<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hadesigns/4753128004/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-616" title="lunchtimepedi" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/pedi-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>A couple of months ago I ran into a co-worker who was returning to the office in those flimsy flip-flops they give you after a pedicure.   I asked her why on earth she was wearing them at work.  Because she just enjoyed a pedicure during her lunch hour, that's why.  Duh! </p>

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<p>This would have never occurred to me.  Maybe because I was a teacher for 16 years, and teachers scarf down their food in a nanosecond so that they can return to their kiddos.  (If they don't have lunch duty.)  Teachers don't run out in broad daylight to participate in something luxurious.  Luxury is reserved for weekends only. </p>

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<p>A few weeks later, I witnessed another colleague donning the flimsy flip-flops in the early afternoon.  And after that, I spied one of the MANAGERS strolling around in her f-f-fs.  </p>

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<p>I believe that I mentioned previously that we are blessed with a pretty stellar culture. </p>

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<p>That's when I finally got the memo.  It's O.K. to have a "Calgon, take me away" moment in the middle of the workday.  In fact, I highly encourage it. </p>

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<p>You may now hear the same inner chatter that I once heard:</p>

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<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"But I have too much to do!" </p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"I need to eat!"</p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"I only have an hour for lunch!"</p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"Spoiling myself in the middle of a workday?  What if my boss sees me?!"</p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;"> </p>

<p>As your friend who fancies herself an armchair therapist, I lovingly tell you to tell your anxious inner chit-chat to hit the road, sister! </p>