So here it is, nearly 1 year from the date of the birth of my third child, and I have five—count them, five—gift certificates for spas stacked up on my dresser. Two from Mike for Christmas or my birthday (can’t remember which), for a massage and aesthetician services; two spa certificates from coworkers on the occasion of Nicholas’ birth; and one massage gift certificate given to me by my health club to congratulate me on my pregnancy. It’s a sad commentary on the hectic state of my life that I had not used any of them until this month.
It’s not like I didn’t try. One day while still on maternity leave I valiantly tried to make three separate appointments, but was foiled for various reasons—massage therapist on leave, the spa location I wanted was not open yet, etc. So here it was, August, and two were set to expire.
So I’ve had two weeks of spa luxury. The certificate at the fanciest spa expired first, so instead of saving the best for last, I had the best first. Last Friday I had a 3-hour spa treat: a massage, manicure, and pedicure at Dosha Spa on Hawthorne. I’m such a spa novice…I didn’t realize that they would have an inviting hot tub and steam room…otherwise I would have gone an hour early for my appointment and lingered.
It was wonderful—they give you a robe and spa sandals when you arrive for your massage, and you’re invited to partake of the hot tub and steam room…although being co-ed, you need a swimsuit for the hot tub. I did venture into the steam room for a few minutes and immediately became drenched in sweat. The massage was wonderful and followed by a hot shower with nice-smelling Aveda products. Then I went downstairs for a manicure and pedicure. I have only had a manicure once in my life, the day before my sister’s wedding. I especially enjoyed having the pedicure done while sipping hot tea.
Then today I had a facial at Montgomery Spa near Multnomah Village. Calling it a “spa” is a bit of an exaggeration—it’s basically a salon with spa services—but my aesthetician was nice and the facial was very relaxing. In some ways, I think I might relax more with a facial than a massage—who knows why? At any rate, in the midst of my facial (before she got to the blackhead-pinching part!), I was thinking to myself that I must do this type of thing more often!
I am the kind of person who finds it very difficult to really relax—hence my procrastination of using my spa certificates—but after my week of massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure, I’ve reminded myself that I’m worth it!
It’s not like I didn’t try. One day while still on maternity leave I valiantly tried to make three separate appointments, but was foiled for various reasons—massage therapist on leave, the spa location I wanted was not open yet, etc. So here it was, August, and two were set to expire.
So I’ve had two weeks of spa luxury. The certificate at the fanciest spa expired first, so instead of saving the best for last, I had the best first. Last Friday I had a 3-hour spa treat: a massage, manicure, and pedicure at Dosha Spa on Hawthorne. I’m such a spa novice…I didn’t realize that they would have an inviting hot tub and steam room…otherwise I would have gone an hour early for my appointment and lingered.
It was wonderful—they give you a robe and spa sandals when you arrive for your massage, and you’re invited to partake of the hot tub and steam room…although being co-ed, you need a swimsuit for the hot tub. I did venture into the steam room for a few minutes and immediately became drenched in sweat. The massage was wonderful and followed by a hot shower with nice-smelling Aveda products. Then I went downstairs for a manicure and pedicure. I have only had a manicure once in my life, the day before my sister’s wedding. I especially enjoyed having the pedicure done while sipping hot tea.
Then today I had a facial at Montgomery Spa near Multnomah Village. Calling it a “spa” is a bit of an exaggeration—it’s basically a salon with spa services—but my aesthetician was nice and the facial was very relaxing. In some ways, I think I might relax more with a facial than a massage—who knows why? At any rate, in the midst of my facial (before she got to the blackhead-pinching part!), I was thinking to myself that I must do this type of thing more often!
I am the kind of person who finds it very difficult to really relax—hence my procrastination of using my spa certificates—but after my week of massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure, I’ve reminded myself that I’m worth it!
Oh, you are too funny. You don't relax, do you? You are always multi-tasking and on the go. Your spa treatments sound fabulous and I do so hope you FORCE yourself to do them more often.
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