Yep, MoonChild and I were de-fuzzed today. I originally thought I’d get my entire legs done… calves, shins, thighs. Heck, maybe even that elusive bikini line. But after the first ripppp! I quickly changed my mind. Our stylist did a fabulous job, mind you. It’s just that waxing frickin’ hurts. I did manage to have one knee done, but I winced so much that he wouldn’t do the other one.

I started out on my back, propped up so I could watch what was going on. He worked quickly, and soon I was ready to flip over onto my stomach. My friends, waxing the back of the legs hurts more than the front. There’s a certain loss of control, because you can’t see what’s happening. On the other hand, it’s easier to bury your face in the pillow and pretend you don’t need to scream. Moon let me hold her hand. Toward the end, I started worrying. Moon’s turn was coming. Was she going to be able to take the pain? I wondered if she’d start crying.

The stylist and I could both tell she was nervous, so we reminded her that she could always stop if it was too much to bear. And you know what? She did wonderfully. Not that it was a piece of cake, but she said that she’d be willing to do it again. Me? I don’t mind shaving so much. Contrary to popular belief, waxing does not remove every last hair, and my obsessive-compulsive nature isn’t satisfied with that. I need absolutely smooth legs, so I’ll be shaving those missed follicles. (In fact, I shaved my knees and thighs as soon as possible after getting home. No more gorilla girl. What a relief!)

The verdict: Waxing hurts less than getting a tattoo. It also doesn’t last as long.