The Four-Year Soak
by Rozalynn B. Goodwin

Though I hadn’t planned for my rare Friday evening at home alone, I knew I needed to do something for me, besides go to bed early.

I remembered that we had a small jetted bathtub in our bathroom that was serving as decoration. It had been four years since I last used it when I was pregnant with our daughter. I know … that’s pitiful. (Remember “four years,” as this will be significant later in the story). So I decided to take a candlelight bubble bath and play some jazz music; then do something else I rarely do — watch a television program written for someone over the age of 6.

The water was just right, and the bathroom was fragranced with the scent of vanilla and lavender. The perfect escape from a long week. I crawled in the tub, closed my eyes and exhaled. This is the life. I should do this more often because, like L’Oreal — I’m worth it. Then I opened my eyes and noticed the jets. The only thing that could make this time better? Bubbles and waves pressing against my worn body.

I pressed the button, and instantly my peaceful oasis was invaded by all of the brown and dark green gook hidden deep within the jet canals for almost four years. I shrieked and hurried to turn off the jets. I went from soaking in massaging peace to bathing in collard greens! It was disgusting! Needless to say, my “me time” bath was over. I had created a household cleaning project for myself. The moral of my story: Use your jets regularly.

Rozalynn B. Goodwin is the founder of The Motherhood Priority, a non-profit organization working to strengthen mother friendly policies in the workplace. She lives in Columbia, South Carolina, with her husband, daughter and son. Connect with her at rozalynngoodwin.com.