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Treat Yo'self and Memories

 


Some things in life become so routine, that it is hard to recognize them for the glorious small moments they can be. For me, that was using one of the individual bathrooms at school. We have two - technically -that teachers use and one of those we share with students. The "Staff Only" bathroom is always occupied when I have to go, so I am accustomed to carefully, cautiously, skeptically using the shared individual bathroom, washing my hands, and either letting them air dry or using my pants to dry them. After all, 8th graders cannot be trusted with paper towels (it's true!) and I've learned too much science to use the air hand dryer. 

Today, there was an opportunity for a break in the routine: the coveted "Staff Only" bathroom was available after a morning meeting, but before I had to teach! How does a girl get so lucky? One of the reasons I like this bathroom (there are, oddly, a few reasons I like it) is the hand soap you see above. I don't remember when it entered into the room, and I certainly don't know who supplies it, but I love it! 

The regular school soap is there as well, and sometimes it is moved out of the usual spot, but this soap. This SOAP. Is it magnificently luxurious? No. Is it hydrating and restorative? Also, no. So why? As teachers, we understand simple luxuries: sipping your coffee while it is still warm, getting to sit down for a minute between classes, and so on. This soap is one of those things, it doesn't smell like school or work or stress. It smells like Meyer lemons. That's it. But every time I use this soap I first think "Treat yo'self" as Donna and Tom demand. Then, I am transported back to cleaning on Saturdays and I can almost smell the Spic 'n Span we used to scrub the floors. In my memory, it's always the downstairs door to the garage I am dusting, with the shades open on our back doors, and the sun shining. For a moment (or at least 20 seconds according to the leading science), I am a kid, doing chores, with no real worries in the world.

When I rinse my hands, I can look in the mirror and see the twinkle left in my own eyes from the memories. After, I use the paper towels (another thing I like), gather myself together, and head off to start the day with a sunnier disposition.

Comments

  1. Heidi AllumMarch 5, 2026 at 7:38 PM

    I can totally relate to this -- in the sense of someone adding the really nice soap to the staff bathroom. It just shows, in a full day of teaching, how that small thing can bring a little moment in a generally wild day.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MschiubookaMarch 5, 2026 at 8:41 PM

    You had me chuckling throughout this slice because IYKYK!! For the life of me I cannot recall using this fantastic lemon soap as I am always rushing, head down, etc. This slice is a great reminder to look up! The title is perfect!

    ReplyDelete

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