The start of this year has been tough for me, tougher than I could have imagined. It’s pretty clear to me that I wouldn’t have gotten through this time without help from my friends and family, for which I am so grateful (the whole reason for my blog post thanking them). My aim this year is to make sure they each understand just how much I appreciate them, and to do something to say thanks.
Number 44 in my 52 in 52 challenge was to pay for a professional massage. I knew that one of my mates, Kim, was also due for a pick-me-up, so last month coordinated a date with her husband on which we could surprise her with it. That day was the 19th – yesterday. I arrived unexpectedly in the afternoon which perplexed her- she’s not a fan of surprises. Her husband and I had a bit of fun playing with her mind with her husband reminding her to take her pillow, making her think she was spending the night somewhere. We also led her to believe that we were going to watch a soccer match (not true).
As we drove there I gave her some hints until she finally figured out it was a trip to a day spa. We arrived at Endota Spa at the Crowne Plaza Pelican Waters, and after changing into robes and disposable underwear (yes, you needed to know that) got led to a room. It was so peaceful – the lights were dimmed and relaxing music was playing. There were also tea light candles everywhere, just to top it all off. We laid down on towels, then enjoyed the most incredible mud massage. I have never had a massage before so I have nothing to compare it to, but I enjoyed it so that’s a good enough indicator that it was great! Eventually it finished, and as we got up we laughed hysterically at the green mud zombies we had been transferred into. Yes, this will be making the photo of the day when I eventually publish it, then will post a copy here for you all to laugh at! Following the massage, we each then took turns showering in the Swiss shower, three vertical rows of powerful water jets that massaged while you washed. Just wow. I could totally handle having one of those every day! Overall, the entire treatment was, as Endota Spa on twitter replied to me, “muddy beautiful”.
After it was all done we couldn’t help ourselves, and ended up buying some Dermologica kits consisting of the hydrating lotion (smells delicious) stress cream and body wash, along with a body brush for exfoliating (which apparently helps with cellulite too – bonus). We finished the night by dinner and drinks at the local RSL club, before I dropped Kim home and made my way to my own bed. I was tired, but incredibly relaxed and stress free. Pretty sure I will be having more massages in the future!
As an afterthought, this 52 in 52 challenge might just be the best thing I have ever done…if only for the massage more than anything else!