Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Spa Day

Today I finally made good use of a gift certificate I received two (or three?!) years ago issued for a trendy spa downtown. I decided to indulge in a massage and a manicure, two things I never, ever do.

I was looking forward to my day. I chatted with my friends about what to expect since a great many of them indulge in these activities regularly. It seems to be what one does around here to fit in.

And enjoy myself I did. There's no denying that lying on a table with soothing music playing, being treated with various Aveda oils and lotions and having kinks in your neck worked out is incredibly relaxing.

But it may just not be me.

I know little about the nuances involved with regular massages but I gather you're not supposed to be thinking about twenty other things you should be doing or, more importantly, what you'd rather be doing. Surely in massage utopia a complete disconnect from reality and routine is achieved.

I shouldn't be surprised. I've always been more of jeans and tennis shoe type of girl than a fitted pair of Diesel jeans and heels type and you're much more apt of find me without make-up than with, but still, the hope was there. Why couldn't I also be a spa girl?

Truthfully I feel much more relaxed sinking into the futon down in our cold, miserable basement with a bowl of hot, buttery popcorn on one side and a kid snuggled into me on the other and indulging in a movie we rented (for free!) from the library on a Friday night than I do having all my aching, stressed out limbs blissfully and skillfully manipulated to feel as unwound as possible. How bizarre is that?!

But, as always, I'm a contradiction. I loved the gift, and I'd happily accept another spa gift certificate but I think it's time I just accepted the fact that I'll never be the sort that wants or desires regular primping beyond a regular hair-cut, and that's only because I can't physically see if I don't do that. I'm not a spa girl. And that's OK.

4 comments:

sixty-five said...

Very interesting post. Maybe it's in the genes. I can't even stand going to get my hair cut. Others consider this a kind of pampering. I recently read "I Feel Bad about my Neck" by Nora Ephron - all about the trials of being over 60. The first half of the book was all about the things one has to do to keep up appearances - plastic surgery, hair dye, skin creams, blah blah blah - not on MY agenda!

Alexis Jacobs said...

I am not a massage type of gal. And I can take or leave a manicure. I do have a soft spot for a pedicure though.

Glad you had time just to get away.

Superdad said...

I guess that was a flop of a gift. It took you over two years to use it and then you didn't even like it. :(

Cate said...

Actually, if you read my post, Superdad, I did enjoy it and I still very much appreciated such a thoughtful gift. Maybe you should go back and re-read. ;)