I bought my first pair of flip-flops last night -- good thing retailers jump the seasons like they do because one would think flip-flops would be hard to find in February when we are buried under 2 feet of snow and shivering through single-digit temps. But, no, there was an entire aisle full of them.

I've never been able to wear flip-flops. I just don't know how anyone can walk with that piece of rubber/cloth between their toes. It is seriously painful and, well, I'm not one to suffer for fashion.

When it comes to beauty and fashion, I'm very low-maintenance. My husband says it's one of my most redeeming qualities. I don't primp. I don't fuss. I don't care about labels or designer clothes. I don't even own eye shadow. I can be ready to go anywhere in 30 minutes. I ride in my car with the windows down and the A.C. off (well, not now, but...you get the point).

Don't get me wrong, I like to look good. I try to buy stylish clothes, I put on lipstick every morning. I just got my hair highlighted for the winter. I run miles upon miles to keep the old body in shape.

And, I'm not criticizing those who do care about all those things. In fact, I admire your tolerance for beauty and fashion routines that can suck up some serious time (and money). It's just not my thing.

So when we were in our editorial meeting discussing story ideas for the April issue of Her Times and the topic rolled around to pedicures and manicures, I mentioned that I had never either.

Every woman in the room looked at me like I had three heads. What? Are you kidding? Everybody's had a pedicure.

I tried to explain ... "Well, you know..I just have this thing about being pampered. I don't really like it, actually. It makes me uncomfortable. I never go to full-service gas stations (even though I hate pumping gas) because I feel bad for the guy who has to stand in the cold and pump my gas. I just would rather do things myself than impose on others."

They all agreed that my objections were ridiculous and that I, the pedicure virgin, needed to be deflowered immediately.

So, this afternoon, I am headed to Ambridge Rose Spa and Salon to have my very first pedicure. And I'll be writing about my experience in the next issue of Her Times magazine so that other pedicure virgins might be less frightened of the unknown.

Ambridge Rose may be sorry they offered to take me on once they get a gander at my runners piggies. The good news is, since my marathon training has just begun, I still have ten toenails (it's highly unlikely I'll have that many in May when I do the Cleveland Marathon -- toenails take the brunt of the big mileage build-up).

So, I've got my flip-flops and my digital camera and notebook to document the whole experience. I still think I'm going to be uncomfortable with the whole pampering thing, but it's all in the name of good girlfriendly journalism.

Do you see how I suffer for you, dear readers! :-)