M A MARCH RCH
Columbia/Augusta/Aiken Augusta, Aiken & Columbia
free!
skirt!is
www.skirt.com
Take Time to wonder shop. Look in the eyes of
a stranger passing you on the street.
Can you find the real person there for a tiny
tick of the heart? Look up—what beautiful
view is waiting all the time just above your
head? Look down—who’s reaching up for
help to rise above sorrow, hardship, a broken
soul? Look around your neighborhood—
see the same old streets as if they’re
Yellow Brick Roads with a wizard waiting at the end. Look
around your house—what could you
lose and still be you? Look at your
work—when was the last time you fell in
love with it? Look inside—what are the
secret unlived lives you could midwife?
S to p t h e C l o C k A n d l o o k
Around—it’S About time. Cover copy by Nikki Hardin, art by Ali Douglass
“A clock is a little machine that shuts us out from the wonder of time.” Susan Glaspell
about skirt!
MARCH
Publisher Nikki Hardin publisher@skirt.com
National Art Director Caitilin McPhillips caitilin.mcphillips@skirt.com National Editor Margaret Pilarski margaret.pilarski@skirt.com Market Manager (Augusta/Aiken/Columbia) Kate Cooper Metts kate.metts@skirt.com Contributing Editor Columbia Jenny Maxwell jennymaxwell@mindspring.com Contributing Editor Augusta/Aiken Gracie Shepherd gracie.shepherd@skirt.com
skirt! is all about women... their work, play, families, creativity, style, health and wealth, bodies and souls. skirt! is an attitude...spirited, independent, outspoken, serious, playful and irreverent, always passionate.
Sales Executives Libby Salvador libby.salvador@skirt.com Susan Eaker susan.eaker@skirt.com Graphic Designer Cher Wheeler Meaghan Pafford
TickTockIssue
sometimes controversial,
The
sheMAIL skirt! 127-A 7th Street Augusta, GA 30901 Sales: 706.823.3373 Sales Toll-Free: 800.622.6358 FAX: 706.823.6083
Essays
www.skirt.com
Time Warp
Imperfect Timing
Stacy Appel ................................................................................... 13
Nancy Davis Kho......................................................................... 14
Photography Molly Harrell Chris Thelen
Making Up For Lost Time
Marna Ashburn Krajeski.......................................................... 15 The Least Sexy Sex
skirt.com skirt! is published monthly and distributed free throughout the greater Augusta/Aiken/ Columbia area. skirt! reserves the right to refuse to sell space for any advertisement the staff deems inappropriate for the publication. Unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by a selfaddressed, stamped envelope. Letters to the editor are welcome, but may be edited due to space limitations. Press releases must be received by the 1st of the month for the following month’s issue. All content of this magazine, including without limitation the design, advertisements, art, photos and editorial content, as well as the selection, coordination and arrangement thereof, is Copyright © 2010, Morris Publishing Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this magazine may be copied or reprinted without the express written permission of the publisher. SKIRT!® is a registered trademark of Morris Publishing Group, LLC.
Amy Wruble.................................................................................. 31 Women Women make make more more than than 80% 85% of of all all purchasing purchasing decisions. decisions.
Women spend Women almost 2 ofspend every 3 almost 2 ofdollars. every 3 healthcare healthcare dollars.
Women control 2/3 of the nation’s disposable income.
Features
Letter from the Publisher.......................................................... 6
Letter from the Editor................................................................ 6
He’s So Original........................................................................... 26 Women Women influence 80% 80% influence of all all car car sales. sales. of
Skirt of the Month..................................................................... 41
F-Word.............................................................................................. 38
Meet.................................................................................................... 32
Planet Nikki..................................................................................... 42 4
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THE UNITED SKIRTS OF AMERICA
The United Skirts of America was founded on the blood, sweat and estrogen of our foremothers, who won us the freedom to choose...to break The Rules, to wear combat boots or high
FROM THE PUBLISHER
The
Tick Tock Issue
I’ve never done anything in my life on time. I got married way too early at 17, started college at 30, held my first professional job at 35, dropped out at 42 and started a business at 50. My timing sucked, or maybe it was just right for me—I’m never quite sure. My life seemed to progress by fits and starts.
COVER ARTIST
heels, to run for office
Ali Douglass was born in Mun-
or run a marathon,
cie, Indiana and after enjoying
to form our own
life in Boston, Kansas City, New
rock groups instead
life: college, career, happy-ever-after. Forget the fact that barely anyone
York City, and San Francisco,
of being groupies, to
I knew had that going on—I wanted normal! And if I couldn’t have that,
she is happy to be living in
shatter Glass Ceilings
I thought that the passage of time would at least make me a “finished”
Asheville, NC. She has been
and Glass Slippers, to
person, a grown-up who could rest on her laurels. Or maybe simply rest.
working as an illustrator for
shoot hoops instead
Turns out those new wall calendars I purchase every year have nothing
more than 13 years, illustrating
of settling for hoop
whatsoever to do with my internal clock. The one that runs on soul
magazines, newspapers, greeting
skirts. The ones who
cards, advertising, and more
came before us made
than 25 books. Her work has
it possible for our
been recognized by American
daughters to dream
Illustration, Step Inside Design,
bigger, to have the
L.A. Society of Illustrators, ready-
chance to grow up to
made.com, sfgirlbybay.com, and
be President and turn
apartmenttherapy.com. Books
the Oval Office into
she has illustrated for Ameri-
the Ovary Office. In
FROM THE EDITOR
can Girl have been winners of
the United Skirts of
If you've been watching The Colbert Report over the last 24 months, you might think these are the
the 2008 Children’s Choice
America, every day is
worst of times for South Carolina’s capital city. They have been some funny times, I’ll grant you that.
Award, International Reading
Independence Day!
Association and Children’s
VISIT US ON SKIRT.COM
I’d make great leaps forward and then stagger sideways only to somehow get back on track. I often longed for a more predictable trajectory for my
power rather than batteries doesn’t know my “real”age; it thinks I’m always just beginning. When I mutter “too late,” it chimes in with Never!. When I try to hit Snooze, it wakes me up with an insistent new idea. It might not be the standard timeline I longed for, but it’s reassuring to be reminded that right now is the time of my life.
Nikki
publisher@skirt.com
But in all the many years I’ve lived in Columbia, I think this may be the best time to call it home. I find myself saying exactly that to friends who are talking about moving back. We’re still recovering from a tough economy, but people seem excited about the possibilities. And there’s just so darned much to do, more than I’ve ever seen. This month, we learn how business owner and mom Jennifer Denslow
Book Council, and winner of
Glass is finding time to train for Columbia’s inaugural marathon. And we meet Brenda Schwarz at
the 2007 Excellence in Financial
Tapp’s, where she’s giving us one more good reason to spend time in town. Jennifer’s goal is to set
Literacy Award (EIFLE), Institute
a personal record. Brenda’s secret ambition is to open an arts center in every struggling downtown.
for Financial Literacy.
And mine is to make even more time to enjoy the things our city has to offer…which might mean I’ll have a little less time to devote to Mr. Stephen Colbert.
P.M.
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Jenny
jennymaxwell@mindspring.com
Morris Museum of Art
to the 2012 Gala
PRESENTING
Sponsors
GOLD cont.
Mark Kiesel and Erika Lowe Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Kirby Sutton and Christian Stracke Taylor BMW The Augusta Chronicle
PLATINUM
Georgia Health Sciences University
University Health Care System WJBF News Channel 6 WAGT NBC 26
SILVER GOLD
Dr. and Mrs. Peter Klacsmann
Augusta ENT Charleston Street Fine Flowers & Events Elliott Davis LLC Dr. Charles and Nola Falcone
CORPORATE ACC Construction Co. Inc.
CORPORATE cont. Augusta State University Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Lee Brigham Fulcher Hagler LLP Georgia Bank and Trust Georgia Power Company Dr. and Mrs. Jed Howington Hull Barrett, PC MAU PotashCorp Queensborough National Bank & Trust
Augusta First Bank and Trust/ Synovus Financial Corp.
INDIVIDUAL Rick and Robin Allen
Fletcher, Harley & Fletcher, LLP
Neal Law
Allen & Batchelor Construction, Inc.
Aaron Green
Platt’s Funeral Home, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. R. Lyn Allgood
Dr. and Mrs. Jerry W. Howington
Pollock Company
Jones, Jones, Davis & Associates CPA, PC
Rhoden CPA Firm
Dr. and Mrs. T. Scott Key
Bob and Phyllis Richards
Mr. and Mrs. Braye Boardman
George-Ann Knox
Dr. and Mrs. R. W. Schilling
Clayton P. Boardman III
Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson B. A. Knox
Dr. Lloyd B. Schnuck, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. James C. Currow
Mr. and Mrs. W. L. M. Knox, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul S. Simon
First Citizens Bank
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy E. Moses
Mr. and Mrs. Barry L. Storey
Augusta Preparatory Day School Lelia and Hale Barrett Ann Boardman
1 Tenth St. I Augusta, GA 30901 I 706-724-7501 I www.themorris.org
7 hours before you go to sleep is the last time you should have a nap.
It takes a cheetah 3 seconds to reach the speed of 50mph.
3
TICK
CK • T
•
TICK
•
2.5
Every 2.5 seconds in the U.S. someone needs blood.
1 It takes Oprah Winfrey 1 minute to earn $523.
25.1 The average time it takes Americans to commute to work is 25.1 minutes.
60 Every 60 seconds more than 13,000 iPhone applications are downloaded.
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K
We blink 25 times a minute.
Lawsuits are filed at a rate of 475 times every 3 seconds.
TI
TI
•
Every 26 seconds in America a student drops out of high school.
CK
26
1
•
TI
TICK • TICK • TICK • TICK • TICK • TICK
The Mad Men season premiere on March 25 will be a 2-hour show.
C
K
•
I
120
C
To be a Navy SEAL, you should be able to do 42 push ups in 30 seconds.
Q&A
...with Augusta Plastic Surgery
Is a Mommy Makeover Right for You?
L to R: Christopher J. Ewart, M.D., Randolph R. Smith,M.D. | Billy P. Lynn,M.D.
When Emma decided to have plastic surgery, she had just finished 6 months of dedicated exercise and dieting. She would look in the mirror and think….I feel strong and healthy but her sagging breasts and stretched skin would tell her otherwise. You see, she recently had her third child. A 9 pound healthy boy whom she breast fed just like the others. Something she doesn’t regret, but her breasts are no longer full and shapely. Thoughts of wearing a sundress this coming spring…forget about it. And what about those 50-100 sit-ups a day…sure her muscles were strong, but her stretched skin and those stretch marks had to go.
Mommy Make Overs
Tummy Tucks
Breast Augmentations
Face Lifts Botox/Fillers
Call 706.724.5611 today to schedule a quick, convenient appointment or a complimentary consultation for cosmetic procedures.
Emma’s story is common and a growing number of women have opted for what is now called a mommy makeover. In fact, since 1997 according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), breast augmentation and breast lifts have increased 265% and tummy tucks have increased 362% over that same time period. Dr. Christopher Ewart is a Board Certified plastic surgeon in Augusta, GA and member of ASAPS who sees more and more women opting for this combined surgical procedure. “It is a great procedure for those women who finished having children and want their old body back,” says Dr. Ewart. “There is some recovery time needed but within about 2 weeks you are able to do most activities and in 6 weeks have no restrictions.” Emma was of course anxious about undergoing surgery but her family was there with her before and after surgery at the Augusta Plastic Surgery Center. “I felt nervous at first, but the nurses were wonderful and made me feel comfortable and safe.” The surgery lasted about 3 hours and after about 1 ½ hours in the recovery room she was on her way home.
“Would I do it again? In a heartbeat,” said Emma.
Her recovery was uneventful and in a month she was out walking the neighborhood with her friends. Her husband even gives a wry smile when asked whether or not it was worth it. He, of course, said she did not need the surgery but is wowed by the results.
www.augplastic.com Augusta Plastic Surgery • 1348 Walton Way, Suite 6300 • University Hospital Women’s Center • Augusta, GA 30901
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Watches by Toy Watch • Monochrome Collection, Neon Plasteramic Collection toywatch.com
Up to the Minute
Columbia Museum of Art Shop
RE-FRESH
1515 Main St. Columbia 803.343.2159
137 Laurens St. Southwest Aiken 803.649.9663
Cudos! 1257 Augusta West Pkwy. Augusta 706.737.8383
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craft . bar . happy . hour Teens and adults are invited to bring a project and enjoy great snacks, refreshing beverages and the best of crafter camaraderie to get your juices flowing in the Museum’s unconventional craft haven.
Tuesday, March 20 6:30 - 9:00 pm $12 / $8 members
craft . bar . happy
weekend Friday, June 1 6 - 9 pm Join us for food, crafts, fun and music. Plus a sneak preview of Saturday’s craft market! $12 / $8 for members
Saturday, June 2 10 am - 2 pm A FREE craft fair with a market, local food vendors, DJs, activities and workshops.
Want to sell your crafts? Applications are accepted through Friday, March 23. Apply at columbiamuseum.org.
Columbia Museum of Art 1515 Main Street in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC
803.799.2810 or columbiamuseum.org
Tracy Penny Gambrell Owner, Lead Stylist
Lindsey Jones
Stylist & Quidad Certified
Melody Thomas Assistant Manager
Katie Koch
Master Stylist & Quidad Certified
Amy Hayes New Talent
1202 Town Park Lane Suite 103 Evans, GA 30809 706.922.HAIR (4247) Book your appointments online
tanglesofevans.com
GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE! STYLING | COLOR BAR | HAIR SPA
Taylor Inglett Salon Assistant
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Alexis Moore
Product Manager
Monica Fairall Stylist
Becky Martinez Stylist
Amy McDade Master Stylist
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“Nothing makes a woman more beautiful, than the belief that she is beautiful.”
Mirror Image Hair Replacement and Transformation, LLC
We are dedicated to providing quality services to women worldwide who suffer from mild to severe hair loss. At Mirror Image we offer the most innovative advancements in hair replacement. We can make you back to a better you, with our discreet purchases for your hair care needs. We realize that there are many medical diseases that are common factors contributed to hair loss: Age, Allergies, Alopecia, Chemotherapy, Chemical Burns, Thyroid Disease, Female Pattern Baldness and Medications. “Lace Wigs”, “Cranial Hair Prosthetic”, or “Hair System “, are hair extensions that create the illusion that hair is growing out of one’s scalp, and therefore is one of the most natural looking extensions on the market. A fine lace material is used as the base where individual hairs are meticulously hand tied through the lace. Two types for lace; SwissLace is very fine and delicate and is the most undetectable choice. Though French lace is not as undetectable (but is also a suitable choice), the advantage is that it is more durable over time. We also offer Frontals or Closures for those with hair thinning or mild hair loss. The Lace Wigs are the best hair replacement solution because they create a hairline, making a more natural hair line allowing you to wear styles such as: up dos, ponytails and other styles that expose one’s nape areas. Traditional wigs usually preclude these styling options.
Hair textures we also use are:
• Chinese Remy (virgin hair) • Indian Remy (virgin hair) • Russian Remy (virgin hair) • Malaysian Remy (virgin hair) • European Remy (virgin hair) Our goal at Mirror Image Hair Replacement and Transformation is to offer solutions to a perfect you and to look your best at every age! We are a trained staff, energetic and educated on the services that we provide.
Please contact | Wanda James to schedule your Consultation at
(843) 206-8606 or email at mihrandt@gmail.com
she’ssoskirt! Mary Boy le | Advocate| Edu cator|Meg ap ho ne Because She Gives Our Frustrations a Voice • Because Common Cause Uses Common Sense Because Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport In the age of 10-point primary poll swings and Congressional panels on women’s health consisting of only men, it’s easy to want to tune out politics from the safety of a dark room. But for Mary,Vice President of Communications for Common Cause, a nonpartisan and nonprofit advocacy organization, there’s no better time to react. “Congress’ approval ratings are at an all-time low and people don’t believe our leaders are looking out for them. Our mission, and challenge, is to give people a voice in our democracy and empower them to speak and push our leaders to work for us—not their campaign contributors.” And following the money is Common Cause’s hallmark issue. “Reducing the influence of big money in politics is relevant to every single skirt! reader, and here’s why: We have a broken political system that allows those with biggest pockets to buy off our elected officials, while taxpayers get the short end of the stick.” Though politics and policy can be dry, Common Cause keeps in touch by contemporary means—social media like Twitter and Facebook, and their Common Blog. Catch up with them and put your frustrations to work in 2012.
Photos by Marni Rothchild
commoncause.org • commonblog.com
“We have a broken political system that allows those with biggest pockets to buy off our elected officials, while taxpayers get the short end of the stick.
The The Money Bunny Group, Presents
When you leave this workshop, you’ll be able to: • Identify the ways your gifts and talents can be converted into more money (in any job)
Grand Reopening MID MARCH
• Identify and repair the beliefs about money that keep getting you into trouble • Begin a new, healthy relationship with money, asking for it with pride, conviction, and without reservation • Develop professional confidence and promote yourself with integrity • Learn the money language that helps you open your money doors • And so much more!
This program is 5 years of financial coaching packed into 1 powerful, informative, and delicious day! If you want more money in your bank account, then you need to be at this event. Call 404-260-0279 for more info. Presented to you by The Money Bunny Group, a division of Optimism Matters, Inc. www.OptimismMatters.com
Bringing the farm to you! Spring Plants • Hanging Baskets Tropical Plants • Annuals Fresh Produce 150 Davis Road (Look for the green and white tent!) Augusta, GA 30907 • 706-550-0227 Mon-Sat 8 to 8 • Sun 10 to 8
led by
Saturday, March 10, 2012 • 10 - 2 p.m. Doubletree Hotel Perimeter Parkway An event for pregnant moms and their guests featuring EDUCATION, ENTERTAINMENT and EVERYTHING BABY Sponsored by
For more information or interest in vendor space, please call Safe Kids East Central at 706-721-7606. www.skirt.com march
2012 23
ONE NEW PRACTICE NAME TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THREE DEDICATED PHYSICIANS
Lexington Medical Center welcomes Sandhills Women’s Care to our Network of Care. Formerly Providence Women’s Health, the practice has maintained its northeast location and opened a second office on Lexington’s main campus. Its three physicians are well-known and highly respected in the Columbia area, and we are pleased to have them aboard.
AC C E PTIN G N EW PATIE N TS
THOMAS C. AUSTIN, MD
CRYSTAL Y. JOHNSON, MD
DOUGLAS M. ADDY, MD
PH 803-788-0268 FAX 803-788-7384
SP E CI ALI ZI N G 24
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IN
A Lexington Medical Center Practice
114 Gateway Corp Blvd., Suite 350 Columbia SC 29203
OB STETRICS
AND
2728 Sunset Blvd., Suite 202 West Columbia, SC 29169
GYNECOLOG Y
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Augusta’s Only Fitness Boutique – Come Experience The Difference! NOW OPEN IN SURREY CENTER offering personal training, nutrition services and group fitness classes!
Mention This Ad In Skirt! And Receive A
Free
One Day Pass To Any Of Our Classes.
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Congratulations
Faith , family and friends!
Pat Rice
e Louis an Sheeh
You can have the
d ar rn rin Be lhe ily Mu am F
Pat Rice: 2012 grand marshall Louise Sheehan: Irish woman of the year Bernard Mulherin family: the Irish family of the year
Luck Of The Irish
with preventive periodontal treatment.
Comprehensive gum disease treatment Surgical placement of implants Extractions (including wisdom teeth) Regular checkups, x-rays and cleanings Bone grafts, soft tissue grafts, and deep cleanings
DR. JUDSON S. HICKEY PERIODONTITIS
2315-B Central Avenue Augusta, GA
Most Insurance Accepted
Mon-Thur 9AM-5PM
706-739-0071
118 Laurens Street SW | Aiken, SC
W W W. B A R B A R A S U E B R O D I E . C O M
Spring Forward... into BSBN for fresh yarns and patterns. Sterling SilverTrophy, Graff, Washbourne & Dunn, NewYork
345 HAYNE AVE. SW | AIKEN, SC | 803.644.0990 MON-FRI 11-5 , SAT 11-3 28
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803.642.9524 yorkcottage@att.net
409 Hayne Avenue (at Pendleton) • Aiken, SC
HeartSole2012_SkirtThirdPg:Layout 1
2/22/12
4:21 PM
Page 1
Saturday, March 10, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | $25 per person brought to you by:
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery | Regions Bank Phoenix Printing | Acura of Augusta | Bob Richards Infiniti Wright McLeod Attorneys at Law | Publix The Augusta Chronicle visit soaugusta.org or call 706.826.4705 for tickets & information www.skirt.com march
2012 29
www.persnicketyinteriors.net
thru March 29, 2012
We Offer Full Interior Design Service
2021 Walton Way Augusta, GA 706.736.6400 Monday - Friday, 9-5
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Note to self: words like ovulating, egg, uterus, and fallopian tube do not make for good dirty talk.
I
Amy Wruble
n my single days, I discovered that great sex comes in many forms. There’s the giddy relief of made-you-wait sex, the explosive passion of reunion sex, and the naughty glee of might-get-caught sex, just to name a few. It was true what they said, about sex being like pizza; even bad sex was pretty good. It wasn’t until my late thirties, when I fell in love and settled down with my soulmate, Dave, that I experienced the least sexy sex of my life: procreative sex. It’s so unsexy, they should really call it something else. Before anyone gets the wrong idea about Dave and me, I want to be clear that he totally rocks my world. That’s how he earned the keys to my rent-controlled Santa Monica apartment, and my heart. But for about one week each month, when the Clearblue Easy fertility monitor I’ve just peed on tells me it’s time, and we have to have sex on demand, our heat goes lukewarm. This is new territory for me. Before the baby-making, I’d always sought out sex for sex’s sake—couplings borne of attraction, excitement, romance, love and above all, horniness. Having sex because it’s time is unnatural. In life, we never want to do what we’re supposed to do: required reading, doctor’s orders, recommended daily allowance. They’re no fun. We want danger. We want the forbidden. That’s why people have clandestine affairs, throw down in public places or “sext” photos of their famous genitalia to lovers who then leak them to the media. And think about it: the more illicit the sex is, the more important it is not to get pregnant. Just imagine the paternity test debacle that would follow an orgy. Precautions are taken. Procreative sex flips the whole equation. After all, having sex to make babies—it’s sanctioned by God. And while hot sex can cause lovers to invoke God’s name (“Oh God, Oh God!”), it’s not at all sexy when God calls your name: “Amy—be fruitful and multiply. Go with my blessing.” All of a sudden, sex is about as stimulating as eating vegetables or writing thank-you notes. So I know why I’m not particularly aroused by procreative sex, but it was a surprise to find that Dave was equally uninspired. I thought men would take sex any way they could get it. I was wrong. The first time we road-tested the fertility monitor, I made a huge tactical error. It was 7am, and moments after taking my daily pee test, I came running out of the bathroom holding a device
that resembles an iPod crossed with a tampon. I pointed to the display and shrieked, “Look—it’s an egg! The egg is here! We’ve got to do this now!” Not only is it unromantic to be propositioned by a machine, but I think for a man, there’s got to be something scary about sending your troops into battle when there is clear and present danger. It’s as if the penis can hear sirens: “This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. The egg is here.” I tried to salvage the moment, but the damage was done. Note to self: words like ovulating, egg, uterus, and fallopian tube do not make for good dirty talk. After that debacle, I eased up on the clinical terms, but I still noticed that Dave—who usually has the appetite of a high school senior—was procrastinating about having sex with me. He’d leave me waiting naked in our bedroom while he took out the trash, paid bills or sprayed the garden with Squirrel Stopper. Yep, that happened. I finally asked him why baby-making sex didn’t hold as much appeal as the purely-for-pleasure variety. I was a little nervous opening this can of worms. What if I didn’t like the answer? What if it turned out Dave was ambivalent about having a child together? To my relief, that wasn’t it. He explained that when a man gets laid, he believes it’s the result of something he did to earn sex. Perhaps he was especially charming, suave or thoughtful, and his smoothness was so seductive that I just had to rip off his clothes. Having sex ruled by the dictates of a calendar robbed Dave of the feeling of having won me. I thought this sentiment was so sweet. Wrong, but sweet. I mean, we live together, and I’m pretty much a sure thing at this point. But if he wants to believe he earns the sex, there is no reason for me to crush his illusions. I realized that going forward, I had only one choice. I had to start lying to him. I would keep my fertility monitoring to myself. An omission to get his emission, if you will. So far, my plan is working. “Wow, babe. Three times in one day. You’re on fire,” he told me after an aggressive round of love-making I initiated on my next ovulation day. He was too blissed out to suspect my ulterior motive. “Should we go get some dinner?” “Not yet, I’m too relaxed,” I fibbed, wanting to lie still and wait at least 10 minutes until his swimmers could reach their destination. “But you’re the best, honey. I love you.” That part was not a lie.
Amy Wruble is a television producer and writer whose essays were published in the St. Martin’s Press anthology What Was I Thinking: 58 Bad Boyfriend Stories and appeared on MSNBC.com. She writes the blog carriagebeforemarriage.com about her adventures as an unmarried mom planning her wedding while trying for baby number two. www.skirt.com march
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NOW THAT I’M HERE, I HAVE TO ASK MYSELF: “WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?”
Not only are the residents of Elmcroft living happy lives, they’re growing in experience – trying new things, making new friends, having fun and going places. Call Jeremie at 706.855.6565 to schedule a visit.
Assisted Living | Memory Care
revive vive ive your style & renew your look wit with contemporary jewelry • southern art and jumble of artful gifts
Where: 137 laurens st sw • downtown Aiken When: M-F 10-5:30, Sat 10-5 • closed Sunday 515 The Pass | Martinez, GA 30907 | elmcroft.com
803.649.9663
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HARDWOOD FLOORS & MORE Your place for Wallpaper, Window Treatments, and Fabrics
Ladies Apparel Located in Historic Summerville 1502 Monte Sano Ave. Augusta, GA 706.738.4888 Mon–Fri 10–5:30 Sat 11–4
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Nutrition Therapy • menopause issues • blood sugar management • cholesterol lowering • weight reduction • IBS
Let us help you get your home ready for MASTERS 2012! Now featuring
2 Locations: (706) 868 868-7030 7030 4696 Washington Road • Evans (803) 642-3232 550 Silver Bluff Road • Aiken
5160 Woodside Executive Ct. • Aiken, SC 803-642-9360 • cattfood@bellsouth.net
3 FREE SESSIONS 1/2 hour. Personal training
“Keep Your Body Fit, It’s The Only Place You Have To Live” Look better, feel better, enjoy life to the fullest, be healthier and more confident. Also available,
STREET SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR WOMEN “Learn to fight for your life against,
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NO CONTRACTS! Wally Baskovich
Certified Personal Trainer/Instructor
706.726.2116
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Dr. Ron Eaker of Women’s Health of Augusta talks about heavy periods and their treatment. • Does your period affect your quality of life? • Are your periods heavy or do they last a long time? • Would your quality of life improve if you could decrease or potentially eliminate your heavy periods? • Do your heavy periods affect your social, athletic or sexual activities or cause you to miss work? • Do you change protection frequently or carry large quantities of feminine products and/or a change of clothes? • Do your heavy periods cause anxiety, PMS, or pain?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be a candidate for a uterine ablation. One in five women live with very heavy periods. Periods that get in the way of everyday life. Periods that keep you from the people you love and the things you enjoy. NovaSure® is a one-time, 5-minute procedure that can lighten - or end your heavy period - without on-going pills and without hormonal side effects. For over 90% of women, menstrual bleeding is dramatically reduced or stopped. If you are absolutely sure that you never want to have any children in the future, and would like to stop your heavy period and restart your life, NovaSure® Endometrial Ablation may be right for you. NovaSure® Endometrial Ablation is a simple procedure trusted by over one million women without hormones or hysterectomy. • • • •
It can be done in a doctor’s office or as an outpatient in the hospital The entire procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes It is performed without any incisions Most women report little or no pain, and return to their regular activities within a day For more information or to see if an endometrial ablation is right for you call
Dr. Eaker at 706-733-4427.
������s ������ O F AU G U S TA 2258 Wrightsbo Wrightsboro Rd. Suite 400 ((nextt to Trinity Hospital) New patients mention this ad and get a free copy of Dr.Eaker’s new book “Healthy Habits for a Fit Family”
www.skirt.com march
2012 37
f-word [ Feminism Free-For-All ]
The 2012 Hollywood Issue cover of Vanity Fair features 11 “starlets” shot in satin and feathers for a “’20s and ‘30s boudoir feel, ” but only two are women of color and they are on the right twothirds of the cover which is not visible when on newsstands.
FDA
In February, the Susan G. Komen Foundation
Fashion
cut off funding to Planned Parenthood for breast
made to ensure that under-
cancer exams. The move was seen as politically motivated with Komen bowing to pressure from anti-abortion activists. After three days, the Komen Foundation apologized, the vice president of public policy resigned, and their policies were revised to reflect less political exclusions.
Although efforts have been age fashion models are not being exploited, The New York Times reports that every season there are still models who appear dangerously thin and as young as
The Pentagon is recommending to Congress that women be al-
14. Designers and modeling
lowed to serve in more jobs closer to the front lines. The change
agencies have pledged not
would open up about 14,000 additional jobs to women. According
to cast girls younger than
to defense officials, the new rules are expected to continue the
16, due to their emotional
long-held prohibition that prevents women from serving as infan-
immaturity, and yet the practice continues. Cindy Crawford recently allowed her 10-year-old daughter to star in ads for Versace’s line of children’s clothing. Would you let your 10-year-old enter the fashion industry?
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FRONT LINES
Plan B, or the morning-after pill, became more accessible once the FDA ruled it could be sold over the counter to women over 17, but women who live in rural areas or anywhere a pharmacist refuses to dispense it can be out of luck. Recognizing the problem, Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania put a vending machine filled with Plan B in the health center. The machine is in a private room which is only accessible to students. Shippensburg students have to pay $25 per dose, which is actually less than the cost at off-campus student pharmacies.
try, armor and special operations forces. But they will formally allow women to serve in other jobs at the battalion level, such as medics, intelligence officers, police or communications officers.
Getting Ready For The Races!
GIFT REGISTRY
Pickard • Skyros Designs • Julia Knight • Le Cadeaux • Calaisio Match Pewter • Michael Aram • Spode
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2012 39
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Traci Daberko is an illustrator and graphic designer in Seattle, WA. See her work at daberkodesign.com.
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b ia. www.skirt.com   march
2012  41
planetnikki [ a visual journal ]
I can’t wait for the day when knife-sharp winter winds shift into lettuce-crisp spring breezes.
When we can throw open the windows in the morning and see the world freshly made. When every leaf, branch and bud look like they’ve been washed in sunlight and hung out to
When we feel
dry.
the urge to plant a new idea and see it grow.
When we
can re-believe in rebirths.
You’re never too old to play. I love changing out Frida Kahlo’s Magnetic Wardrobe on my refrigerator. Another wonderful toy from philosophersguild.com.
On Constant Replay: I’m a sucker for sentimental, tearjerker movies and Country Strong is a prime example. I’m hooked on the Garrett Hedlund version of the Merle Haggard classic “Silver Wings.”
I had a vivid dream about joining a band of Sufi dancers, and a few weeks later without knowing about that, a friend gave me a nest of Sufi dancer bowls that he’d bought me in Turkey. Goosebumps synchronicity.
When I admired a friend’s necklace that her husband made out of foreign coins, she reached in her purse and gave me one of her extras. I love surprises!
I love the meta-ness of having an iPhone case that looks like a London phone booth, but it was hard to choose from the cool-ness available at society6.com.
Nikki Hardin is the founder and publisher of skirt! magazine. She blogs at fridaville.com. 42
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Morris Museum of Art
LeRoy Neiman, Tiger in the Woods, 2006. Oil and enamel on panel. Image courtesy of the artist.
On Display through April 15, 2012 Thursday, March 22, 6:00 p.m. • Exhibition Celebration: Meet artists Frank Christian, Linda Hartough, Timothy J. Clark, and Lucy McTier and enjoy azalea cocktails, pimento cheese sandwiches, putting greens, and special art projects during the party celebrating the Morris’s exhibition of contemporary golf art. Museum members, $5.00; nonmembers, $10.00. Call to RSVP.
The Morris Museum is FREE every Sunday! 1 Tenth St. I Augusta, GA 30901 I 706-724-7501 I www.themorris.org