It's Nice to be Kneaded

Most of my vacation time is taken a day at a time. Often it involves doctor visits. Earlier this year, I took three days off to attend a funeral in New Jersey. My vacation time is so uninteresting, in fact, that one of the women on my staff quipped, "Don't tell me what you have planned. I'd rather imagine you out spelunking."

Well, I sure surprised her this past week when I told her what I was doing with my Friday vacation day.

It all started when Mr. G. informed me that he and our son were going to the Sports Collector's show. And that I would be chauffeuring them (to save the $8.00 parking fee). Mr. extended the invitation to me, saying that I was more than welcome to join them.

I respectfully declined.

(Artist's Re-Creation)

Instead, I decided it was time I used that spa gift card I got for my birthday (last year). So, after I dropped off the boys, I made a beeline for "The Oaks," where I received my hour-long Swedish massage. If you had told me 10 years ago that I would enjoy this experience, I would have scoffed. Now I know better. I used to be squeamish at the idea of another person working me over like a ball of dough. Especially when it involves being mostly undressed. But the weird thing is, there's nothing uncomfortable about it. Like there's this barrier between you and the one who's massaging. They are just kneading and kneading and you are needing and needing. Ahhh. The only part I'm not keen about is when she works the bottoms of my feet. Too ticklish.

Once I tipped my masseuse and depleted my gift card, I walked over to Wendy's and had a salad for lunch. Then on to Westgate to do a little shopping. Target is a wild and wonderful place. Yes, I can say that and mean it. I love what Mr. and I call "The Wonder Wall," all the little gewgaws that you don't need but must have. Like Yoda notebooks. And mini maglite flashlights. Anyhow, I managed to walk on without indulging, and got all the practical stuff I needed.

The trick is to keep your eyes closed.

To reward myself for showing restraint, I went to Panera for dessert. There I was pleasantly surprised to learn I had earned a free birthday pastry. So I got a brownie and a cup of coffee and sat outside to enjoy the beautiful weather at a shady table. If I closed my eyes, I could almost imagine myself at a bistro in Paris. (I attribute this to the after-effects of the massage. I was still feeling mighty relaxed at that point.)

After filling the gas tank, I decided to take a walk in the MetroParks. It was lovely but got warm and sticky after a mile or so.

Walking is fundamental.

Then back home, where I watched the very first Alvin and the Chipmunks. Complete with Clyde Crashcup and Leonardo. (That's "Crash" for crash and "cup" for cup. "Crashcup.")

After that, I was the one who crashed, until I got the call. The boys, tired but buoyed by their shopping, were ready to come home.

That's what we call a "Win-Win!"