BONNERS FERRY - Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone, check your preconceptions. Such exercises are an opportunity to learn something new, even about yourself.

"I am not a girly girl."

I hate shopping in all forms. Discussing fashion or applying three layers to my nails is excruciating torture. My hair stays down, straight, and uncolored because I won't spend more than five minutes on it and Suave shampoo is good enough for me.

"I do NOT get facials."

Let some stranger touch my face, put thick goop on it, topped with those little cucumber slices like on TV? Ugh. Not for me!

Until last weekend. The spa at Kootenai River Inn in Bonners Ferry grows on you, even if you think you're not a girly girl. OK, so I was kind of forced into it, goaded until I agreed. How can I write columns suggesting others try to think out of the box if I stubbornly refuse to reciprocate, even make fun of the idea?

Shocking admission of a girl who preferred airplanes to Barbie: I liked it. And she skipped the veggies.

Yes, the ambiance at the Kootenai River Inn Spa is calm and inviting. Soft music plays; warm earth tones dominate the decor. A "meditation room" has inviting lounge chairs, fruit-infused water and an offer of wine as clients wait for a service. Everyone smiles and speaks softly.

No problem so far, but when pretty, young esthetician Lacey Dunham led me to the room, I couldn't help but notice that electric gizmo with metal arms and an amp meter next to the blanketed table, reminiscent of trips to the dentist.

"What is THAT for?" I can admit being ready to bolt.

One gizmo is for men's rougher faces, like a spin brush. Whew. The other was actually quite nice - a steam wand to open the pores. Five steps into their "Signature" facial - cleanser, exfoliant, green-tea mask, toner, and moisturizer - I was feeling pretty relaxed, and surprised the goop didn't feel suffocating as I had imagined. Lacey said she used an all-natural (well, 97 percent) product line, which reassures us hippie types. The hand-and-arm massage was a nice surprise.

For those familiar with these things, Kootenai's spa offers the full shebang (nails, hair, eyelashes, body wraps, soaks, depilatory, and massage) and uses YouSpa and Farmhouse Fresh products; most of the latter are also free of sulfate, paraben, and other artificial preservatives.

Later, the hubby kept touching my cheek, saying "soft..." At minimum it was worth the attention (and the succulent reward of something called a "chocolate toffee Kahlua mousse pie" at Kootenai River Inn's Springs Restaurant. Yes, I know; chocolate is girly).

Reducing age spots and wrinkles is a nice bonus I guess. Another admission of a reluctant, aging girly girl.

Speaking of reinvention, Lacey herself was a great reminder. Never presume anything about anyone. Just because she's thin, flaxen-haired, and a beauty expert doesn't mean she's some delicate flower. Her sideline? Volunteer firefighting. What a cool chick.

That goes for men, too. Hubby's massage therapist (this was a couple's spa experience) was Kenny Tanner. These two burly guys got along great, chatting the hour away. Kenny's former career? Construction supervisor. Now, he says, he has more time with his kids and can skip the injuries. Never stereotype.

Guess I am a girly girl. Dang. Does this mean I have to like shopping?

For more information see KootenaiRiverInn.com or call (800)346-5668.

Sholeh Patrick, J.D., is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at sholehjo@hotmail.com.