My first spa experience

So yesterday was the big spa day.  All went well.  Overall it was a great experience. 

I started off with the full body swedish massage first.  I was embarrassed because I had to ask one of my friends if I needed to take off my undergarments when I changed into the robe.  The consensus was underwear on, bra off.  I go back for the massage and the woman tells me to take the robe off, and lay down on the bed under the sheets and she would be back in a moment.  I got on the table and that alone felt wonderful.  It was heated so it felt warm and was very nice.  She turned on some relax yoga-type music and started with my face.  Ahhhhh..... relaxing already.  She used an almond based lotion which I wasn't a huge fan of.  I just don't really like greasy/lotiony type things on my body in general, but it was fine.  She also gave me a hot towel to put behind my neck while laying on my back and a hot towel on my back while laying on my stomach.  They also had a little bump to rest the back of your knees on to make it more comfortable.  Parts of it did her a tiny bit, but that's only because my muscles are always so tight (hence the need for the massage).   I had a female masseuse and one of the other girls mentioned that she prefers to have men because they do a better job (because of the generally larger hands).  I can see that, but I'm not sure I'd be as confortable having a strange male massage me like that.

The mani and pedi were good.  The biggest stresser of the event was choosing a nail polish color!  I felt lots of pressure.  One of the other girls and I had them done at the same time and she picked her color out in about 2 seconds.  Then everyone was staring, waiting on me.  I managed to do well though, I think.  The girl said the color was perfect for my skin tone.  At first I wasn't sure about it, but now I really like it.  I ended up going with the same color on my toes.  I didn't have any trouble with the woman picking at my hands or toes but I can see how someone might. 

My total bill, including the $20 tip, was $170.  A bit expensive for a cheapskate like me, but not outrageous.  I am undecided about how soon or how frequently I may go back.  I'm pretty sure not more than once a year.    If I kept up on a few things myself throughout the year (using cuticle oil, pushing back my cuticles, keeping them painted) I think I could keep my hands and feet looking almost as nice as what they did today.  I think mid-to-late spring is a great time to get a pedicure though.  Start off the summer right.  Now I won't be quite as embarrassed to wear my flip flops or other cute open-toed sandals. :)

More than anything, I think this experience motivated me to take more time for myself.  I tend to let the stressed of life consume me, and don't take the small amount of time required to do simple things like paint my nails. Even if you don't go to a spa and have a massage, I think it's important to just pause life for a moment (or an hour) and just sit and relax.  Play some relaxing music, clear your mind, and then refocus.  

I could not for the life of me get an acceptable picture of my feet, so you are stuck with two of my hands.