a dip in my patience these days. I don't know what it is. It's possible I haven't spent enough time in prayer lately, and our Mass attendance has been spotty. I was practically itching to push the elderly gentleman in front of me out of the way at the pharmacy. He was having issues with his Medicare and was taking a long time. Shame on me.

Maybe I would have felt better if I had worn something nicer than the jeans, which I normally would. Let this be a lesson for those yucky days to come- dress well to feel well. Even with the disappointment in the color, I did feel a lift when I tried on the lipstick. I have recently started wearing eye makeup again as well. My eyes are my best feature, and emphasis on them takes away from the stubborn acne on my face. I was hesitant to wear lipstick in fear that it would bring attention to the blemishes, but it doesn't. At least not this monstrous color. So I may keep it, and put my gloss over it to redden it a bit.

I should have waited and bought Tangee lipstick from The Vermont Country Store, which I have been ogling for some time now. It's not cheap, especially when you figure in shipping, but it's supposed to be worth it, as it turns to a natural just-for-you shade that matches your complexion. I'll wait a few more pay periods. I've done enough non-essential shopping for one month.

I don't know whether to consider my recent buy from Mountain Rose Herbs to be non-essential. As I've mentioned, I want to start making my own remedies and tonics, so I purchased beautiful cobalt blue dropper bottles from them. Semi-essential, maybe. What lessons have I learned today?
It's better to rise early after a poor night's sleep.
Patience is a virtue, but you need God's help to have it.
Clothes make the man (or woman).
Make wise use of free money.
Follow your better judgment.