Open Mouth, Insert Foot

Dear oh dear. I seem to have a most reliable talent for opening said mouth and inserting foot, often leaving enough space for both feet!

I worked till 3 minutes to midnight last night so didn't feel at all guilty when I went off to my lovely beautician Tanya, who valiantly tries to make my legs look less yeti-like than they are, and gives me other lovely, pampering treatments.

Each visit to her is a little oasis of me-time and pleasure. She's really sweet, a good listener and always upbeat. After I had done my usual babble and started to relax, I realised that the last few times I had been there she didn't look quite as... shiny... happy or sparkly as usual. With the unerring accuracy, and subtlety, of an excocet I asked if she was thinking about having any children (she married last year and is proving an excellent wedding planner and adviser). Open mouth. "Oh no!" said Tanya, "I've not really thought about it" and she went on to explain that she had become far too selfish and set in her ways. Insert foot. "Well, I think you'd make a great mum" said I and her whole energy changed. She told me that she had been trying for a year and even having acupuncture to help things along, but to no avail.

I'm booked in next week for a reflexology treatment - I've never had one before and I suspect I won't get one this time either as I think I shall pop Tanya on her own couch and work with her chakra energies - I don't know why I feel compelled to do this, but I gave up bucking my gut instincts long ago - this just feels right somehow.