I was supposed to have a massage today. I’m going to try not to whine about the fact that the massage therapist cancelled to take her dog to the vet. But I will confess that I cursed out that dog but good. Over and over again. Call me crass. Call PETA. Whatever.

My last massage was September 10, 2001. It was in Nantucket. I was there for a wedding on September 8, a beautiful celebration of two wonderful people. I stayed two extra days so I could read on the porch swing of my bed-and-breakfast, take long walks, shop and get pampered. It was heavenly.

The next day the World Trade Center fell and a complicated series of events led to me starting my own business. The dinners out, the shopping sprees and the pampering were all cut back in the interest of launching the coaching practice. It’s been challenging, albeit worth the spiritual and emotional benefits that have come with it.

But I digress. The point is, it’s been a while since I had that kind of pampering and I was really looking forward to it.

Sigh.