Thursday, June 03, 2010

Dilemma

I have a dilemma. Nothing major. A dilemma nonetheless. On days when I am too lazy to do something educational (draining) with Sasha, I take her to do her nails..and while I wait for her I do my pedicure. I dont do manicures as I find I just scuff my nails within minutes..my pedis last way longer. Anyway, we have tried various places (there is a nail/waxing place say on every block here) but the closest one (one block away) is one we have been to a few times. Unlike the others down the street, with a gaggle of girls Chinese/Vietnemese gossipping in the back room while they wait for their mark/client, there seems to be only one girl at this place. And she has a 4 year old son. I usually just walk in and she is always free...does not bode well for the future of this salon. She is always happy for company and her son is always more than happy to play with Sasha..although Sash tells him she can only play after her nails are dry. Here is my dilemma. I find that the only real relaxing, semi-alone time I have these days is during this pedi session...and I cant really relax with this kid around. He plays well with Sash, and she enjoys the playtime, but he is also seeking his mum's attention. This is probably the reason this salon is not overly popular. I feel that I should get my money's worth and find another regular salon. But I feel for this lady. It isnt easy earning a living while taking care of a kid here. It is unlikely she is able to afford daycare. She asked me this afternoon if I knew if she could register her son in a local school by using her business address. I suggested she ask the school as I have no idea. The funny thing is although her business is a block away from our house she would only be able to register her son in a school that we were not too keen on putting Sash as an option (classes are taught in French)..why? Because of the fact that there were too many apartments in the area. Sounds shallow. But yes, that is the mentality here. High rise apartments are nice to have in the area to give us that "urban" feel..but dont want them to be going to to the same schools. In the school district website, demographic info is available. Snobby? Not really..just trying to get the most out of the school system. As Sasha's future headmistress was quoted recently, "There is no equality, we can only strive for fairness". Anyway, back to my dilemma. Should I help this woman earn a living for her son, or find another place that will give me the attention I am paying for.

3 comments:

Nina said...

Go to the lady for sasha's nails and find a posh one for yourself. That way, you are helping others and self.

(more befitting according to all concept of fairness non? :)))

Love. xn

Anonymous said...

hmmm touch call....i think you should be a true paying customer and expect the service you require i.e relaxation and therefore go to a place you can get that. i think by going to her, you are enabling her to continue offering an inferior service - child or no child its a level playing field in business (and love! haha). to help her, you can arrange a birthday party or little girls' playdate at her place sometime in the future but i think with your working mom stress etc, you totally deserve to tune out little kids' voices - especially if they are not your own's!

MsJ
p/s awesome restoration hardware outdoor furniture!! i love it!

Ms J said...

duh! i meant to write TOUGH CALL