I used to work with a guy who would say: “How am I supposed to know where the line is if I don’t cross it once in a while?” Don’t worry, it wasn’t the creepy or unethical line crossing, he was just outrageous and hilarious and he made things happen in a government operation that was...well, a government operation. I admired his courage. But me, I’m a rule follower.

Also, and I don’t mean to brag…much…but I have the best spouse ever. She’s as laid back and agreeable as it’s possible to be. I’m hippie, fringe and she’s embrace your weirdness and let’s move on to the important stuff. So yeh, best spouse ever!

Years ago…on the day the contractor began demolition on the old kitchen…when I said, “Doc says I have to be gluten free. Her first response was: “I’m not sure what that means.” She immediately followed with: “How can I help?” I appreciate her support and note, I did not cross a line even though the house was a disaster, we were without a kitchen, and several days of enjoyable meals at our favorite local spots had just turned into something a lot more difficult. 

Later…with a fully functional kitchen…I was planning meals for the family and a separate yet comparable meal for myself, her comment was: “I don’t need gluten, just fix the same thing for all of us.” We both thought the then, 3 year old, wouldn’t know the difference. (Incidentally, we were wrong.) Note…no line was crossed in the removal of gluten from the house (because 3 year olds aren’t in charge of drawing lines).

Later….still having some inflammation issues, when I said, I’ve been thinking I should be paleo, her first response again: “I’m not sure what that means” was followed by: “Okay, I’m game. Let’s do that.” Going Paleo involved shifting some expenses as we transitioned to as much organic food as is easily available to us. Note…even then…no line was crossed.

Later…when the kid was sick and rather than going out for the traditional remedies, I said, I was going to call our friend and see about some essential oils, her response was: “You’re weird but okay.” After getting through the three day weekend in relative comfort: “I guess there’s something to that stuff...but you’re still weird.” So again, no line crossed. 

Later…we entered strange times, known as #2020, and some bad things happened. We, and many of you, got to spend a lot of time together as a family. We oiled up and took lots of Vitamin C and D and some Zinc and drank extra Ningxia Red just for good measure. We wore masks and took showers when we returned to the house after necessary outings. 

On spring weekends we began to have family dinner with the parents. They would sit on the back porch and we would sit in the yard. They felt less isolated and we were able to maintain physical distance. We cooked our food and they cooked theirs. We carried dinner across the street. Sometimes it was a lot to carry. We would haul food and drinks and chairs and because spring weather is chilly we sometimes even took a fire pit and some wood. No complaints, no lines crossed, just enjoying time with the family.

As time has passed even I’ve begun to go out for an occasional doctor appointment or a rare errand that can’t be avoided. Going out I mask up, oil up and be sure I have Thieves Hand Sanitizer. I carry one in the pocket of my worn out khakis and another lives in the car. The car also has its own Thieves foaming hand soap and a bottle of water so I can wash my hands before getting back in.

Last week, before running some errands, I was rearranging some things in my office and ran across the Aroma Rings I had scored back in the summer when I loaded up during the new product release. If you’re not well-versed in YL products you might be wondering what the heck is an Aroma Ring. It’s basically a clear-ish silicone nose ring soaked in oils. Back in the summer when the Aroma Rings arrived I tucked them away for a time when I would actually leave the house. As luck would have it I ran across them on errand day. 

Errands are on me, so I do all the stuff…never too long in the same place, avoid people, go at times others don't, oils, mask, sanitizer, diffuser necklace AND AromaEase Aroma Ring! I was stoked to try it. I popped that thing on, stuck a mask in my jacket pocket and was on my way. As I headed out with the usual, see ya, love ya, bye…she stopped me.

What did you do to me?

Me: wha? 

Did you put oil on me? 

Me: Um…no. 

What do I smell? 

Me: Oh…check it out…it’s my nose ring. 

Imagine my surprise when the next thing out of her mouth was: “Oh my HECK! That's it! You’ve crossed the line!”

Just like that…I crossed the line. A practically invisible, clear silicone personal diffuser that would be covered by my mask was the culprit. Fortunately it wasn’t a serious infraction. We laughed, she took pictures, she sent them to her friends who, just for a second thought I was a badass with a nose ring, but who also laughed when she told them what it was. Just like that...I crossed the line. And just between us, I’ll do it again the next time I leave the house. 

She’s not wearing one…yet. It’s only a matter of time until she joins me on the other side of that line. 

It’s Brenda, I’m out.